asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to give the House any further information as to the attitude of the Colombian Government in regard to its neutrality and the question of the wireless telegraphy station at Cartagena?

From information -which has reached His. Majesty's Government since the statement by Mr. Roberts on this subject, they gladly recognise that the Colombian Government have at all times been animated by a sincere desire to observe strictly their obligations as a neutral Power; and His Majesty's Government are convinced that the measures taken by the Colombian Government to control the use of wireless telegraphy in Colombia will, if effectively and adequately carried out, be sufficient to prevent the abuse of this means of communication in the interests of our enemies. The Government at Bogota have, moreover, caused a preliminary inspection by a neutral wireless telegraphy operator of the station at Cartagena, in order to ensure the efficient local execution of their instructions; and they have further stated that a competent neutral will be invited to inspect this station and report upon the adequacy of the measures taken, so that no doubt may remain that their instructions have been effectively carried out by the local authorities. His Majesty's Government feel convinced that, should this report show that further measures are still requisite to attain the desired result, the Colombian Government will be prepared to take action without delay.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to emphasising the solidarity of the allied Powers, he will, so far as practicable, conduct all negotiations with neutral Governments relating to questions of contraband, international law, or other affairs arising out of the state of War, in conjunction with the Governments of France and Italy and by means of Joint Notes signed by those Governments as well as by His Majesty's Government?

His Majesty's Government will keep in mind the suggestion put forward in this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the strength of the Dutch Army has recently been increased; and, if so, whether this increase has formed the subject of official or private communications between the British and Dutch Governments?

I understand that up to the present there has been no increase in the Dutch Army- Any such increase is entirely a matter for the consideration of the Netherlands Government, and certainly has not formed the subject of communications, official or private, between that Government and His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if one lieutenant and three seamen belonging to His Majesty's Navy, together with two officers of the British merchant service, have been captured by Moors in Almanza Bay and are held for ransom since 13th May; and, if so, what steps he has taken for their release?

According to my information, Sub-Lieutenant Kent, R.N.R., and three seamen from the armed merchantman "Richard Welford," together with seven seamen from the British merchant steamer "Eburna," are in the hands of the villagers of Ain Deshisha in the Anjera, having been captured on 13th May. His Majesty's Agent at Tangier entered into communication with the tribes immediately after the capture. A ransom was demanded which it is not considered advisable to pay. I can give no further information at the moment as to the steps which will be taken in the future, but meanwhile I am informed that the captives are being well treated and that there is no reason for anxiety as to their safety.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if any arrangement had been agreed to by the German Government for the release from internment of certain British citizens who had been connected with banking institutions in Germany; and if there is a prospect of such an agreement being fulfilled?

Among the British subjects who were interned on 6th November last by the German Government were seventeen employés of British banks which had branches at Hamburg. As the result of repeated representations on the part of His Majesty's Government, who pointed out that 120 German employés of German banks in London were not interned, the seventeen British subjects were released from Ruhleben on 17th April last. Unofficial information has been received to the effect that some, at least, of these persons have been recently re-interned- This is presumably due to the change of policy adopted by His Majesty's Government with regard to alien enemies in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can make a statement as to the steps he has taken to increase the supply of optical glass and optical instruments; whether the supply is adequate to the requirements of the two services; and, if not, what further measures he proposes to adopt?

Important steps have been and are being taken to increase the supply of optical glass and optical munitions generally. As, however, negotiations are now in progress with this end in view, any statement as to the measures which it is proposed to adopt would be premature and expedient.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if any feeding-stuff for cattle or millers' offals or meals are still being exported to foreign countries and, if so, to which; and if, considering the price of meat and the price British farmers are having to pay for food-stuffs, he will withdraw the Board of Trade permits?

Practically no licences for the export of milling offals have been passed by the Board since October. Applications for licences to export other kinds of feeding-stuffs are very carefully considered in each case and no general permits are given. Limited quantities of those kinds which are in most plentiful supply in this country are, allowed to Allies and British possessions, and, under special arrangements, to certain neutral countries from whence we receive large supplies of food products. The interests of British farmers are borne steadily in view, but it is not possible to exclude from consideration other national interests. The high price of meat cannot be attributed to the price of feeding-stuffs, which has indeed, compared to the price of meat, remained fairly steady.

asked the Secretary for India as regards persons declared to have passed the examination for the Civil Service of India and permitted to spend the following year of probation in India and in military service with the regiment there, if he will state the period to be spent in such military service, and what pay and allowances are given in that period; and in what manner and after what examinations, if any, the officer is allowed to enter the Civil Service of India?

