asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any provision is made for the dependants at home of civil prisoners of war who are interned abroad; and, if so, what?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The dependants at home of British civil prisoners of war interned abroad are, if in distress, eligible for assistance from the National Relief Fund, and those who are in need of help are receiving such assistance.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many who have applied are actually in receipt of benefit?

It is obvious that I cannot answer that question unless I have notice.

Is it known that applications can be made?

I should say it is generally known that they can apply in their own local districts.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there is discontent regarding the allowances made to dependants of men who enlisted in the Army or Navy while they were in the third or fourth year of their apprenticeship to some trade and who, if they had not enlisted, would now in many cases be in receipt of wages three or four times greater in amount than the wages they received as apprentices, which determine the present scale of allowances; and whether, if so, the Government will consent to some modification of this scale which would tend to cancel the discontent?

This question was very fully considered by the Select Committee, and it is not proposed to depart from their conclusion in the matter. But I would remind the hon. Member that the new authority proposed to be set up will have power to deal with such cases.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the new authority to which he refers us has no money to deal with the matter?

asked whether the decision that retired established workmen who re-enter the Service for the period of the War shall not be paid their pensions during such service can be reconsidered; and, if not, whether, in the event of any such workman falling sick, he can be paid his pension during such sickness, in view of the fact that he will not be entitled to benefit under the National Insurance Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As my hon. Friend is aware, these men receive the hired rate of their class plus the war bonus. The suggestion made in the second part of the question will be carefully considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if he can give the House any information as to the conditional offer by the Government to cede the Island of Cyprus to the Kingdom of Greece?

Yes, Sir; His Majesty's Government felt bound, in the very critical position in which their Serbian Allies were placed, to make every possible effort to obtain for them the only assistance which was immediately available. Accordingly, they made it known that, if Greece would give full and immediate support to Serbia against Bulgaria, His Majesty's Government would be prepared to give Cyprus to Greece. As Greece has not seen her way to support Serbia, the condition on which the offer was made has not been fulfilled, and it has, therefore, lapsed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House as to the reasons for giving wide publicity to this offer before the Government had ascertained whether or not Greece was willing to accept it?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give me notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, subject to the nominal sovereignty of China, there is any and, if so, what limitation of the legislative and executive power of Great Britain in the Shameen territory leased from China at Canton; whether the lease imposes any conditions on the British Government or reserves any specific rights to the Government of China; if so, what is the provision which renders it illegal for the British Government to expel alien enemies from the Shameen territory in time of war; and if he will say by what convention or international instrument the rights of sovereignty and neutrality have been so defined as to preclude His Majesty from expelling alien enemies from a British concession?

The position at the Shameen seems to be as follows: China has granted a perpetual lease of the Shameen territory to the British Government in return for a certain cash rent reserved. China has not parted with the ultimate ownership and sovereignty of the territory. It is therefore still part of China. So long as tenants under us of enemy nationality comply with the conditions of their lease, we cannot turn them out by process of law. In these circumstances, for China to permit the British authorities to expel by force from the territory such German lessees would be to allow an encroachment upon or an invasion of Chinese sovereignty, and would constitute unneutral behaviour on the part of the Chinese Government, leading in the opinion of those best able to judge, to consequences which would certainly not be in the interests of this country; it would, I am advised, lead to considerable disturbance in China, the disadvantage of which would be out of all proportion to any profitable advantage.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

I imagine that the answer to the last portion is that unless the rights of sovereignty have been actually transferred by some convention, they still remain vested in the authority which originally had them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman lay on the Table the representations made by British residents of Shameen and the correspondence between them and the Consul-General?

I will look into that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office accepts responsibility for the conduct and language of Second Recruiting Lieutenant O'Donel, at a county Leitrim agricultural show, on the 21st September last, for his dancing in the public street with drunken woman of ill repute, who were fined at the following Petty Sessions for drunkenness, and for his conduct at Rosses Point; and, if military men do not now report scandalous conduct on the part of a recruiting officer, whether he will consult on the subject any of those responsible for the morals of the people of county Leitrim?

The hon. Member in a question he put to me on the 13th October made many allegations and imputations which, on inquiry, proved to be without foundation. The question he now puts regarding Lieutenant O'Donel contains similar allegations of, if possible, a still more intemperate and offensive character, and I do not consider any further report on the matter is required, especially in view of a communication I have received from one of the hon. Members for the county.

Does the War Office approve of conduct which the right hon. Gentleman does not deny?

I am informed, and I believe that Second Recruiting Lieutenant O'Donel behaved as an officer and a gentleman in very difficult circumstances.

Did he or did he not conduct himself on the 21st September as stated in the question?

No, Sir, he did not.

He did.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War for what illegality, if any, a banishment order has been issued against Mr. Desmond Fitzgerald; and to what terms and restrictions he is subject at the present time?

