asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in connection with the Five per Cent. Loan recently effected by the British Government in the United States of America, any undertaking, and, if so, what undertaking, has been given that the money so borrowed shall be spent in the United States; and, if such undertaking has been given, does it include any obligation to purchase any particular class of goods or from any specified companies or firms in the United States?

An undertaking has been given that the money so borrowed should be used exclusively in the United States. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, since the commencement of the present War, orders have been given by the Egyptian or Soudanese Governments, or by both, to restrict the planting of cotton; and, if so, when were those orders given, to what extent was the restriction ordered, and were the orders subsequently varied as to the degree of restriction; and, if so, when and to what extent?

As far as Egypt is concerned this question was answered in detail on the 23rd of November last. We have received no further information, but I will make inquiries as to the present position, both in Egypt and the Sudan.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact that the object of the Allies' agreement, embodied in the Order in Council of 11th March, 1915, is to prevent commodities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany, whether he will explain how that object is to be attained in respect of enemy property; and will he especially explain how that object is to be attained in respect of enemy property destined to neutral ports?

Commodities intended to reach or leave Germany, to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, must in all cases, whether they are to pass through a neutral port or not, be goods of either enemy destination or enemy origin, and are accordingly seized and dealt with under the Proclamation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in view of the fact stated in his dispatch of 23rd July, 1913, to the American Ambassador that in actual practice we are only detaining enemy property when it is of enemy origin or enemy destination, if he will state what happens to enemy goods passing from a neutral port to a neutral port; and whether the effect is to make Articles 3 and 4 of the Order in Council, 11th March, 1915, of little value in carrying out the declared object of the Order in Council to prevent commodities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany?

The object of the Proclamation is to prevent goods entering or leaving an enemy country, and in consequence goods can be and are seized under the Proclamation whenever their ultimate origin or destination is an enemy country. It makes no difference to the operation of the Proclamation that the goods at the moment of seizure are proceeding from one neutral port to another provided that they have an ultimate enemy origin or enemy destination in fact.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state why enemy property when it is not of enemy origin or enemy destination is not seized in accordance with the Order in Council and the Declaration made?

My recollection is that the Proclamation referred to goods of enemy origin or enemy destination.

It also says enemy property.

Enemy property not proceeding to or from an enemy country? I should think that the amount of goods involved in that is comparatively small. If the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Member is that goods belonging to a German, proceeding from a South American port to a United States port in a neutral vessel, should be seized, and that it is the duty of the Navy to patrol the waters for that purpose, I do not think it would be in the interests of the country to place that burden on the Navy.

Would it not simplify the difficulty considerably if we seized all enemy property?

I am not sure that it would, but I will inquire into that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further immunities to enemy goods from liability to capture have been granted by licence or otherwise since the concessions made to the United States in his letter of 17th June, 1915; whether the export of German goods contracted for prior to 16th June, which were made immune from liability to be taken to our Prize Courts, has now come to an end; and whether he can assure the House that no Foreign Office permits are now being issued contrary to the spirit and letter of the agreement with our Allies, as explained in the Order in Council of 11th March, 1915, that our blockade was to prevent commodities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany?

There has never been any question of giving immunity to goods of enemy origin contracted for prior to 16th June last, as the hon. Member seems to suggest. His Majesty's Government have declared their intention not to interfere with the shipment from neutral ports of goods of enemy origin actually ordered before 1st March, 1915, and either paid for prior to that date or contracted for upon such terms that the neutral purchaser is liable for payment, and such payment in the enemy country can be legally enforced, whether the goods are delivered to him in his own country or not. His Majesty's Government have stipulated that all such intended shipments shall be notified to them for consideration before 1st November. As hon. Members will see, this does not affect enemy-owned goods in the sense of goods belonging to enemy owners in any way. They are, and always have been, since 1st March, liable to capture. No goods so far as we can prevent them pass to or from German ports. I cannot, as regards neutral ports, give an undertaking to do more than we have been doing. To do so would involve unreasonable interference with rights of neutrals, and would not be in the interest of this country, but very much the contrary.

Would that include cotton?

Ever since the Order in Council was issued cotton has been interfered with if going to Germany, and recently it has been declared absolute contraband.

Would the right hon. Gentleman's answer cover the case of leather goods, which I understand have been allowed to be exported for the winter trade in America?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice of that question.

asked, in view of the repudiation of one of the articles of the Declaration of London because, as stated, it is no longer expedient for us to adopt it, whether His Majesty's Government have taken into consideration Article 65, that the provisions of the Declaration of London must be treated as a whole and cannot be separated; and whether it is equally expedient to return to the rules and principles guiding the Royal Navy and the Prize Courts before the Declaration of London?

The Declaration not having been ratified, His Majesty's Government are free to adopt, as they have done, such of its provisions as seem to them to express satisfactorily generally accepted rules of international law.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state which articles of the Declaration of London are still adopted and enforced by the Government, and in what respect the articles still in force differ in principle from the maritime law of nations in force prior to the framing of the Declaration of London; and whether, in view of the fact that the Declaration of London was never approved by Parliament, he will consider the advisability of leaving the action of the Navy unfettered by its remaining provisions?

