asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any and, if so, what Articles of the Declaration of London are still held to be in force and to bind the British Government?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer returned to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division of Wiltshire on the 28th ultimo.

Is any portion of this Declaration now binding?

If the hon. Member will look at the answer I gave last week, he will see that I said that no Article of the Declaration of London, as such, was binding; it is of no force at all. Every now and again one has been incorporated, and has been enforced, according to the rules of international law, by Orders in Council, or by Proclamation. I have previously explained that.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that Article 57 of the Declaration of London has ceased to be adopted by His Majesty's Government, it is their intention to determine the nationality of a merchant ship in accordance with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1864, or whether, under the provisions of the Companies' Act of 1862, enemy aliens may continue to own in part or in whole the capital of companies owning vessels nominally British and flying the British flag; and whether such vessels, when so owned in part by enemy aliens, are liable to capture and condemnation in our Prize Courts, so far as the proportion of the vessels that is actually the property of enemy shareholders is concerned?

The nationality of a prize is a matter to be determined by the Prize Courts. His Majesty's Government do not consider it necessary to supplement the directions given on this subject in the recent Proclamation.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that publicity has been given to the general conditions of an alleged agreement made between the Allies and Italy relative to the disposal of the Dalmatian coast after the War; and whether, in case any such agreement is in existence, there are any reasons which prevent the publication of the original document so that the engagements of this country in the Near East may be clearly defined?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he is aware of the statements made of the details of the alleged Treaty between the Allies and Italy under which Italy entered the War as a belligerent; whether, in view of the necessity of making clear the engagements of the Allies as to the future of the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic and the position of Serbia, he will make a statement on this subject; and (2) whether this country has entered during the present year into any undertaking, either with Italy or any other Power, as to the future of the Eastern coasts of the Adriatic sea; if so, whether Serbia is a party to such agreement; and whether such agreement can be published in full or its chief provisions made known?

I can only say that I am in no way responsible for any unauthorised statements that have appeared in the Press, and am not in a position to make any statement on the matter.

asked whether Serbia's direct appeal to this country for help was made in reliance on the statement of the Government that we were prepared to give our friends in the Balkans all the support in our power in the manner that would be most welcome to them, in concert with our Allies, without reserve and without qualification; whether that pledge was given after ascertaining from the military advisers of the Government that it would be possible and expedient to send effective aid to Serbia; whether immediate preparations were made for redeeming the pledge; whether the Serbian, French, and Italian Governments were informed and, if so, on what date, of the strength of the British force which would be sent to assist Serbia, and how soon it would be in the field; and whether the dispatch of 13,000 men, with a promise of a larger force to be sent at some future time to an unspecified destination, is the fulfilment of the undertaking given to Serbia on the 28th of September?

This matter will be dealt with by the Prime Minister in his speech to-day. I would, therefore, ask the hon. Gentleman to postpone this question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether His Majesty's Government shortly after the outbreak of war consented to the transfer of about 20 oil-carrying ships, of a collective capacity of some 150,000 tons, belonging to the German branch of the Standard Oil Company, from the German to the American flag; and, if so, what were the reasons that caused His Majesty's Government to consent to this course, considering that, according to international law, they could have refused their consent?

The British and French Governments consented to respect the United States flag on these vessels on it being officially certified by the United States Government that the beneficial interests in them were American before the outbreak of war, and on condition that they were not employed in trading directly or indirectly with the enemy countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any grant or compensa- tion, and, if so, how much, will be made to members of the Diplomatic Service who were at Berlin, Vienna, or Constantinople on the outbreak of war and have now been, or in the future may be, appointed to fresh posts to indemnify them for the total loss of their household, personal, and other effects, which had to be left behind and will probably never be seen again, so as to enable them to start afresh?

The question of compensation will be considered when it is known what actual loss has been suffered. Arrangements have, however, been made to enable members of the Diplomatic Service who were in Germany to have their property returned to this country, and it is hoped to make similar arrangements in regard to Austria.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has the information at his disposal which would enable him to state the size of the Cabinets responsible for the conduct of the War in France, Russia, Italy, Germany, and Austria-Hungary?

I will give the hon. and gallant Member the numbers of the various Ministries, so far as I know them, if he so desires, but it is obviously impossible, owing to the wide divergence of the forms of constitution in the various countries, to draw any comparison between their respective responsibilities. Nor cam I say what special arrangements they have made for carrying on the War.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War, whether any and, if so, what officers are armed with rifles; and, if so, whether such officers have been forbidden to use telescopic sights?

I cannot answer this question without making special reference to the General Headquarters in France, in the Dardanelles, and elsewhere. I do not think that any good purpose would be served by making such a reference.

asked who is responsible for the appointment to Army dental commissions; what are his qualifications; and whether the post was advertised?

Dental commissions are granted on the recommendation of the Director-General Army Medical Service, who consults the heads of the various dental schools. I do not suppose my hon. Friend seriously thinks it would be necessary to advertise for a director-general.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will issue an order to commanding officers instructing them to arrange the leave of Scotsmen serving in England in such a way as not to deprive the men of all advantage of their short leave by long railway journeys at expensive fares?

