asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further legal proceedings will be taken at the instance of His Majesty's Government against persons charged with offences upon the Report of Sir R. Casement dealing with the Putumayo atrocities?

I cannot deal with this question under present circumstances.

Is Sir Roger Casement available as a witness, if necessary?

Is Sir Roger Casement any longer regarded as a person upon whose authority the Government may properly act?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers will he not say whether these charges were not fully gone into by a Select Committee of the House of Commons and generally accepted in their report?

Whatever the report of the Select Committee is—I have not referred to it recently—it is before the House and can be ascertained. I cannot see that whatever Sir Roger Casement may have done subsequently invalidates their findings.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if it is intended to declare raw cotton absolute contraband?

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply returned to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division of Wiltshire on the 14th instant, wherein it was explained why cotton had not been declared contraband.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the present position of the negotiations between China and Japan; whether the demand on the part of Japan that half the ammunition used by China should be manufactured in Japan or under Japanese control in China is being pressed; and whether this claim is consistent with the treaty between Great Britain and Japan providing for the maintenance of the integrity and independence of China?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he has obtained or is obtaining from the British representatives in China expert advice as to the anticipated effect on British trade, commerce, and industry of the new Japanese demands, more especially in the valley of the Yangtse and in the South-East of China; (2) whether equality of commercial opportunity in China is still the fundamental principle of British policy in respect to that country; if so, whether it is proposed to agree to the earmarking of any one or more of the eighteen provinces of China for exclusive exploitation by any individual Power; and (3) whether he has received any representations either from the British representatives or from the British trading community at Hong Kong with respect to the proposed Japanese exclusive exploitation in South-East China; and, if not, whether, before taking any action in connection therewith, he will obtain it?

asked (1) whether the present Japanese demands on China will affect the treaty between England and Japan respecting China; (2) whether the right hon. Gentleman has received from chambers of commerce in this country and from representative bodies of British traders in China and Hong Kong any expressions of opinion on the Japanese demands; whether he will lay copies of such communications upon the Table of this House; and (3) whether the consent of the Powers having large trading relations with China will be necessary before any of the present demands by Japan can become operative?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he can now communicate to the House the exact text of the Japanese demands to China; whether, in case permission is necessary, he will ask this from the Governments concerned; (2) whether any representations have been made by the British Government either to China or Japan in connection with the demands put forward by Japan to China; if so, will he indicate their nature; and (3) whether he has received any representations from chambers of commerce in this country with regard to the Japanese demands to China; if so, whether he can state their nature?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received a copy of the original demands recently made by Japan on China, and if he will publish a list of these demands; will he state now if these demands included a request for railway, mining, and special privileges in Eastern Mongolia which would prevent other nations from obtaining similar rights within the territory; if Japan demanded a voice in the local administration of Manchuria and a monopoly of commercial and trading privileges which would effectively close the door to other nations; if Japan has demanded that she shall inherit the railway and mining rights hitherto held by Germany in Shantung, and in addition claims other privileges which will make this province a closed domain for Japanese enterprise; if Japan has asked for what amounts to a monopoly of the iron and coal deposits in the Yangtze valley, and has demanded railway privileges which would divert traffic from lines now being built with British capital; if, in addition, Japan has demanded a dominant voice in the administration of important internal affairs of China, such as that Japan shall furnish at least one-half the supply of war munitions which China may require; if it be the view of the British Foreign Office that, these demands made by Japan are consistent with the terms of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty which guarantees the independence of China, and requires the open door and equal opportunities for both nations; and if he will state what amount of national independence will be left to China if the demands of Japan are imposed upon her?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether, in view of the fact that British policy in the Far East champions equal commercial opportunity for all nations, he will do his best to ensure that this doctrine applies to munitions of war which may in future be needed by China; and (2) whether any claim has been put forward by Japan for the privileged supply of munitions of war to China; and whether, if that is so, he will state the policy of the British Government on this point?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance to British trade of the Japanese demands, diplomatic action of a friendly nature will now be taken by this country to secure participation in the Chino-Japanese negotiations now in progress in Peking?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of one of the Japanese demands to China, it is consonant with the principles and preamble of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty to suggest the earmarking of any province in China for the special or sole industrial exploitation of any nation?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can assure the House that, in any arrangements that may be come to in the negotiations now going on between Japan and China, he will endeavour to secure the open door for British commerce in all parts of the Chinese Empire?