The information asked for in the first part of the question may be obtained by reference to the Proclamations issued on the subject. The second part of the question raises a number of questions of great complexity which can scarcely be dealt with by way of question and answer. As regards the third part, I can assure the hon. Member that the means of facilitating the effective action of His Majesty's Fleet receives the constant attention of His Majesty's Government, and if he will point out any matter in which he thinks it improperly fettered I will gladly consider it. I must again say that the Declaration of London possesses no force; where any provision taken from it is mentioned it is solely because it is a convenient expression of some generally accepted rule of international law. The action of the Navy is not limited by anything except such rules, and I believe if the hon. Member will examine previous wars he will find that the action of the British Navy has not been less free in this war than previously.

asked whether, according to Article 10 of The Hague Convention of 1907 and the guarantee of the neutrality of Belgium, to which Prussia is a party, the late Miss Cavell was, according to such law as can be applied to her case, guilty of any military offence?

It seems unnecessary to go into technical legal points to condemn what has been done in this case. The reprobation of it, which I believe is widespread in the world, rests upon higher considerations which arouse deeper feelings than mere illegality.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding alleged German piratical and filibustering expeditions to the Mexican shores for the purpose of gun-running, interfering with British oil trade, or keeping alive the anarchical and revolutionary activities of certain parties in Mexico?

Beyond what has appeared in the newspapers I regret that I have no information on this subject. I have no reason to suppose that British oil properties have been injured by German agents.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the proposal to neutralise Central Africa, presented by the United States Ambassador on 24th September, 1914, was submitted to the Cabinet during the two months that it was under consideration; whether, in view of the publication of the correspondence in Germany, the Government will publish the letters written by the British Minister at Madrid in August of 1914 and the reply thereto, and the letters written by the United States Ambassador and the reply thereto of 20th November, 1914; and whether the Foreign Office have any record of a German attack in Central Africa before the British bombardment of Dar-es-Salaem on 8th August, 1914?

I cannot say whether the proposal was submitted to the Cabinet; there is no record to that effect, but it was fully considered by the Ministers of the Departments concerned, and the decision taken was in accord with one come to by the Committee of Imperial Defence long before the outbreak of war. It is desirable to curtail the expenditure on official publications as much as possible, but copies of the correspondence will be placed in the Library of this House for the information of hon. Members. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman go a little further and give copies of this correspondence to Members of Parliament who desire to have them?

I think that, in the first instance, we had better put the correspondence in the Library, and then if Members think it desirable to have copies we will consider it.

asked whether the British policy towards Germany, after her many breaches of international law, is to regard this country as unfettered by any previous Declarations or Conventions to which Germany and the Crown were signatories, although towards neutral Powers Great Britain may still adhere to such Declarations or Conventions?

As far as Germany is concerned, I agree with the Noble Lord that this country is under no obligation to her in respect of the Declarations and Conventions named. We shall, however, I hope continue, whatever Germany does, to pay regard to those considerations of humanity which are independent of any Convention or Declaration, and the rights of neutrals must, of course, be respected.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can inform the House if any Members of the French Chamber have been detained in connection with alleged complicity in the murder of Jean Jaurés; whether any instructions were issued by the Foreign Office to the Press Bureau for the purpose of preventing knowledge of the fact becoming general in Great Britain; and, if so, upon what ground such instructions were issued?

I have no information on the subject, and this is the first I have heard of detention of French Members of Parliament. No instructions were issued from the Foreign Office to the Press Bureau in this connection.

asked whether the German Chancellor, in the beginning of July, 1914, informed the British Government that he was aware that Great Britain had entered into a naval agreement with Russia; and, if any undertaking had in fact been entered into, what obligations were entailed upon this country in relation thereto?

May I say that this question has been slightly censored? I asked if there was any truth in the statements made in the Reichstag.

That form of questioning is not permitted. The hon. Member must make himself responsible for the matter asked in the question.

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, there was no naval or military agreement with Russia entailing obligations on this country prior to the Agreement of the 5th of September, 1914, made some weeks after the outbreak of War.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can give the House any information regarding the increase in emigration during the last few weeks?

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to take any steps to restrict emigration from this country, so as to keep here men who are required for agriculture or other essential trades or may be required for the military defence of the country?

I would refer the hon. Members to the answer which the President of the Board of Trade gave to the hon. Member for South Birmingham last Tuesday. As the numbers emigrating are much below the normal rate no question of restricting emigration has yet arisen.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that last month the Norwegian steamship "Eir," carrying 6,500 bales of cotton from New York, discharged 1,500 bales at Gothenburg, and, while nominally proceeding to Copenhagen, was steered by an unregistered pilot from territorial waters into the open sea, in order that she might be captured by a German destroyer, which in fact awaited her there and captured her; and what steps he is taking to prevent a repetition of such-like occurrences?

According to the information which has reached His Majesty's Government, the vessel, having succeeded in evading the Allied patrol, proceeded first to Gothenburg and then ostensibly for Copenhagen, her orders being to keep within the three-mile limit during the latter part of her voyage. She appears to have been captured by a German man-of-war whilst in Swedish waters. What precautions can be taken to avoid the repetition of such an occurrence is a matter to be dealt with by the naval authorities. But they are not likely to make their plans public.

asked if the British Note to the United States of America, dated 31st July, 1915, commits the British Government to the submission of any decision of a British Prize Court during the War to an international tribunal should the United States Government make such a demand; and, if so, what other countries are in a position to make the same demand?

I cannot state the attitude of His Majesty's Government more clearly than it is stated in the Note itself, but I may add that reference to an international tribunal is the usual means adopted by civilised Governments for the settlement of differences of opinion about questions of a legal nature when direct diplomatic negotiations have failed. It is in such cases much to be preferred to the method of settlement by war. The point has not arisen in discussion with any other neutral Government.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is a fact that the United States are in a position, if they so desire, to demand that the decision of a British Prize Court during the War must be referred to an international tribunal?

