asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will propose to the Governments of France and Russia that a joint declaration should be made as to the reparation that will be exacted from all who are proved to be responsible for acts of cruelty towards prisoners of war?

I cannot add to what the Prime Minister said in the House on 27th April on this point.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affaire whether, after the outbreak of war, British Consuls-General in Germany and Austria ceased to hold office; whether an exception was made in the case of Lucien Bachmann, a German subject; whether the said Lucien Bachmann's name remains on the list of Consular servants; and whether he has been transferred to a consulate-general in Switzerland?

British Consuls-General in Germany and Austria-Hungary ceased to hold office in those countries on the outbreak of war, and some of those of them who were British subjects are now being employed at home or abroad. Of these Mr. Bachmann is one. He is not a German subject, but a naturalised British subject of French origin. He is at present assisting His Majesty's Minister at Berne.

Is he not at Dunkirk?

Not that I am aware of.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has taken or proposes to take any steps, through the courtesy of the United States Ambassador, to call the attention of the German Government to their breach of The Hague Convention, of which Germany is a signatory, by the use of asphyxiating gases against the troops of the Allies; and whether His Majesty's Government intend to adopt any special course of action in the event of no adequate explanation by the German Government?

This breach of the rules of warfare and of international engagement has clearly been committed by the enemy with deliberate purpose and after careful preparation. The German authorities are evidently quite aware of what they are doing, and it is unnecessary to call their attention to it. Time will be more usefully spent in taking steps to counteract this practice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a statement made by the official Eye-Witness with the British Army at the front on 6th April to the effect that it had been learnt from German prisoners that the enemy were preparing to asphyxiate our men by means of poisonous gas stored under pressure in steel cylinders; whether this form of attack was, in fact, adopted by the Germans on 22nd April; whether any, and what, steps had been taken in the interval to protect our men against the effects of poisonous gas; and whether it is intended to allow the enemy to pursue this mode of warfare without employing similar expedients against him, after due notice, by way of retaliation?

I regret to have to inform the hon. Gentleman that, notwithstanding their engagements under The Hague Convention, the Germans have on more than one occasion used poisonous gases in the manner described, and have caused the deaths of numbers of our men by poisoning. In spite of rumours to the contrary, it was not believed that any Power which had signed The Hague Convention could be guilty of so heinous a breach of its solemn undertaking as the violation of the fundamental principles of that agreement by the introduction into modern warfare of such a method as this, which may have far-reaching results. The latter part of the question is under consideration.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman kindly to answer that part of the question which inquires whether we were not warned of this intended procedure a fortnight before the occurrence, and whether any notice was taken of that warning?

I am really not acquainted with the warning to which the hon. Member refers.

It is in the question.

I am not aware that there was any such warning.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not know that in the dispatch of "Eye Witness" on 6th April the announcement was made that prisoners had disclosed the intention of the enemy to use poisonous gas?

No, Sir; I did not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a firm named Perfect and Company, of 2, Bank Buildings, St. John Street, West Smithfield, and of Royal Liver Buildings, Liverpool, have been contractors to the War Office in any shape or form, or have been employed on War Office work, or have held contracts for meat or food supply to Territorial or other military camps?

Messrs. Perfect and Company are the War Office agents for supervising the discharge, storage, inspection and distribution of frozen meat for the troops. They are not contractors in any sense, and I am informed by them that they neither hold nor have held any contract for the supply of meat, food, or any other article to Territorial or other military camps, or, indeed, to any other person.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will inform the House why officers in the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and the Gloucester Regiment serving at the front in the 27th Division are only drawing English rate of pay while other officers in the division are drawing Indian rate of pay?

Neither battalion of these regiments was in India on the outbreak of War, and none of the officers are therefore entitled to draw Indian rates while serving with the Expeditionary Force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that smaller engineers throughout the country, and especially in the West of Scotland, are suffering from unemployment in the face of the outcry for greater output of munitions of war; whether he is aware that this arises from the fact that his Department refuse to put these firms on their war list, notwithstanding that they have frequently done work by sub-contract for his Department and are known so to have done, and further from the fact that the War Office dislikes doing business with small firms; and whether he will take any action to remedy this?

In so far as there has been any reluctance to give direct contracts to the smaller firms, it has been due to considerations of efficiency and economy. Special measures are now being taken to organise more completely the whole manufacturing capacity of the country, and if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any firm capable and willing to do work for this Department, I shall be glad to see that they receive full consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, considering the danger of putting loaded rifles in the hands of young and untrained recruits, he will consider the question of prohibiting untrained men from being posted on guard duties with loaded rifles, and arrange that in future, when trained and experienced soldiers are not locally available, National Reservists shall be called in for such duties?

