asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make any statement with regard to the deportations and massacres of Armenians in Turkey; and whether he has any official information showing that some hundreds of thousands of Armenians, mostly women, children, and elderly men, have recently been done to death in pursuance of a plan of the Turkish Government?

All the information on this subject in the possession of His Majesty's Government was contained in the statement made by the Marquess of Crewe, in reply to a question put by the Earl of Cromer on the 6th of October. I can only refer the hon. Member to that statement. It goes further than is usual in reply to a question in this House, and I therefore do not propose to read it to the House. There can be but one feeling of horror and indignation about what has been done.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the misunderstanding which has arisen in certain neutral countries in connection with the delay of postal matter passing over the territory of belligerent countries and destined in one neutral country for another neutral country; whether the General Postal Union Treaty contains any article or condition which has been so misunderstood or misrepresented as to place the action of the British or any Allied Government in an unfavourable light; and whether, with a view to removing possible errors or misjudgments, be can make a statement on this subject?

The matter to which the hon. Member refers formed the subject of careful consideration both during the War in South Africa and during the present War. His Majesty's Government are of opinion that as a state of war suspends the application as between belligerents themselves of Article IV., Section (1), of the Universal Postal Convention—to which the hon. Member no doubt refers—it is clear that the agreement is one of those which are only intended to operate in their entirety during a state of peace. His Majesty's Government find it impossible so to construe the terms of the Convention as to suppose that it binds a belligerent State to allow itself to be used as the channel for communications intended to defeat its own measures of war, and in these circumstances they feel bound in certain cases to exercise their right of examination of mails in transit over British territory between two neutral countries. I would add that every care is taken to avoid undue delay or prejudice to the legitimate interests of neutral subjects.

May I inquire whether that interpretation and application of the Universal Postal Convention has been communicated to the Governments of neutral countries, so that they may clearly understand the position which is taken up here?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government is still allowing cotton to go into Germany in certain cases or in certain circumstances; and, if so, will he state what the cases, circumstances, and conditions are?

Raw cotton, linters, cotton waste and cotton yarn are ail contraband of war, and every possible step is taken to prevent any supplies of these commodities from reaching Germany. It is the intention of His Majesty's Government to declare cotton piece-goods and other cotton products capable of being used in the manufacture of explosives contraband forthwith, and to prohibit the export of such goods and products from here to neutral countries contiguous to Germany and Austria-Hungary.

In connection, however, with the negotiations recently concluded for the establishment of a National Trust in Switzerland, the Allied Governments have had to consider the special economic conditions of that country, and have felt it impossible to object to Swiss exporters sending certain descriptions of cotton yarn and piece-goods to Germany provided they do not now possess, and do not in future acquire, any potential military value. It is anticipated that in practice these exports will only consist of embroidered cotton piece-goods of an expensive character and possibly cotton lace.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply cover not only Germany, but also Austria and Turkey?

Yes, Sir, certainly; I imagine if it is contraband for one it is contraband for all.

May I ask if cotton waste is at present contraband?

Yes; it is stated so in the answer I have given: "Raw cotton, linters, cotton waste, and cotton yarn are all contraband of war."

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many elected members of public bodies are now prevented by the administration of the Defence of the Realm Act from attending to their statutory duties; and, having regard to the disqualifying provisions of the Local Government Acts and the people's determination to re-elect the same men, what course the military authorities propose to pursue in those cases?

I have no information in regard to the first part of the question, and I do not consider that any action by the military authorities in the matter is called for.

Has the right hon. Gentleman no information of persons occupying a representative capacity dealt with under the Act?

No, Sir; I have no information.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if there is any reason for the exceptional administration of the Defence of the Realm Act in Ireland as compared with its administration in the rest of the United Kingdom other than the prevalence of political opinion different from that of the Government, will he say what it is; whether there are in any other part of the United Kingdom persons undergoing imprisonment under that Act who have not been accused of, or tried for, any illegality; and whether he will state the text of the Regulation, and the provisions, of the Act on which it was based, under which persons are now in prison in Ireland with reference to whom the Crown expressly refused to state any charge for answer, defence, or investigation?

With reference to the first and second parts of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on the 28th July last. The persons referred to in the third! part were charged with, and convicted of, a definite offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations in that they had failed to comply with an Order made against them by the Competent Military Authority in pursuance of powers vested in him by Article 14 of the Regulations.

Is it not the fact that these gentlemen are now in prison for no other offence than refusing to leave their native land? Are there any persons in this country in prison for that offence?

I am not aware whether any person in this country has been served with a similar Order, and declined to obey it. If anyone had done so, he would have been in precisely the same position.

asked the Attorney-General how many cases arising under the Defence of the Realm Acts have been tried in camera ; whether, in all such cases, the names of the persons to be tried and the charges made against them are stated in open Court; and whether, in any cases, counsel for the Crown has asked that books, pamphlets, and newspapers should be confiscated or destroyed by order of a magistrate sitting in secret without the titles of these publications being made known to the public?

