asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has information to the effect that several submarines are being constructed for Germany at the Royal Schelde Fabrik voor Scheehsbonn and Fezemoord yards?

No information on the subject has reached His Majesty's Government from official sources, but it has been reported in the Press that three submarines, intended for the Netherlands Navy, are to be constructed at the last-named yard. Inquiries will be made through His Majesty's Minister at The Hague.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, if there is any information which he can without objection communicate to the House regarding military operations in Central and East Africa?

This is a purely military question, to which I am not competent to give an answer.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether the British Minister at Teheran is a party to the warning given by the Russian Minister to the Persian Government that if it concludes any special agreement with Germany and Turkey the Anglo-Russian undertaking to maintain the integrity and independence of Persia will lapse?

The warning was given by the Russian Minister alone, but the British and Russian Governments are acting in complete unity in Persia, and it must be obvious that the Persian Government cannot make agreements with our enemies, who have instigated murderous attacks on our Consuls and their staffs in Persia, without risking the position of Persia.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on what grounds the Legislative Assembly of Egypt is prevented from sitting at a time when leading members desire that it should sit; who are the responsible advisers preventing the Sultan from convening the Assembly; and whether the Assembly will be convened and consulted before the offer of the Sultan to raise half a million of men to fight Turkey has been accepted?

I am not aware that responsible opinion in Egypt desires that the Legislative Assembly should be convened at the present moment, and I understand that the Sultan of Egypt has been advised by his Ministers that the convention of the Assembly would not in present circumstances be necessary. I have no information as to the offer referred to in the last part of the question.

Are those responsible advisers Egyptian or British?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs the number of outrages and offences committed by Australian Forces upon Egyptians in Egypt since the outbreak of War; whether instructions have been given not to record or report them; and, if reported, will he say by whom and when the report will be available?

On a point of Order. Before this question is answered, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, whether there is any possibility of the hon. Member being compelled to produce some evidence to prove these mischievous and unfounded allegations contained in the question?

I am afraid I have no authority to call upon hon. Members to produce evidence of the matters which they include in their questions. The hon. Member must be responsible for them.

How can we bring responsibility home to him?

On a point of Order. Does not an hon. Member make himself personally responsible for any statements he puts into a question?

Yes, that is so.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman desires the evidence upon which this question is based? [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes!"] The question has not been answered.

I have received no official information of any such outrages having been committed in Egypt.

Does the right hon. Gentleman desire to see the evidence upon, which it is based?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if Lord Haldane has been assisting in the administration of the Foreign Office; and, if so, in what capacity and since what date?

I much regret that there has been no opportunity recently of making use of the services of Lord Haldane in connection with the Foreign! Office. I should like to take this opportunity of saying that at no time has he-taken any part in work connected with the Foreign Office, either before or during the War, except with the full knowledge and consent of myself, and in important matters with the consent and authority of the Prime Minister and of those who were at the time his colleagues. I think it due to say this in view of attacks made upon him that have been based upon a contrary Assumption.

Personally, I regarded his withdrawal from the Government as a very great loss to the public service. I expressed to the Prime Minister my desire to resign also at that time, and, but for the crisis in public affairs, should have done so. If Lord Haldane's services were available for any work for which I was responsible, I should consider it in the public interest that they should be used.

Am I correct in understanding from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that in some form Lord Haldane is assisting in the administration of the Foreign Office?

My answer is perfectly explicit.

asked the Prime Minister if Lord Haldane has been assisting in the administration of the War Office; if so, in what capacity and since what date?

The answer is in the negative.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, when Lord Haldane was at the War Office, he did not render great service?

That does not arise out of the question; but I may say that he rendered inestimable service.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, having regard to the policy of extermination by which the most fertile parts of Ireland have been stripped of inhabitants and to the present necessity for increased tillage, if he will say by what statutory or other authority the Lord Lieutenant tells farmers' sons that they must enlist for the War?

No statutory or other authority is necessary to enable the Lord Lieutenant to tell young Irishmen that they should do their duty in the present crisis.

Is there no authority required for the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to tell young men that they must enlist?

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if any scheme of enlistment for the Army and Navy upon a basis of legal obligation is in preparation, so that, in the event of the present voluntary effort being insufficiently successful, the alternative method may be applied without delay; and (2) if it has been ascertained what number of men of military age are absolutely required to carry on the necessary national services, other than military, during the War; if the number of men left in the reservoir of those available for enlistment is known to the recruiting authorities; and if the margin is sufficient to supply the number of men for military service demanded by the Government?

I am not at present in a position to add to the statement which I made in the House last week.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has power to prevent men engaged on electric power stations which supply munition works with current from being recruited; and, if not, will he take immediate steps to obtain wider powers for this and other undertakings essential to munition work being carried on?