I do not think Scotsmen are the only persons desiring consideration in this respect, and in point of fact the intention is that wherever possible each man shall have four clear days at home, whether he proceeds from South to North or North to South or from East to West or from West to East, and I have every reason to suppose that this object is generally attained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether supernumerary companies are being divided into three classes according to age; whether men in Class C who have volunteered for Class B are not being accepted; and whether he can see his way to give those men the opportunity of other than Home defence?

My hon. Friend is referring to the supernumerary companies of the Territorial Force. It is the case that these have been divided as far as possible into classes based upon age and physical fitness. As Class C consists of men over forty-five years of age it would serve no useful purpose to allow them to enter Class B, which consists of men under forty-five years of age. There is the possibility of men in Class B being employed on lines of communication or on garrison duty, but I cannot hold out any hope of them being employed on service abroad other than in such capacities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Lord Derby's letter asking for volunteers has been addressed to all men of military age whose names are on the National Register; and, if not, upon what principles has a selection been made?

No, Sir; the letter has only been sent to men who are on the un-starred list. The men whose names have been starred are regarded as being required in the national interest for other than directly military service.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, under the National Register, the returns relating to men employed in Government offices-have been separately collected and tabulated; and, if so, whether he can say how many members of the Civil Service are of military age?

The returns relating to men in Government service registered under the National Registration Act have not been separately collected and tabulated. The occupation group containing them includes also the Local Government services.

May I ask whether all people employed in Government service have been automatically starred?

There is another question on the Paper on that subject.

asked whether instructions were given, and, if so, by whom, to those employed in starring the returns obtained under the National Register to star automatically all Civil servants in Government offices; and whether large numbers of starred Civil servants of military age are in fact now being employed on mechanical or clerical work which could be equally undertaken by men above the military age or by women?

I am not aware that any such instructions have been given, or that Civil servants have in fact been starred. With regard to the second part of the question, the information could only be obtained by returns from each individual office.

asked if an application has been repeatedly made by the father of Private Forbes, 22,870 10th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, for the discharge of his son on the ground that he was barely seventeen at the time of enlistment; if such applications have been ignored or refused on the ground that the attestation form gives the boy's age as nineteen, though a birth certificate showing his correct age is now in the possession of his superior officer; and will the application of the parent be now considered?

The minimum age at which men are authorised to be taken for service with the Colours is at present nineteen, and no man is accepted for direct enlistment unless he gives his age on attestation as nineteen or over. Strict orders have been given to all recruiting officers that unless a recruit evidently has the physique equivalent to his declared age he is not to be enlisted without an examination of his birth certificate. If a recruit enlists who has declared his age to be over nineteen, but who is actually below that age, the War Office do not consider that to be sufficient cause in itself for discharging him from the Army. Under existing arrangements a soldier who is actually below nineteen may be sent abroad provided his physique is considered by the medical authorities to be that of a man of eighteen and a half. If his physique is below that of a man of eighteen and a half he is retained for training and service at home until he reaches the required standard. In practice, however, the War Office always allow a lad who is under seventeen to be discharged provided application is made to his commanding officer whilst he is serving at home. In the case of all soldiers serving Overseas, the question of discharge or return to this country rests with the Commander-in-Chief, who retains only those who are considered fit for service abroad.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions that no recruiting sergeants are to take any boys unless they produce their registration cards at the same time; and is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many boys of fourteen, fifteen and sixteen years of age have been enlisted?

With regard to the first part of the question, the instructions suggested by the hon. Baronet would undoubtedly take a very considerable amount of time.

Why?

In cases where there is doubt such instructions have been issued as I have indicated. As to whether I am aware that young lads have been recruited at fourteen, my hon. Friend has brought to my notice two or three cases of boys of sixteen, but not of fourteen or fifteen.

Fourteen!

I am not aware of that, and I cannot imagine recruiting sergeants would have taken them.

I have a letter showing it is so.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if the policy of the War Office, as explained by him recently, has been changed in regard to the enlistment of first and second year medical students, namely, that it was neither in the interests of the nation nor the Army that they should enlist; if his attention has been called to a notification just made to such students by the university authorities which says that the Medical Council, in consultation with the War Office, had decided that first, second, and third year students might enlist; and will he say if this decision was made with the knowledge of the seriousness of such a step in relation to the future scarcity and efficiency of doctors?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that second and third year medical students have received copies of the letter addressed by Lord Derby to un-starred men eligible for military service, and that they are being actively canvassed at their homes to join the Army; and whether, having regard to the difficult position in which first, second, and third year students find themselves as to their duty in the matter of joining the Forces of the Crown owing to the absence of any definite expression of opinion on the part of the War Office, he will say at what stage in their course of studies the Secretary of State and he concur in desiring that medical students should answer to the call to join the Army, and also at what stage they should remain at college to continue and complete their studies with a view to qualifying as medical practitioners, of whom it is feared there will be a considerable shortage at the close of the War?