I would ask the hon. Members in whose names these questions appear to-day on the subject of the negotiations at Peking between China and Japan to accept the following collective answer:—Hon. Members have already been informed in reply to questions on this subject that His Majesty's Government were not in a position to make statements in regard to these negotiations which are taking place between two other Powers. The negotiations not being yet concluded, the position as regards making statements in detail remains unchanged. Speaking generally, however, I may say that the policy of His Majesty's Government in China continues to be governed by the terms of the existing Agreement between the United Kingdom and Japan, namely: the preservation of the common interests of all Powers in China by ensuring the independence and integrity of the Chinese Republic, and the principle of equal opportunities for the commerce and industry of all nations in China. Beyond this, the replies to the various subjects referred to in the individual questions may be briefly summarised by stating that His Majesty's Government are constantly in communication with His Majesty's representatives in China and Japan, and are in touch with commercial bodies interested both at home and in the Far East on the subject of these negotiations. It is not, however, proposed to lay copies of communications with the latter on the Table of the House—which, moreover, would serve no useful purpose. Hon. Members may rest assured that in the future, as in the past, His Majesty's Government will endeavour to secure the open door for British commerce in all parts of China.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why 1,000 tons of copra shipped by the Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas from the Philippine Islands on board the steamship "Harbury," and consigned to the Oleifici Nazionali of Genoa, for discharge at Savona, has been ordered by the Government to proceed to Marseilles instead, seeing that the representatives of the company in London have furnished certificates, attested before the British Consul, and necessary documents to prove that neither the copra nor the oil will be re-exported from Italy; whether these documents were sent on the 24th March to the Foreign Office and have never been acknowledged or returned; is it the intention of His Majesty's Government to stop all international trade; and will he state why 2,000 tons of copra by the steamship "Ben-lawers," consigned to Hull, on arrival in Marseilles was allowed to proceed to Savona to discharge instead of Hull?

The answer to the first question is that the copra specified by the hon. Member was not the only, or indeed the principal, part of the vessel's cargo; that it was consigned "to order" and liable, therefore, to seizure under the Order in Council of 29th October, 1914; and that it was not, as suggested in the question, accompanied by the necessary documents to prove that neither the copra nor the oil would be re-exported from Italy. The answer to the second question is that certain documents were sent to the Foreign Office on 24th March and that, although the company referred to has addressed repeated subsequent communications to the Department, it was not till 15th April that full particulars respecting the cargo were obtained; immediately on the receipt of the documents forwarded on 24th March, His Majesty's Government, observing that the shippers had not paid due regard to the Order in Council of 29th October, placed themselves in communication with the Italian Government with a view to the introduction of an effective prohibition of export of copra and its products from Italy, and, as a result of the successful issue of these negotiations, all objection on the part of the British authorities to the discharge of the Italian cargo is removed and the shipowners have been so informed. The answer to the third question is in the negative; it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to check all contraband and enemy trade, but, subject to this paramount necessity, to interfere as little as possible with neutral commerce; that the negotiations above referred to with the Italian Government are a concrete evidence of their desire to assist such trade, and the omission of the shippers and shipowners in this case is a typical example of the delays caused by failure to pay due regard to official published statements. The answer to the last question is that the authorisation to allow the steamship "Benlawers" to proceed from Marseilles to Savona did not proceed from His Majesty's Government, who are unaware of the circumstances.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the recent forest fire in the neighbourhood of the military camp at Forest Row started simultaneously at four different points to windward of the camp and would probably have destroyed the camp but for an opportune change of wind; if any investigation has been made with a view to determining whether it was the work of incendiaries; and whether any aliens or recently naturalised persons reside in or are known to frequent the neighbourhood?

Nothing is known at the War Office of the alleged fire. It is understood that certain aliens and recently naturalised persons do reside in the neighbourhood.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some time ago the civilian band employed on the Brighton Palace Pier was dismissed and its place taken by the band of the Grenadier Guards; and whether it is still to be the policy of the War Office to allow Army bands, upon whom the Department has first claim, to occupy their time in civilian employment while civilian musicians of over military age are out of work and while the Department is advertising that more men are needed for the Army?

I am not aware that the band of the Grenadier Guards has displaced the civilian band employed on the Brighton Palace Pier, although it is known that the band of the Grenadier Guards has accepted an engagement at Brighton. As regards the second part of the question, Army bands are allowed under certain regulations to accept outside engagements, and as long as these regulations are not contravened it is not proposed to interfere in the matter.

