asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the refusal of the German Government to express any disapproval to Turkey-concerning the systematic and wholesale massacre of Christians which has taken place in Armenia, whether he can state if any action is being taken by any neutral Power to save the situation and to protect the great American and other missionary enterprises in Asiatic Turkey?

I do not know what steps neutral Governments may have taken in the matter. The Vatican has made earnest and repeated appeals both to the Turkish Government to stop the massacres and to the German and Austro-Hungarian Governments to bring pressure to bear on the Turkish Government with the same object.

asked whether there were on the staff of Sir Louis Mallet, recently His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, officials able, to speak Turkish fluently and conversant with Turkish affairs; and whether Mr. Fitzmaurice, the first dragoman at His Majesty's Embassy, did not return to his post because the Turkish Ambassador in London made a request to that effect?

The principle underlying the organisation of His Majesty's Embassy at Constantinople, which was identical with that adopted by the other Embassies there, has been subjected to considerable misrepresentation. It has been the practice to attach to His Majesty's Ambassador a staff of permanent officials, recruited from the Levant Consular Service, who have expert knowledge of the Turkish language and are in close and continuous relation with the Turkish Ministries. At the time of the outbreak of the War with Turkey there were three such permanent officials on Sir Louis Mallet's immediate staff, having respectively seventeen, fifteen, and ten years' experience of Turkey. The Embassy was, moreover, in constant touch with the officials of His Majesty's Consulate-General, who have spent their lives in Turkey. The Ambassador was, moreover, assisted by the usual staff of diplomatic secretaries, who deal with the current business, which is, of course, conducted entirely in the French and English languages. Of these secretaries, three out of four had passed examinations entitling them to a special allowance for a colloquial knowledge of the Turkish language.

The intimation contained in the second part of the hon. Member's question is not in accordance with the facts. At the end of February, 1914, Mr. Fitzniaurice had a serious and protracted illness, which rendered him entirely unable to return to his post for some ten months. His place was temporarily taken by Mr. Ryan, the second dragoman to His Majesty's Embassy, who was indicated for this position by his seniority in the service and by his exceptional experience and ability.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state what arrangements have been made as regards the conveyance of letters and parcels to British subjects now interned in Magnesia and elsewhere in Turkey; whether parcels for these interned prisoners have now been stopped; and whether he will endeavour to arrange with the United States Ambassador at Constantinople that letters and parcels addressed to such interned prisoners shall be safely delivered to them?

With regard to the first part of this question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 28th June to a similar question in this House with regard to letters and parcels for British seafarers interned in Turkey. I have received no information that the delivery of parcels to British prisoners of War in Turkey has been stopped. The third part of the question does not appear to arise; but if the hon. Member has information that the delivery of the letters and parcels in question has ceased, I shall be much obliged if he will give me that information so that we may make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the British merchant crews interned at Magnesia, in Turkey, were informed in September last that they would not be allowed to send or receive letters exceeding four lines; whether this restriction has since been modified or withdrawn; whether any similar restrictions are imposed on Turkish subjects interned in this country; and whether he will invoke the good offices of the United States Consul-General at Smyrna to obtain a withdrawal of these restrictions?

My attention has recently been drawn to a statement to the effect that British prisoners of war in Turkey are not allowed to send or receive letters exceeding four lines, and I have requested the United States Ambassador to be good enough to inquire into the correctness of this statement. If it should turn out to be true, I would certainly do all in my power to secure the withdrawal of such a regulation. So far as I am aware, no restrictions are imposed in respect of the correspondence of Turkish prisoners in this country other than those contained in the general regulations in force in respect of the correspondence of all prisoners of war and civilians interned in this country.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that there are 1,131 prisoners of war in Germany belonging to the Royal Naval Division, divided among 15 camps; whether he is aware that a large proportion of these men are in camps under canvas; whether he is aware that it was stated that uniform and clothing for these prisoners were being distributed on the 23rd August last; whether he is aware that no parcels of uniform, clothing, or boots have yet arrived; and, looking to the fact that the weather is already very cold and that a large number of these men are in rags, and that insufficiency of food adds to their privations, will he take steps to inquire into the matter and send the necessary supplies of clothing immediately?

The subject of the Noble Lord's question demands and is receiving the most sympathetic attention. Plans, however, which have for some time been before the Board have had to be set aside by the announcement of the German Government to the American Ambassador at Berlin that they are bound by the rules of war to provide what is necessary for prisoners of war, and that they will not allow supplies of clothes to be received from the British Government, but that they will not object to supplies being sent by the prisoners' friends or outside associations. I take this opportunity of cordially acknowledging the efforts already made by voluntary associations and individuals in rendering assistance to British Naval prisoners in Germany, and would point out that the announcement to which I have referred makes it very desirable that their efforts, particularly in the way of providing warm underclothing, boots, and overcoats, should be sustained in view of the coming winter. Individuals anxious to send parcels will find exhibited in every Post Office information as to how to proceed. Further, the Prisoners of War Help Committee, 5–7, Southampton Street, Strand, W.C., will, I am sure, be pleased to furnish information and advice.

asked what arrangements have been made to transmit clothing to British prisoners of war in Germany?

The various committees and societies which are caring for the prisoners of war will, I understand, shortly have completed arrangements for sending a supply of outer clothing and underclothing to every British prisoner of war in Germany. The articles sent will include greatcoat, jacket, trousers, shirts, vests, drawers, socks, and boots, in addition to other articles and it is contemplated to renew the supply periodically. These committees have the latest and most complete information about the requirements and position of individual prisoners; and, while it is desirable to decentralise this work in order to ensure its being carried out with promptitude, it has also been found necessary to leave it to unofficial organisations so as to meet the view of the German authorities, as to which my right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Admiralty has already made a statement to-day. The sending of clothing to the prisoners in the hands of the Turks is difficult, but a satisfactory arrangement has now been arrived at.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the resources of the various voluntary organisations are quite inadequate to deal with the provision of clothing during this winter?

I do not think my hon. Friend is correctly informed on that subject. I will tell him privately exactly how the matter stands.

In view of its importance, I propose to raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.

