asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any international, precautionary, or preventive measures are being taken, or instructions issued, against the danger of plague, cholera, or other rapidly spreading disease arising from the War; and, if not, whether the most competent medical advice on the subject will be obtained and made public at the earliest possible date?

Discussions are in progress between French and British experts as to the measures to be taken for the prevention of epidemics, and the civil population will receive ample warning and advice should any danger arise.

asked whether all persons holding the rank of Consul-General and Consul shall in future be British-born subjects, and foreign-born Consular officials shall in future be restricted in number as far as possible, and strictly confined to unpaid officers of the rank of Vice-Consul and Consular Agent?

Foreign-born Consular officers are already restricted in number as far as possible. The other suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend requires careful consideration and will be borne in mind.

May I ask whether Consuls-General and Consuls will be limited to British-born subjects?

I should not like to make any statement on the point at the present time, but the question is being considered and the suggestion will be carefully borne in mind?

Might not some use be made of a large class in the country, the commercial travellers, who are acquainted with the handling of business, as there is a general feeling among a large number of people that more use of commercial men could be made than is at present availed of for these public positions?

The hon. Member is not asking a question, but only giving his own opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the official list of Consular officers permitted to trade of 1st July, 1914, Mr. L. Bachmann is described as of German nationality; and, if so, will he say on what date he became a naturalised British subject of French origin, as officially stated?

In a list printed for departmental use Mr. Bachmann's nationality was erroneously stated to be German. He is of French origin and is now a naturalised British subject. The date of his certificate of British nationality is 25th February, 1904.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the total meat-carrying capacity of British-owned steamers engaged under normal conditions in the Argentine frozen meat trade; how much of this tonnage has been acquired for the storage of frozen meat by our Allies in France and for our troops else where; whether a large proportion of the remaining tonnage is under charter to the American Beef Trust; and whether the Government will see that sufficient tonnage is reserved for purposes of home supply should the necessity arise?

It would not be in accordance with the national interests to state what is the total meat-carrying capacity of British owned steamers engaged under normal conditions in the Argentine frozen meat trade, or what proportion of these vessels is engaged in the conveyance of meat for the Allied Forces. As my hon. Friend is aware, under the Order in Council of 29th April, 1915, all the insulated spaces in British vessels normally trading between the Argentine Republic or the Republic of Uruguay and the United Kingdom have been requisitioned for the use of His Majesty, except the vessels of one company, which are subject to long-term contracts with the meat companies of the River Plate for the conveyance of meat to the United Kingdom. Thus I am able to assure my hon. Friend that, either under requisition or under charter, the whole of the available tonnage is being utilised to the fullest advantage, and that the measures which have been taken will effectively prevent the diversion of vessels from the trade between the River Plate and the United Kingdom or France.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the advisability of utilising German ships laid up in the harbours of this country?

That has been considered, but I should like notice of the question. It is being done, I know, in some cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state the present price of frozen meat in Argentina; whether he can state the price which the American Beef Trust have charged our French Allies on the Continent for recent supplies of frozen meat; and, in view of the prices now being charged by frozen meat importers in this country, he can see his way to permit the importation of live cattle from abroad for slaughter at the wharf, so as to protect from too early slaughter immature animals in the British Isles?

In order to secure economy it has been agreed by the French Government that the British Government should purchase on behalf of both Governments. Prices are, therefore, on the same basis for both, but I do not think that it is in the national interest that I should publish them. I have no official knowledge of the prices paid by the French Government for their supplies under contracts made before this agreement was entered into. With regard to the last part of this question I understand that the matter is engaging the attention of my Noble Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether it is the policy of the Board to discourage the killing of young stock; and whether, in order to preserve an adequate supply of store cattle for the coming winter, the killing of calves and eating of veal are being discouraged?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for the Bassetlaw Division of Nottingham in reply to a somewhat similar question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the notice issued by the Board of Trade drawing attention to the importance of restricting the consumption of meat with a view to economising the national supplies and avoiding an excessive increase in price, he will consider the desirability of immediately taking steps to put an end to the wastage of meat and bread at all the military camps all over the country?

All possible steps have been taken already to prevent wastage of food at military camps and barracks. Instructors in catering have been appointed and schools for the training of cooks established in each command. From the 22nd of last month the scale of rations was modified in order to make further provision for varying the soldier's dietary. Under this arrangement the ration issuable in kind was reduced and cash allowance correspondingly increased—the bread ration being reduced by a ¼ lb. With this modified ration and generally improved messing system wastage of the soldier's food should in future be reduced to the minimum.

asked how many women have now been registered under the war work scheme of the Government; and how many of these have had work allotted to them?

The total number of women who have signified their willingness to be placed on the War Service Register up to the 4th June was 78,946. The total number of those whose services it has been possible hitherto to make use of is 1,816. It should, however, be borne in mind:—

(1) That numbers of the applicants on the War Service Register placed their names also on the ordinary Labour Exchange registers.

(2) That in filling vacancies the supply of suitable labour on the ordinary register is first exhausted before the resources of the War Service Register are drawn upon.

In this connection it may be noted that the placings from the ordinary Labour Exchange registers for the four weeks ended 14th May of this year amounted to 26,159, as compared with 18,757 for the corresponding month of last year—an increase of 39 per cent. I should also like to point out that the main object with which the special War Register was compiled was to ascertain what reserve labour would be available if required to meet emergencies which might arise in the future, rather than to recruit labour for existing vacancies generally. Special steps are, however, about to be taken with a view bringing to the notice of employers the large reserves of women's labour which have been discovered, and the possibility of obtaining therefrom substitutes for men whom they may able to release for service with the Colours.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that forms a sufficient explanation why exceptionally qualified women who were invited to register, and have registered for many, many weeks, have been unable to obtain any employment?