My right hon. Friend has power to issue badges to indispensable men engaged in electrical power stations supplying current for war purposes. Badges have been issued in such cases wherever application has been made.

asked if the Government will give a guarantee, or make it clear, that all single men of military age and fitness shall be enlisted either by voluntary or compulsory means before married men who express their willingness to enter for service in their proper classes are called to the Colours?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can definitely state that before any married man who has volunteered is called up means will be taken to ensure that all eligible unmarried men shall have accepted their share of the duty of military service?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister answered yesterday a written question on this subject, put by the hon. Member for North Islington, and referred him to his statement last week, to which he was not able to add anything. I am unable to add anything to this answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the lack of a plain answer to this question is impairing recruiting very much? We meet it everywhere. It is a question that is continually being put.

I will see if I can make my answer plainer than that which I have already given. I quite realise the force of what the hon. Gentleman says.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are great difficulties owing to the Tact that people outside do not know the real position, and that while married men are anxious to enlist many single men are shirking, and that the married man wants to know if he is going to be "collared, while the other chap is let off"?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of any form of conscription which secures that unmarried men shall be enlisted before married men?

That requires a rather lengthened investigation.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether Lord Lansdowne's Committee has reported on the question of the desirability or otherwise of depleting by enlistment the number of pharmacists available for dispensing for the civilian population; and whether he can now announce the decision of the Government on the subject?

The list of occupations prepared by Lord Lansdowne's Committee does not include pharmacists. Pharmacists who are indispensable in their civil employment should enlist under the Royal Warrant of the 20th October, 1915, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy. They will be placed in the group appropriate to their age and martial condition, and can return at once to their civil occupation until their group is called up. If a pharmacist or his employer claims that more time is still necessary the matter would be one for the local tribunal, who could still further postpone the date of calling up for actual military service.

Will the Government be prepared to announce to what other specialised callings this particular arrangement would apply?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will give me notice of that question.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether his attention has been called to a letter sent by Lord Derby to the Archbishop of Canterbury, in which he states that he considers that his clergy should not be called upon to enlist, but should obey those set in authority over them; and will he say whether similar deference will be shown to all members of the community who entertain objections to participation in military operations?

The correspondence in question made it clear, I think, that those actually in orders and those not in orders could not be regarded as on the same footing. The answer to the last part of the question is consequently in the negative.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade a question, of which I have given him private notice, namely: What steps have been taken to protect industry, and especially the export trade, from indiscriminate recruiting?

An Advisory Committee has been at work at the Board of Trade for some time past in preparing lists of occupations from which enlistments should be restricted, in view of the vital necessity of maintaining the trade of the country as far as possible in the present circumstances. Already a large number of trades have been examined and the lists of the occupations which should be protected in these trades have been communicated to and accepted by the War Office. These lists are being sent out to-day to representatives of the trades concerned.

Any man of military age following one of these occupations who desires to enlist will not be attested by the recruiting officer except under the condition that he continues in civil employment until he is called up for service. This arrangement has been made on the ground that the man can do better service for the nation in civil than in military employ.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland at whose instance the Irish Commissioners of National Education dismissed from service and deprived of his livelihood Mr. Jeremiah O'Connell, principal teacher of Foilmore school, near Cahirciveen, for his connection with the Irish Volunteers; what Commissioners were present when that action was agreed upon; and, the Commissioners being aware of teachers belonging to two other volunteer forces in Ireland, will he account for the difference of treatment?

The Commissioners of National Education in Ireland in dealing with Mr. Jeremiah O'Connell's connection with the Irish Volunteers' acted in accordance with their settled practice on the facts of the case being brought before them. As regards the second part of the question it is, in the opinion of the Commissioners, not desirable that the names of those present when any particular decision is arrived at should be made public. The difference in treatment referred to in the third part does not exist.

Will the hon. Gentleman say upon whose instructions the Commissioners took this action? The question is on the Paper.

I am afraid I do not know. I understand that Mr. O'Connell is reinstated, and I hope that will satisfy my hon. Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, what Irish authorities have been consulted and have con- curred in the system of commandeering hay for the Army in Westmeath, whereby some are deprived of their entire stock and forced to sell the cows and horses and dismiss the workers with which they supplied the community with the necessaries of life; and what action is to be taken to counteract orders producing these results?

The Irish authorities have not been consulted with regard to, nor have they concurred in any such system of commandeering hay for the Army as is referred to in the hon. Member's question, nor, as far as those authorities are aware, has any such system been in operation.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how it is that all the hay belonging to one particular man has been taken, and he is thus prevented from supplying the community with the necessaries of life?

I will represent what the hon. Member says to my right hon. Friend.

asked by whose direction Charles R. Wilson is now commandeering hay in Westmeath, taking all from some, and thereby forcing them to sell their cows and horses and dismiss workers wherewith they supplied the community with the necessaries of life; whether this is the method of commandeering hay in England; what Irish authorities have been consulted and have concurred in its practice in Ireland; and, if irregular, whether the orders in the form stated will be cancelled?