May I ask my hon. Friend to do nothing of the kind?

Why?

asked what is the present position of this country as regards the Brussels Sugar Convention; whether it is still bound in any way by that Convention; and, if so, in what respects?

This country is no longer a party to the Sugar Convention. As regards the rest of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by the President of the Board of Trade to a question on this subject asked by the hon. Member for Islington on 4th February last.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state who was the British official responsible for the information given to M. de Margerie, set out in the letter from the Belgian Minister at Paris, and dated 16th August, 1914; whether, in view of the publication of this letter in Germany, steps will be taken to inform neutrals of the view expressed in this House by the Secretary of State regarding the inaccuracy of the letter; will he say where is the place described as Bonar, mentioned in the Count de Lalaing's letter of 17th August, 1914; what were the acts of hostility committed by Germany mentioned in the Belgian verbal note, transmitted by Spain to Germany on 8th November, 1914; and will the Foreign Office publish an official reply to the German memorandum regarding suspension of warfare in Central Africa?

I have already said that M. Margerie's statement appears to have been the expression of his personal opinion. That is clear from the French original of the dispatch referred to, and I have no reason to think that any British official was responsible for the statement. I am not aware what claims are meant or that we had put forward any claims. As regards the second part of the question, I do not think it necessary to give further information to neutrals beyond the public statement in this House. Bonar is a new fortified post in the strip of Cameroons territory abutting on the Congo River. So far as I am aware, the first acts of hostility committed by Germany were the concentration at Ekododo and Bonar, first reported to the French Government about 11th August; a concentration at Karonga, first reported on 11th August, followed by an invasion of Nyasaland on 20th August; the attack on the port of Albertville, in Lake Tanganyika, on 22nd August; and a raid on Tsavo, in British East Africa, on 6th September.

As regards the last part of the question, I have no objection to informing the House of my reply to the German proposal. That proposal was received through the United States Ambassador, acting merely as a medium of communication, on 24th September and on 20th November. I informed the United States Ambassador that "such a proposal would not be practicable in view of the hostilities which have already taken place on both sides, which include attacks made by German forces on British East Africa, British Central Africa and Albertville."

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, having regard to the fact that Edward Moraghan, sentenced to imprisonment at Mullingar, was offered release from custody by the magistrate of first instance on condition that he enlisted, and that his imprisonment is therefore punishment for not enlisting, while this offence is not yet legally punishable, whether the unanimous appeals of the Mullinger District Council and of Mullingar town commissioners for the immediate release of Moraghan will be acceded to?

No such offer as that referred to in the question was ever made.

Does the magistrate deny it?

No such offer was made. If he had made it, he would not say that he did not make it.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the illegal conduct, if any, on account of which a banishment order has been issued against Mr. Alfred Monaghan; has he been arrested by the police; and whether he will state the terms of the order?

The person referred to was, by order of the competent military authority under the powers conferred by Regulation No. 14 of the Defence of the Realm (Consolidated) Regulations, 1914, prohibited from residing in or entering the area of the County of Cavan. He disobeyed the Order and was arrested by the police on the 16th instant. He will now be tried for making the speech prejudicial to recruiting in connection with which the Order was issued.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will authorise and arrange the issue of tickets for workmen's fares to women canteen workers engaged at the Arsenal at Woolwich and other places, who travel by trains at any hour of the day or night to work in connection with the particular shifts that they are serving?

I have asked for the observations of the Railway Executive Committee on this matter, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend on receipt of their reply.

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the exaction of the full fares would prevent a great many poor women who are anxious to participate in this work from taking part in it?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in the Manchester district the price of milk, which was 3½d. per quart in the spring, has been raised to 5d.; that in some districts the poorest of the people buying in small quantities are paying at the rate of 6d. per quart; and, in view of the fact that the rate of infantile mortality will rise with the rising price of milk, whether he will take steps to fix maximum prices for milk as in the case of sugar?

The figures cited in the question convey the impression of a greater rise in price than has actually occurred. I am informed that the price most usually charged for milk in Manchester was 4d. per quart last spring and is now 5d. per quart. While I recognise the evils resulting from a high price of milk, I cannot ignore those which would follow further reduction in supplies. The restraint on price suggested by the hon. Member would, I fear, involve danger of a decrease in milk produced for sale.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present high standard of freights is due to the scarcity of tonnage, mainly brought about by the number of steamers requisitioned by the Transport Department of the Admiralty; whether he is aware that many of the steamers so requisitioned have been kept lying idle for lengthy periods, during which periods they might have been profitably employed, and thereby reduce national expenditure and bring freight to a lower level; and whether he will bring pressure to bear upon the Admiralty and War Office to release ships which are not urgently required?

One of the causes of the present high rates of freight is undoubtedly the number of vessels requisitioned by the Admiralty. Any particulars of what appear to be undue delays given to the Board of Trade or to the Admiralty will at once be made the subject of investigation, and my right hon. Friends the First Lord of the Admiralty and the Secretary of State for War are fully alive to the important considerations advanced by the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any communication has been received in his Department from certain stone firms in Guernsey respecting an application from the men in their employ (stone crackers) for an increase in wages to compensate for the increase in the cost of living; whether he is aware that the wages of the stone crackers in the employ of the firms in question are 17s. and 18s. a week, and the firms have refused to submit the matter to arbitration; and, if so, will he, having regard to the fact that these firms have contracts to supply the Imperial Government with macadam, take steps to have the issue between the workmen and the firms considered by one of the methods of arbitration provided for in the Munitions of War Act?

Inquiries were made into this case by the Chief Industrial Commissioner in August last, when it was stated by the firms concerned that the state and prospects of their trade were not such as to enable an advance of wages to be given. I understand that, owing to lack of orders, it is only with great difficulty that the firms have been able to avoid closing their works. The men concerned are not engaged on munition work.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any proportion of the war bonus paid to railway employés is borne by the National Exchequer; if so, what is the proportion; and whether the improved rates of war bonus recently announced will be extended to the clerical staff?