After Mr. Desmond Fitzgerald has made public speeches showing sympathy with the enemy and advocating fighting against England he was directed to leave country Kerry, and forbidden to enter prohibited areas or defended ports in Ireland in January last. At the present time he is awaiting trial on charges of having recently made a speech prejudicial to recruiting and of having disobeyed the above-mentioned Order.

Why was he not prosecuted for the alleged speeches in the first instance?

It was thought quite sufficient to deport him from the place in which he could do any harm.

asked whether, under the new system of recruiting under Lord Derby's scheme, instructions have been given to local committees to abstain from canvassing and from accepting as recruits, should they offer themselves for enlistment, those skilled agricultural hands who have been recently referred to by Lord Selborne as being exempt from military service and necessary for the carrying on of agriculture in this country?

All skilled agricultural workers, if enlisted, will be returned to their civil occupation provided they can be shown to belong to the classes considered essential to agriculture; but as the arrangements made provide for their non-acceptance, it is hoped that there will not be many such cases.

Will instructions to that effect be given to these various committees? At present they are not.

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are many men of military age who are debarred from enlisting owing to their employers refusing them permission to go and keep their places open for them after the War; and whether he can take any steps in the matter?

The Army Council have already asked a very large number of employers in various industries and commercial houses not only to allow, but to encourage, their employés to enlist, and have pointed out that one of the most effective means in encouraging men to enlist would be to undertake to keep their places open. I am not aware that anything can be done beyond making appeals to the employers, but I believe that employers have shown themselves willing to offer facilities in this direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in many cases employers have refused and are refusing permission to men to go, and can the Government, either by legislation or otherwise under the Defence of the Realm Act, take any steps in regard to this matter?

That is a very large question which the right hon. Baronet has opened up. I can only say that we believe the appeals that have been made have had very great effect in the past, and I continue to hope that they will have a good effect in the future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will give consideration to the number of men of military age who, in civilian life, occupy responsible positions in the selection of officers for the New Army; and whether some regard can be given to the fact that in many instances, owing to the sacrifices that will be made, their homes will have to be broken up?

The primary consideration in appointing officers, must, of course, be capacity to command men under military conditions, but men such as my right hon. Friend has in mind would bring qualifications which would entitle their possessors to consideration as regards selection for a commission if and when they have become sufficiently trained in their military duties.

asked whether, in the special efforts that are now being made through Lord Derby for recruiting, consideration has been given to the numbers of men of military age who, in civilian life, hold responsible positions and are accustomed to duties of an executive character; and, if so, whether it is intended to utilise these abilities in the interests of the country in any special way?

I think I can assure my right hon. Friend that there is every intention to make the best use possible of every man who joins His Majesty's Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether representations have been made by the Scottish Aeronautical Society to the Director of Military Aeronautics as to the desirability of establishing an aerodrome in the Clyde district in order to provide facilities for testing, experimenting with, and otherwise developing the manufacture of aircraft in that district, for which the district has excellent industrial facilities; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

Yes, Sir, the suggestion of the Scottish Aeronautical Society has been received. Although suitable sites for the establishment of an aerodrome in the Glasgow district have been inspected it has not yet been found necessary to establish this flying station, but should the necessity arise, the assistance of the Scottish Aeronautical Society will certainly be welcomed.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the advisability or otherwise of issuing any form of armoured shields or helmets to the British troops?

I stated on the 14th and 21st of October that helmets are already being supplied to the troops in large quantities in accordance with the recommendation of the Commander-in-Chief. Immediate action will be taken upon any recommendation Sir John French may make in regard to shields, of which various patterns have been sent to France for trial.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether all contracts placed in Canada and the United States of America for military harness, saddlery, and leather equipments have now been completed and duly forwarded; and whether, in view of the fact that the leather trades in this country are now in a position to cope with all the requirements of his Department and of the importance of restricting imports from America, instructions have been given to stop the placing of further contracts for leather goods with American firms?

Deliveries under the contracts mentioned in the first part of the question are approaching completion. With regard to the second part of the question, the War Office is fully alive to the importance of placing its orders in this country whenever possible, and in so far as requirements can be met in the United Kingdom there is no intention of placing contracts abroad.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he can say to what extent effect has been given to the intention of removing all commandeered asylums from the jurisdiction of the Lunacy Board during the War and placing them under the sole control of the War Office; and when this policy will be given full effect?

No asylums have been commandeered. All asylums or parts of asylums offered to the War Office have been freely offered by the authorities concerned, and have, on being accepted, come under the full control of the War Office.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will say how many soldiers have been put in lunatic asylums in this country, and how many in annexes to lunatic asylums, since the beginning of the War?

