asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the particulars of the arrangements in regard to cotton under the established blockade of Germany, which were referred to in paragraph 5 of his dispatch, No. 13, of 15th March, 1915, as having been communicated to the American Government, are those which have already been made public; and, if not, whether he can circulate them with the Votes, if not detrimental to the public interest?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative; the terms of the arrangement were embodied in a Note presented to the United States Ambassador, on 17th June, and subsequently made public.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance of the Yangtse to British trade, he can say if he has any official information to the effect that the China Merchants' Steamship Company will shortly pass under foreign control, direct or indirect?

The answer is in the negative.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman has not the information, or that he has the full information?

I am afraid I cannot go further than to say that it means exactly what it says; it is a negative to the question put by the hon. Gentleman.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the repeated attacks without warning by German submarines on our merchant ships trading to American ports; and, in view of the unexampled nature of these attacks, whether he can state if the United States was one of the neutral countries which has been approached with a request to allow their ports to be used by merchant ships carrying a gun in the stern; and, if so, whether the permission was granted?

I am afraid I could not without notice. As to the question on the Paper, the answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts, the United States Government have issued certain rules which permit of defensively armed merchant ships trading to United States ports. The rules require an independent official investigation in each case and indicate the nature of the evidence which must be produced in order to establish the fact that the armament is solely for defence and will not be used offensively.

asked what is the position of English officials in the Egyptian Government who have joined the Army in regard to pay and pension; and how does such position compare with similar officials in the Indian Government?

I have no information on the subject, but will inquire.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the name of the commanding officer of the British submarine which successfully torpedoed the German battleship "Pommern" in the Baltic on 2nd July?

No official report has been transmitted to the Admiralty, but from a semi-official communication received from the Russian Government it appears that the name of the officer referred to is Commander Max K. Horton, D.S.O., Royal Navy.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that charitable societies are being asked to assist the families of some of those officers who lost their lives when His Majesty's ship "Bulwark" was destroyed, on the ground that the Admiralty is paying peace pensions to the dependants of such officers and war pensions to the dependants of the lower deck; and if he will remedy this treatment as regards the officers?

I am not aware that the facts are as stated in the first part of the question. As the hon. Member is probably aware, the scale of pensions being paid to widows of officers who lost their lives in His Majesty's ship "Bulwark" is not the ordinary scale, but the intermediate scale, i.e., the scale awarded in the case of officers killed on duty, but not in action, under which, for example, the widow of a lieutenant would receive a pension of £65 and his children an allowance of £10 to £14 each. The question of awarding pension in such cases on the highest scale, namely, that for officers killed in action, is at present before the Select Committee on Naval and Military Services (Pensions and Grants). I hope that a very early-decision may be arrived at.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty it the men employed in the laboratory at Bull Point Arsenal, Devonport, are working only the ordinary hours; if so, is this due to the unwillingness of the men to work overtime or to the fact that there is no demand for their services beyond the requirements of peace times; and will he take steps to utilise the services of these men in a larger measure than is done at present?

The majority of the men at Bull Point have been working overtime since the beginning of the War, but there has been a certain degree of fluctuation in the amount of work in the laboratory, though of course eve-y man has done a full week's work. There has been no unwillingness on the part of the men and their services are fully appreciated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many neutral ships have been destroyed by German warships and German mines up to the nearest date for which the information is available; and whether he has similar information in regard to Austria and Turkish action under its present German directions?

The number of neutral ships reported to have been destroyed by German warships and German mines up to 20th July, 1915, is ninety-five. I have no information in regard to the second part of the question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman also give the number of neutrals who have lost their lives in that connection?

I should like notice of that.

Is the German Government giving compensation in all these cases?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for "War if he is aware that when fruit and delicacies are sent addressed to the wounded men at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport, the parcels are, in many cases, intercepted and kept by the staff through whose hands the parcels pass; and if he will have these practices stopped?

All parcels for patients are sorted at the main gate of the hospital and handed to the nursing sisters in charge of the wards for distribution to the owners as advisable. It is often the case that the contents of parcels are quite unsuited for the patients to whom they are sent. In many cases they would probably cause a fatal result. Such contents are very properly intercepted. Otherwise no interference takes place, and in any case the contents are not kept by the staff. They are given to any other patient to whom the owner may like to offer them.

Would my right hon. Friend consider that a gift of a bunch of grapes to a convalescent would be dangerous to his life, or even injurious to his health?

I do not say that, but I do say that a cold plum pudding would not be suitable for a typhoid patient.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men who are brought home wounded to the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar, Gosport, are forced by the attendants to rise about 6 a.m., make their own beds, prepare breakfast, fetch food from the kitchen, wash up all utensils after meals, clean and wash out lavatories and other rooms, and that men with fractured arms, internal injuries, etc., are compelled to sweep and polish floors, using for the purpose implements weighing over 14 pounds each; and if he will have inquiries made and this state of things remedied?

