asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now prepared to advise that all trading between British traders in the United Kingdom and China and German, Austro-Hungarian, or Turkish subjects, and firms commercially domiciled in China should be prohibited?

His Majesty's Government have decided to prohibit trading with persons, of enemy nationality in China and certain other countries, and a Proclamation is about to be issued prohibiting such trade as from a date to be specified.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain eminent bankers are discounting bills from alien enemy firms in foreign Colonies?

I am not aware of that, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will publish all reports received as to the treatment of prisoners in the different places of internment in Germany?

We propose to lay on the Table of the House immediately a White Paper containing a further series of reports by members of the United States Embassy at Berlin on various detention camps in Germany in which British prisoners of war are interned. All reports received subsequent to the reports contained in the forthcoming White Paper will, if the House approves, be published immediately and as they are received, after the consent of the United States Embassy to their publication has been obtained.

"If the House approves." May we take it that, if the House does not show any disapproval, that course will be adopted?

Yes, Sir; that is the intention. Of course, if disapproval is expressed, we shall reconsider the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will say to what extent the Irish Government is co-operating with the effort now being made in this country to increase food production, especially the rate at which the distribution and re-peopling of the evicted ranches have been carried on since the outbreak of the War, as compared with the progress in previous years; how many new parcels have been vested each month since the 1st August, 1914; how much land of this class the Estates Commissioners now hold ready for distribution in time for the autumn tilling; whether they have let such land for terms hampering their freedom of action in this respect; what practical steps they are taking to acquire all such land now for distribution before next autumn, as their contribution to the increase of food production; and, if their powers are inadequate, whether he will move for emergency legislation to enlarge them?

A Committee has been formed, with the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction in Ireland as chairman, to consider what steps can be taken to increase the production of food in that country and the question of making lands now used for grazing more productive must necessarily come before that Committee. The information asked for in the second, third and fourth parts of the hon. Member's question is not available, but I am assured that the Estates Commissioners are using all possible dispatch in the resale of lands purchased by them, and are making it a practice to recommend tillage when circumstances render that course desirable. I do not consider that there is any need to extend the powers of the Commissioners on the lines indicated by the hon. Member.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will give the House the latest account of the number, health, and present treatment of the political prisoners now in Irish prisons and especially of Mr. Sean MacDermott?

I have nothing to add to my reply to the hon. Member of the 17th instant on the subject of the health and treatment of prisoners then in custody on conviction of offences under the Defence of the Realm Acts. The prisoner referred to in the question has received certain privileges on medical grounds. A Return of the numbers actually in prison at a given date can only be given after reference to all the local prisons, for which there has not been time since the hon. Member put down his question.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, having regard to the desirability of increasing the agricultural output of Ireland, especially during the War, advances by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland to farmers for the purchase of fanning implements can be continued as formerly or made under some other regulations?

Owing, among other causes, to the effect of the War on the Department's finances, they have been obliged temporarily to suspend their scheme of loans for the purchase of agricultural implements. So far, however, as the funds at their disposal permit the Department continue to make advances to small holders in the poorer districts of the country who would otherwise be unable to procure implements necessary for the cultivation of their holdings. Unless additional funds are provided specially for the purpose, the Department regret that it will not be possible to extend their present operations.

Out of what fund did the Agricultural Department formerly meet these grants to farmers, and is it out of that fund that the limited grants will be made?

We set aside £80,000, as an endowment fund, for the Department.

asked the Lord Advocate if he will state whether any persons have been prosecuted in Scotland for making statements calculated to prejudice recruiting; and, if so, how many?

One such prosecution has taken place in Scotland in the ordinary Criminal Courts. I cannot, however, say whether any, and, if so, how many such prosecutions may have been instituted by the naval and military authorities.

asked the Attorney-General if he would state how many persons in England and Wales have been prosecuted for making statements calculated to prejudice recruiting?