If the hon. Gentleman refers to the last part of my answer, he will see that the attention of employers is to be drawn to that fact as early as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the men of the coastguard service were debarred from the increase of pay granted to the Navy in 1912; and if, having regard to the increase in the cost of living which has since taken place, the pay of these men will be augmented?

As I recently stated, this question has received close attention from time to time, but it has been decided that, taking all the conditions of service into consideration, no general alteration in the pay of the coastguard was justified.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the cost of food has increased more than 50 per cent., and that these coatsguardsmen's wives and families have nothing provided for them but the barest necessaries of life?

The cost of food has increased, but I should doubt very much the accuracy of the latter part of the hon. Baronet's statement. Compared with the men in the Fleet, the work of these men is not over arduous, and they get an allowance of 1s. 4d. a day.

Why are they not deserving of the same consideration as other classes in the Service?

You cannot argue at Question Time.

asked when the contracts with the six medical men who are receiving £5,000 a year from the Admiralty expire; and whether, having regard to the fact that equally eminent doctors are serving with the Army at the front for the ordinary pay of Royal Army Medical Corps officers, he will determine the Admiralty contracts at the earliest possible moment?

The question is receiving consideration. I hope a statement may be made shortly.

asked whether he is yet in a position to make any statement in regard to the requirements of the Royal Navy as regards recruiting, particularly in regard to the number of men the Navy now needs?

Ample provision has been made in the current Estimates, and the hon. Member may rest assured that no difficulty has been experienced, and none is expected, in meeting the large requirements due to the expansion of the Fleet.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been directed to the fact that ten out of twelve of the men in this country aged thirty-nine to forty are married, and that most of them have children; and if he will, in view of the undesirability of accentuating social difficulties and of creating enormous liabilities for the State, consider the restoration of thirty-eight as the maximum age for recruits?

asked whether the Cabinet authorised and approved Lord Kitchener's appeal to enlist married men of forty years of age with families, and whether the Government will take steps to discourage for the time being the enlistment of married men, seeing that the Government have obtained and are obtaining more men than they can arm and equip; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails among many of the troops owing to their having been for many months without rifles or equipment; and whether the Government will now consider the desirability of registering only the names of young men willing to enlist till such time as the necessary equipment can be provided for their use?

The extension of the age limit was intended to widen, and has had the effect of widening, the field for recruiting, and to give to eligible men, hitherto debarred, an opportunity to serve their country. It is not in the public interest to indicate the extent of the provision which has been made for arming and equipping the new troops. Any delay or arrears there may have been in this matter are being made good, and all who offer are wanted.

Is that a reply to my question?

Yes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there are many miners withdrawn from their work in Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Derbyshire nine months ago who have not yet got rifles?

I have said it is not desirable to go into details. Whatever arrears there are are now being made up.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been directed to the official recruiting advertisement headed, "To the Young Women of London," which begins with the words, "Is your best boy in khaki?" and to another advertisement which, without regard to the circumstances of women, some of whom are widows with an only son, asks them to tell their male relations to "Go"; and if he will at once institute a strict supervision of these advertisements by some person of taste and discretion who will have regard to the kind of language and appeal which ought to be permitted to appear in such official announcements?

My attention has been called by my hon. Friend's question to the poster mentioned. The psychology of the public, particularly in reference to the efficacy of advertisements, is a peculiar and recondite study, and those whose experience is widest will agree that unusual methods sometimes have to be adopted, but even those who have no such experience will know that appeals for recruits must necessarily be addressed to meet the most varied tastes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is consonant with the dignity of the greatest Empire in the world that this kind of advertisement should be placarded opposite the War Office and on public buildings throughout the country?

As I have said, appeals had to be made to all kinds of tastes, and that would account for this particular poster.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of the prosecutions in Ireland for alleged interference with recruiting, if he will say what action has been taken, or will be taken, with reference to the "No Conscription Fellowship," founded in this country and described by itself as an organisation of men likely to be called upon to undertake military service in the event of conscription who will refuse, from conscientious motives, to bear arms?

This matter is under consideration.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state what progress has been made with the Inquiry into the destruction of the "Lusitania" and the death of over 1,500 non-combatants on board; and when may the House expect to receive the official Report in regard thereto?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Good progress has been made with the preliminary work in connection with the Inquiry, which will open on Tuesday next. I cannot say when the Wreck Commissioner will make his Report. The date naturally depends upon the time occupied in conducting the Inquiry and in the preparation of the Report.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the growing feeling that the Board of Trade inquiry into the loss of the "Lusitania" should be postponed until after the War as the coroner's jury has already delivered its verdict, and the further information to be elicited by the proposed Inquiry must, owing to the War, be of a private nature and taken in camera, and if the Prime Minister can see his way to have the Inquiry postponed?

I think the decision that there should be an investigation into the circumstances of the loss of the "Lusitania," and that the facts should be placed on record has met with general approval, and I see no reason why the Inquiry, which has been fixed to open on Tuesday next, should be postponed or abandoned. The fact that it may be necessary to take in camera certain evidence which it is not desirable in the public interest to publish, does not affect the utility of the Inquiry—which could hardly be satisfactorily held if postponed until the end of the War.

Is it not the case that the Admiralty has all the information at its disposal which can be brought out at the Inquiry, and that to bring it out publicly or with closed doors would prejudice naval operations and could in no circumstances be beneficial?

I must adhere to the answer I have already given. I have carefully considered it.

asked whether officers of the Royal Naval Reserve who join the Service as midshipmen have to serve twenty-one years before receiving the Royal Naval Reserve decoration, whereas officers joining as sub-lieutenants receive the decoration after fifteen years' service; and whether he can see his way to give the decoration to all Royal Naval Reserve officers after serving fifteen years, by allowing the years of service as midshipman to count equally with six years as a sub-lieutenant?