Patients get up in accordance with their fitness. Some remain in bed all day, some for part of the day, while the convalescents get up at 6 a.m. All convalescents are, if fit, expected to perform a certain amount of light work, and from a medical point of view it is important they should do this, but they are not forced to make their own beds, wash up after meals, or clean and wash lavatories, that particular work being done voluntarily. All meals are prepared in the main kitchen, except such work as cutting bread, etc., which is carried out by convalescents in the ward kitchens. No man is detached for any work unless he is physically fit for it. It is not a fact that men with fractured arms, internal injuries or similar cases are compelled to sweep and polish floors. I can assure my hon. Friend that the treatment of the sick and wounded at Haslar is quite different from that which would be imagined by anyone reading the series of inquiries he has put to me.

Would my right hon. Friend consider whether a man with a bullet in his spine ought to do this work? I have a case within my own knowledge.

I went into this matter, so far as I could, with the medical director-general, and I can assure my hon. Friend there is no ground for the suggestion. I should be glad to consider any further facts my hon. Friend has.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the letter I have sent in with the name of the officer who was asked to do the work, and the injuries inflicted upon him?

I saw the letter, and took every point of detail in it. I had a close inquiry made, and also had a long personal interview with the medical director-general. I am convinced there is considerable misapprehension as to the case.

Did my right hon. Friend raise the question whether this officer, with a bullet in his spine, which they could not extract, was expected to go from Southport to Gosport to get his discharge?

Would my hon. Friend care to see the medical director-general? I would be very glad if he would.

asked the Under-Secreretary of State for War whether reports have been furnished upon the sanitation, ventilation, and general condition of those schools which have been placed at the service of the War Office for hospitals, housing of troops, and other purposes; and whether local authorities will have the opportunity of benefiting by such reports and the experiences of the military officials?

No general reports have been received on these matters, though the suitability of the buildings in question, from the points of view mentioned, for hospitals and other Army purposes was, of course, considered before they were taken over. The sanitary and other requirements in the case of a building in continuous occupation are not the same as in the case of one only occupied for a few hours daily.

asked whether there have been any promotions to the ranks of the Regular Army chaplains during the War; and, if not, when a "Gazette" may be expected?

Yes, Sir; four Regular Army chaplains have been specially promoted as a reward for their services during the present War. Particulars will be found in the "London Gazette" of the 23rd June, 1915.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War when the last increase in the pay of the Regular Army chaplains took place; and whether he will take steps to secure that the chaplains shall share in the rates of increase which have in recent years been granted to other portions of the Service?

The present rates of pay are of old standing; without research I am unable to say how old. I am afraid that I cannot give any undertaking that they shall be increased at the present time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the number of new troops ready and anxious to go to the front, he will consider the advantage to the Army of sending back the remainder of the original Expeditionary Force for a compulsory rest of, say, two or three months?

The Secretary of State for War will consider this proposal.

asked (1) the Under-Secretary of State for War why the Defence of the Realm Act is being used by the civil authorities for the punishment of political opinions, unobjectionable in 1914, by banishing from Ireland on political grounds Irish Volunteers not accused of any illegality; whether the military authorities have no knowledge of these cases until the prepared forms for banishment are submitted by the civil authorities for the formality of signature; whether he will state the number and names of the persons so banished already and of those under notice of banishment, specifying, in any case in which it is alleged, any illegality and the reason why the person has not been tried for it; whether he will specify the part of the Act relied upon to justify this punishment of political opinion without accusation or trial; whether he can specify any other object of this provocative policy than to create a pretext for executing the pogrom planned in 1914; whether the sole purpose of the Irish Volunteers is to defend the rights and liberties of all the Irish people without distinction; whether he will explain this treatment of men not accused of violating or of being pledged to violate any law or of having any illegal purpose, in view of the privileges of organising, drilling, and obtaining arms and ammunition accorded by him to the Ulster Volunteers, organised and pledged expressly to resist by force the Government of Ireland Act, 1914, and declared by the Lord Chancellor of England to be distinctly illegal; (2) whether Mr. Herbert Pim has been, under the Defence of the Realm Act, banished from Ireland and ordered not to return; if so, will he say for what illegality; why the military authorities, the competent authorities under the Act, knew nothing of the order until it was brought to them for signature; why the order, which expressly allowed him seven days to make his arrangements, was withheld until four of those days had elapsed, leaving him only three; whether the police closely watching Mr. Pim during the last six months have detected anything in his conduct for which to cite him before any Court; whether he can state any ground for the banishment of Mr. Pim, other than his political opinions, or any purpose other than to create a pretext for executing the pogrom planned in 1914; under what law he justifies this punishment for political opinions without accusation or trial while according the privileges of organising, drilling, and obtaining arms and ammunition to the Ulster Volunteers, organised and pledged expressly to resist by force the Government of Ireland Act, 1914, and declared by the Lord Chancellor of England to be distinctly illegal; and (3), the Chief Secretary, whether William Mellows, described as an organiser of Irish Volunteers, has been, under the Defence of the Realm Act, banished from Ireland and ordered not to return; and, if so, will he say for what illegality?