I presume the hon. Member for Blackburn is referring to the statement I made on the 21st June. I would now, in the light of the experience of the last few months, make this modification of that statement. I think we must remember that we have first to win the War, and afterwards to encounter problems arising out of it, if they do arise. I would, therefore, answer these questions by saying that the view of the War Office at the present time is that fourth and fifth year students should continue their studies, but that students in the first and second and third years must consider for themselves what answer they should make to the recruiting appeal addressed to them, and not regard themselves, so far as the War Office is concerned, as under the duty of continuing their medical studies.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain cases the exemption from enlisting given to skilled agricultural workmen is being improperly used, and that persons are being starred as being skilled agricultural workmen who are not entitled to be so starred, to the prejudice of recruiting; and will he say what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

Yes, Sir; I am aware that there is the possibility of errors being made in this matter, but arrangements are being made by which men improperly put on the starred list will be transferred to the unstarred list.

Is that to be done by means of local committees?

Yes, Sir; I think that is so.

If agricultural labourers are withdrawn, will they be used solely in the production of the necessaries of life?

That is undoubtedly the desire.

asked why the new recruiting circular is being addressed to workmen at Sheffield who have filled in the registration paper as being employed on munitions work, and who are actually in the service of a company that is on the point of becoming a controlled establishment?

The answer I have just given applies also to this question. It would appear that in the case the hon. Gentleman has in mind there has been a mistake.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to take any steps to stop all emigration of men of military age from Great Britain and Ireland until the result of Lord Derby's recruiting scheme is known to the Government, so as to keep men in the United Kingdom who may be required for the military defence of the country?

In view of the facts stated by the President of the Board of Trade on the 26th October, I do not think that any special action is needed.

Did not the answer to which he has referred relate to normal emigration in a time of peace, and does he think that has any relation whatever to what is necessary and right in time of war?

Emigration has gone down during the last twelve months.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the possible serious disorganisation of trade and the consequent danger of unemployment of many who are unfitted for military service and in view of the absolute need of retaining, even in industries not directly connected with the War, certain highly trained men, he will consider the advisability of appointing a tribunal to decide what men, if any, are indispensable for the carrying on of a certain specialised work and who should, therefore, be retained in their present employment?

Local tribunals are being set up in every area to deal with these questions.

asked the number of British prisoners of war in Germany captured up to 15th October?

Men taken prisoners are very seldom reported from Germany in less than a month after the date of capture. As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend on the 19th October, the total number of British prisoners of war in the hands of the Germans in September was approximately 25,000. This number will have been added to since then, but I cannot state any precise figure.

asked whether lists of British prisoners of war in Turkey have yet been obtained?

Five official lists of British naval and military prisoners of war in Turkey have now been received. The latest of these lists has only recently reached the Foreign Office. It is being translated from the original Turkish, and will be forwarded to the War Office as soon as the translation is completed. It comprises the names of eight officers and 116 men—all military. The names of the eight officers have already been communicated to the War Office.

asked for the date of the last report regarding the condition of British prisoners of war in Germany in respect of clothing?

Requests for clothing are received from time to time from prisoners of war and reports made by the American Consular officers in Germany deal with the question of clothing, but I am not aware of any report dealing with the question of clothing generally as it affects all the camps and all the prisoners.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he has information to show that the money provided for British prisoners of war in Germany is in fact distributed among them?

There is no reason to doubt that any remittances sent from here to British prisoners in Germany are received by them. As a general rule, all letters and parcels appear to reach prisoners in Germany.

asked the Postmaster-General whether parcels can be sent with a reasonable expectation of their safe arrival to prisoners of war in Turkey; and whether any regulations have been issued as to how such parcels should be packed and dispatched?

Parcels for prisoners in Turkey can be forwarded through the Swiss Post Office. They should be addressed to the Central Post Office, Constantinople. I requested the United States Ambassador on the 19th ultimo to ascertain from the United States Ambassador at Constantinople whether there was any truth in a statement which had appeared in the Press that restrictions had been placed on correspondence for prisoners in Turkey, and that parcels and newspapers were forbidden, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I receive a reply. The reply to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked whether there is still a levy of 1s. per month a head upon the men in the 4th battalion of the King's Shropshire Light Infantry, at present stationed at Singapore, in respect of camp damages, notwithstanding that it has been stated by the Secretary of the War Office that the regulation on this subject has been withdrawn?

I will have inquiry made and will let my hon. Friend know the result

asked whether the Secretary of State for War exercises the functions of the last Commander-in-Chief; and whether he is responsible for advising the Government as to their strategy in all theatres of the War and for the selection of all commanders of high rank?

The constitutional functions of the Secretary of State remain unaltered, and have not been limited to those exercised by the last Commander-in-Chief. They include that of advising, subject to any necessary communication with the Selection Board, as to the choice of commanders of high rank. As regards strategy, the Government, which of course includes the Secretary of State, have at their disposal and receive the advice of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff.

Do the Government accept any responsibility for strategy?

I imagine so, certainly.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent the Secretary of State for War has taken into his own hands, and personally exercises, the statutory powers and duties formerly exercised by the Commander-in-Chief and Adjutant-General, and transferred by the Army Council Act—

The hon. and gallant Member ought to give notice of that question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that in certain cases soldiers have been ordered by the medical officer attached to their unit to have all their teeth extracted, in order to make them more fit for service in the Army, and that the War Office have refused to make them any allowance for the cost of replacing their teeth when extracted; and whether he will take steps to rectify this hardship?