I have been asked to answer this question on behalf of my right hon. Friend. Since the Attorney-General answered a question on Thursday last on this subject he has tried to obtain the information which the hon. Member desires, but he is informed that to obtain the information required would involve extended inquiry throughout England, amongst the various police and naval and military authorities.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that the group of newspapers controlled by Lord Northcliffe have endeavoured to prejudice recruiting by refusing to publish Lord Kitchener's appeal for 300,000 more men, and that they have described this appeal as a disgraceful one which Lord Kitchener must withdraw; and whether it is proposed to take any proceedings against these papers?

The hon. Member has sent the Attorney-General a copy of an article which appeared in the "Evening News" of the 20th May, and which criticises the appeal made by Lord Kitchener to recruits, mainly on the ground that the military age is raised from thirty-eight to forty years, while a number of younger men have abstained from enlisting. It is not proposed by the Attorney-General to take any proceedings in reference to the article.

Does not the hon. and learned Gentleman consider that the language quoted in the question must be prejudicial to recruiting?

I think it must be assumed that my right hon. Friend, on behalf of whom I am answering this question, has considered that.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the first opportunity.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware, before making any alteration in the answer he has given, that many people in this country, including Members of Parliament, think it is disgraceful to appeal to married men of forty years of age to enlist, when young men have not enlisted and are doing nothing?

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the interest in our methods of recruiting, he will grant a day for the discussion of the subject by the House of Commons?

I cannot promise any special opportunity for this discussion.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Professor Becker has control of the Glasgow Observatory; and whether he has any information as to the nationality of this gentleman?

Dr. Becker, into whose case full inquiry was made last autumn, has been Professor of Astronomy at Glasgow since 1893, and in that capacity has charge of the university observatory. He is of German origin, but was naturalised in 1892.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how often the Advisory Committee for Scotland dealing with the internment and repatriation of alien enemies has sat, and with how many cases it has dealt; and how do these figures compare with the similar Committee's work dealing with England and Wales?

Comparisons would be misleading, as the circumstances are different. Much preparatory work has been done. I am informed that the Committee sits in Edinburgh to-day.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why Scotland is far behind in this matter, seeing that the English Committee have sat fifteen times and have dealt with 2,500 cases?

Scotland is not at all behind in the matter, and in fact is in advance.

Are naturalised British subjects in Scotland who have been removed from military areas without any reason being given to them, entitled to appeal to this Court?

I do not think there is any appeal when the naval and military authorities consider that anyone, whether alien or British subject, should be removed from a district.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received representations from the churches in Scotland with reference to the hardship imposed upon churches and probationers by the withdrawal of week-end fares; and whether he is prepared to allow the old charges to stand?

I have received the representations referred to, but I am afraid that I cannot hold out any hope of the restoration at present of the facilities to which my hon. Friend alludes.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this is a perfectly usual practice in Scotland, and these congregations are scattered all over Scotland, and are depleted on account of the number of men who have joined the Army, including ministers, and this is the only means by which they can receive spiritual service on Sunday, and under those circumstances will he make a point to consider the question?

The matter has been fully considered and with very great sympathy, but there are so many similar requests also deserving great sympathy that it would be impossible to grant this.

Seeing that there are so many cases where hardship is being inflicted by the withdrawal of week-end facilities, would not the best way be to restore the lot?

From that point of view yes, but the first consideration now is the national necessity for the use of the railways.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the facilities to commercial travellers are continued because theirs is a regular profession, and this is the same, only it applies to the Sunday observances in Scotland, and may I ask the hon. Gentleman if it is not in the same class with week-end fares for special camps or anything of that sort?

I think that is all argumentative, and all round the same point.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will approach the railway companies with a suggestion that the widows and children of fallen soldiers should be given free tickets or very cheap tickets to enable them to obtain a seaside or country holiday, which they very much need after the awful strain and suspense they have endured?

I will bring to the notice of the railway companies my hon. Friend's suggestion, but while I sympathise with his object I am afraid that it will not be found to be practicable.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can give any measure of the increased contracts placed in Ireland by the Admiralty since the War began, either by the extent of the increase, the additional hands employed, or the increased amount of money spent there?

