asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the representative of His Majesty's Government in China has been instructed to associate himself with the recent friendly official advice by Japan to the Chinese Government to avoid any change in the form of government at the present time?

The answer is in the affirmative. The request was temporarily to postpone any change and was accompanied by a denial of any intention to interfere in purely domestic affairs. The reason for the communication was the fear that disturbances might be created in China, as to which I had had, at any rate, one representation from a British commercial interest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what date it was decided by the Cabinet to send to the assistance of Serbia a larger Force than the remnant of the 10th Division, 13,000 strong, under the command of Sir Bryan Mahon?

I believe it was on 24th September.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government received a warning from the Roumanian Government in April, 1915, with regard to the attitude of the King of Bulgaria towards the Allies; whether the Serbian Government, about the same time or shortly afterwards, intimated that a new offensive against Serbia was in preparation by the Central Powers or by Bulgaria; and if he will say why no military preparations were immediately made by the Government to give support to Serbia if need should arise?

The German and Austrian sympathies of the King of the Bulgarians have always been known and reports of Bulgarian negotiations with Turkey under German influence came from various Balkan sources as early as April. I cannot divulge what those sources were. The Serbian Government were much perturbed in April by the raid by Bulgarian bands on the railway near Strumnitza at the beginning of the month and by rumours of further impending raids at the end of the month, and they stated their belief in the complicity between King Ferdinand and the Central Powers. Military preparations at any given moment must depend upon the Forces available and the extent to which those Forces can be spared from one place and used in another. I should doubt whether even the War Office would think it in the public interest to discuss that in public. I am neither willing nor competent to do so.

asked he Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he explained to the Serbian Government, and, if so, on what date, that his promise to give to our friends in the Balkans all the help in our power in the way most welcome to them without qualification and without reserve was to be taken as meaning that we would assist Greece in fulfilling her treaty obligations, but not that we would assist Serbia in the event of Greece declining to fulfil her treaty obligations, and that the expression "without qualification and without reserve" had exclusive reference to previous suggestions of concessions to Bulgaria which were to be withdrawn in the event of Bulgarian hostility to Serbia?

I made to the Serbian Governments communications, some before and some after my statement on September 28th. In the course of these I stated definitely that the landing of our Forces at Salonika, and their movements after they had been landed, depended upon the consent and attitude of Greece, and on September 24th, when I first informed the Serbian Government, in answer to an appeal for help, of the dispatch of troops, I did so in the words that "we were offering to Greece to send Forces to Salonika to help her to fulfil her obligations towards Serbia." I said nothing as to what we could or could not do in the contingency of Greece refusing to help Serbia. We have throughout laboured to give Serbia all the assistance in our power, without reference to the terms of particular promises made to her.

As regards the last part of the question, I do not understand how the words "without qualification and without reserve" could bear any other construction than the political one I have placed on them— namely, that promises and concessions previously suggested to Bulgaria were at an end, and our troops would be used solely to help our friends and fight our and their enemies. It is surely obvious that the words could not bear a military construction, for no one has suggested that His Majesty's Government could send all the British Armies to the Balkan theatre of war, or that we could send troops to the Balkans without any reference to needs elsewhere, especially in France and Flanders.

The promise was to give to our friends all the assistance in our power, and that has in fact been done and is being done.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if we are to understand that after his declaration in this House on 28th September he never expressly explained to the Serbian Government the meaning which he attached to it in this House on a more recent date?

I never said anything to the Serbian Government at all about my declaration in the House of Commons. What I had to do was to reply to Serbian appeals for help, and that I could only do, of course, after consulting Lord Kitchener or the Cabinet, and in my replies to the Serbian appeals for help I stated that we were sending troops to Salonika and used the words I quote in my answer. I said that the sending of them to Salonika must depend upon the attitude of Greece, and when they had gone there and I was asked what their movements would be I said that must also depend upon the attitude of Greece. My communications to the Serbian Government were direct communications; they were not founded upon anything I said in this House.

Were the right hon. Gentleman's communications with the Serbian Government in this matter communicated to the Cabinet?

As far as my recollection is, they were circulated to the Cabinet. They appeared in telegrams in the ordinary way, and were circulated to the Cabinet.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, considering that no Article of the Declaration of London possesses any force or is in any way binding on anybody and the Declaration itself has never been ratified or adopted, he still hesitates to abandon it altogether; and whether, in the event of it being desired to retain certain of its provisions merely as a convenient expression of some generally accepted rules of international law, there is any objection to designating these provisions by some other name?