Would it not be better if this one was used for recruiting purposes than playing to skulkers at Brighton?

I imagine the band is constantly put to the purpose the hon. Member has in view.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any official information showing that 200 men belonging to one Cavalry regiment became seriously ill with symptoms of blood poisoning after inoculation against typhoid; if so, will he say whether two or three of them died; whether the two doctors who performed the inoculation were on inquiry found to be Austrians, tried by court-martial, and sentenced to penal servitude; and what steps have been, or will be, taken to ensure soldiers in future against the dangers of inoculation?

There is no official information corresponding in any way to the statements in the first three parts of the question. No one has heard of the Austrian doctors who have been sentenced to penal servitude. Perhaps my hon. Friend will furnish me with the information which is in his possession. I may add that every precaution is taken to protect soldiers against any risk of sepsis arising from inoculation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Second-Lieutenant Beate, of the Connaught Rangers, who was buried at Cork on 15th March, 1915, died of septic poisoning caused by inoculation against typhoid at Kinsale; and whether he was inoculated two or three times during the course of his illness?

There are no grounds whatever for my hon. Friend's suggestion that this young officer's death was due to septic poisoning caused by inoculation against typhoid. He had not been so inoculated since his arrival in the command. He is reported to have died of septicaemia due to absorption from an abscess of the heel, and he received as treatment during his illness injections of antistrepto-coccus serum properly given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the privilege of leave or furlough is denied a soldier who declines to be inoculated; and whether it is a military offence for a soldier to complain in writing of any grievance to the Secretary of State for War?

As I have already explained on previous occasions, the privilege leave given to inoculated soldiers who were shortly proceeding to the front, to enable them to visit their homes, was not extended to men who declined to be inoculated and who were consequently selected to remain in this country. The manner in which an officer or soldier should seek redress for any grievance is laid down in the Army Act, and any officer or soldier who adopts other methods is guilty of a military offence.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether inoculated men will be given this permission before they go to the front, if they go to the front?

Yes, I think I can give that assurance.

In every case?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the recent order arranging for the promotion to captains of all lieutenants in the Royal Army Medical Corps includes Royal Army Medical Corps' lieutenants of the Territorial Forces; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of their inclusion?

No, Sir, it is not intended to extend the arrangement referred to to the Territorial Force, as the circumstances are not the same.

Is it not the fact that those men have to leave their practices and are put to a great deal of expenditure, and could not the right hon. Gentleman see his way to do something to meet the case?

Yes, but so are other medical practitioners.

asked if steps are being taken to organise works in Ireland for the production of munitions of war?

Every possible source of supply will be organised as and when required.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the city of Coventry, which is interested in the manufacture of munitions of war, the loss of time per man per week in peace time compared with war time shows little difference; and, seeing that the figures furnished by a leading ordnance factory, being for May, 1914, the average hours per week per man of overtime being 3½ hours, and the average hours lost being 4¼, whereas in March, 1915, the average hours per week per man of overtime were 12 hours, and the average hours lost were 4,92, whether he will consider the advisability of making further inquiry before proposing any legislation on these matters?

My attention has been called to the facts stated in the question, though I cannot agree with my hon. Friend in regarding as not serious an average increase of nearly three-quarters of an hour in the amount of lost time per week per man compared with peace conditions. I can assure him that the Government are taking these and all other relevant facts into the most careful consideration.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information about the conditions being good?

I cannot accept the conditions as being good when the men have worked less by three-quarters of an hour per day than they did during peace time.

asked whether the wearing of a brassard with uniform by Volunteer corps is ordered by the War Office; whether the wearing of a brassard is prescribed to show that the corps wearing it is affiliated to the Central Association of Volunteer Training Corps; whether it is necessary that every Volunteer corps should be so affiliated; whether the brassard has ceased to be a substitute for a uniform; and, if not, whether the dress of Volunteer Training Corps is not regarded as a uniform?

It has been decided that the brassard should be worn when any military exercises or duties are being performed. The brassard is the authorised mark of official recognition having been extended to a corps. No corps which is not affiliated to the Central Association is recognised. The brassard is not a substitute for a uniform in the sense of excluding the use of a distinctive dress.

Does that mean that the brassard is recognised and the uniform is not?

