asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether anything is being done to obtain from Turkey a list of British prisoners captured in the Dardanelles; and, if so, with what result?

Every effort has been made, through the United States Ambassador, to obtain lists of British prisoners of war captured in the Dardanelles, and the Ottoman Government have been warned that, until they fulfil their obligations in this respect, no further lists of Turkish prisoners in the custody of the British Forces will be furnished to them, nor will specific inquiries concerning missing Turkish officers be answered.

So far we have only received from the Turkish Government the names of twenty officers and men of the crew of the submarine E 15, the names of thirty-two officers and men of the submarine A E 2, and the names of two officers and fourteen men of the Military Forces. In addition to the above, we have received the names of about one hundred and twenty officers and men through the kind offices of the United States Ambassador at Constantinople. It must, however, not be concluded that the Secretary of State for War has not received further information from other sources as to officers and men reported missing from the British Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in existing circumstances, there is any machinery in being for removing wounded British prisoners from Germany to Switzerland for the benefit of their health; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of approaching the United States Government with the view of asking them to use their good offices in the matter?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a project of sending wounded British prisoners to a neutral country (Switzerland) has been arranged; and what information he can give regarding it?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. No machinery of the kind indicated at present exists. A proposal was made by the Vatican for such a procedure and has been under consideration, but it has not hitherto been found practicable.

Will the efforts of the British authorities be in favour of carrying out an arrangement of the sort?

It is impossible to give an answer either in the affirmative or negative to that suggestion until one knows fully what the suggestion involves.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to facilitate the apprehension of escaped German prisoners of war, he will, instead of paying notes or other currency to these prisoners, give directions that payments to them shall be in the form of vouchers which will be accepted in the places of internment in payment for their food and clothing and other necessaries?

The token system is now being introduced, and this will do away with the use of money by officer prisoners of war. Payments to ordinary prisoners are in such small sums that it is not considered that the token system in their case is at present feasible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any further information about the number of men of the 5th Norfolks missing since the 2nd August; and whether it is now possible to state whether any, and which, of them are prisoners of war?

Of about 200 men reported missing up to date, only seven have been reported to the War Office as prisoners of war. It is possible that some of the others who are recorded as missing may be in direct communication with their relatives, but I cannot give any figure for these men. Every effort has been made to obtain from the Turkish Government full lists of the prisoners of war in their hands, but so far these efforts have not been successful. Perhaps the hon. Member will refer to Question No. 1, answered by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that the British Government pays to German officers of the rank of lieutenant and second lieutenant, who are prisoners of war in his country, double as much as the German Government pays to British officers of the same rank who are prisoners of war in Germany, and that the British Government pays to German prisoners of war of the rank of captain and the higher ranks more than one-third as much again as the German Government pays to British prisoners of war of the same rank; and whether, in view of the fact that the German Government have by the murder of non-combatants on sea and on land, by the bombardment of unfortified towns, and by numerous other acts of barbarity systematically violated and in effect abrogated The Hague Conventions, the British Government will in future pay to German officers who are prisoners of war in this country the same daily or monthly sums and no more that are paid by the German Government to British officers who are prisoners of war in Germany?

Under The Hague Convention each country pays to the officers that it makes prisoners of war the rates of pay allowed to its own officers. As the German Government is paying only a proportion of those rates to our officers, a similar proportion of our rates is being paid to captured German officers. Under The Hague Convention, whatever payments are made are due to be repaid by the Government to whom the officers belong.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the latter question: Whether, in view of the fact that the German Government by acts of barbarity have violated and abrogated The Hague Conventions, the British Government will in future pay to German officers who are prisoners of war in this country only the same sums that are paid by the German Government to British officers who are prisoners of war in Germany?

The negotiations are still proceeding through the good offices of the United States of America, and I am certainly not without hope that in this matter, at any rate, the provisions of The Hague Convention will be fully observed by all the countries concerned.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that the German Government have by their action during the War practically violated almost every provision of The Hague Convention?

I think it is better we should be guided by our own standard of ethics rather than that of Germany.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will arrange to grant a more generous proportion of leave or furlough to those regiments whose men have been out over nine months and some even twelve months?

I am afraid that I can only refer my hon. Friend to the full answer I gave on this matter on the 16th September. I know that the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief is strongly impressed with the desirability of giving leave as freely as military exigencies and administrative conditions permit. I cannot, however, think that the present moment is one at which we should be contemplating an increase in the grant of leave. I feel confident that our soldiers, even after the severe strain they have encountered with a cheerfulness which commands the admiration of all men, would not wish to be baulked of the glorious opportunity for which during these many months they must have longed.

Has the right hon. Gentleman noticed in the papers an account of two men coming home on leave, who, when they got to Boulogne and heard fighting was going on, at once chucked up their leave—and went back again?

I had not heard of that, but it is exactly in consonance with what I should expect.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government still hold to the view that it is not possible to grant an all-British specification for Army boots; and whether, in face of the necessity recently referred to by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of keeping as much money as possible in this country, he will reconsider the matter and allow the British Army to be supplied with boots made from British leather?

