asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is willing to lay before Parliament the communication made by the British Ambassador to Greece to M. Venezelos, which is referred to in M. Venezelos' letter to the King of Greece, dated 11th January, 1915, concerning the relations between Great Britain and Greece, and any subsequent communications, if any?

I regret that the present international situation renders it undesirable to lay any isolated document or selection of Papers of the nature suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the supply of khaki serge is now sufficient to permit of the service jackets of the non-commissioned officers and men being made of the same length as the officers' jackets?

The supply of khaki serge would be sufficient for the purpose stated, but there is no present intention of making the jackets of the non-commissioned officers and men the same length as the officers' pattern.

Is it not possible that the much larger percentage of casualties among the officers than among the non-commissioned officers and men may be due to not making the coats of the men the same length as those of the officers?

I should very much doubt whether in trench warfare that would be the case, but now that the hon. and gallant Gentleman has drawn my attention to this probability I will have it investigated.

asked whether orders have been issued to discontinue the supply of English hand-made horseshoes for the use of the Army, and contracts have bean given for American machine-made shoes to replace them; whether the latter are inferior in quality to the. English hand-made shoes and more difficult to fit under conditions prevailing at the front; and whether arrangements will be made for a continuance of the manufacture of English hand-made shoes, especially during next winter?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave on this subject last Thursday to the hon. Member for Devizes, of which I will send to him a copy.

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman will not do something to give employment to British farriers during the present year? Why should they all be thrown out of employment by the giving of these contracts to America?

The hon. Member will see what is the present position. The right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Birmingham (Mr. Chamberlain) made a suggestion, and investigations are being made.

When shall we be able to hear the result of the investigations?

I hope very soon. The matter was taken up immediately.

asked whether, considering that the flat-topped circular khaki cap has proved unsuitable on service, definite orders will now be issued abolishing the wire frame and regulating the new pattern cap with a softer top?

It is not proposed to give orders for the removal of the wire frame from service dress caps in wear at home. But the notice of the military authorities in France has been drawn to the fact that the removal of the wire frame renders the cap less visible, and I understand the frame is very often removed. A new pattern cap, with a soft top, is in course of issue.

Why should not the wire-framed khaki cap be abolished, if a new pattern of soft cap is being issued?

The reason of keeping the wire-framed khaki cap is that it is considered to look more reasonable and smart for home service, but for foreign service a new pattern is being issued.

Would not the naval pattern be suitable for the purpose?

The right hon. Gentleman does not represent the Navy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that no more of these very dangerous caps will be issued for foreign service?

It is quite simple to remove the wire.

Some officers may have removed them on their own initiative, but have instructions been given for the wire to be removed?

The authorities and the men themselves at the front are perfectly alive to the situation, and they can remove the wire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army order ruling that quartermasters of the New Army will receive a gratuity at the close of the War applies also to the quartermasters of the Territorial Forces and, if not, will he say why it is not to be applied to them?

This question is at present under consideration, and I hope to be in a position to announce a decision shortly.

Will the hon. Gentleman inform me when a decision is come to?

Yes.

asked whether the arrangements made by the War Office for tuberculous soldiers apply to soldiers suffering from tuberculosis who are discharged from military hospitals or convalescent homes to make room for the wounded or for other reasons?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary for War why official news concerning the Dardanelles which could be published in Cairo on 4th May could not be published in London the same day?

The official news published in Cairo on 4th May was received in London in the evening of the same day, and was then given to the Press.

asked the Under-Secretary for War for how long 90 per cent. of the Expeditionary Force have been voluntarily inoculated; whether a general order for inoculation of our soldiers in France is in force or has been issued at any time since August; what proportion of those originally sent to-France had been inoculated; and whether hereafter information asked for material to a full knowledge of this subject will be given?

I am not aware that inoculation in France is otherwise than a purely voluntary measure. As regards the percentage of inoculated men in France, this was about 60 per cent. in October last. No statistics of the percentage in successive months are available, but I am glad to say it is gradually rising, as the men become enlightened as to the value of inoculation, and it is hoped that the percentage, which is now 90 per cent.—as I have already stated—will soon be 100 per cent. I am unaware of any information which has been withheld from the House on this or any other subject. On the contrary, I have always supplied the fullest information, consistent with the interests of the Army in the field.