Selected candidates for the Indian Civil Service who have been allowed to proceed to India in military service are receiving the military pay and allowances of their rank. The duration of this military service must depend upon military necessities. They will be exempted from the usual final examination, but before entering upon their civil duties they must pass the lower standard examination in the principal vernacular language of their province and must qualify in riding.

asked the Home Secretary why the Home Office refused to confirm the rise of wages to the Durham County Police, though recommended by the county authorities; and if he is aware that the refusal of the Home Office to confirm the rise of wages recommended is now aggravated by increased duties, decreased holiday, non-issue of clothing, etc., the whole combined resulting in grave discontent in the force?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a question by the hon. Member for Barrow-in-Furness on the 28th of June. The policy of meeting the exigencies of the case by means of a special war allowance, rather than by raising the fixed scale of annual pay, is being adopted by an increasing number of police authorities, and I do not see why it should not be adopted in Durham.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these advances were made previously to the War, and that constables who desired to enlist are called upon to resign? Has that the right hon. Gentleman's approval?

I do not think that question really arises out of the one on the Paper, but I will make inquiries if the hon. Member desires.

asked the Home Secretary what are the functions and powers of district emergency committees; by whom and on what principle the members of such committees are appointed; and whether individual committees are permitted on their own initiative to issue warnings instructing the civil population as to its action in the event of invasion by Germany; and, if so, whether, in order to avoid unnecessary panic in isolated districts, he will take steps to ensure that such warnings shall for the future be issued only on the instructions of some competent superior authority and with due regard to uniformity in all areas similarly circumstanced?

Emergency committees have been appointed at the request of the Government by the Lords Lieutenant of the counties on the East and South Coasts. These committees include representatives of the military and police authorities, and their chief duty is, in co-operation with the military authorities and the police, to organise the action to be taken by the civil population in the event of a hostile landing. The Government laid down certain general instructions which have been issued by the Home Office, and the committees carry them out under the supervision of the Lord Lieutenant, who is assisted in each county by a central organising committee, on which the military authorities are also represented. In view of the varying conditions in each locality the details of the arrangements are necessarily left to the local military authorities and the committees, subject to the general instruction that they should avoid any action or statement likely to cause alarm or panic

Is the House to understand that this is done only after the consultation with the military authorities?

I think the information I have given is correct.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question, whether these orders are given by the Home Office after consultation with the military authorities?

I think I have answered that question.

asked the Home Secretary what steps, if any, the London County Council has taken, or proposes to take, to enforce the provision by the proprietors of residential flats and other similar inhabited buildings unprovided with safety staircases of adequate means of egress in case of fires due to incendiary bombs or other causes; and whether, in the event of the county council's powers being insufficient to enable it to insist upon such provision being made, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to confer such further powers as may be necessary for this purpose?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him to the same question on 28th June. The powers of the council are adequate.

asked whether permission has been given to an Eastbourne manufacturer of powder fire extinguishers who is advertising his appliances for air raid fires, in lieu of the use of water as re commended by the Commissioner of Police, to describe his appliances as having been passed by the Board of Trade?

No such permission has been asked for or given to any manufacturer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the recommendation of the Chief Commissioner of Police that the public should buy only liquid fire extinguishers complying with the Board of Trade's and certain other specifications, and whether, having regard to the practice of His Majesty's Office of Works and the London County Council Fire Brigade discouraging the use of powder extinguishers for general purposes, he will consider the advisability of discontinuing the tentative acceptance by the Board of Trade of proprietary powder extinguishers on all shipping under his control; whether, in the event of powder extinguishers being still tentatively allowed, such limited acceptance of these appliances gives any powder extinguisher maker the right to use the Board of Trade's name in general terms; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent such use of the Board's name in the future?

The recommendation to which the hon. Member refers dealt with fire extinguishers for use on shore in the event of fires due to hostile aircraft. The employment of fire extinguishers on board ship is governed by different considerations, and, as at present advised, I do not propose to prohibit totally the acceptance under certain conditions of powder fire extinguishers as part of the equipment of passenger and emigrant ships. I doubt whether I can usefully take any steps with regard to the advertisements referred to, but I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the various powder fire extinguishers on the market, and the manner in which some of them are erroneously described and advertised as reliable remedies against air-raid fires; whether he is aware that the contents of such extinguishers generally comprise merely powdered chalk, lime, ordinary bicarbonate of soda, or a mixture of these inexpensive ingredients, costing only a few pence, and that they are being sold to the public for as much as 5s. to 7s. 6d.; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect the public against such unnecessary expenditure and misrepresentation1?

at the same time asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has noticed that, whilst the advertisements of powder fire extinguishers have been less numerous and scandalous since the 28th June, such advertisements in recent Sunday newspapers and certain provincial newspapers still contain misstatements of fact as to their effectiveness for enemy aircraft incendiary bombs in distinct contradiction to the recommendations of the Metropolitan Police, which urge the use of water and sand or liquid extinguishers complying with certain specifications; and whether some action will now be taken to protect the public against this form of trading on their credulity or ignorance of the police warning?