There already exists a specification to which regulation boots are being made in large numbers which specifies that the whole of the leather is to be of British manufacture. Returns showing the leather production of the country have, however, been obtained from time to time, and as a result it is not considered advisable at present to restrict the source of supply by entirely prohibiting the use of any but British leather. The consideration referred to by my hon. Friend is a guiding principle of all War Office contracts under present conditions, and so far as is possible goods are obtained from British sources and foreign purchases are avoided.

asked whether the blankets at present being purchased by his Department for the use of our soldiers at the front are made not wholly of wool but of a mixture of cotton and cheap wool or shoddy?

Orders have been placed for a large number of blankets required within a limited period. All offers of blankets according to the War Department specification, under which the blankets are to be made wholly of wool, have been accepted with one or two exceptions where the price asked was excessive. In addition to this orders have been given for blankets made according to samples which have been approved after expert examination. Some of these samples are made wholly of wool. Others have a cotton warp with a heavy wool weft, but there are no inferior shoddy yarns among the samples approved. In no case does the cotton exceed approximately 10 per cent., and the blankets are good warm articles, suitable in every respect for the service.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the quality of the blankets now provided has gone down from what it was originally when the War started?

No, Sir, I do not think it has.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether (1) Question 16 in the form of attestation (Army Form B 265) has been so altered as to show men enlisting for the Cavalry or Artillery that they are now liable to be transferred to the Infantry, and those enlisting for a non-combatant branch that they are now liable to be transferred to a combatant branch; and (2) paragraph 6 (a) of the notice to be given to men at the time of their offering to join the Army (Army Form B 265a) has been so altered as to show them that they are now liable to be transferred from one corps to another without their consent?

No, Sir; the alterations referred to have not yet been carried out. The form in which the information can best be given is still being considered. I am obliged to the hon. Member for calling my attention to the matter and I will see that a decision is reached forthwith.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether commanding officers have been recently instructed by the War Office to treat the age given by a boy on enlistment as his official age and, provided the medical officer certifies him to be up to the standard of 18½ years and fit for service abroad, to send him on active service overseas, although his parents prove by his birth certificate that his real age is 17 years and 1 day?

General Officers Commanding-in-Chief have been instructed that soldiers who, by their birth certificates, are shown to be over seventeen years of age are, in the event of an application for their discharge, to be held to serve, and that if the medical officer certifies they are up to the standard of eighteen and a half years and fit for service abroad, they may be sent overseas. A man's actual age is not always a true measure of his physical efficiency, and I think that adequate security against youths who are immature being sent overseas is provided by the requirement of a definite medical certificate of fitness for service abroad.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to render the escape of German prisoners of war more difficult and to facilitate their apprehension when escaped, he will give directions that all German military prisoners shall wear their uniform, and all German civilian prisoners shall wear some distinctive dress, and that no prisoner, military or civilian, shall be allowed to possess a suit of mufti?

It is the rule that all German military prisoners shall wear their uniform, and the civilian prisoners are provided in case of need with a regulation suit of corduroy of a distinctive and peculiar cut. Civilian prisoners who provide their own clothing are not called upon to wear a distinctive dress.

Where did the military prisoners get the mufti which have allowed the several recent escapes?

I am not aware whether or not my hon. and learned Friend is alluding to prisoners of war, but they ought not to have been able to secure mufti unless they got it after their escape. They would not be allowed to wear it in the prison. It is only civilians who provide their own clothes.

Are steps taken to ensure that these military prisoners of war are not in possession of suits of mufti?

I cannot answer that without reference to the various camps; but I should imagine so.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by a largely attended meeting held at Hertford, on the 18th instant, demanding the immediate closing of the German Army base camp at Great Munden, in the county of Hertford, and the internment of Mr. Muller, its commandant, and the Germans garrisoned there under his command; and whether it is his intention to comply with the demand of the inhabitants as expressed in the terms of the resolution?

I have not seen the terms of the resolution referred to, but I can assure the hon. Member that there is no German Army base camp at Great Munden and that no Germans are garrisoned there. There is a hospital camp at Libury Hall in that neighbourhood, where eighty-nine Germans (average age, fifty-nine), and four Austrians (average age, fifty-five)—most of them suffering from serious infirmities—are interned. Colonel W. S. Fergusson is the commandant. Muller is not commandant: he is a German who is not now allowed to leave the camp.

Is it anything but a pretence that this is an internment camp?.

Oh, yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the duties of the military officer attached to each naval centre; whether he is aware that in many cases this military officer has practically nothing to do, and that his duties are performed, or can be easily performed, by the naval officer at the naval centre; and whether, in order to avoid unnecessary waste of public money, he will abolish the post of military officer attached to naval centres?

I am sure that the hon. and learned Gentleman will realise that it is undesirable to specify the nature of the duties assigned to these officers. The question of economy has not been lost sight of, and I can assure him that the responsible authorities consider it necessary to maintain the posts in question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider one or two special cases which I will bring to his notice, where it was found that this particular military officer had really nothing to do?

It may be quite true that at the moment the military officer is not wholly employed, or, one might even go so far as to say unemployed, but, inasmuch as his services would be very desirable, and even essential, in case of emergency, it is not considered possible to do away with the post.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some commanding officers refuse to allow applications for commissions to go forward from non-commissioned officers and men under their command; and whether, considering the need of good and experienced commissioned officers, the War Office will direct commanding officers to facilitate applications by really well-qualified men?