I will see if the hon. Member's suggestion can be adopted. I do not know any reason except convenience why it should not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of loaning a captured German field gun to those towns or localities which have raised special batteries of Artillery in the cases where such special batteries are still in training in the localities in which they were raised?

Arrangements are being made to issue to Commands, on loan, the captured German guns. A proportion will be sent to each Command, and if any town or locality desires, for special reasons, to have one of the guns on loan, application should be made to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command in question.

May I bring before the notice of the right hon. Gentleman a case where two batteries have been raised?

Oh, yes; but, as I say, the proper course for the hon. Gentleman would be to approach the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of his own Command.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is still the policy and intention of the War Office to utilise second line Yeomanry regiments as fighting formations to go abroad in due course; if so, whether he has considered the effect of the present recruiting regulations that no direct recruiting for the second line Yeomanry regiments is permitted and that no men are accepted for the Yeomanry who are not between the heights of 5 ft. 3 in. and 5 ft. 6 in., and who are unwilling to join any other unit; and whether he will explain how this policy is likely to result in the formation of units fit for foreign service?

There is no immediate intention of sending second line Yeomanry abroad, and the recruiting conditions to which the hon. Gentleman refers in his question were framed with this in view, so as to divert as many recruits as possible to the third line Infantry depots whose needs are, at the moment, more urgent than those of the Yeomanry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the War Office to raise Reserve units for second line Yeomanry regiments so as to supply drafts for these regiments when sent on foreign service; and, if so, whether he will take steps to alter the recruiting regulations so that these second line regiments may be promptly made up to full strength?

No, Sir. Reserve units will not be raised for the second line Yeomanry regiments. Drafts for such regiments would be found by the third line depots. This would, of course, involve raising the establishment of such a depot in any case where it was called upon to maintain two units in the field.

Arising out of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House to-morrow (Wednesday).

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received communications from the women in the employ of his Department at Portsmouth in reference to the wages paid; and whether any decision has been reached in the direction of increasing the wages of these women?

I have received a communication. The question is under consideration.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he is aware of the wages paid to the men employed as acetylene-oxygen welders at Farnborough as compared with the wages paid to similar workmen by contract firms; and whether he will make inquiries so that the recognised rates of wages may be paid?

I am making inquiry, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to saving delay and disorganisation in factories engaged on munitions work, he proposes to introduce legislation to curtail the usual Christmas holidays?

The question of the duration of Christmas holidays in munitions works is under consideration by the Departments concerned, and I understand that no special legislation will be required.

asked the terms of the contract for and the amount proposed to be expended in the construction; of the new munitions factory at Gretna Green?

It would not be desirable, in the public interest, to give information as to the terms of individual contracts. If they are given in one instance, it would be impossible to draw the line.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he is aware that the crane drivers employed at the Gun Wharf, Portsmouth, have not participated in the recent advance of wages granted to other grades of workers during the last few months; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter with a view to its rectification?

I am not quite sure to which of the advances of wages my hon. Friend is referring, but I am in communication with him on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether a British-born Jew whose father is not a naturalised English subject is eligible for enlistment in the British Army?

I have previously stated, what is moreover obvious, that a British subject is eligible to enlist in the Army, but at the same time it is necessary that the military authorities should have the right of declining to accept a man if they consider it desirable to do so. Membership of a religious communion is not a relevant consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to Lord Derby's statement at the Mansion House on 19th October, that there may also be cases where men although unstarred are really indispensable to their employments, the Government will consider the desirability of appointing a Central Committee or local committees, the membership of which shall consist of a substantial proportion of business men, to consider and investigate all cases of unstarred men who are regarded as essential to the conduct of business?

The constitution of these Committees is now being considered, and Lord Derby informs me that the suggestions of my hon. Friend are being kept in mind.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, in view of the limited number of persons qualified as pharmacists and of the difficulty of providing dispensed medicines for the civil population, including insured persons under the scheme of national health insurance, he can now state if pharmacists are to be enlisted for service in the Army except to perform duties for which their special technical qualification as pharmacists is needed?

If a pharmacist desires to enlist in a branch of the Army other than the Royal Army Medical Corps he cannot well be refused if a vacancy exists in the branch he wishes to join. A pharmacist who wishes to join the Royal Army Medical Corps will always be accepted for this arm if a vacancy is available.

Has Lord Lansdowne's Committee yet reported to the Government on this subject, and have the Government come to a decision upon those recommendations?

I should be obliged if my hon. Friend would give me notice of that question.

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

I have made a very full statement to this House, and I am not aware that I have kept any information from it that can properly be disclosed.

