asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement made recently by the British Ambassador at Petrograd, to the effect that the first attack on the Dardanelles was in part due to a request made by the Russian Government that this operation should be undertaken for the purpose of drawing Turkish forces from the Caucasus, he can make any statement on the subject?

I have no doubt it is the case that the operations against the Dardanelles have diverted Turkish troops from the Russian and Egyptian frontiers. But to make a fuller statement as to the strategic objects of military and naval operations which are still in progress does not seem to me expedient, nor could I make it in dependently of the military and naval authorities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give us information which has been given to the Russian people, and which has got into the hands of the Germans?

asked whether Ger man manufacturers are being allowed free access to foreign markets provided that the goods were ordered previous to 1st March; and (2) is there any limit to the output from Germany to foreign countries, provided that a statement is made that goods were ordered before 1st March?

No concessions are being, or have been, granted to German manufacturers. In stopping German exports our object is not to injure neutrals, but to diminish German resources. Where, therefore, goods of German origin were both ordered and paid for by a neutral purchaser before 1st March, their delivery is not interfered with. So, too, goods of enemy origin shipped from neutral ports are not interferred with where it is proved to our satisfaction that the goods were genuinely ordered by, or for, the account of subjects of neutral States before the 1st March, 1915, and that by the terms of the contract under which they were ordered the purchaser is bound to take delivery of the goods on or before shipment, and is, therefore, bound to pay for them, whether they reach the hands of the purchaser or not.

In such cases it is obvious that to stop the export of the goods imposes no disadvantage on Germany and inflicts hardship and injury on the neutral purchaser. It thus fails entirely to effect the object we have in view and succeeds only in doing what we wish to avoid.

Can the Noble Lord say whether this means that goods manufactured in Germany since the out-break of War are allowed to go to neutral countries?

It means exactly what I have said—that, under the circumstances which I have described it will not interfere with goods that are the subject of the contracts which I have already mentioned.

In addition to the goods referred to, are not a considerable quantity allowed to be exported which have not been paid for?

Not except under the conditions which I have already described in my answer.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that the financial interests of German manufacturers and American banks which are under German control are able to bring about a set of circumstances that can evade the conditions laid down?

No, Sir, I do not think any evasion is possible, because it must all have happened before the 1st of March.

asked whether any and, if so, what undertaking has been given by the British Government to buy American cotton?

At the time that cotton was declared contraband His Majesty's Government stated that they contemplated the initiation of measures to relieve, as far as possible, any abnormal depression which might temporarily disturb market conditions. No further undertaking was given, and no abnormal depression has occurred. The intentions of His Majesty's Government were published in the Press on the 23rd August.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can give the number of Belgian subjects, men and women, who are at present engaged in making munitions in either controlled or Government factories; whether any factory is specially set apart for Belgian workers; and, if not, whether this has been considered?

My right hon. Friend does not think that it is desirable to publish information with regard to the number of Belgian subjects at present engaged in making munitions. In several instances Belgian workmen are employed separately under Belgian control. The desirability of extending such arrangements is now under the consideration of the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the action of Messrs. Armstrong, Whitworth and Company, Manchester, in dismissing 151 of their employés without notice and refusing to grant them release certificates, thus making it impossible for them to obtain employment elsewhere; whether the workmen appealed to the Ministry of Munitions for redress; and what action, if any, has been taken in the matter?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the dismissal of the men in question. The firm stated that the ground of the dismissal was that there was no further work for the men, and that no notice is customarily given on this class of work. The firm, however, on representations from the union, allowed such men as had not already found employment elsewhere, to return for one week. Communications took place between the Ministry of Munitions and the company, and the question formed the subject of arbitration before the Chief Industrial Commissioner. Ultimately the company allowed pay up to a month to any men who remained out of employment for so long—a payment in excess of the recommendations of the arbitrator. As regards the general question of the issue of release certificates, I may point out that it is always open to a workman to whom a certificate is refused to appeal to a munitions tribunal. My right hon. Friend has, however, also called the attention of all employers to the importance of giving release certificates in all cases in which they dismiss men.

Can the hon. Gentleman give instructions to the employers that they must grant these release certificates to discharged men? Surely this is penalising a man.

I think what my right hon. Friend has done will meet the case in future.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will state the number of cases reported to his Department of victimisation by employers of workers who had volunteered for munitions work, the number of such cases inquired into, and the number of cases, if any, in which proceedings against employers have been instituted?