This matter has engaged the continuous attention of the Department, and the desire expressed by my hon. Friend is fully recognised. I may state that all commanding officers have instructions to facilitate the applications of suitable candidates for commissions, provided the efficiency of the unit is not impaired by the withdrawal from its ranks of a large number of non-commissioned officers and men at one time.

Is it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to get commanding officers to send him a list of the number of refusals?

I am not at all sure that we would not be able to compile a list ourselves without asking the command-officers, but I do not know what object would be gained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of military officers who are physically fit for Home service with the Colours who are engaged on censorship and other civil work under the War Office?

No military officers who are physically fit for Home service with the Colours and who are required elsewhere are employed in the military censorship, nor am I aware of any officers being employed on any civil work in the War Office.

asked the amount at present being paid in pensions to officers who are re-employed in the Army who are also in receipt of full pay and allowances for the duties which they now perform?

To give this figure would involve a very considerable amount of research and clerical labour which I should not feel justified in casting upon the Department.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government proposes to give the House an opportunity of discussing the Third Special Report from the Select Committee on Naval and Military Services (Pensions and Grants); and, if so, can he.give a date?

As I said on Thursday, I do not think there is any need to provide a special opportunity. The hon. Member can avail himself of opportunities that occur.

Do I understand that the Government have accepted the Report?

No, Sir, nothing is to be understood from my answer but what I have said.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will provide, in cases where the War Office or hospital authorities send for relatives to visit the wounded, for a free railway pass being granted or full fare allowed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on this subject to my hon. Friend the Member for the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool on the 28th June last. The privilege of free travelling is already allowed, but it is necessarily restricted to cases in which the sick or wounded soldier is in a grave condition, and it can only be granted to one relative and on condition that the relative is not in a position to pay the cost of the journey.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the advisability of collecting the Property Tax and Income Tax by means of two or more instalments; whether he is aware that, owing to recent increases in these taxes, the necessity to pay them in a lump sum causes special hardship to those whose income is received in instalments, and especially to owners of house property; and whether he proposes to grant any relief in this respect?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. As a general rule, Property Tax is paid by deduction and the hardship referred to by my hon. Friend does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to allow all Income Tax to be paid quarterly, seeing that in many cases the concession to be allowed to pay it half-yearly does not give much relief in cases where the tax payable is greatly increased?

I am not sure that I understand the hon. Member's question. Does he mean the first payment to be made in the last quarter of the year? If so, the proposal would amount to a postponement of payment of the tax for at least nine months, a course which I could not recommend to Parliament.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how he intends to deal with overtime, inasmuch as a clerk or works foreman has a standing wage but does not get overtime, although he is paid during his holidays and is sometimes given a bonus to compensate him for overtime worked, seeing that he has to pay Income Tax on all he receives, whilst the workman earning over £2 10s. a week is only to be charged on his standard weekly wage; is he aware that some workmen with overtime are now earning from £7 to £9 a week, which is far higher pay than the total receipts of the clerk or foreman; and will he consider how to equalise the charges on these two classes of persons?

It is proposed that the assessment to Income Tax of a workman, as in the case of all other taxpayers, should include the whole of his actual income. The suggested discrepancy would not therefore arise.

asked whether it is proposed that the tax on cinema films will be levied on the ruling value of the negative per foot?

The duty on imported cinema films will be chargeable at specific rates per linear foot, as shown in the Resolution of the 21st instant.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: If the profits of English companies which are derived from working gold and other mines abroad, and which profits may have increased during the War, but are in no way attributable to the War, will be free from taxation as excess or war profits?

The Excess Profits Tax, which, as I have indicated, is directed to the raising of additional revenue from the sources best able to contribute, will apply to such companies as the hon. Member mentions.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: Whether he has considered the representations made to him regarding the practical difficulties in the way of re-stamping by to-morrow the existing stocks of articles liable to the Patent Medicines Stamp Duty, and whether he is prepared to make any announcement on the subject.

The Commissioners of Customs and Excise have, by my direction, discussed this matter with the representatives of the trade, and have reported to me that in their opinion a good case has been made out for postponing the operation of the new duty. I propose to ask the House to-morrow to agree to its postponement until the 20th of October.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has recently caused notice to be given to a large additional number of the staff of the Land Valuation Department that their services will be dispensed with on an early date; if so, whether those so notified are mainly men of military age; and whether a portion of these vacancies are being filled by the appointment of temporary men of over military age, and to a certain extent by the appointment of women where practicable?

The stage which has been reached in the original valuation of land under Part I. of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, renders it possible to dispense with the services of a number of the temporary valuation staff, and the reduction in numbers is being effected so far as possible by selecting for discharge men of military age. With regard to the last part of the question, there is no intention of replacing the officers now being discharged.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state how many official have been discharged or have ceased to be employed in the Land Valuation Department since 1st March last; how many new appointments have been made since that date; how many officials were still employed in the depart- ment on 1st September last, and what is the total amount of their salaries; how many officials are employed by the Commissioners in the Somerset House Land Department, and what was the total of their salaries; whether any attempt has been made to reduce the rental expenses; and, if so, what is the amount of the reduction?

The number of Valuation Office officials whose employment under the Board of Inland Revenue terminated between 1st March and 1st September is 1,437. The number of new appointments in this period is twelve. The number of the effective valuation staff on 1st September was 2,620, the salaries amounting to £411,150. Valuation Office premises to the rental value of £2,800 have either already been given up or will be given up at an early date. The number of officials employed on 1st September in the Land Values branch of the Inland Revenue Department was fifty-six, their salaries totalling £9,570.