The orders which have been served on certain persons in Ireland prohibiting them from residing in or entering the country have been issued by and on the initiative of the competent military authority, under the powers vested in him by Article 14 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, on the ground that the persons named therein are suspected of acting or of having acted or of being about to act in a manner prejudicial to the public safety or the Defence of the Realm. As the hon. Member has already been informed, it is considered undesirable in the public interest to give details of the evidence, or of the charges in respect of which action has been taken. The powers vested in the competent authority do not require or provide for the trial of the persons as a preliminary to the exercise of those powers. The orders, which were served on the persons named in them at the earliest opportunity after signature, did not indicate in any way that a period of seven days from the date of service was allowed in which the terms of the orders might be obeyed, but in one case a conditional extension of the time limit was granted on the application of the person affected. With regard to the last part of the questions, I am in full accord with the reply given to the hon. Member by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on the 12th May last, in which the general considerations determining the treatment of the active members of the various bodies of volunteers in Ireland are set out.

I desire to ask a very simple question, requiring a "Yes" or "No" answer, with reference to parts of the question not answered, and not covered by the objection, namely: Whether the police, on whose information the military authorities are acting, and who have watched these men during the last six months, have reported anything objectionable, except their political opinions?

The reports which reached the competent military authority might be derived from the police, or might be derived from other sources. In the case of the question, there was ground to fear that these persons were about to act in a manner which I read to the House, contrary to the safety of the Kingdom, and, therefore, action was taken on that ground, and not at all in connection with political opinion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Irish Volunteers have been proclaimed an illegal organisation?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether all the persons ordered out of Ireland have obeyed the order?

I should require notice of that question; if not, I imagine action would have been taken.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say—

The hon. Member is subjecting the Minister to a catechism, of which he should give notice.

Allow me to give notice that I will ask permission to move the Adjournment of the House after questions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the total amount expended to date for sustentation and other expenses of enemy aliens deprived of their livelihood by deportation and of Irish Volunteers banished from Ireland, respectively, under the Defence of the Realm Act?

I have no knowledge of any expenditure of the nature indicated in the question having been incurred.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, with a view to avoiding waste at the various camps, he will cause to be issued a circular letter to the commanding officers instructing them to appoint an officer whose duty it shall be to see that rations are issued only for those men actually in camp and not for those absent on leave, and otherwise to see observed the strictest economy?

Circular letters of instructions have already been sent out to General Officers Commanding in regard to the prevention of waste of supplies. Instructions have also been issued to ensure that rations are issued only for men actually in camp and not for those absent on leave. Officers commanding units are themselves responsible for all matters affecting regimental economy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that firms contracting with the War Office find it impossible to get any empties returned; that munition cases are broken up and burned though valuable; and that jam makers are in difficulties for packing because no jars or empty cases are returned, though thousands of pounds' worth are lying in waste-heaps at encampments; and if he is aware that the conduct of the War Office forms a contrast with private traders, who are as careful in returning empties and getting credit for them as they are in making the best use of the contents?

The practice of the Department is to return the cases which contained equipment or munitions to the contractors if required Supplies for the Army are usually obtained in non-returnable cases, but in the exceptions the empties are returned. Jam is not now obtained in jars. If the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of any specific case where waste of the character referred to is occurring I shall be glad to have inquiries made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now inform the House what steps have been taken, or are in contemplation, by the War Office and the Treasury to reduce the avoidable waste in military expenditure?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the speeches made by the Prime Minister in the Debate on the Vote of Credit yesterday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks of the coroner's jury in a case in which a man approaching the Conduit Street bridge, Nottingham, was shot by a sentry on guard, owing to his mistaking the umbrella carried by the man for a rifle, and to the fact that the jury expressed the hope that the authorities would tell sentries not to fire haphazard and at random; whether he can state how many cases of civilians being shot by sentries have occurred since the beginning of the year in the United Kingdom; how many have had fatal results; and whether effect can be given to the expression of opinion by the jury?