Is it not a fact that definite figures have been published by members of the deputation claiming that there were specific statements made to them? Does my right hon. Friend not see that those members who address recruiting meetings are at a disadvantage compared with the others?

No, I do not think so. I gave no figures myself.

The War Secretary did.

I do not know what the Secretary of State for War may have said, but I am quite sure what he did say is now public property.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, in view of the fact that neither in Lord Derby's scheme nor in any other way is adequate protection afforded to young married men who enlist or offer to enlist against the risk of their businesses being damaged or even ruined, he will consider the practicability of bringing into existence a scheme of Government insurance whereby such a man, on payment of a reasonable single premium, could be assured of a fixed capital payment in the event of his being called up before a certain date?

I fear that an arrangement of the kind suggested in the question would not be practicable.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, having regard to the fresh call for doctors for the Army, the War Office can see their way to recognise the services of those members of the Red Cross Society who have returned home after having spent some months in the discharge of medical duties at the seat of war; and whether, as an inducement to their offering a further term of service, the War Office will take into consideration the time already served toward the reduction of the six months now required before a lieutenant can be promoted to the rank of a captain?

The gentlemen in question, as is pointed out in the hon. Gentleman's question, undertook only a short spell of service and then returned to their civil practices. I do not pass any criticism on them for having limited their service in this way, but I hardly think that they can now claim to be treated exactly on the same lines as those who, when they joined the Royal Army Medical Corps of the Special Reserve or the Territorial Force, put themselves at the disposal of the country for the period of the War. I hope the gentlemen in question will respond to the appeal which has been made for more medical officers without asking as a condition for the full recognition of their previous service on the same footing as if the Government had been from the first put in a position to count upon benefiting by it continuously for the whole period of the War.

asked the names of Members of both Houses of Parliament who are or have been serving their King and country as dispatch carriers to and from the Army at £400 a year?

I do not think any public advantage would be gained by publishing these names.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not able to give the names to the House?

I would not go so far as to say I am unable to do it, but I do not think any public advantage would be gained by so doing.

Is it not the due of the House of Commons that it should know what salaries have been paid to its Members?

I can give the names to my hon. Friend, but I do not think they should be made public.

Are we to understand this£400 a year is over and above the£400 received as Members of Parliament?

I believe certainly one, if not both, hon. Gentleman in question have not taken the full£400.

asked the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Members of both Houses of Parliament have been engaged in carrying dispatches to and from the Army and the Fleet; whether he is aware that the physical discomfort between the two Services is accentuated in the case of those carrying dispatches to the Fleet; whether he is aware that Members engaged on the duties connected with the Fleet are unpaid, while those engaged on duties connected with the Army received£400 a year; whether he is aware that many Members would gladly do the work for nothing; and whether, in the interests of economy, he will make representations to the War Office to abolish the salary now paid to Members of both Houses carrying dispatches to and from the Army?

My attention had not previously been called to these facts, and I am giving the matter my personal attention.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he could give the names of Members of both Houses of Parliament who are or have been serving their King and country gratuitously in the capacity of dispatch carriers to the Fleet?

Whilst I should have been glad to have given the names of the hon. Members, I feel sure that my hon. Friend will agree that it is undesirable that the names of officers carrying important dispatches should be made public.

asked the Undersecretary for War for what reason officers with temporary commissions and officers with permanent commissions in the Regular Army receive different rates of pay; whether there is any difference in the duties they are called upon to perform; and whether he will take steps to put an end to the inequality of pay as between the two classes of officers?

Generally speaking, the rates of pay are the same; but in the special case of officers promoted from the ranks there is a difference, the reason of which is that the rates of pay given to such officers holding permanent commissions are specially designed to meet the conditions of regimental life in peace, whereas temporary commissions end with the War.

Will the inequality be remedied?

I am looking into the question to see if anything can be done.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether German prisoners of war in this country are supplied by the British Government with an adequate supply of warm clothing and other articles of dress; whether this supply is supplemented by articles of clothing sent by the German Government or from private sources in Germany or elsewhere; and whether any difficulties are placed on the delivery of these supplementary articles to the soldiers for whom they are intended?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second that gifts of clothing are occasionally received by individual German prisoners, but that none of these emanate as far as is known from German official sources. No hindrance is placed on the delivery of such articles.

asked whether, in cases where German officers prisoners of war in this country require new uniforms or other articles of clothing, such articles are supplied by the German Government; and, if not, by whom and at whose expense are they supplied; and whether, in cases where British officers prisoners of war in Germany require new uniforms or other articles of clothing, such articles are supplied by the British Government; and, if not, by whom and at whose expense are they supplied?