I do not doubt that there has been a considerable increase, but to give the exact figures asked for by my hon. Friend would involve an amount of labour which I fear could scarcely be undertaken at the present time. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be interested to read an answer I gave the hon. Member for St. Stephen's Green on 4th May, a copy of which I am sending him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can give any measure of the increased Army contracts placed in Ireland since the War began, either by the extent of the increase, the additional hands employed, or the increased amount of money spent there?

The total value of contracts recorded in the War Office as having been placed with Irish firms since the War began is about £2,110,000. This figure does not include the value of contracts placed locally, except for building works. On the basis of a calculation made in 1912, the annual value of the corresponding contracts placed with Irish firms before the War is estimated at about £134,000. There has, of course, been a very large increase in the value of the contracts placed locally for consumable supplies, etc., but I have no figures as to these. I regret that I have no information as to the additional number of hands employed in Ireland in connection with Army contracts since the War began.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether since the War, Custodis, Limited, have banded a chimney shaft at the Royal Dockyard, Portsmouth; whether this German company were also given orders to repair No. 1 and No. 3 smitheries chimney shafts at the same dockyard; whether this work was given to this firm on day-work rates, and was discontinued owing to this firm sending in false time sheets in connection with the work; whether the Admiralty were aware at the time they gave the order to Custodis, Limited, that this was a German company, and managed by German alien enemies living in London; and whether he will now strike this firm, which falsely purported to be a British firm, off the list of Government contractors?

The works referred to were carried out by the Alphons Custodis Chimney Construction Company, Limited—not Custodis, Limited—under two small lump sum local contracts, amounting together to less than £60. As regards the charge of presenting false time sheets, it appears that on a small item done on day-work rates the time claimed did not agree with the yard record, and on its being pointed out to the firm they accepted the calculation made by the yard officer. These two small contracts were placed locally under a rule which devolves upon the responsible local works officer at the large yards the power to place a contract on his own authority up to the value of £500. The first of the two contracts, amounting to £42 10s., had been placed before the outbreak of hostilities; the second, for £13 7s. 6d., was placed in September. They have received no orders locally since. The firm were known to the Admiralty as a German-American firm, who manufactured in this country the special materials used in their work They had some years ago executed a piece of work under a contract placed from the central office in this locality and also at Portland; but they had received no contract made centrally either since the outbreak of hostilities or for some considerable period before that time. It is not proposed that this firm should receive further contracts from the Admiralty, and instructions have been issued to local officers of works that no local contracts must be placed with them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that old age pensioners are being informed that the acceptance of additional assistance during the War will proportionately reduce their old age pensions; that this applies to soldiers' separation allowances and amounts allocated by soldiers from their wages to their aged parents, and any special allowance made in war bonuses, or from war relief funds to old age pensioners; and will he, in view of the reduced purchasing power of the old age pension in recent years, and especially during the War, give instructions that such small extras as those mentioned shall be ignored in estimating the amount of the pension?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is not the practice to issue instructions or circulars to old age pensioners, and no such instructions as are indicated in the question have been issued to the pension officers. With regard to the measures taken or to be taken in these cases, I cannot usefully add anything to the reply given on Tuesday last, by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to the hon. and learned Member for York, except that separation allowances are included in the classes of temporary increases of means to which he then referred.

Have instructions been given that the separation allowance is to be deducted? If so, when were they given?

No such instructions have been given to the pension officers.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these facts are communicated to the pensions committee. Will he give instructions that the separation allowance is not to be deducted?

I do not think it is necessary as no deduction has been made on account of it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the fact that, owing to some temporary voluntary allowance having been made to these pensioners in certain cases, the amount of their old age pensions has been diminished? Will he issue instructions to the pension officers to prevent such an abuse?