Are we to take these figures as indicating that the Government has abandoned the taxation of land for the future?

Oh, no.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if any portion of sugar or its equivalent acquired by the Government for purposes of the State have been used for the manufacture of beer; and, if so, whether such articles could be substituted by Home-grown malt and hops, and the outsending of national payments stopped?

The Sugar Commission have sold sugar to brewers, who have no doubt used it in the manufacture of beer. Freedom in the choice of their brewing materials has been allowed to brewers for many years, and I do not consider that any interference with that privilege is called for by reference to existing circumstances.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman intends, to apply the new tax to brewing sugar, which is already heavily taxed?

Yes, Sir, I think brewing sugar comes under the old tax. It is taxed under the old law, and will be taxed under the new.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the value of imported articles used in Great Britain for the manufacture of beer, and the country of origin of each of such articles for the past five years, respectively; whether he will state the average quantity of sugar or its equivalent used for the past five years; if he is aware that the largest and most successful brewery in the world, situate in Ireland, uses malt and hops only; and whether, having regard to the fact that these materials can be Home grown, he will consider the advisability of appointing a small Committee to inquire into and report upon the probable advantage to the country of preventing money being sent abroad for articles which can be substituted at Home?

There is no official record of the origin of the various materials used in the manufacture of beer. The quantity of sugar or its equivalent used in the manufacture of beer during the last five years averaged 3,110,000 cwt. per year. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served at the present time by the appointment of such a Committee as is suggested.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received any report as to the result of the operations of the Board of Control (Liquor Traffic)?

No formal report has been made to me by the Board of Control, but reports have been received from some of the main contractors to the Admiralty. Whilst a number of these contractors report that the time is too short for any useful conclusion to be formed, the replies from all the firms on the Tyne are to the effect that the result of the restrictions has been satisfactory. It is reported from another very important district that the results have been very satisfactory, and that the prohibition of treating in particular has had a decidedly beneficial effect and is appreciated by the men for the reason that it leads to a less expenditure of money. A small number of firms report that no effect has been noticed.

Does my right hon. Friend not think the time has come when we might obtain a report from the Board of Control, and have Papers laid on the Table relating to this matter?

Yes, I think they might issue a provisional report, and I will see the chairman on the subject.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has any official information showing that a work man who appealed to a munitions tribunal for a transfer certificate on the ground that carried food was bad for his digestion, and that it was therefore necessary for him to live near his home, had the certificate refused, although he produced a medical certificate in support of his claim?

There have been four cases reported of the type referred to by my hon. Friend, all at Glasgow. In two cases certificates were refused in the circumstances set out in the question; in one of these cases the evidence showed that a restaurant was in the vicinity of the works, and in the other that food was provided at reasonable terms in a dining hall on the premises. In a third case where facilities for obtaining food were not available, the tribunal adjourned the case for consideration of their suggestion that arrangements should be made for the man's food to be cooked in the district. In the fourth case a certificate was granted.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has any information showing that a workman who applied to a munitions tribunal for a certificate permitting him to move to employment in another district owing to the fact that his wife's health was suffering from the locality of his present employment was refused a certificate?

My hon. Friend's question appears to refer to the case of Joseph Johnson, who sought a leaving certificate from Messrs. Davey Brothers, Limited, of Sheffield, on the ground stated. The decision of the local tribunal was to adjourn the case until the next hearing, with a view to the granting of a certificate if the man could produce a medical certificate as to his wife's health. At a subsequent hearing this medical certificate was duly produced and a certificate under Section 7 was granted by the tribunal.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has any official information showing that munition tribunals, in dealing with applications from workmen for permission to transfer their services from one employer to another, refuse such applications in almost every case?

So far from it being the fact that in almost every case applications by workmen for a certificate under Section 7 of the Munitions of War Act have been refused, the records of the Department show that out of 125 cases actually decided up to the 18th September, certificates were refused in sixty-five and granted in sixty cases.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will issue a list of the Members of Parliament and officials now employed in the Ministry of Munitions and the salaries which are being paid to them?

I do not think it necessary to anticipate the normal issue of a list of the staff of the Ministry, but I will endeavour to give the hon. Member any information which he may desire for his own use provided that it can be furnished without an undue amount of labour. Since the formation of the Ministry a number of Members of Parliament have been rendering valuable assistance—some of them working during the whole of the Parliamentary Recess. In addition to these, many others have been giving a good deal of time to the work of the Parliamentary Munitions Committee. None of them are receiving a salary for their work, and I desire to express the thanks of the Ministry for the services they have freely rendered.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he did not promise the hon. Member for Chertsey (Mr. Macmaster) on the 14th of July that he would issue a list of the officials employed by this Department, and does he now see his way to do that?

A good many of them are working without salaries at all, but I do not see that there is any objection to issuing such a list. If the hon. Member for Walsall and other hon. Members would like it I will see what I can do.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the large sums now being paid for oil for the Army and Navy, any of the oil companies have been placed on the list of controlled firms?