Both in this country and in Germany officer prisoners of war are expected to clothe themselves.

asked whether the Government have yet succeeded in inducing the German Government to pay our officers prisoners of war in Germany sums more nearly approaching the sums paid by our Government to German officers prisoners of war in this country; whether the sums now paid by the German Government to our officers prisoners of war in Germany are sufficient to enable them to secure adequate food and clothing without having to depend on the possibility of supplies reaching them from home; and whether, in order to induce the German Government to make reasonable payments to our prisoner officers, the Government will reconsider their previous decision, and will inform the German Government that the British Government will pay the same sums and no more to German prisoner officers as the German Government pay to British prisoner officers?

It is believed that as a general rule British officers in the hands of enemy Governments receive sufficient pay to meet their immediate requirements. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. The object of my hon. and learned Friend is, of course, to improve the lot of British officer prisoners, and we are striving for the same end.

Have the Government succeeded in inducing the German Government to pay our officer prisoners a sum more nearly approaching that paid by us to the German officer prisoners?

Negotiations are still proceeding.

Has anything been done with effective results?

There is no final determination.

asked what measures have been taken, in view of the approach of winter, to guard against the recurrence of frost-bite and other preventable sufferings incident to the flooding of trenches among our troops in France and Flanders?

I can assure my hon. Friend that most careful and complete measures have been taken and minute instructions issued from the medical, the engineering and the clothing points of view, but it is hardly desirable to make public the exact methods of prevention of frost-bite which are being employed. If my hon. Friend desires I will communicate with him privately.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that several officers acting as instructors in the Ordnance College, Woolwich, have not received the appointment of instructor, while other officers acting as instructors in the School of Gunnery have received such appointment; and whether he will take steps to have uniform administration in these two establishments so that questions of approved increases of pay or appointments shall be common to both?

I am informed that the work of the Ordnance College, and that of the School of Gunnery, are not quite analogous, and that it is therefore impossible to unify the conditions in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. Each case has to be treated on its merits.

asked the Under-Secretary for War (1) whether he is aware that labourers and messengers employed in the Ordnance College, Woolwich, are not receiving a corresponding rate of pay to others of similar grade employed in the Ordnance factories; whether he will make inquiries into the matter with a view to the removal of this discrimination; and (2) the reason for the workmen employed in the Army Ordnance Department not having received the war bonus which has been conceded to the workmen in other Departments?

I will answer this question and No. 40 at the same time. Ordnance College employés will be dealt with under the temporary war increase of wages which has just been approved for War Department workmen in the London area. This temporary increase will be in general 4s. a week for adult workmen other than those who have received it in connection with the recent rise in the engineering trades, and 2s. a week for workwomen. This concession does not apply to the clerical and writing staff.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, in view of the activity displayed by the Germans of late in the production of large and fast aeroplanes, the War Office is taking appropriate steps so that this country may successfully compete with them in regard to such aeroplanes?

Yes, Sir.

Have the Government established factories for building aeroplanes, and are they doing anything to supervise the work of private firms?

We have Government factories and we also have models of aeroplanes submitted to us for our approval.

Does the Government factory produce anything?

Yes, it produces a good deal which shows great superiority over the Germans.

asked whether any large aeroplanes of the Sikorski model are in course of construction in this country; and whether the War Office actively aids in the construction or simply reserves the right to accept or reject the aeroplanes when completed?

I am afraid that it is not desirable to give in public the answer to the first part of this question. As regards the second part, I may say that aeroplanes of private design, whether the building of them is or is not assisted by the Government, must fulfil certain stipulated tests before they can be accepted.

Would it not be possible to submit to the public and to the world an aeroplane manifestly superior to the German aeroplane?

I shall be very glad to show my hon. Friend one.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he has seen the observations made by Judge Mackarness on the conduct of Colonel Edmund Eaton in a recent case heard at Hayward's Heath County Court; and whether any action has been taken in respect of this officer?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to the observations made by the learned judge referred to. I may state that the judge himself wrote to the War Office. The case of Colonel Eaton is now under the consideration of the Army Council.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that there has been of late a great increase of ragging at Woolwich, and that, in one case of recent date, the victim fell fainting and was subsequently in hospital for six days; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

No, Sir; it is not the case that there has been a great increase in ragging at Woolwich. As regards the particular incident alleged to have occurred recently, I am still making inquiries, but I can assure my hon. Friend that drastic action will be taken if the result of the inquiries shows that it is necessary. As those implicated have left the Academy the inquiry must take a little time.

asked the Under-Secretary for War to what extent the statutory powers and duties formerly exercised by the Commander-in-Chief or Adjutant-General, and transferred to the Army Council under the Army Council Act, 1904, are now being exercised personally by the Secretary of State for War?