My answer is very unequivocal. I say that the brassard is a mark of the recognition which is given by the War Office to the corps in question.

Would it be recognised by the enemy?

That question ought to be addressed to the General Staff at Berlin.

asked whether, when recruiting was going on for the University and Public Schools Corps, applicants were given to understand that enlistment would not militate against their chances of a commission; and whether the veto exercised by the commanding officers of these corps has been withdrawn?

As I have already stated on previous occasions, the War Office is not responsible for the alleged inducements held out by the Committee which raised the corps referred to by the Noble Lord. The answer to the second part of the question is that commanding officers of the University and Public Schools battalions have been instructed quite recently to submit the names of all suitable candidates for commissions who are serving in the ranks of those units, and I may add that I have every reason to believe that these names will be submitted by those gentlemen.

Who is responsible for the inducements?

I really cannot answer that question. I should imagine that the raisers of the corps were responsible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in response to advertisements for clerks for the Army Service Corps at 4s. a day, numbers of clerks have enlisted; if on arrival at Aldershot they are put to work as labourers and are paid from 1s. 2d. to 1s. 8d. a day, for which labourers are being engaged at 3s. a day; and, if so, whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to such clerks being employed in accordance with the terms of their enlistment?

No cases are known where clerks specially enlisted are being paid at rates other than those at which they were engaged, nor am I aware that these men are being employed as labourers. All recruits, whether tradesmen or clerks, are drilled and do a certain amount of fatigue duty before being posted to workshops or offices.

asked whether the canteens in the military camps, both those in England and on the Continent, are continuing to supply intoxicating liquors to the troops?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. In England beer, and on the Continent light French beer are the only intoxicating liquors sold in the Army canteens.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he has received a petition from employés of the Army Ordnance depots asking that the practice of appointing temporary lieutenants, who have no experience of the work, as supervisors be discontinued, and that from these employés men with many years' service and knowledge of the work be appointed for the purpose of supervision; and when will an answer be given to the petition?

A petition was forwarded last October through the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, from certain employés of one of the Army Ordnance depots in the Command, and was dealt with in connection with the question of providing additional supervising grades at the various depots. No general petition has been received, and it appeared at the time that the views of the petitioners were not shared by the corresponding grades of another large depot in the same Command. I explained to the hon. Member privately, in correspondence last November, the policy of the Department on this question, and subsequent experience has confirmed the military authorities in the view that the course adopted was the one best suited to all the circumstances of the case.

asked, if the new third-line formations of the Territorial Force (Infantry) are to be constituted as depots; if orders have been issued that the depot to be thus formed for the 4th and 2/4th Territorial battalions of the Yorkshire Regiment is to be encamped with the 2/4th battalion at or near Newcastle if so, what are the reasons for forming the third-line depot at a place outside of and remote from their recruiting area instead of at the Territorial headquarters; and has due consideration been given to the adverse effect which such a proceeding will have upon recruiting?

Instructions have been issued for the third-line formations of the Territorial Force to be constituted as depots and stationed at their peace headquarters. In the case referred to by the Noble Lord the General Officer Commanding reports that he gave the order as a temporary measure pending further arrangements.

asked whether, in view of the general consensus of opinion in regard to the desirability of restricting the use of alcohol, and particularly of ardent spirits, the Secretary of State for War will consider the desirability of ceasing to issue rum in large quantities to the troops at the front?

The conditions under which rum is issued to the troops at the front have been fully explained on previous occasions. It is not proposed to make any change in the issue.

Is it not somewhat inconsistent to issue rum to the troops, a matter entirely under the control of the Secretary of State for War, when the question of total prohibition of the use of ardent spirits is being very generally discussed with Ministers?

I am interested to learn that piece of information, but I would say that the troops are serving under totally different conditions.

asked why acting paymasters in the Army are refused commissions as officers and do not enjoy even temporary or honorary rank, although while actually on duty they are designated as officers; and whether there is any reason why acting paymasters should not be placed on an equal footing in this respect with civilians employed in the medical and veterinary cervices.

Temporary commissions are only granted to acting paymasters when required to proceed abroad for duty with the Expeditionary Force. It would, I think, be undesirable to grant commissions to acting paymasters who are merely performing clerical work at home.

asked whether arrangements have now been made for the issue of badges to all workmen engaged on War Office contracts, or whether such issue is limited exclusively, and why, to men employed by the armament firms?