No, Sir; I am not aware of any such refusal, but will inquire if the hon. and learned Member will give me particulars.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can state by what means certain German officers recently escaped from Donington Hall, and whether it was by means of a tunnel excavated by them; if so, whether he can give any information as to the nature of these tunnelling operations and why their existence was not discovered till after the prisoners' escape; whether the official responsible for the safety of the prisoners is still employed at Donington Hall; and whether more stringent restrictions are now placed on prisoners at Donington Hall and elsewhere?

The hon. and learned Gentleman is right in suggesting that it was by means of a tunnel that certain German officers escaped from Donington Hall, but as the details of this escape cannot be given briefly within the limits of an answer I shall be glad to give my hon. and learned Friend all the information in my possession. The officer who was in command at the time of the escape is still there. Some alterations in the conditions of internment were made after the escape.

Have steps been taken to discover tunnelling operations by German prisoners?

Yes, Sir, that is so.

asked whether Belgian refugees were included in the recent National Register; whether the returns relating to such Belgian refugees have been separately collected and tabulated; and, if so, how many Belgian refugees of military age are at present in the United Kingdom?

Belgian refugees, with others of foreign nationality, were registered under the National Registration Act, but the returns relating to them have not been separately collected and tabulated.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that a number of persons have been committed to prison for refusing to register under the National Registration Act; and, in view of the declaration of some magistrates that the Act gives them no power to commit a person to prison for non-compliance, will he recommend the release from prison of the persons now undergoing sentence?

I am aware that a few persons who have been convicted of offences against the Act have been committed to prison in default of payment of fines, but I do not know of any reason for doubting the legality of such commitments. The general provisions of the law for enforcing the payment of fines apply to these cases just as much as any others.

asked if the London County Territorial Association is still in existence, and when it held its last meeting?

Yes, Sir; this association is, of course, in existence, but I have no information as to the dates when this and other associations hold their meetings.

asked what reason re-enlisted warrant officers and noncommissioned officers who have served as such for at least six months since the commencement of the War, and have been promoted to commissioned rank, are not receiving the same rate of pay as officers promoted to commissioned rank after serving as warrant or non-commissioned officers in the Regular Army?

The reasons for the difference in the rates of pay mentioned by my hon. Friend is that in the former case the officers are granted temporary commissions, and the latter commissions as permanent Regular officers.

asked if the German prisoners at Dorchester are in tents or in huts; and if they are provided with the most recent lavatory accommodation and hot baths?

The German prisoners; at Dorchester are in huts. They are provided with lavatory arrangements such as are usually supplied in hutments. There is a supply of both hot and cold water.

asked if the officers is charge of the guard over the German prisoners at Dorchester are in huts or under canvas?

All the troops of the guard at Dorchester are in huts, with the exception of a small number, for whom hutted accommodation will be ready in a few days.

asked if the barracks at Dorchester are empty; and, if so, how long they have been empty, and why they are not being used instead of erecting huts?

My hon. Friend is, I think, confusing, if he will pardon my saying so, emptiness with temporary existence of vacant accommodation. The barracks are not and never have been empty, but as recruiting is apt at times to fluctuate it is inevitable that the accommodation should be at times partially vacant. It is, however, necessary to keep spare accommodation available in this and in all depots.

asked how many sick officers and men other than wounded have been removed from the Gallipoli Peninsula since the expedition began; and how many were removed in the months of August and September, respectively?

asked the Prime Minister the number of casualties, including officers and men, invalided in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force up to date?

The information available and obtainable does not enable me to give more than approximate figures. Subject to this reservation, the total number of officers and men, including native Indian troops, leaving the Peninsula on account of sickness from 25th April to 20th October may be stated as 3,200 officers, and 75,000 other ranks. Of these two aggregates, 1,500 and 27,000 respectively have been removed to England. During the month of August, approximately 160 officers and 3,500 other ranks and daring September 600 officers and 11,500 other ranks were removed to England on account of sickness, but I cannot give the numbers of those removed from the Peninsula in the two months mentioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state what number of medical officers, sisters, and nurses constitute a unit; and if, in view of the fact that a large contingent of medical officers, sisters, and nurses have now been here for weeks with nothing to do, he will state if there is a reasonable possibility of their being employed as a unit at Salonika or elsewhere?

A general hospital consists of 34 officers, 72 nurses, and 201 noncommissioned officers and men, with about 1,000 tons of ordnance and medical stores. The personnel referred to in the second part of the question are at the disposal of the Australian military authorities, and I understand most of them are employed on special work in connection with the large number of Australian sick and wounded at present in the United Kingdom. There is the possibility of this personnel being utilised in one or more special units, but I am not in a position to make any definite statement.

asked the Undersecretary for War the price now paid by the Government for hay suitable for military purposes; and if any effort is made to buy hay at reasonable prices; or if the Government has found it necessary, in order to get the hay, to advertise in newspapers that they are prepared to give the highest possible price for all hay suitable for military purposes.