One-quarter of the first war bonus granted to railway employés who come within the Railway Conciliation Scheme is excluded from working expenses for the purposes of the agreement between the railway companies and the Government. No information has reached the Board of Trade as to what increase, if any, is being made in the amounts of the war bonuses previously granted to the railway clerical staffs.

Will the Board of Trade make any representation in reference to this large staff of men?

I believe the matter is under the consideration of the railway companies, but, as my hon. Friend knows, this particular portion of the railway clerks are outside the scheme of the Government.

Is the Board of Trade not responsible for a certain proportion of the rate paid to these clerks, as well as to the staff generally?

No; I think not.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will state what arrangement he proposes to make for the remuneration of women on munitions work who are prevented from working owing to breakdown, air raid, or other causes beyond their control?

Provision to meet these points is made in the second paragraph of the recommendations to the Munitions Labour Supply Committee relating to the employment and remuneration of women on munition work, which reads as follows: Where women are prevented from working, owing to breakdown, air raid, or other cause beyond their control, they shall be paid for the time so lost at the rate of 15s. a week, unless they are sent home.

Do you provide that women should be paid in case they are compulsorily idle, through, say, an air raid, as occurred recently?

I rather think that there is another question directed to that point.

asked the Minister of Munitions (1) what steps he has taken to carry out the undertaking embodied in Schedule II. of the Munitions of War Act that the employment of women on munitions work shall not prejudice the remuneration of the men customarily engaged on such work; and (2) what steps he has taken to carry out the undertaking embodied in Schedule II. of the Munitions of War Act that the employment of semiskilled and unskilled men on munition work of a class which, prior to the War, was customarily undertaken by skilled labour shall not prejudice the remuneration of the men previously engaged on such work?

It would be a violation of the spirit and the letter of the Munitions Act if the employment of women or unskilled men on munitions work should be utilised for the purpose of lowering the remuneration of men customarily engaged on that class of work. The provisions of the Second Schedule to the Munitions of War Act have repeatedly been brought to the notice of the employers concerned by means of circulars and otherwise. They have also, through the National Advisory Committee on War Output, been brought to the notice of the trade unions concerned, who have been invited to call the attention of the Ministry to any cases in which it appeared that the provisions of the Schedule were being infringed. As a result of this, the Ministry is in constant correspondence with employers and otherwise with a view to enforcing the provisions of the Schedule. Recently, moreover, the question of the wages to be paid to women employed on work which was not recognised as women's work before the War, and to semi-skilled and unskilled men on shell making and similar processes, has been the subject of consideration by the Munitions Labour Supply Committee, of which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education is chairman. As a result, a statement of the wages recommended by the Committee to be paid in such cases has been prepared. It will be adopted for all establishments for which the Ministry is directly responsible, and will be recommended for favourable consideration to all other establishments engaged on such work.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that it was arranged more than two months ago that certain firms in the Perth district, having the necessary machines, should make a certain number of trench-mortar shells weekly, and that since the arrangements were concluded to start work the size of the shells to be made has been twice altered; and seeing that the work is again delayed by further alterations being proposed, whether he will see that, in future, such firms with whom arrangements have been made, and who are anxious to assist the Government, are not discouraged by such procedure as that in the transactions referred to.

I do not think that it is in the public interest to discuss details of the arrangements made for the supply of particular munitions in particular districts, but I may say generally that I cannot admit the accuracy of the statements in the question. I shall be glad to give further information to the hon. Member privately if he will communicate with me.

Does it not occur to the right hon. Gentleman that it is a very serious matter and most unbusinesslike in a Department delaying to make up its mind as to what is really required, and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that similar complaints have emanated from various places, both in England and Scotland?

If those complaints are similarly inaccurate to that of—

I deny its inaccuracy.

The answer to the question is that the statement is inaccurate.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have it on the very best authority?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the output of munitions of war is being prejudiced by the action of private commercial firms placing difficulties in the way of their men being transferred to firms engaged on the output of munitions of war; and what steps he proposes to take?

Certain difficulties have been experienced in connection with the transfer of war munition volunteers from firms who have represented that they are engaged on work of essential national importance. The Ministry have full powers to transfer war munition volunteers compulsorily, and if they are satisfied that the men are not engaged on work of the character represented the power has been, and will continue to be, exercised.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that, in some cases in which firms engaged on the production of munitions of war have applied for the release from the Colours of soldiers who were formerly skilled workmen in their employ, the soldiers have been released but sent to different firms; and, if so, whether he will state how such action is justified?

I have no doubt that some such cases as those described by my hon. Friend have occurred. Where a firm wholly engaged on the production of munitions which are urgently required asks for the release from the Colours of a particular workman previously employed by them, that workman, if released, is returned to the firm. Bequests for the release of particular men are, however, not infrequently made by the firms which are only partially engaged on munitions work or are engaged on the less urgent types of such work. While regard is always paid to the desirability, other things being equal, of returning a man to his former employer, it must be clearly understood that all men released from the Colours must be regared as at the disposal of the Ministry for distribution according to the urgency of the work to be performed.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Kent Education Committee, as the local education authority for that county, has refused to allow under any circumstances children to be excused for a limited period from school attendance in the parish of Keston in order that they may be employed on certain farms in that parish in getting in the potato crop, which, as sufficient other labour for the purpose is not available, will consequently be partially lost for consumption; whether this is in accordance with the Board's general instructions and intentions; and whether he will enable and influence the local education authority to grant forthwith the permission required?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been called to this case, and he is making inquiries of the local education authority. I will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that, notwithstanding his statement regarding the duties of the permanent staff of police at the House of Commons, changes have actually taken place, and that extra constables unfamiliar with the House are being drafted in to participate in the work of the police; if he will state what is the cause of the step; whether any complaints, and, if so, what, have been received on the working of the system hitherto in practice; and whether any further developments are contemplated?