I am unable to answer the first part of the question, as it would involve inquiries from Courts of summary jurisdiction all over the country. The answer to the second part of the question is, so far as I can ascertain, in the affirmative, except in the case of trials for espionage, when the names are for obvious reasons withheld. As to the third part of the question, it is in my opinion essential that the titles of the publications referred to should not be made public, and I believe that is the practice.

Will my right hon. Friend consider whether it would not be a good thing to publish an expurgated account of some of the statements contained in these pamphlets so that the public should know the poisonous and treacherous nature of these things which have been destroyed?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in order to lessen the facilities for escape of German officers who are prisoners of war in this country, he has given instructions that they are not to be allowed to have a suit of mufti in their possession; and, if not, whether he will at once issue instructions to that effect?

I am afraid that a slight inaccuracy crept into the answer I gave the hon. and learned Gentleman on the 28th September. The rule as to uniform being worn by military prisoners of war applies only to officers. Any officer in possession of a uniform is allowed to have no plain clothes other than a pair of flannel trousers and a sweater. In the case of prisoners of other ranks, and specially in the case of Austrian prisoners, it has not been possible to enforce the rule that uniform must be worn, because it has been impossible to obtain uniforms.

May I ask whether in the case of officers who have not uniforms they will be supplied with such distinctive clothes as will render their escape, if not impossible, at any rate difficult?

Yes, Sir; I believe that has been done.

Have instructions been issued?

Yes, Sir; I think so,, but at the present moment I am not quite sure.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire why it is that men who have been serving at the front since August and September,1914, have received no leave, whilst others who went to the front at a later date have been on leave; and will he make representations to those responsible in the matter with a view to ensure that those who have been serving longest receive preference in the matter of leave?

I have on several occasions explained to the House that the grant of leave to soldiers at the front is a matter for the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief. If men who have been serving since August, 1914, have as yet received no leave, this must be due to special reasons, as the system of giving preference in the matter of leave to those who have been serving longest is the natural and accepted basis upon which men are selected. I hope the hon. Gentleman will therefore excuse me from making any formal representation to the Commander-in-Chief, who, as I have also stated on previous occasions, is strongly impressed with the desirability of giving leave freely and, of course, on conditions which distribute the privilege as fairly as is possible in the circumstances.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that numerous complaints have been made, and can he say why these men should not have leave equally with others? I have drawn attention to this matter on several occasions, and I do ask the right hon. Gentleman to make inquiries?

As I have stated in the answer, this matter is entirely in the hands of the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief. Leave is given as freely as it possibly can be, but it must, of course, be governed by the exigencies of the military situation. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman realises that. No preference is given in any case where it is possible for leave to be granted to any unit. The matter is solely governed by the military situation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that there is no rule by which a man is entitled to so much leave after so much service?

No, Sir, it would not be possible. I am sure that my hon. Friend will see the reason why it is not possible to have any hard and fast or stereotyped rule of that kind.

Would not the right hon. Gentleman give an intimation whether it is possible for this matter to be inquired into to see whether that which he believes works fairly really does work fairly?

As I have already stated, this matter is constantly and always present to the mind of the Field-Marshal and his staff, and therefore I do ask the hon. Gentleman not to press me to bring it again to the notice of the Field-Marshal. I feel that it would be really a matter of supererogation.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that a battalion in the Gloucestershire district have during the last five and a-half months been better fed and have saved a large sum of money as a result of catering for themselves instead of employing a catering contractor; and can he state what the total amount of this saving has been during the last five or six months and if the State has direct benefited through the return of the amount so saved through the paymaster?

I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to one of the battalions of the Gloucestershire regiment. I cannot, I am afraid, state at the present moment the amount of money saved. Under the messing arrangements made by the unit the cost was reduced much below the maximum of 1s. 9d. per day, and public funds have benefited accordingly.

But is it not the case, that in one battalion, which adopted the method of doing its own catering, it saved and returned to the Paymaster-General a sum of over £7,000 in five and a half months?

I have told my hon. Friend that I am not in a position to state the exact amount.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to give him the information?

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he has been approached by the Newcastle-on-Tyne authority requesting the relaxation of the embargo on fodder for horses in the district; and if he is prepared to immediately take steps to relax the orders already given to farmers by the miltary authority in the district and allow sale for the necessary supply for the horses which are bound to be kept for municipal purposes?

I am informed that the town clerk of Newcastle-on-Tyne has been in communication with the Forage Committee appointed by the Army Council, and that steps have been taken to assist the Newcastle-on-Tyne authority to obtain the hay which they require.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that when soldiers are crossing to Ireland by the mail boats from Holyhead or returning from Kingstown they are not allowed on board unless they pay an excess fare of 1s. 9d., and that those who are not able to do this are left behind; and whether, having regard to the restricted service that is now given between Holyhead and Dublin, the Government can arrange that the passage of soldiers shall become available by the mail boat without extra charge?