It is, of course, necessary, as the hon. and gallant Member will realise, that guards should be armed. It is not customary to employ untrained men on such duties, and National Reservists are now employed to the fullest extent that the number available permits.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman know that it often happens when drafts have been sent out from Reserve regiments that there are not trained troops left; does he consider the danger there is in taking up untrained men and putting loaded rifles in their hands, with probable consequent casualties?

It is, of course, realised that that would be a great danger, but it is avoided, I think, in nearly every case.

Not in the cases I have heard of.

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give me specific details of any cases that he has in his mind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the present moment there are persons employed in and around the dock and riverside refrigerators in the inspection of supplies for His Majesty's troops who are neither certificated meat inspectors nor have they had any training as practical butchers; and whether, in view of what occurred at the White City, he will have the matter inquired into and remedied?

I am informed that all persons employed in the inspection of meat for His Majesty's troops are practical men with lifelong experience of the meat trade, and the results obtained show that the inspection is efficiently performed in all respects.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has seen that an extended drought has prevailed in New South Wales, especially in the Riverina district; and, as poor and perished sheep have recently arrived in London from Australia, will he say what steps the Government propose to take to prevent meat works in New South Wales delivering to them poor class sheep, short of flesh, and charging for them the scheduled price for good quality mutton?

I accept my hon. Friend's intimation as to the occurrence of a drought in New South Wales, and can assure him that there is every reason to believe that the present system of inspection will effectually prevent the acceptance of meat of poor quality for War Department requirements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that 4½d. per lb. is to be paid by the Imperial Government for wethers and 4d. for ewes in New Zealand, and 4⅛L and 3⅞d., respectively, for wethers and ewes in New South Wales; whether he is aware that ordinarily at Smithfield there is about 6d. to 8d. per stone difference between the sheep of these two Colonies; whether the figure for New South Wales mutton is in any way connected with the recent combine formed between the firms of Borthwick and Sons, John Cooke and Company, and the Angliss Proprietary. Limited, referred to in the Australian Meat Commission Report; and whether it was upon the advice of Mr. Gordon Campbell or Lord Whitburgh that the above prices were settled?

The prices of meat purchased in New Zealand and in New South Wales on behalf of His Majesty's Government were fixed by the Governments of New Zealand and New South Wales respectively. The second part of my hon. Friend's question is, I think, disposed of by the fact that the New South Wales Government were invested with full powers under an Act of the New South Wales Parliament to take control of the meat supplies of the State, and to fix prices. So far as I am aware, no advice of any kind was asked of either of the two gentlemen mentioned in the third part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War on what principle the War Office acts in deciding what pension or compensation soldiers shall receive, who are discharged from the Army as the result of mental injury sustained whilst serving with the Colours; whether consideration is given to their inability to support themselves, their inability to support their family, the extra expense of their maintenance by their friends, and the stigma attaching to them in seeking employment if they are fortunate enough to recover; and whether he will make a full statement on this matter before the Mental Treatment Bill is proceeded with?

The amount of pension depends on the degree of disability, and no doubt these cases will generally come into the class of the totally incapacitated. The rates of pension are shown in para- graphs 15–18 of the First Report of the Select Committee. There is power to apply the pension for the benefit of a soldier who cannot manage his own affairs.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can now state whether, on every fuse manufactured in this country, a royalty of 1s. is paid by the Government under a German patent for the benefit of Messrs. Krupp, of Essen; if so, whether this money is paid to the Public Trustee by the British armament firms for the account of Messrs. Krupp; and whether he can state the amount of money due to Messrs. Krupp after the expenditure of ammunition at Neuve Chapelle and Ypres?

The Government agreement regarding the payment of royalty at 1s. 3d. in respect of Krupp's British patent expired on 16th July, 1914, and no royalty has been paid by the Government on any fuses passed into the Service subsequent to that date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the London Irish Rifles were raised in the year 1859; and whether, in the event of casualties occurring, the battalion will in future be referred to as the London Irish Regiment and not as the London Regiment?