The price varies in different districts, but generally it is about £5 per ton, which is considered fair and reasonable, and large quantities are being purchased. I have no knowledge of the advertisement referred to by my hon. Friend in the latter part of his question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that No. 3721, Private W. Ferrier, D company, 11th battalion Royal Scots, who joined the Army on 1st September, 1914, was discharged as medically unfit after three months' service; whether he is aware that Private Ferrier has never been able to work since and is the only support of a widowed mother; whether he was accepted as medically fit by the Army doctor; and whether the War Office intend to make him any payment of any kind?

The man was discharged on account of diabetes after seventy-five days' service only. The disease was not the result of military service or climate, and there is no regulation under which any payment on account of it can be awarded.

Has my right hon. Friend done anything with the medical officer who accepted him as medically fit?

I have not had time to investigate the circumstances, but I am quite sure that it would be impossible for a patient with diabetes to escape the notice of the doctor.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a resolution from the Edinburgh City Council calling for a Scottish committee to deal with supplementary pensions, etc.; and, if so, whether he proposes to introduce legislation to give effect to their resolution!

I am aware of the resolution to which my hon. Friend refers. The Government is not prepared to introduce legislation for the purposes suggested, but I have no doubt that in appointing the members of the Statutory Committee due regard will be paid to the representation of all parts of the United Kingdom.

asked (1) the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he proposes to reckon disablement benefit under the Insurance Act in diminution of parents' allowances under the dependants' scheme; and whether he proposes to return to such insured persons and their employers the premiums paid weekly for the obtaining of insurance benefits; and (2) if under the new scheme for dependants' allowances an insured person who has paid weekly for a right to disablement benefit is to be deprived of this income and placed on a level with any other woman dependant on a sailor who has not made such contribution; and whether he proposes to refund the premiums taken under false pretences?

The new scheme will not deprive insured persons from disablement benefits, consequently the point raised in the second part of the question does not arise. No dependant of a deceased sailor or soldier will in consequence of this scheme lose anything to which he or she may be otherwise entitled under the National Health Insurance Acts, but in assessing awards the War Office and the Admiralty feel that they would not be justified in ignoring wholly support which the claimant receives from other Government sources such as the National Health Insurance Acts. Should this principle lead to any case of real hardship, it will be open to the Statutory Committee, which it is proposed to set up, to consider the case on its merits.

Does my hon. Friend not realise that this is not merely a Government scheme, but it is worked by voluntary societies, and there is a definite contract with insured persons that they pay for this benefit of 5s. a week, and they have not received one single penny of it as compared with the person who is not insured at all. Does he not consider that that is simply fraudulent robbery?

My hon. Friend will see when he reads the answer I gave that we deprived these people of none of the benefits of the contract into which they have entered. I may further remind my hon. Friend that the merits of the question are open to be considered by the Statutory Committee.

What Statutory Committee does the hon. Member refer to? I would like to know whether there should not be some special consideration by this House of the fact that this million of per- sons having paid for benefit are not in any superior position to persons who have not paid anything at all?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a subordinate official, partly responsible for handling Government coal contracts in Leith, was lately placed under the observation of the city coal inspector and of the police; and, if so, with what result?

Yes, Sir; two barrack subordinates have been suspended from duty, and the matter is at present in the hands of the civil police.

asked whether an order for ranges and stoves has been given to the Albion Iron Company, Limited, of Upper Thames Street; whether the company has any works of their own; and whether he is aware that the work is now being offered to foundries in Scotland which are in need of work at a price which is much below the contract price?

The firm in question hold a contract for the supply of ranges and stoves. They are merchants and have no works of their own, but they have previously carried out similar contracts satisfactorily, and the quotations submitted by them were more favourable than those of the actual manufacturers. I have no information as to the price paid by the firm to their sub-contractors.

Is it the habit of the War Office to give contracts to middlemen?

What we want is the best possible material at the lowest possible price.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the rate of pay allowed to saddlers in the Army repairing the horses' saddles?

The standard rate of pay in peace for a Cavalry saddler is 1s. 9½d. a day; in Artillery, 2s. a day. For fully-trained and efficient tradesmen specially enlisted for the War it has been found necessary to pay 5s. a day.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will state the rate of pay for shoemakers in the Army repairing the boots of the soldiers; and if he can state the reason why bootmakers who have served several years' apprenticeship, and who are capable of making boots as well as repairing them, should be given lower pay than that given to the saddlers?

The rates vary from 1s. 8d. a day upwards. I see no ground for the suggestion that these men should be paid higher rates than are necessary to secure efficient service.

asked what further developments have been made or are in progress to bring into efficient operation the economy and convenience of an examining and receiving depot in Dublin for Government supplies, stores, and material of Irish product and manufacture?

The matter is receiving very careful attention, but I regret that I am not in a position to make any definite statement as to the further development of the Dublin depot at present.

Is it not a fact that this depot has been recommended by the military authorities serving in Ireland?

I answered a question on that point the other day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Retrenchment Committee have been asked to deal with the sums expended in connection with the High Courts in London and with the Court of Session in Scotland; and, if not, will he see that these institutions are considered in the same way as others by that body to find out whether war-time economies can be effected in their expenditure?