If any dispute arose between ourselves and the United States, after all legal remedies had been exhausted in this country at this time, I think, undoubtedly, we should refer the matter to arbitration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the number of Government workers in Ireland that are not in receipt of a decent living wage; and, having regard to the increase in the cost of living caused by taxation and the War, will he consider the advisability of recommending the payment of a reasonable war bonus, according to their wages and salaries, to the said employés?

I would refer the hon.. Member to the reply I gave to the similar question asked by him yesterday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of Government employés working for less than £l a week in Ireland; does he consider that a reasonable wage for a married man?

I am afraid that if there are such cases they must be considered individually, and on their merits—or rather on their demerits. I cannot generally assert that the country is in a position to make up to everybody in Ireland, or anywhere else, the discomforts occasioned by financial pressure.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether, in constituting the Committee appointed by him for fixing the prices to be paid for hay purchased by Army agents in Ireland, he has followed the practice adopted in England and Wales in regard to the same matter by the English Board of Agriculture, especially in the appointment of at least one farmer and one hay merchant from each of the areas concerned in hearing the views of the farmers of each district before fixing the prices, and in fixing the time for delivery so as to suit the convenience of the sellers; and, if this course has not been adopted, whether he will state the reason?

In reply to the hon. and learned Member, I beg to state that the Department has constituted no Committee for fixing the price to be paid for hay purchased by Army agents in Ireland. As stated in my reply to a question on the 19th instant, the Department at the request of the military authorities invited representative farmers and others to a conference. These gentlemen, who attended from each of the four provinces, merely advised as to the prices at which they believed hay could be obtained voluntarily in their respective districts. The fixing of the price of hay in Ireland is entirely in the hands of the military authorities. I may add that before I left Ireland on Monday, another conference was held, and two gentlemen have been appointed to continue to advise the military authorities.

The right hon. Gentleman will see that he has not answered the question I asked him, as to whether he has followed the course pursued by the English Board of Agriculture, where the same question has arisen?

I ended by saying that we had asked two gentlemen to assist the War Office in settling any disputes in each province.

Has not the English Board of Agriculture taken into account the views of the farmers in the areas concerned, before fixing or advising on any price, and has that course been followed, or will it be followed, in relation to Ireland?

I cannot answer for the English Board.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government cannot pay the same price for hay in Dublin as poor people have to pay?

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the names of the Government buyers or agents purchasing hay in Ireland and their respective districts; by whom they were appointed, what qualifications they possessed, and whether they were subject to any test of efficiency before appointment?

I will circulate the information for which my hon. Friend asks in the first part of his question, as it is too long to read. With regard to the latter parts of the question, most of the staff was obtained from the instructional agricultural staff of the Irish Department of Agriculture, and on the recommendation of members of that Department. Before final appointment they were required to serve a probationary period of not less than two months in Ireland and elsewhere.—[ See also Written Answers this date. ]

asked why the maximum price paid for hay in Ireland by the Government buyers is lower than that paid in England and Scotland; and who fixes the maximum prices in England, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively?

I am informed that Irish hay, owing to climatic conditions, cannot be baled to as great a density. The prices are recommended by a representative Committee of leading agriculturists.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that in the Midlands of Ireland many farmers who had sold their hay to private persons by treaty and in the open market at the prevailing market price were prevented from delivering the same by Government buyers who intervened and offered from 10s. to 15s. per ton less; that these farmers were either compelled to sell at this under-value to the Government agents or keep the hay on their farms; and if he will consider the advisability of appointing an impartial tribunal or umpire to deal with cases where there is a substantial margin between the price offered by the Government agent and the price obtainable in the public market at the time?

I have no information as to the facts stated in the first part of my hon. Friend's question, but I may say that there is evidence of general satisfaction with the prices paid in Ireland. A representative body of agriculturists drawn from each province of Ireland and presided over by Mr. Campbell of the Irish Department of Agriculture has been appointed; the prices paid in Ireland are based on their recommendation, and they will also act as umpires should cases arise requiring their services.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he communicated the proposal to neutralise Central Africa by the United States Ambassador on 24th September to the Government of the Union of South Africa or to the Governor-General of South Africa in his capacity of High Commissioner in control of Rhodesia; and whether any arrangement exists between the British Government and the Government of the Union of South Africa by which questions affecting territories bordering on South Africa should be settled in consultation between the two Governments?

The proposal was not communicated, and indeed the progress of hostilities would in any case have rendered discussion idle. His Majesty's Government have been in constant communication with the Union Government on all matters of common interest ever since the War broke out.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that recently a meeting was held at Nairobi when it was publicly stated that the enemy had 5,000 men, fully armed and equipped, within our territory, and that a ship recently had landed a large consignment of stores and munitions of war; and if he will take an early opportunity of making a statement on the position of affairs in East Africa?

I have seen a report of the meeting in one of the local newspapers. It is possible that there is a considerable number of German native troops just over the frontier in the neighbourhood of Kilima-Njaro, but the enemy has not penetrated in any force or to any distance into our territory. A ship which was supposed to be carrying arms and ammunition for the German forces was sunk in Mansa Bay by one of His Majesty's ships. I do not think it desirable to make any statement at present as to the position in East Africa beyond this, that the Government are giving the subject most careful consideration.

asked the rate of pay of privates in the Expeditionary Forces raised by Canada, Australia, and New Zealand?