I assume that my right hon. Friend is referring to men travelling on ordinary, and not on sick furlough. Soldiers making use of the mail boats from Holyhead to Kingstown, as distinct from the ordinary boats from Holyhead to North Wall, are charged only half the extra rate which is normally in force, and are, to this extent, in a privileged position, as compared with the ordinary public. On the general question of the charges to be exacted in the case of alternative routes, I can only say that there are many alternative railway routes in Great Britain, and that I am not prepared to press for the equalisation of the fare which is normally greater with the fare which is normally less. I would add that for soldiers travelling on sick furlough with Government warrants, the higher rate has been authorised in order to avoid possible hardship, but it is, in this case, paid by the Government.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that on the North Wall, service one boat a day has been taken off, so that the men are not able to go by that route? In the circumstances, and having regard to the heavy charge which some of these men are not in a position to pay, cannot the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the company to forego the claim in the case of the mail boats?

I do not wish to meet my right hon. Friend with a negative, but I would point out to him the difficulties of the situation. He stated in his supplementary question that some of these boats had been taken off, and, therefore, if the relaxation were made in toto , as the right hon. Gentleman desires, there would undoubtedly be a great influx of passengers on the mail steamers, involving great congestion and delay in the traffic.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these boats were taken off two years before the War commenced?

I was not aware of that.

asked the Under-Secretary for War, whether, seeing that under the present system of voluntary enlistment numbers of boys are being recruited, he will say why no steps have been taken by Lord Kitchener to see that the regulations that the Government has laid down as to age limits are adhered to; whether the facts, well known to the public, as to these false declarations of age are also known to the War Office; and whether confidential instructions have been given by the military authorities that the regulations as to the age limit are to be ignored?

Further instructions of a precise character were issued to all General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in June last, and my hon. Friend is mistaken in suggesting that these instructions have been ignored by the military authorities responsible. Since these instructions were issued, no cases of under-age enlistment have come to the notice of the War Office, but if my hon. Friend knows of any and will furnish particulars, inquiry will, of course, be made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the instructions to which he refers were issued?

There have been many such instructions, and the last was of quite recent date—last week, I believe.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the last two weeks I have brought to his notice several such cases of enlistment?

I did not hear what the hon. Gentleman asked.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in my Constituency a boy of fifteen was enlisted only last week? I will send in the name.

I believe I am dealing with that case in reply to a subsequent question.

asked the Under-Secretary for War (1) whether his attention has been drawn to a recruiting meeting recently held in Mansfield where speakers threatened to boycott tradesmen who they alleged had refused permission to their sons to enlist; whether he is aware that this kind of intimidation has been practised at other meetings; whether he will, on behalf of Lord Kitchener, make a declaration condemning such practices as being entirely contrary to the spirit of voluntary enlistment and the policy laid down by the Prime Minister thereon; and (2) whether he has any information that a youth of fifteen years of age from New Annesley, in the Mansfield Division of Nottinghamshire, has constantly been accosted and insulted by recruiting sergeants in Nottingham, who informed him that he was a rotter and a slacker, and that he was not telling the truth when he told them his age was fifteen; and whether he will give instructions to the recruiting sergeants in Nottingham to desist from insulting and intimidating persons living in the Mansfield Division?

My hon. Friend has been good enough to furnish me with additional particulars regarding the matters dealt with in these questions, and I have instituted an inquiry which is in progress. I am not in a position to-day to I give an answer, and I will ask my hon. I Friend to be good enough to postpone both questions for a few days.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the detriment to recruiting now being caused by unscrupulous landlords by raising the rents of their houses, and thus preventing men joining the Army?

I should like to have a definite case before me.

There are plenty of cases; the Press is full of information on the point.

And I should like to supply the right hon. Gentleman with some.

asked the Under-Secretary for War why John William Flint, No. 19,370, D Company, of the 11th Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, of East Kirkby, Mansfield, has not been discharged from the Army, seeing that within a few days of the time this boy enlisted the father and mother went to Derby barracks taking the birth certificate of their son, which showed that this boy was only sixteen years of age, and asking for his discharge; and will he say whether it is the policy of the War Office to refuse to discharge boys of sixteen years of age who have entered the Army by making a false declaration of their age unknown to their parents?

Inquiries were instituted into this case and it appeared that Private Flint should have been discharged in November, 1914, when his father first made application. At the date when my hon. Friend brought this case to notice, namely, in August last, Flint was serving Overseas, and instructions were sent explaining the case and asking that Flint should be sent home for discharge, if there were no good grounds to the contrary. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

May I ask the Prime Minister whether in the course of the Government statement this week any reference will be made to the position of recruiting, in view of the urgent campaign that has been going on? Can the right hon. Gentleman the Prime Minister give the House the same confidential information which was given to a small group of Members, which included the hon. Member for Leicester?