The distribution of business between the different members of the Army Council is vested by the Order in Council of August, 1904, in the Secretary of State. The actual distribution of duties may be seen by reference to the King's Regulations, and no alteration in such distribution has been made since my Noble Friend became Secretary of State.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether an Inventions Committee has been set up at the War Office by order of the Secretary of State for War; and, if so, what connection exists between this Committee and the Inventions Board presided over by Lord Moulton, and what measures have been taken to ensure full co-operation between the Board and the Committee and a proper co-ordination of their respective functions?

No change has been made in the method of dealing with inventions submitted to the War Office, except that a senior officer has recently been appointed as permanent chairman of the body dealing with them. I have no knowledge of any Inventions Board presided over by Lord Moulton, but the officials at the War Office responsible for dealing with inventions in regard to explosives are in touch with his Department and officers from the War Office attend from time to time at meetings presided over by Lord Moulton.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that notwithstanding the statement made in this House as to the Inventions Board by the Minister of Munitions, at present there is no guarantee that an inventor going to one Committee will not be referred to another?

I did not know my hon. and gallant Friend was alluding to the Inventions Board of the Ministry of Munitions. It is a distinct Department from that at the War Office, but the Prime Minister and the Minister of Munitions are in conference on the subject with a view to settling the relations between the two.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if Mr. Richard Lloyd George has been appointed lieutenant-colonel of a service pioneer battalion of the Welsh Regiment; if so, whether he will state the age and military experience of this officer; and whether the appointment is due to a lack of competent officers of greater military experience?

The statement to which this question gives publicity is totally without foundation. No such promotion has either been recommended or made, and therefore the remaining parts of the question are irrelevant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how often, and at what intervals, the Army Council has been in the habit of meeting under the present Secretary of State for War?

Formal meetings of the Army Council have not been the rule since the outbreak of War, but conferences between various members of the Army Council have been matters of daily and almost hourly occurrence.

Are the meetings of the Army Council going to be suspended altogether, and is the Army Council Act, therefore, to remain nugatory?

No. Sir. My hon. and gallant Friend would be quite in error in supposing that the functions of the Army Council are nugatory. On the contrary, Army Council decisions are taken every day, as I said, in informal conference. Whether any change should be made in the form of its meetings in the near future I cannot say. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will put a question down.

Why have not the reports been circulated to the Cabinet, as stated by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dublin University?

To what reports does my hon. Friend refer?

Reports of the Army Council.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury suggested, on 28th July, 1915, to the Veterinary Colleges in Edinburgh and Glasgow that amalgamation was desirable in the interests of economy; whether any estimate has been made of these possible economies looking to the staff, equipment, and size of these institutions; whether any action to secure such economies is being taken; and what Government Grants are given to either of them or to both?

The Board of Agriculture for Scotland were invited on the 3rd and 28th July last to consider the question of securing economies generally, whether by amalgamation of institutions or otherwise, at the various colleges aided by them. They have been in communication with the colleges, and the Treasury are now awaiting their final recommendations on the subject. The Grants to the Scottish veterinary colleges are limited to a maximum of£800 a year for the two colleges together.

May we assume that after this amalgamation it is the Edinburgh College that will go out of sight?

Oh, no.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he proposes to re-issue the new £1 and 10s. notes as they come in, or to replace them by new notes, in order that forged notes, if any, may the less easily escape detection and the public enjoy the advantage of handling clean paper?

Currency notes are immediately cancelled on their return to the Bank of England, and are not re-issued.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether discount received on Treasury bills is assessable to Income Tax?

Where Treasury Bills are taken up by banks, financial houses, etc., the profits would be included in the computation of the trade profits of those houses. Where such bills are taken up by a private person, liability is regarded as arising under Case III. Schedule D of the Income Tax Act, 1842, which specifically charges all discounts.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if in fact the Bank Act was suspended in August, 1914; if so, to what extent notes were issued beyond the limit fixed by Law; and (2) if the letter, dated 1st August, 1914, from the Prime Minister and the then Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Bank of England, authorising the suspension of the Bank Act, has now been cancelled; and, if so, on what date?

The authority of 1st August was never acted upon and was suspended by Section 3 of the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1914, which received the Royal Assent on Thursday, 6th August. On 7th and 8th August, as adequate supplies of currency notes were not for the moment available, certain notes of the Bank of England were used at the request of the Treasury for the purpose of advances to bankers under the Currency and Bank Notes Act, the maximum excess involved being £3,043,000. By 10th August the position as regards the bank notes had become normal in all respects.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why a statement was not made publicly in this House as has been the case previously when a letter of this kind has passed between the Chancellor and the Bank.