Will the right hon. gentleman kindly inform me whether a general order has, or has not, been issued in France? I have asked this question about three times.

For compulsory inoculation?

Yes; has any general order for compulsory inoculation ever been issued in France?

The answer is in the negative.

asked why the death-rate amongst typhoid patients who have been fully protected with two doses of vaccine is higher than amongst those only partially protected with one dose?

I am unable to express any definite opinion upon this subject at present.

asked whether in all the cases of typhoid in the Expeditionary Force not reported as fatal recoveries had been made at the time of the Return; or, if not, how many cases were still possible fatalities?

I could not say that all cases not reported as fatal at the time the last Report was rendered have recovered beyond the possibility of relapse. My medical advisers state that the prognosis in enteric fever is uncertain, and, in view of this, any statement that could be made as to how many cases are still possible fatalities would hardly provide a sound basis on which my hon. Friend could base any reliable conclusions.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether the hon. Member for the Loughborough Division holds any position, and, if so, what, in connection with the Clothing Department of the War Office?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on 18th February last, in which I stated that the hon. Member for Loughborough was serving on a Committee concerned with the handling and issue of stores at Pimlico.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that the restrictions at present in force against the letting of seaside residences at Crosshaven, county Cork, are causing loss and inconvenience to their owners, who are, in many instances, very poor, and almost solely dependent on the letting of them for a living; whether his attention has been called to the loss to the traders and shopkeepers in the village, and whether he will have these restrictions removed for the summer months?

Owners of permanent residences at Crosshaven and the neighbouring watering places are permitted to occupy them or to sublet them to approved tenants. The prohibition against subletting applies only to certain shanties in close proximity to the forts, and is a necessary precaution on defence grounds. I regret it is not possible to remove the restrictions, but am informed that the loss to traders involved is in the circumstance not likely to be appreciable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state or furnish a Return of the salary and emolument attached to each of the several directors of Departments in the War Office?

Yes, Sir. With the hon. Member's permission I will circulate the Return with the Votes.—[See Written Answers this date.]

May I ask whether, when two important posts are amalgamated, the pay and emoluments are enhanced to an extent commensurate with the increased duties?

The hon. Gentleman had better give notice of that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any machinery has now been provided by which an applicant for a separation allowance can appeal from the decision of the pension officer and the old age pensions committee?

Yes, Sir. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the poster referring to such appeals which was published on 1st March last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is any rule or regulation by which pension sub-committees are to be made aware of the decisions of the Army authorities on the claims submitted to pension committees by dependants of soldiers for separation allowances when the decision of the pension sub-committees is not in agreement with the decision of the pension officers who first report on the claims; and whether, if there be no such rule or regulation, he will see his way to have instructions given to have the decision of the Army authorities or Admiralty authorities made known to the pension sub-committees so that each case may be completed on the registers of claims?

The decision is, of course, made known to the claimant, but no general desire has been shown for its notification to the pension committee as well. It is most desirable to avoid adding to the mass of correspondence already involved in these cases, but if in any particular case the information is asked for, it can be given.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that there are three children of Private John Grout, D Company, 3rd Leinster Regiment, now stationed at Cork, on Poor Law relief in Castlecomar Union; and whether, seeing that these children are without a mother and that the father is prepared to have them leave the work house and have them taken charge of outside the Poor Law, he will see that the allowance of 5s. a week each to which the children are entitled is passed to them and that the grant will date as from the 15th March last, the date on which application was made to the regimental paymaster, Cork, for this allownce?

In the event of the children being removed from the workhouse separation allowance, at the motherless rate will, on the fact being notified to the regimental paymaster, Cork, be issuable to their guardian as from the date of such removal. The allowance is not issuable for any period during which the children were chargeable to the Poor Law authorities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has received a communication from the London local pension committee suggesting that the pension of every old age pensioner should be increased by 1s. a week during the remaining period of the War; and, if so, whether the communication has been considered and with what result?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part of the question, I fear I can add nothing to the reply on this subject which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Tottenham Division on the 20th ultimo.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the purchasing power of the pension paid to pensioners is reduced by about 30 per cent.?

I am afraid that is so, but, unfortunately, if we were to reconstruct all these payments upon that basis it would be a very serious addition to the burdens of the country.