As previously stated, there has been no change in the duties of the permanent police staff of the House of Commons. In order, however, to enable the whole to get much needed rest, it has been found necessary to add two men to the permanent staff. The additional constables have been on the temporary staff for five years, and they are, therefore, not unfamiliar with the House. The Commissioner of Police is responsible not only for the protection of this House, but also for the discipline and the safeguarding of the interests of the police employed here, and I am sure that these matters may safely be left in his hands.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a proposed alteration of the policemen's holiday of one day in seven, and will he make inquiry, because I understand that the men prefer to remain as they are?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question on that point.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that during the Zeppelin attack on 13th October many motor cars with powerful lamps were observed in the main streets on the line of attack; and whether he will give strict orders to the police, and see that they are enforced under heavy penalties, against the use of such lamps on any vehicle, no matter who the occupant may be?

No headlights are permitted (save in the case of certain military and naval cars on urgent duty) and other motor lights must be of small power, which in practice means they must not throw a beam of more than thirty yards. These regulations are enforced with all possible strictness, and their general observance by the public is of great importance.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the brilliantly lighted trains on the Inner Circle have no blinds, that these trains travel in the open air for some distance at various places in the south-west and west of London so as to be visible from above; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the trains are darkened during transit in the open?

The regulation of the lighting and running of trains in the Metropolitan area, in view of Zeppelin attack, is carried out under the advice of the Admiralty, and is based on actual observation made from time to time from the air. The trains referred to are being so dealt with.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it has been found possible to take advantage of the presence at home of trained Artillery officers who have returned from the front wounded or otherwise invalided, but capable of rendering effective service in connection with the anti-aircraft defence of London, or whether the working of the defensive guns is entrusted only to the corps of anti-aircraft gunners, many of whom cannot have the same experience in the use of artillery?

My hon. Friend's suggestion will receive consideration.

asked whether, in the event of the passage within range of hostile aircraft over an area or place where they can be more easily reached by military than by naval gunfire, or where no naval gunfire is available, the military authorities have permission to fire?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked how many of our aeroplanes were aloft at the time when the Zeppelins first appeared over London on the evening of Wednesday, 13th October; and, if only three aeroplanes were aloft at some time during the attack, whether the authorities consider that three aeroplanes are an adequate defence against as many or more Zeppelins?

The degree to which it is desirable to use aeroplanes for night defences against Zeppelins is a very difficult one, and it cannot be properly dealt with in answer to a question. But under no circumstances do the authorities consider that an adequate defence against night attacks by Zeppelins can be provided by aeroplanes. As regards the action of aeroplanes on Wednesday, the 13th, the weather conditions in London rendered it impossible for any large number to go up.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state for how many hours the Zeppelins were over London and district?

No, Sir, I am afraid not, but I can easily answer that if the hon. Member will give notice. They were not over London for any considerable length of time.

Was it not the case that they were over London between nine and ten o'clock and came back about twelve o'clock at night?

I should like notice of that question. There was one over a certain district late at night, but whether it was one of the Zeppelins that went over London earlier in the evening I am not quite sure. If the hon. Gentleman is interested in the question I can give him all the information at the disposal of the Admiralty.

Is there any truth in the report that six Zeppelins were flying over Harwich at two o'clock the same day?

I think that is an invention.

As to the state of the weather, is it not in the recollection of the right hon. Gentleman that on Wednesday, the 13th, the sky was perfectly clear?

I do not think so. There were no clouds high overhead, but it was not clear down close to the ground.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Admiral Sir Percy Scott still employs in the service of the defence of London against air attacks volunteers with intermittent attendance, of whom that service was until lately mainly composed; if so, what rates of pay do they receive; or whether the service is now manned by men properly trained in the use of guns and searchlights?

There has been no change in the personnel. The guns' crews work for twenty-four hours every other day, and are paid 4s. 2d. per day, finding their own food and lodging. The searchlight crews work from dark to daylight every other night, two crews dividing the night, and are paid 2s. 1d. per day, finding their own food and lodging. The officers go through a short course at a gunnery school, and men from the guns are now being sent to Chatham Gunnery School to be trained. Arrangements are also being made for men to be sent for training to the British Army in France. Experienced naval ratings are attached to the gun and searchlight stations.

When is it considered probable that those gunners will be able to hit a Zeppelin?

asked whether, in the case of recent Zeppelin raids, warnings of the coming raid were sent to the staffs in Government offices and munition works, as well as to certain persons in their private residences; and whether, in view of the possible saving of life, similar warning will, in the event of future raids, be given to the people of London generally?

The question of how far and in what quarters preliminary warning should be given of Zeppelin attack is one which has been carefully considered by the Home Office in consultation with the Admiralty, and it would not be possible to explain the scheme fully in answer to a question.

If my hon. Friend raises this question on the Adjournment to-night, will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to make a full statement?

If that is desired, I will do so.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that quotations from Kipling and Browning have recently been deleted by the Military Censor from Press dispatches, he will instruct the Press Bureau to issue a list of British poets whose works may be quoted in the Press?

I fear the hon. Member's suggestion might not be completely effective, for the difficulty does not arise from any military objection to poetry as such but to an occasional inability to recognise it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the official who censored Browning is the same gentleman who lately censored Kipling?

I cannot tell my hon. Friend, but I think not. I understand that the quotation from Browning was contained in the dispatch of an accredited correspondent at the front.

Are there two of them in the Department?

Can the right hon. Gentleman reassure the House that there are not two people who are capable of this?

I think the notice that has been called to the matter will cause all the censors to strictly meditate the thankless Muse.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the number of officials in his Department who, failing to obtain permission, resigned their posts in order to rejoin their regiments in which they had previously undergone several years of training; whether these men receive any civil pay; whether their service in the Army is allowed to count as in all respects as if it were Civil Service; and whether any guarantee has been given them that their civil posts are open to them at the termination of the War?

I am not aware that there have been any cases at the Admiralty Office in London in which officials who had previously undergone military training have in default of official permission resigned in order to rejoin their regiments, and, therefore, the remaining parts of the question do not appear to arise. I should add that the necessity effectively to conduct the work of the Department has rendered it necessary to refuse permission to join the Forces of the Crown in a considerable number of cases. If my hon. Friend would like inquiry made on the lines of his question as to the other naval establishments, it shall be made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the number of officials in his Department who have received permission to rejoin their regiments; whether the officials obtaining such permission receive their civil pay sub- ject to an authorised deduction from Army pay; whether their military service counts as if it were in all respects Civil Service; and if these officers are given a guarantee that they can return to their posts in the Civil Service on the termination of the War?