I regret—I might say I greatly regret—that, in answering a supplementary question put to me on the 28th April, I should have misstated the position of the London Irish Rifles. The Noble Lord is quite right. The London Irish Rifles have a long period of gallant service and there is now a battalion at the front. I can assure him that, in the event of casualties, the words "London Irish Rifles" will appear in the Press announcements. Indeed, I am informed that, in the case of those casualties which have already occurred, the announcement has not been limited to the words "18th Battalion London Regiment."

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the other day, when it was officially mentioned that an Irish Regiment was in a gallant charge, the name of the regiment was not given?

It has not been the custom when an announcement is made to name every regiment. When all behave so gallantly it has not always been considered desirable to single out any individual.

Is the light hon. Gentleman also aware that the first Volunteer who won the Victoria Cross in the South African War was a rifleman of the London Irish?

I was not aware of that fact, but if it is as the hon. Gentleman says, it is only in accordance with what one would expect.

asked if Slatin Pasha has joined the Austrian Army; if so, whether he is still on the Soudan Army List and has received leave of absence; and whether he is drawing any emoluments for his office in the Soudan?

According to the information in the possession of the War Office, Slatin Pasha is not serving in or with the Austrian Army. I cannot say what his technical status as regards the Soudan Army may be at the moment, but he is not, so far as I am aware, drawing any emoluments from Soudanese Funds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private B. T. Clay, serving in the 1/4th Battalion Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment, Territorial Force, in India, has been refused proficiency pay, on the ground that his previous service was in the Royal Navy, while, had this service been in the Regular Army, Royal Marines, or Territorial Force, Private Clay would have been in all respects eligible for such pay; whether the same decision has been given in the case of Private G. Mace, serving in the supernumerary companies attached to the 2/5th Queen's, for the same reason; and whether he will take steps to rectify this state of affairs, arising under the wording of Army Order 96 of 1915?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject last Wednesday to the Noble Lord the hon. Member for Portsmouth, a copy of which I will send to him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers in the Territorial Force are excluded from obtaining increments of pay similar to those given to officers in the Regular Army; that a major in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Force, although having ten years' service in the ranks, receives 23s. 6d. a day, and must render three years' embodied service before being entitled to draw 26s.; and will he consider the advisability of removing what is regarded to be an injustice throughout the Territorial Force, and grant increments of pay to alt ranks in respect of combined service rendered before and after embodiment?

As I have already explained in answer to previous questions on this subject, service in the Territorial Force before embodiment cannot be regarded as equivalent to continuous service in the Regulars, but the position of Territoral Force Royal Army Medical Corps officers with regard to pay and promotion is now receiving consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when me shall know the result of that consideration?

Very soon, I hope.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what precisely is the practice of the War Office in continuing payments to the dependants of soldiers who have been killed; and what is done in cases where the twenty-six weeks expire before the new body to be set up to deal with pensions is approved?

The normal practice is to continue the allowance for twenty-six weeks from the date upon which the casualty is notified to the dependant. Pending the formation of the new body, a further continuance of the allowance, within the limits of widow's pension, is being granted.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what will happen in the matter of difference between the pension and the allowance, and will they have the difference?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to state what new arrangements are to obtain with regard to fuel and light allowances, etc., in the case of soldiers who are billeted?

I hope to be able to make a statement on this very soon.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how soon? He said that when last he was asked, some considerable time before.

I said "soon" before.

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended to introduce a Bill to give effect to the recommendations of the Select Committee on Naval and Military Pensions and Grants with reference to the reconstitution of the Royal Patriotic Corporation and the assignment to a statutory committee of that corporation of certain duties in regard to military and naval pensions and allowances; and when the House will have an opportunity of considering this matter?

A Bill will be introduced, but, as has already been promised, before its introduction an opportunity will be given for the discussion of the Report of the Select Committee. I am unable yet to name a day.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will reconsider the decision to refuse a dependant's allowance to a woman whose husband has died since the War, and who now becomes dependent upon a son who did not support her before but who would be able to do so if he had not enlisted, and who now makes an allotment in her favour?

These cases are excluded by the decision of the Select Committee, which I cannot undertake to alter, but they might properly be relieved from voluntary sources, or through the new statutory body.

Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that in a case like this if the man had shirked his duty he would have been living at home and supporting his mother, and because he has done his duty, and in spite of his giving the full allotment out of his pay, his mother is practically being left in destitution?

I think that may be so, but there are agencies which might deal with such cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Prince of Wales' Relief Fund refuses to assist cases of this kind?

I am not aware of that, but I am afraid that in any case I cannot undertake to go beyond the recommendation of the Select Committee.