Yes, Sir; my attention has been drawn to this case, and I have caused information to be collected as to the number of civilians who have been shot by sentries since the beginning of the year. There have been only two fatal cases, and eight others where the wound was not fatal. In all these cases the sentry was guarding a railway or other vulnerable point. Although we must naturally regret that any innocent person should have been shot, I think the House will agree that, in view of the large number of the armed sentries employed throughout the country, the number of casualties is very small indeed and reflects favourably on the discipline and judgment of all ranks. It also shows that there has been careful observance of the instructions to avoid haphazard firing, which were issued as long ago as last September.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that in such a case as that mentioned in the question there is any need to supply the sentry with ball cartridge?

Oh yes, Sir, there is the greatest need.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Territorial officers and Yeomanry officers are practically barred by the War Office from accepting the position of aide-de-camp for active service at the front; if any such officers have been asked for and refused by the War Office for active service abroad; and, if so, if he will remedy this state of affairs?

Territorial Force officers have been allowed to go as aides-de-camp to Regular organisations, and no objection is ever raised to suitable Territorial Force officers going as aides-decamp to Territorial organisations. Recently some applications for Territorial Force officers to go as aides-de-camp to general officers commanding Regular formations have been refused in view of the heavy demands on the regiments in question for reinforcements. Officers of some seniority have been asked for, but it is not in the public interest that officers of considerable training should be employed as aides-de-camp.

asked whether Mr. W. V. Harrell, dismissed from the Dublin police force for having initiated the illegal proceedings which resulted in the slaying of innocent civilians by British soldiers in the streets of Dublin last July, is now employed by the War Office in connection with the administration of the Defence of the Realm Act in Ireland; and, if so, who certifies his fitness for that position and his appointment as prudent?

Mr. Harrell is not employed either in Ireland or elsewhere under the War Office.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say where, in what position, for what duties, and at what remuneration, Mr. W. V. Harrell, who was found guilty of the illegal proceedings that led to the slaying of several innocent civilians by British soldiers in the streets of Dublin in July, 1914, and was for that offence dismissed from the public service, is now again employed by the Irish Government; and what precautions have been taken for the protection of the public against him?

The gentleman referred to in this question is not in the employment of the Irish Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information explaining the cause of the death of thirteen members of the Brecknockshire Territorial Force at Aden, reported on 4th July; and whether there is any special reason, apart from the heat, to account for this loss of life?

No, Sir; the deaths were due to heat apoplexy and no other cause.

May I ask whether they were undertaking active service at the time?

Yes.

asked whether arrangements can be made for wounded soldiers who desire it being transferred to hospitals or convalescent hospitals as near as possible to their homes as soon as they are fit to travel, if they cannot be sent there direct on arrival?

As far as is possible every endeavour has been made to send, to hospitals in the neighbourhood of their homes, all sick and wounded on arrival in this country. It is, of course, easy to appreciate that in many cases this is quite impossible, and often for the sake of the patients themselves, who may be so severely wounded as to necessitate their admission to the nearest hospital in which accommodation is available. In the case of those men sent to hospitals remote from their homes, we endeavour to arrange for the transfer, to hospitals in the neighbourhood of their homes, of all cases which are likely to be unfit for duty for any period over six weeks, and which are therefore unlikely to be able to proceed to their homes on furlough within that period. Cases that are referred to the War Office are dealt with strictly on these lines. Suitable cases which are likely to be fit for duty within six weeks are treated in convalescent hospitals, so far as accommodation in them is available. At present all these hospitals are in the South of England, but as others are opened in other parts of the United Kingdom it Will be arranged, as far as is possible, to send cases to convalescent hospitals in that part of the country in which their homes are situated.

In thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his kind answer, may I ask if he will issue orders to medical officers in charge of hospitals that they can give transfers to hospitals or convalescent hospitals as near as possible to their own homes without reference to the War Office?

Oh, yes, I think that is done already.

asked whether, having regard to the difficulty now experienced by Territorial Force Associations in obtaining recruits in certain areas owing to the competition for recruits, he will arrange that each county association may be allowed to have a representative at each Regular recruiting agency in their county and that every such Regular recruiting agency may be instructed that an adequate proportion of recruits be sent to the Territorial Force in that county?

Every endeavour is being made to encourage co-operation and mutual assistance between Regular and Territorial Force recruiting agencies in each recruiting area and county. If difficulty is now experienced in any areas by Territorial Force Associations in obtaining recruits, it is felt equally by the Regular recruiting agencies in the same areas.

May I ask whether the instructions sent to Regular recruiting agencies for recruiting Territorials will also be sent to the county associations in order to prevent overlapping or friction?

Yes, Sir, I think that would be a very good plan, if it is not already done.

asked whether it has yet been arranged that some officer should act as the authorised representative of the War Office to deal with the organisation for service of the Volunteer Training Corps throughout the country?