The payments to the men in the Expeditionary Forces of Canada, Australia and New Zealand are made entirely out of funds provided by the Governments of those Dominions. I understand that the daily rates are respectively $1, 6s. and 5s.

Will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to his colleagues the same rate of pay to British privates in order to stimulate recruiting?

No, Sir; I shall make no such suggestion. Each portion of His Majesty's Dominions must judge of what is the correct rate of pay, based on the conditions of those Dominions, of course, with the desire to make it as high as possible.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what new steps, if any, are being taken in the direction of safeguarding the lives of the citizens of London in the event of future Zeppelin invasions?

The defence of London, whether by guns or by aeroplanes, is the subject of anxious study, and is undergoing, I hope, constant improvement.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that Zeppelins are guided by lights in this country, and has not, in fact, a naturalised British subject been recently arrested on a charge of signalling?

That does not arise on this question

Is any efficient range-finder in use to ascertain at any moment the exact position—

Notice must be given of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether every antiaircraft gun in the Metropolis is in charge of a fully qualified gunnery officer and gun detachment; and, if not, what are the qualifications of the persons manning the anti-aircraft guns?

I have nothing to add to a statement made on this subject before in the House; and if the hon. Gentleman will refer to my answer to the hon. Member for Inverness Burghs on Thursday last I think he will be satisfied.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has made himself acquainted with the methods of defence against air attack provided in the case of Paris, in consequence of which that city, though only 50 miles from the German lines, has not, despite several attempts, suffered from Zeppelin attacks since October, 1914; and whether he intends to provide London with similar facilities for defence?

The answer is in the affirmative. Let me add that I do not accept without qualification the implication contained in the question that Paris is more easily approached by Zeppelins than London.

Am I right in saying that the members of the Government incur the same risk in this matter as everyone else, and are just as anxious to save themselves?

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Paris is within, certainly, 60 miles of the German lines, and that London is something like 140 miles from the nearest Zeppelin base?

I am quite aware that Paris is nearer to the German lines than London, but that does not settle the question. There are many considerations, and I would remind the hon. Member that Zeppelins are not kept in the German lines. Where a Zeppelin comes from depends on the power of accommodation, which is a very costly and difficult matter, and the Allies, I am glad to say, have been so fortunate in their attacks on Zeppelin sheds in the Low Countries that that is not a favourable place to put their Zeppelins.

May I ask—

The hon. Member must give notice. We are only at Question No. 30, and there are more than 100 questions on the Paper.

asked whether Admiral Sir Percy Scott has sole control of all the means of the defence of London against air attack, including control of the Army Aeroplane Corps; whether his action is controlled by any other authority; if so, by what authority; and from what authority does he obtain information of an anticipated attack?

Sir Percy Scott's duties are primarily with the gun defence of London. There is, as I explained the other day, full co-operation between the gunnery defences of London and the naval and military flying services.

May I ask, if Sir Percy Scott is not responsible for the aeroplane defence of London, who is the person responsible for sending up the naval and military aeroplanes?

The military are responsible for sending up the military aeroplanes, and the Navy are responsible for sending up the naval aeroplanes.

asked whether, on the occasion of the last raid, the authorities were informed of the approach of Zeppelins before audiences had assembled in theatres and other places of amusement?

The Admiralty are dependent for their earliest information about Zeppelins on observations made at the coast and possibly by cruisers or other vessels at sea. It should be remembered that the fact that a Zeppelin has been seen approaching the coast or moving inland is no conclusive proof of a raid on London. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the Home Secretary explained fully the other day the strong reasons which exist against any attempt to give public warning of Zeppelin attacks.

Is it not a fact that the approach of the Zeppelins to London was known shortly after eight o'clock? Is it wise to allow people to crowd into theatres when it is known that a Zeppelin attack will be made?

I would respectfully refer the hon. Gentleman to the speech of the Home Secretary on Thursday last. In the first place, he made a very clear argument, as I thought; and, in the second place, it is the Home Secretary who is responsible for the particular point raised, and not the Admiralty.

asked whether, when up to the time of the last editions of the evening newspapers in London going to press no news of a probable Zeppelin raid has been received, he will cause a notification to that effect to be published?

For the reasons which I explained to the House last Thursday, I am of opinion that the dangers of issuing warnings far outweigh any advantages there might be.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that last night there was a stampede from this Chamber because they heard of a Zeppelin raid? [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"]

The hon. Member is not entitled to say that there was any stampede here. Moreover, it is contrary to the fact.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that two hon. Members actually left the House? I was here at the time.

It was a question of two attractions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Members or individuals who know that Zeppelins are coming do go to join their families, and why should not others—

That does not arise out on the question on the Paper.

( at a later stage ): I wish, as a matter of personal explanation, to refer to a statement which I made just now, and in which I said there was a stampede on the part of hon. Members of this House. I desire to make the most absolute apology, because it has been inferred that my suggestion was that they left the House on account of fear. There was nothing further from my mind. I meant to convey that their desire was to get home to their families, and it was, therefore, absolutely incorrect for me to have used the word "stampede." I may say I myself left the House not to escape the Zeppelins, but a gas-bag.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in the event of any future Zeppelin raid resulting in casualties, he will cause the names of victims to be published as soon as possible?