Is it the policy of the Government to take advantage of that man's patriotism?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the Royal Field Artillery special reserve of officers, there is rank senior to captain; and will he state what promotions have been made in the above of captains, first and second lieutenants, since August last?

Under a recent decision promotion can be made to the rank of major, and this will give a considerable amount of additional promotion in the lower ranks. I am informed that three second lieutenants have been promoted to be lieutenants and three lieutenants to be captains in the period mentioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a general feeling prevails in the Universities and Public Schools Brigade that men are being stopped applying for commissions on the ground of short service in the brigade; and can he say, if satisfactory evidence can be produced of previous service in another regiment, whether that service will overcome the difficulty, provided the usual references are satisfactory?

I do not think there can be any feeling such as the hon. Member mentions, as the instructions recently issued regarding the qualifications of candidates for appointment to temporary commissions contained no reference to length of service. The General Officer Commanding the 118th Brigade is empowered to recommend all candidates serving under his command whom he considers in every way suitable for promotion to commissioned rank.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to statements made at Hull by Major-General Bowles, C.B., War Office Inspector of Recruiting, to the effect that in going about the country he has heard suggestions as to compulsory service; that he had reported these suggestions to the War Office and been told not to make any further refer-once to compulsion; will he say whether the statements are made with the knowledge and consent of the Secretary of State for War; and, if not, on whose authority?

I am informed that Major-General Bowles, C.B., stated that, though he had heard suggestions as to compulsory service when going about the country, it would save the time of the meeting if the attention of those present were confined to the question of obtaining recruits under existing conditions. He added that the War Office was not then considering the question of compulsion, and that reference, therefore, need not be made to the subject during the discussion. Major-General Bowles' duties are to assist in raising recruits, and he has no concern with questions of recruiting policy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the statements about which I have put this question have appeared in almost every paper throughout the country; and can he say whether all those reports are wrong?

I think what I have stated is the accurate version of what did happen.

Is it not a fact that instructions have been given to the authorities in the borough of Walsall to create classes for girls in order to take the places of men who will soon be wanted?

That does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) whether tenders were issued for the contract now held by Messrs. Dickeson for the supply of groceries, etc., to certain Yeomanry regiments in this country in respect of the daily 4d. allowance; (2) how many Yeomanry regiments in this country are now being exclusively supplied with groceries, etc., by Messrs. Dickeson in respect of the daily 4d. allowance; and (3) what is the length of contract between Messrs. Dickeson and each of the Yeomanry regiments now being supplied by them in this country in respect of the daily 4d. allowance?

I am afraid that it is impossible to furnish this information without calling for reports from the commanding officers of all the Yeomanry regiments in the country, and in view of the great pressure on the Department I hope that the hon. Member will not press his request. Under the rules for the management of regimental institutes, the commanding officer is responsible for making canteen contracts and for watching over the interests of his men in this respect.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Messrs. Dickeson allow any reduction in their prices for bulk in their contracts with various Yeomanry regiments in this country in respect of the daily 4d. allow ance?

Yes, Sir, contractors have to allow 10 per cent. rebate in respect of all purchases through the regimental institutes.

asked whether, under their contracts with various Yeomanry regiments in this country Messrs. Dickeson are obliged to supply green stuffs; and whether they have done so from the commencement of those contracts?

Under the King's Regulations the commanding officer arranges for the supply of vegetables and green stuffs through the regimental institute.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that complaints have been made of the butter and potatoes supplied by Messrs. Dickeson to various Yeomanry regiments in this country in respect of the daily 4d. allowance; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Complaints have been received from one Yeomanry regiment as to the price of certain articles supplied by Messrs. Dickeson, and the matter is now receiving attention.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention was called on 19th March to the following cases of wages paid by Messrs. Vickers, of Erith, to women employed on making belts for the Government, namely: rate of wage 9s. per week, worked 83½ hours, Sunday counting double time, and received 15s.; worked 69 hours and received 13s. 3½d.; worked 69 hours and received 11s. 1¼d.; whether further detailed information was supplied to the Director of Army Contracts on 13th April; and, if so, whether he can state what action has been taken in the matter, and when the answer of the Department will be made?

Inquiry has been made, but the firm are unable to trace the cases cited by my hon. Friend. Perhaps he will be good enough to communicate with me further on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that the War Office have decided to pay the firm of Borthwick and Sons a slight advance in price on their contract (1st July to 30th September) to supply beef to the troops; whether, in ordinary markets, there is a difference of 2d. per pound or more between home-killed beef and the frozen imported article; and whether he will explain how the average prices of home-killed beef during August and September justified such an advance being paid?