The answer is in the negative.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not tell me previously that the matter was being considered?

All these matters are under consideration, and I cannot give any dates.

Does the phrase used by the right hon. Gentleman, "all these matters," include the brassard?

I think that matter may be considered closed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now prepared to consider the employment, under military law, of Volunteer Training Corps, the members of which are over military age, for certain purposes of Home defence, so as to set free the Territorial and other available forces for service overseas in which they are anxious to be employed?

This question is still under consideration.

Would the right hon. Gentleman press this matter on somewhat, because it has been under consideration for a long time and it is very much talked about in the country?

I recognise, of course, that it is desirable that a decision should be arrived at, and I will endeavour to see that one is come to.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not perceive that a decision is desirable, not only from the point of view of these volunteers but also from the point of view of the Territorial Forces who are being kept from overseas service?

I think the hon. Gentleman is not wholly accurate in that statement, inasmuch as many vulnerable points are being guarded, not by Territorial Force regiments, but by National Reservists.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any person qualified to judge had examined the whole of the stores offered for sale by auction in 336 lots at the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, on 20th May last, with the object of determining if the articles and materials described in the sale catalogue as unserviceable and obsolete were in fact unserviceable; and whether the sale referred to is the third or fourth sale of the same kind ordered by the Secretary of State since the present War commenced?

Yes, Sir; the whole of the stores in question had been subjected to expert consideration with regard to their condition and further utility in the Service. The sale was the third that has taken place since the commencement of the War. It should be borne in mind that an obsolete article is not necessarily unserviceable in the sense of being useless for any purpose, but is merely of no further use in the Service?

May I ask whether it is the fact that in practice these sales are only attended by a small number of persons, who by means of a ring are able to get the stores at ridiculously low prices?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will publish in the "Board of Trade Journal" a list of all the lots of so-called unserviceable and obsolete stores sold by auction by order of the Secretary of State for War since the commencement of the present War, along with the catalogued description of each lot and the price obtained for each lot?

I am afraid that I cannot publish such a return as my hon. Friend desires, as its compilation would impose a great deal of extra work on the staffs of the War Office and the commands which in the present pressure they could hardly undertake.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the point advanced by my hon. Friend, because the suggestion contained in the question would help to widen the area of interest and would practically break down the ring?

Yes, Sir, I shall be glad to take any steps to secure the fullest prices we are able to get.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in the "Engineer" of Saturday last there appears an advertisement offering to sell copper?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will consider the advisability of signalising the bravery and loyalty of the Indian forces of the Crown by raising a regiment of Indian Guards as the possible nucleus of a brigade of Indian Guards of the King-Emperor?

The subject is one of great importance, but I cannot undertake to do more at present that give it careful attention.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he proposes to take any measures with the object of ensuring a greater degree of stability in the exchange between America and this country?

I need hardly assure my hon. Friend that the exchange between New York and London is being carefully w7atched, but I am not able to make any statement as to action in this connection.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the decision of the principal Glasgow law agents to raise the rate of mortgage interest from 4 per cent, to 4½ per cent.; and whether, seeing that this action will raise rents and limit housing accommodation, the Government propose to take action in the matter?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in consequence of the high rate of interest on the new War Loan the mortgagees on all property are sending in notices calling in the mortgages with the alternative of an increase in the rate of interest; that this increase in mortgage interest and the increase in the Income Tax on property, together with the increase in local rates due to the higher rate of interest now being charged on municipal loans, are being made the reason for an increase of rent, amounting generally to about 12½ per cent.; that this means that the burden of the War Loan is being put upon the tenants of property, and that the further effect is that the building of workmen's cottages will cease until rents have risen by the sum stated; and, in view of these facts, will he take steps to fix a limit of 4½ per cent, on mortgages during the War, or make it illegal to call in mortgages during the War, or in some other way do something to protect the tenants and owners of property from having imposed upon them an unfair burden of the cost of the War while others escape their fair share?

My attention has been called to the fact that mortgagees in some cases have recently given notice to raise the rate of interest. Under the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act mortgagees cannot call in mortgages without the leave of the Court, which has discretion to postpone the date of payment if the mortgagor is unable to pay the mortgage debt immediately, and such inability is due to circumstances attributable directly or indirectly to the War. I doubt whether it would be equitable for Parliament to interfere further as between mortgagor and mortgagee to prevent the raising of the rate of interest on mortgages proportionately to the general increase in money rates, but mortgagees should remember that it is essential in the national interest that existing contracts of this character should be disturbed as little as possible. The whole position will continue to be carefully watched by the Government.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of the Scottish mortgages it is not necessary to call up the mortgage in order to raise the rate of interest?

I was not aware of that fact.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Government have yet considered the question of establishing Fair Rent Courts, particularly in Scotland?