I think it would give rise to much unnecessary anxiety and alarm if the names were published without the addresses which would distinguish the persons killed or injured from other persons having similar names; and addresses cannot, of course, be given. When persons are killed or injured in such circumstances that their friends are not aware of it at the time, the earliest possible intimation is given to the friends by the police.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that electric carriages running on suburban lines are not provided with blinds, and that where shades have been provided to the lamps a great amount of light still escapes through the windows; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on Thursday last to a similar question put by him.

asked whether, in view of the defiance of international law by the German Emperor in ordering the wholesale destruction of the private property of civilians in this country by Zeppelins, the Government will take steps to trace and sequestrate the private securities in England of the German Emperor and the rulers of the German States in order to hold them as security for the present and future damage caused by air raids?

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend does not consider that the hon. Member's suggestion offers a practical method of deterring the enemy from further violation of international law.

asked the Home Secretary what means have been adopted for distinguishing, while in rapid motion, motor cars used for military and naval purposes, which are allowed to carry powerful lamps, from motor cars to which the use of such lamps is forbidden?

Arrangements have been made to enable the police to distinguish these cars and at the same time to prevent unauthorised persons from pretending to be authorised, but I think my hon. Friend will see that they ought not to be made public.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what remuneration is paid to those Members of Parliament who carry despatches to and from the Fleet?

The hon. Gentlemen in question receive no remuneration. They receive allowances to cover the cost of travelling.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in consideration of the services rendered by England and her people to the cause of liberty and civilisation in the present War, he will cause the name "England" to be given to one of His Majesty's capital ships at the earliest possible opportunity?

I am quite sure that the last thing my hon. Friend would wish would be to institute comparison between the services rendered by various parts of the Empire. His suggestion shall be considered. He is, of course, aware that there is an "Albion" in the Navy.

Will my right hon. Friend remember there are other countries in the United Kingdom besides England?

I can show the hon. Member a list of Scottish names of ships in the Navy.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the German trawlers recently captured and brought into Grimsby are being utilised in any way by his Department so as to prevent the necessity of commandeering further trawlers in the East of Scotland, which are regularly bringing large supplies of food?

As I informed the hon. Member for Grimsby on Tuesday last, I do not think it would be in the public interest to specify the use to which captured enemy vessels may be put.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether while ex-Army men in the National Reserve are allowed a gratuity of £10 on rejoining the Army on mobilisation, no such allowance is made to ex-Navy men, on the National Reserve, who rejoin the Navy; and, if so, what is the reason of this difference of treatment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Hammersmith on 18th May last. As I then stated, in reference to the bounty alluded to, the National Reserve was instituted for the benefit of the Army, and the bounty system was adopted to induce its members to join the Army. If, therefore, a National Reservist does not join the Army—for joining which he is offered a bounty—but elects to join the Navy—for which he is, not offered a bounty—no bounty is paid.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has made inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the recent placing of an order for Army cloth by the Italian Government in the United States; whether representations have reached him from various parts of this country about slackness of work in mills producing such goods, and whether he is able to announce any arrangements whereby the mills of this country shall have the first opportunity of tendering for the requirements of our own and other allied Governments?

The order referred to by my hon. Friend was placed in the United States of America without the knowledge of His Majesty's Government. Some months previous to the placing of this order, when it became evident that the contracts for military cloth entered into by the British and other Allied Governments were no longer capable of keeping the mills in this country fully employed, the Italian Government were invited through their delegates on the Commission Internationale de Ravitaillement to purchase cloth in the United Kingdom. The attention of the Italian Government has again been drawn to this invitation, and a promise has been received that they will favour British manufacturers as far as possible in future. Orders for Army cloth for the use of His Majesty's Forces are not placed outside the United Kingdom unless it is absolutely unavoidable, and the other Allied Governments are again being urged to afford British mills the first opportunity of tendering for the supply of any cloth which they may require.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made by British Dyes, Limited; and when he expects an actual out-turn of dyes to be effected?

I am informed by the directors of British Dyes, Limited, that the works acquired from Read, Holliday and Sons, Limited, have been considerably extended, and that the volume of dyes produced during the first nine months of this year has been more than double the output in the corresponding period of 1914. A site for new works has also been acquired, and the company is proceeding with erection there as rapidly as is possible in present industrial conditions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the retail prices of the following classes of coal sold in London on 1st October, 1914, and 1st October, 1915: Derby Brights, kitchen coal, nuts?

The retail prices in London of the kinds of coal specified on 1st October, 1914, were usually 27s. per ion for Derby Brights, 26s. for kitchen coal, 26s. for nuts, and 23s. for stove nuts. On 1st October, 1915, the prices were respectively 32s., 31s. 6d., 31s. and 29s. in North London. In South London in 1915 all the prices were 1s. higher.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the average prices paid by the working classes in the large towns of the United Kingdom (population over 50,000) on 1st July, 1914, 1st October, 1914, and 1st October, 1915, for the following articles of food: Beef, home and imported, mutton, home and imported, bacon, fish, flour, bread, sugar (granulated), milk, potatoes, margarine, butter, cheese, eggs and tea?

