asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Royal Naval Reserve warrant engineers, called up from the merchant service at the commencement of the War, are only receiving 8s. 6d. a day, whereas regular Royal Navy artificer engineers get 1s. a day extra for every five years' service and at the end of ten years 10s. 6d. a day; and whether he can see his way to equalise matters by raising the Royal Naval Reserve warrant engineers to 10s. 6d. a day, especially in view of the fact that men who declined to join as warrant engineers, Royal Naval Reserve, before the War are now holding temporary commissions as lieutenant-engineers with the corresponding pay of 14s. a day?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but I may observe that warrant engineers, Royal Naval Reserve, with the necessary qualifications receive at all times an annual retainer of £15 a year. It is not proposed to make any change in the regulations in regard to the pay of these officers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty which Departments of the State and what actual persons are responsible for the defence of London from Zeppelin raids?

Under arrangements made in August, 1914, the primary responsibility for the defence of London rests with the Admiralty. The Some Office are responsible for the arrangements about lighting and other precautionary measures of a non-military character, and they act in co-operation with the Admiralty. The officer in charge of the gun defence of London is Admiral Sir Percy Scott.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when Army aeroplanes go up, they are directed by the Admiralty as well? What is the exact provision for the defence of London in regard to aeroplanes?

The general responsibility rests with the Admiralty, as I have said. I think the question as to aeroplanes over London is down for to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet has considered the policy of aeroplane reprisals on German towns as a deterrent to the Zeppelin air raids on our defenceless population; and whether such policy will be adopted?

The policy of reprisals is always one open to controversy. The Royal Flying Corps is a military organisation and is engaged upon military operations. The dastardly raids by the enemy on undefended towns and defenceless people will not and should not be allowed to divert the energies of this fighting force from its primary military duties.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if it has been reported to him that a man named Charles Sutherland, belonging to the Shetland section, Royal Naval Reserve, died in a cell at Fort Charlotte, Lerwick, at 6 a.m. on the 2nd instant; has he any official information showing that the deceased had been sentenced by the officer commanding the troops in Shetland to two days' detention in cells for an alleged breach of naval discipline which the deceased emphatically denied and for which no evidence was submitted; that the only food deceased received while detained was 1lb. of bread and some water for each day; that on this fare he was caused to break road metal all day; that he was placed all night in a cell which was not heated, and was not supplied with sufficient clothes to keep him warm; if so, will he state what action he proposes to take in the matter; and (2) if he is aware that on Sunday, 5th September last, the officer commanding the troops in Shetland accused a man belonging to the Shetland section, Royal Naval Reserve, of chewing tobacco and spitting on the church floor during divine service on the occasion of church parade, and that without reasonable evidence or proof the officer held the man to be guilty notwithstanding the fact that he neither chews nor smokes; that the officer on looking up the man's age said to him that he could not order him to be birched as he was over eighteen years of age, but that he would give him the option of seven days' detention in cells or six strokes with the birch; that the man elected the latter, whereupon his clothes were removed and he was laid over a gun on the parade square of Fort Charlotte, Lerwick, and flogged; and if he will state how he proposes to deal with the officer responsible for the execution of this sentence?

No information has reached the Admiralty respecting either of the cases mentioned by my hon. Friend. Reports have, however, been called for.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that a Royal Fleet Reserve man, with a licensed business ashore, called up for service is assessed and taxed on the last three years of trade, plus Navy pay, plus pension; and if this assessment and taxation is correct.

I venture to suggest that this question is one which should properly have been addressed to my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I am advised by the Inland Revenue authorities that the reply is in the affirmative. The assessment is, however, subject to allowances for abatement, life assurance, and children, and the Finance Act, 1914 (Session 2), provides for further relief in a case of this nature by the reduction of the assessment of the profits on the licensed business to the income of the year of assessment in lieu of on the average of the last three years of such profits.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that time expired and other men of the Royal Marines who have come home from distant lands and who have rejoined as privates, and have been sent to the Dardanelles and elsewhere, and have returned from thence temporarily unfit to this country after having been given, on active service, the rank of corporals and even sergeants are, on their return to barracks at Gosport, reverted to the rank of private; and if this is merely due to difficulties of obtaining confirmation of the promotions or of set purpose?

The men referred to were only promoted temporarily whilst serving in the Royal Marine Brigade, and on return to headquarters reverted to their substantive ranks, not being required any longer to perform the duties of non- commissioned officers. The question of the retention of their rank by these men on return to headquarters is under consideration, but I cannot give any undertaking on the subject.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that lieutenants promoted during the War from commissioned warrant officers' retired list are, when called up and given promotion, receiving the pay of their new rank; if it is the intention of the Admiralty to give these gentlemen the pay of their rank; if he is aware that their new rank obliges them to mess in the ward room, which entails an additional expense of not less than £100 a year over and above the Admiralty messing allowance; and if some provision can be made to remedy this state of affairs?

Hitherto commissioned warrant officers, retired with the rank of lieutenant or granted the rank of lieutenant on the retired list after being called up for service, have received pay on the commissioned warrant officers' scale, but by an Order in Council, published in the "London Gazette" of the 15th instant, these officers will be paid on the scale applicable to active service lieutenants promoted from commissioned warrant rank. This will take effect from the 1st August, 1914. As regards the last part of the question, these officers when in a ward room mess receive a mess allowance of 1s. 6d. a day. It may also be mentioned that all retired officers called out for service receive a bonus of 25 per cent, of the full pay earned exclusive of allowances.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) what are the arrangements, if any, made to protect Egyptians from loss in view of the refusal of the National Bank of Egypt to issue gold and the depreciation of paper money so that a £5 note has to be paid for the value of £3; and (2) if he will state the price of Egyptian and of other foreign cotton, respectively, before the outbreak of War and now; by whom and by what means the price of Egyptian cotton has been prevented from increasing proportionately; and whether this restriction and the depreciation of paper money are the chief causes of the present distress in Egypt?