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

The question deals with house rents.

Yes, but it is not usual to ask the Minister on the spur of the moment whether the Government have decided to set up Fair Rent Courts. That is a matter which requires consideration.

I should like to ask if the Chancellor of the Exchequer is aware that a similar practice is operating in this country with regard to the raising of the rate of mortgage interest?

There are cases of the kind, but I have given all the facts in the answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a decision to the contrary effect is given in his answer?

No, Sir, lam not aware of any.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the number of cattle under one year in the United Kingdom at a date in 1915 and a corresponding date in 1914, and the number of cattle under two years at the same dates?

The number of cattle as returned in June, 1914, was as follows: Under one year, 2,662,189; one year and under two years, 2,596,988. The corresponding figures for 1915 are not yet available, but I shall be happy to supply them to the hon. Member in the course of a week or two.

Could the hon. Gentleman give the figures of a somewhat earlier month in the year? My question asks for the figures at any date in 1915, with the figures for the corresponding date in 1914.

We have not yet been able to collect and tabulate the figures.

asked the First Commissioner of Works the number of men at present employed on the roof of Westminster Hall; and if he will consider the practicability of discontinuing this work during the War?

At present twenty-five men are employed in the Hall, in addition to a varying number at the contractor's yard. Discontinuance of the work has been considered, but I am advised that any postponement involves serious risk of the roof falling.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any additional cost owing to the War, or whether the work is being carried out at the same rate as prior to the War?

I cannot say exactly what was the cost in August of last year, but I am quite sure that no avoidable additional expense is being entailed now by what is being done and is necessary for the safety of the roof.

Is the work being carried out at a contract price arranged previously to the War?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has estimated the loss of local authorities and the saving to the Board of Education resulting from the premature removal of children from school for agricultural and industrial work; and whether he will give an assurance that no alteration in the Code will be made which will allow local authorities to gain more money in respect of less education being given?

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board will refuse to accede to any requests to pay grants in respect of children who are normally liable to attend school, but are absent for employment in agricultural or industrial work?

The estimate, to which my hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset refers, has not been made, and would be difficult to make. The Board have no power under the Code to pay grants in respect of attendances which are not made, and, as at present advised, I see no reason to alter the Code in this respect.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has considered the economy that might be effected by ceasing to pay the additional grant for partial exemption scholars, seeing that this grant now acts as an inducement to local authorities in releasing children for half-time school attendance?

The question of half-time employment is, as my hon. Friend is well aware, highly controversial, and I do not think I could possibly deal with it in the manner suggested. I doubt if the grant operates in the way my hon. Friend thinks.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that insurance companies refuse to insure workmen in regard to compensation under the provisions of the Employers' Liability and Workmen's Compensation Acts in the case of those who are disabled by loss of limb; whether such disability is preventing our disabled soldiers from getting work; and, if so, whether the Government will be prepared to consider a proposal for exempting those men from the provisions of the Acts, or, in the alternative, of paying the extra premium that might be involved in getting them insured?

The matter to which it relates has been made the subject of special inquiry by the Disabled Sailors and Soldiers Committee, and the hon. Member will see in paragraphs 28 and 29 of their Report which was recently presented to Parliament that they found no reason to apprehend that employers may be forced to refuse employment to partially disabled men owing to difficulty in insuring against the liability imposed by the Workmen's Compensation Act. There seems to be no need, therefore, for His Majesty's Government to take any special steps in this matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of any report of any Committee, difficulties are being raised at the present time?

The hon. Gentleman may not have seen the terms of the Committee's report. I find they say that as far as the insurance companies included in the Accident Offices Association are concerned the uniform premium ordinarily charged by the companies included all classes of employés, whether able-bodied or partly disabled.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the percentage of wounded that return to duty; and is the figure of 60 per cent, still maintained?

The percentage of the sick and wounded who return to duty remains approximately at the figure stated.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can say why the biweekly messages from Sir John French have not appeared regularly as promised; and whether, in view of the fact that the public are anxious to hear from the front, he will try and arrange for their regular appearance?

In accordance with the arrangements made. Sir J. French sends reports of any salient events in regard to which information can be made public.

Did not the Prime Minister promise the House of Commons, owing to the criticism which was raised, that Sir John French would send bi-weekly reports, and why is it not being done?

Is that question put to me?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will allow me to explain; it was put to the hon. Gentleman whom he deputed to answer me.

Sir John French sends a report whenever he considers it desirable. If he does not send bi-weekly reports, it is because he thinks that no incident has taken place which requires it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the recent change of Government and to the near completion of an entire twelvemonth of warfare, he will take an opportunity before the House separates to restate with more definiteness the essential objects for which the nation is pouring out its blood and treasure, in the hope that some intervention of peaceful influences may lead to the attainment of these objects by other means than the continuance of warfare?