I think, if the hon. Gentleman will look at the answer given by my right hon. Friend on Tuesday last, he will see all the points which he is now raising fully answered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a number of persons have started Post Office Savings Bank deposits in the names of children under circumstances precluding any withdrawal for a term of years; and whether he has considered any proposals by which this form of saving and investment for future years may be converted into War Loan Stock?

If applications are made for withdrawal with a view to investment in War Loan, arrangements will be made to meet the applicants' wishes.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, having regard to the fact that rents have been and are being raised upon the men in His. Majesty's Forces, both at sea and upon land, their wives and widows, he will at once introduce a Bill to fix these rents at the amount payable at the outbreak of the War and, in cases in which the rent was inclusive of rates, to prevent the burden of the rates being cast upon these tenants, and to prevent any steps being taken to determine such tenancies so long as the original rent is paid until after the determination of the War, and further to provide for the repayment to such tenants of any increase of rent or any rates the burden of which has been cast upon them since the outbreak of the War?

Legislation on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend would, I am afraid, prove to be of a controversial character, and I cannot promise to introduce a Bill on the subject.

Is it suggested that it would be controversial to raise this question with regard to our soldiers and sailors serving at the front?

I cannot imagine a more controversial question than that of dealing by legislation with either rent or rates. It would be obviously impossible to confine it to the limited class referred to.

If the Government are fixing maximum prices for labour, can they not fix maximum rents?

Is it not a fact that in Germany no rent is charged to soldiers or sailors?

I cannot say.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the prosecutions of proprietors of private gambling clubs in London and to the recent loss by a Canadian officer of £1,200 at one of them, and to the fines which are imposed on the proprietors; and if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to inflict imprisonment without the option of a fine, at least in such prosecutions as arise during the War?

Imprisonment without the option of a fine may be imposed upon proprietors of gaming houses under the Gaming Act of 1845 and the Gaming House Act, 1854. In a recent case a sentence of four months' imprisonment without option of fine was passed by the London Court of Quarter Sessions and confirmed by the Court of Criminal Appeal. Further legislation does not therefore appear to be necessary. The incident quoted, in which a Canadian was concerned, occurred in 1911.

Is it not the case that the hon. Gentleman has referred to the only case that has occurred where a man was committed without the option of a fine?

That I cannot say.

Is the hon. Gentleman certain that this case arose in 1911? I am instructed that it occurred last week. May I ask, further, whether anything can be done to inflict imprisonment in connection with these scandalous clubs in the West End of London?

These are the facts as advised; but if the hon. Gentleman will let us know of any case, we shall be exceedingly obliged to him.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the military authorities are refusing to give furlough to soldiers of the New Armies and of the Territorial Force for work in the hay harvest on the ground that such soldiers are armed or can be armed; and whether, in view of the shortage of agricultural labour and the desirability of obtaining for the hay harvest the services of soldiers who are experienced in agricultural work, he will take steps to obtain the removal of the above-mentioned restriction?

All soldiers who are unarmed and who are accustomed to farm work will be allowed to go and help in the hay harvest.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the military authorities have made a rule that soldiers who are now armed are not allowed to go on furlough to help the farmers? Is he also aware that in many instances these are the very men who are wanted by the farmers?

That is entirely in accordance with the answer I have just given to the hon. Member.

To whom should these applications be made?

To the military authorities of the district.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a speech made by Major-General Powell, commanding the Ulster Division in Belfast, on 8th June, to the effect that the Ulster Division was still short by 12,480 men to complete the First Division; and whether this statement was authorised?

My attention had not been drawn to this speech, and I have been unable to obtain a copy of it, but if it was made and if it contained the statement of shortage alleged, it was inaccurate, as the Ulster Division is considerably over strength.

May I send my right hon. Friend a copy of the "Ulster Guardian," of the 12th June, in which General Powell's speech is reported. Is he aware that in that speech General Powell is reported to have stated that the War Office had ordered him to raise three reserve battalions, and that the total strength of the Ulster Division at the present time is 17,100 men?