I understand the composition of the powders used in these extinguishers is substantially as described. In reply to the last part of the question, I would refer to my reply to a question by the hon. Member for Wigan on 28th June, to which I have nothing to add at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether, seeing that national funds are now directly affected through the State insurance scheme by any fire loss accruing from incendiary bombs, he will consider the advantage of a regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act that would restrict the sale of chemical fire extinguishers for air-raid purposes to patterns conforming with any of the specifications for liquid fire extinguishers named in the Metropolitan Police warning of 17th June, and circulated by the Home. Department to the other police forces?

I regret that I do not see my way to adopt this suggestion.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the protest of the Association of Head Mistresses against the practice of sending young girls into the streets to sell flowers, flags, and favours for charitable objects; and whether, having regard to the dangers of this practice, he will intervene to stop it?

Yes, Sir. A further regulation on this subject is. under consideration.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact that in many cases these young girls are sent out by charitable institutions?

I understand the present regulation prevents girls under sixteen going about the streets for these purposes unless accompanied by an older person, and the regulation under consideration is whether they should not be prohibited altogether.

asked the Home Secretary whether a railway servant is at present in custody awaiting trial in connec- tion with the Gretna railway disaster; whether the offence with which he is charged was committed in Scotland or in England; whether, in the event of the offence having been committed in Scotland, it is proposed to hold his trial in England and, if so, why; and whether the trial is to take place at Cumberland Assizes?

Three persons are awaiting trial in Scotland in connection with this disaster but they are all admitted to bail- The disaster took place in Scotland, but owing to the deaths of some of the injured passengers in England the same accused persons were committed for trial to the Cumberland Assizes as the result of the verdict of a coroner's jury at an inquest held at Caulicle. I understand that all the accused will be tried in Scotland at an early date, in which event steps will be taken with a view to the abandonment of any criminal proceedings which may be pending in England.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of Leslie Joseph Minter, who was sentenced at the Liverpool Police Court, on 21st July, to imprisonment for two months for having flashed a light from one of the portholes of the steamship "Megantic" in a part of St. George's Channel where German submarines were known to be present; and whether he will give an assurance that Minter shall be immediately interned on the expiration of his sentence?

I am not at present fully informed as to the facts of the ease. The question of what action should be taken with regard to the prisoner at the end of his sentence will be carefully considered in consultation with the Admiralty.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of an amendment of the Defence of the Realm Act which would give power to the captain of a vessel, when one of the crew by his conduct endangers the vessel and the lives of passengers, to throw him overboard?

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to the case of Leslie Joseph Minter, who pleaded guilty at the Liverpool Police Court, on 21st July, to the charge of having, while acting as under-steward on board the steamship "Megantic," done an act likely to cause damage to the ship or its destruction; whether he is aware that the act of which the prisoner was guilty was the opening of one of the ship's portholes, contrary to orders, and flashing a light therefrom in a part of St. George's Channel where German submarines were known to be present; and that the sentence inflicted for this offence was two months' imprisonment; and, having regard to the gravity of the danger to the country and shipping liable to arise from such offences, he will take steps, if necessary by legislation, to provide for adequate penalties for offences of this character?

This case was investigated by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who was of opinion that the evidence was insufficient to convict Minter, a youth of seventeen, of any serious offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Minter was prosecuted for charges under the Merchant Shipping Act, as stated in the question. The magistrates had power to inflict a punishment of six months' imprisonment with or without hard labour.

asked the Home Secretary, having regard to the impartiality of the censorship, will he explain why the "Northern Whig," of Belfast, has been for several days prevented from publishing news relating to the Irish Volunteers, which appeared in other newspapers, as set forth in the "Whig," of 17th July?

The Press Bureau has explained to the editor of the "Northern Whig" that there was no want of strict impartiality in the orders given by the Bureau. I much regret that this paper should have suffered when it was loyally observing the instructions it received.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the hard case of an English girl who married a German, named Jungk, the day before War was declared and returned to her parents' home at Gravesend, a prohibited area, when her husband was interned, for which offence she was sent to prison for a month; and, considering the number of enemy aliens still at large, will he order the immediate release of this English girl?

I had already caused inquiries to be made into this case when the fine, in default of which imprisonment was imposed, was paid for this girl. I am proposing to advise its remission.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether there are any officials in his office of German birth or parentage; and, if so, will he state their names, their respective posts, and the remuneration they are receiving?

All the officials in the Treasury are natural-born British subjects.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether young men studying at colleges for Civil Service examinations who enlist will be expected when they come home, perhaps wounded or shattered in health, to compete with those who have declined to take part in war service; and whether the Civil Service Commissioners, when instituting future examinations, will reserve places for competition among those who have volunteered?

The Government is anxious to give every encouragement to the men serving with the Forces to qualify for appointments in the Civil Service after the War. Various proposals for securing this are now under consideration, including one for holding special examinations at which only men who have served with the Forces will be entitled to compete. If this proposal proves practicable, the difficulty anticipated will not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the efforts now being made to increase the production of eggs and poultry in this country, and generally of the present necessity of producing the largest possible amount of food, His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of securing, by legislation or otherwise, the destruction of foxes during the War?