One hundred and eighty-one officials in the Admiralty Office in London have received permission to join His Majesty's Forces. One hundred and fifty-three of these are being paid the difference between Army pay and separation allowance and their civil pay; the arrangement being that non-commissioned officers and men are allowed the difference between the lowest rate of Army pay plus separation allowance, if any, and their civil pay. Commissioned officers, on the other hand, receive the actual difference between their Army pay as commissioned officers and their civil pay. Twenty-eight of the 181 officials in question receive no civil pay, as their Army pay as commissioned officers exceeds their civil pay. In all cases military service counts as if it were Civil Service, and the officials will resume their civil appointments after the War. The same conditions obtain in respect of officials joining His Majesty's Forces from establishments of the Navy other than the Admiralty. If my hon Friend would like inquiry made similar to that which I promised in the previous answer, it shall be made.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will say why pensioners in the Coastguards do not receive any special subsistence allowance, as is the case in other branches of the Service; and will he remedy the grievance?

I do not know to what cases in other branches of the Service my hon. Friend refers. Subsistence allowance is not payable to pensioner Coastguard ratings called up and appointed to specific stations, in accordance with the well-established rule that such allowance is not paid at a man's usual place of duty. We are not prepared to make any change in this arrangement.

asked the Postmaster-General if he received a letter from the town council of Lerwick in August last drawing attention to the state of the Shetland mail service, in breach of the promise made by the Post Office in January that the service would be improved, letters having recently taken more than a week to reach Lerwick from Edinburgh; whether he is aware that he promised the council that the matter should have attention; whether he has yet ascertained by inquiry that a regular service is not only practicable but also necessary; and, if not, will he state when he expects to have inquiries made and a reasonable service instituted?

I have received a letter on the subject from the Lerwick Town Council, and I hope shortly to be in a position to send a reply. My hon. Friend cannot be unaware of the difficulties now existing which affect the mail service to Shetland. A service which might not be reasonable in peace time may be unavoidable now.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the morning delivery of letters in the district lying between Dyffryn and Penrhyn-dendraeth, in the county of Merioneth, has since the 1st October been two hours late; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to the public, he will take steps to secure the arrival of the mails at the regular hour?

I am having inquiry made, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether quantities of Army saddlery, harness, and boots not suitable for reissue and incapable of being repaired are habitually burned instead of being sold to waste merchants at Calais and other places; and whether he will consider the practicability of allowing waste merchants to make tenders for such material in the interests of economy?

Stores which cannot be repaired and are not worth returning to this country are necessarily destroyed if they cannot be sold locally. Local sale is frequently precluded by the fact that duty has to be paid upon anything sold in France. If my hon. Friend includes English waste merchants in his suggestion it is, I fear, impracticable, as facilities could not be afforded to them for shipping their purchases to this country owing to the congestion at the ports both in this country and in France.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether within the past few weeks the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have been approached by the War Office, who are short of men, suggesting the transfer of some men to that Department; whether the Commissioners have refused to comply with the suggestion, although there are under notice of dismissal over 2,000 men of the Valuation Department, who would be eminently suitable to take up the work; and whether he will, as far as possible, fill vacancies in other Departments with these men so as to retransfer them later when the work of the Valuation Department is resumed, and prevent the experience they have acquired from being lost to the country?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension; the Commissioners have readily released from their service, without requiring the month's notice to which they are entitled, such members of the Valuation Staff as the War Office have desired to engage. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on the 14th instant to a question put by the hon. Member for Chippenham.

In view of the very serious character of this matter—the dismissal of 2,000 men, many of whom have been refused permission to enlist—will the Chancellor of the Exchequer do all he can in co-operation with other Government Departments to see if some kind of suitable work cannot be found for these men?

Certainly; I am most anxious that work should be found for them.

Provided their record is good, will they have the first claim to suitable appointments arising in public Departments?

Everything is being done to find suitable employment for them. I am unable to say whether they will have first claim in somebody else's Department.

But in your Department?

In my Department, certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the importance, in view of the knowledge which these gentlemen have acquired already, of making provision to have them at hand when the work can be resumed?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the price of granulated sugar in bond in London and New York, respectively, on 31st July, 1914, and 14th October, 1915?

The price of granulated sugar in bond on the 31st July, 1914, was in London 14s. 6d. to 14s. 10½d. per cwt., and in New York 3.30 to 3.40 cents per pound. The quotations in London were, however, very nominal at that date. The corresponding prices on the 14th October, 1915, were 22s. 1½d. per cwt. and 3.75 to 3.80 cents per pound respectively.

asked whether the Government will consider the propriety of giving facilities for the payment of Income Tax in part by the surrender at par of War Loan Stock, and of empowering employers to pay a fixed and not inconsiderable portion of the wages of employés in War Loan vouchers, not negotiable until after the War?

As at present advised, I do not see my way to adopting either of the suggestions made in the question.

asked what depreciation is allowed in calculating profits for Income Tax and Excess Profits Tax in the case of businesses, whether or not under control, whose plant, whether in use before or laid down for the War, is subject to excessive strain from extra work in the production of munitions of war?

As regards Income Tax, the General or Special Commissioners are empowered by statute to make such allowance as they may think just and reasonable according to the circumstances of the case. As regards Excess Profits Duty, I would refer the hon. Member to the special provisions of Clause 36 (3) of the Bill.

asked whether proprietors of indigo factories who receive remittances from India in this behalf are liable to Excess Profits Tax; whether, when all the proprietors are domiciled in England, and the concern is managed by a paid agent in India, profits whether or not remitted to this country are liable to Excess Profits Tax; or whether the exemption in respect of agriculture applies in the case of such enterprises, which have in fact been practically ruined by calculated, continuous, and finally successful German competition?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As, however, the pre-War standard of profits may be calculated on a percentage of the proprietors' capital employed in the business, it hardly appears likely that in the adverse circumstances which the hon. Member mentions any taxable excess profits will have been realised.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is intended that Excess profits of controlled undertakings shall be assessed under Part III. of the Finance (No. 3) Bill, as well as under Part II. of the Munitions of War Act, 1915?