The hon. Member is misinformed. The purchasing officer referred to is not commandeering hay in Westmeath, and has no instructions to do so. No hay has been requisitioned in that county.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain who, on behalf of the War Office, is commandeering hay on behalf of the War Office—for it is being commandeered?

No one.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether, seeing that two-Bills are to be introduced, one for Scotland and one for England, to prohibit the raising of rents, the case of Ireland will be also considered?

If legislation is found practicable for dealing with the question of rent-raising in Great Britain, the case of Ireland will also be considered.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the owner of some small cottage property in Ranelagh Road, West Ham, has given notice to tenants that their rents will be raised from 7s. to 8s. per week; if he is aware that many other cottage property owners in all parts of the country are increasing the rents in a similar manner; if it is the intention of the Government to set up fair rent courts in accordance with the advice of the National Workmen's Housing Council; and if he can state when the Government intend dealing with the increased rent evil?

The Member has been good enough to give me further particulars of the cases referred to in the earlier part of this question, and I will communicate with him later concerning them. On the latter part of the question I can only refer to the reply I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Poplar.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, whether, as a number of young men, members of the Irish Volunteers, are being prosecuted and sent to gaol for making speeches which are endorsed by a number of Irish Nationalists, he will take steps to see that all persons arrested in Ireland under the Defence of the Realm Act will in future receive a fair trial by a jury of their own countrymen?

By the Defence of the Realm Act the determination as to whether offences against the Regulations under the Act can adequately be dealt with by a Court of Summary Jurisdiction or should be tried by a jury is left to the military authorities, and the Chief Secretary has not power to control their discretion in the matter.

Why is trial by jury abolished in dealing with the Irish Volunteers?

I am afraid I must ask for notice of that question. My hon. Friend will notice that it is a matter for the military authorities and not for my right hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of' State for the Colonies if he is aware that at the beginning of the War the chief lead-producing companies in Australia, with a view to relieving the industry from German domination, raised a large capital sum for the development of local smelting and offered the whole of their refined output to the Imperial Government upon terms to be fixed by the War Office; if this offer was accepted; and if the Imperial Government are taking any steps to support the retention of this trade in British hands after the conclusion of the War?

I understand that capital was raised for the purpose indicated, but no offer of the kind referred to was made through the Colonial Office. The position of the Australian base metal industry at the end of the War is under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether the recent circulars of the Local Government Board calling the attention of public bodies to the desirability of economy were intended to apply to insurance committees; if so, whether any estimate of economies in response to these suggestions have been received from insurance committees; if so, to what figure do they amount; whether such economies are being accompanied by a marked curtailment of sanatorium and other treatment of tuberculosis; and, if so, whether it is in contemplation to continue the full charge for these benefits to assured parties, notwithstanding the partial cessation of tuberculosis benefits under the Act?

The Local Government Board do not supervise the administration of insurance committees, but the Insurance Commissioners have been careful to scrutinise the administrative expenditure of the committees from the point of view of economy. No administrative economies could, however, affect the amount of the funds available for the treatment of insured persons suffering from tuberculosis. These funds are provided by Statute, and there is no foundation whatever for the misleading statements, to which publicity has recently been given, that the provision of these funds is in danger of cessation. Apart from the temporary diminution in the income of insurance committees due to enlistment, the position of insured persons who apply for sanatorium benefit has not in any way been altered to their detriment in consequence of war conditions.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that in London alone there are hundreds upon the waiting list, and that the body which he represents is recommending a reduction of beds?

As I told the hon. Member yesterday, the number of persons in London on the waiting list for treatment in residential institutions is 210. It is not the case that the Insurance Commissioners have done more than recommend the proper classification of applicants for the different forms of sanatorium treatment, which is now rendered possible by the institution of a general scheme of dispensary treatment in London.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that many experienced workers in the approved societies are publicly making suggestions with the object of effecting large economies in the working of the National Insurance Act; and whether, as chairman of the Retrenchment Committee, he has decided to confine the evidence taken on this subject to Government officials?

It is open to anyone to write to the Retrenchment Committee on the subject of economies in Civil expenditure. In most cases oral evidence would probably be unnecessary, but it has not been decided to hear the evidence of Government officials only.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if the date of valuation of the approved societies has yet been fixed; if he is aware that different societies have had widely different sickness experience; and what steps are the Commissioners taking to allay the anxiety felt by certain societies about their position owing to the effect of the War on their membership?

As regards the first two parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on the 14th and 26th ultimo. I am not at present in a position to add anything further, but I hope I may be able to make a statement before long. I may remind the hon. Member, in reference to the views attributed by him to approved societies in the concluding part of the question, that substantial advantages were secured to societies by the amending Act of 1915.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the arrangement which he made in July with London coal merchants with reference to the prices charged to consumers for coal is being adhereed to; and if the Board of Trade will publish official prices for various classes of coal which should rule in the different districts of London under this arrangement?