I would like to have notice of that question. I do not think that I shall be able to make a statement this week.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Canadian Government refuse to allow any married man to join the Canadian continget without the written consent of his wife is first obtained, and that no young man under age is allowed to enlist without the written consent of his parents; whether the Cabinet are aware that many boys under the prescribed age laid down by the Regulations have been enlisted by the War Office, who have deliberately connived at this breach of their own Regulations; whether the Cabinet have sanctioned the action of the War Office; whether he will follow the example set by Canada that boys under the prescribed age should obtain the written consent of their parents before they are enlisted; and whether he is aware that a boy of sixteen from East Kirkby, Mansfield, has been kept in the Army and sent to the front despite the protests of his parents to the War Office?

The War Office has no knowledge of the policy of the Canadian Government as regards the enlistment of married men and men under age in their contingents. In this country no boys under the prescribed age, as laid down by Regulations, have been enlisted with the knowledge of the War Office, and I regret the imputation of deliberate connivance, which is wholly unfounded. Boys under that age are not wanted, either with or without the consent of their parents. The last part of the question refers, I think, to the case of John Flint, about which I have already given an answer to-day.

Does my right hon. Friend seriously tell the House that the Government and the War Office do not know that boys under the prescribed age have been enlisted from the time of the outbreak of the War onwards? Does not the War Office know that? Does it know anything?

I have stated in answer to a previous question that it is the deliberate policy of the War Office only to take those who are of proper age. If boys under the proper age have been enlisted it is their fault for having made a false declaration. May I ask my hon. Friend if he will abstain from founding general charges upon individual cases?

Does the right hon. Gentleman speak for the Government that under the voluntary system of enlistment boys of fifteen, who are at present in hospitals in this country wounded, have been sent to the front and the War Office knows nothing about it? Has he taken steps to see that the patriotism of these boys has not been exploited?

The hon. Member had better put that question on the Paper.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any attempt has been made to penalise those guilty of these practices?

And who have received commissions.

When a young man has been enlisted it is extremely difficult to find out which recruiting sergeant enlisted him. If specific cases are brought to my knowledge I will make inquiries.

I will send you plenty.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that, besides perpetrating acts of barbarity in violation of The Hague Convention, the German Government have violated the express provisions of those conventions as to the pay of officer prisoners of war, His Majesty's Government will hold themselves free to pay German officers who are prisoners of war here such sums as may be reasonable; and whether there is any reason, apart from The Hague Convention, why German officers who are prisoners of war here should be paid more than British officers who are prisoners of war in Germany?

I explained the position to my hon. and learned Friend in answer to his question of 28th September, and I am afraid I have nothing to add to the answer which I then gave.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of my question, whether there is any reason, apart from The Hague Convention, why German officers who are prisoners of war here should be paid more than British officers who are prisoners of war in Germany?

I think that The Hague Convention is the consideration which governs all these matters.

But is it not the fact that the German Government have violated, not only the general conditions of The Hague Convention, but also the express provisions which govern this matter?

As I pointed out to my hon. and learned Friend, we have made some reduction in the amount paid to German officer prisoners of war, a reduction which is proportionate to the amount of reduction which the German Government made in regard to our own officer prisoners. I am not prepared to go further.

Would it not be better in the interests of our own officers that we should tell the German Government plainly that we will pay their officers as much as they pay ours, and no more?

I have before pointed out that we regulate our own conduct according to our own ideals. Further than that I should like to remind the hon. and learned Gentleman that he have already tried these methods of retaliation in the case of submarine officers, and I, for one, do not think the result of our efforts in that direction was sufficiently happy to encourage us to attempt it again.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is now the total amount of the weekly payments to dependants of soldiers?

Including wives and children in the term "dependant," the amount exceeds £1,000,000 a week.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that ex-Naval as well as ex-Army men were invited to join the National Reserve; why is it that a discrimination in pay unfavourable to ex-Navy men is made by the War Office; what is the reason why ex-Naval men performing similar duties as ex-Army men receive 3d. a day less pay; and at what date this reduction was made and take steps to restore the pay as from that date?

The hon. Member is no doubt referring to proficiency pay which is payable to soldiers who satisfy certain conditions, including a certain period of military service. Service in the Royal Navy does not count as military service for this purpose, and no expectation that it would do so was held out to naval men.

When these men joined the National Reserve were they informed that they would suffer this disability?

I am sorry, I could not catch that.

When they joined the National Reserve were they told that they would be under the disability of receiving less pay than others who did the same service?

It is something quite apart from the ordinary pay which the soldier earns.

When naval men were asked to join the National Reserve on the same terms as military men were they informed they would not receive the same pay as the military men, although they did exactly the same service?

They were not qualified for it.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty what is now the total amount of the weekly payments to dependants of sailors?