About thirty alleged cases of the nature alluded to have been reported to the Department. Inquiries have been and are being made into every case. In some cases the men have been reinstated; in others, the complaints on investigation were shown to be without foundation. Legal advice has been taken with a view to instituting proceedings in other cases, but up to the present it has not been found possible to take proceedings with any prospect of success.

Does that answer cover the special case of a firm in Cardiff where the offence was proved up to the hilt?

I am afraid that I must have notice of that question.

asked the Minister of Munitions (1) whether he will inform the House what firm has been concerned in the purchase of sulphuric acid from America; how much has been paid to the owners of vessels for the damage due to their ships to leakage of the iron drums in which the acid has been shipped; and whether the loss has fallen upon the Government agents or upon the Treasury; and (2) whether quantities of sulphuric acid, essential to the production of high explosives, have been purchased in America; whether, owing to defective methods of shipment, there has been loss and delay; what were the terms of purchase; and what the nature of the specification?

I will assume that by "sulphuric acid" he means oleum or fuming sulphuric acid. Certain quantities of oleum, which is an ingredient of high explosives, have been purchased from America through Messrs. C. Tennant Sons, Messrs. Baring Brothers, and Messrs. C. T. Bowring and Company. In the case of the earliest shipments there was a certain amount of loss due to the type of iron drums used. I may say that iron drums had always been used in this country, in America and elsewhere for the carriage of oleum both by land and sea, and the particular type used had been passed for the purpose by the American Inter-State Commission. Oleum, however, had never previously been transported across the Atlantic in quantity, so that no experience of the best type of drum to use for that purpose was available when the earliest shipments were made. The defects in the drums used in these earliest shipments have long ago been remedied. In the case of one shipment some delay was caused owing to instructions being sent to unstow the cargo of oleum and redrum it in stouter drums, but the supplies of oleum on hand in this country at the time being adequate, largely due to the earlier shipments, this delay was in no way prejudicial to the supply of munitions of war. Nothing has been paid to owners of vessels for damage to their ships, but a claim has been lodged for damage, and two ships which had been damaged through leakage of oleum were purchased by His Majesty's Government on advantageous terms. My right hon. Friend does not consider it expedient in the public interest to give particulars as to the terms of purchase of oleum or as to the specification, but can assure the House that the statements that have recently been made in a certain newspaper are both inaccurate in detail and misleading in effect.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any idea approximately of the amount of the loss?

I might be able to do that on notice.

I beg to give notice that I will put down a question.

May I ask whether the drums to which the hon. Gentleman referred are cast iron or wrought iron drums?

I do not know. They would be the drums ordinarily used for that purpose, but I will inquire into the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many of our technical schools are utilising, at the request of the Government, their workshops in assisting in the manufacture of shells; and whether he can arrange that such schools, which for that reason only are required to pay the higher factory rate for insurance against damage by aircraft, shall be able to insure at the ordinary 2s. rate?

The case of these technical schools has already been considered, and I am afraid it would not be possible to make a special exception, or vary the insurance classification or rates, in their favour.

Does not the hon. Gentleman consider it very unfair, when the schools are working for the Government, that they should be charged an extra rate?

My hon. Friend must not ask me my personal opinion on the point.

asked the Minister of Munitions, with reference to his recent speech at Bristol and to the recent official statement that large additional numbers of unskilled men and women are required for munitions, where persons desirous of such employment should apply; and when they are likely to be wanted?

It was pointed out in the speech referred to by my hon. Friend that the immediate need is for skilled men; there is no dearth of unskilled labour at the moment. Further steps are being taken with a view to securing the skilled labour required, and as soon as this becomes available, and especially when the new munitions factories at present in course of construction are completed, a large additional number of un skilled men and women will be required. In the meanwhile applicants for such employment, whether men or women, should record their names at the nearest Labour Exchange where special arrangements have been made for the purpose between the Ministry of Munitions and the Board of Trade.

asked the Attorney-General whether he has now examined the evidence given before the Military Court of Inquiry into the affairs of the Empire Battalion; and whether he proposes to take any action?

I understand from the Public Prosecutor that the evidence and proceedings before the Military Court of Inquiry referred to are now before him. They have not been referred to me, and I have not seen them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the reports asked for by his circular letter of the 4th of August, 1915, as to the nature and extent of any savings which local authorities have been able to effect, are being regularly received from such authorities throughout the country; whether he is able to state that substantial economies have been or are being made by such authorities; and whether he will take steps to make the information contained in the above-mentioned reports available to the local authorities in order to assist them in making savings?