The destruction of poultry by foxes is a very serious matter, particularly at a time when it is necessary to make every effort to preserve our food supplies. The Masters of Fox Hounds Associations called the attention of masters of hounds to the imperative need for making a special endeavour to reduce the number of foxes below the normal in September last, and the President of the Board will communicate with the association on the matter with a view to further action being taken this year. He is confident that those interested in fox hunting will do their best to take such action as will make legislation unnecessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this question is considered by the Committee on Food Production?

Yes, Sir.

Is it a fact that the compensation funds are more than adequate to buy all the poultry throughout the country?

I am sorry I cannot confirm that. There are many cases where adequate compensation is not given.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether over 600 commissions as assistant paymaster, Royal Naval Reserve, with pay and allowances ranging from 12s. to 15s. 6d. a day, have been granted to men from the shore who possess absolutely no knowledge of naval accountant work, whilst only twelve positions as warrant officer have been given to writers who have served in the Royal Navy for periods varying from fifteen to thirty years, over 150 of whom have been specially recommended for promotion; and, if so, will he give the reason why the claims of writers, experts in naval accountant duties, are consistently overlooked; and (2) what would be the difference in cost to the country in the pay of 600 assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Reserve, as against the same number of warrant officers doing the same work?

The facts are substantially as stated by the hon. Member, though I may point out that the total number of warrant or acting warrant writers appointed is considerably more than the number he refers to, and the question of making further promotions is now under consideration. If the hon. Member contemplates the substitution for assistant paymaster, R.N.R., of a similar number of warrant writers, the apparent immediate saving would be very considerable, but I must point out that the appointments filled by assistant paymasters, R.N.R., are almost entirely temporary appointments due to the War, which would cease on its termination, and it would be very undesirable to fill such appointments by the temporary promotion of men belonging to the Royal Navy proper. There would be no grounds to justify such a number of permanent promotions, which would also entail a large extra cost for pay and pensions which would have to be set off against any apparent saving.

Will the right hon. Gentleman seriously consider whether something cannot be done for this very deserving class of naval writers?

The question of opening the assistant paymasters' rank to the writers has been often discussed, but not adopted. There have been a number of promotions to warrant writer rank—twelve, I think—during the War.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Stockton Heath Spade Company, Warrington, has a contract for the supply of material to the Admiralty; that the firm declines to pay workmen engaged in overtime at the proper rate of wages of time and a half and allege that the contract prices allowed do not permit of such remuneration being given, and that the Government agent has refused to revise the contract prices; and if he will have inquiry made, and request the firm to pay the current rate of wages in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution of the House of Commons?

No contracts with the firm in question have been placed by the Admiralty.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the number of officers at the front who are using Colt's automatic pistols, he will arrange that ammunition for these weapons can be sent through the post when addressed to the British Expeditionary Force?

The transmission of explosives by post is expressly prohibited by the Post Office Act of 1908 (Section 63) and by the International Postal Convention. My right hon. Friend is therefore unable to comply with the hon. Member's request.

Does the hon. Gentleman think that the transmission by post of the cartridges in question is in any way more dangerous than the transmission of matches, which are at present allowed?

It is true that a certain amount of ammunition is sent irregularly by post, but it' is the wish of the War Office that it should be stopped.

asked the Home Secretary whether a German woman named Von Rotten, in the employment of the Red Cross department of the German War Office, has arrived, or is expected to arrive shortly, in England; whether her visit is at the invitation of His Majesty's Government and for what purpose; whether any and what undertaking has been given as to her freedom of movement while in this country and to return to Germany; what precautions are being taken to prevent her acquiring information that may be useful to the enemy; and, in view of the fact that an escaped German prisoner of war recently published in the German Press lying statements as to the state of affairs in England, how it is proposed to guard against the danger of Fraulein von Rotten publishing similar misrepresentations on her return to Germany?

The statements on which this question is based are inaccurate. The lady's name is Fraulein Rotten, not Von Rotten. She is Swiss, not German. She came to this country last Wednesday. She is not connected with the German Red Cross; and the English Government did not invite her and had no knowledge of her coming. She is secretary to a Women's Emergency Committee in Berlin which has done very useful work for English women stranded in Germany and also for English soldiers in German hospitals. She had previously been resident in England, and she came here, I am informed, partly on her private affairs and partly to confer with a ladies' committee in London engaged in similar work to her own. On arrival at Tilbury she was subjected to a very stringent search, and her papers were retained for examination; but this was done, not because any suspicion attached to her, but as part of the precautionary measures now taken in regard to all persons, even of friendly nationality, coming from Germany. Her movements here are all known to the police, and the fullest precautions have been taken, but I am quite satisfied that no danger can arise from this Swiss lady's visit to England, and that she is entitled to our gratitude for her philanthropic work.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has consulted with the authorities of Oxford University with a view of some arrangement being made whereby funds for the Rhodes scholarships held at Oxford by German subjects nominated by the German Kaiser may be diverted during the War; and whether any action will be taken in this direction?