The market price on the Liverpool Exchange of fully good fair brown Egyptian cotton in the middle of July, 1914, was 9.10d. per lb., and the price on 18th October, 1915, was 9.95d. per lb. The price of middling American was 7.35d. in July, 1914, and 7.29d. on 18th October, 1915. Thus the price of American cotton, though rising, is still slightly lower than before the War. On the other hand, the price of Egyptian cotton has been higher than before the War for the last three or four weeks. The second part of the question does not therefore arise. As regards the financial parts of the question, I can only say that having regard to the fact that the exchange between this country and Egypt is in favour of Egypt I do not understand how there can be any difficulty in carrying on legitimate trade.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is not the case that the price of cotton would have been lower if free planting had been allowed by the Government, and that it has been kept up artificially by restrictions of planting?

I shall require notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the length of time the Legislative Assembly of Egypt has sat, if at all, since the War began; and, if the power of the Sultan or people of Egypt to convene the Assembly has been suspended, will he say why, and for what length of time?

So far as I am aware, the Legislative Assembly has not sat since the outbreak of war. The power of the Sultan and his responsible advisers has not been suspended.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the General Officer Commanding the British Forces in Egypt at the outbreak of the War had the authority of His Majesty's Government for the pledge he gave to the Egyptian people that, recognising the respect and veneration with which the Sultan of Turkey in his religious capacity is regarded by the Mahomedans of Egypt, Great Britain takes upon herself the sole burden of the War in Egypt without calling upon the Egyptian people for aid; whether the approval of the Egyptian Legislative Assembly was afterwards obtained before the Egyptians were called upon to fight against the Turks; and, if the theory is that they were fighting for Egypt, will he explain why medals in reward of bravery were conferred upon Egyptian officers not by the Sultan of Egypt but by British authorities?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; that to the second part in the negative, as the Assembly was not sitting. As regards the last part, I have no information on the subject which would appear to be of a military nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of Egyptians deported, or invited without option of refusal to leave Egypt, since the War began, the number interned in Malta and other places of internment, the number required to leave Alexandria and Cairo and go to live in villages, and the number in prison in Egypt on political grounds?

So far as I am aware, no Egyptians have as yet been deported from that country. On the other points dealt with in the question I have no information.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, in view of our alliance with Japan, he can state whether he has heard officially from either Russia or Japan with regard to the under standing or alliance which it is announced they are contemplating?

I may perhaps be permitted to observe that any such information, if it had reached me, would necessarily be confidential, and I venture therefore to deprecate any question of this nature.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the actions taken by His Majesty's Government affecting postal matter, in transit, across British territory, between neutral States, has been the subject of communications and explanations offered to the Governments of any neutral States; if so, whether the position of the Government has been conveyed by any general statement applicable to all States and circumstances; and, if so, whether such statement can be published or a copy placed in the Library of this House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; no general statement has been issued, but the attitude of His Majesty's Government, as expressed in the reply which I gave on the 12th instant, has been explained to those neutral Governments who have inquired.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs for what purpose the Egyptian Government pays to Reuter's Agency in Cairo 1,500 Egpytian pounds a year; what is the total amount spent annually by the Egyptian Government in subsidising Press institutions in Egypt and in England; and whether His Majesty's Government will advise the Egyptian Government to stop all such payments, at least for the duration of the War, and to spend the money in relieving the starving Egyptians?

I have no information on the points mentioned in parts 1 and 2 of the question. As regards part 3, I am not prepared to make any representations on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether the recent failure to hold certain captured trenches on the Western front has yet convinced the War Office that a salting of officers and men who have seen modern fighting is essential to the efficiency of the New Armies, and that greater facilities will therefore be given for wounded officers and men to transfer with a rise in grade into the New Armies?

I answered a question on this point put by my hon. and gallant Friend on the 30th September, but regret if I did not then make it clear to him that the principle he advocates had already been adopted before the date of that question. The bearing of current experience on this and similar questions will not of course be neglected.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state who the officer was who was in command of the troops that landed at Suvla Bay; whether he is still in command, and, if not, whether he is still in the Service receiving full pay?

The officer who was in command at Suvla Bay is no longer in any command. I do not think it would be in the public interest to say more on this point at the present time.

Who appointed him?

He was appointed in the usual way.

On whose recommendation?

asked whether supplies of timber and corrugated iron have been disembarked at the Dardanelles to enable shelters to be erected for the troops during the winter months; and, if not, what other steps have been taken to prepare for the comfort and health of the troops during the coming winter?

Careful attention has been given to this matter. Arrangements for the supply of timber are being made locally, and a consignment from this country to supplement the local supplies has also been arranged for. Corrugated steel has been sent. I may add that sectional huts are being made up and despatched from this country, in addition to the supplies of material I have mentioned.

asked whether the Government or "War Office have sent out a sanitary commission to the Dardanelles; and, if so, whether their Report will be published?

Many experts in various branches of sanitary science have been sent to the Mediterranean and they have made recommendations locally to the military and medical authorities. Although they in effect perform the functions of a sanitary commission, they have not been required to report collectively to the War Office.

asked (1) what is the total number of cases of sickness removed from the Dardanelles during the campaign, and what is the number removed during the months of August and September, respectively; and (2) what was the average proportion of sick to wounded in August and September, respectively, removed from the Gallipoli peninsula; and is the proportion of sick to wounded such as might reasonably be expected under modern campaigning conditions?