I shall be happy to receive the newspaper to which my hon. Friend refers. If the commander in question made the statement, no doubt it is correct; but that does not show that the Ulster Division is not up to strength.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already 535 officers and 17,200 men, besides the necessary number of Engineers and Artillery, have enlisted in the Ulster Division; that the Division is now fully made up and ready for the front, and that the numbers referred to in the question of the hon. Gentleman only refer to the reserves?

I think all that has been made very plain by the question and answer which has just been given.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many these people promised to raise?

Two hundred and thirty thousand.

I do not know that there was any promise in that respect.

Can my right hon. Friend say how many of these have gone to the front? [An HON. MEMBER: "None."]

Yes, Sir, I can say, and I will tell my hon. Friend—in confidence!

asked the Prime Minister when he will give an opportunity to the House to express an opinion on the question whether payment of Members should be continued?

I am not aware that there is any general desire for this discussion.

Did not the Prime Minister, in reply to a question that I addressed to him on Tuesday, say that the House would have an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the matter? I now ask him, in reply to this further question, to give me an intimation as to when the House will have that opportunity?

No, Sir, I must be guided by the general sense of the House.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now announce a date when the policy of the Government with regard to the registration and subsequent organisation of the national resources will be made?

I hope that a Bill will be introduced by the President of the Local Government Board, under the ten minutes' rule, in the course of next week.

To save valuable time could not the machinery in possession of the Registrar-General be used?

All these things are being carefully considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the War Office, through, the Red Cross Society, to erect a hospital of 120 beds in a field near Englefield Green, Surrey, on Crown property; whether Baron Bruno von Schroeder,. Baron von Laurentz, Messrs. Gunthers, Donners, Schwartz, Nelke, and Baumanns are the promoters of this scheme; if so,, will he say why Heath Lodge, Englefield, a new house recently completed, belonging to Baron von Schroeder, which has accommodation for at least 120 beds, and is equipped with ten bathrooms, should not be used for this purpose, seeing that the baron is living at a large house close by; and whether, seeing that it was only at the request of the Governor of the Bank of England that Baron von Schroeder, a then German alien enemy, was naturalised after the War for financial reasons, he will now ask Baron von Schroeder, seeing that he has not been interned, to hand this new house over to the Government for a hospital?

Her Royal Highness Princess Christian is organising a hospital of 120 beds near Englefield Green. We have no knowledge of the other circumstances mentioned in the question.

Does not my right hon. Friend think that as this larger house of an alien, who was unnaturalised at the time of the War, is available, the country might be saved this money? Cannot we first use this German Jew's money, instead of finding British capital for this hospital?

I do not think that is a proper description of the gentleman in question, who belongs to a quite different faith. I think my hon. Friend should address his question to Her Royal Highness the Princess Christian; she is organising the hospital.

Is it not a fact that Her Royal Highness has a son fighting with the Germans?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that, on the hospital ship "Oxfordshire," from Havre to Southampton, on 19th March, sixty British soldiers, the majority of them from the Black Watch and 6th Gordon Regiments, were taken out of their cots to make room for sixty Germans; that one of the British soldiers so removed subsequently died; and that, in addition, the Germans were supplied with fresh eggs and bread, while the British wounded soldiers had only biscuits; and if in the future he will see that the British soldier when wounded is not subjected to any worse treament than wounded German prisoners?

I am making inquiries. Perhaps my hon. Friend would put the question down again in about a week's time.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the dearth and increased cost of fuel for domestic, business, and public uses, and also of charcoal, why an inquiry has been instituted into the supply of coal only, instead of the supply of fuel; whether he is aware of the extent and present nominal price of the latent sources of efficient fuel for all purposes, and of first-class charcoal, in the peat bogs of the United Kingdom; whether there is any other than the coal interest opposed to the development of these natural resources; and whether he will institute an immediate inquiry into the utilisation of peat by a Committee not connected with coal-owning or with the coal trade?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I have no reason to think that the development of the manufacture and distribution of peat fuel has been in any degree impeded by the action of coal owners. I doubt whether any steps that could be taken would be likely to result in an appreciable addition to our fuel supplies from this source in the near future, and as at present advised I see little advantage in appointing a Committee to consider the problem.

asked the Prime Minister how many open towns and unfortified places in the United Kingdom have been attacked by Germany, and how many civilians have been killed and wounded, respectively, as a result of these operations?