The men who have been treated in the buildings referred to in the previous question have not been treated as certifiable cases, but as nerve-shock cases for which recovery is possible, and in many cases probable. It is undesirable to give figures which might be misleading, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that the number of certifiable cases relatively to the size of the Army is very small.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, having regard to the intention already expressed that no case of nerve strain is to be placed under asylum administration and to his statements of policy, indicating a desire to save soldiers from the opprobrium connected with treatment in lunatic asylums, he will arrange, with as little delay as possible, to have those soldiers stated to be uncertifiable removed from the block of the Middlesex County Asylum at Wandsworth, where they are under the same lunacy administration as the rest of the institution, being thus placed in a position in which no uncertifiable civilian could be placed legally?

The administration of the block in which soldiers are treated is under the full control of the War Office, who propose to continue to avail themselves of the excellent facilities for treatment which exist there.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the present practice of placing uncertifiable soldiers in annexes to asylums will be discontinued and appropriate hospital treatment, apart from lunacy, provided in order to protect uncertifiable soldiers from the risk of the detriment which, as pointed out by the Murray Commission on disablement, is likely to result in respect of the men's industrial future?

Appropriate hospital treatment is now provided for the class of soldiers mentioned in the question. The arrangements now in force adequately safeguard the point of view which the hon. Member has in mind.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that a contractor, named Jones, was fined at Warminster Police Court on Saturday, 16th October, for supplying 60 lbs. of putrid sausages to a military camp in that district; and what action he intends taking in the matter?

The facts are as stated by my hon. Friend. I am informed that the individual referred to is not a War Department contractor, but that local purchases of vegetables, etc., have been made from him by officers commanding units stationed in the neighbourhood of Warminster and Sutton Veny. He has now been prohibited from entering any military camp in the area.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether all draft-producing units at Home are to be supplied with a certain number of the various types of bombs and hand grenades now in use at the front for instructional purposes; and, if so, whether he can state when these bombs and hand grenades will be supplied?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman's suggestion has been anticipated. Arrangements such as he suggests have already been made, and weekly issues are being made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the fact that one private agency in this country alone received in the month of September over 100 appeals from various units in the Army for further supplies of sandbags, although his Department stated three months ago that the necessary number was sent out at the public expense; and whether he will either see that this statement is made good or that private enterprise is not discouraged in future?

Since the reply I gave in this House on this subject on the 16th September a senior officer of the War Office staff has visited all the advanced depots in France, and made special inquiries into the matter. He was informed that there has not been the slightest difficulty in meeting daily the demands for sandbags from the Divisions. There is a vast reserve of sandbags at the various bases, and if any unit requires a further supply the officer commanding should apply through the usual military channels.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that British soldiers serving in France are paid locally at the rate of 25 francs to 20s., and that this local pay, in the case of soldiers going on leave, is, by an Army Order of September, 1915, exchanged at the rate of 25 francs to 18s. 4d.; and whether he will take steps to devise a system of payment which would save soldiers this loss?

Pay is issued in France at a rate based on the average market rate of exchange for the previous month. French money brought to this country can be exchanged at the same rate, and, therefore, there is no loss to the soldier. The rate of 25 francs = 18s. 8d. is not in existence. The second part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what sum of money would approximately have been saved if the rates for billeting from the beginning of the War had been the same as are paid now?

In many instances reduced rates were paid by agreement last winter, instead of the full billeting rates. To prepare an estimate of the kind required by my hon. Friend would involve much labour which I am reluctant to throw upon an overworked Department.

Can the hon. Gentleman give me an approximate figure?

I do not think any figure that would not be sufficiently close to the scientific result would be of any great value.

asked what was the rate paid to contractors and others on behalf of His Majesty's Government for the maintenance of horses at the beginning of the War, and what is the rate now; and what sum would approximately have been saved if the lower figure had been paid throughout?

The rates paid have been fixed locally according to circumstances, within maximum rates laid down by the War Office. The maximum for imported horses while being conditioned was 25s. a week and remains unchanged, but the attention of local officers has recently been called to the fact that it is a maximum and that normally lower rates should be paid, and to the desirability as soon as a horse is fit for work of placing him out on terms of work for maintenance. The maximum of 35s. a week for horses undergoing veterinary treatment has been reduced to 24s. 6d. a week generally, with lower rates for large numbers. It is not possible to estimate the saving due to these steps.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why the rate for horses undergoing veterinary treatment is 6d. below the other?

I was rather struck by that at first, but it appears that a sick horse eats a good deal less corn.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that an American firm of motor manufacturers has, since the introduction of his Budget, acquired a site for the erection of a large motor manufactory in the Metropolitan area which will employ a number of workmen; and, seeing that he is dropping part of his proposals for raising revenue, will he consider the advisability of imposing Import Duties on other manufactured articles and so ensure abundance of work for our men when they return from the War?

I have no information that any American firm of car manufacturers have acquired such a site since the introduction of the Budget. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. It must not be assumed that I agree in the assumption of the hon. Member as to the effect of the duties referred to.