But is it not a serious position for the old age pensioners?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any special arrangements have been made in favour of naval and military officers and men engaged in the War in France, Flanders, the Dardanelles, Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Cameroons, or East or West Africa, to extend the period allowed for making claims for refund of Income Tax deducted at the source from dividends and similar payments, considering the difficulties such persons have in collecting and keeping the dividend vouchers and other documents required to accompany such claims?

Claims of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend may, under the existing law, be preferred at any time within three years of the end of the Income Tax year to which they relate. In these circumstances it does not appear that any special arrangements for extension of time are called for.

May I ask whether, in the case of officers killed or wounded, a further extension of the time at the end of the War will be considered?

The extension is a very liberal one at the present moment—three years—but I am quite prepared to consider the point.

asked the hon. Member for Saffron Walden, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state how many men of military age are being employed in the public parks permanently or temporarily?

Out of a total of 617 men now employed in the Royal Parks 144 men are of military age. Of these about thirty are known to be unfit for service. One hundred and thirty-five men have joined the Colours.

Would it be possible to allow the others to join?

I understand that all unnecessary work is being discouraged. If the hon. Gentleman wants some further information, will he put another question down?

asked the Attorney-General (1) whether he has considered the case of Otto Weitz Grainger, a youth who having repeatedly offered to register under the Aliens Restriction Order, and having been declined registration as not being an alien enemy, was in February prosecuted at Brentford for being an unregistered alien enemy, but was discharged by the magistrates and told not to register, but has since been interned in a camp with alien enemies; and will he say whether any prosecution will be undertaken against him; and (2) whether Otto Weitz Grainger being doubtful of his nationality according to English law, made himself known at the outbreak of war to the police at Ramsgate, then offered to enlist but was refused as an alien; whether on removal to Gloucester he again offered to register with the police, and was registered as an alien friend, and was subsequently prosecuted at Brentford by the police authorities for being an unregistered alien enemy, was there discharged and informed by the magistrates that he should not register; again consulted his solicitor in view of a decision in the Court of Appeal affecting the position of aliens, and was advised not to register but obey the magisterial decision, who has since been arrested presumably as an unregistered alien enemy and interned; whether he is aware that Otto Weitz Grainger was stated by the police conducting the case at Brentford to have had his whereabouts known at Scotland Yard since August, and that he has never gone anywhere without notifying the police; and, if so, why was he not arrested before 10th March; whether he is aware that when requested to discover the birthplace of his father, who has been for years lost to him, he made inquiries which resulted in his producing a marriage certificate in which his father was stated to have been born at Grevenbroich, Germany; whether it is in consequence of this that he is now interned; whether he is aware that Otto Weitz Grainger has only resided a few weeks in Germany since he was born, and is imperfectly acquainted with the German language; and whether, in view of these facts, this youth may now be set at liberty, especially as respectable parties are willing to be guarantee of his good behaviour?

The Attorney-General has asked me to reply to these questions. The young man to whom the questions relate succeeded for some time in the provinces in passing as a Dutch subject. It is not the fact that his whereabouts were known to the Metropolitan Police since August. They got into touch with him at the end of December and he was arrested on the 2nd of January. He was prosecuted for failing to register as an alien enemy, and though the magistrate at Brentford eventually dismissed the charge, further consideration of all the facts, including the marriage certificate which showed that his father was born in Germany, pointed clearly to the conclusion that he was of German nationality—like his mother and sisters who had duly registered themselves as such. He was thereupon arrested and handed over to the military authorities for internment as an alien enemy, and I am advised that no hope of his release can be held out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the mother of this young man has practically disowned him for many years, and only turned up when he inherited money and she wanted to get a share of it?

I have not entered into those matters.

As I know a great deal more about this case than the Home Secretary, may I have a conference with him on the subject?

Certainly.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the circumstances in which Bruno Schmidt-Reder, a major in the German Army, who was released from the prisoners' camp at Dorchester, was permitted to leave the country without an order From the Home Office; and why he was not detained at Folkestone, seeing that the War Office had issued an order for his rearrest?

No, Sir; this German officer did not leave the country without a permit from the Home Office. A permit was duly issued by agreement with the War Office, and there was no reason for detaining him at Folkestone. The War Office did not issue an order for his rearrest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman, when he went back to Germany, said that he got away without an order from the Home Office?