A great many reports have been received showing savings which local authorities have been able to effect. Some of these are substantial and involve a material reduction of rates. The reports are not usually in a form which would be of much assistance to other local authorities in their consideration of economies, and my own view is that the best results are obtained by careful study of details in connection with the particular circumstances of each authority. I have, however, taken steps to give publicity through the Press to any information received which seems likely to be useful to local authorities in general.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will issue a circular to all local authorities pointing out that in carrying out the present policy of co-option of members to fill vacancies the political and party ties of the persons co-opted should correspond with those of the previous members?

I do not think it is desirable that I should issue such a circular as suggested. In the Debate on the Elections and Registration Bill I made it clear what line should, in my opinion, be adopted in filling casual vacancies occurring at the present time. I feel confident that local authorities will follow the principle which has been adopted in regard to Parliamentary Elections.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that sometimes men may be of the same political persuasion but totally opposed to each other on those points of local administration about which there are contests?

Yes, Sir, I am aware of the fact, and it is one of the reasons why I do not propose to issue a circular.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will be prepared to send his answer to that question to all the local authorities?

I should like to know, first of all, whether the local authorities are anxious that I should do so. There are a great many of them, and, unless I had some indication that they desired suggestions from me on the subject, I do not think that I could send them any such circular.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is able to confirm the statements made officially in Petrograd and to furnish any details regarding the torpedoing of a large German cruiser in the Baltic by a British submarine during the week ending 22nd August last?

My hon. Friend will probably have seen from an answer given on Tuesday last by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary that we feel precluded from giving information about the proceedings of the Russian Fleet beyond that which the Russian Government may think it expedient to publish in the Press. He will realise that the British submarines which have done such excellent service in the Baltic are not an independent force, but are acting under the command of the Russian admiral.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the loss of a submarine must be known to the German naval authorities after she has been absent from her base or unheard of for a certain period, he can communicate to the House the number of enemy vessels of this type captured or destroyed down to the date when, in the opinion of the Board, the most recent must have been given up by the enemy as lost?

I understand and sympathise with the desire expressed by my hon. Friend, and I entirely agree that the mere statement that a German submarine has been destroyed need not convey valuable information to the enemy. The difficulty I feel in satisfying my hon. Friend's curiosity has a different origin. It arises from the inevitable margin of doubt which attaches to any attempt to estimate the numbers of enemy submarines destroyed, and the consequent impossibility of giving accurate statistics. A submarine, it must be remembered, is not like an ordinary vessel. If the latter sinks it sinks for ever. There can be no error as to its fate. With a submarine this is not necessarily true; and we have every gradation, from absolute certainty through practical assurance down to faint possibility.

Facts like these are not fitted for statistical statement. Were the Admiralty to confine itself to enumerating cases of absolute certainty, we should undoubtedly be understating the truth. If we were to include all the cases of reasonable possibility, we might be exaggerating the truth; and no defensible line can be drawn between these two extremes.

asked the Postmaster-General how much revenue was received from the halfpenny postage on postcards during the year ending 31st March last?

Owing to the disturbance caused by the War, the amount of revenue received from halfpenny postage on postcards during the year ended 31st March last can only be conjectural. It was probably about £1,600,000. In the year 1913–4 it was £1,712,000.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will furnish statistics to show the effect of the introduction of the halfpenny rate upon the revenue received from postage?

I am sorry to say that no statistics are available which give a reliable estimate of the effect of reductions of rates apart from other influences operating at the same time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that many millions of printed papers, such as notices, summonses to meetings, and insurance cards have to be sent to members of friendly societies every year in connection with their voluntary and insurance sections, that such papers are at present sent through the halfpenny post, and that the charge of a penny rate for these papers would involve a great increase in cost and a heavy burden on the management funds of these societies; and whether, in view of the injury to these and other interests which will be caused by the abolition of the halfpenny post, he will reconsider such proposed abolition?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part, I would ask the hon. and learned Member to await this afternoon's Debate.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what extent the new tax on war profits will increase the price of every article which the War Office purchases from Home manufacturers; and if he has considered that any increase in the Home price will result in an increase in the price which the Government may have to pay for munitions purchased from America and other foreign countries?

I do not agree that the Excess Profits Tax will necessarily cause a rise in the price of articles purchased by the War Office. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in connection with the increased Income and War Profits Taxes, full depreciation will now be allowed for all wearing-out and wasting assets; and, if so, whether he can state the basis upon which it will be calculated?

The question of depreciation of wasting assets is eminently one for examination by the Committee to be appointed at the end of the War to inquire into the Income Tax, and at the present time I am not prepared to prejudge the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as agriculture is to be exempted from the operation of the Excess Profits Tax, all produce of the earth, such as rubber, oil, metals, and sugar, are included in the term "agriculture"; and, if not, why this is not to be done?