This question has been referred to the Home Office. The reply made on 22nd February last to a question by the hon. Member gave the number of civilians killed and injured in the bombardment of the Hartlepools, Scarborough, and Whitby by hostile warships. The figures were 127 killed and 567 injured.

• Killed, 56, of whom 24 were men (all of them civilians), 21 women, and 11 children.
• Wounded (so far as can be ascertained), 138, of whom 86 were men, 35 women, and 17 children.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to deal with wounds at the front in cases where immediate operation is indicated, motor theatres are in use; if not, whether he can state any objections that have arisen as to their employment; and whether he will cause to be submitted to study, with a view to adoption, the best features of the Belgian system, which has given excellent results?

Motor operating theatres are not in use; they are not considered necessary, as facilities for carrying out operations are available as near the front as is deemed advisable. The Belgian practice in this matter has been duly considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to a discussion in the French Academy of Medicine on the treatment of wounds, in regard to which sharp difference of opinion was shown as to the value of antiseptics in infected wounds; and whether he can state what is the practice in the British Medical Service, both as to infected wounds and uninfected wounds?

The discussion in the French Academy of Medicine on the treatment of wounds has been considered by our consulting surgeons in France, and a report on the result of their experience in the treatment of both infected and non-infected wounds is being prepared for circulation to all military hospitals. The treatment of each wound must depend on many circumstances, but the practice in the British Medical Service is that known as the antiseptic method.

asked whether the mode of treating wounded which is known as the Watson-Cheyne treatment, by means of cresol paste, has given satisfactory results; and, if not, whether its use has been discontinued in the Army service?

The results obtained by the use of cresol paste in the treatment of wounds have not been satisfactory, and its use has been discontinued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the rate of mortality due to abdominal wounds at the Western front; and also the rate in cases of compound fractures in which it has been found necessary to sacrifice the limb?

No, Sir, I am afraid that information is, not available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any case has arisen in which, by reason of all the senior officers having been killed, a battalion has been commanded by a subaltern or temporary captain; and whether, in the case when he has distinguished himself in such command, no promotion has been given to him on account of his having been transferred from a Special Reserve unit of which the senior officers had all remained in England?

It is possible that for short and quite temporary periods battalions at the front have been commanded by subalterns in some instances. This does not in itself entitle an officer to promotion. Special Reserve officers serving in Regular battalions receive promotion, as I have before explained, either through the occurrence of vacancies in their Special Reserve battalions or through their selection for temporary rank in the Regular battalion, in accordance with the new rules.

Will the right hon. Gentleman carefully consider the whole system, with a view to making changes in it?

I have already explained that changes have been made, and that the present system is not only a reasonable, but a proper one.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that senior officers of Special Reserve units are kept in England while the subalterns are sent to the front, the promotion of deserving officers who have distinguished themselves at the front is blocked; and whether he proposes to take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

I do not think there has been a blocking of promotion owing to the causes suggested. For one thing the establishments of the Special Reserve Battalions since the outbreak of war have been increased, and this has accelerated promotion. Captains also go from Special Reserve Battalions to the Expeditionary Force and are eligible for temporary promotion in the battalion they join, in accordance with the new rules. Those who from their position are able to survey the whole field of promotion, assure me that Special Reserve officers have not anything to complain of at present as regards the rate of promotion.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to confer on the mother of the late Lieutenant Warneford, R.N., V.C., a substantial annuity as a mark of the nation's appreciation of his distinguished career and gallant conduct?