I stated yesterday, in a supplementary reply I gave to the hon. Gentleman, that I would endeavour to get figures. Statistics as to the number now in hospitals in the Mediterranean area, of those who have died from sickness in that area, and of those who have been in hospitals in that area and have recovered and returned to duty, are not available and to obtain them it will be necessary to telegraph. I regret that I cannot give any additional information to-day except to reassure the House that in the case of dysentery, which has been the chief disease, the figures show a remarkable and gratifying decline since the beginning of this month.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the information which he now declines to give was given to a small group of labour Members?

I declined to give no information which it was in my power to give: it is merely because I have not got the information that I have not given it to the House. That being so, the latter part of the question does not arise.

If I put down a question in about a week's time will the right hon. Gentleman be able to give information as to the number who have been removed?

I think I can promise that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the name of the officer responsible for censoring Mr. Buchan's dispatch, and referred to by the Home Secretary in his letter to the Press as being a military officer in France?

I do not think that it would be in accordance with correct practice to state in this House and thereby to surround with publicity the names of subordinate officers who might be regarded as having made mistakes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether we pay this officer or not?

Yes, Sir, I suppose that is so.

Then are we not entitled to know something about it?

I think it would be very undesirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if a number of portable dwellings for the housing of refugees in Belgium and Northern France are to be manufactured in the United States of America to the order of the British Government, thus taking a great amount of work abroad which could be done as well, as cheaply, and as quickly in this country; and if he is aware that there are a number of carpenters and joiners in this country above military age who are fearing unemployment during the coming winter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answers returned to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 28th ultimo and to the hon. Member for Monmouth District on the 12th instant. I have no further information on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the formation of a no-conscription fellowship, the address of which is Merton House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C.; and whether this organisation has the support of the Government?

Yes, Sir, the attention of the War Office has been drawn to the No-conscription fellowship. This organisation has not the support of the Government.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is a very important branch of this fellowship in this House?

No, Sir. I should be very much interested to know in what quarter of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, owing to the pay offered to tradesmen enlisted in the Army being so much higher than the pay of private soldiers, recent recruiting in London and some other places has been for the most part of tradesmen and not of fighting men?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what pay and allowances are now offered to private soldiers and what to men enlisting under trades?

The Army requires a small proportion of highly skilled men of various trades, to whom various special rates of pay are given. It will probably suffice for the hon. Member's purpose if I mention the 6s. a day given to skilled motor drivers and 5s. given to smiths and fitters. The pay of the Infantry recruit is 1s. a day. There is no difference in the allowances.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the statement made at a recruiting committee meeting held last week at Dublin, and presided over by the Lord Lieutenant, that Ireland had contributed 81,000 recruits to the Army since the outbreak of war and that 1,100 recruits a week were now asked for from Ireland, was made with the approval of the Secretary of State for War; and, if so, whether he is now prepared to supply to the House similar figures as to the number of recruits already obtained and required to be obtained from England, Wales, and Scotland, respectively?

The figure given by the Lord Lieutenant is apparently derived from information obtained locally. It is not known on what principle the demand for 1,100 recruits a week is based. It is hoped that Irishmen will take advantage of the opportunities now available under the scheme initiated by the Lord Lieutenant with the assistance of the hon. Member for Waterford and influential gentlemen in all parts of Ireland. It is not considered advisable to give the figures asked for in the last part of the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving the figures with regard to Wales?

I will consider that, but I do not hold out any great hopes of being able to satisfy my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been directed to the fact that in the current issue of a newspaper called "The Nation," published in London, the statement of the Labour Recruiting Committee that over 30,000 recruits per week are required is denounced as a figure almost wildly in excess of the need, and that at most the nation requires only 5,000 to 8,000 recruits per week in the coming year; if he is aware that this statement has been reproduced by "The Daily News and Leader," and given a wide circulation; and whether the Government will instruct the Censor to prevent the publication of inaccurate statements injurious to the national cause and dangerous in the existing military situation?

I have not seen the statement in the newspapers referred to, but my hon. Friend will have seen the authorised appeal now widely placarded all over London, which mentions 30,000 recruits a week as the requirement. I think it is well-known that 5,000 to 8,000 recruits a week does not represent the requirements of the situation, and I cannot imagine that the statements referred to can have misled any properly informed person.

Arising out of the latter part of the question, may I ask the Government to take into consideration the desirability of appointing the hon. Member for East Northants as Press Censor, if he can be spared from his important duties at the Admiralty?

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the Welsh Guards in their first engagement with the enemy captured a German gun; and, if so, whether there is any objection to the gun being brought to Wales to be exhibited during the present recruiting campaign?

I am glad to be able to inform my hon. Friend that arrangements are being made for some of the guns captured from the enemy to be exhibited. I have called for information regarding the particular gun mentioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state whether the War Office makes any provision for Colonial soldiers or others for food and lodging in London; and, in view of the fact that the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, is rarely used except for purposes of luxury such as pet dogs and fancy flowers, he will acquire the use of the building for the accommodation of our soldiers, who seem now to have no consideration paid them except by the Young Men's Christian Association and private hospitality?

I understand that the Union Jack Club, the Maple Leaf Club, and other similar institutions in London are open to Colonial soldiers equally with soldiers belonging to the United Kingdom. His Majesty has graciously placed at the disposal of soldiers arriving in London from the front the Buckingham Palace Riding School. I am also informed that a new and very large club, with some 227 beds for soldiers of Dominion contingents, is just being got ready. The Victoria League Club, which has hitherto not been residential, is also opening a house which will accommodate a considerable number of men. My hon. Friend will thus see that this matter has not been neglected, and that to say that no consideration is paid to our fellow countrymen from the Dominions is to convey a most misleading impression. I am not sure that the Horticultural Hall would be very suitable for the purposes in view. At any rate, it certainly would not be so suitable as the residential clubs I have referred to.