I have no reason to suppose that the coal merchants who accepted this arrangement are not loyally observing it. I do not think it would be practicable to publish maximum retail prices for the several districts in view of the difference of qualities, pit-head prices and railway rates.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the arrangement made in May, 1915, between the President of the Board of Trade and the principal coal merchants in and about London for a limitation of the profits to be made by them from the sale of house hold coal during the summer months has been continued for the autumn and winter; whether he can state the substance of this arrangement; and whether, seeing that it is important that the public should know the names of the merchants who have entered into this arrangement, he will take steps to give publicity to the list of such merchants, which was issued as a Parliamentary Paper on 16th September last, whether by posting such list up in public places or otherwise?

The arrangement in question is being continued till further notice. It provided for the addition of not more than 7s. 6d. per ton to the cost of coal to the merchant at the depot, or 9s. 6d. in the case of coal sold from trolleys. The Board of Trade have recently agreed to the addition of 6d. to these amounts to cover further proved increases in the costs of distribution. I will consider whether it is necessary to publish in any other way the list of merchants who have accepted the arrangement, but it may be purchased at the present time for a penny.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that it is really to the interest of the poorer consumers to know what coal merchants have entered into the arrangement?

I have chosen the most convenient and, I thought, the cheapest form of publicity. If the hon. and learned Gentleman can suggest some other method of letting it be more widely known, I will consider it.

May not the arrangement be interfered with by the alleged shortness of supplies?

No; so far as the price is concerned, I hope there will be no change in the arrangement. We are giving full consideration to more abundant supplies being brought to London, and we hope to get over the difficulty.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all grades of railwaymen are entitled to the war bonus, and on the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway it has been paid to all grades of men ecept station foremen, yard foremen, and foremen shunters; if so, can he say why an exception has been made in the case of these men, and will he see that these men are paid the war bonus?

The question of the grades of railway men who receive a war bonus is one for the railway companies. I will, however, ask for the observations of the managing committee of the South-Eastern and Chatham Railway on the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, and will let him know the result.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of inventors who have sent in proposals to the Board of Inventions and the number of inventions accepted by the Board; whether it is the practice to invite inventors to attend before the Board to explain the details of their proposals; and if it is the practice to return drawings or models to persons whose proposals have not been favourably considered?

Proposals have been received from something like 8,000 inventors, many of whom have sent in several different proposals. I scarcely think it would be desirable to state the number which have been accepted; but, as is to be expected, the proportion of possibly useful inventions is small. In all cases where it is found that the proposals may be of value inventors are invited to attend and explain their inventions, and in such cases where the inventors have small means and make the request expenses are paid to enable them to attend. Models are returned in all cases where requested. Drawings and descriptions are not returned except in special cases. This is provided for in the form sent to each inventor on receipt of his first communication.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he had received representations from the Deptford and other Metropolitan borough councils urging that, in place of issuing regulations regarding the lighting of the streets and business premises, more strenuous and effective measures might be adopted whereby the enemy's aircraft may be prevented from getting beyond the coast and raiding our towns and cities; and whether he is in a position to give the citizens of London and elsewhere some assurances upon the subject?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the various answers already given by my right hon. Friend the First Lord on the subject. As he has indicated, the whole question of the defence of London against enemy aircraft is the subject of the closest attention.

Can the right hon. Gentleman confirm the statement appearing in to-day's papers about the building of larger airships?

I do not know to what the hon. Gentleman refers.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now lay Papers respecting the loss of the three cruisers of the "Cressy" class in the North Sea last September?

I should have been glad to comply with the hon. and gallant Gentleman's request, if for no other reason, because I think the Papers would entirely dispose of much erroneous and ill-informed criticism passed upon the late First Lord of the Admiralty in connection with the loss of the three cruisers. After full reflection, however, I am convinced that it would not be in the interests of the public service to lay Papers on particular incidents connected with the War at the present time. If Papers are laid in connection with one incident, they can hardly be refused in connection with another; and I cannot think that any useful purpose would be served by a discussion on the personal questions which would thus be raised.

Is it not to the public advantage that a distinguished Member of the Cabinet should be relieved from the odium of the sort of accusation which has been made against him with regard to the sinking of these three cruisers during the last six months?

I cannot anticipate the answer which the First Lord himself will doubtless give to a question of a similar character which my hon. and gallant Friend has on the Paper for next Wednesday.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some months ago I invited the late First Lord of the Admiralty to make a statement on the subject and he said he had nothing to say?