The Regulations provide for the award of pensions to the mothers of naval officers who are killed on duty, but the grant of any such pension is subject to the condition that pensions may be awarded only to mothers who are widows in distressed circumstances. In view of the wording and intention of the Regulations, I do not think that any award could be made in this case.

asked whether thefts and misappropriations of Government property have been discovered in some commands recently, costing the public many thousands of pounds; and, if so, what steps have been taken to preclude the possibility of a recurrence of such thefts and misappropriations and to protect the public in future?

I do not know what particular thefts and misappropriations my hon. Friend may have in mind. The steps taken most clearly depend on the circumstances of each case; but he may rest assured that all possible steps are taken to protect the public whenever the necessity is disclosed.

Has there not been a recent inquiry into this matter by a Board of Officers appointed by the War office: what is the result?

There has been an inquiry into every case where there was a suggestion of misappropriation or theft.

Has not there been an inquiry just recently?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question.

asked what is the total pay, with allowances, of a man in the Royal Army Medical Corps holding the temporary rank of lieutenant in the Regular Army and the pay, with allowances, of a man holding a lieutenant's rank in the Royal Army Medical Corps Special Reserve; and what are the reasons for the difference in pay?

The civil surgeon serving under a special contract, with the rank of lieutenant, receives 24s. a day, inclusive of all cash allowances. The Special Reserve officer of lieutenant's rank receives pay and allowances of 17s. at home and 20s. in the field. The latter is serving on an engagement made in advance, at the pay of the Regular officer, as in all other branches of the Special Reserve. The former is engaged on an emergency contract.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that paragraph 675, Allowance Regulations for the Army, provides that in the event of a retired Army officer being recalled to the Regular Forces during a time of national emergency a sum of £100 is granted him in aid of his outfit; that this grant was announced by the Army Council in the various command orders at the time of mobilisation in August last; that this grant has been refused to certain retired medical officers, by order issued some three weeks after mobilisation, when these officers had incurred the expenditure consequent on their rejoining the Regular Forces, on the ground that at the time of mobilisation they were employed under the War Department; that, prior to mobilisation, these retired medical officers were performing for the small remuneration of £150 per annum duties which, if performed by an officer of the same rank on the active service, would cost the State three or four times the amount; that up to recently no obligation as to the provision or maintenance of uniform was imposed on these officers; that the position and remuneration attached thereto was accepted by them on the distinct understanding that no uniform was required; and that when called on by the War Office letter from the Director-General, Army Medical Service, issued in May, 1914, to provide themselves with uniform no allowance whatever was made to them for this expenditure; and will he have instructions issued for the payment of the £100 outfit allowance to these officers?

If the hon. Member will read again the paragraph of Allowance Regulations which he quotes, he will see that it expressly states that it does not apply to officers who are—as these officers were—upon the effective establishment of the Army at the time of re-employment. The letter of May, 1914, warned the officers concerned that under the Regulations then existing they were required to maintain uniform. I can find no record of any distinct understanding that no uniform was required to be maintained by these officers, such as is suggested in the question; but if the hon. Member can produce to me evidence of such an understanding I shall be happy to consider it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information that the Ross rifle supplied to the Canadian troops is unsatisfactory; and, if so, will he say what steps he proposes taking?

Certain difficulties have arisen in the use of this rifle; the matter is being investigated, and meanwhile some men of the division have been armed with Lee-Enfield rifles.

asked if the Government have any contracts with the American Du Pont Powder Trust; if so, have these contracts been made with the knowledge that this company have close business arrangements with the German United Rheinisch Westphalian Gunpowder Mills, under which the Du Pont Company undertake to inform the German company of the full particulars of any contract accepted by the Du Pont Company, giving in detail quantity, price, time of delivery, and all the requirements the powder has to fulfil; and, if the Government have no contracts with the Du Pont Company, will they make inquiries about this agreement before placing any contracts with the Du Pont Company?

I am inquiring into this matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if an Order has been issued to the effect that unless a soldier makes an application for dependency allowance within one month after enlistment, his dependants are debarred from any allowance at present or any future date?