As I have already stated in reply to a previous question, the advance in price allowed to Messrs. Borthwick and Sons was in respect of the quantities supplied in excess of their contract liability. The advance was based on the market prices of frozen beef in the two months referred to, and had no relation to the price of home-killed beef.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an early opportunity for the discussion of the Motion with reference to the legitimation of children by the subsequent marriage of their parents, standing in the name of the hon. Member for the Tradeston Division of Glasgow?

This is a part of a larger question into which the Government are making inquiries, but I cannot at present undertake to give a day for its discussion.

asked the Prime Minister who is responsible for the recruiting poster exhibited in the recruiting office, Gallowgate, Glasgow, which refers to England?

Inquiries have been made, but no trace can be found of any poster referring to England, except the well-known poster "Remember Scarborough!"

Will my right hon. Friend say whether it has been taken away?

asked the Prime Minister why the Government do not condemn and take over, under the provisions of the Prize Court, the merchant vessels at present interned belonging to Germany?

The merchant vessels referred to have already been dealt with in the Prize Court They have not been condemned as prize, but ordered to be detained under the provisions of The Hague Convention No. VI. of 1907. There would be no advantage in a change in the status of these vessels, as all of them capable of being utilised are now in use.

Is there not a shortage in carrying power on the water of merchandise which has run up the freight rates and the price of provisions, and may I ask whether these ships could not be utilised?

That does not arise out of this question. I say that all ships capable of being utilised are now in use.

Are the Germans to have the benefit of The Hague Convention whenever it suits their purpose, and are they to be allowed to disregard it when they choose?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Home-produced beef has advanced 33 per cent., Home-produced mutton 27 per cent., pork 18 per cent., chilled hinds of beef 59 per cent., chilled fores 81 per cent., frozen hinds 50 per cent., frozen fores 75 per cent., frozen mutton 50 per cent., etc.; and whether he will appoint a small Committee to inquire into the cause of the increased price of meat, and place upon that Committee a retail butcher and a working-class representative connected with the meat trade?

I am informed that, in general, the figures stated represent approximately the changes in the wholesale prices of meat in London, as compared with those quoted twelve months ago. I am not disposed to think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of the Committee suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister on what date were Messrs. J. P. Morgan and Company appointed by the Government their sole agents in the United States For Admiralty and War Office requirements: on whose recommendation was this appointment made; whether Messrs. Morgan are paid by commission and, if so, at what rate; and if he can state how much commission has been paid or is due to Messrs. Morgan up to date?

The appointment was made by the Government, after full consideration, on 15th January, 1015. I must refer the hon. Member for the rest of the question to the written answer given by the Financial Secretary to the War Office to the hon. Member for South Devon, which is given in the OFFICIAL REPORT of 15th March.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that that answer does not disclose what rate of commission is paid to Messrs. Morgan; will he also state whether the Government at the present time are reconsidering the terms of their appointment, and, if so, will he see that in future Messrs. Morgan are not allowed to buy at one price and sell at another?

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether this country is not under many and unspeakable obligations to this firm?

The Government have no reason to doubt the value of the services which Messrs. Morgan have rendered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an Advisory Committee consisting of the High Commissioner of New Zealand, the Agent-General for Queensland, and certain capitalist meat importers has been appointed to assist the Government in the disposal of the surplus meat imports from Australia and New Zealand; whether, in view of the ruin and disaster caused to hundreds of small frozen meat butchers by the artificially high prices of frozen meat prevailing since August last, he will appoint to this Committee a practical retail frozen meat butcher; and, as the working classes consume practically the whole of this meat, will he also appoint a working class meat trade representative so that the consumers' interests may be studied in the deliberations of the Committee?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the Government have requisitioned the whole of the meat supplies from Australia and New Zealand, and it is proposed to put upon the market for the use of the civilian population those parts of the supplies which are not needed for the use of the armies. With a view to preventing any undue increase in the price of meat such as might arise from the shortage of supplies, the High Commissioner of New Zealand, the Agent-General for Queensland, and Sir Montague Nelson have been asked to consult together and to report as to the manner in which the surplus meat should be put upon the market, and as to the conditions, if any, which should be attached to its sale. These three gentlemen have already made their report, and their recommendations are at present under consideration. The expert, knowledge which they have been good enough to place at the service of my Department has been of much advantage to the national interests. I can assure my hon. Friend that I fully share his anxiety in the interests of consumers and their needs have throughout had my close attention.