It is only possible to declare an establishment controlled if it is engaged in the manufacture or repair of munitions within the meaning of Section 3 of the Munitions of War Act. So the answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the unofficial reports regarding the Dardanelles Expedition and to the fact that Sir Ian Hamilton's dispatch only brings the information up to the 30th June, he will make a full statement as to the position and prospects of the expedition?

Complete statements as to the progress of the operations from time to time have been made so far as is consistent with military policy. As to the position and prospects of the expedition, I can at present add nothing to the statements made recently by the Secretary of State and myself.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that—without desiring information contrary to military exigencies—there is really a very grave desire throughout the country to know more about the Dardanelles, and is it possible for him to give us any hope that he will make even a guarded statement within the next few weeks?

It is not a question of making a guarded statement, it is a question of making a full statement or nothing at all. At present it is the opinion of the Government that all has been stated that can be stated consistent with military exigencies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the statement made by the British Ambassador at Petrograd as to the origin of this expedition?

It is obvious that notice ought to be given of that question.

asked if it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation which may determine the doubt which exists as to the incidence of liability to repair or rebuild leasehold premises damaged or occasioned by the agency of hostile aircraft, having regard to the fact that in most cases war risks are not mentioned in leases, and that both lessors and lessees are in many cases taking out policies under the Government insurance scheme?

As I have already stated, I doubt the desirability of introducing legislation to determine the incidence of the risk of damage by aircraft, bombardment, or other dangers peculiar to the War.

Can the right hon. Gentleman express any opinion with regard to this important matter?

No, Sir. I should hesitate to do that, because I believe it is a matter that the legal authorities ought to express an opinion upon.

As the Government have taken upon themselves the duties of an insurance company, is it not their duty to give some expression of opinion with regard to this matter?

The statement that the Government is acting as an insurance company would be news to me. It would also be news to me that insurance companies give legal advice to their customers free of cost.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether among the insurance companies which his Department has chosen to do the insurance work against air risks for damage by aeroplanes and otherwise is a company called the General Accident Insurance Corporation, with its headquarters at Perth; if so, is he aware that that company has as a condition to all its other accident policies a clause enabling it in the case of any dispute as to a claim to appoint, after a certain number of days from the claim arising, a single arbiter who has full power to dictate the terms of settlement, that delays occur under arbiters appointed by this company of as much as two years without any decision being given; will he say whether this clause is a condition of the policies of air risks undertaken for his Department; and, if so, what provision he is making against delays in settling claims that may arise?

The General Accident Insurance Corporation has been authorised to issue policies on behalf of the Government under the Government Aircraft Insurance Scheme. The policies so issued must be in the form prescribed by the Government scheme, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Prime Minister if Lord Haldane is now, or has within the last three months been, officiating in any capacity in any of the Departments of the State; and, if so, in which Department and in what capacity?

Lord Haldane continues to be Chairman of the Board of Trade Committee on the supply of chemical products.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if Lord Haldane is taking any part whatever in the administration of any Department of the State, other than that to which the right hon. Gentleman has referred?

I do not know why that question is put, and I do not feel called upon to answer it.

asked what, if any, regulations govern the use of acetylene or electric lamps after dark by the owners of motor cars; and, if any regulations exist, will he take more severe measures than now appear to be taken to see that these regulations are properly obeyed

The Order as to lights in the Metropolitan Police District and City of London prohibits the use of powerful lamps on motor cars and other vehicles. The police give constant attention to the enforcement of the Order. During the last eight months about 1,300 persons have been proceeded against in the Metropolitan Police District, and contraventions have greatly decreased in number in the last two or three months.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take more drastic measures to enforce the drawing down of blinds and the darkening of rooms that face back gardens in suburban districts; and whether he is aware that these gardens are frequently in a state of illumination while the fronts of the houses are in darkness?

The matter has been receiving the attention of the police, and I am now making the following Order which will strengthen their hands:— Bright lights in hotels, flats, dwelling houses and premises of all descriptions not coming under the other provisions of this Order must be shaded or windows screened so that no bright light is cast in any direction outside. This will apply to bright lights visible from the rear of houses no less than to those visible from the front.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that a large and increasing number of Belgians are now leaving this country for Belgium via Holland; and if he is taking any and, if so, what precautions against news reaching the Germans in that way?

No passenger can leave this country for Belgium via Holland without a permit from the Permit Office, which was established early in the year for the express purpose of regulating and restricting this passenger traffic in the interests of the Allies. In considering applications for permits special attention is given to the question whether the individual is in a position to carry any information which might be of value to the enemy; and unless the Permit officers are satisfied on this point, permits are refused.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will grant to the warrant and chief writers facilities for promotion to the commissioned rank of assistant paymaster similar to those granted to seamen and the engineer branches of His Majesty's Navy?

As I have indicated in previous replies to questions on this subject, the general question of providing the necessary number of officers for the accountant branch to meet the normal requirements of the Service was under the consideration of the Admiralty when War broke out, but was deferred in common with a number of others. I am afraid that I cannot give any undertaking in regard to the particular matter referred to in the hon. Member's question, the consideration of which could scarcely be dissociated from the general question. I may, perhaps, point out that commissioned warrant rank for writers has recently been established, and that the establishment of warrant writers, of whom twenty-seven are at present borne, has been increased.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many chief artificer engineers, artificer engineers, or engine-room artificers have been appointed engineer-lieutenants since the outbreak of the War; how many temporary engineer-lieutenants have been appointed during the like period; and why the regular engineering staff of His Majesty's Navy have not had a larger share of these appointments?