Is it not a fact that soldiers arriving from the front, especially Colonial soldiers, have not been met, and have been dependent entirely upon the exertion of the Young Men's Christian Association for the accommodation provided for them, and that in many cases they have been obliged to accept the hospitality of the Thames Embankment?

Before answering that question, will the right hon. Gentleman state whether he is aware that the Royal Horticultural Hall is used for exhibitions of fruit and vegetables grown in England, and is meant to encourage that industry?

I have no information on that subject, but I quite believe what the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has said. I have no information which at all bears out the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland. On the contrary, I am given to understand that soldiers arriving here from the front are received in the most hospitable manner, and have every consideration paid to them, and that there is nothing lacking in the manner in which they are entertained while here.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the resolution of protest passed by the County Dublin Farmers' Association against the practice of the agents of the War Office in the purchase of hay in that county; whether the price paid for hay in that county is nearly a third under the market price, although it is notorious that rents have been fixed in the metropolitan county on a scale much higher than usual on the ground of proximity to the metropolitan markets; and, if so, whether he will cause a proper price to be paid in future?

No, Sir, my attention has not been called to the resolution referred to. The price paid for hay in the county of Dublin is that approved by a representative body specially called together by the Irish Department of Agriculture. It appears also to be in agreement with the market price on the Dublin market, as hay has quite recently been acquired by the Department on the Dublin market at the price which is being paid elsewhere in the county of Dublin.

asked whether he can state the daily wage paid to men employed to cut and truss hay purchased for the War Office in the Southern Command and the rate usually paid by farmers for the same service; whether hay after it has been cut out is always either promptly used or protected from the weather; and, if not, if he will take some steps in this matter to avoid the waste of public money in future?

Men employed in cutting and trussing hay purchased by the War Office are paid 4s. 6d. per ton with an additional 6d. per ton to cover their lodgings in cases where men are employed away from their homes. This is the usual Tate paid for this form of labour throughout the country. Where the Department is responsible for protecting hay from the weather after it is cut or where the hay has to be stacked waiting delivery to the nearest station or other place required, sheets are provided for the purpose of protection.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware whether the sheets provided are used, and whether, as I have been informed, in some cases six months' hay has been left out quite unprotected from the weather?

If sheets are provided, I cannot see any reason why they are not used. If my hon. Friend will give particulars of any case which he has in mind, I will make inquiries.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if his attention has been called to the case of Private Arthur Holroyd, No. 2,288, 2/4th Yorkshire Regiment, who, whilst in hospital, had 7d. per day stopped from his pay, also 1½d. per week contribution under the National Insurance Act; and will he state whether these stoppages from a soldier's pay are in accordance with Army Regulations?

I am inquiring into this case, and will inform the hon. Member the result as soon as possible.

Is it the rule to follow the practice mentioned?

I understand that when a man goes to hospital, the stoppages are deducted as a matter of course, until the medical certificate is received from the commanding officer showing that the stoppages are not to be made.

Is that the case with all other Civil servants?

I am not responsible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a war bonus has been given to the first and second-class examiners in the Army Inspection Department from the 17th April, while a similar award to the third-class examiners and other employés is dated from the 15th September; and whether he will give directions, in order to avoid discontent, that the war bonus shall be paid from the same date to all the employés in the Army Inspection Department?

The bonus, in the case of the first and second-class examiners, was given as a sequence to an agreement which was come to by the London engineering trades generally, and was dated back to the 17th April, in keeping with the general trade agreement. The bonus, in the case of the other employés, has been given as the result of a special conference of delegates with me, held during the past month, and had no connection directly with a trade agreement. I do not think there is any ground for altering the decision to give the latter bonus only as from the beginning of the pay week in which the 15th September occurs.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give information in some detail as to the contributions made by the Mahratta, Rajput, and Mussalman chiefs and princes of India as regards troops, funds, ambulances, and hospitals to assist His Majesty's Armies in the various theatres of war?

I ask the indulgence of the House for the very long answer which I am about to give:—

A very bulky and detailed statement of the offers of service in connection with the War made, by Ruling Chiefs and important persons and associations in India has been received from the Government of India, and copies have been placed in the Library.

The statement includes the offers and gifts that were enumerated in the telegram which the Under-Secretary of State read to the House on 9th September last year, and which has since been presented to Parliament; but even the most monumental of these have since been largely increased. It is impossible to summarise these additions, which still continue to be received as the progress of the War has given fresh opportunities of service; but the House will, perhaps, permit me to quote one or two examples to illustrate the spirit that animates the whole of India.

Besides the Chiefs mentioned last year, the rulers of Nawanagar, Rajkot, Baria, Jamkhandi, Akalkot, Savanur, Barwani, Loharu, and Wankaner have been permitted to go on active service in one or other of the spheres of operations.

In addition to the Imperial Service troops originally selected from among those offered, contingents from the following States have also been accepted for service in India or abroad:—Junagadh, Khairpur, Nawanagar, Bhavnagar, Janjira, Tehri, Bahawalpur, Maler Kotla, Sirmur, Bhopal, and Idar.

Three hospital ships, equipped and maintained from unofficial sources, have left the shores of India—the "Loyalty," given jointly by a number of Ruling Chiefs; the "Madras," given by the Madras War Fund; and the "Bengali," given by the people of Bengal. The last was, most unfortunately, wrecked on its way to the Persian Gulf; the first two have been continuously employed this year in carrying sick and wounded between India and the theatres of war.