Would not the erection of such works be making a new demand for a class of work much needed in munition factories and for the kind of men we are now withdrawing from the active field in order to take part in munition work?

Yes, I entirely agree with my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the offices and employments excluded under Clause 35 of the Finance (No. 3) Bill include the case of a man who derives his income partly from a fixed salary and partly from commissions, or whether only the latter portion would be subject to Excess Profits Tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 19th instant to the hon. Member for Hastings.

asked whether, in regard to Australians, visiting or residing in this country, taxes are levied on incomes or other property which have already been subject to taxes in Australia; and whether, in view of the disappearance of the argument on which this practice was based, any alteration will be made?

Persons residing in this country, either permanently or for a period of six months in any one year are liable to Income Tax upon their income from foreign or Colonial sources after deduction from that income of any tax borne in the country where it arises. I am not clear what arguments my hon. Friend refers to in the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the amount of the loss to the revenue if Income Tax were deducted from the pay of all officers and warrant officers in the Navy and Army at the rates and with the limit of exemption provided by the Finance Act of 1914, instead of at the rates and limit of exemption provided by the Finance Act of 1915 and the Finance (No. 3) Bill?

It is roughly estimated that the loss to the Exchequer would be about £625,000 for 1915–16, and £825,000 for 1916–17.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether no provision exists in the Income Tax Acts legalising the refund of payments of Income Tax on the amount of interest paid to bankers; if not, why forms have been distributed for years past by the Board of Inland Revenue to obtain a certificate from bankers of the amount of interest so paid in order that the refund may be made; whether, if a loan has run for the whole year, the Income Tax may be deducted as a concession, whereas if it has existed for a less period no refund will be made; and, if so, whether he will introduce a Clause in the present Budget to simplify and legalise the practices of the Board of Inland Revenue in this matter?

This matter was dealt with by Section 22 of the Finance Act, 1915, to which I would refer my right hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been directed to the case of Messrs. Levensteins, of Manchester, who have made a profit of £80,343 on a capital of £90,000, which enables the company to pay 14½ years of preference dividend, to distribute 30 per cent. on the ordinary, to write £21,728 off for depreciation, to eliminate goodwill from the assets side of the balance-sheet, and also to wipe out the patent and library fund; if he can state whether the firm are Government contractors, and, if so, what kind of work they are doing for the Government; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The circumstances of the case referred to, in common with those of other cases, will receive due consideration in connection with the question of liability to any tax imposed by Parliament. I am informed that the firm have no contracts with Government Departments.

Is this not one of the very few firms that have been making dyes in competition with German dyes, and have so anticipated the manufacture of British dyes in this country, and is it not fair that they should have profits upon their capital?

The hon. Member's question seems to be of an argumentative character.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in any accounting period commencing after the 30th June, 1915, businesses which have become controlled establishments will pass the Excess Profits Tax proposed in the Finance Bill?

As I stated in my Budget speech, the tax is at present limited to accounting periods ended prior to 1st July, 1915, and opportunity will arise before the introduction of the next Budget of judging the effect of the Munitions Act and making proper arrangements in this matter.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether provision will be made in the Finance (No. 3) Bill that where a company carries on branches of its business in various parts of the world through the agency of subsidiary companies, all registered here, the profits of all subsidiary companies will be aggregated for the purpose of the Excess Profits Tax and that the subsidiary companies shall not be treated as separate entities?

I notice that the hon. Member has put down an Amendment to the Finance Bill dealing with this question. I will consider whether within proper limits the principle of that Amendment can be accepted.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer 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 whether the object of the Finance Bill is that all firms should arrive at their net profits in the usual way by deducting establishment and working expenses, and then deduct 50 per cent. less £100, before they allocate or distribute their profits to persons entitled to them, whether resident in the United Kingdom or not?

The object of the Clauses in the Finance Bill to which the hon. Member refers is to secure for the Exchequer 50 per cent. of the excess profit, calculated in the prescribed manner, which arises from any trade or business as defined in Clause 35.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an estimate has been made by the Customs authorities of the expenses that will be involved at the principal Customs Houses in providing bonded accommodation for cinema films, with the necessary facilities for importers to examine them and Customs experts to assess the duties; and whether he can say what the total annual estimated cost will amount to?

Bonded warehouses for dutiable goods are provided by the respective trades concerned, and it is impossibly at present to estimate the separate cost of the Customs staff that may be required in the special case of cinematograph films.

Can my right hon. Friend not say whether this allowance is made as a concession or as a legal right?

My right hon. Friend must not ask me to construe the Act, which will speak for itself.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury (1) the additional number of surveyors and assistant surveyors of taxes that will require to be appointed in the event of the proposals in the Finance Bill becoming law, and from what sources it is proposed to obtain them; and (2) whether he is aware that a notice has recently been issued by the Board of Inland Revenue inviting applications from land valuation officials for posts as surveyors and assistant surveyors of taxes; whether he can state specifically what qualifications for these posts the aforesaid officials are supposed to possess; whether any similar invitation has been issued to clerks to surveyors of taxes?