Will the report be published?

I do not think it will be necessary to publish it. I hope that administrative action will follow.

If the national interests have been served by New Zealand taking this step, why do not the Government do something here instead of doing nothing?

Nothing could be more inaccurate than for my hon. Friend to say that the Government have done nothing. We have been acting throughout with the New Zealand and Australian Governments.

I mean with regard to regulating prices in this country'?

asked the President of the Hoard of Trade whether he has entered, or proposes to enter, into communication with the corporations of Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and other large cities, as to the accumulation of stocks of coal in these cities, as he has done in the case of the London County Council?

The recommendation of the Retail Coal Prices Committee as to the accumulation by local authorities of stocks of coal related only to London, and I have not communicated with the local authorities of the cities mentioned by my hon. Friend. Those places are situated much nearer the coalfields than London is, and their difficulties as regards coal supply for domestic purposes would appear to be less acute.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the price of coal went up as high in Edinburgh as it did in London, although the coalfields were only three miles distant?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Coal Owners' Association for the Midland counties' of England have decided to recommend to the coal owners of the district that the price of coal for home consumption should be restricted, while the Scottish coal owners are demanding from home consumers the top price that they can obtain for shipment; and whether, in the event of the Scottish coal owners not agreeing to restrict their prices, he will take steps at once to regulate the price of coal in Scotland in order to relieve the severe burden laid upon the poorer classes of consumers?

I have received a resolution passed by the gas coal producers of the Midland area which is no doubt that to which my hon. Friend refers. The whole question of the coal supply and coal prices is receiving the most careful consideration, but I cannot at present add anything to the reply which I gave to the questions asked by my hon. Friend and other hon. Members on Wednesday last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any steps will be taken at an early moment to prevent the exploitation of the poorer classes of the consumer by the coal merchants of this country?

Action will not be unduly delayed.

Has not the Government been considering this question for three months, and has it not by the appointment of the Committee baulked the question?

Already on two or three recommendations of the Committee the Government have taken action.

They have done nothing.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are in possession of evidence that signalling by lights is still going on from the East Coast; and, if so, whether more stringent measures will be carried out against those who may be suspected of sympathising with our enemies both in regard to places of residence and entry into this country?

Reports of supposed cases of signalling continue to come in, and to receive, the attention of the responsible authorities. It is not advisable to publish details regarding either the evidence in possession of the Government or the steps being taken in the matter. The necessary measures will continue to be taken under the Defence of the Realm I Regulations as regards suspects.

asked the Prime Minister whether the attack on the Dardanelles has developed a new and serious situation; whether the ships, munitions of war, and officers and men of both Services have been diverted to the Dardanelles; and whether, seeing that the Government have informed the public that every man, gun, and munition that can possibly be provided are required for the campaign in Flanders, and in order to allay anxiety with regard to the strain upon our resources for the new campaign in the Dardanelles, he will make a statement on the subject?

The Noble Lord will agree that it is not advisable to deal with this matter by question and answer. A general statement at the present, time would be premature.

asked whether Lord Fisher was consulted with regard to the March attack on the Dardanelles by the Fleet; and whether he expressed the opinion that the attack ought not to be, made in the circumstances in which it was made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, statements of the kind to which the question calls attention have been widely made in the Press of this country, and that they have been copied in the Press, of Germany and equally commented upon, and, as their only effect could be to encourage the enemy of this country, are there no means by which the authors of them can be brought to book?

I do not think that we ought to attach too much importance to these statements, but if there is any question of that kind it should not be addressed to the Admiralty, but to the Home Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not himself who is struck at in these charges, but that they are really directed at Lord Fisher, and ought not a great public servant of that kind to be protected?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of making provision for preventing the exclusion from the forthcoming Parliamentary register of voters the names of those householders who, owing to absence on war service or through circumstances arising out of the War, are in arrear with their rates?

The suggestion in being carefully considered.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, at the Licensing Court held at Lochgilphead on 20th April, a renewal of the licence for the Crinan Hotel was granted to Adolf Grunewald, a German alien who is not allowed to reside in the proscribed district in which the hotel is situated, and who can therefore take no personal part in the management?

I am informed that this licence holder is not an alien, having been naturalised in 1907; that a renewal was granted in the absence of any complaint as to the conduct of the business; and that the actual management is conducted by the licence-holder's wife, who is a Scotswoman with long experience in such matters.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform me why this man is not allowed, being a naturalised British subject, to reside inside the proscribed area?