I would refer the hon. Member 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.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that in many cases the only means of raising money for the payment of Death Duties is by the sale of ground rents or other securities which have not and cannot have any minimum price fixed, and which are unrealisable at the present time or can only be sold at a ruinous price; and if he is prepared to meet such cases of hardship, which have arisen in consequence of the War?

The experience of my advisers suggests that the hon. Baronet rather over-estimates the difficulty of raising money for the payment of Death Duties. I may, moreover, remind him that where at the time of death securities are depreciated in value, the relative charge of Death Duties, based on the value of the securities at that time, is correspondingly low.

Is the minimum price in any case taken as the value of a security?

It is the subject of investigation and inquiry at the present time. We are not taking the minimum price.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, under the new recruiting scheme, the number of recruits expected from any area is to be based upon the units already supplied by that area, the men needed to bring them up to strength, and the men required for drafts; if so, whether this will mean that the greater the number of recruits already enlisted from any area the greater is to be the demand upon them for the future; whether that is the policy that has been decided on by the War Office; and, if so, whether he will consider the adoption of a more equitable basis?

The new system is designed with the intention of providing a reservoir from which a constant supply of recruits can be obtained for units which require reinforcement. Each district is being asked to find as many men as possible. It is only natural that each area should be asked to keep up its own battalions as far as possible, but it is quite recognised that where patriotic efforts have been great the number of men of serviceable age may not be sufficient to meet the demand, in which case any shortage would be made good from districts which have hitherto not responded to the same extent. I am sure, however, the hon. Member will realise the great desirability of filling up local battalions with local men as far as possible.

Will the recruits under the new scheme be allowed to choose the regiments to which they are drafted?

As far as possible, yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to deduction of Income Tax from the pay of officers serving in West Africa and other parts of the British Empire who are under the War Office; and whether, in view of the second paragraph of Schedule D, Section (2), of the Income Tax Act of 1853, as these officers are not exercising their profession within the United Kingdom, the profits and gains arising from the exercise of the profession should not be subjected to the deduction of Income Tax?

Army officers' pay is assessable to Income Tax not under Schedule D of Section (2) of the Income Tax Act of 1853, but under Schedule E, under which Schedule their liability is not restricted to service in the United Kingdom, and their pay is taxable wherever issued.

Has the hon. Gentleman considered that part of my question which refers to the pay of officers serving in West Africa, and does he propose to continue the deduction of Income Tax from the pay of those who are under the control of the War Office, while those who are serving under the Colonial Office, as well as Civil servants similarly placed, are free from Income Tax altogether?

I will make further inquiries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the method recently adopted by the War Office of gazetting officers to a regiment and not to a unit of that regiment is causing inconvenience to the officers so gazetted as well as to the commanding officers and to those who keep a history of our old-established regiments; and whether he can see his way to arrange that the old system be again put into use, the name or number of the battalion of, for instance, the London Regiment being always given to which any officer is gazetted?

I answered questions on this point on the 21st September and the 14th October. The change was adopted advisedly, and I cannot hold out to the hon. and gallant Gentleman any hope that the decision will be reconsidered. I do not think the publication in the "London Gazette" of the names of the units of regiments to which officers are appointed is essential to ensure the due preservation of adequate regimental records. I am assured that, with a little extra trouble, the distribution of newly-appointed officers between the various units of a regiment can easily be ascertained. By not pressing for an alteration of the present method of gazetting, officers commanding will be consulting the general interest as distinct from regimental interest.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has considered certain correspondence between a well-known firm of merchants in Leith and the Army Contract Department; whether the latter, on being instructed to desist from the attitude assumed by it, sought to penalise the firm by depriving it of the status of a Government contractor and endeavoured to establish, by detective inquiry and the countenancing of rumours, charges of dishonesty against the firm and refused to accept its honourable assurances that such charges were without foundation; whether his Department, after investigation, instructed the Army Contract Office to accept in writing and without reservation the statements of the firm and to restore its name to the list of Government contractors forthwith; whether he is aware that the letter written to the firm in pursuance of these instructions really endeavoured to adhere to and repeated in effect the original charges or part of them and administered censure to the firm; whether he sanctioned this letter; whether he will now say that the firm has for many years, as in the present instance, served the Government faithfully and well and voluntarily incurred a loss on this particular contract through their anxiety to help the country on the outbreak of war; whether he will cause whoever is responsible for such behaviour to be reprimanded; and whether a large cash balance, months overdue and still held back by his Department, will now be paid forthwith and an apology sent to this firm acknowledging that it was well within its rights in defending its commercial honour from a mistaken charge of dishonesty?

My attention has been called to the correspondence to which the hon. Member doubtless refers. The firm in question were removed in June last from the list of War Office contractors, in accordance with the recommendation of the local military authorities, who reported that they had not carried out their contract satisfactorily. Upon further inquiry being made it was decided, after a review of all the circumstances, to retain the firm upon the list. There has been no attempt to prevent the firm from defending its commercial honour, which is not called in question. I understand that the cash balance alleged to be due to the firm is in respect of a claim to be paid for certain supplies at prices in excess of the contract rates. I hope that a settlement in regard to this matter may be reached at an early date.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he saw the letter which was sent by the Army Contract Department to the firm in question the other day, censuring them for the general tone of their correspondence, and whether he approves of such a letter being sent on the part of the War Office?

I think I have seen the letter, and under the circumstances I do not think it was an improper one to send.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the offer of a number of greatcoats; if the sale has yet taken place; if he will consider the advisability of disposing of the coats to our troops in the Balkans or to our 25,000 prisoners in Germany; and, if the sale has taken place, what price was realised for them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject a week ago to the hon. Member for Plymouth. If my hon. Friend has in mind some other offer of greatcoats for sale and would furnish me with more particulars, I will have the matter inquired into.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the total sum of money paid to Messrs. Perfect and Company for supervision of the storage, inspection, and delivery of meat to the troops from 4th August, 1914, to 30th September, 1915 (or to latest date easily ascertainable); whether the actual duty of storing and delivering such part of the Army meat as is imported from Australia and New Zealand is now performed by the Board of Trade; whether this has made any difference in the remuneration of Messrs. Perfect and Company; and whether he will state if the above sum of money includes the sums paid to Messrs. New, Rawson, and other meat experts called in at times to assist the operations of Messrs. Perfect and Company?