I dare say that may be so.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the twenty-seven German trawlers captured and brought into Grimsby are being utilised by his Department for any purpose whatever; and, if so, whether that use prevents the necessity of commandeering the few Granton trawlers now remaining that are supplying cheap food for the Glasgow and Clyde districts?

I am afraid that I cannot add anything to my previous reply to my hon. Friend on 28th. October.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that certain boards of guardians have been experimenting with new dietary, and even in cases where the dinners have been approved by the medical officers as nourishing and enjoyed by the inmates of the workhouses, and where a new variety has been added, at the same time resulting in substantial economy, his Board has prohibited the change; and if this decision has been the result of red tape or, if not, why have the changes been prohibited?

The hon. Member has been good enough to inform me of the union which he has in mind. I find that no objection has been taken to any of the proposals made by the guardians of that union for alterations of dietary.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the number of men of military age who registered themselves as engaged in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of intoxicating liquors on 15th August last?

The classification adopted for the National Register does not enable me to give the figure desired.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps, if any, the Government will take to protect young Irish men and women travellers from the insults and jeers of a number of Englishmen who stay at home and receive good wages, wages denied to the agricultural classes of Ireland owing to the Government not insisting on the arable land of the country being cultivated and thus provide employment for those Irishmen who have to seek a living in a foreign but friendly country; and, as Ireland has been drained of over half its population by emigration, which was allowed to continue up to the present year without any protest or any attempt to stop it by England or the English people, he will state whether the Cunard Company acted on Government instructions, or if the Government has sanctioned their action in refusing to allow Irishmen to sail to a neutral country; and if they will be allowed to sail on future occasions without being molested?

The reply to the first point is that any protection which may be necessary will be given by the local police. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to replies to questions on this subject yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that, whereas the Cunard Company have issued a notice to the effect that they cannot accept bookings for America of British subjects who are fit and eligible for military service, and refused to allow a number of such emigrants to sail on Saturday last, some 200 young Irishmen, mainly agricultural labourers, left Glasgow by the Anchor Line for New York on Saturday; and whether, in view of the national importance of keeping young men in this country who are needed for agriculture and other essential trades, as well as for the military defence of the country, he will issue instructions to prevent emigration at the present time of men of military age, and not leave it to the individual initiative of the different steamship companies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by the Home Secretary yesterday. I understand he is preparing to make a further statement on Tuesday.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the answer to which he refers me of the comparison of normal or average rates of emigration have little, if any, bearing upon the question I asked?

asked the Home Secretary the number of undesirables expelled from this country during the last three months?

No such figures can well be given. In view of the policy of repatriation it has not been necessary to determine that an alien was "undesirable" before requiring him to leave this country. On the other hand, there are a number of undesirable aliens who could not, in the interest of this country, be returned to Germany, and who have therefore been interned here.

asked the Home Secretary the number of German civilians now interned in this country, the number of additions during the past three months, and the number of appeals for liberation approved in the same period?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Brentford Division on 28th October. The number of German civilians now interned is 26,679.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Press Bureau refused to pass for publication in the British Press until 6th November the news of the sinking of the transport "Ramazan," although it had permitted a cable announcing the fact to pass through London for publication in the American Press of 29th September; and, if so, will he state the policy governing this action?

No, Sir. The true facts were explained yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the very different views taken by Metropolitan police magistrates in dealing with cases of excessive lights under the lighting regulations brought before them, in certain Courts a fine of 2s. 6d. or 5s. being imposed, whilst at another Court fines of £10, £15, and £20 is imposed on comparatively poor persons for similar offences; and will he take into consideration the remittance of these heavier fines in cases where it is impossible for the person to find the money?

I will, of course, consider any representations that may be made to me with proper particulars of any case in which the punishment imposed is alleged to be excessive, but I may say at once that the fact that some benches have imposed very light fines for offences of this description does not of itself afford sufficient ground for the exercise of the prerogative in other cases where the fines have been heavier. The amount of the fine must depend in part on the character and circumstances of the offence, but it ought also to depend, as my hon. Friend suggests, on the means of the defendant and the pecuniary sacrifice necessary for him to pay it.

asked the Prime Minister if, with a view to encouraging local authorities and private individuals to exercise economy during the War, he will have collated from the several Civil Departments of the Government Reports showing in detail the economies being effected by them, and publish a summary of the financial results of these Government savings?

No, Sir; I do not think that the compilation suggested would afford any useful guidance to local authorities or individuals.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to introduce the Bill providing for the avoidance of a General Election during the continuance of the War?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for North Somerset.

asked the Prime Minister whether the life of the present Parliament ends on 1st January or 31st January, 1916?

31st January, 1916.

asked the Prime Minister if he could inform the House why the Government arranged to have the official announcement of the decision of the Cabinet with regard to extending the life of the present Parliament made by a member of the Cabinet in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 3rd November, when the same information was withheld from the House of Commons on the previous day?