Officers of the Royal Naval Reserve are eligible for the decoration provided that, inter alia, they have fifteen years' commissioned service on the active list of the Royal Naval Reserve. Time served as midshipman does not count towards the fifteen years, and I am unable to recommend the alteration suggested.

asked whether he can now give details of the scheme of separation allowances for the wives and families of warrant officers and Royal Marine gunners?

The allowance will be at the following rates, subject to a minimum allotment of 20s. a week in the case of wives:—

Wife	8s. a week.
First child	4s. a week.
Second child	3s. a week.
Third child	2s. a week.
Fourth and subsequent children	1s. a week.
Motherless children	5s. a week.

Allowances to dependants will be governed by the same conditions generally as existing dependants' allowances. Payment will date from the 15th April in the case of wives who are now in receipt of allotments of at least 20s. a week, and forms of application will be sent to them immediately without any action being required on their part. Where the qualifying allotment is not now in force but is declared without delay, payment will also be made from the 15th April; otherwise it will be made only from the date on which the allotment becomes operative. In each case a form of application will be issued as soon as the allotment declaration is received at the Admiralty. In the case of dependants, application must be made for the allowance by the warrant officer on a form obtainable on board ship, but where the warrant officer is serving abroad application may be made by the dependant on a form obtainable at any post office.

In view of the fact that the allowances are made according to rank, should not the wives' allowances in these cases be 10s. and not 8s.?

No. We have taken all relevant matters into consideration.

asked whether, in view of the fact that grants have been made to sub-lieutenants, assistant paymasters, and lieutenants in the Royal Navy, and that certain conces sions have been made to the parents or guardians of midshipmen, he can see his way to make an increase of 1s a day to the pay of commissioned warrant officers, warrant officers, and lieutenants promoted from warrant officers, seeing that up to the present time no grant has been made to these officers?

I regret I am unable to see my way to recommend the adoption of the proposal of the hon. Member. I would remind him that the recent grant of separation allowance in the case of warrant officers is, in itself, a very considerable concession.

In view of the fact that the allowance is 8s. and not 10s., does not the right hon. Gentleman think that 1s. a day would be a very proper increase to make?

The hon. Gentleman knows that this 8s. is a new allowance, and he must not compare it with the 10s. not previously existing.

asked whether George Frederick Plowright (M. 5979) entered the Navy on 20th May, 1913, served successively in the "Impregnable," "Talbot," and "Vivid," was discharged on 6th January, 1915, through mental breakdown caused by the strain of active service, and has received the sum of £2 3s. 11d. in full compensation; whether he is still incapacitated; whether he would have received a suitable pension had he been invalided out of the Army; and why there should be this difference in practice between the two Services?

Plowright was invalided for neurasthenia, which the medical reports state to be not attributable to the Service. On the assumption that this report is correct, the sum paid to him is the full amount allowable, under the Regulations, in respect of his service, which amounted to 1 year 232 days only. The suggestion now made that his disability was directly due to the Service is quite new, and inquiry will be made. If this statement can be substantiated, he will be granted compensation in accordance with the scale laid down by the Select Committee of this House. There is practically no difference in principle in the treatment given to men whether invalided from the Navy or the Army.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the fixed scale of pensions in the Navy?

The scale was very little for a long time. It will be more as from the 1st of March, upon the recommendations of the Select Committee, when we receive the Treasury sanction. The total disablement allowance is 25s. a week, with a small addition for rank and badges, and 2s. 6d. per child; 10s. 6d. for the loss of an eye or a limb; and for the rest, such a sum as together with that which the men would be capable of earning would bring the total up to 25s., plus small additions for rank and badges and possible allowances to children not to exceed 2s. 6d. each where granted.

asked whether he has received a petition from the employés of the Works Department at Dartmouth asking for an increase in wages owing to the increased cost of living, and that they might participate in the war bonus; why such petition was refused, having regard to the fact that civil employés at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, received a bonus on the 26th May, dated back to the 28th March last; and why the particular employés in the Works Department have been treated differently to other Government servants?

A petition to participate in the war bonus was received from Works Department employés at Dartmouth. The pay of these men is governed by the rates paid to similar labour in the district, and consequently they are not considered entitled to the war bonus. As regards the application for an increase of wages owing to the increased cost of living, if the local rates of wages are modified due consideration will be given to such modification in considering the wages of the men employed in the Works Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is necessary for a private in a Territorial battalion, serving in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, to sign personally the form A.F.O. 1838 before the case of his mother's allowance as a dependant can be considered?

Claims for such allowances depend upon the soldier's willingness to allot and should be made by him. If a man has left this country before making a claim for his mother, an application from her will be considered if made before 30th June; but payment cannot be made without reference to him.

Could not a temporary arrangement be made where evidence can be produced, for instance, by letter, that a soldier is willing to make the contribution?

We do everything we can to meet the case.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that certain persons in this country, formerly German subjects, hold certificates of denationalisation which they had obtained before the War owing to their desire to sever their connection with Germany; will he state how persons holding such certificates are regarded; and whether they free the holders from liability to internment?

I am aware that certificates of the nature indicated by my hon. Friend are possessed by many persons, but such a certificate cannot be regarded (especially in the case of persons who have not been naturalised here) as in itself conclusive proof that the holder is not to be regarded in English law as an alien enemy.

Does this allow them to have a better chance of leaving the country for America, as I understand several of them desire to do?