Twelve chief artificer engineers have been promoted to engineer-lieutenant since the commencement of the War. During the same period there have also been forty-two promotions of artificer engineers or engine-room artificers to acting mate (E), from which rank promotion to engineer-lieutenant will follow in due course, subject to the necessary requirements being fulfilled. Ninety-six temporary engineer-lieutenants have been entered for the period of the War. The latter appointments have been made to meet special requirements caused by the War, and are for the War period only, whereas the promotions previously enumerated are permanent, and affect only the permanent engineer personnel of the Navy. Appointments and promotions in the permanent Naval Service are governed purely by the permanent requirements of particular classes of officers in that Service, and it is considered that to introduce the system of promoting a man to officer's rank temporarily, which is the hon. Member's suggestion, would be very undesirable.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the statments of a deputation representing the meat-canning and preserving interests of Australia which waited upon Mr. Chief Secretary Black, of the New South Wales Government, in which it was alleged that, in the matter of War Office and Admiralty orders for canned meat, Australian producers had been deliberately boycotted by the Committee of Supplies; that the Chicago Beef Trust had received undue preference to such an extent that, while Australian goods were not accepted, the same goods, if sold to an American firm and freshly labelled, were accepted by both the War Office and the Admiralty; and that Mr. Chief Secretary Black, in reply to the deputation, made remarks regarding the treatment of Australian producers and in connection with the distribution of these canned-beef orders; whether, at the outbreak of the War, large orders had been given to Australian firms against whom no complaint was made; whether, in view of the discontent in the Colonies, he will state the reason for the discontinuance of orders to Australian firms; and whether Australian goods were being or had been tendered from American sources?

It is the established policy of the War Office to deal, as far as possible, with Australian packers rather than with foreign firms, subject, of course to due regard being paid to considerations of quality, price, and delivery, and this policy has been strictly adhered to. In view of the existing stocks, no orders of importance have been placed for some time, but there has been no discontinuance of Australian orders as such. Agents of American firms have for some years been buyers of Australian meat, and the purchase of spot stocks naturally includes such goods.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the fact that no complaints had been received from Smithfield concerning the administration of the surplus of Australian and New Zealand meat imports, he is aware that the small jobbers complained of privileged treatment accorded to larger firms, and further complained of having to pay down 90 per cent. of the purchase money against an order to an agent, while the agent himself only paid down 75 per cent. to the Government; whether he is aware that the Government have been condemned for paying 2 per cent. commission to agents, and that under private enterprise and free competition these agents formerly were content to work for 1, and in many cases even ½, per cent., and that their task is much simpler than formerly; whether he will give the names of the persons or person on whose authority he decided to double the rate of commission for selling New Zealand and Australian meat, ex-ship or store; and whether, in future, he will throw this work open to free competition and destroy the existing monopoly of privileged agents?

So far as I am aware, the arrangements which have been made for the disposal of the meat not required for military purposes are working satisfactorily, and I have had no complaints of the kind referred to by my hon. Friend. With regard to the commission paid to the selling agents, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on the 1st July last. The agents employed are always, so far as possible, those who would have dealt with the meat under normal conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that almost continuously since the rising of the House in August quantities of New South Wales beef, mostly that produced by the firm of Richards and Company, of Riverstone, New South Wales, had been placed upon Smithfield Market, a very considerable percentage of the quarters suffering from bone taint; whether he is aware that this beef, though originally of prime quality, was now arriving in stale condition from prolonged storage; whether he will state when the beef was killed and at what date it was acquired by the Government; how the Government came to buy it without any kind of test for bone taint; whether they have paid for it; and, if so, what were the prospects of getting any of their money back?

During the period referred to very little New South Wales beef has been placed by the Government on the market. I understand, however, that about 25 tons, forming part of a consignment purchased from the firm mentioned, has been condemned. The meat was bought on behalf of the British Government by the New South Wales Government, and I have no reason to believe that in making purchases due care was not exercised by them, but very careful inquiries will be made into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Great Britain, France, and Belgium are making arrangements for the erection of movable houses, churches, and schools to re-house temporarily the population of Belgium; whether these contracts will be placed with America and will necessitate an expenditure of several millions of dollars; and whether, in view of the slackness anticipated amongst carpenters and joiners during the coming winter months, he will consider the advisability of placing some of these contracts in this country and the remainder in Canada?

The Belgian Government have, I believe, had a scheme for movable buildings under consideration, but have as yet come to no decision on the point. Neither His Majesty's Government, nor, so far as I know, the French Government, have contemplated any arrangements of the kind. I have no doubt that, if the Belgian Government decide to invite tenders for such buildings, they will give an opportunity to British industry to compete in the ordinary way.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why special trains at ordinary fares were run to Newmarket from Liverpool Street and St. Pancras on 14th, 15th, 16th, and 17th September; and why it is possible to run such specials when probationers in Scotland cannot get the usual week-end facilities?

The position as regards the withdrawal of week-end fares has not been modified since the reply given to my hon. Friend's question of 30th June on the subject. There is, however, nothing to prevent railway companies from running additional trains at ordinary fares when no interference with military or naval traffic is involved.