The total to 30th September, 1915, is £20,966. The fact that the Army obtains the bulk of its meat through the Board of Trade has not affected the remuneration of Messrs. Perfect, who act as expert advisers and inspectors to the Board of Trade as well as to the War Office, but are only paid by the latter. The sum includes payments to persons employed by Messrs. Perfect.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, during the months of July, August, and September, a quantity of bacon was tendered to the Army and rejected as unfit for use; whether a great deal of this was sold to a contractor, named Webb, who was afterwards prosecuted and heavily fined for tendering the same on a local government contract; whether the medical officer to the City of London took a further quantity, also returned from the Army, and had the same condemned before a magistrate at the Guildhall; whether Messrs. Knowles and Wells are responsible for the inspection of bacon as well as meat; how did it come to be tendered to the Army at all; what firm supplied it; and what was the total amount returned?

I am having inquiry made into the case referred to, and will let the hon. Member know the result. Messrs. Knowles and Wells have nothing to do with the inspection of bacon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a contractor named Jones was fined at Warminster Police Court, on Saturday last, for supplying 60 lbs. of putrid sausages to a military camp in that district; that at the trial it was shown that no discovery was made of the state of these goods until they were actually in process of cooking; that in this case there is the same breakdown of the existing arrangements for military meat inspection as was evidenced in the case of Lyons and Company's meat at the White City; and that neither Messrs. Knowles nor Wells, nor the officers at the camps in question, discovered the state of the goods when delivered at night or served out for food the next morning; and whether he will now consider the advisability of organising the inspection of Army food supplies on a scientific basis, placing at its head some responsible medical officer of health, or otherwise well-qualified person, with instructions to secure the complete co-operation of imperial and local authorities in the supervision of all places preparing Army food and all contractors supplying the same?

The inspection of the sausages referred to was purely a regimental matter in which Messrs. Knowles and Wells were in no way concerned. It is not proposed to make any alteration in the present system of food inspection.

Is it true that this particular gentleman was fined for supplying rotten sausages?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War by whose authority the members of the Manchester branch of the No-Conscription Fellowship have been warned not to hold private meetings amongst themselves under the auspices of the branch; and under what powers this step has been taken?

I regret I am not in a position to give an answer, as I have not as yet received the report I am expecting.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Sir John French's special order of the day, dated 30th September, 1915, in which it was stated, with reference to recent operations, that the commanding position known as Hill 70, in advance of Loos, was finally captured, was inaccurate; and, if so, what steps were taken to remove the false impression created by the mistake of the Commander-in-Chief?

Sir John French, in the special order of the day referred to, was speaking to his troops and not to the general public, nor to this House. By "Hill 70" he referred to the enemy position known to the troops under that designation. This position was on the western slopes of the topographical feature known as Hill 70, but was not co-extensive with it. The military position known as Hill 70 was captured and is still in our hands, though other works further East on the geographical feature known as Hill 70 are still in possession of the enemy. A communiqué which appeared in the Press during the last few days fully describes the present British position, and I do not think there is anything more to be said on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, why the military authorities have refused to increase the allowance of 7s. 4d. to 9s. 4d. per week to Mary A. Greham, widow, mother of Corporal James P. Greham, No. 3143, E Company, 4th battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, as recommended by the local pension committee; whether he is aware that this soldier before enlistment was the sole means of support of his widowed mother and a sister who is a permanent invalid; and will he have inquiry made into the case and see that Widow Greham is fairly treated?

I will inquire and inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, in the case of a soldier who in 1914 completed the full term for which he had enlisted, whose father died in that year leaving a widow wholly dependent on the. soldier son, who was entitled to go home in due course to support his mother but was detained on account of the War, whether, in these circumstances, the widowed mother will be treated as a dependant of a newly enlisted soldier; and, if so, what allowance will be made, and when, to Mrs. Wheatley, Killucan, mother and dependant of No. 9204, Corporal J. Wheatley, East Lancashire Regiment?

No, Sir. Under the recommendations of the Select Committee Mrs. Wheatley cannot be treated as a dependant of the soldier since the dependancy, if any, did not exist prior to the outbreak of war. The case is one, however, which will be referred to the new authority to be set up under the Pensions Bill.

How does the hon. Gentleman justify giving a separation allowance or pension to a woman who marries a soldier, seeing she was not dependent upon him before the outbreak of the War?

Soldiers' wives have been treated very considerately.

This was not a wife.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what the law or rule is settling the duration or period of continuance of allowances to dependants of soldiers who have died in action?

The rule is to continue payment for twenty-six weeks from the date of notification of death, but, pending the settlement of a pension scheme for dependants, payment is being continued beyond that period at rates not exceeding the pension rates for widows and children.

asked on what date the order was placed for steel helmets; how many have been ordered; and how many have already been issued to the troops at the front?

I do not think it is desirable that questions as to the exact date on which orders for this or that article of equipment have been placed should be put in this House, unless it is desired that the enemy should become aware of the details of our arrangements for altering equipment. But in any case the question is one which will be properly addressed to the Minister of Munitions. As regards the latter portions of the question, I may say that some thousands of helmets have already been issued, and it is expected that the number asked for by the Commander-in-Chief will very shortly have been supplied.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the French for six months have had these in larger quantities?