The total amount payable in respect of separation allowances and allotments to the dependants, including wives and children, of seamen and marines (excluding warrant officers) is approximately £200,000 a week.

'Is the sum of £1,000,000, which the Financial Secretary to the War Office said was paid to dependants, over and above the sum mentioned by the right hon. Gentleman?

This is for the Navy only.

asked the Prime Minister when it is expected that the revision of the regulations for the grant of pensions to officers' dependants, recommended in Paragraph 6 of the Third Special Report from the Select Committee on Naval and Military Services (Pensions and Grants), will be completed; and by what date it is hoped to issue the warrant bringing into force the recommendations of the Select Committee regarding pensions and grants to disabled officers and officers' widows, orphans, and dependants?

It is not possible to-give a date, but both documents are in a forward state of preparation for issue.

Is the House of Commons going to discuss this Report at all before it comes into operation?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, whether his attention has been drawn to the block of promotion existing in the Army Pay Corps; whether he is aware that in July, 1915, there were about forty staff sergeant-majors who enlisted between the years 1881–98, 170 staff quartermaster sergeants, who enlisted between the years 1890–99, ninety staff sergeants who enlisted between the years 1895–1900, and 183 sergeants who enlisted between the years. 1891–1911 awaiting promotion, with little or no prospect for the majority of obtaining it owing to the limited number of assistant paymasters (fifty-seven) appointed from the corps; whether he is aware that since the commencement of the War the number of specially-enlisted clerks has been increased from 640 to 6,000, and about 800 civilian assistant paymasters appointed to temporary commissions, with the rank of assistant-paymaster and a salary of £250 a year; and, seeing that the Army Pay Corps have been responsible for instructing these clerks and civilian paymasters in their duties, whether he will largely increase the number of assistant-paymasters, and thus accelerate promotion in the corps?

Since the hon. and learned Member last raised this question in May the establishment of fifty-eight assistant paymasters has been completed and considerable further numbers of promotions made in the ranks below. It cannot be said that there is a block in promotion. At the time the non-commissioned officers referred to joined the corps they had no prospects of commissioned rank at all, whereas thirty-one commissions have been given since the War began. The civilian officers number about 600; they are called acting paymasters and are not commissioned unless it is necessary to send them abroad. I can hold out no hope of a large increase in the number of commissions for the purpose of accelerating promotion.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what difficulty stands in the way of establishing a testing and receiving emporium in Dublin for fabrics used by the Government Departments where samples of the various materials can be obtained?

A fully equipped depot and storehouse has not hitherto been established in Dublin because it did not appear that the heavy expenditure from Army funds would be justified. As I pointed out in answer to a question on the 22nd September, we have already set up a depot for the inspection of certain articles of Irish manufacture and the display of samples, and I am considering if I can extend the arrangement in the manner suggested in the question.

Have not the military authorities in Ireland recommended the establishment of such stores as those indicated in the question?

We have had certain recommendations from the military authorities in Ireland, but I am not quite prepared to say how far they go.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, having regard to the erroneous impression created in the minds of the farmers of county Meath by the purchasing agent of the Government to the effect that he had the power and would exercise it to requisition fodder at his own price, he will remove that gentleman to a different sphere; and whether, in future, agents purchasing on behalf of the Government will hand vendors a printed statement as to the conditions of sale and purchase?

The officer referred to is not now in the Meath district. All purchasing officers hand to the vendor a purchase note which clearly sets forth the terms of the purchase. The purchase note is signed both by the vendor and by the purchasing officer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any farmers in Ireland who sold their hay under what they regarded as compulsion to the Government agent at inadequate prices have the right to appeal to the County Court judge; and, if so, even if they through ignorance of their rights are technically late, will no objection be made-by the authorities?

I am informed that no purchases have been made in Ireland other than by purchase note agreed to and signed by the vendor. No question of appeal to the County Court therefore arises.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the scheme of issuing Treasury War Bonds, presented by Mr. Drummond Fraser to the British Association at its recent meeting at Manchester; and whether it is his intention to adopt either in part or wholly in connection with the next War Loan the scheme of popular investment therein suggested?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the last part I fear I cannot anticipate the terms of any further loan.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what powers will be conceded, and by what authority, to the independent tribunal which is to deal with the assessment of war profits?

I would refer the hon. Member to Clauses 36 and 38 of the; Finance Bill.

Is it printed?

Yes.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to take any action upon the complaints of individual traders that co-operative societies receive perferential treatment from the Government in that their profits are not assessed to income and will presumably not be assessed to War Tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers which I gave on this subject on the 30th September last.

Are not members of these societies registered by numbers instead of by their names, and does not the right hon. Gentleman think it would facilitate the ascertaining of the actual receipts they derive from these societies if some system of registration were introduced requiring that they should be registered in the same way as members of joint stock companies, by their names and not by numbers?