Every case is considered on its merits.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain friendly and neutral aliens in this country having lost their positions or means of livelihood owing to the War, have applied for permission to remove themselves and their families to the United States or other countries in which they have good prospects but have yet been refused permission to go; and whether he will reconsider this policy, which is resulting in persons who are willing to leave these shores continuing to be an economic burden to the community?

I think there must be some misunderstanding. Aliens of friendly and neutral nationality do not require and therefore have not been refused permission from me to leave this country for the United States of America or other non-European countries.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a case where a young woman at Leeds was kept at work for over twenty-four hours, and when proceedings were taken under the Factory Acts the stipendiary magistrate dismissed the case; and whether any attempts are being made to prevent the working of men, women, and children for such periods as are obviously detrimental to health?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a recent case in which Messrs. Greenwood and Batley, Limited, a firm of Leeds engineers, engaged in the manufacture of cartridges and other munitions of war, were summoned for allowing girls to work slightly longer hours than are permissible under the Factory Acts; whether, at the first hearing, the Leeds stipendiary dismissed the case as being one of a trifling character; whether the case was brought on a second time under the instructions of the then Home Secretary; whether he is aware that it appeared on the hearing that the amount of overtime worked was trifling in amount and was necessitated by a breakdown of machinery in one department, and that unless such overtime had been worked all the other departments would have for the time being been brought to a standstill, to the great public detriment, and that the magistrate eventually dismissed the summons under the Probation Act; and whether the Home Office will in future take account of the special circumstances of each case and will abstain from directing prosecutions of this character unless a serious question is involved?

It is fully recognised that there are cases in which substantial relaxation of the regulations, enforced in time of peace, is called for in time of war, especially when Government work is being done. Exemption orders relaxing rules as to hours and other matters are granted on application in all proper cases, and thousands of such exemptions have been given. The hon. and learned Member for York has, however, been very seriously misinformed as to the facts of this particular case. It was not one of slight overtime, as suggested in the question. Women and young persons had been worked through the whole of Friday and Friday night up to mid-day on Saturday—a period of thirty hours on end, and were brought in again, also illegally, on Sunday and worked from six in the morning to five in the evening. Such hours not only inflict great hardship on the workers, but as my predecessor pointed out, in reply to a question on this case on the 27th April, they diminish the efficiency of the workers, and so far from assisting are detrimental to the national interests. The proceedings were taken only after the fullest inquiry and consideration, and after consultation with the War Office, who concurred in the prosecution.

Will the hon. Member bring these facts to the notice of the new Minister of Munitions, so that provision may be taken that no such evils will recur?

It is a matter for the Home Office, and we will look after it.

Might I ask if the summons was eventually dismissed?

Yes, Sir; we cannot help it if the magistrates make a mistake.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to statements made in the Central Criminal Court on the 12th May, in the trial of one Edmund Sauer, that there were many hotels in London which still employed German waiters, and the Recorder's remarks that it seemed a very alarming thing that a foreign waiters' club should be allowed to exist in Wardour Street in the heart of London; and what steps he has taken in order to dissolve the institution?

I saw a newspaper report of the remarks made by the Recorder at this trial, and have consulted the Commissioner of Police in the matter. He informs me that the club in question is the London branch of the Union Ganymede, an International Association of Hotel and Restaurant Employés, that the secretary is a natural born British subject, and that the club is well conducted and has been of great assistance to the police since the outbreak of war.

asked the Home Secretary how many alien enemies have been interned and how many repatriated, in pursuance of the policy announced in this House on 13th May?

asked whether any steps are being taken and, if so, what steps, for the internment of alien enemies of military age, either naturalised or un-naturalised, many of whom are still at large and trading in the City of London and elsewhere?

asked what progress has been made with the segregation and internment of alien enemies and the repatriation of those above military age; and how many alien enemies are still at large in the Metropolis and in the prohibited coastal areas?

The Prime Minister announced that, as soon as the naval and military authorities provided the necessary accommodation, alien enemies who are adult males of military age would be interned, subject to exemption in special cases being recommended by advisory bodies of a judicial character which it was proposed to set up. Men over military age, and also women and children were, in suitable cases, to be repatriated. Immediate steps were taken for internment as rapidly as the accommodation provided by the military authorities permits, and this process is continuing. Repatriation is being carried forward concurrently. Down to the 5th June last, 3,339 additional males have been interned, and 2,274 additional persons have been repatriated, making a total of 5,613. Since then the total has risen to over 6,000, but I cannot give a precise figure later than 5th June. The additional number interned completely fills all the accommodation the military authorities have yet been able to provide, but I am informed by the War Office that this accommodation is being increased with all possible dispatch from week to week.

The figures for alien enemies of military age in the Metropolitan area are, in round figures, as follows: Germans, 9,000; Austro-Hungarians, 4,000. All enemy aliens resident in the City have been interned. In one case an Austrian has been for special cause released. Others trading in the City, but resident elsewhere in the Metropolitan area, are included in the figures for the Metropolitan area. I stated on 3rd June the appointment and the composition of the Advisory Body. It has already held a number of sittings, and is now at work. A separate Advisory Body has been appointed for Scotland. I am informed that the Advisory Body has already considered 1,309 applications for exemption: exemption has been granted in 159 of these cases, and has been definitely declined in 657 cases. In the remaining cases they have called for further information. No alien enemies of any age or either sex are permitted to be at large in any prohibited area save in exceptional cases decided upon after consultation with the military authorities. These exceptions amount in the coastal areas referred to to 592 men, 2,134 women. As regards suspected persons who are not alien enemies, the House is aware that existing powers did not wholly cover such cases, and I stated yesterday that an Order in Council to cover such cases was being obtained. Under this Order in Council it will be possible, subject to proper safeguards and where the defence of the realm requires it, to deal with this class of case.