I assumed it was common knowledge that the Government were contemplating proposals for extending the life of the present Parliament, and no more than that was said by my Noble Friend Lord Lansdowne in the House of Lords. I added that I could not make a statement as to the form that those proposals will take. They are still under consideration and will in due course be introduced into this House.

In view of what is happening, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he intends to proceed shortly with the reform of the House of Lords?

No, Sir, not at this moment.

In view of the recent debates there, does the right hon. Gentleman not think it urgent?

asked the Prime Minister if he is taking into consideration the appropriateness of providing a permanent memorial to those Members of both Houses of Parliament who have fallen, or who may fall, in the service of their country in the course of the present War?

I am obliged to my hon. Friend for his suggestion, but I am sure he will understand that the time has not yet come when we can arrive at decisions as to the commemoration of those who have fallen in the War.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is yet possible to lay Papers respecting the Antwerp Expedition?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer already given him by the First Lord of the Admiralty, which is pertinent in this case also. I regret that it is not possible to lay Papers on this subject during the continuance of the War.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether his right hon. colleague is to continue to labour during the rest of this War under' the accusations brought forward by Mr. Thomas Gibson Bowles and others?

I think my right hon. Friend may well treat with a good deal of indifference allegations of that kind. He has a good record, which will be amply justified when the whole story is known.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) why the allowance of 16s. per week payable by the Post Office to the dependants of Private William Maher, No. 21,489, Dublin Fusiliers, formerly postman at Abbeyleix, Queen's County, Ireland, who enlisted last May, was first reduced to 8s. 11d. per week, then to 6s. 6d., and finally stopped; (2) why Private William Maher, No. 21,489, 1st Battalion Dublin Fusiliers, now serving at the Dardanelles, and who prior to his enlistment last May was employed as a postman at Abbeyleix, Queen's County, Ireland, has not received any war bonus in respect of his employment as postman; and whether postmen who have voluntarily joined the Colours will be paid the war bonus?

I am having inquiry made in the matter, and I will communicate with the hon. Member at an early date.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has received a communication from a large firm of engineers and Government contractors offering to enter into an agreement under which they would undertake to handle the whole of the news traffic of the country at last year's rates and consequently enable the Government to avoid the necessity of raising the charges on Press telegrams, and also undertaking to do the work more expeditiously than it is done at present; if he will state whether the offer in question was made at his request; and if he has any explanation to give in reply to the suggestion contained in the offer, namely, that the loss in his Department on news telegrams has been due to inefficiency and wasteful expenditure?

I have received an offer from a firm of telegraph instrument makers on the lines referred to. It was not made at my request, and it is not practicable to accept it. With respect to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to my speech on the Second Reading of the Postal and Telegraph Rates Bill.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists amongst the skilled employés of Messrs. Clement Talbot, Limited, motor engineers, Acton, owing to the fact that they are kept employed on a large proportion of private work and are so prevented from producing munitions; whether he can say what efforts have been made to persuade this firm to dilute their skilled labour with unskilled men; what number of war munition volunteers have been enrolled amongst their employés; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been called to the matter, which is now being considered by the Ministry in consultation with the War Office. Thirteen of the men employed by this firm have enrolled as War Munition Volunteers.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether it has been proposed to take over the Royal Albert Home at Belvedere; is he aware that of the ninety-two inmates one is ninety-two years of age, fifteen between eighty and ninety; forty between seventy and eighty, and the remainder between sixty-three and seventy; and will he consider the inadvisability of disturbing these old people, many of whom are in bad health and can only be removed at great risk, and obtain other premises in which to house munition workers?

In view of the very great congestion in the Belvedere district, it has been found necessary to make use of the Royal Albert Home for the housing of munition workers. The authorities of the Home are satisfied with the arrangements made to provide other accommodation for the inmates, and every endeavour will be made to reduce to a minimum the inconveniences to them caused by the transfer.

Will the greatest precaution be taken in moving these very old people, or something serious will happen to them?

Yes; that has already been done, and the arrangements made have apparently met with the full approval of the authorities of the Home.

asked the Minister of Munitions, with regard to munition workers who have enlisted for six months, whether the period of enlistment dates from the first day on which the enlisted worker commenced work at a munitions establishment; whether, if the War is still in progress when the enlistment period ends, the enlisted worker will be asked to enlist again for another period, and, if so, for how long; and whether, if further enlistment is asked for, the workers concerned will be allowed the opportunity to change, if they desire to do so, to another establishment for the period of their further enlistment?