The arrangements are complete and the badges are now being issued, but it has been decided to limit them to skilled workmen engaged in the manufacture of munitions of war. The object is to attract and retain a vitally important class of labour of which there is at present a shortage.

Can the hon. Gentleman give some definition as to what is meant by "munitions of war"?

Armaments mainly, but certain other things might be included.

Will the definition "skilled" cover machinists and skilled labourers?

I think there is a general consensus as to the meaning of "skilled workman."

Will the munitions of war include electrical equipment in the field, component parts of gun-carriages, and things of that sort?

I could not answer as to any particular instances. I should think the answer would be in the negative to the first case.

Are not these badges also going to be given to men who are working in shipyards engaged on Admiralty work?

That is a question for the Admiralty.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state why it is that the pay of motor cyclists varies from 1s. 2d. to 6s. per day, according to the corps; and whether he will arrange for the payment of a standard rate for all Army motor cyclists irrespective of the corps which they join?

The normal rates paid vary with the corps, in accordance with the general principles governing rates of Army pay, and depend on the nature of the work performed. The highest rate was a special rate of 5s. offered since mobilisation to men who were fully trained as motor cyclists before enlistment.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a circular recently issued by the chairman of the South Metropolitan Gas Company, in which complaint is made that whereas the Government pay from 3s. 6d. to 4s. per ton for steamships requisitioned for Government use, they charge no less than 10s. per ton to traders for the use of interned enemy ships, thus setting a bad example to shipowners, which tends to keep up the price of freights and, consequently, the price of coal to the consumers; if he will say who is responsible for fixing the prices for the use of interned enemy ships; and why the prices are fixed at a higher rate than those paid by the Government for the use of commercial vessels requisitioned for His Majesty's service?

I have seen the circular issued by the South Metropolitan Gas Company. The rates of freight charged for the interned steamers are settled for each voyage by the managers at Newcastle with regard to the state of the market at the time, and the managers act tinder general instructions from the Admiralty and Board of Trade to the effect that the rates for the interned steamers are to be below rather than above the market rates and lead the market in a downward direction. It was not considered practicable to follow the procedure laid down for fixing the rates of hire in the case of commercial vessels requisitioned by the Transport Department of the Admiralty.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as a matter of fact, the figures given in the circular were or were not correct?

If the circular was intended to convey the impression that 10s. is the rate now being paid for the use of interned steamers carrying coal to London, the circular was incorrect. At one time the rate did average 10s., but it has been much below that for a long time past.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that the meeting of the Imperial Conference is not to be held this year as arranged, if he will state what steps His Majesty's Government are taking to consult the King's Ministers in the Dominions overseas so as to ensure that in any peace negotiations His Majesty's Ministers in the United Kingdom have behind them the full support of the self-governing peoples of the Empire; and whether the Government will now intimate to the Premiers overseas that the presence of themselves or any of their colleagues would be most welcome in London this summer?

The Prime Minister asks me to say that he cannot add anything to the statement which I made to the House on the 14th of April.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman can give an answer to the last part of the question?

The Prime Ministers of the Dominions already know that their presence here will be most welcome at anytime, and that there is always a vacant chair for them in the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Have they been informed?

Certainly.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of a 25 per cent. advance in the cost of food, he will consider the need for supplementing the income of old age pensioners by an additional grant from public funds?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that cases have recently appeared in which old age pensioners have died in circumstances of great hardship and suffering consequent on the increased cost of living, and in view also of the fact that the Prime Minister promised to consider the possibility of increasing the old age pension in certain special cases recommended by the old age pension officers, he will order an inquiry to be made and ask for a Report at the earliest possible moment?

The Government sympathise deeply with the case of old age pensioners, but if every case of hardship due to the special circumstances of the War is met by a grant from public funds, I fear that the heavy expenditure entailed by the War will strain the resources of the country almost to breaking point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider this phase of the question: Where the 5s. is inadequate will he allow the local ratepayers or the guardians to supplement it without loss of the pension during the War?

I should like to consider that.

asked the Prime Minister what action the Government proposes to take in regard to coal prices in view of the report of the Coal Committee?