Because we are in a state of war.

Is it within the discretion of the Governor of the Bank of England to omit to act immediately upon such a letter as that referred to?

Yes, Sir, certainly.

Are we to understand that the letter is suspended and has no effect?

No, it is not suspended.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he will give a rough approximation of the items making up the cost of£250 to£300 a head per annum for the British soldier?

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend explicitly and, as I understood, purposely refrained from giving any details of this very rough estimate.

Could not the hon. Gentleman make it a little more explicit?

I think that is a question for the Prime Minister.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the publication entitled the "Bond of Sacrifice" is published with the cognisance of the War Office, or if the editor is officially recognised or offered any special facilities by the Army Council?

There has been correspondence with the publishers and editor of the publication referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend, but the War Office has been unable to confer upon it any official recognition or approval or to render any special facilities for its compilation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what steps have been taken in each of the commands in the United Kingdom to stop the waste of food issued to troops which in some places has taken place, and to limit the amount of rations issued to such amount as may meet the requirements of the troops?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office to what extent advantage has been taken by; commanding officers of the option given them some months ago of reducing rations where waste of food in camps is prevalent; and whether any further steps can be adopted to prevent waste?

A complete organisation is now in existence in each command to deal with this problem. Inspectors of quartermaster-general's services, instructors in catering, and auditors of messing accounts have been appointed, and numerous schools of army cookery have been established with the result that the messing has been improved, economy has been effected and waste reduced. Units have also been instructed that they are not to draw the full quantity of rations according to scale, but only such quantity as is actually required for consumption. In addition to previous instructions, by an Army Order of 23rd September last, General Officers Commanding-in-Chief have been empowered to curtail the meat ration within their commands when in their judgment the full issue is not required. In consequence of this Army Order a reduction has been made of 4 ozs. in the meat ration for all troops in the Guernsey and Alderney district and for the majority of the troops in the Western, Scottish, London District, Central Force, and Northern Commands. In these last-mentioned commands the full meat ration is continued for troops under canvas and for those in small detachments. In the Southern Command the ration has been reduced by 2 ozs. for the majority of the troops. No reduction has yet been made in the meat ration of troops in the Jersey District or the Irish, Aldershot or Eastern Commands.

How does it come about that the reduction in these rations is not uniform in the different commands; if it is unnecesary in one, is it not unnecesary in another to issue an excess amount?

No, Sir, that is not the case. The necessity for the full ration must, of course, depend to a large extent upon the actual duties the troops are carrying out and also upon the acommodation in which they are housed.

Is it or is it not a fact that the size of the tins has been reduced?

I cannot say without notice whether the tins are uniform or not.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the discontent prevailing amongst the clerks employed in Woolwich Arsenal and other War Office Departments, he can promise an early reply to the appeal made for a war bonus such as has been given to other employés; and whether, in the event of the appeal being granted, the concession will be made retrospective?

I will use my best endeavours to arrive at an early decision.

asked the Prime Minister whether any arrangements have been made, and, if so, what, for the compilation of the history of the War, particularly since there is always a probability of men who can materially contribute to its proper understanding falling upon the field of battle before their statements can be recorded?

The collection and collation of material for the compilation of the Official History of the War is being carried out by the Historical Section of the Committee of Imperial Defence.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need for national economy, the Government proposes to issue any official detailed advice to the nation as to how this can best be effected?

The duty of preparing publications of this character has been undertaken by the Parliamentary War Savings Committee, and I may perhaps refer my hon. Friend to the pamphlets which they have issued. I do not think that the question is one which could be effectively dealt with by means of a formal official pronouncement.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the serious state of the nation's finances and of the thoughtless extravagance and unnecessary luxuries still indulged in by many persons to the annoyance of their neighbours, he will consider the advisability of passing forthwith through Parliament drastic sumptuary laws which will ensure the strictest domestic economy and put all classes upon a footing during the War of greater equality in their mode of living?

This subject is engaging the continuous attention of the Government. I shall be glad to consider any suggestions that the hon. Member may have to make.

asked the Prime Minister whether he or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has during the War offered British territory or territory of our Allies to any Foreign Power without first consulting the Cabinet?

The only instance in question is Cyprus, of which the offer was made in an emergency, after consultation with the heads of the Departments most concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether the cost of paying to Civil servants who have joined the Colours the difference between their military and civil pay has been included in estimating the annual cost per man to the State of £250 to£300?