Applications will be considered from members of public Departments, including the temporary valuation staff, in connection with possible vacancies in the tax surveying branch. All applications will be carefully scrutinised by a Selection Committee with a view to discovering the applicants possessing qualifications best suited to the particular work. There will be no bar to the selection of tax clerks who may satisfy this test of capacity. Until the form in which the Finance Bill is to become law is finally settled it would be premature to come to a decision as to the changes which may be requisite in the tax-surveying branch.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what obstacles there are to prevent the placing on the establishment those clerks to surveyors of taxes who are now serving in His Majesty's Forces, seeing that many of them are exempt by service from the qualifying literary examination and that there is primâ facie, evidence as to their physical fitness; and whether, in view of the difficulties in the way of those clerks who are liable to the literary test undergoing the same, the Treasury will, in the exceptional circumstances, permit the examination to be dispensed with altogether?

I am investigating this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the shortage of men who are skilled in the use of steam ploughs and other agricultural mechanical appliances; and can he say what steps are being taken to supply, as far as possible, these men, whose services are so much, required at the present time?

Yes, Sir. The President is aware that a number of steam ploughs are being worked at the present time without their usual complement of skilled men, but it appears that comparatively few machines are standing idle. It is not proposed to take any special steps to provide men for the present steam cultivating season which is drawing to a close, but the President hopes to be able to make arrangements through the County War Agricultural Committees to provide for any shortage of the necessary skilled men which may occur next spring.

asked when the bound volumes of pamphlets of the Board of Agriculture, Nos. 100 to 200 and 200 to 300, respectively, will be ready for circulation, in view of the fact that the Board of Agriculture have recently called attention to these volumes as being ready, but upon inquiry it has been found that they are not procurable at present.?

The bound volumes of leaflets to which the hon. Member refers are now with the printers, and it is hoped that they will be obtainable in a fortnight or three weeks' time. I much regret that a delay should have occurred. In the case of one volume, the existing stock became exhausted sooner than expected, owing to the exceptionally heavy demands during the last two months, and certain of the leaflets contained in the other volume took longer to complete than had been anticipated.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the congestion in the Questions list and to the need of passing important Bills through all stages in one Sitting, and even before they are circulated to Members, he will arrange for the House to sit at least four days a week?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has noticed that the proceedings in the Committee on the Finance Bill were not concluded till almost 1.30 a.m. on Wednesday last, and that the time between 11.45 and that hour were occupied in the consideration of an enactment reversing the practice of the Treasury and the Board of Customs with regard to all dutiable commodities; and whether, as Parliament is only sitting three days in the week, having regard to the many important novel provisions which the Bill contains and the desirability of the public being informed as to their nature before they are passed into law, he will arrange, if necessary, by more frequent Sittings, that the Committee shall adjourn at a reasonable hour during the consideration of this Bill?

My right hon. Friend is of opinion that in the present circumstances there is no occasion to add to the number of Sittings of the House.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that with three day Sittings the House was kept until one o'clock in the morning, when only forty Members were present, most of them in the Smoking Room, making Acts of Parliament?

Will he ask his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to arrange that the proceedings on the Finance Bill, in which much interest is taken, should not be continued until a very late hour?

My right hon. Friend has no intention of continuing them to a very late hour.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on Thursday night the Government, without notice, referred an Irish Bill to a Hybrid Committee and nobody knew that was the intention of the Government?

I am not in possession of the facts. I will make inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view of stimulating recruiting, increasing public confidence in His Majesty's Government, and dispersing the doubts and fears which are finding increasing public expression, he will make a statement to Parliament as to the progress of the War on its several fields of action, on the present relation of Britain and her Allies, and on the duty which he conceives at this moment to be laid upon our people in regard to men, munitions, and money?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has observed the evidence that there is growing, both inside and outside this House, a desire to demand further information and explanations upon the military and diplomatic achievements and policy of the Government; and what opportunities will be given to discuss in this House the policy and conduct of the War?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that important statements on the military situation and the position of recruiting were recently made by him and the Secretary of State for War to a private conference on 28th September, he and the Secretary of State for War are now prepared to make similar statements to a private conference of Members of the House of Commons or to an open Session of Parliament?

asked (1) whether, in view of the possibility of Lord Derby's final effort to secure recruits by voluntary enlistment not proving successful, any steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government to work out the administrative and legislative details of a scheme of compulsory service; and (2) if the Government has settled upon any standard by which it means to decide whether Lord Derby's final effort to secure recruits by voluntary enlistment has by 30th November proved a success or otherwise?

asked, in reference to the new recruiting campaign, whether Lord Derby's statement at the Mansion House that this is the final effort on behalf of voluntary service represents the policy of the Government on this question?