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what steps the Government intends to take on the Coal Committee's Report?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the burden imposed upon the poorer classes of consumers by the increase in the price of household and gas coal, and to the opinion expressed by the Committee appointed by him to inquire into the causes of the present rise in the retail price of coal that the conduct of an industry on which such great national interests depend cannot safely be left in a time of crisis to the working of an unregulated system of supply and demand, he can state what steps he proposes to take to carry out the recommendations of the Committee, and particularly the recommendation that the Government should consider a scheme for assuming control of the output of collieries during the continuance of the War?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer these questions. I am not in a position to make any statement at the moment, but I hope to do so very shortly. Steps have already been taken to act on two of the Committee's recommendations.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us which of the two recommendations the Government propose to adopt?

It is not certain that we shall not act on all of them; but on two of them we have already taken preliminary steps.

Which recommendations are they?

If my hon Friend will put a question down on the Paper I will give him a full answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the information in the possession of the intelligence department of the Admiralty that there is an extensive conspiracy being carried out by German agents in this country to foment strikes among workmen in order to hamper the performance of war contracts, the Government intend to impose any further restrictions upon the large number of enemy aliens allowed to remain at large in the United Kingdom?

The possibility of such influences as those mentioned in the question being at work requires vigilant attention. Ample powers are, however, provided under the Defence of the Realm Act and other Regulations to deal with enemy aliens, and no further steps are in contemplation.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is the slightest conceivable evidence of any attempt being made in this direction in regard to the workpeople of this country?

It manifestly is not in the public interest to make a statement.

asked the Prime Minister if the banking firm of Morgan Grenfell has been appointed sole purchasing agents for all the British Government Departments' requirements in American manufactured supplies; if he is aware that the house of Morgan, with its financial ramifications in America, is interested in various manufacturing concerns whose productions they favour to the exclusion of firms in whom they are not interested; and, seeing that it is against public policy, and to the British Government's disadvantage in their purchases of war supplies, to give such a sole buying contract over so wide an area as the United States to one financial firm with such direct or indirect industrial interests there, and that this arrangement with Morgan Grenfell is damaging the standing and working to the detriment of numerous British agents representing American interests in England, thus adversely affecting the best interests of traders in this country, will he say what action he proposes to take?

Messrs. J. P. Morgan and Company were appointed by the Government their sole agents in the United States for Admiralty and War Office requirements with certain exceptions. The arrangement was made to ensure efficiency and economy, and the Government have every expectation that the result will be satisfactory.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Messrs. Morgan have refused tenders for the Government, have then bought the goods at the tender price for their own account, and then sold the goods to the Government at a higher price?

Is it a fact that this firm are interesting themselves in certain firms in the States?

I cannot way.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the total number of British casualties, stating separately casualties in the field and sickness casualties, to the Expeditionary Force now on the Continent, up to the present date, or as near as possible thereto?

I gave the figure for killed, wounded and missing in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on the 15th instant. Without further analysis of the figures than has so far been practicable, it would not be possible to make an accurate statement of the sickness casualties, and in any case it is doubtful whether in present circumstances it is desirable to furnish the enemy with full information on this point.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give undertakings that during the continuance of the War the assent of the Crown shall not be given to any recommendations made by the Convocations in connection with the Letters of Business, and that any legislative proposals relating thereto, or to the creation of fresh bishoprics, shall be treated as controversial?

My right, hon. Friend is informed that there is little prospect of the reply to the Royal Letter of Business being submitted at an early date. He is quite unaware what recommendations it will contain, and therefore, while adhering to his pledge as to the introduction by the Government of controversial legislation, he can only say that each question when it arises must be considered on its merits.

asked the Prime Minister when he will be in a position to make a statement as to the method adopted by the Government for assigning to armament and war equipment workers a share of the profits of their employers, in accordance with the policy already announced?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I can add nothing to the answer given by the Prime Minister last Wednesday to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division of Wiltshire.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when some pronouncement will be made on the subject?

No, I am afraid I cannot.

It is now many weeks since the announcement of policy was made, on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government proposes to purchase the breweries, distilleries, and public-houses in Great Britain?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is now prepared to grant facilities for the de-alcoholising of beer, and thereby provide a refreshing beverage for the people which has all the exhilarating properties of beer without the stimulating and harmful results?

Perhaps hon. Members will be good enough to wait for the general statement of the policy of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will introduce a Bill into Parliament granting the franchise to all soldiers of the British Army serving their country, to enable them without other qualification to have a vote on their return from active service?