Might I ask whether those figures do not indicate that it would take about seven months to complete the internment of the number of aliens we know of, and whether the Home Office could not take steps on their own account, without the War Office, to get some adequate means of internment?

I do not think the figures indicate that; it depends upon the rapidity with which additional accommodaton can be provided, and I have every hope that it will be provided at an increasingly rapid rate.

May I ask whether the proceedings of the Advisory Body are open either to the Press or to the public or to the friends of the alien enemies themselves?

The hon. Member should give notice of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will communicate with the Secretary of State for War with the object of taking over the encampment for 40,000 troops which has been erected in Kummel Park, Abergele, near Rhyl, North Wales, so that immediate accommodation can be found for the aliens still at large?

I will draw my Noble Friend's attention to this suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has given permission for six German alien enemies, prisoners who have been interned, to be released for the purpose of working at Thorne Colliery; whether any cash guarantee has been given to the Government by the colliery company employing these Germans as a guarantee of their fidelity to this country; and whether Lord Kitchener sanctioned these men being so employed?

I know nothing of this. If the hon. Baronet will give me privately the names of the men to whom he refers, I will make inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are interned as alien enemies young men of friendly disposition towards the cause of the Allies, that some of these speak imperfect or no German, have non-German names, and are ready to enlist in the British Army; and whether advantage will be taken of such cases, after due inquiry and possibly guarantees from respectable persons, to increase the number of fighting men?

The rule is that aliens are not allowed to enlist in the British Army. This rule applies to all aliens—even those of the Allied nations. The enlistment of alien enemies is therefore not to be comtemplated, and there is nothing, I am glad to say, in the military situation which makes resort to such a questionable expedient worthy of an even momentary consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Continental countries have followed the practice which is suggested in my question?

Of enlisting alien enemies?

Yes.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the shortage of labour for agricultural purposes in certain districts, he will communicate with county councils of districts where German prisoners are interned with the object of making arrangements for employment of prisoners for hay-making and other harvest help?

This matter has been the subject of communication between the War Office and the Board of Agriculture, who are dealing with the question in conjunction with the Board of Trade and the County Farm Labour Committees.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Hotel and Restaurant Employés' Union Ganymede Friendly Society is an approved society under the National Insurance Act; whether this society consists of about 4,000 foreign waiters; whether it is worked as a branch of an institution at Leipsig; and what steps he has taken or proposes to take in connection with the matter?

The society in question was approved under the National Insurance Act in 1912, and is still an approved society. Waiters of any nationality who are resident in the United Kingdom are eligible for membership. The membership, according to the latest return, was 1810, of whom 374 were British subjects or were entitled to be treated as British subjects for the purposes of the National Insurance Acts. I am informed that the institution in Leipzig referred to by the hon. Member has no control over the society, which is under the complete control of its members in the United Kingdom. The hon. Member will be aware that under the Insurance Acts no Exchequer contributions are payable in respect of members of approved societies who are not entitled to be treated as British subjects.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the average delay between the recommendations of the Coal Exports Committee dealing with Scottish exports of coal that licences should be granted and the actual granting of these licences by the War Trade Department; and whether it will be possible to reduce the time that lapses between these two transactions?

As a rule the licences are issued within twenty-four hours. I have not received any complaints of delay.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, with a view to making available the country's intellectual as well as material resources, and at the same time opening a new, suitable, and long-needed sphere of activity for capable women, he has considered the advisability of taking steps to open the two branches of the legal profession to women on duly qualifying; whether he will at an early date take action with this object; and (2) whether, in view of the enactment in Denmark of a new constitutional law giving the parliamentary franchise to women on the same terms as to men and the greater need for such a law in this country at the present time, he will have the introduction of legislation on this subject at an early date considered by the Coalition Government?

These are both highly controversial questions which cannot be dealt with at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how many women serving the country in the manner stated in the first question are now available?

I am afraid I do not know. Such a question would require several days' notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is with his sanction the advocacy of peace is being treated as an offence under the Defence of the Realm Act; and, seeing that the majority of Englishwomen desire the termination of the present waste of human life and that they have no votes in the election of Members of this House, whether he will consent to receive a deputation from them and to give an early opportunity for debating the subject in this House?

So far as I am aware, the advocacy of peace has not been and cannot be treated as an offence under the Act. I believe that the desire that the War may lead to an honourable and lasting peace is shared by all classes without distinction of sex. I do not, therefore, see any sufficient reason for adopting the concluding suggestion in the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of taking a vote of the women on this subject?

If the hon. Member can suggest a means of doing that I will consider it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster stated at Dundee, on the 5th June, that if there is to be criticism on the conduct of the War this should be made in Parliament and that it was a right of Parliament to sit with closed doors, he will say whether, seeing this declaration by his colleague is contrary to his refusal of facilities to Parliament to sit behind closed doors, the right hon. Member for Dundee expressed the views of the Government; and, if so, will he now give an early day to the House for this purpose?

As at present advised, I do not think that any occasion has arisen for the adoption of this suggestion.

Are we to take it that the statement made by the Chancellor of the Duchy was without the authority of the Prime Minister; and may I ask whether, in view of what has just been stated by the right hon. Gentleman, that it is not desirable to raise questions in the House, does he desire that the House of Commons should take no part in discussions about the War which he does not wish the House to take behind closed doors?

My right hon. Friend is in the habit of making speeches without consulting anyone as to what he is going to say. That, I think, is a very good practice, and I hope it will be continued. What he said was hypothetical: that a state of things might arise in which it might be desirable for this House to meet with closed doors. But I do not think that that occasion has yet arisen.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the report of the speech in which the Chancellor definitely stated that if there was to be criticism it ought to be behind closed doors?