Has the right hon. Gentleman discovered who the probationers are?

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, with a view to retaining all the instructors in dairying, and at the same time to effect a saving in expenditure, he will consider the desirability of suspending the inspection of creameries during the War, as, having regard to the present demand for butter, the arrangement would involve no hardship on the creameries while it would save the Department probably at least £1,000 per annum and the instructors could at the same time be employed in research and experimental work which would be productive of useful results for the Irish butter industry?

The Department have arranged for some reduction of expenditure in connection with the inspection of creameries by instructors during the War, but they are strongly of opinion that it would not be in the best interests of the Irish butter industry that all such inspection should be discontinued. The suggestion that dairying instructors should be employed on research work instead of the visiting of creameries is not considered feasible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether soldiers coming on leave from France are paid their advance money in French notes, upon which they lose nearly 10 per cent. on changing it into English notes at the port of embarkation; and, if so, whether arrangements can be made to pay returning soldiers in English money?

Official facilities have been provided whereby such men can exchange French for English money at the port of embarkation at the full current rate of exchange.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to adapt wounded men rendered unfit for further active service to other duties in connection with the War, in order to release men for the front?

The men referred to in the question are employed on Home defence work in garrisons and garrison duty abroad and also with units in training as cooks, batmen, orderlies, storemen, so as to relieve fit men.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any steps have been taken to ascertain how many wounded men have been rendered unfit for further War service; and what proportion are able and anxious to follow new employment suitable to their condition?

The number of men unfit for further war service is, of course, known, but my hon. Friend will recognise the undesirability of making public statistics on this head. I can assure him that all those who can be employed on suitable military duties are being so employed. There remains those unfit for military duty for whom it is very desirable that occupation should be found. The Statutory Committee to be set up under the Naval and Military Pensions Bill will have this assigned to them as one of their duties. But I think there will still be scope for civilian effort, and I should welcome any practical suggestions which my hon. Friend or any hon. Member can offer.

I desire to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he can now give the House any information regarding the intention of the Bulgarian Government in mobilising their forces?

My official information from the Bulgarian Government is that they have taken up a position of armed neutrality to defend their rights and independence, and that they have no aggressive intentions whatever against Bulgaria's neighbours.

It would, perhaps, be well that I should, with the leave of the House, explain quite shortly our view of the Balkan situation. Not only is there no hostility in this country to Bulgaria, but there is traditionally a warm feeling of sympathy for the Bulgarian people.

As long, therefore, as Bulgaria does not aide with the enemies of Great Britain and her Allies, there can be no question of British influence or forces being used in a sense hostile to Bulgarian interests; and, as long as the Bulgarian attitude is unaggressive, there should be no disturbance of friendly relations.

If, on the other hand, the Bulgarian mobilisation were the result in Bulgaria assuming an aggressive attitude on the side of our enemies, we are prepared to give to our friends in the Balkans all the support in our power, in the manner that would be most welcome to them, in concert with our Allies, without reserve and without qualification.

We are, of course, in consultation with our Allies on the situation, and I believe that the view that I express is theirs also.

Our policy has been to secure agreement between the Balkan States, which would assure to each of them, not only independence, but a brilliant future, based as a general principle on the territorial and political union of kindred nationalities. To secure this agreement we have recognised that the legitimate aspirations of all Balkan States must find satisfaction.

The policy of Germany, on the other hand, has been to create for her own purposes disunion and war between the Balkan States. She first made use of Austria-Hungary to precipitate a European war, with the result that that Empire is now completely subordinated to Germany and dependent upon her.

Turkey, whose interests would have been preserved by remaining neutral, was gratuitously forced by Germany into this War, and, having been used, is now being subordinated and made dependent upon Germany, in order to realise the German aspiration of German influence from Berlin to Bagdad.

In the same way, it would naturally be Germany's policy to use any Balkan State she could influence to further this plan, with the inevitable result that that State would eventually be subordinated to her; and, though territorial gains might be promised, it would lose real independence.

This is directly contrary to the policy of the Allies, which is to further the national aspirations of the Balkan States without sacrificing the independence of any of them.

I beg to ask the Minister of Munitions a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether it is a fact that some 1,700 men at Thorneycroft's Yard, Southampton, engaged on urgent warship construction have been on strike for some days; whether they have struck as a protest against employment of certain men who have been specially released from the Colours on the ground that they are non-union men; and what steps he proposes to take to see that the provisions of the Munitions Act are enforced?

I regret to say that the facts, as stated in this question, are substantially correct. I should add that the men in question came out on strike without the knowledge or authority of their union and remain on strike, although the union have instructed them to return to work and are making efforts to secure this return. Proceedings have already been commenced against a number of the men, on my behalf, under the Munitions of War Act, and I hope that the case will be heard this week.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he can make any statement with regard to recruiting and national service on or before Tuesday next?

No, Sir, I cannot give any such undertaking. The matter to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, and a number of other cognant and relevant matters connected with it, are engaging the most careful and anxious consideration of His Majesty's Government. As soon as they feel themselves in a position to announce their considered policy to the House they will do so. In the meantime, I would venture to appeal to the House, and to all sections of the House—whatever views they are disposed to take with regard to this matter—to abstain from raising it here.