The undertaking signed by War Munition volunteers is to accept employment on making munitions of war in such controlled establishments as may be named by the Minister, and to remain in such employment during the War for so long as required (not exceeding six months in all), subject to the conditions set out on the form of enrolment. It will be seen that the period of six months dates from the day when the workman first took up work in a controlled establishment named by the Minister. The form of enrolment provides for the possibility of inviting the workman to enrol for a further period at the end of the first period, but my right hon. Friend is not now prepared to state what in that event would be the precise terms upon which re-enlistment would be made.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether a circular was issued in August by the Local Government Board of Scotland advising local authorities to curtail expenditure on parks, recreation grounds, libraries, street lighting, and other objects, with the object of reducing local rates in view of the increased Imperial taxation due to the War; if so, will he say how many local authorities responded to that circular by reduction of their rates; and will he give the names; of the local authorities, if any, that have increased their local rates, notwithstanding the appeal of his Department?

Following an earlier circular dealing with another aspect of the same subject, the circular referred to was issued in August to some 2,000 local authorities throughout Scotland rating for all kinds of local purposes, including those specified by my hon. Friend. I could not give a detailed reply on the points suggested without the issue of a further circular asking for specific information, and I do not think the time for such action has yet arrived.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know whether his circular has had any effect at all in Scotland?

We must give a little time. We cannot tell in the following week whether the circular has been effective in reducing the rates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say how long he desires before he expects to see the effect?

I think the time when the usual statistics of the rates are out.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether persons such as medical and other officers of institutions receiving residential, boarding, and laundry allowances as part of their pay are taxed for Income Tax purposes on the actual salary paid to them, and that these allowances are not treated as part of their income, whilst non-resident officials of the same institutions are taxed on their full salary?

The officers referred to would be liable to Income Tax in respect of all pecuniary emoluments of their office, but not in respect of allowances in kind not convertible into money.

asked whether a farmer whose rent includes tithe will be entitled to deduct the amount of the tithe in order to arrive at his assessment under Schedule B?

No, Sir. Income Tax, Schedule B, is chargeable by reference to full annual value, which is not affected by any question of the division of that value between the landlord and the tithe owner.

asked whether he is aware that at present a considerable number of weekly wage earners are assessed for Income Tax by the General Commissioners; whether he can state, approximately, the number of such wage earners; whether any serious defects have been discovered in this mode of assessment of such wage earners; and whether, under the provisions of the Finance (No. 3) Bill as they now stand, the assessment of the weekly wage earners, who have hitherto been assessed by the General Commissioners, will in future be made by the General Commissioners or by the surveyor of taxes?

Employés hitherto in assessment have mainly belonged to the salaried class, and have been assessed either by Departmental Commissioners, Special Commissioners, or General Commissioners, according to the circumstances of the case. The reduction of the exemption limit will render liable to the charge very large numbers of manual wage earners for whose benefit quarterly assessment and collection have been devised, and the assessment by the surveyor of taxes will be subject to appeal to the General Commissioners.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the first part of my question, whether a considerable number of weekly wage earners are assessed by the General Commissioners?

Yes, I have answered it. I have referred to the class of weekly wage earners—that is to say, the class mentioned by my hon. Friend in his question. The classes hitherto assessed have mainly belonged to the salaried classes. There have been no doubt a certain number of wage earners.

Could the right hon. Gentleman give an approximate estimate of the number of weekly wage earners so assessed?

If I can do so I will gladly get the figures for my hon. Friend.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of his repeated statements that the financial situation of this country is serious, he will issue an appeal to all classes to practise the utmost economy?

The need to practise economy to which my hon. Friend refers is most urgent. Financial considerations in war are necessarily of the gravest importance, and the restriction of wasteful and unnecessary expenditure is imperative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make the appeal as suggested, so that the matter may be brought to the notice of all parties?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the appeal has been issued, and I hope that all classes of the community will take note of the urgency of the appeal.

Has the right hon. Gentleman ever heard the saying that example is better than precept?

Yes, and I am endeavouring to act up to it.

asked whether the refusal of the Treasury Committee to sanction the issue of shares by Barclay's Bank to enable it to carry out the amalgamation with the United Counties Bank was in order to prevent the diversion of funds otherwise available for the subscription of war loans; and, if not, on what grounds was the sanction refused?

As a large amount of the information on which the Committee's decisions are based is confidential, I am not prepared to state the particular reasons which have led to a decision in any individual case.

asked what date it is intended that the pensions to dependants of deceased sailors and soldiers under the scales proposed by the scheme of the 25th October, 1915, shall commence to be paid; whether the authority of the House of Commons will be obtained for such payments before they are made; and, if so, on what occasion and under what form such authority will be asked for?

The express authority of Parliament is not necessary to enable the scheme to be put in force. The Order in Council and Royal Warrant have not yet been issued, and for the present the separation allowances paid to dependants (other than wives and children) of soldiers during their life-time are being continued at the rates of prior dependence, subject to the maxima set out in the scheme.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he received a letter dated the 4th August, 1915, from John J. Bryne, Pentre, Glamorgan, detailing the case of his brother Lance-Corporal P. J. Bryne, No. 2864, Irish Guards, who, after serving with the Colours for some time, was discharged as medically unfit, having contracted consumption whilst on service; and whether, taking into consideration Byrne's previous service in the Army before rejoining after the outbreak of the War, he will receive a pension or some allowance from the Army funds?