That is a question which ought to be addressed to the naval authorities.

asked the hon. Member for the Saffron Walden Division, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if a petition was received two months ago from the labourers of the lighting and cleaning department of the Houses of Parliament asking for an advance of wages; and if, in view of the fact that no increase of wages has been given to these men since 1896 and of the increase in the cost of living and the general practice of other employers in giving war bonuses and wages advances owing to the cost of living, the Office of Works will make immediate and substantial additions to the wages of the men in question?

The petition referred to was received. It is from men who are employed through contractors and not direct by the Office of Works, and the rate of wages paid accordingly depends on the rate ordinarily paid in the trade in the district. As at present advised the First Commissioner is not aware of any recent outside increase which would bring the case under the Fair-Wages Resolution. The grading of this class of labour has presented difficulties in the past and is now being considered by a Committee which it is understood may recommend certain increases although not on grounds connected with the War.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can now consider the petition the subordinate officials of the Metropolitan Police Courts have had before him since February, 1914, for an increase in salary to cope with the increase in prices of food, such petition being strongly supported by the Metropolitan magistrates; whether anything has yet been done in the matter, more parti- cularly as the Metropolitan Police as a whole have had their pay increased on two occasions during the same period; whether he will consider the desirability of increasing the commencing salary of 26s. 10d. per week for these permanent officials under the Home, Office in London, who may have a wife and family to provide for and a home to keep up, especially in view of the fact that several of these men are serving, their King and Country, having been called to the Colours for the War; and whether, seeing that these officials were informed that the consideration of their petition was postponed until the coming into operation of the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act, 1914, which, after being postponed for some months, came into full operation on the 1st April, 1915, he is now prepared to take any action in the matter?

The petition is now under consideration, and I hope to come to a decision very shortly.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the recent decision in the King's Bench Divisional Court that, as licensed premises cease to be licensed after closing hours, a lodger cannot be charged with an offence if found intoxicated on the premises after the time of closing; whether his attention has also been called to a judgment given the other day to the effect-that, it is an offence for a landlord to serve a friend with drink on licensed premises after closing hours, notwithstanding that the friend had come to pay an ordinary visit; and will he take steps to have the-Licensing Law amended so as to deal with such cases?

I have seen a report of the first case mentioned, but I find that the Court, far from holding that licensed premises ceased to be licensed premises after closing hours, definitely stated that that view was wrong. I have not been able to find the second case, but it does not appear to be necessarily in conflict with the first. The Court in the first case indicated its view that the law should be strengthened, and that the enactment as to drunkenness on licensed premises, should apply to a lodger. I have noted this, but I fear that the present is not an opportune time for legislation on the point.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether a firm named Perfect and Company, of 2, Bank Buildings, St. John Street, West Smith-field, and of Royal Liver Buildings, Liverpool, have been contractors to the Admiralty in any shape or form, or have held contracts for meat or food supply for the Admiralty?

So far as can be traced the firm in question have not held any contracts for meat or food supplies from the Admiralty. I understand that the firm act as War Office agents for supervising the discharge, storage, inspection, and distribution of frozen meat for the troops, and they may therefore have performed somewhat similar services for the Admiralty, in view of the arrangements to which I alluded in my reply to my hon. Friend on Thursday last, under which the requirements of frozen meat for the Army and Navy are provided for jointly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether samples of the goods wanted by his Department are systematically sent to Irish centres to facilitate Irish manufacturers tendering for contracts; and to what places in Ireland such samples are sent?

In addition to sending small samples to each firm invited to tender, larger samples of certain goods are systematically sent to the Belfast Chamber of Commerce to facilitate other Irish manufacturers tendering for the contracts. The samples are sent annually, and sometimes oftener, but are not always sent when purchases recur at short intervals. The goods referred to are as follows: Coal bag and sack cloth, threads, twines, scene painting canvas, damask table linen, linen duck cloth, and linen goods. The following articles were also exhibited at Londonderry and Dublin last autumn in connection with purchases of warm clothing for the Fleet: Socks, stockings, jerseys, comforters, woollen drawers, and gloves. In addition to the foregoing the principal orders placed with Irish firms are for ships and boats, electric fans, paints, clothing, fresh meat, bread and vegetables, flour, pork, timber, and cordage, but in none of these cases is it necessary to send patterns for exhibition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these lists, both for Ireland and Scotland, are up to date, or whether they refer to the past century?