These scholarships are in abeyance, and nothing has been or can be paid in respect of them during the War. It would require special legislation to divert these scholarships to other purposes, which in present circumstances I am not prepared to initiate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether there would not be a unanimous approval of legislation of this kind which might be carried through without any discussion or waste of time.

asked the Prime Minister whether upon appointments to the Civil Service being made the candidate or applicant is required to answer any questions regarding his parents' nationality or to state whether he him self is British born or a British subject by naturalisation; and, if so, to what special object are such questions directed?

Candidates for appointment to the Civil Service are required to state whether they are natural born or naturalised British subjects in order that it may be ascertained whether they fulfil the condition of British nationality which is imposed upon all Civil servants of the Crown. Candidates for appointment to the Foreign Office, Admiratly, War Office, and Colonial Office, are required to state also the nationality of one or both of their parents in order to comply with certain rules which have been prescribed for persons seeking posts in those Departments.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the anxiety amongst the relatives of officers and men who are engaged in military operations in the Cameroons at the lack of news; and if he will say when dispatches from the officer commanding will be published?

The War Office will answer this question.

I am sorry to say I have not received notice of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will introduce legislation debarring mortgagees of house property who have lent money on such before the War from raising the rate of interest chargeable on such loans, in view of the facts, first, that the Court (Emergency Powers) Act of 1914 has proved ineffective in bringing about this result, notwithstanding the statement of his predecessor that it would do so, and, second, that such advances in rates of interest are bound to tell in advancement of the rents of working-class houses?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on this subject on Wednesday last, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for North-West Lanarkshire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer why a difference is made between the total amount of remuneration granted to retired medical officers and others receiving civil superannuation allowances who have accepted fresh service under the military authorities and the amount of remuneration, including supernnuation allowance, granted to retired naval and military officers who have similarly undertaken new duties in either of the two Services?

The issue of superannuation allowances to retired Civil servants who are reappointed to any civil office is governed by the provisions of Section 20 of the Superannuation Act, 1834. The differences in the regulations applicable to naval or military service, on the one hand, and the civil service on the other, are due largely to historical reasons, and the conditions of the services are too dissimilar to enable any useful comparison to be drawn in this respect.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the question of giving an officer who is to be employed his full pension without question, and make his pay equal to the difference between that and the amount he was drawing when last employed?

I shall have to have notice of that question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there are in circulation a considerable number of forged notes of the new issue, particularly notes of the value of 10s.; and, if so, whether any steps can be taken to prevent this fraud upon the public?

The design of the new issue of Currency Notes was adopted after careful consideration, and the cases which have come under review do not suggest that the number of forgeries is considerable. With regard to the second part of the question every case of forgery is brought to the notice of the police authorities at Scotland Yard for investigation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large number of forged notes have recently been in circulation in the Midlands?

No, I am not aware of that, but I am glad to have the information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the estimate that the loss occasioned by the strike of coal miners in South Wales amounts to not less than one million and a-half sterling may be taken as approximately accurate?

The reduction in the output of coal consequent on the stoppage of work for a week in the South Wales coalfield may be roughly estimated at a million tons. The consequent loss in wages may be estimated at about £450,000, but there is no sufficient material on which to estimate other losses.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the request of the Treasury to the London County Council that all large building operations under their control should be restricted or postponed during the present crisis is interpreted by the council as an invitation to throw the burden of such restriction exclusively upon their contractors, the effect of which will be to inflict loss on the contractors and financial embarrassment on many of the sub contractors; and whether he intended that the request of the Treasury should be so interpreted?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The intention of the Treasury was that such postponements in regard to works already under contract should be made by arrangement with the contractors.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, in view of the interference of General Frend with the civil right of citizens in Ireland to attend political meetings, he will say by whom and under what Statute he is instructed to take this political, as distinguished from military, action?

The hon Member has already been informed that the recent action of the Competent Military Authority in Ireland was taken on the initiative of that authority in pursuance of powers vested in him under the Defence of the Realm Acts, and was dictated by military considerations.

further asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the administration of the Defence of the Realm Act in Ireland against political opponents is in the hands of the military authorities, will he say under what Act and by whose direction the Under-Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant telephoned to the Dublin newspapers on the 30th March last, and wrote to them on the 8th April, forbidding them to report the proceedings at any stage in two political cases then pending, on the ground that it was against the public interest that details of the evidence or of the speeches of counsel should be published; and whether this prohibition is still in force in respect of all cases of expulsion from Ireland for political opinions whether with or without accusation or trial?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second that the communications therein referred to were not a prohibition but a request requiring no statutory or other authority. No prohibition is at present in force dealing specifically with the publication of reports of proceedings under the Defence of the Realm Acts, but the circulation of statements likely to cause disaffection to His Majesty or to interfere with the success of His Majesty's Forces, or to prejudice the recruiting, training, discipline, or administration of those Forces is forbidden by Article 27 of the Regulations.