I presume the hon. Member is referring to the case of companies engaged in tropical agriculture. As stated in my reply of the 28th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbartonshire, companies engaged in carrying on business abroad and liable to British Income Tax will come within the scope of the Excess Profits Tax.

Will my right hon. Friend say on what theory he justifies the exemption of agricultural products?

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in cases where profits in any business were made but not capable of realisation owing to the outbreak of War, he will make such arrangements as will suspend these profits, which, in fact, are merely book profits, from the operation of the Income Tax; and, if it be necessary to set up any machinery to deal with cases of this kind, will he consider appointing a Committee, under the Treasury control, having power similar to the tribunal which it is contemplated to bring into being in connection with the taxation of war profits?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my predecessor on the 10th and 15th February last, to my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth, copies of which I am sending to the hon. Member.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Budget proposals, in reference to the taxation of war profits, apply to the controlled establishments whose profits are already taxed under the Munitions of War Act; and, if not, whether he will state why the war profits of other trades and businesses should be taxed at a lower rate than the war profits of such controlled establishments?

The year in respect of which a taxable excess may arise in connection with the present Budget will be the ordinary business year of account ending on any date from 1st September, 1914, to 30th June, 1915, irrespective of whether a business has subsequently become a controlled establishment under the Munitions Act. The assumption that the Excess Profits Tax will invariably or necessarily constitute a smaller levy than that taken under the Munitions Act is not correct.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the profits of most traders and manufacturers in Ireland were considerably lowered by trade disputes and other exceptional circumstances in at least one of the three years on which the assessment of the 1914–5 Income Tax was based, and consequently the effect will be to lower the datum line from which the Excess Profits Tax will be calculated in their cases; and will he take steps to legally empower the independent tribunal which is to fix the datum line to deal equitably with these traders and manufacturers by taking in each case the last three years of normal profits?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if co-operative societies have recently made heavy clearances of tea, sugar, and other articles subject to increased duty, by reason of which they are making profit out of the public; and if he will introduce a Clause into his Budget whereby the excess war profits of these societies may be taxed and placed upon an equality with other traders, with whom they are competing for the supplies to canteens and His Majesty's Navy?

I would ask the hon. Members to await the terms of the Finance Bill.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us any assurance that this question will be dealt with in the Finance Bill?

Well, Sir, I shall be very glad to hear representations upon any subject connected with the Finance Bill in the course of next week, when, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the House will not be sitting.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what principle the large profits made by co-operative societies have not hitherto been assessed for Income Tax; and whether he will take the opportunity of the present Budget to put an end to this exemption?

also inquired whether, under the new Budget, it is proposed to assess for Income Tax co-operative trading societies which compete against ordinary traders?

With the permission of the House, I will answer together this question and Question No. 40. In so far as co-operative societies make a profit through their trading operations with non-members, such profit is already assessable to Income Tax in the hands of the recipient. The ordinary transactions of these societies resulting in a return to members of any excess purchase price that may have proved to have been paid by the members is, in fact, a mere discount on purchases and not a profit.

Is there any sound ground why the profits should not be taxed at the source in the case of these co-operative societies?

I think my hon. Friend and I are rather at difference as to what is profit. I am not sure I can answer his question precisely in the form he puts it.

Assuming that a co-operative society, or a corporate body, has a certain amount of money to carry to the credit of the profit and loss account, as any other limited corporation may do, is there any ground why the tax should not be assessed with reference to that particular profit, as it is in the case of other incorporated societies?

It is a question mainly of facilitating the work of the Inland Revenue authorities. If the result of distributing these profits only means that the same profit will be recovered by repayment, on the ground that the persons to whom the profit belongs are under the limit of assessment, the only result would be to greatly increase the work of the Inland Revenue authorities.

May I ask whether co-operative societies will be subject to the Excess Profits Tax?

Yes, Sir, the same as anybody else.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to extend the same relief to limited liability companies in respect to Income Tax as it is proposed to extend to individuals in the event of their proving that their actual income from all sources for the year is less by one-fifth than the income on which the tax has been paid?

I am unable to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. The relief referred to is intended to benefit individuals whose total actual income is less than the total income on which they have borne tax. The same considerations do not apply to the case of a company's profits.

If the right hon. Gentleman finds that they do apply, will he be ready to reconsider his decision?