I will consider that point, which does not arise out of this particular question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that tenants who have purchased their farms under the Land Acts are paying an annuity averaging about 22 per cent. less than their former judicial rents, he will equalise the incidence of taxation under the proposed Income Tax in the Budget and allow farmers who have not purchased to pay on a basis of 22 percent, under second-term judicial rents?

Where a rent less than the Poor Law valuation is paid the assessment under Schedule B will follow that rent, unless it can be shown that such rent is in excess of the annual rent at which the farm is worth to be let from year to year.

Will the right hon. Gentleman introduce legislation to give the farmer or occupier of land the right to deduct from the rent a proportional part of the Income Tax?

If I understand the question aright, the occupier has that, power now.

Oh, no!

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the manner in which the present system of Income Tax under Schedules A and B facilitates the unproductive retention of land and penalises building and the making of improvements, and to the fact that these results, aggravated by the recent and the proposed increase of that taxation, are largely responsible for the difficulties in obtaining land, the check to building, and the increase of house rent; whether it is proposed to appoint a Committee on the Income Tax at the end of the War; and, if so, whether that Committee will be directed specially to consider the advisability of substituting for the taxation of income derived from landed property under these schedules a tax on a suitable percentage of the capital value of the land apart from buildings and other improvements at a rate which will produce the same revenue?

I have received some representations to the effect suggested in the first part of my hon. Friend's question. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the proposal to appoint a Committee at the end of the War still holds good. It would be premature to define the terms of reference.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government propose to charge the Income Tax interest on deposits other than on fixed deposits made with the banks in this country by persons residing abroad?

The Government do not intend, and they never had the intention, to charge such interest with Income Tax.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what number of motor cars and motor lorries per month are being manufactured and sold by makers in the United Kingdom for other than Government purposes?

I am unable to furnish my right hon. Friend With the information which he desires.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he can state from what countries clocks and parts of clocks were imported during the eight months ended 31st August, 1915; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; (2) whether he can state from what countries cinematograph films were imported during the eight months ended 31st August, 1915; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; (3) whether he can state from what countries plate glass was imported during the eight months ended 31st August, 1915; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; (4) from what countries motor cars, chassis, and parts of motor cars were imported during the eight months ended 31st August, 1915; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; (5) from what countries complete watches, watch cases, and watch parts other than cases were imported during the eight months ended 31st August, 1915; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; (6) from what country hats and bonnets, trimmed and un-trimmed, were imported during the eight months ended 31st August, 1915; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; (7) from what countries motor cycles and parts thereof were imported during the six months ended 30th June, 1914; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries; and (8) from what countries musical instruments and parts thereof were imported during the six months ended 30th June, 1914; and what was the relative value of such imports from each of these countries?

I observe that there are nine questions down in the name of the right hon. Baronet. Can the right hon. Gentleman answer them as far as fifty-six, and omit fifty-seven?

Under the circumstances I will leave out the answer to number fifty-seven.

This involves the question whether the rest of us are entitled to put down nine or eight questions?

The number of questions an hon. Member is entitled to ask is limited to eight. I have to call the right hon. Baronet's attention to that rule.

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT statements giving the information desired by my right hon. Friend. [ See Written Answers this date .]

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the anxiety felt and expressed in New Zealand at the active doings of a German firm from Hamburg which has established itself in the Tonga Islands and is seeking to extend German trade and influence by this means in the islands of the Pacific; and what steps the Government will take to put an end to this?

Rumours circulated in New Zealand in regard to trading with the enemy by persons in Tonga have been investigated by the High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, who has informed the Governor of New Zealand that he is satisfied that these rumours are without foundation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the case of men in His Majesty's Navy who have been saved on the sinking of their ship, he will intimate to those in command that it is desirable to grant them home leave if the exigencies of the Service admit of this and the men desire it?

Officers in command are fully aware of the desirability of giving leave when practicable, and leave is granted when the needs of the Service allow it.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this is a special class of case, and that in this particular special class of case the men should have particular consideration?

I quite recognise that, and I am quite sure that in special cases such as these the commanding officer will give the leave, if it is possible to do so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether some dissatisfaction still exists amongst yardcraftmen at Sheerness in respect to their hours of work and the wages they receive; that in reality they are at work all day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and often have to remain on board till the following morning; and whether, in these circumstances, he can see his way to place them with regard to wages on the same footing as yardcraftmen employed in the private firms?

Although yardcraftmen are sometimes required to be at work from 7 in the morning to 6 in the evening, this is not the rule, and in cases where these seafaring ratings are required to sleep on board their vessels for more than four nights in a week they are allowed extra pay. As I indicated in the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member in reply to a question on the same subject on the 7th July last, I do not think that if the conditions of service in the dockyard tugs are surveyed as a whole they would compare unfavourably with those existing in the case of private employers, especially when such considerations as permanence of employment, prospect of establishment, and allowances for particular duties are taken into account.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this comparison is wrong, and that private people are paying more?