The Prime Minister intends very shortly to make a full statement.

Can we have an indication as to the definite day? Is my right hon. Friend aware that it is four weeks to-day since the confidential information referred to in my question was given to a small group of Members? May we understand that when the statement is made the House will be put into possession of all the facts which were given to the hon. Member for Leicester (Mr. Ramsay Macdonald).

I cannot anticipate what my right hon. Friend will say, but I have no doubt at all that he will have my hon. Friend's question in mind when he comes to decide what statement he will make to the House.

Will there be an opportunity for discussion on the Prime Minister's statement?

That I am not in a position to answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister was Hot present when the statement referred to was made?

asked whether the Government has, and, if not, whether it proposes to take, power to confiscate German goods, whether or not contraband?

His Majesty's Government have already power to seize and apply to the Prize Court for the condemnation of enemy property if on board British or Allied vessels, and similarly to seize and apply for the condemnation of property, whatever the ownership, on board neutral vessels if it is contraband, and the necessary destination can be proved. They have also power, under the Proclamation of 11th March, to seize enemy property, not being contraband, on board neutral vessels, and to apply to the Prize Court in order that such property may be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of that Proclamation. These powers are considered by His Majesty's Government to be the best suited for the effective prosecution of the War.

Does that reply mean that the, Government is at length going to put forward its full strength in respect of its sea power?

I am glad my hon. Friend has asked me that question. As far as I am aware the Government, ever since I have been a member of it, has put forward the whole of its strength, and exercised all its belligerent powers, in order to bring this War to a conclusion, and always will do so.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the Department have arrived at any decision with regard to the issue of war badges to officers and seamen in the merchant service employed on vessels not under Admiralty contract?

Since this matter was raised in this House, on the 29th September, I have given it further consideration, and have come to the conclusion that it is not possible to adopt the proposal.

asked the Minister of Munitions (1) whether he has received any applications from doctors who are attending military hospitals two or three days per week to give medical treatment to wounded soldiers for war badges for their chauffeurs; and, if so, whether he is prepared to comply with their request; and (2) whether any doctor or doctors who are devoting two or three days per week to the treatment of wounded soldiers in military hospitals, have applied to him to allow their chauffeurs to wear war badges; and, if so, whether he is prepared to comply with their request?

I understand that applications of the kind described have been received, but that it is not considered that in these cases the conditions governing the issue of war service badges are satisfied.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a letter was sent from his Department on 12th October to the London district secretary of the National Union of Gas-workers and General Labourers, stating that war badges could not be issued to unskilled workmen; and if he will state why unskilled labourers are treated differently to other classes of workmen?

I am aware that such a letter was sent to the union. As was explained in reply to a question by the hon Member for North-East Manchester on the 14th instant, badges are not given to unskilled workmen unless in any particular case the Ministry is of opinion that removal from their present employment is likely to prejudice the production, transport, or supply of munitions of war or the successful prosecution of the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if cotton waste can be exported from this country to destinations abroad since the Order in Council of 19th October?

No, Sir. The exportation of cotton waste of all descriptions still remains prohibited to all destinations.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, before commandeering further trawlers, he will take steps to ascertain whether the existing supply of fishing vessels is adequate to supply the needs of the people for cheap food?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that the considerations to which he refers are carefully borne in mind by the Admiralty; but, of course, war is war, and dislocation here and in other directions is inevitable. At the same time, I would venture to express the opinion that, so far as the country as a whole is concerned, any hardship or inconvenience arising out of the dislocation of the fishing industry is more than compensated by the invaluable work of another character which is being done for the community by these trawlers and their dauntless crews.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can state the relations that have existed, or may exist, between the firm of Messrs. Henry R. Merton and Company, Limited, and the Admiralty; and whether that firm has been entrusted to negotiate on behalf of the Government for the purchase of supplies of material or commodities?

The company named are not and never have been metal brokers for the Admiralty. But since the outbreak of War, the Admiralty has purchased from the company 2 tons of aluminium notch bars, and, in addition, 8½ tons of lead were purchased from the Broken Hill Proprietary Company, Limited, for which Messrs. Merton acted as agents. In October, 1914, the company were also employed to secure a large consignment of copper which it was believed would ultimately find its way to the enemy. The copper was distributed for use in Government work, with the exception of a portion which was sold by the company. As regards the last part of the question, Mr. Gardner, a director of the company, has from time to time given his services to the Government, and has advised upon several matters connected with the metal trade, in which his expert knowledge has been found to be of considerable value in preventing the transit of consignments of contraband.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if it is intended to employ the officers in the Land Valuation Department who have received notice of dismissal in any other Department; if so, will all these officers be employed in such new duties; and will these officers be given the opportunity to take up other posts in the Government service before outsiders are taken on?