My right hon. Friend did not say that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Mansfield has himself supplied the strongest argument against the adoption of this course by saying there is a party in this House who are the friends of the Germans?

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Chancellor of the Duchy stated at Dundee on 5th June that the country was now on the high road to have 3,000,000 men in the service of the Crown as volunteers, he will say why, when the Government persistently refused to give this information to Parliament, the information was given to the constituents of the right hon. Member for Dundee; whether he authorised the Member for Dundee to make this declaration; whether he will now give the House the actual number of men enlisted since the War; and whether he will give an assurance that in no case will the number of men authorised by Parliament be exceeded without first obtaining further authority from Parliament?

I am not aware that my right hon. Friend gave any information to his constituents on this point which was not before the public. The number of men which Parliament has authorised to be maintained for the Army and Navy is 3,250,000. This number will not be exceeded without the authority of Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if gold, in the shape of sovereigns and half-sovereigns, is being sent to France each week for the pay of our Army there; if the recipients receive in exchange the rate ruling in the market or only the sum of 25 francs for a sovereign; and if some more economical plan of paying the troops there will be devised?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The French Government have been good enough to make an arrangement with His Majesty's Government under which French currency is provided for the payment of the troops in France in exchange for sums credited to the French Government in London, and consequently it is not necessary to send gold.

Then the money which is circulated in the North of France must have been taken abroad by soldiers or their friends?

I should assume so, but I have no information on that point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether it is not the case that these sovereigns are being used to a very large extent in exchange for pay warrants?

No, Sir, I am informed that the soldiers are paid in francs and not in sovereigns.

Is the exchange at the rate of twenty-five francs only?

Yes, it is at the rate of twenty-five francs.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of factorial not previously manufacturing munitions of war which have been or are in process of being converted to that use in Great Britain and in Ireland, respectively, with a comparison of the cost of adaptation in the two countries; whether offers have been made on either side with reference to similar adaptation of any of the factories in Ireland thrown idle in consequence of the War; and whether the desire to recruit among the unemployed was the reason for leaving the workers unemployed by not taking over the factories?

The information asked for in the first two parts of the hon. Member's question is not readily available, and I regret that in the present pressure of work the time cannot be spared for its compilation. I may observe that in the case of Ireland a Belfast committee has been in communication with my right hon. Friend, the Minister of Munitions. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that since the commencement of the War certain factories in Ireland have had to close down, on account of their men having gone to the Continent?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state how many men of military age are employed in Woolwich Arsenal upon work which might quite well be done by women?

There are at present employed in the Arsenal, including all departments, approximately 15,000 persons of military age. I do not know how many of these would be passed as fit for active military service. Most of them are employed on work in which they cannot be replaced by women. Most of the remainder could only be replaced, whether by women or by other men, after the latter had had a certain amount of training and experience and the change could only be carried out slowly and at the risk of dislocation of the work.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether cases, which in civilian life are uncertifiable, are being treated as incipiently insane by being placed not under general physicians but under medical officers whose practice as regards experience in nervous disturbance has been limited to their practice in asylums for the insane; if so, whether such uncertifiable patients as have been subjected to lunacy control have no right, while still in the Army, which is comparable to the right possessed by civilians of appeal to a magistrate; and what steps he proposes to take to give soldiers rights equal to those possessed by all civilians?

Uncertifiable cases of nervous disturbance are being treated in the neurological sections of general hospitals, and in addition in two institutions which have been taken over from the Board of Control as military hospitals. In the former they are under the care of selected general physicians and neurologists, in the latter under physicians whose previous experience has been largely that obtained in practice in mental institutions. In all such hospitals the patients have exactly the same rights as a soldier undergoing treatment in a purely military hospital—such as the Herbert Hospital at Woolwich—which existed as such in times of peace.

May I take it now that the soldiers are placed under the control of lunacy doctors, and while under such control have not the right of appeal which ordinary civilians have to a magistrate?

I do not think that is a fair deduction to make from my answer.

But is not this the arrangement, that the doctors under whom soldiers are placed when they break down mentally, although they are lunacy doctors and have at some time been connected with lunacy establishments, have a right to certify and that the soldiers have been put under these doctors without any power of appeal?

I think the statement of my hon. Friend goes a little beyond the information I have given him. It is a fact that these doctors have had previous lunacy experience, but they do not necessarily exercise and are not necessarily vested with the same powers as those with which they are vested during peace time over civilians. In these military cases, as I have said, the patient has the same right as a soldier undergoing treatment in a purely military hospital.

Are greater powers not now exercised without there being any right of appeal?

No, Sir.

May we take that as an assurance that soldiers who break down mentally, temporarily, are not placed in lunatic asylums?

I have already informed the House that strict orders have been given that cases of this kind are not to be treated as incurable, until it is absolutely certain that they are incurable. Every chance is given for the man to be cured.

In the meantime they are not to be placed in an asylum?

No, that is right.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any mental case is certified while under military control?

Mental cases are not certified until it is necessary to discharge them from the Service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the names of the clearing houses to which soldiers of the rank and file when disabled by nerve strain are sent on arrival from the front, and the names of the military hospitals specially adapted for the treatment of un-certifiable cases of mental strain; how many of these border-line cases are at present in each one of these institutions, indicating at the same time for what purpose the institution was used previous to being commandeered; and in how many instances these uncertifiable cases have been put in charge of medical officers now gazetted officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps who, up to the time when the institutions were commandeered, belonged to the asylum service and who still retain that status in addition to their military status?

I am obtaining this information.

asked whether soldiers invalided from the front, or who have temporarily lost their mental balance, are to be maintained out of Imperial funds?

Soldiers who have temporarily lost their mental balance while with the Armies in the field are at present being retained in the Army under treatment, at public expense.