The particulars required are too numerous to give verbally, but I will have them published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.—[ See Written Answers this date. ]

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether under Rule 6 of the general Regulations for the sale of frozen meat on account of His Majesty's Government, a selling agent of his Board is entitled to sell goods to himself; whether much of the mutton and most of the beef disposed of as surplus supplies is goods which, if arriving under the old system of private enterprise, would have a considerable insurance allowance made upon it; whether, as no one would sell damaged or inferior goods at sound value prices to himself, by what process are the deteriorations valued; whether the operation of Rule 6 is proving disastrous to his Department, and in effect it results in his commission agents never actually returning the market value of the goods; whether, under this rule, a firm who are Smithfield tenants and selling, say, a thousand sheep over their books in the course of the day must first of all go through the farce of selling the goods to themselves; whether in practice this means that a firm reckons up what the goods have made, and where a brisk day's trade occurs secure the advantage to themselves, but where falling prices and dull trade supervene arrange their returns so as to throw the loss on the Board of Trade; and whether his auditors have called for and examined any Smithfield selling agents' books yet?

As stated in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on 19th October, it is not practicable to discuss by way of question and answer the details of the methods by which surplus supplies of meat are put on the market. No complaints as to the procedure adopted have reached me from the trade, and the results have so far been satisfactory to the Board of Trade. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case in which any firm of selling agents have directly or indirectly been contravening or evading the Regulations which have been drawn up for the conduct of the business which they are doing on behalf of the Government I will have the fullest inquiries made, and will not hesitate to take such action as the case demands. I would add that when a firm of agents sell meat to themselves under the provisions of Regulation 6 for their own trade the price is fixed by assessors appointed by the Board of Trade for that purpose.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his arrangement with the Argentine freezing establishments is to ship 25,000 tons of meat monthly, at a contract price of about 5⅜d. f.o.b.; whether, in consequence of a temporary rise of cattle market prices in the Argentine, the American-Argentine Meat combine have represented to him that they were losing over this contract; whether, to minimise this loss, he has withdrawn certain refrigerated tonnage from the Buenos Ayres route, the result being that the companies have been recently only shipping 18,000 tons monthly; what are his grounds for this treatment of the Chicago beef ring; whether, during the week ending 8th October, 44,000 quarters of beef were shipped from Buenos Ayres to New York and whether they were carried in British-owned refrigerated boats; if so, what was the name of the line?

I am not prepared to state what amount of meat is purchased from the Argentine or the price at which it is bought; to disclose these particulars would be contrary to public interests. There was recently a sharp rise in cattle prices in the Argentine which threatened to disorganise the meat trade, and as the winter months in the Argentine are not favourable for shipments of meat, and there was at the time an abundance of shipping tonnage I took the opportunity to divert certain ships to other markets so as to aid in the development of other sources of meat supply, which, as I have frequently stated, has always been an object I have kept before me. With regard to the latter part of the question, I am informed that frozen meat is carried from the River Plate to New York in connection with a mail contract which a British shipping company hold with the United States Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that large quantities of coffee have been purchased by German firms upon the markets in the City of London, consigned to the Belgian Relief Committee; and, as such goods pass through Holland, if any, or what, inquiries are made by His Majesty's Customs so as to ensure that the rightful person or persons receive such consignments?

Purchases made in this country by the Commission for Relief in Belgium are made only through firms permitted to trade here. It is, of course, possible that the members of such firms may in some cases possess German names or have German antecedents. The arrangements for the transport of goods consigned to the Commission in Belgium are under constant supervision, and the British Government is satisfied that there is no risk of their reaching an enemy country.

asked the Prime Minister the reasons that induced the Government to penalise the widows of officers killed in the War by granting pensions according to their different methods of death; and whether he will take steps to provide for the widows of all officers who give their lives for their country receiving equal consideration?

The proposals of the Select Committee, which have been adopted, provide adequately for the necessities of the widows of all such officers. Special consideration is shown for the widows of those killed in action or dying of wounds so received, in accordance with immemorial custom, and my hon. Friend cannot properly describe this as penalising the widows of others.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the difference in the pension to the widow of the officer killed at the front, apart altogether from the method by which he is killed?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet as a whole gave its sanction to the naval attack on the Dardanelles before the operations began?

asked 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?

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?

asked whether Lord Derby has Cabinet authority for stating that if men do not join now this is their last chance; and whether, if this has been discussed with Lord Derby, he proposes to discuss it also with the House of Commons?

The matters raised in these questions will be dealt with by the Prime Minister in his statement on Tuesday.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is yet in a position to name a day for his promised statement in regard to military operations; and can he state whether it will be made in a form enabling a general debate to take place thereon?

The Prime Minister will make his statement on Tuesday, and, as the House appears to desire it, it will be followed by a discussion.

asked whether unofficial exchanges of views or negotiations are being or have been carried on, directly or indirectly, between responsible persons in London and Berlin with a view to the conclusion of an early peace; whether inquiries with the same object have been made by the official representatives of any neutral Power; and whether he still adheres to the declaration of his Guildhall speech that we shall never sheath the sword until Belgium has recovered all, and more than all, that she has sacrificed, until France is adequately secured against the menace of aggression, until the rights of the smaller nationalities of Europe have been placed upon an unassailable foundation, and until the military domination of Prussia is wholly and finally destroyed?

The words of the Prime Minister still hold good. We should not think of entering into any peace negotiations except in common with our Allies, in accordance with the agreement of 5th September, 1914. This has always been made perfectly clear, and I do not know to what the hon. Member's question can refer.

The Minister of Munitions has not answered the first part of my question

Certainly not.

Will the Government discourage any such negotiations if they are going on?

asked whether, having regard to the fact that no Debate on the conduct of the War or on matters arising in connection therewith can be initiated in the House of Commons without the consent of the Government, whereas no such consent is required in the House of Lords, he will take steps to bring about, by alterations in the Standing Orders of the House of Commons or otherwise, such changes as may be necessary to place the House of Commons in the same position in this respect as the House of Lords?