The Nizam of Hyderabad has offered 60 lakhs for the expenses of one of his Imperial Service regiments, which has gone to the front, and of the Cavalry Regiment of the Indian Army, of which he is honorary colonel. The Maharaja of Mysore, besides the 50 lakhs he had already given, has offered the services of his State in many other practical ways. The Maharaja Sindhia of Gwalior, whose health has prevented him from going to the front, has made further munificent gifts in money and in kind, including a motor ambulance fleet and six armoured aeroplanes. The Begum of Bhopal, in addition to large contributions to relief funds and other services, has sent 500 Korans for sick and wounded Moslem soldiers. The Gaekwar of Baroda gave 5 lakhs of rupees for the purchase of aeroplanes. The Maharajas of Kashmir and Patiala and the Jam of Nawanagar, besides other services, are jointly maintaining a hospital for officers in a house at Staines, which His Highness the Jam has given for the purpose.

It is not possible to enumerate the offers and the contributions of various kinds that have been received from individuals and from associations in British India. It must suffice to say that they demonstrate the firm determination of all classes and creeds to take their place in fulfilling all the positive duties of citizenship.

Nor have the notabilities and tribes of the borderland been behind the inhabitants of British India in the spontaneity of their expressions of loyalty. The offers of service by the Frontier Militias, the proposal of the Khyber tribes to furnish an armed contingent, and the subscription by the Wazirs of Bannu of their allowances for one month to the Relief Fund, are striking examples.

Beyond the border, the Chiefs of Baluchistan made valuable offers of camels, and the Sheikhs of Koweit and Bahrein contributed to charitable funds in India. The Maharaja of Bhutan, besides offering the financial and military resources of his State, contributed a lakh of rupees to the Relief Fund. The Prime Minister of Nepal added largely to the munificent gifts mentioned last year, and has rendered His Majesty's Government most valuable services by the military facilities which he has accorded. The Dalai Lama of Tibet, as was stated last year, offered 1,000 soldiers at the outbreak of War; his continued sympathy with the cause of the Allies is shown by the fact that on hearing of General Botha's victories in South-West Africa he ordered flags to be hoisted on the hills around Lhassa, and special prayers to be offered for further victories. It will not perhaps be out of place in this connection if I add that His Majesty's Government have received striking proofs of the friendship of the Amir of Afghanistan and of his determined loyalty to the British alliance.

It has not been possible for the Government to avail themselves of all these many and varied offers of service, but our appreciation of them is not less on that account. And the House will agree with me in seeing in them conclusive evidence of the unshaken solidarity of the princes and peoples of India and of the neighbouring countries, without distinction of race or religion, in defence of the vital interests of the Empire.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will take measures to have this fine statement of the loyalty of the chiefs and peoples of India and surrounding countries translated into the language of Europe, especially of our Allies, and in some way communicated to those nations that anticipated a different state of things there?

I think news of this kind will find its own way into circulation.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of some expression of appreciation from this House reaching the princes and chiefs concerned, either by Motion or otherwise, as he may see fit to bring before our notice, and which would give an opportunity to this House to express its appreciation in some marked and distinct manner?

That is a question on which I must consult the Prime Minister. If I might venture to express my personal opinion in the meantime, I would say the time has hardly yet come for it, and the House must consider the assistance it has had from all portions of the Empire at the same time, whenever it makes any recognition of it.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the possibility of a German advance on Bagdad is receiving the attention of those responsible for the Anglo-Indian Expeditionary Force in Mesopotamia; and whether a sufficient supply of river gun boats is available either to press the advance or cover the retreat?

The contingencies mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member and the provision required to be made against them have received due consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that all captains of fifteen years' standing in the British Army have been now promoted to the rank of major; and whether he will see that similar promotion is granted to captains of the same standing in the Indian Army?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement which I made regarding the British and Indian Army systems of promotion in a reply given to the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth on the 28th July last, of which I will send him a copy. I understand that the orders regarding the promotion of captains of fifteen years' standing in the British Army do not apply to all arms but to those only where the exigencies of the Service require that such promotion should be given. In the Indian Army no such exigency at present exists.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is satisfied that his proposal to tax extra profits made during the War will cover profits on the sale of ships sold since the outbreak of war, and will preclude the possibility of the enhanced prices realised on such sales being treated merely as realisation of capital and not as profit?

I would refer my hon Friend to the reply I gave yesterday to a similar question put by the hon. Member for West Ham.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many limited companies owning india-rubber estates in India, Ceylon, the Straits Settlements, and Netherlands India have, until the War began or after that date, distributed no dividends because the trees had not reached the age when they can be tapped and in some cases had to borrow money on mortgage or debentures during this period; and whether, under the Finance Bill, refund of money so borrowed will be deducted before the Excess Profits Tax is leviable?

Liability to repay borrowed capital does not constitute a ground for deduction from excess profit, but the conditions affecting the development of estates may be a factor for the consideration of the Board of Referees in connection with any application for an increase of the percentage standard for the class of business to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether businesses which have been placed under control by the Minister of Munitions will be liable to pay the Excess Profits Tax?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on the 30th ultimo to the hon. and learned Member for the City of York. I am causing a copy of this reply to be sent to him.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give us an answer to that question?