The answer is in the negative, except in the case of Civil servants who have enlisted from the War Office. The charge for Civil servants is not large enough materially to affect the rough estimate which I have given to the House.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present cost of paying to Civil servants who have joined the Colours the difference between their Civil pay and 7s. a week plus the amount of separation allowance where this is paid?

The civil pay allowed to the Civil servants in the Civil and Revenue Departments who at 1st August last had joined His Majesty's Forces is at the rate of£2,500,000 a year.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state the name of the paid vice-chairman under the Military and Naval War Pensions Act; how soon he anticipates the new Committee will be nominated; and to what address can claimants send their applications and how soon?

The Military and Naval War Pensions Bill has not yet received the Royal Assent. It is hoped that the information asked for by my hon. Friend may be available shortly.

asked the Prime Minister if he will lay upon the Table of the House the Memorandum by the Secretary of State for the Colonies referred to by the right hon. Member for Dublin University in his letter resigning the office of Attorney-General?

No, Sir.

Will it not be in accordance with precedent, the right hon. Gentleman having given permission for reference to this document in the House, that it should be laid on the Table?

No, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the House an opportunity to vote upon the question, That it be an Instruction to the Kitchen Committee that the No-Treating Order now in force in other parts of London shall be observed in the House?

I am afraid it will not be possible to find an opportunity for this discussion.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many hon. Members object to this House being the only place in London where the practice of treating still continues, and will he advise how those Members can bring home their views to the Kitchen Committee if no opportunity of voting is given to them?

We have to consider the relative importance of various matters.

Does my right hon. Friend realise that exhortations to economy from that bench sound somewhat hollow so long as the Government fail to take adequate measures to prevent the enormous waste of wealth for drink?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state if any words in Clause 40 of the Finance (No. 3) Bill state if persons unable to pay sums due by them under the Excess Profits Duty are liable to imprisonment and to the seizure of their furniture or other effects; if so, which words contain such information; and, if not, will he say if such persons are or are not liable to imprisonment and (or) to the seizure of their furniture and (or) other effects?

Clause 40 (3) provides that the duty payable shall, like other revenue duties, be recoverable as a debt due to His Majesty. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware of the ordinary remedies for recovery of a Crown debt.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give directions to the Board of Inland Revenue to publish a specimen form of the statement of accounts which would be required from farmers electing to be assessed for Income Tax under Schedule D, so that they may be able to prepare their accounts in a manner acceptable to the Inland Revenue authorities?

The Inland Revenue are now considering whether they can assist farmers in this matter by providing a suitable form in which the accounts may be prepared.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the amount of money and the value of property belonging to alien enemies now in the hands of the Public Trustee; and to what purpose it is at present being put?

Money and property belonging to enemies reaching the hands of the Public Trustee falls into two separate categories:— a ) amounts to approximately£1,500,000, and is invested from time to time in securities approved by the Treasury, and the amount of cash received under ( b ) amounts to approximately£175,000, while the value of the property, apart from money, amounts to approximately£3,500,000.

All property falling within the second category is dealt with in accordance with the directions contained in the Orders of Court vesting the property, and is normally applied for the payment of the claims of British creditors of the respective enemy owners.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the scheme for allowances to dependants of sailors and soldiers, dated the 25th October, 1915, will lay upon the British taxpayers very heavy financial obligations; whether the Government intends that this scheme shall be put into operation without the assent of the House of Commons; whether the proposals and regulations contained in the scheme have received detailed consideration by the Treasury; and whether he has approved the scheme and advised the Government to adopt it?

The answers to the first, third, and fourth parts of the question are in the affirmative. The scheme has been communicated to Parliament in accordance with the pledge given to that effect.

What power does the Government possess to enable my right hon. Friend to impose these obligations on the State without any Vote in this House?

None.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that damage is being done to the roads near military camps by traction wehicles conveying war outfit; and, if no further Grants be made to local authorities by the Road Board as is proposed by Clause 41 of the Finance (No. 3) Bill, will he take steps to prevent the expense of repairing the damage from falling on the ratepayers?

Cases of damage done by military traffic to roads in the neighbourhood of camps are considered by the War Office, and steps have been taken to secure that proper contributions are made to the cost of repairs out of Army funds. Clause 41 of the Finance Bill will have no effect whatever on existing practice in this respect.

Does the undertaking of a proper proportion of expenditure by the War Office extend to the increased user of roads throughout the country owing to military operations?