No, Sir; my right hon. Friend sees considerable difficulty in assimilating the procedure of this House to that of the House of Lords.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied with the present position of the two Houses in this matter?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he will, in making the appointment of a new Attorney-General, consider the desirability of reverting to the practice which prevailed up to quite a recent date of the Attorney-General being outside the Cabinet; and (2) whether he will consider the desirability of reverting to the arrangement which obtained in Lord Rosebery's administration, by which the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General accepted sums of £8,000 and £7,000, respectively, in full payment for their services?

My right hon. Friend will no doubt take my hon. Friend's suggestion into consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company have increased a rate from Womersley to Eastoft and other sidings for ground lime for agricultural purposes to the extent of 32½ per cent. above the rate quoted by the company on 6th February, 1914; will he say whether such increase has been made with the consent of the Board of Trade and, if so, upon what grounds; and whether, having regard to the representations now being pressed upon farmers by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries with a view to increasing the national food supply, he will cause this increased rate to be withdrawn?

I am in communication with the railway company on this matter, and I will let my right hon. Friend know the result.

asked whether, under the powers conferred by the Trading with the Enemy Act, Section 2, Sub-section (2), paragraphs ( b ) and ( c ), he took any steps, immediately after the passing of that Act on 18th September, 1914, or subsequently, and, if so, when, to ascertain whether Messrs. Henry R. Merton and Company, Limited, were trading with the enemy; and whether, in view of the conduct of that firm and of the recent action of His Majesty's Government in forbidding in China and other neutral countries a con- tinuance by British subjects of commercial relations with alien enemies or companies controlled by them, he proposes, by legislation or otherwise, to prevent companies controlled by alien enemies from continuing to carry on business in the United Kingdom?

I appointed an inspector of Henry R. Merton and Company, Limited, under the powers contained in Sub-section (2) of Section 2 of the Trading with the Enemy Act, 1914, on the 3rd October last year, and subsequently I appointed a supervisor of the business under the provisions of Section 12 of the Trading with the Enemy Amendment Act, 1914. As regards the last part of the question, the businesses of some of these companies serve a useful purpose at the present time. They are conducted under the restrictions imposed by the Trading with the Enemy Acts, and I doubt whether it would be expedient in the public interests to prevent their being carried on.

If that is the case, why are the merchants forbidden to deal with such firms in the East?

There is no analogy to be drawn between firms in the East and those to which my hon. Friend refers.

In the case of companies carried on in this country solely by alien enemies, will not the right hon. Gentleman in all cases get controllers appointed?

If it is a registered company solely controlled by enemy aliens we should of course place it under control, and I think that is done in every case. If my hon. Friend refers to private firms, I should be glad to have notice of the question.

asked the Home Secretary how many alien enemies are now at large in prohibited areas throughout the whole country?

A final census of alien enemies at large in different parts of the country has not yet been taken, as the process of repatriation is not yet complete; but figures in my possession show that there are 471 male alien enemies (of whom 364 are not of military age) residing by special permission in the prohibited areas on the East and South Coasts of Great Britain for which statistics have previously been given.

asked the Home Secretary how many alien enemies are now at large in the London police area?

The number of Germans and Austrians now at large in the Metropolitan and City Police areas is 9,355 males and 8,207 females (excluding British born wives of alien enemies). Of the males, 3,748 are of military age. Most of them are Austrians and all have been exempted from internment on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee; the other males and the females have been exempted from repatriation or are awaiting the decision of their cases.

On what ground is exemption from internment given to aliens of military age?

The ground is not the same in every case although it is necessarily a special ground. If the hon. Member will put himself in communication with me I shall be glad to show him specimen cases.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that it is safe to allow these aliens to continue to reside in prohibited areas?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked how many alien enemies have been interned since the new policy was commenced after his accession to office, and of that number how many have been since released?

On 13th May last, when the new policy was announced by the Prime Minister, there were 19,569 alien enemies other than combatants interned. The total now in internment camps is 32,458, so that the net increase is 12,919. During this period the total number of releases has been 580—including boys, old men, and invalids released and repatriated in exchange for British civilian prisoners.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether collars or shirts of Irish linen into which a small proportion of cotton may enter, either as backing or in manufacture, are prohibited for export to neutral countries?

There is no prohibition of the export of linen collars or shirts in general, and where such goods contain only a small proportion of cotton they are not held to be within the prohibition of the export of cotton goods.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly inform me privately what the proportion may be?

Yes, I shall be very glad to do that.

asked whether any special instructions have been given by the Press Bureau concerning the reporting of cases tried by the munitions tribunals; if so, whether he will indicate the nature of those instructions; and whether Press reports of munitions tribunal cases are submitted to the tribunals or to War Office censors or to any other persons before being passed for publication?

The Press have been instructed that reports of proceedings before munition tribunals may be published, provided care is taken to omit any particulars which would give useful information to the enemy or otherwise infringe Regulation 18 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. For instance, nothing must be given which would disclose the situation of any factory not previously known to be a munitions factory. Press reports of munition tribunals are often submitted to the Press Bureau, where they are dealt with in the ordinary way. In any case of doubt, a reference would be made to the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Home Secretary how many persons of each sex have been tried and convicted by court-martial of the crime of espionage since the War began, and how many of these have suffered the penalty of death?