The Royal Commission on the Civil Service have for some time past been engaged on an inquiry into the administrative and clerical establishment of the High Court in London and the Court of Session, and their Report is expected at an early date; but it will, of course, be open to the Retrenchment Committee to supplement that inquiry in any way that they may consider necessary.

asked (1) how many of the retrenched officials of the Valuation Department were married men, and how many of these had been found employment in other Government Departments or in other branches of their own; and (2) whether the retrenched Valuation Department officials were looked upon as having a prior claim for employment in other Government Departments or other branches of the Inland Revenue provided that they possessed the necessary qualifications; and whether appointments from the outside had been made during the past three months, although fully qualified men among the retrenched officials could have been found on application to that Department?

In connection with the reduction of the temporary staff of the Inland Revenue Valuation Office consequent upon the stage reached in the work of the original valuation for which it was engaged, the services of approximately 480 married men have been dispensed with. I have no record of the number which may have found employment in other Departments. The attention of such Government Departments as might be likely to require men with valuation qualifications was called to the fact that the temporary valuation staff was being reduced as the work for which it was engaged advanced towards completion, but I am unable to interfere with the discretion of other Departments in the matter of selection of staff. As regards the Inland Revenue, there has as yet been no occasion for considering whether any of these gentlemen are suitable for employment in other branches, but as already stated in the House, applications from the Valuation Office as well as from other public Departments will be received for consideration by the Selection Committee in connection with any appointments that may be necessary under the Finance Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give directions to the Ministers responsible that no appointments in their Department shall be filled from the outside without application being first addressed to the Valuation Department for the purpose of ascertaining whether any of the retrenched staff possess the qualifications necessary to fill the position?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Blackburn on 26th October. Every effort will be made to find employment for the men referred to. The attention of the principal public Departments has been called to this matter.

asked whether any and, if so, what further steps will be taken to prevent the use of foreign-manufactured articles?

I can add nothing to the statements already made on this subject.

asked whether the Bank of England's action in preventing savings banks in Scotland from facilitating the conversion of certain of the Government Stock held through them after the 15th instant is a contravention of the terms of the War Loan prospectus, which stated that conversion facilities would be available until 30th October; and whether holders of stock through the savings banks in Scotland are to understand that a specially restricted reading of Government prospectuses may be applied to them at the discretion of the Bank of England?

Having regard to the great number of transactions and to the steps which are required before a conversion can be completed, it was thought desirable in the case of forms issued by the Post Office, the Savings Bank, and the Bank of England to ask that applications for conversion should be lodged by the 15th October, but this request will not prejudice applications duly lodged with the Bank by the 30th October.

asked whether contributions paid by members of trade unions providing superannuation, sick, and unemployment benefits will be deducted from the amount assessed for Income Tax?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Derby on the 30th September last.

asked whether, in making the appointments in the office of the Chief Inspector of Taxes, mentioned in the Somerset House circular of the 13th October, he will direct that they shall be filled only by married men of non-military age?

In considering applications for any appointments in the office of the Chief Inspector of Taxes the Selection Committee must, in view of the important nature of the work, have primary regard to merit and capacity and cannot be restricted in the manner suggested; but account will, wherever possible, be taken of the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has seen the publications of the Patriotic Food League (Scotland); and whether he can see his way to arrange for a free distribution through the Scottish Education Office of such inducements to national economy?

In a circular to school boards, with regard to instruction in economical cookery, the Department have already drawn attention to the publications of the Patriotic Food League, and a list of the publications was enclosed with the circular. The pamphlets can be purchased at a very cheap rate, and there seems to be no occasion for making a free distribution as suggested.

asked what progress has been made by the Committee inquiring into arbitrary rent-raising and evictions, and when it is likely that the promised measure will be introduced; and whether in the meantime steps will be taken to delay ejectment orders until this matter is considered and dealt with by Parliament?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on this subject on 28th October to the hon. Member for Attercliffe. The Committee has proceeded with great expedition. I understand it had completed its sittings in Glasgow last week, and was proceeding to Dundee.

asked the Lord Advocate whethed he can see his his way to recommend to the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland, and to that faculty any war-time economies in connection with litigation in the Court of Session, so that the public may have the advantage of cheaper administration of justice during the currency of the War?

I am not aware that either the hon. and learned Member for West Edinburgh or I have power to take any action in the matter referred to by my hon. and learned Friend. The expenses of litigation in the Court of Session can be dealt with only by the judges of that tribunal or by legislation.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he has secured all the works he requires for the production of shells, or is he still prepared to give consideration to any applications that may reach him from firms willing to contract for such work?

Applications are still being considered for the manufacture of shell and components where plant and other facilities are already available.

asked the number of inventors who have submitted proposals to the newly-formed Board of Inventions; the number of inventions accepted by the board; and whether it is the practice to invite inventors to attend before the board to explain the details of their proposals, or are they interviewed by subordinate officials?

Between 5,000 and 6,000 ideas and suggestions have been placed before the Munitions Inventions Department up to the present time. As is to be expected the greater number of these are of small utility and have already been considered. It would not be advisable to state the number that have been accepted. Inventors putting forward ideas are invited to attend the meetings of the panel if the panel desire this. It would clearly not be possible for this to be done in the case of all inventors, but wherever this appears desirable, persons putting forward ideas are interviewed by the Controller or the technical staff attached to the Department, who are men of experience and used to this class of work.

asked whether any reports have been presented as to the character of the bombs supplied by the Department or as to their efficiency in powers of explosion and detonation; and if any penalties have been inflicted on makers for failures?