Yes, but if my hon. Friend will take other matters, such as permanent employment, into consideration, I think he will come to the conclusion that they are not badly off comparatively.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the reason for the delay in the issue of the medal for services in the Persian Gulf, 1909–11, and when the same will be issued and presented to those entitled; will he give a list of His Majesty's ships service on which will entitle the men to receive the medal; and how many of the men who were entitled to receive it are now dead?

The medals for the operations in the Persian Gulf are now in distribution, a notification of the issue, with a list of the ships concerned, having been published in the "London Gazette" of the 1st instant. Of the 7,000 medals awarded, nearly 200 are in respect of the services of officers and men known to have died since. The medals in such cases will be issued to relatives as provided by the Regulations.

Has the medal also been issue to the officers and men of the Royal Indian Marine?

That is a matter for the India Office in the first instance. We are in communication with them upon the point.

Will the medal be granted?

I think I must await the reply of the India Office upon that point.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has appointed a War Council or War Committee consisting of selected Members of the Cabinet; and, if so, who constitutes the new body, and what arrangements have been made by him for placing the conduct of the War under their special control?

The War Committee of the Cabinet has varied in numbers and composition from time to time. It consists at present of eleven or twelve Members of the Cabinet. It gives careful and continuous consideration to the conduct of the War, subject to the ultimate responsibility of the Cabinet.

asked whether the new Cabinet War Committee will issue a weekly or bi-weekly statement of the progress of the War in all its important aspects, so that the public may have the regular and authoritative information which they so much desire?

I will consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

If my right hon. Friend will carry out the suggestion of the question put to him, will he see that bad news is not slurred over, as stated by a Member of his Cabinet?

asked the Prime Minister when he will give to the House the opportunity to discuss the Anglo-French Loan issued in America; and in what form he proposes to ask the approval of the House for this financial transaction?

To-day.

Will there be any possibility of a proper discussion if the Bill is passed through all its stages without the text being distributed to Members?

If the House will give me leave to introduce the Bill hon. Members will immediately afterwards find it in the Vote Office.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the leading London bankers have been consulted as to the terms and conditions upon which the American Loan has been negotiated?

As soon as it was decided to send a Commission to the United States in connection with the question of American Exchange, I asked the banks to nominate a banker with full power to represent their views on the Commission. Sir Edward Holden, Chairman of the London City and Midland Bank, was duly nominated and, as the House is aware, he has acted as a member of the Commission in America.

Was Sir Edward Holden the only representative of the London bankers on this Commission?

He was the only representative of the London bankers. There was another gentleman who was also associated with banking business, but who could not be described as a representative of the London bankers. I should have been very happy to have had more than one representative of the London bankers on the Commission if they had so wished, but they themselves limited their number to one.

Did Sir Edward Holden go with the Commissioners and take an active part in the negotiations?

Yes. He took an active part throughout.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, during the continuance of the War, he will take steps to suspend the operation of Section 19 of the Licensing (Consolidation) Act, 1910; whether he will send a circular to the justices pointing out that any funds in hand and not required for the payment of compensation for licences refused might be invested in the War Loan; and will he, if necessary, introduce legislation to effect this purpose?

This proposal would have the effect of stopping the process by which the number of redundant licences is being reduced. I do not think the Government would be justified in taking any steps to that end. The need for the extinction of licences is not diminished by the War.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that in connection with the provisions under which school children gain certificates under the Factory Acts inspection by a Home Office medical man is required, while under the medical inspection of school children by a medical man under an education authority is required; and whether, in order to prevent overlapping of duties and consequent waste of public money and unnecessary strain on medical men's work, he will inaugurate emergency legislation to simplify the present complicated and expensive requirements?

As was explained in a previous reply to my hon. Friend, the factory examination serves a different purpose from that of the school examination, and to provide for it through the system of school medical inspection would involve a considerable development of the work of the school medical officers which cannot be undertaken at present. Even if this were done, I doubt whether any considerable saving would result, and in any case the saving would not accrue to public funds, as the charge for the factory examination at present is borne by the employer and not by the State.

Is the hon. Member aware that as soon, as proposals involving economies are put forward by a private Member they are treated with contempt by officials in the various offices, and will this economy be proposed or considered by the Retrenchment Committee?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the prices now being paid f.o.b. in the Colonies for Christchurch lambs (2's and 8's), Southland lambs, 38–40 lbs., Gear Co. M. lambs, Australian lambs, 40 lbs., Springfield tegs, Australian ox hind-quarters beef, Australian ox crops quarters beef; the prices asked by his agents on Smithfield for the last week in August for these goods; the cost of freight; and the cost of London storage?