If the hon. Member will tell me that they do apply, I will certainly reconsider the matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the number of persons of small means deriving the whole or the greater part of their income from the rent of houses or land is considerable, and that it would be a hardship on such persons to pay the whole of the increased Income Tax for the year assessed in respect of such rent in one instalment; whether the effect of the Budget proposals is to allow such persons to pay the Income Tax so assessed by instalments on 1st January and 1st July; and, if not, whether he will consider the propriety of allowing them to pay by such instalments?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave on the 28th instant to my hon. Friend the Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that, in order for farmers to elect to be assessed for Income Tax on Schedule D rather than on Schedule B, they must give notice to the Surveyor of Taxes of their intention before 1st October; and whether he will therefore, for this year, extend the time for giving such notice to 1st December so as to give time for farmers to consider the matter?

Farmers who elect to be assessed under Schedule D in lieu of Schedule B are required to give notice to the Surveyor of Taxes on or before the 5th June in each year. The question of an extended time limit for the current year is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps he proposes to take to protect consumers of taxable commodities from disproportionate and extortionate increases in prices as the result of the proposed new taxes?

I am not aware that any such increases of price have as yet taken place, but I shall be glad to receive any information which my hon. Friend may have to this effect.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that practically every café and restaurant in London has increased the price of coffee and tea per cup? [HON. MEMBERS: "So has the House of Commons."]

I believe that is rather a different question from the one my hon. Friend has put upon the Paper. Some additional charge has to be made and, if anything, it must be a penny. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, a halfpenny."]

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the blow which has been dealt by the War to the solicitors' branch of the legal profession; whether he is aware that £9 per annum is charged by his Department to each member of that branch and not to the other, the barristers' or advocates' branch; and whether, in view of the fact that many of the solicitors are not earning much more than office expenses, he can see his way to remit or modify the annual charge at least to those who can show they are earning only a small sum yearly?

I am afraid I see no sufficient reason for waiving the duty payable by practising solicitors on their annual certificates.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether importers of goods coming under the new tariff schedule will be allowed a rebate of the duties on re-exporting them; and, if so, what the amount of the rebate will be?

Drawbacks will be allowed in suitable cases, provided that the goods can be identified on exportation. The matter will be dealt with in the Finance Bill.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he intends to provide bonded warehouse facilities for dutiable goods under the new tariff schedule; and, if so, at what ports the bonded warehouses will be established?

Bonded accommodation will be allowed in suitable cases. The question is under consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proposed new scale of duties is to apply to goods imported from our Dominions; and, if so, whether he will establish a preferential tariff for such goods?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the importers of goods under the new tariff schedule will be allowed to appeal against classification and valuation; and, if so, what tribunals he proposes to set up to hear such appeals?

I am considering the question of making provision for appeal on questions of value, and propose to deal with the matter in the Finance Bill, which I hope shortly to introduce.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state what he estimates the cost of collection of the proposed new tariff duties will be in the course of the remainder of the financial year?

I regret that I am not in a position at the present time to give the desired information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government have considered the question of the proposed tariff on imported articles in view of the discussion in the House last night, and can see their way to withdraw the proposal; and, if not, whether he can so amend the Resolution with regard to motor cars as to make it correspond with the great alterations submitted to the House for acceptance without discussion as arranged?

The Resolution does not require amendment, as the changes proposed do not increase but diminish the charge upon the subject.

Are the Government going on with this?

My right hon. Friend must address that question to the Prime Minister.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commission, whether, in view of the proposed increase of postal charges, the allowance to approved societies for administration expenses will be increased?

The change referred to in the first part of the question can only take effect after the passage of the Finance Bill, and any statement in regard to the second part would, therefore, be premature at this stage.

Has not the hon. Gentleman considered the probable effect of this proposed change?

We have them in mind.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he does not realise that these societies are not working for profit, and that if this additional charge is put on them it must reduce the sickness benefit? Will he not feel it his duty to make strong representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on behalf of the approved societies, who look to him for protection?

I am quite certain the Chancellor of the Exchequer is weighing that consideration.

Is the hon Gentleman aware that the charge for sending insurance cards, if this proposed alteration is agreed to, will be increased by over 300 per cent.?

And will the hon. Gentleman, on behalf of the Insurance Commissioners, make representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to the probable effect of the proposals?

I am pretty sure these representations are reaching the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the present time.

But are they reaching him from my hon. Friend?

I am aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is receiving these representations in very considerable numbers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is now prepared to state how the new assessment under Schedule B will affect Ireland?

In cases where there is a judicial rent or a purchase annuity lower than the Poor Law valuation, the judicial rent or the purchase annuity will be taken as the basis of assessment.

I presume this will necessitate an alteration in the Resolution?