If the right hon. Gentleman will read the answer which I have sent to him he will find it is fully answered, and the House has already had the answer.

asked whether enter prises owned and carried on by municipal authorities of the nature of a trade or business will be liable to pay the proposed duty on excess profits?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked whether it is intended to be provided by the Finance (No. 3) Bill that where a person, firm, or company earns an income by carrying on businesses of a like class in various towns or localities but has been hitherto assessed to and paid Income Tax in respect of each such business separately, the profits shown by such several assessments in pre-war years may be aggregated for the purpose of comparing the profits of the War year, and thereby ascertaining whether the income of such person, firm, or company, taken as a whole, is liable to pay Excess Profits Duty under the Bill?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether working men whose wages amount in the full year to more than £130 will be entitled to claim abatement from their gross incomes for contributions paid by them for insurance to approved societies, trade unions, and friendly societies under the new Budget proposals, in like manner as policy holders in assurance companies and assurance societies are entitled to deduct the premiums they pay for insurance (within certain limits) from their gross incomes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on this subject on the 30th ultimo, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the urgent need for increasing the nation's resources, he will include proposals in his next Budget to appropriate the whole annual value of all land for which the holders cannot produce a title, and to place a substantial tax on the annual value of all other land, the proceeds to be applied towards the cost of defending it?

I fear I cannot anticipate the proposals of the next Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a tyre pump which is imported to be used for blowing up the tyres of a motor vehicle not subject to duty will become subject to duty if at any time it is used for blowing up the tyres of a motor vehicle subject to duty; and, if so, by whom will such duty be paid?

Tyre pumps are accessories to tyres, and are not dutiable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) what method it is intended to adopt to distinguish at the port of importation whether or not motor chassis and parts of chassis and accessories are going to be used exclusively for the conveyance of goods in the course of trade or husbandry; how is the importer to prove to the satisfaction of the Commissioners of Customs and Excise what the intention of a future purchaser may be; and (2) whether he is aware that there are, approximately, about 4,000 parts in a motor chassis; and whether it is intended that the Commissioners of Customs and Excise shall stamp or place a distinctive mark on all or any of such 4,000 parts imported either as a whole or separately in order to exempt them from duty as provided in Clause 7 of the Finance Bill?

I am prepared to accept his statement as to the number of parts in a motor chassis, but I do not think it would be desirable to anticipate this afternoon's Debate in regard to the points which he raises.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to print those in the Schedule to the Bill?

No, Sir.

asked whether motor horns are intended by the Commissioners of Customs and Excise to be classified under motor-car accessories or under musical instruments?

Motor-car horns are charged as motor-car accessories.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that newly-married wives are entitled to separation allowance although there has been no pre-war dependance on their husbands; whether soldiers who are now so situated as to wish to secure separation allowances for mothers who have become widows since War broke out are barred because there has been no pre-war dependance; and whether he proposes to take steps to deal with the matter?

The hon. Member raised this question in Debate on 21st June last, and I then replied to him. I can add nothing to the reply I then gave him.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why it is that the War Office consider this question of pre-war dependance in the case of wives of soldiers and not in the case of mothers who have become widows?

That is for the Select Committee to decide.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the recommendation contained in the Special Report of the Select Committee on Naval and Military Services (Pensions and Grants), concerning disablement pensions, will apply to the case of M. Louglin, of No. 1, Maud Street, Bradford, who was discharged from the Army in 1901 owing to rheumatism and heart weakness contracted on active service during the South African War after serving with the Colours for fifteen years and sixty-six days, and whose pension amounts to 10d. a day only, although he is now totally disabled?

The recommendations of the Select Committee only apply to-cases arising out of the present War.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether His Majesty's Government accepts the view expressed in Sir George Murray's Report that it is the duty of the State not only to pension disabled sailors and soldiers but also to train them and otherwise fit them for civil employment, and so far as practicable to assist them in obtaining it; and to find all the money required for such purpose?

The training of disabled officers and men will be one of the duties of the Statutory Committee to be set up under the Pensions Bill.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say where the money will come from for that purpose?

I think my hon. Friend is fully aware of all that has been said on the subject in Debate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say I am not right in assuming that the Government will provide no money?

NO, Sir. I am quite sure my hon. Friend is wrong in assuming that.

asked whether His Majesty's Government intends to ask Parliament to provide the Statutory Committee appointed by the Naval and Military War Pensions Bill with all money necessary for the efficient discharge of its duties in regard to disabled officers and men under Section 3, Sub-section (1) (i) of the Bill as amended in the House of Lords; and what method is proposed by His Majesty's Government for ensuring full Parliamentary control over the Statutory Committee in its performance of such duties?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the statements which I have made in this House with regard to the intention of His Majesty's Government to provide any necessary funds which may be needed for the work of the Statutory Committee. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer him particularly to Clause 1 (2) (4) of the Pensions Bill.

asked (1) whether, in the case of disabled men desiring to earn a livelihood by work upon the land, His Majesty s Government propose that the central authority to deal with the problems of training and providing such men with opportunities for such employment should be the Board of Agriculture; if so, whether His Majesty's Government will propose or accept an Amendment to Clause 3 of the Bill giving effect to such opinion, and limiting the functions of the Statutory Committee, in respect of men desiring agricultural employment, to that of ascertaining their wishes and communicating the necessary particulars to the Board of Agriculture; and (2) whether His Majesty's Government intends in any, and what, way to link up the administrative body or bodies to whom is entrusted the duty of finding employment for disabled men with the administrative bodies to whom will hereafter be entrusted the duty of finding employment for the able-bodied on discharge from military and naval duty; and particularly whether, in the case of agriculture, both functions will be given to the Board of Agriculture?

I am not at present prepared to make a statement with regard to able-bodied men discharged from naval or military service. It is proposed in the Pensions Bill to set up a special sub-committee of the Statutory Committee to deal with the care of disabled men, and I have no doubt that the Board of Agriculture will be represented on this sub-committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the injury to the health and efficiency of the men of His Majesty's land and sea forces when on furlough directly attributable to the hospitable instincts of their friends, he will initiate legislation to apply the provisions of the No-Treating Order to all parts of the United Kingdom?

