asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the tax upon sugar is the only one of the food taxes consequent on the South African war that is still in force; what sum it has amounted to yearly from its first imposition to 31st March last; and, having regard to the pressure of this tax upon the poor and upon manufacturing industries, whether the Committee now supervising all industries consider that the amount of this tax is more than counterbalanced by its general detrimental effect?

If the hon. Member refers to taxation imposed upon articles exempt from taxation before the South African war, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am unable to state in anticipation of my right hon. Friend's financial statement the net amount of duty received from the tax on sugar in the year ending 31st March last. The net receipts for previous years front the date of imposition were as follows:—

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails in the Royal dockyards regarding the manner in which the arrears of increased pay are being paid; whether he will take steps to expedite the payment; and whether he is aware that the increase is only being paid on a 48-hour week, though many of the men have worked 60 or 70 hours per week?

In respect of the increases in rates of wages which were granted in replies to the workmen's petitions, and announced in February last, the Admiralty decision was that the increases should take effect as from the 1st October in so far as they related to ordinary time wages. So far as is known, there has not been any general delay in making the back payments, but any particular cases in which there has been delay could be investigated if brought to notice. I may observe that since the increases in wages in question were granted emergency increases have been granted on the award of the Committee on Production.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any sums of over £3,000 a year are being paid to doctors and surgeons in civil life as retainers for their services; if so, in what cases and what amounts; and whether the arrangement was made prior to the War and allows of private practice as well?

The following consultants are paid over £3,000 per annum: Cheatle, G. L., Esq., C.B., C.V.O., F.R.C.S., £5,000 per annum; Cheyne, Sir W. W., Bart., C.B., F.R.C.S., £5,000 per annum; Johnson, Raymond, Esq., M.B., F.R.C.S., £5,000 per annum; Macewen, Sir W., F.R.C.S., £5,000 per annum; Rolleston, H. D., Esq., M.D., F.R.C.S., £5,000 per annum; Turner, C. R., Esq., F.R.C.S., £5,000 per annum. The employment of eight consultants was approved previous to the outbreak of war. The whole time of these consultants is at the disposal of the Admiralty, and they are under similar regulations with regard to private practice as all other medical officers serving, namely, private practice is not forbidden, but must not in any way interfere with the performance of an officer's naval duties.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the strain imposed upon many doctors who have been at the front for several months, he will make use of the services of first-class medical men of the Royal Army Medical Corps now in this country anxious to do duty abroad, and thus relieve for a time those doctors abroad who have been toiling incessantly for months?

I imagine my hon. Friend is referring to the temporary commissioned medical officers, and I can assure him that all those who are eligible for foreign service will take their turn at the front.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the lieutenants of the Regular Royal Army Medical Corps have all been promoted captains; and is it the intention of the Government to promote the lieutenants of the Special Reserve Royal Army Medical Corps, who were in the Special Reserve Royal Army Medical Corps before the outbreak of the War, giving them the same seniority as they had at mobilisation?

The lieutenants of the Regular Royal Army Medical Corps have been promoted to the rank of captain to ensure as far as possible a duo proportion of that rank to the large number of temporary lieutenants now serving. The position of the Special Reserve lieutenants is different. It is not the intention to promote all of these, but it is probable that promotions of some will be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state how many aliens are now interned in this country; how many have been released since the 1st January last; and how many known aliens are now residing in prohibited areas?

The number of alien enemies (other than prisoners of war) now interned is 19,342. The number released up to 25th April was 1,212. For the answer to the last part of the question I must refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers given by my right, hon. Friend the Home Secretary on the 23rd November, the 10th February, and the 21st instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the recent total he gave of casualties among the British Expeditionary Force, he included the 60 per cent. or any percentage of men who have recovered from wounds or sickness and rejoined?

The figure which I gave on the 15th instant included all the battle casualties up to the 11th instant, irrespectively of whether the men had subsequently rejoined or not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many passes for male visitors and how many for female visitors were issued by the respective commandments at the various camps for interned German officers in this country from 1st January to 19th April?

At Holyport 34 passes for males and 35 for females; at Bevois Mount, 6 and 10; at Donington Hall, 4 and 4; and at Dyffryn-aled, 5 and 7.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the flat-topped service caps affords no protection against sunstroke nor shelter from rain, and is in addition dangerously visible in bright lights, it is proposed to issue during the summer months to the Expeditionary Force any other form of headgear, such as the felt slouch hats which proved so effective in the South African campaign?