I will consider that point.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that three or four pits in Northumberland have been laid idle for want of a proper supply of timber to secure the safe working of such mines; if so, can he state whether the failure to provide the necessary timber was due to any neglect on the part of the managers at the collieries or some other cause; and whether any steps are being taken to remedy this state of things and to prevent any further reduction of the output of coal?

I understand that at the pits of one colliery company last week the men stayed away for one or two days in consequence of the shortage of timber. I am not yet in possession of the facts as to the cause of the shortage, but have called for a full report. The question of the supply of timber generally is being carefully watched by the inspectors and the Home Office, and I am in communication with the Board of Trade on the subject.

Having regard to the gravity of the situation, will the Home Office see that this inquiry is made without undue delay?

Yes, Sir, most certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether applications by women for licences to drive motor cabs plying for hire have been refused by the Metropolitan Police; and, if so, on what grounds the refusal has been based?

I am informed by the Commissioners that a few such applications have been received, but there is no shortage of licensed drivers. Some months ago the secretaries of the National and Provincial Union of Vehicle Workers who were requested by the War Office to secure the enlistment of as many public carriage drivers as possible for transport work at the front, informed the Commissioner of Police that they could not carry out their task satisfactorily unless they were authorised by him to inform the drivers that there Would, as far as possible, be no alteration in licensing conditions during the absence of the men at the front, so that on return they might not find themselves displaced. The Commissioner informed the secretaries that so far as he was concerned they could give the men this assurance.

asked the Home Secretary whether the principle laid down for the conduct of the censorship by his predecessor, namely, that no information should be withheld from the public which would not be of service to the enemy, has been strictly adhered to?

The principle stated by me in this House on 30th June and 22nd September—that the object of the censorship is to prevent the publication of information that might be useful to the enemy—is strongly maintained; but it has to be carried out to some extent by means of general rules. It would, for instance, be impossible for the Bureau to go through all the statements that might be submitted to it on the subject of the Zeppelin raids and eliminate all details that might be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy, and the Press have, therefore, been asked not to publish any information on this subject except the official communications.

asked the Home Secretary whether, on the Saturday following the recent air raid on the London district, a descriptive account of the equanimity with which the populace regarded the bombardment appeared in the Paris "Figaro"; whether, after the issue of the paper containing it had reached this country and, therefore, in all probability Germany, at least one news agency in London was refused permission to circulate it; whether this article contained any more information than was conveyed in the descriptive article issued to the British Press nine or ten days after the raid; and if he can say why such matter was withheld from the public for such a period?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The publication in the Paris "Figaro" was refused reproduction by a British press agency because it went beyond the official account and gave details the publication of which had been refused to our own Press. The descriptive article issued to the British Press at a later date was drawn up with the approval of the Admiralty and myself, and it may be possible to issue, after a lapse of time, particulars which it would be inadvisable to publish immediately after the event.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention had been drawn to the fact that the parish council of a parish in Scotland purchased through the Post Office a small holding of the New War Loan, and had no difficulty in obtaining a certificate registered in the name of the chairman and clerk for the time being, but that when the parish minister of the adjoining parish endeavoured to invest a small sum belonging to a parish trust in the name of the parish minister for the time being, the Bank of England declined to issue a certificate so registered; whether there is any reason for the Bank of England declining to do as the Post Office does; and, if so, what the reason is; and whether trustees in Scotland are to understand that they can freely purchase War Loan through the Post Office in Scotland and have the trust registered, as is the practice in Scotland.

A parish council in Scotland, as in England, is a body corporate and accordingly stock may be inscribed in the name of a parish council as in that of any other corporation. The Bank of England cannot register stock in the name of "the parish minister for the time being" for the reason that a parish minister is not in Scotland a corporation sole and that the Bank, following the practice which prevails universally in England and Ireland, takes no cognisance of trusts and therefore cannot accept an account in a form implying notice of a trust. In the case of a trust the Post Office in inscribing War Stock follows the practice of the Bank of England, and registers the stock in the names of trustees without recognising the trust.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can indicate when legislation will be introduced dealing with the formality of resealing in the English Probate Court confirmations of Scottish estates, including Consols, War Loans, etc., and with other matters mentioned in a recent memorial submitted to him by the Faculty of Advocates and other bodies representing legal, financial, and commercial opinion in Scotland?

I hope to introduce legislation dealing with various matters affecting War Loan, etc., shortly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the exact amount subscribed to date by the purchase of the five shilling War Stock; whether the demand for this stock still continues; and for how long these facilities for popular investment will remain available?