Does it follow from that answer that the Under-Secretary at Dublin Castle can issue restrictive orders to-day without statutory authority?

They issue no restrictive orders of any kind or description.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will consider the desirability of supplying a distinctive badge to soldiers invalided out of the Service, and who may have returned to civil employment, in order that (apart from their discharge papers) they may carry some public indication showing that they have served their country in a military capacity?

This question is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that Private R. H. O. Mears, 4th Battalion Hampshire Regiment, stationed at New-sham Park Camp, Northumberland, although recommended by the doctor for sick leave on account of illness contracted in the course of his military duties, failed to obtain such leave when it was found that he had not been inoculated against typhoid fever; whether soldiers are being informed that they cannot have leave unless they have been inoculated; and, if so, whether he will take steps to inform commanding officers that the absence of inoculation should not debar men from their proper privileges?

I have had inquiry made, and I find that the statement that Private Mears was not granted leave owing to his not being inoculated is entirely without foundation. The medical officer did not recommend Mears for sick leave. He was informed that the preference as regards leave was given to men who had been inoculated, but there are, I understand, about 300 inoculated men who have had no leave.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether a Mr. Voigt, who returned from Germany in October last, having been through the German lines with the Crown Prince, and who is alleged to entertain pro-German sentiments, is now or has been recently employed at the War Office?

I am unable to trace that anyone of this name has been employed at the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the decision of the War Office is final with regard to the employment of unregistered dental surgeons; whether this is due to the objection of the British Dentists' Organisation; and whether, seeing that trade unionists have waived their rules for the period of the War, the War Office will use its influence to induce this professional union to waive its rules too?

Registered dentists are employed by the War Office because to be registered a dentist must have complied with conditions which imply a prolonged, practical, and skilled training, tested as to its results by examination. In the interests of the troops it is essential to know that the dentists who treat them have been properly trained. It is not proposed to alter the present practice.

Does the War Office suggest that these other dentists have not been trained?

They have not been trained quite so well.

Is there a sufficient supply of registered men to meet the War Office demands?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that many soldiers have been at the front in Belgium for over ten months without being allowed Home leave; whether it was publicly announced that no soldier should remain at the front for a longer period than seven months without being granted Home leave; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made with a view to this undertaking being carried out?

The question of leave from the front is entirely in the hands of the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief. Subject to the exigencies of the Service, leave is given to men who have been at the front for a considerable period. I have no knowledge of any public pronouncement regarding leave to soldiers at the front.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that we shall be losing a large number of soldiers in August through their refusing to go on if the men are kept away with no leave?

I am very sorry the hon. Member has information to that effect. I can scarcely credit it. The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief is most anxious to give leave to the men so far as military exigencies will permit.

I have two letters giving that information. [HON. MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

Is it not the case that some men have had two periods of leave, while other men for long periods have had no leave?

I am afraid it is impossible that justice can be meted out absolutely with equality in an Army of a great many thousands of men.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say that the men who win the V.O. are granted furlough at once?

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether an Army Order was published last month, No. 5,845, to the effect that, in the case of soldiers on short leave from the front who lose their return tickets, they not only have to pay their fare but if they find the ticket are now refused any claim for refund in respect of the second ticket; and whether this is contrary to the railway practice in civil life?

There is no Army Order with the number mentioned. Soldiers on short leave from the front who lose their tickets and have had to pay are granted a refund in the event of their tickets being found.

Here is the Order.

There has been some confusion as to the word "lost" and the word "found."

Are not these the words of the Order?—"Refund—Cancellation of payment warrants. From the date of these instructions no claims for refund on lost tickets or requesting cancellation of payment warrants will be entertained."

Yes; that is on lost tickets. I thought it was on found tickets.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he has any official information to the effect that Messrs. Krupp, of Essen, supplied to certain British armament firms the full detailed drawings of the shrapnel fuses now being used by the British Army in France?

The drawings of a fuse from which one of the fuses used by our Army in France may be said to have been evolved were obtained through an English firm from Messrs. Krupp's, but the full drawings of the fuse as used in the British service were not obtained from Messrs. Krupp's.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the official announcement that permanent commissions in the Army are not refused to Territorials, he has received from a Member of this House two letters, dated 16th June and 8th July, respectively, from general headquarters expressing regret that permanent commissions cannot be granted, as the regulations do not admit of this, and that this was a ruling of the War Office; whether he has also had a sight of two letters from Brigadier-General Lowther, and from Colonel Green, of the London Scottish, dated May last; and whether, seeing that both these officers stated that they believed no permanent commissions are now granted in any unit, he will inform Sir John French that Territorials from the ranks are eligible for permanent commissions the same as Regulars?