I stated these objects with such definiteness as I am capable of in my speeches at the beginning of the War, and in particular in my speech at the Guildhall on 9th November.

May I ask the Prime Minister if he is aware that there is in Germany already a large and growing peace movement among the Social Democrats, and will he keep his eye upon, encourage, and take advantage of any movement for bringing this War to an early and satisfactory conclusion?

I have nothing to add with regard to our objects to the statements which I have already made.

asked the Prime Minister whether the pledge of His Majesty's Government to respect the holy places of Islam has been translated into Arabic, Persian, Hindustani, and other languages concerned, with suitable emphasis and elaboration, such as is a usual attribute in Oriental literature and journalism, of pledges and proclamations of such high importance and sacred significance; and whether steps have been taken to ensure wide publicity to such translations of the aforesaid pledge?

The pledge of His Majesty's Government and the Allied Governments, that so long as pilgrims were not seriously interfered with no hostile action would be taken against the port of Jeddah or the holy places in Arabia or Mesopotamia, has been made widely known in Africa, Arabia, Persia, and India. The pledge has been welcomed throughout India as evidence of the solicitude of the Government for the welfare of the Moslem subjects of His Majesty.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that many local authorities and railway companies have obtained Acts of Parliament at a very heavy cost to carry out new works and improvements; that these Acts provide that the works or improvements must be carried out within a specified time, failing which the powers under the Act would lapse; and whether he will, before the Session is closed, introduce legislation relieving local authorities and railway companies of this time limit and extending the period granted by these Acts to a period covering the War and twelve months afterwards?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. My hon. Friend's suggestion has been anticipated by the introduction on Monday last of the Special Acts (Extension of Time) Bill, which was read a second time yesterday and will, I hope, become law before Parliament rises.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the urgency of national economy, he will say whether he will propose to the House that the payment of salaries to Members who pay Super-tax should be discontinued; and whether he is aware that out of the 670 Members less than 150 are at present regularly attending to their duties?

In regard to the first part of the question, I must refer my hon. Friend to my previous answers en this subject. In regard to the second part, I have no knowledge as to the exact figures, but I believe there are few Members of the House who are not engaged in the voluntary discharge of important duties to the State.

Then are we to understand that the only example, the Prime Minister sets to the country is to tell working people to eat less meat, and to give £8,000 a year more in pensions to members of his own Cabinet?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether ho intends to take any steps to reduce the cost and delays in handling goods traffic on the railways of Great Britain; and whether he is aware that the cost per ton mile in this country of conveying goods and minerals was in 1913 about three times the cost in Germany?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. Some delays are unavoidable owing to the abnormal quantity of goods at present passing by rail, but the general control of traffic by the Railway Executive Committee has, I think, been very successful. I am not aware what authority the hon. Member has for his statement with regard to the comparative cost of railway carriage in this country and in Germany.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the Returns which are published annually in future give the definite cost per ton mile, which is the only figure by which a proper estimate can be made?

asked the President of the Board of Trade when any Returns of railway traffic and costs will be issued which can be compared with Returns for the year 1912 and before; and when the Returns for 1914 will be issued?

The Railway Returns for 1913, which will be laid before Parliament shortly, have been framed in accordance with the requirements of the Railway Companies (Accounts and Returns) Act, 1911, and will not be strictly comparable in all respects with those for previous years. In view of the special arrangements under which the railways are now being operated it is not intended to publish any further detailed Returns until conditions I have again become normal.

asked the Postmaster-General whether parcels addressed to troops serving in the Dardanelles are charged for at the rate of 1s. 4d. for 7 lbs. and Is. 7d. for 11 lbs., whereas parcels for the Fleet serving in the Mediterranean are charged 1s. 9d. and 2s. 6d. respectively; and, if so, whether he will arrange that parcels for the men of the Fleet should be placed on the same basis as those for men of the Expeditionary Force there?

The postage rates on parcels for the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force are the same as on parcels for His Majesty's ships in foreign waters (including those in the Mediterranean), namely, 1s., 1s. 9d., and 2s. 6d. for parcels not exceeding 3, 7, and 11 lbs. respectively.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been able to do anything to reduce the price of small parcels? Can he arrange to send a 1-lb. parcel for 4d.?

No, Sir, I am afraid that is impossible, in view of the fact that we have to make payments to other countries for costs involved in transmission.

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange that parcels to the Mediterranean Fleet shall be placed on the same basis as those for the Expeditionary Force?

That is already done. I stated in my answer that the arrangements are the same for the men serving with the Fleet and the men with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

But are the rates for the Fleet the same as those for the Expeditionary Force in France—I understand they are higher?