Then I am afraid the gentleman in question did not speak the truth.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will supply the Metropolitan special constables with uniforms suitable for summer wear?

The special constabulary have up to the present performed their duties admirably without being in uniform, and for many reasons it is desirable that their status as an honorary aid to the regular police should be preserved. I may add, moreover, that in view of the urgency of the need for large quantities of clothing for the New Armies, it has been decided, at the request of the Army Council, to postpone the current issue of summer clothing to the regular force.

Did not the Home Office issue overcoats to some of the special constables for use in the winter, and if they did so, why cannot the men have suitable clothing for the summer?

We issued overcoats because it was a special strain upon the clothes of special constables during the winter months. There will be no equal special strain upon them during the summer months.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the possibility of a large extension of the commercial relations between this country and of Russia and the difficulty presented by the almost complete ignorance of the Russian language in this country, he can state what facilities exist for the study of the Russian language; and whether he proposes to take any steps to increase these facilities?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the reply I gave the hon. Member for East Nottingham on the 17th February last. The Board are prepared to pay Grants for the teaching of Russian under their Regulations, but it is for education authorities to take the initiative in establishing classes.

Have these facilities been increased since February last, the date referred in the answer?

The Grants are similar; but I take it that an increase in the Grants would be considered for the teaching of Russian, if there is any demand in the I country for it.

Is it not a fact that the London County Council have made very extensive arrangements in the County of London for this express purpose?

Have not the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge both made adequate arrangements for the teaching of Russian?

Has the right hon. Gentleman reconsidered the question of bringing Russian within the curriculum of the Oriental School of Languages?

It is really a matter for the institution, and the Board of Education has no control over what subjects are taught in that institution.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he proposes to take any steps to secure the development of the Kara Sea route to Siberia?

I have seen some of the gentlemen interested in the enterprises and the matter is engaging attention, but I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before any sanction is given by the Government to the use by His Majesty's military forces of any gas of which the use is, except in retaliation, contrary to the rules of war, he will give an opportunity for a discussion of the subject in this House?

I regret that I cannot promise a day for this discussion.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that in the case of reprisals taken by the Admiralty, there has been forthcoming no defence either from Members of this House or even from Members of the Government, and before further reprisals are taken will the House be taken into consultation?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state whether he will consider the desirability of arranging that every man who has volunteered for the War, and so risks his life in the service of and defence of the country, shall be entitled at the age of twenty-one to a Parliamentary vote during his lifetime, irrespective of other qualifications?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government have yet determined whether they will introduce a Bill to extend the Parliamentary franchise, irrespective of other qualifications, to all men who have served, or who shall during the present War serve, in His Majesty's Navy or Army; and, if not, whether he will give the House an opportunity of discussing the question whether all men who have recognised their duty to the country by serving in His Majesty's naval or military forces during the War ought to be given a voice in the management of the affairs of the country?

In answer to these questions I can only repeat that the whole question of franchise and registration is receiving careful and detailed consideration, and I hope shortly to be in a position to make a statement with regard to it.

Seeing that the matter is under consideration, does the right hon. Gentleman accept the imputation in the latter part of question 45—that only those persons recognise their duty to their country who are engaged in naval and military work?

No, Sir. If there is any such imputation, I repudiate it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman hope to make a statement before the Whitsuntide adjournment?

I will consider that.

asked the Prime Minister when the Government intend to proceed with the Welsh Church (Postponement) Bill?

I regret that I cannot yet make a definite statement as to the date when this will be taken.

asked the Prime Minister whether there has been or is being prepared a scheme (in accordance with the intention expressed by the Secretary of State for War), under which workmen of armament firms coming under Government control shall have a share in the profits of those firms; and, if so, when the scheme will be brought into operation?

asked what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Ministers, in pursuance of the statement of the Secretary of State for War, in reference to the sharing of War profits among employés of armament and other firms?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to these questions. I am unable to make any further statement on this subject.

Does that mean that the Government do not propose to do anything whatever in this matter; and is there no meaning to be attached to the statement of the Secretary of State for War in another place?

Is there nothing going on in the way of arrangements with a view to carrying out what the Secretary of State for War said in another place?