I have received from my hon. Friend several letters addressed to the father of two soldiers serving in the London Scottish which- appear to be replies to letters addressed by him to officers at the front requesting that his sons should be recommended for permanent commissions in the Regular Army, although they have not fulfilled the required conditions. A similar request had been previously received in the War Office, and in reply thereto the conditions to be fulfilled by the two soldiers in question were fully explained to their father. Many soldiers of the Territorial Force have obtained commissions by fulfilling these conditions, and there appears to be no reason why these two soldiers should not do so. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the printed memorandum in which the conditions are set forth.

Is the right, hon. Gentleman aware that he definitely stated in reply to a question I put in this House that the Territorials were enabled from the ranks to obtain commissions? I ask him whether the statement on the paper that general headquarters had definitely stated in writing, and that the brigadier and the commanding officer had also stated, that permanent commissions are not granted to Territorials from the ranks is correct. Is that not the statement made from general headquarters in writing?

What I think happened was that the hon. Member asked me a question in regard to Territorials getting permanent commissions. I assumed that he was referring to officers in the Territorial Force and not to soldiers. If I made a mistake I am sorry. It is true that the officers in the Territorial Army can receive permanent commissions in the Regular Army in the manner I have described. Soldiers in the ranks in the Territorial Force are in a different position. They are in the position I have described in my answer.

Had not these two privates been at public schools, and would they not have been eligible for commissions if they had come direct from the public schools?

If they had gone in the ordinary way through Sandhurst and Woolwich they would have been eligible.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that some of the agents employed by the Royal London Insurance Society who are of military age desire to enlist and hand over their books to their wives, so that the latter may carry on the business in their absence; whether he is aware that the society are objecting to the course suggested; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

It is presumed the hon. Member is referring to the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society, Limited. This and other insurance companies have recently been approached on the desirability of employers utilising to the fullest extent men outside the recruitable age, and where practicable women and boys, to replace men available and desirous of joining His Majesty's Forces. Since this answer was prepared I have received a letter from, the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society, who inform me that there is no truth in the statement that they have put any obstructions in the way of their men. They add: "Some 500 of our staff have already joined His Majesty's Forces."

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he can now say if the War Office have arrived at any decision regarding the question of pay and promotion of special lieutenants in the Reserve and Territorial Force Royal Army Medical Corps; and, if so, will he tell the House the result of the decision?

It has been decided to promote to the rank of captain all lieutenants of the Special Reserve and Territorial Force Royal Army Medical Corps who have given six months' mobilised service, with effect from 1st April last, and steps are now being taken to carry out this decision.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the same privileges will be extended to qualified dentists now holding the rank of lieutenant?

I think the dentists are serving under a special engagement. I do not think they are included in the officers to whom the question refers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the height of Achi Baba is given on the Admiralty chart as 730 feet and on a published War Office map as 709 feet; and whether the approximate height is the one given on the military map in the Tea Room as 591 feet?

The height of Achi Baba as indicated by the contours on the one-inch to one-mile War Office map of the Gallipoli Peninsula is something over 700 feet. The figure 591 on. the same map is not the highest point. The exact height of the highest point is not known, but the War Office map is believed to be substantially correct in this respect.

asked whether the roads at Maresfield Park Camp, Sussex, constructed during the winter of 1914–15, were constructed by the War Office under contract or day work, and, if by contract, what was the amount of the contract and the amount expended also on day work; whether the War Office have received reports to the effect that such roads were improperly constructed and are already useless, and that the moneys then expended have been practically thrown away or to a similar effect; whether estimates for the reconstruction of these roads or some of them have been, received; if so, what are the amounts of such estimates, and if for a portion of these roads the estimate is £1,648; and whether any steps are being taken to prevent such waste in the future?

These roads were constructed by the War Office on day work. I am unable to give the amount expended. A report to the effect stated in the question has been received, but I must not be taken as admitting that it is in all respects well founded. These roads had to be constructed in the shortest possible time in order that the camp might be occupied, and only work of a temporary kind was attempted. Work of a more permanent character is now being undertaken through the Road Board. The hon. Member's information as regards an estimate of £1,648 is quite accurate.

asked whether Germans interned at Lofthouse Park, near Wakefield, are often given permission to visit Leeds without any escort whatever; whether the management of the camp is generally very lax; and whether he will take steps to enforce stricter discipline?

Steps were taken some time ago to enforce with greater stringency the regulations as regards discipline in the internment camp at Wakefield.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true, as asked in the question, that Germans interned in Lofthouse Park are allowed or have been allowed to visit Leeds without any escort?

I am afraid that I cannot say that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are two kinds of treatment accorded in this camp, and that those who are inclined to be liberal in the way of tips are treated a great deal more leniently than the rest?

I am not aware.

asked the number of captains of the Royal Army Medical Corps who have received accelerated promotion to fill the vacancies created by the promo-lion of the ninety-seven majors to lieutenant-colonels, in addition to the fourteen captains promoted previous to 31st March, 1915?