That was not the question. The question was whether the parcels for the Expeditionary Force in the Dardanelles and the Mediterranean Fleet were on the same basis?

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that, although instructions have been issued that subscriptions to the new War Loan can be made through the Post Office on behalf of children under seven years of age, and that, where an account in the Savings Bank had been opened, notice of withdrawal can be signed by a parent or friend on behalf of the child, such notices when presented have been returned with an intimation that the money deposited on behalf of minors is not repayable until they have attained the age of seven years; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the notice issued by the Comptroller of the Savings Bank is brought to the attention of Post Office officials generally?

The officials at local post offices have been instructed that notices of withdrawal marked specially for the War Loan on behalf of minors under seven years of age are to be complied with. Where the withdrawal is not for that purpose the ordinary rule applies. In the cases to which the hon. Member refers the object of the withdrawal has probably not been stated, and in such instances the notices would be returned.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will consider the advisability of inviting representatives of the Highways Committee of the London County Council and the directors of the London General Omnibus Company to confer, under the chairmanship of a representative of his Department, with a view to securing the temporary co-operation between the two services, thereby releasing men of military age and avoiding unnecessary expenditure?

If I saw any indication that the bodies concerned were willing to enter into a conference, I should be prepared to give the hon. Member's suggestion my most careful consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if British exporters who ship goods under permits from the War Trade Department to the Netherlands Oversea Trust have any control over such goods after they have been shipped or any responsibility if the persons to whom the trust deliver such goods break the guarantees under which the goods were shipped from this country and delivered by the trust; and, if so, what is the nature and extent of the control and of the responsibility of the British exporters?

British exporters have no control or responsibility in regard to licensed goods which have been consigned and shipped to the Netherlands Oversea Trust. Licences are issued by the War Trade Department on production by the exporter of the written consent of the Netherlands Oversea Trust to accept consignment of the goods in question. The Netherlands Oversea Trust undertake the delivery of the goods to the Dutch importers, and guarantee that neither the goods themselves nor any articles manufactured from them will be exported to belligerent countries. Any responsibility as to the ultimate destination of the goods rests, therefore, with the Netherlands Oversea Trust and the importers. The "consents" of the Netherlands Oversea Trust are sent periodically to that body in order that they may be checked and duly controlled by comparison with their actual receipts.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the case of a young man now interned as an alien enemy at Wakefield, who has lived in Germany only six months since he was a month old, who was brought up in America, France, and Belgium, who chose on becoming independent to live in England and to become a British subject, and who has expressed a desire to serve this country at the present time; and whether, in view of this young man being an experienced mechanical and electrical engineer, he possesses powers whereby the services of this man and others similarly circumstanced may be utilised to the national advantage, and thus the cost and burden of internment may be saved?

I understand that this question refers to a young man the reasons for whose internment were explained at some length in answer to questions by my hon. Friend last May. The administration of the camp at Handforth is in the hands of the War Office, who are, I believe, anxious to adopt any practicable scheme for utilising the services of the prisoners.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in Germany and in Russia large numbers of alien prisoners are used for the economic advantages of those countries, and will something be done in the same direction in this country also, so that the British taxpayers will not have to bear the whole burden of the cost of their maintenance?

I think the second part of my answer dealt with that matter in the spirit of the hon. Member's further question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he insists upon the local police authorities keeping up to the standard of one police constable per 1,000 population in rural districts, where practically no crime exists arid, where the people are all practically known to each other; if this be the same standard required in urban districts, where altogether different conditions prevail; and, in view of the present national situation, is he prepared to agree to the suggestion of the local authorities that a lower standard should be fixed for the rural districts?

There is no fixed standard either in counties or in boroughs. The proportion of police to population varies widely according to the local conditions. In many rural districts it is much less than one per thousand; all that is required is that the force should be efficient in numbers and discipline.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he can state the number of mares brought back from the theatre of war and sold in Ireland for breeding purposes; and whether adequate precautions have been taken to prevent the introduction into Ireland of animals affected with hereditary or contagious diseases?

No mares have been imported into Ireland from the seat of war. Adequate precautions have been taken to prevent the introduction into this country of animals affected with hereditary or contagious diseases.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will say under what law the Irish Government directed Sergeant Hogan, Royal Irish Constabulary, Blarney, or any other person, to tell Messrs. Mahony of that place that no Army contract would be given to them unless they broke up the Irish Volunteers of that place by requiring their employés to withdraw from that organisation under pain of dismissal?

No instructions of the nature indicated in the question were issued by the Irish Government to any police officer or other person, and I am informed that neither the sergeant referred to, nor any other officer stationed at Blarney, made the statement attributed to them.

Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted Messrs. Mahony?

Yes, we have sought information in every quarter.