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue are prepared to receive applications from members of the valuation office for appointment to vacancies which may possibly arise in the tax-surveying branch, but I am unable to say how many vacancies will arise or how many of that staff may be found by the Selection Committee to be suitable for employment in this capacity. With regard to the last part of the question, the attention of such Government Departments as might be likely to require men with valuation qualifications has been called to the fact that the temporary valuation staff is being reduced as the work for which it was engaged is advancing towards completion.

Is Ireland also to be relieved by the reduction of its staff?

As quickly as possible as the staff is not required the services of its members are being dispensed with.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that an advertisement is being sent out by a firm of musical-roll makers through the Post Office, which is enclosed in envelopes imitating those of the Eastern Telegraph Company and with the words "wireless message" printed on them; that such packets have been delivered to ladies who have relatives fighting in the East and who may thereby be seriously alarmed and injured; whether the sending of such missives through the post is contrary to the rules of the Post Office; and, if so, will he take steps to stop it?

My right hon. Friend is advised that the issue and use of these envelopes is not technically illegal, because they do not resemble any Post Office envelope. But it is evident that their use is objectionable, especially at the present time; and he is in communication with the senders.

asked the Postmaster-General whether newspapers are now forbidden to pass through the post to persons in foreign neutral countries unless sent from the publishing offices; and, if so, how it is that postal officials have no knowledge of such a rule?

Such restrictions as exist at present on the transmission of newspapers to foreign countries are imposed not by the Post Office, but by the War Office. My right hon. Friend understands some of the details of the restrictions are not yet completely settled.

Can the hon. Member say why these restrictions are put into force before the public are made aware of them?

That is really a question for the War Office. The extent of the restrictions and the issue of notices by the postal staff to the public are under discussion with the War Office.

Can the hon. Gentleman give an answer to this simple question: If a newspaper is posted to a foreign neutral country, will it be delivered or will it not be delivered—that is what we want to know?

I must ask my hon. Friend to put that question to the War Office.

I have done so, and received no reply.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, having regard to the action taken by the Crown against the proprietors of certain pamphlets seized by the police at the offices of the Independent Labour Party, St. Bride's House, Salisbury Square, E. C., he has called the attention of the Law Officers of the Crown to the assurance given by him concerning the object of the Defence of the Realm (Amendment) Act, which was to the effect that the Act in question would not be used to prosecute persons for expressions of opinion honestly held, as distinguished from wilful and dangerous misstatements of fact?

I am confident that the distinction which I pointed out in the Debate on the 2nd of March is fully borne in mind.

Is not the holding of these trials in secret a violation of the right hon. Gentleman's undertaking that they would not be held in secret unless the evidence was of a nature to disclose facts of military advantage to the enemy?

No; I am quite certain that there has been no such violation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the published accounts of the activity of British submarines in the Baltic, especially against enemy mercantile shipping, he can make a statement showing the policy and achievements of our Navy in this area?

As previously stated, it is for the Russian Government to decide what can properly be made public as to the proceedings of the British submarines which are operating under their orders in the Baltic.

asked what is the percentage of increase in the price per ton of chartering merchant ships by His Majesty's Government now as compared with any recent date before the War?

It is difficult to make any useful comparison on the lines suggested in the question, since Admiralty chartering in peace time was naturally not extensive. In the case of troop transports, the percentage of increase in the price per ton, so far as comparable, of chartering merchant ships, may be taken as about 11 per cent. above the figure generally ruling at a date shortly before the War. In the case of colliers the rates, so far as comparable, are about 18 per cent. higher than in 1913. In the case of coilers the rates now being paid are actually 20 per cent. lower than in 1913. In connection with this question I may perhaps draw my hon. Friend's attention to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for the Attercliffe Division, on 20th April last, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that allegations have been made of want of economical use of merchant shipping tonnage for transport in the War; and whether he is taking steps to deal with the situation?

I am aware that such allegations have been made, and the matter has engaged, and is engaging, our closest attention.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that an explosion took place at the Admiralty store in Lerwick on the 12th April last, and that a good many people were injured and much damage done to the property of the Lerwick Harbour Trust and also to that of individuals, and that shortly after Government assessors came down to receive claims and assess the damage done, and that since then no satisfactory reply has been received; and will he give the matter his reasonable consideration, as even the fishermen whose nets were destroyed have received nothing?

The matter has been the subject of careful consideration. It has been decided, as an act of grace, to make a grant in respect of the damage caused by the explosion. The distribution of the Grant is now being dealt with by the Scottish Local Government Board on behalf of the Admiralty.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will consider the advisability of utilising the enemy steam trawlers lately captured to increase the food supply of the country, or to use them for mine-sweeping and patrol services, and thereby liberating some of our own steam-fishing fleet which are now mine-sweeping, and which could then be returned to their owners for fishing as before?