Reports have been received, and all necessary steps taken in pursuance of them.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether some 150 girls are employed in grenade filling in the Perranporth factory of Messrs. Nobel, Limited, at the low remuneration of 12s. per week; and, if so, whether he will insist on a fair wage being paid for Government work?

I have not had this case brought to my notice. I am making inquiries, and will let the hon. Member know the results.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that in a memorandum for speakers issued by the Munitions Parliamentary Committee in July, prefaced by a letter written by him and dated the 14th July, 1915, it was stated that the Germans believed they were in a position to withdraw troops from Russia which would enable them to break through the Allied lines in Serbia or elsewhere; whether this statement was circulated with his sanction as indicating that a German invasion of Serbia was recognised by the Government in July as an occurrence to be guarded against; if he will say whether the military advisers of the Government were consulted in July as to the military measures to be taken by Great Britain to support Serbia in case of invasion and to prevent the enemy from gaining command of the military and economic resources of the Balkan States; and whether any measures were then taken for that purpose?

I am aware of the memorandum and preface referred to. They were issued at my suggestion. As regards the other parts of the question, I would suggest that the hon. Member should wait for the promised statement by the Prime Minister.

Is the right hon. Gentleman able to say that the Prime Minister will in the course of his statement give an answer to these questions?

asked the Home Secretary if he has any information of an accident by which several girls have lost their lives at a munitions works on the North-East coast recently; and if the Home Office is inquiring into the causes with a view of preventing similar accidents in the future?

No such accident was reported to the Home Office. I have made inquiry and am assured that no such accident has occurred.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in granting licences to women to act as conductors on Metropolitan stage carriages, it is intended that such licences shall be operative during the continuance of the War only?

Under Section 8 of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act, 1869, a conductor's licence is in force for one year only.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the proposed method of granting conductors' licences to women to be employed on Metropolitan, stage carriages will be different to that followed in the case of males; and whether instructions will be issued to the police authorities to the effect that the requisition form at present required to be filled in by male applicants shall apply generally?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the licensing authority will require to be satisfied as to. the character and fitness of the applicant, as required by the Statute; but he will for this purpose dispense with the usual inquiries by the police and accept a certificate from a responsible official of the company or body who proposes to employ the applicant that inquiries have shown that she possesses these qualifications.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can assure the House that, in case of any future aircraft raid on London, adequate steps will be taken to provide men to watch, from the roofs of such of the higher buildings in London as will afford an adequate and systematic observation of the London area, whether any signalling does take place during aircraft raids, and that men so stationed for that purpose shall be in telephonic communication with the police; and, if no such men have been provided, whether ha will give facilities for volunteers to undertake the duty?

Measures of the kind suggested have been in operation for some time.

asked the Prime Minister whether the authority vested in Sir Percy Scott for the defence of London extends to the coast line north and south of the mouth of the Thames; whether he exercises undivided control over all aircraft as well as guns available for the defence of London, over the arrangements for lighting, the movements of trains to and from London termini, and the police and fire brigades within the area of his authority; and, if not, whether it is proposed to make the defence of London against aircraft effective by giving unified control in these respects to Sir Percy Scott?

As my hon. Friend will have seen from the previous replies I have given on this subject, Sir Percy Scott's duties are concerned primarily with the gunnery defences of London against attack by enemy aircraft; but it must not be supposed that the co-ordination between the several services mentioned in the question is incomplete, or that the requirements of the anti-aircraft department of the Admiralty are not regarded as decisive and promptly met.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any intention to still further unify the command in this respect?

I dare say if we were arranging for the defence of London in peace time against aircraft and other attacks we should put it under a military governor, as Paris, I believe, is under a military governor, but I think the idea of so colossal a reorganisation at this moment would probably cause a great deal more confusion, for some time at least, than it would be able to cure.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received representations from the Deptford and other borough councils urging that in place of issuing regulations regarding the lighting of the streets and business premises, it is necessary to adopt more strenuous and effective measures whereby the enemy's aircraft may be prevented from getting beyond the coast and raiding our cities and towns; and whether he is in a position to give some reassuring information to the citizens of London upon this matter?

I have received a resolution to this effect from the Deptford Borough Council and have forwarded it to the Admiralty, who are responsible for the defensive measures against aircraft attack on London.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information as to the total number of civilian persons permanently injured in this country by Zeppelin raids or by bombardment; and whether it is the intention of the Government to recognise or assist in any of these cases?

The total number of persons seriously injured is 333, but the figures for those permanently injured is not available. No direct payments by way of relief in respect of personal injury or damage to property have been made by the Government since the introduction of the Government scheme of insurance on 19th July, except as provided by that scheme in respect of insured property. In view of the existing agencies for insurance against personal injuries, it is considered that there is no ground for the grant of compensation by the Government. The National Relief Fund is available for the purpose of affording assistance in suitable cases.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the feeling of the people of London concerning the recent Zeppelin raids, he will give a day for the discussion of the whole subject of our Air Service?