I have invited the observations of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) on the hon. Member's suggestion.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the Board of Control has power to extend the Orders during the War, or would not legislation be required?

I think my hon. Friend is quite right in that matter.

May I draw the attention of the right hon. Gentleman to the fact that the reply I received from him last week was the same?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received any complaints that our flares are inferior to those used by the Germans; if not, will he cause inquiries to be made; and, if so, is his Department taking proper steps to remedy the matter?

The question of flares has engaged the attention of the Ministry, and such action as appears necessary is being taken.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether it was part of the Treasury agreement between the Ministry and the trade unionists that due notice should be given to the workmen concerned, wherever practicable, of any changes of working conditions which it is desired to introduce, and that opportunity of local consultation with the men or their representatives would be given if required; and whether in all cases of changes in working conditions the men or their representatives have been consulted?

Paragraph 7 of the Second Schedule to the Act provides as follows:—

Due notice shall be given to the workmen concerned, wherever practicable, of any changes of working conditions which it is desired to introduce as the result of the establishment becoming a controlled establishment, and opportunity for local consultation with workmen or their representatives shall be given if desired. I have no reason to suppose that this provision is not being generally observed, but I am not prepared to say that there have been no cases in which an employer has failed to give notice in accordance with the paragraph. In the event of any case of failure being brought to my notice, appropriate action is taken.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been directed to the case of Lawrence Nut-brown, a Sheffield wireworker, engaged on aeroplane work, who applied to the Munitions Court for a leaving certificate, on the ground that the firm had reduced his status from that of a skilled worker to that practically of a labourer, and had reduced his wage by 12s. per week; is he aware that the workman's application was refused by the Court; and, provided that this decision is not a violation of the Munitions of War Act, will he introduce amending legislation to deal with firms which, not requiring the services of a particular skilled workman themselves, deliberately prevent him from doing his best work for the benefit of another firm?

I do not think that the question states accurately the circumstances of this case, and I am accordingly sending the hon. Member a fuller summary for his perusal. In the circumstances, I doubt if the last part of the question arises.

asked the Minister of Munitions what number of businesses altogether the Government has now placed under control; whether a list of the various firms has been laid upon the Table of the House, showing the character of the work they do for the Government; and, if not, whether he will do so?

The number of establishments already controlled is 1,002. The War Office are of opinion that it would be detrimental to the national interest to make public the names or localities of the establishments controlled or the character of the work which is done for the Government therein.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether these firms have put any obstacle in the way of the Government or whether they are loyally co-operating with his Department?

Speaking generally, they certainly are working quite loyally and assisting the Department in every way.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the existence of a Retrenchment Committee supposed to represent the House of Commons; whether it is within his knowledge that this Committee is making recommendations about economies of which they have no knowledge; that they are attempting to interfere with Scottish Departments although there is no Scottish Member on the Committee; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction their interference is causing, he will either have the Committee discharged, or make it a representative Committee of the House of Commons, or compel it to make a report to the House before any or all of its recommendations are adopted?

The Committee to which the hon. Member refers is a Treasury Committee, which is examining with great care the possibility of economy in Civil Departments. I am not aware that the recommendations which they have made have caused any dissatisfaction, and I am not prepared to interfere with their discretion.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not heard from Scotland that there is a large amount of dissatisfaction with regard to this matter?

Did not this Committee recommend a postal economy which was promptly withdrawn?

In view of the fact that thrift is a characteristic of Scotland, does the right hon. Gentleman not think that representatives of that country would make good members of this Committee?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the repeated successes of the British submarines in the Baltic against German and neutral ships employed in conveying contraband of war to Germany, the Government will now consider the advisability of proclaiming a blockade of Germany, or whether he still thinks that such a course would entangle us in a network of juridical subtleties?

The matter is one which is receiving, and will continue to receive, the careful attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Attorney-General has tendered his resignation; and, if so, whether his resignation has been accepted?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to economising the national resources available for the prosecution of the War, he will appoint a Joint Committee of the two Houses of Parliament, to take evidence and report on the allegations of waste and extravagance in the expenditure for housing, maintaining, and equipping those portions of His Majesty's Army stationed in this country?

For reasons which my right hon. Friend gave in the House on 20th July it is not possible to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion. Every effort has been made and is being made to avoid unnecessary expenditure in the directions indicated in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he will state the reasons for acceding to the request of the postal associations for arbitration upon their claim for a war bonus, and for referring the similar claim of the Civil Service Federation, in spite of their request for arbitration, to the Committee on Public Retrenchment; and (2), whether it is the intention to apply the recent award of the arbitrator on the postal servants' claim for a war bonus to Civil servants generally, in view of the fact that classes common to the Civil Service but actually employed in the Post Office have been paid the war bonus under that award; and, if not, will he indicate in what respects the conditions at present prevailing warrant any differentiation in treatment between Civil servants in the Post Office and those in other Departments?

The arbitrator on the postal servants' application for a war bonus, in giving his award, stated that he had had regard particularly to the fact that the scales of remuneration of Post Office employés are based on two principal factors, namely, the volume of work done and the cost of living. This statement appears to have arisen from a misapprehension of a paragraph in the Hobhouse Committee's Report. It is clearly inconsistent with the statement in paras. 14–17 of the Holt Committee's Report, and it cannot be accepted by His Majesty's Government as representing the main principle on which the remuneration of public servants should be fixed. As the postal employés' application had been submitted to arbitration, the Government was bound to comply with the award, irrespective of the grounds on which it was based; but having regard to the fact that these grounds could not be accepted as accurate, they decided to refer to the Committee on Public Retrenchment the question of an extension of the award to other Departments. That Committee considered the matter very carefully and recommended that, in view of the fact that the reasons given in the award have no general application to the Civil Service, all applications from other Departments should be considered on their merits irrespective of that award.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain Departments of the service were told that the increase of rates would be governed by the award made?