Thirteen men and one woman have been convicted of espionage committed since the War began. Of these nine men were tried by court-martial, the others by judges and juries. Of the thirteen men, ten were sentenced to death and have been executed. The other three men and the woman were sentenced to terms of penal servitude.

Is it the fact that no woman has suffered the capital penalty?

No, Sir, none.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the Liverpool police, acting under the Defence of the Realm Act, have prohibited the holding of a concert in aid of the funds of the Liverpool branch of the Society for the Aid of Russian Political Prisoners, and that the members of the society have been warned, under penalty of expulsion from Liverpool within forty-eight hours, not to collect funds for this purpose, and that the house of a Mr. Bach-man has been repeatedly visited by the police, who have threatened the man with arrest, though stating no charge against him; and if this action is authorised by the Home Office?

My attention had not previously been called to this matter which was dealt with by the Liverpool police independently of the Home Office. From a report I have now received it appears that the persons by whom a hall had been let to a Mr. Bachman for the concert consulted the police as to whether the holding of the concert was desirable in present circumstances, and decided to cancel the letting of the hall. I do not gather that the members of the society have been warned, or that the house of Mr. Bachman has been repeatedly visited and himself threatened in the manner stated by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has received representations from the Glasgow town council or other bodies of persons in Scotland suggesting legislation to provide for the retail price of coal being fixed at the September level for the winter months; is he aware that a special committee of the town council of Glasgow has, after special inquiry, made recommendations in that sense; and if he can take any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this ques- tion. The Board of Trade suggested to the Glasgow Corporation, as to other local authorities, that they should endeavour to make arrangements with the local coal merchants similar to that adopted in the London area. The corporation asked for legislation, but I think the question is one which can be dealt with by voluntary action.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether any report has yet been received from Lord Hunter and Dr. W. R. Scott as to the causes of increased rents in Scotland; and, in view of the urgency of this matter and of the fact that nearly 10,000 Glasgow tenants are resisting demands for increased rent, that several evictions are threatened, and that industrial unrest is spreading, the Government are now in a position to make a statement concerning their policy on this question?

The Committee has been taking evidence and is proceeding with all possible expedition, but no report could be yet expected, and I cannot make any statement until it is received.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the Scottish Local Government Board will allocate the Grant made by the Admiralty for the benefit of sufferers by the explosion at Lerwick in July last?

The Local Government Board for Scotland is in consultation with the Admiralty upon the matter, and it is hoped that it will be possible shortly to make the allocation of the Grant.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will appoint a Committee of two Members of this House to inquire into and report upon the statements he has made in Parliament regarding contracts for munitions with the firms of Messrs. Mann and Company, of Leeds, and of Messrs. Burns, Bassick and Company, of New York?

I see no occasion to adopt the course suggested.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes to fix a minimum wage of £1 a week for all women engaged in the production of munitions; and, if so, at what date this minimum for all women munition workers will be enforced?

It is not proposed to fix a general minimum wage for all women engaged in the production of munitions. The Munitions Labour Supply Committee, however, has recommended that women of eighteen years of age and over, employed on time on munition work customarily done by men, shall be rated at £l per week, reckoned on the usual working hours of the district in question for men in engineering establishments. This recommendation has been adopted and comes into operation at once as regards munition factories for which the Ministry of Munitions is responsible, and has been commended to the favourable consideration of other employers engaged on munition work.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the special problems in respect of the physical health and efficiency of women employed in munition works, and of the dangers and complications arising from exhaustion, overstrain, and unhealthy conditions, and of the need for expert and sympathetic investigation of these problems, he will appoint a Committee of women having industrial and medical knowledge to advise and assist his Department?

A highly qualified Committee on Industrial Fatigue has already been appointed. Two women of great experience are members of this Committee, and my idea in setting up the Committee was to secure and maintain the health and efficiency of munition workers. This Committee has already made many inquiries in connection with the subjects mentioned in my hon. Friend's question. Their proposals with respect to fatigue arising from continuous work, particularly in regard to Sunday labour, are now receiving my careful consideration. In these circumstances I do not think it necessary to appoint any further Committee.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the three Govan shipwrights, sentenced to thirty days' imprisonment for refusing to pay fines of £10 imposed on each by a munitions tribunal, are still in prison; whether he is aware of the state of feeling on the Clyde on this matter and on the Munitions of War Act and its administration; whether any report has been received from Lord Balfour of Burleigh and Mr. Lynden MacAssie, K.C., in regard to the grievances of the Clyde workers under the Act; and what action the Government propose to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the fines were paid this morning, and the men released. As regards the rest of the question, I have received an interim report from Lord Balfour of Burleigh and Mr. Lynden MacAssie up till Thursday last, 21st October, when the inquiry was unfortunately suspended owing to the refusal of the local trade union officials to proceed. Both my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland and I have been in close touch with labour conditions in the Clyde district through the reports of the Commissioners above mentioned, through the reports, of my own officers, and also through consultations with the responsible leaders of the trade unions in that important industrial area as well as with the national leaders of the trades concerned. If there are any grievances on the part of Clyde munition workers of which I am not aware this is the result of the suspension of the inquiry, which will at once be renewed as soon as the labour representatives are prepared to go on with it. It is the determination of the Ministry of Munitions thoroughly to sift the causes of unrest in this district.

I should like to ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that those three men need not have been imprisoned unless they so desired?

My hon. Friend is perfectly correct. I think that they refused to allow the fines to be paid on their behalf.