The question of the franchise of men serving in His Majesty's Forces is receiving the consideration of the Government.

asked the Prime Minister if, having regard to the effect of the War on the statistics of births and deaths, he will consider whether, either by legislation or administrative order, the Notification of Births Act, 1907, now optional in character, can be made compulsory?

asked the President of the Local Government Board if, in view of the still greater importance in the future of preventing the waste of child life, and in view of the great benefits which have resulted from the partial adoption of the Notification of Births Act, he will take steps to make that Act compulsory?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has considered the need of the provisions of the Notification of Births Act, 1907, being adopted for the whole country; and whether, by any means short of legislation, the utility of its operation can be extended to those localities in which this Act has not yet been adopted?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question, and perhaps I may at the same time reply to the two further questions, numbered 142 and 143, on the same subject. The Notification of Births Act imposes no duty on a local authority to follow up notifications made under it, and unless this work is undertaken the chief value of the Act is not secured. The Department have generally considered that it is preferable to persuade local authorities to adopt the Act and to carry out health visiting and other measures for the benefit of persons whose cases are brought to their notice in pursuance of the Act, rather than simply to put the Act in force compulsorily. I may add that the Act is now in force in respect of about 75 per cent. of the total population of England and Wales, and that the question of the adoption of the Act is now under consideration in several areas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Sir Francis Trippel's commission as a major in His Majesty's Army is an honorary or substantive one; and what are his military qualifications for such rank?

Sir Francis Trippel holds no commission in the Army now. He was a major in the Army Motor Reserve, which was disbanded in 1913. On disbandment the officers relinquished their commissions and were granted permission to retain their rank and wear the prescribed uniform.

asked whether Sir Francis Trippel's scheme of recruiting had the sanction of the Army Council; whether it is still working; and if so, what is the result?

The Army Council accepted Sir Francis Trippel's offer of assistance, but it was found at the outset that he was unable to carry out his scheme. The Army Council accordingly withdrew their approval.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government can see their way to pay the women who make the shirts for the Army during the period of war 8½d. instead of 7½d. per shirt; and whether he is aware that a considerable number of these women are widows of men who have lost their lives in the service of their country, and that some employers of a similar class of female labour have given a war bonus to enable their employés to meet the increased cost of living?

The price paid by the War Department to the needlewomen's associations is 8½d., and the question of increasing this is under consideration. I am informed that the usual price now allowed by the associations to the women is 8d.

Is 8½d. paid in the towns where these shirts are required?

Eightpence-halfpenny is paid by the War Department to the associations and the associations pay a slightly lower sum.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the Admiralty has any and, if so, what representation on the censorship of mails?

No, Sir, but the Admiralty are referred to when necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state why no promotions were made in the 1st Battalion of the London Scottish amongst the officers, although they had seen active service, and why numerous promotions over their heads were made from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions who have not been on active service at the front; is he aware that dissatisfaction at this action has been caused amongst the junior officers; and can he give any assurance, for the sake of those serving, that the men at the front will have the preference?

This is a matter upon which the War Office are in communication with the Commander-in-Chief with a view to the removal of any cause of dissatisfaction which may exist. As the hon. Member will be aware, the London Scottish expanded rapidly, and in the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, in order to provide a due proportion of officers of the higher ranks, some rapid promotions took place. But this promotion was temporary and the officers thus rapidly promoted should on transfer to the 1st Battalion with the Expeditionary Force assume the order of precedence to which the date of joining the London Scottish entitled them, reverting, if necessary, to a lower rank. As I have said, the matter is being reviewed by the Commander-in-Chief.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a statement giving the names of the general officers commanding Army corps, divisions, and brigades at the front, in order that His Majesty's subjects may be enabled to follow the movements of their Army?

I realise that such a statement would be of interest, but my Noble Friend the Secretary of State is quite clear that military considerations require that information on these matters should be kept from the enemy.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman represent to my Noble Friend that the bulk of these names can be picked out of the various Press reports, and as there are only very few which have not been given, would not it be better to give them, seeing that the enemy have learned all of them from the public Press?