The matter has had a good deal of consideration. It is not a matter in which the Secretary of State for War is able to dictate to private firms.

Did the Secretary of State for War make the statement in another place with the authority of his colleagues?

Are we to understand that the opposition comes from these private, firms, and that they have refused to allow their workers to share in these profits?

No, Sir; my hon. Friend is not to understand that from my reply.

In view of the very unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question on the Motion for the Adjournment.

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether the Medical Research Committee has rendered any assistance in connection, with the War; and, if so, what have been the nature and amount of such assistance?

Yes, Sir. A full Report of the work of the Medical Research Committee since its inception (including its recent work in connection with the War) is already being compiled by the Committee, and will be laid upon the Table in due course. In the meantime a White Paper is being prepared and will be presented in a few days summarising the work specially referred to in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, during the last week of August last, or the first week of September, 60,000 sheep or thereabouts were acquired through or from the firm of W. Weddel and Company for Army or Navy purposes; whether, if so, he will give the brand marks of the same and the names of the ships from which they were delivered; and whether they were goods then lying in store or goods purchased to arrive at a future date?

I am informed that during the last week of August last about 60,000 carcasses of mutton were purchased by Mr. Gordon Campbell, of Weddel and Company, in conjunction with the A.S.C officer deputed to buy meat for the Government. These sheep were not purchased either through or from the firm mentioned, but were bought in London and Liverpool, ex store, on the spot, and not to arrive at a future date. They comprise the following brands:—Sansinena, White Star, Shell, Patagonian, and New Zealand.

ased the President of the Board of Trade if any part of the cargo of the steamship "Ruahine," now discharging, is meat commandeered by the Government under the new Colonial scheme; if so, how much will be required for Government purposes and how much will remain for sale to the civilian population; and whether, in view of the present prices of New Zealand mutton and lamb, he will arrange to market the goods as speedily as possible, and while in good bright condition, and, if possible, to place the same for sale with firms who have not importations of their own in stock which would impede them doing their utmost on the Government's behalf?

The whole of the frozen meat cargo of the "Ruahine" is the property of the Government under the new Colonial scheme and will be placed on the market as soon as the conditions of sale have been settled. I am not certain how far the suggestion at the end of the question is practicable, but it will be borne in mind.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the highest rank in the Navy is that of surgeon-general at a full-pay rate of £1,300 per annum; and, if so, whether this fact was taken into full consideration when the arrangement was made to remunerate consultants for shore duty at the rate of £5,000 per annum?

A surgeon-general of the Navy, when employed at any of our naval hospitals, draws a salary of £1,300 and charge pay at the rate of £182 10s. per annum. He is also in the occupation of a house valued at £70 per annum. All the facts bearing on the question were taken into consideration when deciding the remuneration to be paid to the consultants.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the number of civilian doctors now in the service of the Navy is in excess of the needs of that service; and whether he would sanction the transfer of a limited number of such doctors to the service of the Army?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In these circumstances it would not be possible to adopt the suggestion contained in the second part. As regards the special consultants to whom reference has been made in an earlier question, if a specific request were made for the help of one of them for any particular operation or for any special consultation, it would certainly be acceded to if it were possible; but the daily duty that has to be performed by these gentlemen in naval hospitals would not allow of the utilisation of their services by the Army to a greater extent than this.

asked what is the number of mercantile vessels, yachts, trawlers, and drifters which have been sunk during the War, the names of their captains, and the number of officers and men who have been killed or drowned?

On the assumption that the question does not include commissioned vessels, according to our latest information, the total number of the craft sunk by the operations of the enemy is 201, and the approximate number of lives lost, including passengers, 1,556. The figure includes losses known up to noon this day. I will communicate the names of the masters to the Noble Lord if he so desires.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how many are passengers and how many crew?

I could not say off-hand.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether retired officers of the Navy, including several admirals, have volunteered for patrol work in the North Sea; if so, will he give the number and the ranks of the officers so employed, and the number, if any, who have relinquished their appointments; whether these officers were paid for their duty; and, if so, at what rate?

The answers to the first and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. As regards the second part, retired flag officers, captains, commanders and lieutenant-commanders are employed on this service, but I do not think that it is in the public interest to give information as to their number. With reference to the fourth part, retired flag officers receive, in addition to their retired pay, a bonus of 25 per cent. on such retired pay together with command money and other allowances on the naval scale. Other retired officers receive the full pay and allowances applicable to their rank on the retired list.