I think that sufficient opportunity for this discussion will shortly arise in the ordinary course of business.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the pamphlets of the Independent Labour Party, the destruction of which were ordered by Sir John Knill on Monday, 25th October, sitting at the Mansion House, have been published and in circulation for many months; and whether he can explain the delay in taking action against these pamphlets?

There was no delay in. taking action in this matter. The Regulation (51a), under which the proceedings-were instituted, was made on the 28th July, 1915, and on the 18th August the pamphlets which were subsequently condemned were seized under a magistrate's warrant.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received from His Majesty's Inspector of Prisons any report of the combined dissatisfaction having been shown by the warders at Wormwood Scrubs Prison on Thursday the 21st instant over the refusal of increased pay or war bonus; will he state the reasons for granting a war bonus to the Metropolitan Police; whether the same reasons equally apply to the warders; and, if so, will he reconsider his decision regarding their position?

The officers of the prison, through one of their senior officers, made a perfectly proper combined representation to His Majesty's Inspector of their desire to appeal against the decision on their application. This decision was arrived at by the Treasury after consideration of all the facts, and, much as I regret the necessity for it, I do not feel justified in asking for a reconsideration. The case of the Metropolitan Police, whose duties have been greatly increased by the War, stands on a different footing, and I do not feel that the grant of a war bonus to them is of itself a sufficient reason for granting an increase of pay or war bonus to the prison staff.

asked the Home Secretary whether Captain Granville Fortescue's book, entitled "What of the Dardanelles?" has been passed for publication by the Censor?

Yes, Sir.

Why?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the report of Mr. Ellis Ashmead-Bartlett's lecture on the operations in the Dardanelles in the "Times" of 28th October; and whether this Report was submitted to the Censor and published with his sanction?

Yes, Sir.

Why?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the advisability of establishing local Government depots for sugar so that traders in country towns will be placed on equal terms with London firms instead of having, as at present, to sell sugar at the same price as in London, although they have in addition to pay the railway carriage and delivery, costing from 13s. 9d. to 32s. 3d. per ton; and, failing this, will he arrange for the sugar to be delivered carriage-paid to country stations?

The Government is not prepared to adopt either of the alternatives suggested by the hon. Member But the difficulty which has prompted his suggestions will, I believe, be found to be largely met by an announcement in regard to prices of sugar which will appear in the Press tomorrow morning.

asked the Undersecretary for War why the chief veterinary inspector for the City of London, Mr. T. Dunlop Young, M.R.C.V.S., with his scientific knowledge of meat inspection, should not have been utilised for that work instead of being engaged in the Army Remount Department at Woolwich?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given in reply to a question on this subject on 23rd September last, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that among the firms selling New Zealand and Australian meat on behalf of the Board of Trade, and who are also tenants of Smithfield Market, a practice is growing up by which certain firms instead of selling their goods off the hooks for what the trade will give make sales in bulk quantities to other firms, who are also Government agents, who in their turn sell them to the trade, thus taking out of the goods not only the recognised commission but market profits as well; whether he can state the total number of beef quarters, sheep, and lambs, thus transferred from one Government agent to another Government agent during the month of September; whether he has noticed if parcels of meat slightly damaged in transit and Army rejections are often the subject of these peculiar transactions; and whether any safeguard exists to prevent a wholesale system of corruption developing itself along these lines?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him on 19th October.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the practice of the Christchurch Meat Company, the Colonial Consignment and Distributing Company, and certain other firms selling meat on behalf of the Government, to print on each Saturday a price list for their provincial customers, this list to stand good during the ensuing week; whether copies of the list are sent each week to the Board of Trade; whether comparisons are made between the quotations contained in these lists and the prices realised by those selling the same class of goods in bulk transfers ex store to wholesale firms; and what method is adopted to check these thousands of small provincial sales so as to assure that the commission agents return the full value realised less only commission and expenses?

The price lists in question are furnished to the Board of Trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, since the commandeering of Australian and New Zealand meat supplies, any goods have been purchased from the Australian Meat Export Company's works on Brisbane River, Queensland, or from the same firm's works at Alligator Creek, Townsville, the usual brand of the goods being a diamond with the name of the company outside the mark, and a distinguishing letter and number within the diamond; whether any of such goods not required for Army use were sold in England; whether the Swift Beef Company were entrusted with the sale of the same; and, if not this company, will he give the name of the Government agents in England for any surplus of this company's exportations?

The Board of Trade do not purchase meat directly from Australian meat companies, but only through the State Governments who exercise their discretion as to what meat is bought. I do not consider that it would be in the public interest to disclose the names of the firms handling particular parcels of meat.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether alien enemies are permitted to run steamship services to the various ports of the United Kingdom; and, if so, whether they have a preference in some cases of as much as 60 per cent. over and above British steamship companies?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. Consequently, the second part does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the importance of restricting the purchase and consumption of imported articles, and in view of the general ignorance as to what articles of ordinary consumption are in fact imported, he can see his way to give public notice in the Press, and by posters or otherwise, of articles of daily consumption but of foreign origin, the importation and consumption of which it is desirable and patriotic to restrict, together with a list of substitutes, if any, suggested in lieu thereof?