I can assure my hon. Friend that all the Admiralty lists are up-to-date.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Rear-Admiral Bacon has been recently appointed to an important naval post on the South Coast of England; whether this officer has now been some years on the retired list; whether he left the Service for a position of profit as a director of the Coventry Ordnance Works; whether he has succeeded a distinguished officer on the active list; what is the reason for his selection in preference to other available officers of equal rank on the active list; and whether his appointment involves the hoisting of his flag?

The answer to the first, second, third, fourth, and sixth parts of the question is "Yes "; and to the fifth, "because of his distinguished abilities and the requirements of the Service."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the-supersession of Admiral Hood is causing great dissatisfaction in the Navy?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the feeling in the Navy in regard to the matter?

No, Sir; I think that I am fully acquainted with all the circumstances connected with the appointment of Admiral Bacon.

Is it not a fact that Admiral Bacon gave up a very large salary with Messrs. Cammell, Laird and Co. to take up this appointment at a very much reduced salary, and are we not indebted to him for the 15-inch field gun?

Yes, Sir.

asked in what respects the treatment of German submarine prisoners taken since 18th February differs from the treatment of other prisoners of war?

I have nothing to add to the full statement made to the House on the 27th April on this subject.

asked how many British vessels were sunk by German submarines in waters other than the North Sea during each week of April?

The number of British vessels sunk by German submarines in waters other than the North Sea, during April, was:—

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he has considered the advisability of granting rewards to the officers and crew of the steamship "Aguila," sunk by Submarine U28 in the St. George's Channel on 27th March, in view of the exceptional coolness and gallantry displayed by them, and of the fact that rewards have been granted in similar cases where no such heavy casualties had been incurred?

It has been decided to award a gold watch and a letter on vellum expressing the appreciation of the Board of Admiralty to the captain, and a gold watch to the first officer of the "Aguila." The chief engineer, unfortunately, lost his life. I do not know whether he left a widow, but if so she will be allowed to receive the gold watch which would have been awarded to him.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a petition from the lighthouse keepers asking for a rise in wages to cover the increased cost of living; and what steps he is proposing to take in the matter?

Representations have been made to the Board of Trade by the General Lighthouse authorities in this matter, and are receiving careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he is aware that in certain districts of Ulster where bleaching, finishing, and dyeing industries are established the firms concerned are faced with the prospect of closing down, thereby causing unemployment and distress among; the workers owing to the decision of the English railway companies or those controlling them to only carry small parcels of cotton goods from Manchester on two; days in each week; and if he will take action to secure that facilities will be granted to ensure carriage from Man-Chester of so much stuffs as will keep the works in employment?

I am forwarding to the hon. and learned Member a copy of a letter from the Railway Executive Committee, in which they explain that owing to the exceptional quantity of Government; traffic passing to Belfast it is necessary to restrict other traffic from time to time. The importance of the cotton traffic is fully recognised, and it is slated that the best; possible service under the circumstances is being given to it.

Might I ask the right hon. Gentleman, considering that the livelihood of so many workers depend upon this, to see that additional facilities are given so that the works are not closed down?

The widest facilities will be given, consistent, of course, with the services which must be rendered by the railway companies to the Admiralty and the War Office.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise what a serious thing it is to have the whole of an industrial population thrust into unemployment?

We fully recognise it.

Then why will you not do something?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state what were the total exports of steam coal from this country to neutral countries in Europe in the months of January, February, and March, this year?

The total exports of steam coal to neutral countries in Europe were: in January, 1,129,000 tons; in February, 1,287,000 tons; and in March, 1,559,000 tons.

Have the Government taken any steps to husband the coal resources of this country?

I cannot make any statement at the present time, but it is a question of more than industrial importance that we should not cut short the supply of coal.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he has considered the effect of the Registrar for Scotland's decision insisting upon friendly societies paying sickness benefit to wounded members on such societies; whether he has considered the effect on the non-approved sections of friendly societies of this decision in regard to members who are wounded and ill but who are still members of the Army; whether the Emergency Act applies to non-approved sections of friendly societies; and, if so, in what particulars?

I regret that I cannot trace the decision to which my hon. Friend refers. If he will be good enough to furnish me with the name of the society or branch to which it related, I will make inquiries and send him a full reply.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is in a position to name the arbitrators to whom the question of paying a war bonus to postal workers is to be submitted; and what classes of postal servants will be affected by these proceedings?