Did any of these officers relinquish their commands for the purpose of taking this service?

That I cannot say. There have been some who have ceased to hold their command since the War began.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been called to a notice published in Lerwick with reference to photography, etc.; if such notice is in the usual form; and if such notice includes prohibiting a photographer from carrying on his ordinary business, such as selling films, plates, and other ordinary photographic appliances?

The notice is based on the Defence of the Realm Regulations (No. 19). Under that regulation, the competent naval authority is empowered to permit exceptions to the general regulation, and the case referred to in the question appears to be one which should be dealt with by direct application to the competent naval authority, who should be governed in his action by Regulation No. 1, which states that the ordinary avocations of life and the enjoyment of property will be interfered with as little as may be permitted by the exigencies of the measures required to be taken for securing the public safety and the Defence of the Realm.

asked what is the approximate estimated number and tonnage of British merchant ships now on voyage between neutral ports; and whether the Board or the Admiralty have power to recall ships for the purpose of trade to or from the United Kingdom?

I regret that I am unable to state the number of British merchant ships now on voyage between neutral ports. Neither the Board of Trade nor, so far as I am aware, the Admiralty can compel British ships to engage only in trade with the United Kingdom.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say roughly the percentage?

No, I am afraid I could not.

asked whether officers and men on their way to the front have been hindered from reaching their train by racegoers struggling for places in racing specials; and, if so, what steps the Government propose to take with regard to this state of things?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the complaint made on 1st May by Mr. M. O'Neill that on that date certain officers were delayed in getting to Waterloo en route for Southampton and the front entirely owing to their train being held up for the Hurst Park racing specials; and if he will obtain from the Joint Executive Committee on Railways, and give to the House, an explanation of how it is that racing specials are being run in time of War?

The Railway Executive Committee state that no well-founded complaint has reached them to the effect stated in the Noble Lord's question, and that the delay of the particular train referred to by my hon. Friend was in no way caused by the running of special trains for the races. I understand that the position of the Railway Executive Committee in this matter is that the companies have withdrawn all inducements to travel to race meetings by the issue of cheap tickets, but that, while race meetings are held and persons desiring to travel to them pay the ordinary fares, it is incumbent on the companies to carry them so long as the naval, military, and civil requirements of the Government and of the public are not thereby prejudiced. In their opinion more disorganisation and delay of traffic would frequently be caused by attempting to carry these persons in ordinary trains than by providing separate accommodation in special trains. I can, however, assure the hon. Member that every effort will continue to be made to prevent occurrences of the kind to which the questions relate. I may add that I am in communication with the companies as to the expediency of raising the fares on special trains for races.

asked whether the object of the Government in assisting in the formation of British Dyes, Limited, was to establish a concern to provide dye users generally with dyes on the most reasonable terms possible, or to establish a concern trading with the object of obtaining high prices and making large profits for the benefit of its shareholders, and, if the former was the object, will the Government take steps to see that its intentions are carried out; and whether the Government will make money grants to other and competing concerns or to independent scientific bodies for experiment and research in order to increase the production and reduce the price of aniline dyes?

The objects which the Government have in view in the various steps which they have taken to promote the supply of dyes have been repeatedly explained to this House, and I cannot usefully add to these explanations. The whole question of Government assistance to scientific research for the benefit of British industry is at present receiving careful consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that several other manufacturers, who are also taxpayers, feel aggrieved that their competitors are receiving Government assistance which they cannot get?

The whole question of Government assistance for research in dyes is a matter which is receiving attention.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the sorest point is not the granting of money for research, but the affording facilities for the transfer of raw material to Switzerland and bringing it back?

asked how much the present subscriptions to British Dyes, Limited, exceed the amount of the approved subscriptions on the date when the directors refused to go to allotment, on the ground that the subscriptions were inadequate; what, on the basis of the present subscriptions, is the total available cash working capital of British Dyes, Limited, after making due provision for its known liabilities; and if this present available capital is sufficient to carry out the objects for which the company was formed, as named in its prospectus?

I am unable to give the information desired, but I have no doubt that the directors satisfied themselves as to their ability to carry out the objects of the company before deciding to go to allotment.