I dealt with this question in Debate on the 21st instant, and I think the hon. Member was present on that occasion.

I should like to ask if the hon. Gentleman is aware I that a very large number of these men are ignorant that there is such an allowance? It is very hard if the mothers are deprived in consequence.

As I explained on Monday, we are doing everything we can to clear off arrears and prevent arrears accruing in the future.

That is no reply to my question, which is that, in the case of a man who is ignorant of the fact that dependants can get such allowance and he does not apply within one month, are the family to be deprived of it?

I know the circumstances pretty well, but I understand that matter is going to be raised on the Motion for adjournment to-night, and if my hon. Friend is present he will have an opportunity of raising the question.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the difficulty is due to the fact that the Special Committee of this House laid down a hard and fast rule? Cannot he approach the Prime Minister with regard to that Special Committee rule and get it altered?

I think my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will be introducing a Bill dealing with the whole question very shortly, and I hope my hon. Friend will have an opportunity of discussing the matter on that.

asked whether an Army Order has recently been issued to the effect that no separation allowance will be payable to the wives or other dependants of soldiers unless application is made within one month after enlistment; whether the imposition of such a time limit is an entirely new procedure; and whether, in view of the hardship involved in many cases, an opportunity will be given for the discussion of the matter in the House of Commons before the Order is made finally operative?

This matter was discussed in this House on 21st instant, when I explained the reasons why the Order was issued. As I said then, it will not be unreasonably or harshly applied where special cause to the contrary is shown.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if his Department will remit to soldiers' dependants the sums of money due to them from the date the soldier made allotment, but which allowance to dependants due to them has been paid only from the date of soldiers filling up Army Form 1,838, which in many instances were several weeks apart, involving financial loss to expectant recipients, seeing that this has caused disappointment and irritation, as both soldiers and dependants were unaware of such rule and regulation?

I can add nothing to the reply given to the hon. Member by my predecessor on the 19th May.

Arising out of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the question on the Adjournment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the firm of Sir John Jackson, Limited, is sub-letting the lining of the inside of the huts at Heytesbury Camp at so much per hut to individual workmen; whether this is being done with his sanction; and, if not, whether he will inquire into the matter with the object of preventing a dispute at the camp?

I am informed that the lining of some of the huts has been let to a man who was a foreman in the employment of the firm named, but who now employs his own men.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of British workmen refused to take the work under the conditions?

No, Sir, I am not aware of that.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Certainly I will make inquiries.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that many of the huts erected on Salisbury Plain want relining all over, and are simply one mass of holes from top to bottom?

That does not correspond at all with my information.

I saw them last Sunday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has ascertained whether there is any ground of suspicion as to the loyalty or competence of the British Consul at Dunkirk?

I have inquired into the charges made against His Majesty's Consul at Dunkirk and find that they are entirely baseless. Mr. Sarell has rendered most valuable services to His Majesty's Government for which he has been officially thanked. I am glad to have this opportunity of stating that the Secretary of State has the most complete confidence in Mr. Sarell's loyalty and competence. Perhaps I may be allowed to add that the hon. Member for West Toxteth, who originally gave currency to statements of an opposite character, desires me to say that he fully accepts what I have just said about Mr. Sarell, and that he desires to express his regret for any pain or annoyance which he may have caused to that gentleman. My hon. Friend is, unfortunately, somewhat seriously indisposed and is peremptorily forbidden by his doctor to leave his house, or he would have been personally present to say this for himself.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to deal with such things as poisonous gases, poisonous wells, and new explosives, any commissions in the Army have been given to persons skilled in analysis and other chemical arts, as distinguished from those who have medical qualifications; and whether Fellows of the Institute of Chemistry are eligible for such commissions?

Arrangements have been made to employ on such duties, both as officers and non-commissioned officers, a number of persons having these qualifications. Fellows of the Institute of Chemistry are eligible for commissions for this purpose.