Is it a fact that many soldiers have been put in lunatic asylums in this country?

I think I gave the figure to my hon. Friend last week. It is about seventeen.

There have been some?

By mistake.

Will that mistake be rectified?

Will the men still go on the local rates after they are declared incurable?

I think they go on the local rates, but I am not quite sure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the liability of all Army recruits to inoculation with the virus of infectious disease is withheld from the public in Ireland at the present time; whether inoculation is enforced as part of military discipline on men not previously made aware of that liability; from what diseases the virus is taken; whether from human beings or from beasts; and against what diseases the inoculation is supposed to be effective?

A soldier agrees to vaccination as part of the contract he enters into on enlistment. There is no difference between soldiers enlisted in Ireland and in other parts of the United Kingdom in this respect. I have frequently explained that inoculation against enteric is not compulsory. This is, of course, the case in Ireland equally with the rest of the United Kingdom. As regards the scientific and technical side of the hon. Member's question, I am informed that vaccine lymph is obtained from vesicles of cowpox in calves and that the vaccine used in inoculation against enteric fever is made from the organism of enteric fever grown on an artificial medium and then killed by means of heat.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether members of the Territorial Force, who by signing Army Form E 624 A undertake liability to be transferred to other corps or units, will be liable to forfeit membership or substantive rank in their original corps or unit in the event of such transfer being made?

In the case of Territorial soldiers, the question of retransfer will be dealt with in the spirit of the second proviso in Clause 1 of the Army Transfers Act, 1915, which allows regular soldiers to be retransferred after the conclusion of the present War, if they so desire, to the corps in which they were serving at the time of their transfer. As far as possible a soldier transferred under Army Form E 624 A will be entitled to take on retransfer the rank which he originally held.

Is it not the case that when an officer is transferred, say, to the King's African Rifles, or a non-commissioned officer to the Territorial Force Permanent Staff, they remain seconded from their regiment? Would it not be possible, therefore, in view of the strong sentimental attachment which exists among men in the Territorial Force to their regiment, to reconcile men to this new form by pursuing the same course, so that they may be certain of re-absorption at the end of the War, without losing any seniority?

That is a very technical question. I have told the hon. and gallant Gentleman that it is the intention of the War Office to transfer men back again to the unit from which they were originally transferred.

Without loss of seniority?

Yes, without loss of seniority. That is the intention, and it is hoped it may be possible to carry out that intention.

Could not the right hon. Gentleman go a little further and second men, instead of definitely transferring them, in view of the fact that they are going, not of their own free will, but to meet public convenience?

I shall have to consider that.

asked whether any decision has yet been reached as to the proposed improvement in the position of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) as compared with that of Royal Army Medical Corps officers of the Regular and New Armies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. and gallant Member for West Renfrewshire last Monday, of which I will send him a copy. I hope to be able to make a statement on the subject very soon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when it was decided to make recruiting general for the Public School battalions; whether in some regiments the commanding officer promised the original members of his battalion to obtain commissions for them if they so desired; that this promise has not in all cases been fulfilled, and in other cases only fulfilled on condition that the applicants first procured recruits to take their place in the battalion; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?

The action referred to in the first part of the question was taken at the end of April. I am not aware of any promises which may have been made by the officers commanding these units, nor of the extent to which, if made, they have or have not been fulfilled. I do not think the practice of requiring a soldier to obtain recruits as a condition of a recommendation for commission being given is desirable, and it has been stopped where it has been known to exist.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any final decision has been arrived at upon the matter of rations allowances recently withdrawn from officers serving at the War Office?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an advance of wages has recently been conceded to the clerks employed at the Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock; if so, why the claims for the same consideration made by the writers has been overlooked; and whether he will inquire into the matter with as little delay as possible, with a view to rectify this grievance?

No advance has as yet been given to any person employed on clerical duty in the superintendent's office at Enfield, but the claim of the writers is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the number of officers employed at the War Office who are receiving retired pay in addition to the usual pay of the appointment in which they are employed?

The number of officers referred to is eighty-seven.

Can the right hon. Gentleman kindly explain why these officers receive their retired pay in addition to the pay of their appointment?

As soon as I saw my hon. Friend's question I made a point of looking into it, because I wanted to know myself. I find that the arrangement was made with the concurrence of the Treasury after the South African War. We have already settled that, when a suitable opportunity arises, the whole thing will be reconsidered in the light of our experience in the present War. I think I should tell the House quite frankly that we shall not be in a position to do that for some little time. I very much doubt whether we shall be able to do it before the War is over.

Is there any reason why, if a man has earned his pension, he should be deprived of it if the State further requires his services?

There is no reason whatever why he should be deprived of the pension which he has earned. The whole thing is very complicated, and, as I say, the question will be reconsidered as soon as a suitable opportunity arises.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do away with that complication by giving a definite order that once a man gets a pension he shall not be deprived of it?

He has not been deprived of it. That is why the question is asked.

asked what is the total number of lives lost at sea on British merchant ships since January, 1912; and whether any new Regulations have been issued since the loss of the "Titanic" with regard to the type of lifeboats to be carried on board?

The total number of lives lost at sea and in rivers and harbours from sea-going steam or sailing merchant ships registered in the United Kingdom, by wrecks and shipping casualties of all kinds, between the 1st January, 1912, and the 31st December, 1914, was 4,078. Of this number, 2,509 lost their lives in the steamships "Titanic" and "Empress of Ireland." In January, 1913, the Board made new Rules as to lifeboats and other life-saving appliances, which were amended in certain respects in May, 1914, in order to give effect to the provisions of the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea. I am sending a copy of these Rules, which are now in force, to my hon. Friend.

Has effect been given to the recommendation of the Mersey Commission?