Yes, Sir, I am quite aware of it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether further complaints have been received in respect of the failure of Messrs. Gurteen and Sons, Army clothing contractors, Haverhill, to comply with the requirements of the Fair-Wages Clause, especially as regards certain pressers whose rates the firm endeavoured to reduce after these had been increased under pressure from the War Office, and also as regards certain stock-keepers and warehousemen, some of whom are alleged to be receiving only slightly more than £1 per week; whether the case of this firm has been before the Department for several months; and, if so, whether the Department will without further delay compel their acceptance of the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, the firm undertook to comply with the requirements of the Fair-Wages Clause, but I am not satisfied, from the report of a recent inspection of their factory and records, that this is being done, and I am at present considering the further action to be taken in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that officers of the British Army can draw full pay up to a period of eighteen months after being sent home sick or wounded from the front, and that an officer of the Indian Army, while sick or wounded in England, can receive full pay for a period of three months only, he will suggest to the Government of India the advisability of considering the question of giving more generous treatment to the sick and wounded officers of the Indian Army invalided home from the front?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my answer to his question of 14th October. As he is aware, the conditions of service (including the leave system) of officers of the Indian Army are different from those of the British Army. The British Army officer, though he may draw full pay during leave, loses at once his field allowance (a considerable item), and, with certain exceptions, he also loses his lodging allowance after ninety-one days; whereas the Indian Army officer draws full emoluments for three months. The leave-pay rates of the Indian Army are on the whole higher, and for the senior ranks much higher than the full pay of the British Army. I see no reason for an addition to the concession referred to in my former answer.

asked when a further payment may be expected by the depositors of the National Penny Bank?

I hope that a further dividend of 2s. 6d. in the £ will be paid to the depositors of the National Penny Bank on 18th November next.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will say why the recently issued Return of Experiments on Living Animals during the year 1914 has been altered in form from that of all such Returns heretofore issued, in that no explanation is given of the meaning of the various certificates alluded to under which such experiments are allowed to be done; and is he aware that this omission impairs the value of such Return as a public document?

It was decided this year, on grounds of economy, in this and other Home Office Returns, to exclude any matter not really essential. My hon. Friend will be aware that the Retrenchment Committee has recently made a strong recommendation to this effect. The information specied in the question can be readily obtained by reference to the Return for any preceding year.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the name of the foreign professor mentioned in the recently issued Return of Experiments on Living Animals during the year 1914 who performed an experiment while not holding a licence, and was subsequently granted a licence to perform such experiments in this country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to his Written Question of yesterday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this Gentleman still holds a licence in this country?

Which gentleman?

The gentleman referred to in the question, the foreign professor.

I cannot tell my hon. Friend without notice.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to an outbreak of enteric fever among the patients at the West Siding Asylum, Storthes Hall, near Huddersfield; whether he is aware that, as a consequence, members of the asylum staff have contracted the fever with fatal results; whether the asylum visiting committee propose to pay funeral grants of £10 each to the bereaved parents of the deceased attendants and nurses who had sacrificed their lives in the service of the visiting committee, such payments being intended to cover funeral expenses incurred; and will he state his reasons for withholding the sanction of the Local Government Board to the payment of these grants?

I regret to learn that three members of the staff at this asylum died from enteric fever. If the application which has been made to my Department for the payment of £10 to the father of one of the deceased nurses, as a contribution towards the expenses incurred by him in connection with his daughter's death, is renewed, I shall be happy to give the matter further consideration.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether the Commissioners in Scotland have had their attention drawn to the fact that there are panel doctors in Edinburgh and neighbourhood whose remuneration per visit works out at several pounds, whereas the average remuneration per visit is a small and reasonable figure; and whether the Scottish Commissioners or the Joint Commissioners are authorised to avoid or modify expenditure on this scale, or whether the administration of the Act was outwith the scope of the recent deliberations of the Retrenchment Committee?

As I have previously explained in answer to a similar question, the remuneration of doctors under a capitation system is not governed by the number of attendances given, but by the extent of the liability for furnishing treatment to insured persons which falls upon the doctors. This remuneration is payable under the agreements between doctors and insurance committees, and is on a uniform scale throughout Great Britain, but the method of payment in the area referred to in respect of insured persons who have not selected a doctor has been modified since the first year of the operation of medical benefit. The answer to the concluding portion of the question is in the negative.

asked (1) how many panel doctors there are in Edinburgh and neighbourhood whose remuneration per visit as set forth in official statistics works out at a sum exceeding £2 sterling; and whether, in any of these cases, the doctor renders any other services which have the effect of reducing the average pay per visit to less than 35s.; and (2) whether, in the case of the Edinburgh panel doctor who received £76 14s. 2d., although his solitary panel patient required not a single visit, the further liability to attend on other parties assumed by him in common with other doctors resulted in this doctor not being so called upon; or, if this were not so, how many visits he paid from first to last in respect of this £76 14s. 2d.; or whether the only trouble he was put to consisted of signing a receipt for the money?

For the reasons explained in my reply to the hon. Member's previous question, the basis of the remuneration payable to doctors on the panel in the area referred to would render any such calculation as is suggested in these questions inappropriate as indicating the extent of the responsibility undertaken by a doctor, since the liability contingent upon his membership of the panel may not have accrued during a particular period.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether as a matter of fact this doctor did anything at all in exchange for the sum of £76, and is not such expenditure extravagant?

He held his services available for a considerable number of insured persons.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Board of Agriculture has declined to take action, and still refuses to act, in developing the discovery of Professor Bottomley of the use of bacterised peat as a plant stimulant; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

I have had the pleasure of meeting Professor Bottomley, and understand from him that he does not desire to suggest in anything which he said in his recent lectures, either that any report of his recent work had been made to the Board of Agriculture, or that arising out of this work any request or application had been made to the Board for their assistance in developing the production of bacterised peat. There is, therefore, in the present position no question of the Board declining or refusing to take action. On the contrary, in addition to the Grant which the Board has already made this year and last year, to assist the scientific work which is being done at King's College, the Board would be willing to do their best to arrange for trials of humogen in garden and agricultural work under the best conditions, if they were asked to do so. With regard to plant production on a limited scale, the use of humogen in fairly large productions has already produced remarkable results in stimulating plant growth, and the Board and Professor Bottomley are entirely in agreement in their desire to have its utility tested and proved upon a larger scale.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not an offer was made for this humogen by a German professor on behalf of the German Board of Agriculture, and in view of that will he secure it for this country?