The sales of 5s. scrip vouchers up to the end of August amounted to approximately £244,000. The returns for September by which the progress of demand can be gauged are not yet available. I am not yet in a position to make a statement as to the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the increase, equal to three years' purchase, in the value of agricultural land for Estate Duty purposes between 1908 and 1913 disclosed in the Report of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, 1914, is attributable to a corresponding increase in the market price of land or to greater accuracy in the valuations made for the Department?

The increase in question is attributable partly to greater thoroughness in valuation, but chiefly to the removal by Section 60 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, of the artificial maximum placed upon the value of agricultural property for Estate Duty purposes by Section 7 (5) of the Finance Act, 1894.

Are we to understand that in 1908 agricultural land was under-valued for the purpose of the Estate Duty?

That implies it was under-valued in accordance with the law. It was correctly valued in accordance with the law.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the recruiting rally conducted by the War Office on Saturday, 2nd October, the Government will now state what number of men are still required for the Army and by what date they are required?

I cannot anticipate the full statement which I shall make in due course.

asked the Prime Minister if he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to enable the Public Trustee to pay out of moneys belonging to German citizens all damages done as a result of air raids to private property of British citizens situated in unfortified places?

The Statute under which the Public Trustee holds German assets declares that the object is to preserve them with a view to arrangements to be made at the conclusion of peace, and the Government is not prepared to vary this announcement.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has considered the personnel of some of the companies whose money is in the hands of the Public Trustee, and the effect which the suggestion might have?

I am afraid I know nothing about that. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put a question down.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the executive of the Scottish Advisory Council of the National Labour Party declaring that that body views with grave apprehension an agitation now being carried on in favour of militarism under the name of National Service, and calls upon organised labour to put an end to it by preparing to declare a general strike in the event of the Government giving way to the present agitation, which is declared by the council to be unscrupulous and unnecessary; and what steps, if any, he proposes to take in view of the contingency contemplated in the resolution referred to?

I have no reason to apprehend that the contingency contemplated is likely to arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when, as fore-shadowed in his Budget, he contemplates further loan operations in this country?

I am unable at present to add to the statement which I made on the 21st instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether anything can be done to secure short leave in England for those men at the front particularly married men, who have been continuously with the Army in France for six months or more?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Houghton-le-Spring Division on the 28th September and to the earlier answer I gave on the same subject on the 16th September.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any steps can be taken to draft into the New Armies still in this country officers and men who have been wounded and who may desire to transfer either in their own rank or in a higher grade according to length of service at the front?

This matter must, of course, be regulated primarily by the necessities of the Service rather than according to the desires for transfer of individuals. Officers and men who have been wounded and have recovered are normally sent out again to their unit as soon as they are fit, but what my hon. and gallant Friend suggests is also done in many cases where it is considered battalions of the New Armies will benefit from an infusion of soldiers who have already seen service at the front.

Is it not always the case that battalions of the New Army will benefit from the infusion of soldiers from the front?

I should think, as a general proposition, that is true. It is done wherever it is possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is contemplated using the 20th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers as an Officers' Training Corps?

No, Sir; what the Noble Lord mentions is not contemplated, and, if he will allow me, I will explain to him privately the reasons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether no drafts to fill up wastage have yet reached Yeomanry squadrons at the front which have been on active service since the spring; and whether he can undertake that such drafts, which have been repeatedly applied for and are urgently needed, will be sent out at an early date?

I have looked carefully into this, and the information at my disposal does not support the statement made by the Noble Lord.

Would the right hon. Gentleman look into the case of the Yeomanry regiments who are acting as additional Cavalry in Flanders at the present moment?

The demands which have been made have almost invariably been met. The numbers it is not desirable to state in the House, but I will inform the Noble Lord of them privately. They are very small.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it has been proposed to send the third battalions of some Scottish Territorial regiments to England for the winter; whether the authorities recognise that the transference of these third battalions from their districts will materially injure their chances of recruiting; and whether, in view of that and of the strong feeling against the proposal in those parts of Scotland which would be affected by it, he can give an assurance that no such transference will take place?

Yes, Sir, it is under consideration to locate certain third line Scottish Territorial Force units in England during the winter, and in this connection the considerations mentioned in the second part of the question have been carefully weighed. There are, however, other important considerations. To retain these troops in Scotland where there is no available accommodation would involve expense for billeting and waste of money owing to existing hutments in England remaining empty. Moreover, both training and discipline suffer appreciably when men are in billets. I think, when the importance of these considerations are realised, we may look with confidence to local effort and enterprise to prevent any such falling off in the number of recruits as my hon. Friend fears may result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if soldiers who since the beginning of the War have been or may be discharged from the Army on account of results of wounds or through having contracted illnesses may be allotted a badge to indicate that they have been discharged after active service abroad?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of men who have come forward to serve the country but been rejected as medically unfit, he will arrange for a badge which can be worn by those who have been so rejected and who are anxious to show that they have done their duty and shown their willingness to serve?