I cannot answer that without notice.

asked what are the types of lifeboat used on His Majesty's ships of war, and of what material they are composed; whether any changes in the types have been made in the last ten years; what is the number of lives lost on His Majesty's ships since the beginning of the War; and how many were saved by lifeboats carried by the ships?

The boats commonly used for life saving are the cutters and whalers, although all the boats carried—steam, motor and pulling boats—would be so used in case of emergency. These are all constructed of wood. I ought to add that in addition to the boats, special life-rafts, floats and buoys are provided which are capable between them of supporting large numbers of men in the water. Further, each man in the Navy is supplied, or is being supplied, with a life-saving appliance, either belt or waistcoat. The total number of officers and men who have lost their lives since the commencement of the War owing to the sinking of His Majesty's ships in which they were serving, including dockyard employés and mercantile ratings, is 6,409. These figures do not include the "Bulwark" and "Princess Irene." Figures are not available in regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, but the number is certainly considerable in respect of the type of boats I have mentioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the shortage of agricultural labour in certain parts of the country, he will consider the possibility of permitting soldiers now training in or near such parts of the country to assist the farmers in getting in the hay and corn harvest, such soldiers being selected by the military authorities from amongst those who are willing to undertake such employment and being paid by the farmers employing them the current rate of wages in the district?

This matter is under immediate consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that men employed at the Maryle-bone branch of the Army Clothing Department are only paid at the rate of 6d. an hour, that no overtime rate is paid, that the working hours are sixty-three per week, and when Sunday is included, as it generally is, the hours are very long, that the lavatory accommodation, considering the number of men employed, is very scanty; and whether he will consider the advisability of bringing the wages more into keeping with the Fair Wages Clause, establishing an overtime rate, especially for Sunday work, and make inquiry into the general conditions prevailing, which are causing a great deal of dissatisfaction amongst the men?

Except as regards the lavatory accommodation my information does not agree with that of the hon. Member. The lavatory accommodation is being extended. The obligation to observe the terms of the Fair-Wages Resolution is fully admitted by the Department.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has this morning had a sight of a letter dated 20th January, 1915, written by the Custodis Company, Limited, stating that this company was an English limited company with British capital and British directors only; whether he has any information that the representative of this company has stated when seeking orders from British firms that not a penny of German capital was invested in this company, nor was any German connected in any way with the same; whether in view of his statement on Tuesday last that the majority of shares in this company were held by Germans, will he, in view of the false statements made by this company, prohibit them from carrying on any further business in this country either with Government Departments, municipal authorities or trading companies?

I have seen the letter from the Custodis Company, Limited, which is referred to, and I am informed that a representative of the company has stated that no German capital is invested in the company and that no German is connected with it in any way. The statement which I made last Tuesday with regard to German shareholding referred to the Alphons Custodis Chimney Construction Company, Limited, and not to the Custodis Company, Limited. I have no information that any shares of Custodis, Limited, are held by German subjects, and I believe that the two directors of that company are British subjects, one of whom is of German origin and was naturalised in the year 1897.

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that this is the same company trading under another name?

No, I am not aware that it is the same company. The shareholding in the Alphons Custodis Chimney Construction Company, Limited, was largely in German hands. The shareholding of Custodis, Limited, is in English hands.

The company to which the hon. Member for Nottingham referred was Custodis, Limited. Is my right hon. Friend aware that that was the company which had a contract in Nottinghamshire to which the hon. Member was referring?

I have no knowledge of the contracts which were held. I think the question asked was with regard to the Alphons Custodis Company. Custodis, Limited, is a different concern.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that all the tenants on the estate of the Marquess of Conyngham who completed their purchase with him direct secured for themselves all game and fishing rights on the river Owenea which flows through the estate; whether he is aware that, while negotiations were proceeding between the landlord and the remaining tenants, similar rights on the same river being the only point in difference between them, the Congested Districts Board intervened on behalf of the landlord by purchasing the remainder of the estate with its appurtenant rights in trust for the tenants; will he state the entire sum paid by the Board for the property, for the rights on the river, and for the rights on the estuary, respectively, and any bonus paid in addition; whether those tenants have been appointed managing trustees of the fishing or have themselves appointed others for that duty; whether they are willing, if conceded their own rights, to co-operate with the Board in fishing and preserving the fish generally; whether he is aware that the disorder resulting from the present attitude of the Board is, by facilitating poachers, destructive of the property of the tenants and of the Board; and whether the Board will reconsider the matter with a view to such an amicable settlement as those tenants would have obtained from the landlord if the Board had not intervened?

I am informed that none of the tenants of the Marquess of Conyngham purchased fishing rights on the Owenea river, and that none of those in the Glenties or Owenea watershed bought their holdings by direct sale. Negotiations did take place between landlord and tenants in the Glenties and Downstrands sections of the estate, but the efforts were abortive for reasons of which I am unaware, and the Congested Districts Board, who were subsequently approached by representatives of both parties, agreed to negotiate for the purchase of these sections. The purchase price of the property is £62,496, Three per Cent. Stock, with a bonus the amount of which has not yet been determined by the Land Commission, but will be calculated in accordance with the First Schedule of the Irish Land Act, 1909. The price for the Owenea Fishery is additional and amounts to £2,276, which sum has not been apportioned as between the estuary and the river. The Board are now in possession of the fishery, which is managed by them and their officials after a scheme to vest it in local trustees on behalf of the riparian tenants was frustrated by some of the latter. I cannot agree with the suggestion contained in the penultimate part of the question, and at the same time I understand that the Board, who are preserving the river to the best of their ability, are quite willing to discuss any reasonable proposal which the riparian tenants may put forward for the transfer of the fishery to them.