The form in which the accounts are rendered to the Board of Trade by the Australian and New Zealand Governments do not enable me to state exactly the f.o.b. cost of the respective qualities and weights named in the question, and even if they did any comparison, such as that suggested by the form of the question, would be misleading. Information as to the prices paid in the Smithfield Market appear regularly in the circulars published by the trade. The rate of freight varies according to the port of shipment and class of vessel, while the cost of storage in London depends on the length of time during which it is stored before going into consumption. This varies a good deal.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what prices the Government agents were asking Smithfield buyers for New Zealand and Australian hind and fore-quarters beef and crops on Thursday, 16th September last; whether he is aware that these prices were considerably in excess of those at which American and Argentine firms were on that day and subsequent days selling a superior article, namely, chilled beef from South America; whether he is aware that from 16th September onwards Government frozen beef has ceased to be quoted in the trade journals, the word "nominal" being used to describe the price demanded by the Government agents, and that, in consequence of this price, little Government frozen meat has been sold on Smithfield Market since 16th September; and whether he will now consider the advisability of adding to his Advisory Committee a representative of the class who consume the bulk of the frozen meat imported into this country?

I am informed that, on the 16th September, the Government agents sold Australian hind beef at 7d. per lb. ex store, including fourteen days' free storage. On the same date chilled hinds were sold at 7⅛d. and 7¼d. per lb., this price not including any free storage. Actual prices of sales of Government meat since the date mentioned have been included in published lists. The word "nominal" is generally understood to indicate that the transactions are so limited that they are not a reliable indication of market value. With regard to the last part of the question, I cannot see any advantage to be gained by adopting the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Caledonian Railway Company and the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company are refusing to lift goods in the West of Scotland from merchants and manufacturers, consigned to Manchester and the Midlands of England, unless full van loads are provided and addressed to single consignees; will he say whether this action is due to the exigencies of war; and, if not, will he see that railway companies are pressed by his Department to give ordinary facilities to traders, especially in view of the fact that such conditions give a preference to large traders to the detriment of the smaller dealers?

The Board of Trade communicated with the companies named, and I am sending my hon. Friend copies of their replies. Owing to the volume of Government and other traffic at present passing by rail, restrictions are necessary from time to time in order to avoid congestion.

asked the Postmaster-General if he would say with what object private letters passing through the post in Ireland, and officially opened at the same time for purposes of espionage, have been put into wrong envelopes and forwarded to wrong persons; whether such conduct is recorded or made known to him if no complaint is made; what satisfaction has been offered to owners of letters so treated; and, if the occurrences were accidental, what means have been adopted to avoid them in future?

I have no knowledge of any incident such as that to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in view of the fact that few working-class homes are worth £100, arrangements can be made to meet the needs of industrial insurers by which, if they insured against fire only to the amount of £50, they could be enabled to insure against enemy aircraft damage to the same sum?

I understand that policies are issued for £50, but that, in order to cover the cost of administration, postage, etc., it is not possible to issue a policy for a smaller premium than two shillings.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland if he is aware that the National Standard Life Assurance Corporation, Limited, have not paid numerous policy holders in the Queen's and King's Counties, and other parts of Ireland, although their policies have for a considerable time been matured and that orders for liberty to serve writs outside the jurisdiction of the company have been obtained in the High Courts, Dublin, by holders of matured policies; if he is aware that the company is still collecting large sums weekly from holders of small industrial policies in towns and rural districts in Ireland; whether any complaints have been made to the authorities; and whether the Law Officers purpose taking any action to protect the interests of these small policy holders and prevent the savings of other people being absorbed by the company?

I am unable to say whether the National Standard Life Assurance Corporation, Limited, has failed to pay policies which have matured for a considerable time, though I understand there has been delay in some cases in making payments. The company is registered in England, but does business in King's County and Queen's County and other places in Ireland, and during the present year several orders have been made by the King's Bench Division in Ireland giving leave to issue writs against the company for service out of the jurisdiction. The company is still carrying on its business and making its weekly collections. No complaints have been made to the authorities. Nothing has occurred in reference to which the Law Officers could take any action.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will inform the House what alterations are proposed in the duties of the permanent police staff of the House of Commons; whether he is aware of the feeling that these are causing; and whether such changes are made with his sanction?

No alterations are or have been contemplated in the duties of the permanent police staff of the House of Commons.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can explain the changes contemplated in the pay and duties of the sessional police, and give the reasons for the change of policy?

No change is contemplated in the pay and duties of the sessional police. These men, as distinct from those permanently employed, hold temporary appointments only while the House is sitting. They receive an allowance of 1s. per day in addition to their pay, while so employed, in recognition of the responsible nature of these duties, and of the fact that their hours of duty are sometimes prolonged. When the House is not in Session, their duties cease, and the allowance is discontinued. At present sessional police do special duty for three days weekly, reverting to ordinary duty for the rest of the week, and they draw the special allowance for such time only as they are actually earning it.

Is it not the fact that many of these men have given up the opportunity of promotion and of coming to this House to serve within the corridors and lobbies and getting 7s. a week?

I am not aware of it, but if my right hon. Friend will give us the information we shall be very glad to consider it sympathetically.