I do not think that it would be in the public interest to specify the uses to which captured enemy vessels may be put.

asked whether the attention of controlled owners has been called to Rule 17 of the Munitions (Limitation of Profits) Rules, 1915, now lying upon the Table of the House, which prohibits appeals against decisions of the Referee, however large may be the sums of money involved in those decisions?

A copy of the Munitions (Limitation of Profits) Rules has been sent to all owners of controlled establishments. As regards the provisions of Rule 17, I think the hon. Member may have overlooked the concluding words of paragraph 5 (3) of the Munitions Act, which expressly lay down that the decision of the Referee shall be conclusive for all purposes on the matter referred to him.

asked what progress has been made with the national factories for manufacturing munitions?

My hon. Friend may rest assured that substantial progress is being made.

asked the result of the recent appeal to the Army to provide temporarily munition workers for factories, etc.?

The special arrangements for the release from the Colours of skilled men necessary for the production of munitions are still in progress and I am not in a position to make any statement as to the results. I should like, however, to take this opportunity of expressing my cordial appreciation of the valuable help given me by a number of highly qualified volunteers, including fifteen Members of this House, in securing the successful carrying out of the scheme.

asked the Solicitor-General whether all persons engaged on war work in Government establishments are subject to the provisions of the Munitions Act; whether any cases have occurred in which he has declined to authorise the prosecution of persons who have left the Government service; and whether he will himself prosecute in such cases?

All persons engaged on war work in Government establishments are subject to the provisions of the Munitions Act. No case has occurred in which the Law Officers have declined to authorise a prosecution. Prosecutions for offences against the Act are conducted by the Ministry of Munitions and by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Whether a Law Officer would appear would depend upon the circumstances of the case.

Where Cabinet Ministers are engaged on war work in Government Departments, would anything happen if one of their number went on strike?

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will state the extent of the transactions which his Department have had with Messrs. Henry R. Merton and Company, Limited; and whether, in view of the recent judgment of the Prize Court, regarding a cargo of zinc concentrates per the steamship "Bilbster," it is intended that this Department shall have any further dealings with that firm?

Three purchases of metals have been effected through Messrs. Merton since the Ministry was formed and they have been invited on several occasions to tender with others for various metals, but have not recently secured any orders on their tenderings. I am in communication with other Depart- ments concerned in respect to future relations with the firm, having regard to the judgment referred to.

asked the Solicitor-General whether, in view of the judgment of the Prize Court in connection with the case of Messrs. Henry R. Merton and Company, Limited, regarding the cargo of the steamship "Bilbster," he will state whether it is proposed to take any action in the matter?

The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided, after consultation with myself, that it is not desirable to take further action in this matter. A second case in which Messrs. H. R. Merton and Company are concerned, and which raises many of the same facts as the "Bilbster," is now the subject of an appeal to the Prize Court. It would be inconvenient and improper to take any decision until the appeal is disposed of.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether it is intended to introduce an emergency measure to protect short-period and tenement tenants from arbitrary rent raising and capricious eviction; whether he is aware that complaints have arisen in many places in Ireland; and whether such Bill will include Ireland as well as Great Britain?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The matter is receiving the earnest attention of His Majesty's Government. The Irish authorities will be consulted in reference to any legislative measures that may be proposed.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the results of his investigation into the attempts now being made on a large scale to raise rents in poor districts; whether he proposes to introduce legislation to stop the practice; and whether, in view of the effect which it produces both on labour and on recruiting, he will, so far as possible, expedite the introduction of whatever remedial measures he is intending to take?

I cannot at present say more than that the matter is engaging the careful attention of my right hon. Friend.

Is there a chance of getting some statement very soon, as to what steps the Government intend to take?

Will it be applied to provincial towns as well as the London area?

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in framing legislation of this kind, take into consideration the higher charges which have been imposed on the owners of these houses in the way of increased rate of interest, increased cost of repairs, and increased rates and taxes?

Every aspect of this question will be very carefully considered.

Will the President of the Local Government Board also consider the advisability of dealing with the landlords in parishes where rates have gone down?

At once.

An HON. MEMBER: Where?

South West Ham, for one.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether a trade unionist from Canada, himself a trade unionist, but belonging to a different union, was compelled to abandon his work in a Scottish workshop because he refused to join the trade union of the men in that shop?

I will have inquiry made if my hon. Friend will supply me with particulars which will enable me to identify the workman concerned.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, what steps, if any, are being taken to reduce the cost to the State of the National Insurance Act?

I am giving close attention to the point raised by the hon. Member, and a number of administrative changes, which it is hoped will result in substantial savings, have been carried out in the Department since the outbreak of War. Proposals for further economies, the majority of which could only be effected by legislation, have been submitted to the Committee on Public Retrenchment, and are under their consideration.

Is legislation, to which the hon. Gentleman has referred, contemplated?

I can make no statement about that.

Does that involve any alteration in the Scottish Commission?