I congratulate the hon. gentleman on his knowledge of the enemy's knowledge. Our knowledge of the enemy's formation and corps commanders is only picked up in the same way. It is an exceedingly difficult thing to do, and we wish to make it still more difficult for the enemy to pick up ours.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that seventeen men, members of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade, fully trained in field ambulance work, who enlisted at Oxford as hospital subordinates at 4s. per day rate under A.O. 283, 1914, were sent to Chatham 6th August, and there told that they could only receive the ordinary rate of soldier's pay, 1s. 2d., at which rate they are now being paid; that they have never complained of this reduction, as they were led to believe they would go forthwith on service, but have been kept ever since at Chatham; that these men, several of them married and old soldiers, gave up good employment in order to serve the country, and in answer to a leaflet which was largely circulated at the time, since suppressed, offering the same rate of pay as A.O. 283, 1914; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

These men were under an engagement before mobilisation to enlist for home service at the ordinary rates of pay. The Army Order referred to was in force for only a brief period during mobilisation, and offered special terms to a certain number of men required immediately for foreign service. It was found impossible to allow the home service men to throw up their engagement.

Is the hon. Member aware that an offer of 4s. is made in black and white in the Army Order which I hold in my hand, and a leaflet which was widely circulated previously to the issue of the Order I have quoted?

I believe the men are already under engagement for home service, and therefore could not be accepted for foreign service.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any arrangements have now been made, or are about to be made, whereby tradesmen and labourers engaged in War Office work will, when under stoppage of work or having a holiday, be allowed at least an ordinary train are to and from their home; or whether, at least, arrangements shall be made whereby such men, when set idle through no fault of their own, shall be paid their full wages?

It would not, I am afraid, be practicable to pay railway fares under the conditions suggested. Men employed on hutting who are prevented from working by wet weather are frequently paid wages for the time during which they are asked to stay on, though they may not receive a full day's wage. I presume that it is to such cases that the hon. Member is referring.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has now received the application form from Mrs. Ireland for the separation allowance in respect to Sapper Ireland; whether he can state the reason why Sapper Ireland cancelled his allotment; and whether it is allowable for a son to cancel his share of the allotment to his mother?

I am afraid that it is not possible to trace an individual soldier except through his unit and regimental number, but a soldier's allotment to his mother is entirely voluntary.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether his attention has been called to the complaint made by Mrs. Wighton, of Limerick, wife of Driver George Herbert Wighton, No. 27763, Royal Field Artillery, that he is not contributing to her support although she is his lawful wife; whether he is aware that this man was arrested and imprisoned for neglecting his wife and children; will he inquire whether this man is allowing money to another woman; whether full inquiries will be made into this case with the view of giving this man's lawful wife and children justice; and (2) whether his attention has been called to the case of Mrs. M. M'Knight, of Roches Street, Limerick, who has seven sons in the Army, three sons married and four sons unmarried; whether he is aware that this woman was depending all the winter on the small sum of 6s. per week granted to her by the ladies of the Soldiers' Families Association of Limerick, and that nothing was given to her by the Government; whether he is aware that Lady A. Nash has written several times calling attention to this woman's case and that no reply was given to her letters; what amount per week, if any, does this woman receive now and will he state when Mrs. M'Knight commenced to receive it; and whether, taking all the circumstances of this case into account, the Government are prepared to grant a reasonable sum of money to this woman in order that she may not have to depend on charity?

The hon. Member has drawn my attention to those cases and inquiry is already being made. I will inform him of the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the question of pensions to widows of officers killed in action holding temporary rank has been considered; and whether it is intended to grant pensions of the rank which the officers temporarily held to their widows?

I hope that a decision on this point may be announced shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that there is considerable inconvenience and hardship being caused to many of the mothers who are dependent upon their sons who have enlisted in the Army, by reason of the fact that the allowances are not forthcoming until after considerable delay from the York paymaster's office; and whether he will take steps to have these settlements expedited?

I have called for a report and full inquiry is being made with a view to avoiding delays.

May I afterwards state to the hon. gentleman a case in regard to which I have received private information?

Yes; I shall be glad to receive it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can give any undertaking to increase the allowances in respect to food, lodging, fuel, etc, to soldiers living at home, having regard to increased cost of living and increased separation allowances, and also to the fact that the duties of such soldiers in many cases are a considerable distance from their homes and involve time and expense to them?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether married men who enlist and are billeted in their own houses will be placed in respect of separation allowance upon the same footing as such men billeted elsewhere than at home; and whether under the present system of allowing no separation allowance in the former case greater expense is in fact incurred by the State?

The whole subject is at present under consideration, and I hope to be able to announce a decision very shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the number of commissions which have been granted from the ranks in the Army Pay Corps for the nine months previous to August, 1914, and nine months since?