We are at a very critical moment in the history of the War. We are watching with intense sympathy and hope the gallant and combined efforts of the Allied forces, and I do not think a greater disservice could be rendered to this country or to the Allied forces than that at such a moment as this there should be any suggestion go forth to the world that there is any division of opinion amongst us.

I beg to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether, in view of the announcements which have appeared in the Russian newspapers, he can make any statement as to the work done by our submarines in the Baltic, and as to the name of the commanding officer of the submarine which successfully attacked the battle cruiser "Moltke"?

The British submarines operating in the Baltic are under the orders of the Russian Commander-in-Chief. The House will appreciate that in the Baltic, as in the Sea of Marmora, much gallant and successful work is being done by these vessels; but the responsibility for deciding what shall be made public as to their proceedings in the Baltic must rest with the Russian Government.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the name of the commanding officer of the submarine which torpedoed the "Moltke," in view of the fact that he has been decorated by the Russian Government and that no information has been given by the British Government?

Commander Noel Laurence is the name of the officer decorated for his success in torpedoing a particular ship.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there is a single security listed on the London or on any other stock exchange in the country in connection with which a charge is made to an allottee in respect of the preparation and delivery of his certificate other than one particular form of voucher for Consols; whether the terms on which the Government entrusts public business to the Bank of England provide adequate remuneration to the Bank for its clerical trouble; and, if not, whether, in the public interest, he will take steps to increase the Bank's remuneration up to an adequate amount rather than leave investors with the feeling that the Treasury's recent concession to them is in great measure destroyed and defeated by the imposition of a charge?

A subscriber to the War Loan has the usual option of taking his allotment in the form of inscribed stock or of bonds without any charge. The small fee charged by the Bank of England is to cover the additional work imposed upon them by the special arrangements made since the issue of the Loan for the convenience of subscribers who wish to avail themselves of this additional facility.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that on the decease of a Scottish holder of War Loan stock details of the holding have for probate purposes to be sent by the trustees or executors to London, where substantial fees are charged by the agents so employed; if so, will he explain why this work cannot be undertaken by his Department in Scotland; and is he aware that these facts are having a deterrent effect in applications for War Loan being made in Scotland?

I hope to introduce legislation dealing with this matter.

I beg to ask the Home Secretary a question of which I have given him private notice, namely, whether he has any information as to the recent great increase in the number of night clubs in London, and the very injurious results of these institutions, and whether he will introduce legislation or take some other steps to secure that every night club in London shall be closed at twelve o'clock?

This is a difficult question which has been the subject of careful consideration and inquiry, and I am con- ferring with the other Departments interested to see whether any further steps are practicable and desirable.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons have been sentenced to death under martial law in Ceylon since the recent racial and religious riots, and in how many cases the sentence has been executed; and whether he can make any statement as to the present condition of the island?

Eighty-three persons have been sentenced to death under martial law, and thirty-four executed, of whom twenty-six were convicted of murder. Martial law was withdrawn on the 30th August, and the condition of Ceylon is now normal.

asked the Prime Minister what are the proposals of the Government as to the duration of the present Parliament, or how soon their decision may be expected?

At present I can only repeat that the matter is under consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a communication from the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce drawing attention to the fact that notices to the public have been posted at various stations of the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) Company and other companies to the effect that an advance in freight would be made by the Belfast Steamship Company, the Belfast and Mersey Steamship Company, the Dundalk and Newry Steam Packet Company, and the Sligo Steam Navigation Company, on and after the 1st day of October, 1915; and, if so, whether he can state the nature of his reply to the chamber; and whether he proposes to take any action in regard to the matter?

I have received the communication referred to. The freight rates charged by the steamship companies mentioned are not under any statutory control, and the matter is not one in which the Board of Trade have any jurisdiction. A reply to this effect will be sent to the Drogheda Chamber of Commerce.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will consider the expediency of issuing circulars to local authorities throughout the country asking them to encourage the working classes to keep poultry as a means to assist the food supplies of the community, by not en forcing existing restrictions as to keeping poultry in urban and semi-rural areas, and to appeal to property owners not to enforce restrictive covenants in leases and agreements to this effect when they can be advantageously disposed with?

Yes, Sir, the best way of carrying out the hon. Member's suggestion is being considered.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what is the approximate amount of the Irish National Health Insurance Fund; and whether any alteration is contemplated, by legislation or otherwise, with the control of the fund by the Irish Insurance Commissioners; and, if so, what is the nature of the proposed change?

The amount of the fund in the hands of the Irish Insurance Commissioners and of the National Debt Commissioners on the 31st August last was £1,085,550. Legislation would be required for the purposes suggested in the question, and any such proposals would, therefore, have to be submitted to the House.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the number of cases of swine fever reported during the year up to the end of July, and the number of cases reported up to the same date in 1914?

From the 1st January, 1915, to the 31st July, 1915, the reports of suspected cases of swine fever numbered 10,205; the number of outbreaks confirmed was 2,673. The corresponding figures for 1914 were 11,489 and 2,565 respectively.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether national school teachers have been paid the fees due to them for school gardening for the year ending 30th June, 1915; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay?

The grants for school gardening are awarded upon reports furnished to the Commissioners of National Education by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction. A considerable number of these reports have now been received and payment in these cases will be effected immediately. It is expected that the balance of the payments will be completed at an early date.