Is it not the fact that the Government have got two directors on the board of British Dyes, Limited, and is it not possible that questions which are asked in this House can be adequately answered?

Yes, the two Government directors are Sir Frank Forbes Adam and Sir Gilbert Claughton, but it would be most inconvenient that every detail of the company's management should be answered from here by Ministers. The administration of the company must obviously be conducted in the same way as the administration of other public companies.

Is it not the fact that the great bulk of the capital in this concern at present has been authorised by this House and subscribed by the Government, and is this House not entitled to information on points which affect this very large sum of Government money?

In so far as the security of the money which has been advanced by the Government is concerned, the fullest information will be given to the House. It is not strictly accurate to say that the capital has been provided in exactly the way described by the hon. Gentleman, but I do not wish to press that point.

asked the Solicitor-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that various newspapers give a detailed account of the course followed by enemy airships when making a raid in this country, naming the towns and villages over which they pass; whether the official information shows that these reports are of assistance to the enemy; and, if so, will he take steps to put a stop to the publication of these reports?

My attention has been called to the questions raised. I have no official information as to whether the published reports have been of assistance to the enemy, but it is obvious that such accounts as those mentioned are liable to do much mischief, and steps have been taken to deal with the matter.

asked the Solicitor-General why, considering that a descriptive account of the heroic action of the Canadian troops north of Ypres was recently published, permission was not granted for the publication of similar descriptive accounts regarding the part taken by the other units engaged?

No such accounts as those mentioned have been submitted to the Press Bureau, consequently permission for publication has neither been sought nor refused.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give permission in future? Does he not realise the importance and the necessity of descriptive accounts of the various units engaged?

I have not stopped them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman promise not to stop them in future?

When the hon. and gallant Member submits his descriptive account I will deal with it.

asked the Solicitor-General if his attention has been called to the fact that German letters are now being freely delivered in this country, having been addressed to German agents in Holland and by them forwarded in covering envelopes; if correspondence from Holland is examined by the Censor; and, if not, why this condition of affairs is allowed to continue?

The Press Bureau, for which I am responsible, has nothing to do with the censorship of letters.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will cause arrangements to be made whereby investors in Scotland can obtain Treasury Bills from local bankers instead of being obliged to employ and pay an agent in London, which process involves an unnecessary waste of time and money; whether bills will in future be issued for amounts suitable for small investors and not restricted to amounts of £1,000 and upwards; and whether no subscriptions from investors, large and small, in Scotland are desired in the meantime?

The present arrangements for the issue of Treasury bills are working very satisfactorily, and my right hon. Friend is not disposed to disturb them—at any rate while they are still, as at present, in the experimental stage.

asked the Postmaster-General whether postal communications between London and Lwow (Lemberg) are passing at the present time; whether he is aware that postcards of a purely personal nature for Lwow are returned to the sender marked "Undeliverable"; and whether any special regulations should be observed by those desiring to write to friends in Russia?

Correspondence addressed to Lwow (Lemberg) and other places in Galicia is returned to the senders as undeliverable because the Russian Post Office has announced that it is unable to accept such correspondence at present. Letters from persons in Galicia appear occasionally to be received at present, but they may have been entrusted by the writers to persons returning to Russia; examination of the mails show that there is no regular receipt of correspondence posted in Galicia. I know of no special regulations to be observed by those desiring to write to friends in Russia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any arrangement has been made to increase the total emoluments of Territorial troops serving in India; if it will apply to officers and non-commissioned officers as well as to the men; and what is the nature and extent of the enhancement, if any, and from what date payable?

The Government of India, after careful examination of complaints made, have come to the conclusion that the Territorials are worse off as regards their total emoluments under peace conditions in India than at home under active service conditions. The Secretary of State is consulting the War Office with a view to arranging for payment of a special daily allowance to officers of the junior ranks and to all warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Territorial Force serving in India.

What is meant by the expression "officers of the junior ranks"? Is it to include all lieutenants and captains?

As this matter is under consideration at the present time I do not think I can reply more definitely.

Will special consideration be given to the claims for proficiency pay on the part of the Territorial service, and will you give some relaxation of the present rule, which presses so hard upon the men?

This matter and the other matters are under consideration at the present time. I do not think I can go beyond what I have said.