The promotion of majors to lieutenant-colonels rank in the Royal Army Medical Corps does not necessarily create vacancies in the list of majors. Promotion to the latter rank is ordinarily by time service irrespective of numbers. Fifty-one captains have received accelerated promotion in addition to the fourteen mentioned and to others who were promoted after the usual regulation period of service.

asked whether any offer has been made to the War Office of a motor operating-theatre; and, if so, whether a fair trial will be given to this system with the view of reducing the rate of mortality from abdominal wounds?

So far as I am aware, no offer of a motor operating theatre has been made to the War Office, but the question of sending motor operating theatres to the front has been brought to notice, and has been carefully considered in communication with our expert advisers overseas, with the result that it has been decided not to send any motor operating theatres to the front, as the opinion of our expert advisers on the spot is that their provision would not diminish the rate of mortality of abdominal wounds.

asked whether it is in contemplation to make alterations in the barracks at Windsor; if so, what is the nature of such alterations and what is the estimated cost?

It is intended to remodel the officers' quarters and to provide infirmary stables at the Combermere barracks, Windsor, at an estimated cost of £10,000. The work has been deferred for some time, but owing to the very defective state of the existing buildings, the alterations ought not to be long delayed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that English and Irish soldiers are under treatment in Llanchoil hospital, Forres, Gray's hospital, Elgin, Gordon Castle, Fochabers, and other hospitals in the North of Scotland; and whether he will arrange that so far as practicable Scottish soldiers are sent to hospitals in Scotland in preference to English and Irish soldiers in order that their relatives may be able to visit them without incurring what is frequently the prohibitive expense of a journey to England?

I had understood from my hon. Friend that Belgians were occupying some of these hospitals. Every endeavour is made to send our own patients, arriving from overseas, to hospitals in the neighbourhood of their homes, but, owing to the fact that men are sent from the port of disembarkation in ambulance trains, each carrying 100 or more patients, it is not always possible to do so. My hon. Friend will realise that in many instances it is not to the advantage of the patients themselves that they should be sent on a long railway journey on arrival in this country.

Is it not equally possible for a Sottish soldier to stand the journey as an English soldier? Numbers of English soldiers are sent up there. Is it not the case that two at least of these hospitals were occupied by Belgians in the month of January and February? Why should not Scottish soldiers have the preference in their own country?

I have told my hon. Friend before that the preference is always given to soldiers of sending them to the convalescent hospitals or homes which are nearest their own homes. But I am sure that my hon. Friend will realise the difficulty of sorting out all those cases and putting the right man in the right place. That is a difficulty which is occurring every day in my life. My hon. Friend will realise that much depends upon, the nature and condition of the wound.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are any officials in his Department of German birth or parentage; and, if 6o, will he state their names, their respective posts, and the remuneration they are receiving?

The number of officials employed in my Department is so large (between 6,000 and 7,000), and they are so widely distributed over the United Kingdom that it is not possible to give my hon. Friend the information he desires at once, but inquiries shall be made, and the information sent to him.

asked the resident of the Board of Trade whether, out of 5,000 shares belonging to the Tudor Accumulator Company, 4,699 are held by a German firm in Berlin; whether a further 150 shares are held by Germans resident in Germany; whether the firm is doing Government work; and if he will explain why, when English firms could do the work, German firms should be allowed to continue to trade merely with a penalty of postponing their dividends until after the War?

The statement as to the shareholding in the Tudor Accumulator Company, Limited, is correct, except that the number of shares held by persons resident in Germany in addition to the German company is eighty instead of 150, as stated in the hon. Member's question. I am informed that some Government work is being done by the company. As the company is incorporated in this country it is entitled to trade here, but I may inform the hon. Member that, under the Trading with the Enemy Acts, an inspector of the company was appointed last October, and a supervisor was appointed last December in order to ensure that there should be no trading with the enemy.

The only result of that is that the Germans will get their dividends just the same after the War is over and the company is allowed to trade for the benefit of Germans?

We have not departed in this case in the slightest degree from the policy followed in other cases. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman is entitled to infer that the Germans will get all the dividends.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any evidence exists to the effect that German agency and German money have promoted, instigated, aided, or abetted the strike in South Wales?

I know of no such evidence.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Act prohibiting trading with the enemy is being evaded by the establishment of German factories in Holland which, such as the Gautsch Incandescent Light Company, a branch of a German firm working with German capital, at Sloterdyk, near Amsterdam, flood the British market with their produce; and, if so, whether any steps will be taken to make the Act more effective?

As the hon. Member is doubtless aware, goods (with certain minor exceptions) cannot be imported into this country from Holland unless accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by a British Consul. Such certificates are not granted in cases where the manufacturing firm is known to be a branch in Holland of an enemy firm. I shall be glad to consider any information which the hon. Member may be in a position to send me respecting the particular firm to which he refers.