The introduction of a badge for both the categories of men referred to was fully considered, but it was not found practicable to proceed with the matter. The hon. Gentleman's own experience will suggest to them some of the difficulties and possible sources of abuse in connection with the wearing of badges. I may, however, say in regard to the case of the men who have been rejected as medically unfit that each actually has in his possession a paper on which an entry is made saying that he has not been accepted and he can produce this paper in any circumstances or an any occasion where he may think that course desirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a letter, dated 12th instant, was issued from 64, Whitehall Court, over the name of H. Godfrey Morgan, colonel, stating that no requisitioning or commandeering of hay of any kind has yet been resorted to in Ireland, and that all purchases had been optional sales; if he is aware that numerous farmers complain that the hay which they required for their own use has been taken at a price arbitrarily fixed and considerably below its market value; and who is responsible for this action?

I am informed that no hay has been acquired from a farmer, so far as can be ascertained, which he needed for his own use, either arbitrarily or otherwise. If, however, the hon. Member will furnish me with details of any specific case, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, what price has been paid in England for hay purchased by the Government; and whether any has been requisitioned or taken at a price not acceptable to the vendor?

Hay is being bought at varying prices, after quality, condition and freight have been taken into account. The prices are based upon those fixed by the various Farmers' County Committees after approval by the Forage Committee. Some hay has been requisitioned, but in the great majority of cases the price has been acceptable to the vendor, and in a small percentage of cases only has he exercised his right of assessment by a County Court judge.

Will the hon. Gentleman tell me the minimum and the maximum prices?

No, Sir, I am afraid I cannot.

Will he find out?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War by whose authority a small quantity of hay was taken for Government purposes from John Henry, of Brews Hill, Navan, all of which he required for his own use, and at a price considerably below its market value; if he will state who is responsible for the fixing of the price; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction felt through the whole of county Meath at the conduct of the agent of the Government?

I am informed that no hay has been taken from the gentleman named by the hon. Member. I understand that there is some dissatisfaction in the county of Meath with the Government scheme of purchase, but it appears to be due to interested parties who, not unnaturally object to direct purchase from the farmers.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it is the farmers themselves who complain and not interested parties? I will produce evidence to that effect.

No, Sir, I have not had any intimation of complaints from the farmers themselves.

I will show him the correspondence.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state the rates of pay for the non-commissioned officers and privates of the Forces raised for the War by Australia, New Zealand, and Canada?

I regret that I am not in possession of this information.

Will the hon. Gentleman secure that information, which has been asked for in the course of the last twelve months?

Is it not a fact that the whole of the pay and expenses of the Canadians, from the time they left Canada, are paid for by the Canadian Government?

That is true of some of the Colonials.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the arrangements for dealing with the sick and wounded at Gallipoli are entirely under the charge of the authorities of the Royal Army Medical Corps; and whether they have an adequate supply of properly equipped hospital ships for the purpose?

The medical arrangements on land are entirely in the hands of the Royal Army Medical Corps. The transport of the sick and wounded, of course, involves the co-operation of the naval authorities, who have the control over the working of the ships, which is exercised through a naval hospital transport officer. There are fifty ships regularly engaged on this service, which is hoped will prove an adequate number, but as an emergency measure other transports can be utilised in addition.

Are these fifty ships ordinary transports?

I think I am correct in saying that forty-nine of them are hospital ships.

Was there an adequate supply of properly equipped hospital ships for the landing of troops at Suvla Bay?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Is it a fact that the steamship "Arragon" conveyed 1,200 men from Gallipoli to Alexandria, a journey of five days, with only two surgeons on board?

I really should like notice of a question like that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the clerks and writers employed under the War Department at Devonport, namely, at His Majesty's Gunwharf, Royal Engineer offices, Royal Artillery offices, and the headquarter offices, Mount Wise, have not yet received the war bonus; and whether, in view of the fact that the clerks and writers at Woolwich are already in receipt of a war bonus amounting, it is said, to 4s. a week, and that foremen and assistant foremen, tradesmen, and skilled labourers employed under the War Office have received a war bonus since 28th March, he can see his way to extend the same privileges to the clerks and writers employed under the War Department at Devenport?