The slouch hat worn by some of the troops in the South African campaign was not reported as satisfactory, but it is intended to add a curtain to the service dress cap for protection in summer against the sun and rain. It is anticipated that, by the removal of the wire frame, the visibility of the cap will be greatly reduced.

asked what soldiers at the front are provided with wire clippers for the purpose of cutting barbed wire defences?

They are supplied to Cavalry, Artillery, Royal Engineers, and Infantry.

asked the Under-Secretary for War (1) whether the Government will be liable for the maintenance and transport of a member of the Volunteer Training Corps if and when such a member is asked to discharge duties in the event of invasion; (2) whether the Government will give the same treatment to the dependants of a member of a Volunteer Training Corps who may be shot on duty, which he has been called upon to do by the authorities or by the general officer in command of a district, as is meted out to the dependants of men in the Regular and Territorial forces; and (3) whether a member of a Volunteer Training Corps who is employed on patrol work, and, as a last resort, fires and kills a man not giving a proper answer to his challenge, will come under the same category as a soldier in the Regular or Territorial Army as to protection from legal liability?

The Volunteer Training Corps are authorised for training purposes only. Decisions on the questions raised by the hon. Member would be announced in the event of these corps being armed and recognised as part of the Armed Forces of the Crown, but in present circumstances it is not proposed to make any pronouncement upon them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will authorise or permit of the contribution by municipal or urban district councils, by means of grants not exceeding in all a sum equal to a penny rate, in aid of the Volunteer Defence Corps for the purpose of arming or equipping such corps in their respective districts, or in forming miniature rifle ranges for the use of such corps in order to become efficient for the duties which may be required of them; and whether, in the event of his present powers being insufficient to effect such purposes, he will introduce legislation with the object of obtaining such powers and treat the question as one of urgency?

I do not think that I could properly introduce legislation for the purpose of legalising the use of the rates for arming or equipping Volunteer Defence Corps. In the case of local authorities whose accounts are subject to audit by the auditors of the Local Government Board I am prepared to sanction expenditure in fitting up temporary rifle ranges on property of the local authorities. The Board's powers do not enable them to give similar sanction in the case of the council of a borough whose accounts are not subject to audit by the Board's auditors. The councils of boroughs have certain powers under the Military Lands Acts, 1892 to 1903.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will explain why no extra promotion has been given to the officers of the Army Veterinary Corps, though the cadre of that corps has increased during the War nearly tenfold, and if the promotion in the higher ranks has been delayed on account of officers who would otherwise have been retired for age having been retained beyond their period; why has no command or charge pay been given to the officers; and if he is aware that the treatment of the officers of this corps in regard to promotion and charge pay is in contrast to that given to officers of allied services, such as the Royal Army Medical Corps and Army Service Corps?

I would refer the hon. Member to the oral answer I gave to-day to the hon. Member for Devonport. The other points raised in the hon. Member's question are under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the local military authorities have made any appointments of dentists to the camp at Park Hall, Oswestry; and, if so, who have been appointed?

I am informed that no appointments have been made, as the hospital is not yet ready.

asked the conditions under which Service pay and proficiency pay, respectively, are paid?

The conditions under which service pay and proficiency pay are issued are laid down in Articles 1060 and following and in Appendix V. of the Royal Warrant for Pay of the Army, 1914. Service pay (Class I. 6d. to 7d. per day and Class II. 4d. to 5d. per day) is now being-drawn only in the case of men, serving with the Colours or in the Reserve on 4th August, 1914, who enlisted before 1st October, 1906, and have not since that date entered into a new contract by extension of service, re-engagement, transfer to another arm, etc. Such men draw this emolument, i.e., service pay, under the conditions in force at the time of their enlistment. Proficiency pay (Class I. 6d. per day, Class II. 3d. per day (is issuable to Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry soldiers who enlisted on or after 1st October, 1906, or who, having enlisted before that date, have relinquished their service pay rights on entering on a new contract as stated above. A service qualification of two years Colour service is the only condition necessary during mobilisation for the Class II. rate (3d. per day) of proficiency pay (service on a prior engagement in the Regular Army, Royal Marines, Special Reserve, or, subject to certain conditions as to camp attendance, in the Territorial Force, may count for this qualification). To earn the Class I. rate (6d. a day) a private soldier must in addition have passed the standard test in shooting or be a qualified signaller. Non-commissioned officers of or above the rank of sergeant get Class I. rate provided they have two years' Colour service. All Reservists who have rejoined the Colours draw service or proficiency pay according to the class of service or proficiency pay they were drawing when they were transferred to the Reserve.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has considered the inequality which would necessarily result from enforcing the Defence of the Realm Act in Ireland, to which the Poor Prisoners Defence Act does not extend, as compared with its operation in this country; whether that inequality can be fully obviated without legislation; and, if so, whether this House will be given an opportunity of considering in draft any regulations designed for that purpose?