I think that question should be addressed to the War Office.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the total number of police in Scotland, the number of those who have enlisted, and the number of men of military age who remain; how many of those willing to serve have not been allowed to do so; whether he intends to recommend that these men be liberated and that a larger number of special constables not of military age should be enrolled to permit the enlistment of those desiring to serve their country at the front; and, if so, whether he will arrange with the War Office that a special battalion of police officers should be formed?

The total authorised strength of county and burgh police forces in Scotland as at the 30th October, 1915, is 5,983, and of that number 1,320 have enlisted in the Army or Navy, while 175 have been called up as Reservists, making a total of approximately 25 per cent. of the Scottish police serving with the fighting Forces. In addition a number of men have been lent to the Army as drill instructors, and to the War Office and Admiralty for special duties. I have taken steps to encourage the enlistment of suitable men consistently with the maintenance of an efficient police service. In many of the forces, however, especially in the larger burghs, I am informed that further enlistment would be of doubtful expediency. I am glad to acknowledge the assistance rendered by the special constables, who have been enrolled in large numbers, but it will be understood that there is a limit to the extent to which they can act as substitutes for the regular police. As regards the formation of a special police battalion, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to him by the Home Secretary on the 3rd November.

Has any other country in the United Kingdom reduced its police force one for every 100,000 of the population, as in Scotland?

I should require some notice for a calculation of that sort, but I believe the Scottish force has done at least its share.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Lord Hunter has concluded the inquiry with regard to the increase of house rents in the Clyde area; whether he has presented an interim Report; and, if so, whether the Government has decided to take any action?

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has yet received a Report from Lord Hunter's Committee on increase of house rent; and if he can say when and what steps he proposes to take thereon?

I am informed that the Report into the facts underlying the rent agitaion in Glasgow and other industrial centres in Scotland is practically complete, and as soon as it can be circulated it will receive the careful attention of the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture the number of acres of cultivable land which is not at present being cultivated; and whether his Department is inquiring into the matter with a view to the purchase by the State of such land?

Of the 37,000,000 acres of land in England and Wales, nearly 31,000,000 acres come within the scope of the agricultural returns as being either under crops or stock, while woodlands occupy nearly 2,000,000 acres. Holdings and allotments of not more than one acre are included in the remainder, which also includes all land for residential and industrial purposes, mines, roads, railways, etc. It is impossible to state how much of this is available for cultivation. This is not a suitable time for State purchase of land on a large scale.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his Department is making any special inquiries into this subject at the present time?

It is clearly impossible to put aside large sums for the purchase of land at the present time, and I think our inquiries are in a better direction in trying to increase productivity of land now in cultivation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department making inquiries in regard to this matter at the present time?

No, Sir. We are too busy doing more useful things.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he proposes to convoke an Imperial Council in London at an early date; and in that case will he say to which parts of the Empire invitations have been issued?

asked what representatives, other than Mr. Massey and Sir J. Ward, of other overseas British possessions other than New Zealand are about to visit England in order to consult with His Majesty's Government?

I do not think that the assembling of such a conference is possible for the present, but as I have already told the House the Prime Ministers of the Dominions have been informed that His Majesty's Government would warmly welcome a visit from any or all of them, but I have no information that the representatives of any of the other Dominions have arranged to come.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether an employéof the Office of Works, who was enrolled in the Royal Naval Air Service, has been dismissed from his post, and has been refused to have made good his civil pay as promised by the Prime Minister on 10th August, 1914; whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction caused among Civil servants by this action; and whether, in taking this course, the Office of Works has been acting at the instigation of the Retrenchment Committee?

The officer in question was an unestablished draughtsman, who was discharged in accordance with his agreement on a month's notice owing to reduction of work, and not at the instigation of the Retrenchment Committee. I am not aware that dissatisfaction has been caused by this action among Civil servants. The promise of the Prime Minister does not apply to such a case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that up to the time of this gentleman being retired he was treated in all respects as other Civil servants, and he fully expected that he would have the benefit of the Prime Minister's promise?

( was understood to say ): If the hon. Member has got any further information I shall be glad to receive it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that, owing to the failure of the Admiralty transports to transmit supplies to certain regimental institutes established in connection with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, the troops using these institutes are entirely unsupplied; and whether orders will be issued to expedite supplies and to provide, if necessary, additional means of transport so that the men may not be exposed to unnecessary privation during the coming winter months?

I was not aware of the failure to transmit supplies as suggested in my hon. Friend's question. If there has been any such failure, its cause lies rather in the difficult conditions under which operations are carried out than in shortage of transports. But attention has been called to the matter both in the War Office and the Admiralty Transport, Department.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest some way in which we can-allocate the responsibility for this defect between the War Office, the Admiralty and the Post Office, all of whom have successfully repudiated it?