Can my hon. Friend say by whom they were told?

By the Treasury.

Not that I am aware of.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement of the intentions of the Treasury respecting the continued and continuous issue of 5s. vouchers by the Post Office and sale of £5 Treasury bonds as investment in War Loan, so that war-saving committees and other bodies, and also individuals, may make their winter arrangements with confidence and encourage their purchase as Christmas gifts?

I hope to be in a position to make a statement on this matter at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will explain why Egyptians resident in London, who were informed by the Home Office last December that they had ceased to be enemy aliens, are now informed by the police authorities that they are enemy aliens; and whether he will definitely define their status here and not have them subjected to more annoyance than is consistent with that?

Ever since Egypt became a British Protectorate, Egyptians have been in the position of alien friends, and have been treated as such. The Metropolitan police took off the register of alien enemies all who were known to be Egyptians, but in the case upon which this question is based and one or two others, the individuals were not previously identified as Egyptians, and had not taken any steps whatever to claim the status of Egyptians and to have their names removed from the register of alien enemies. As soon as they made their status known, their names were removed from the register. I understand none of them have been interned.

asked the Home Secretary whether the statements published by several London newspapers in January last, that Roumania would shortly join the side of the Allies as a belligerent, were submitted to, and passed, by the Censor; and, if passed by the Censor, whether the confirmation of the Foreign Office or the War Office, or both, was secured before the permission to publish was given?

Without a specific reference to the statements referred to, it would be impossible, after such a lapse of time, to give a definite reply.

May I ask whether the Censor guarantees the truth of the statements which he passes?

He certainly does not. He merely ascertains whether there is any objection on the part of the parties concerned to the publication of the statement

When very important political statements are made in the Press, are they not subject for confirmation or comment to the offices concerned?

I do not think so. When a statement such as the hon. Gentleman describes is proposed to be made it is right that the responsible Department should be asked whether in the public interest there is any objection to its being made.

asked whether the statement made in the public Press at the end of last January that the Bank of England had lent £5,000,000 to Roumania was, before being passed, submitted for confirmation to the Foreign Office or to the Treasury, or to both these Departments?

The statement was referred to the Foreign Office and the Treasury before being passed for publication. These Departments, while they did not confirm the accuracy of the statement, saw no reason to interfere with its publication.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been directed to the resolution passed by the county of Dublin Insurance Committee relative to what is described as the grave danger to the purity of the milk supply and the consequent results to the health of the community, especially of the young, caused by the withdrawal of the Bovine Tuberculosis Order; whether he will say on whose advice and for what reasons the Order mentioned was withdrawn; and whether any local authority was consulted in reference to the matter before action was decided on by the Department?

The resolution referred to was received by the Department. All provisions of the Order save one have been suspended in Ireland as they have been in Great Britain, and for the same reason, namely, retrenchment of expenditure owing to the financial position arising from the War. The local authorities were not consulted before the suspension, but a circular fully explanatory of the position was sent to each local authority by the Department.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make any announcement with regard to the representations made to him by the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society as to the desirability of increasing the resources of the country and absorbing the labour of soldiers returning from the War by means of a scheme of afforestation?

The question is under consideration by the Boards of Agriculture for England and Scotland and the Development Commissioners.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received information from any manufacturers of straw hats that quantities of manufactured plait made in Germany are being imported from Switzerland in competition with British industry; and what action is being taken in the matter?

My hon. Friend has forwarded a. letter to my right hon. Friend in which this allegation is made, and if he is in a position to furnish definite evidence in support of it my right hon. Friend will be happy to have inquiries made. As he is doubtless aware, straw plait can be imported into this country from Switzerland only if accompanied by a certificate of non-enemy origin issued by a British Consul.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the memorial recently addressed to the board of directors of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company of Ireland by the labourers working in the various departments of the company's works at Inchicore, Dublin, for an increase of wages; whether he is aware that, while the company recently increased the wages of the men whom the labourers are employed to assist on the ground of the increased cost of the necessaries of life, it has declined even to consider the request of the labourers, although the same reasons exist for raising wages in their case, and although the labourers are the worst paid section of all the workers in the employment of the company; whether he is aware that, in consequence, a feeling of exasperation is growing up amongst the men; and whether, in view of all the circumstances of the case, he will exert all the powers he possesses for securing better treatment for the memorialists, and so eliminating the possibility of an open rupture between the company and its employés at a time like the present?

My right hon. Friend has received a copy of the memorial referred to and he is in communication with the company upon the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the list of coal merchants in London who have agreed to a limitation of profits [Cd. 8070] is intended to convey an assurance that these merchants have undertaken not merely during the past summer, but also during the ensuing six months, not to add more than a prescribed amount to the contract or current pit-head price; if so, what sum has been thus agreed to and subject to what conditions; will the Board of Trade publish week by week, for public information, the maximum retail price per ton thus arrived at; seeing that the list does not include the names of the dealers who supply the mass of the people in small quantities (trolley coal), what arrangements have the Board of Trade succeeded in making to ensure that a maximum price for trolley coal shall not be exceeded; and, if no such arrangement has been made, what steps does the Government propose to take to protect the London poor against a repetition this winter of the prices frequently charged last winter?