I would refer the hon. Member to an answer given on my behalf on this subject to the hon. Member for North Somerset on the 21st instant. The answer then given applies to Ireland equally with the rest of the United Kingdom, and the inequality which the hon. Member fears is therefore avoided.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will name the publications in the United Kingdom officially suppressed or in any way interfered with under the Defence of the Realm Act since the outbreak of the War, with, in each case, the date and result of the interference; and whether the publication now exists?

I have no such information in my possession.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give the estimated amount by which the coummutation fund under the Welsh Church Act, 1914, will have to be augmented on the supposition that Clause 2 of the Welsh Church (Postponement) Bill passes into law, and assuming that the War will continue twelve months from 4th August, 1914; also the same estimated amount assuming that the War will continue two years; and what the estimated value of a tithe rent-charge of £100 will be on 1st January, 1916?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to his question of the 20th April on the same subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the inquiry concerning works which might help in the manufacture of munitions is being made by two different Departments; why information which has already been given by one Department has to be subsequently asked for by representatives of another Department; and whether he will consider the possibility, in localities where armaments have not previously been made, of selecting one large works or a few works capable of makings forgings for shells, such forgings to be distributed to all available places in the locality where they could be subsequently machined, and the possibility of giving to manufacturers, who have not made armaments, information as to what is exactly required of them for the Government?

In the urgent circumstances of the case, the officers of different Departments have been placed at the disposal of the authorities for the collection of information. My Department lent the services of the factory inspectors, who have intimate knowledge of the industries and of the machinery that could be used for producing munitions, and are in close touch with the manufacturers. I am not aware that the same details which they obtained have been collected by any other Department. The second part of the question should be addressed to the War Office.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether any cases of spotted fever have occurred in Middlesex; and, if so, whether special attention has been called, in the localities affected, to the circular on this subject issued by the Board?

Some cases have occurred, and one of the Board's medical inspectors was instructed to confer with officers of the county council and district councils.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the regulations for carrying parcels to troops in France limit the maximum weight to 11 pounds; whether parcels over that weight may be sent free of charge; and, if so, will he make known the method of dispatch in such cases?

The Post Office has no authority to accept any parcel exceeding 11 pounds in weight. The arrangements for the transmission to the British Expeditionary Force on the Continent of parcels weighing over 11 pounds are in the hands of the War Office.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in respect of the employment of casual labour in provincial post offices, the arrangements made at the Treasury Conference on 17th to 19th March are scrupulously carried out; and whether a record of the nature of the departure from conditions prevailing before the War is in all offices kept so as to ensure that departures therefrom are only allowed on the understanding that they are agreed to as emergency war measures and have no application to times of peace?

The proposals agreed to at the conference as to munitions of war are in many respects not applicable to the different conditions of the Post Office service; but I have no intention of assigning permanently to casual labour duties ordinarily performed by the regular staff. The conditions prevailing before the War are well known at every office, and I do not think it is necessary, even if it were possible, to keep any record of the departures which have been made from them to meet the difficulties arising from the War.

asked the Postmaster-General how many of the male temporary force engaged to fill places of of the Post Office staff serving with the Colours are between the ages of nineteen and thirty-eight years?

According to a return obtained in February last, 11,339 out of 20,768 temporary men employed in the Post Office were between the ages of nineteen and thirty-eight years.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he will state the latest returns as to the number of women registering for special war service; the number who have already been placed in employment from the special war register; to what trades they have been attached; and (2) whether, as a result of the special war register, some six or eight thousand women have been encouraged to signify their willingness to undertake arnament work; whether he can name armament factories in which there is a shortage of or demand for such labour; and if he will state the duration of the working shift in such cases and the rate of wages offered?

The total number of women registered for special war service up to the week ended 16th April who have been placed in employment is 440. These are distributed amongst the following occupations:—

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in consideration of the increased cost of living, he can see his way to recommend that the indoor and outdoor officials of the Board of Trade should receive an increased rate of pay?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury on the 20th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow. I am considering "whether there are classes of workmen in the employ of the Board of Trade in whose favour representations can be made as suggested by the Secretary to the Treasury.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give particulars of the steps he has taken, if any, since the 10th March last (irrespective of the encouragement he has given to the flotation of a new dye company) to facilitate the conveyance of crude by-products from this country to Switzerland for the purpose of being manufactured into aniline dyes?

I shall be glad to give my hon. Friend particulars of the steps taken in this matter, but I think it inadvisable to enter into details in answer to a question.