Yes, Sir. The letter was received and a reply sent by the Secretary of Chelsea Hospital on the 24th of that month, explaining that, as his disability was not attributable to military service, he was not eligible for pension from Army funds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, respecting Gunner Robert V. Walmsley, No. 792, East Lancashire Royal Field Artillery, killed in the Dardanelles, and whose mother is a widow, if she is entitled to a pension or an allowance in consequence of her son's death?

No, Sir. I have ascertained that as the mother was not dependent upon her son, a pension cannot be granted.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the present practice of refusing to grant separation allowance to parents of young soldiers who have left their work as apprentices in order to enlist, many of whom were nearly approaching the end of their term of apprenticeship when they enlisted, and would soon have been earning journeyman's wages, whilst, on the other hand, parents of young soldiers who have profited by allowing their sons to earn comparatively-high wages in blind-alley occupations are granted separation allowance, penalises parents who have made great sacrifices for their children's welfare; and, if so, what he intends to do in the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on this subject to the hon. Member for Falkirk Burghs on the 26th October, to which I am unable to add anything.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether veterinary officers of the Territorial Force holding lieutenants' commissions will, at the expiration of twelve months' service, be promoted to the rank of temporary captain in the same way as veterinary officers in the New Armies are now promoted?

I have some hope that this may be possible, but I cannot give any pledge.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the officers' mess of some regiments it is the practice to make standing arrangements to share equally among the officers the cost of wine, etc., used at mess, and also in some cases the practice to have periodical guest nights when the dinner expenses of all guests are shared equally among the officers; and whether, in view of the fact that many officers at the present time are unable to afford such expenses and that the cost of such arrangements is a burden which it is invidious for an individual officer to object to, steps will be taken immediately to put an end to such an arrangement or any arrangements of a similar kind?

I have no information that practices such as that described in the question exist. If they exist, I can only say that they are contrary to the King's Regulations. It is only in the case of regimental entertainments, duly authorised by the General Officer Commanding, that the sharing of the expense amongst the officers is allowed, and in that case the shares are assessed according to rank. If the hon. Gentleman has a specific case in mind, perhaps he will kindly furnish me with it.

asked whether, in the recent advance on Loos, the London Irish captured five field guns; whether any of these guns are being exhibited, and, if so, are notices attached to these guns stating that they were taken by the London Irish; and whether arrangements will be made that guns captured by Irish regiments will be exhibited in Ireland?

The War Office have no information as to any gun having been captured by the London Irish. As regards the exhibition of the guns captured, I informed the House on the 9th November of the arrangements made. I may add that a proportion of the guns have been ordered to be sent to Ireland.

Am I right in assuming from the statement of the right hon. Gentleman that the War Office has no information about the capture of these guns by the London Irish; that what he means is that there is no statement to that effect in the official report of the General Officer Commanding at the front? Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to doubt that the statements which have been published in various authentic quarters as to the capture of these guns and the gallantry of the Irish regiments generally are true? And is it in the interests of the country that the gallant achievements of particular regiments should be suppressed?

My hon. and learned Friend is correct in the first supposition that he has put forward. I have no reason, on the other hand, to suppose that the capture of these guns was not made by the London Irish. I believe that it is so, though I have not received any authentic information such as that which has been hinted at by the hon. and learned Gentleman. With regard to policy generally, I must say that I think it very desirable that gallant deeds should be made known.

Will the War Office take some steps to let generals in the field understand that these things ought not to be suppressed in the case of any regiment?

Yes, Sir.

If I show the right hon. Gentleman a letter on the subject, will he ask the General Officer Commanding whether the statements made in that letter are true or false?

Yes. If my hon. Friend will be so good, I shall be glad to do what he suggests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability, in view of the shortage of medical officers for the Army, of transferring the greater part of the administrative work of the Army Medical Department and Royal Army Medical Corps to laymen, and appointing laymen for administrative purposes to the commissioned ranks of the Royal Army Medical Corps?

I am afraid I cannot accept the principle which underlies my hen. Friend's question The work of the administrative officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps is technical work, and requires a special education and experience. It cannot, I think, be performed by laymen.

Can my right hon. Friend say how many doctors have been employed in this manner during the period of the War?

Of course, I cannot answer that offhand. A large number of the higher officials of the Royal Army Medical Corps are engaged in military work.

A large number of doctors are engaged in purely clerical work?

I am very doubtful about that. If my hon. Friend will put down a question I will inquire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he can state whether any decision has been arrived at with regard to the extension of the war bonus to the messengers and porters employed in the different War Departments; and, if not, can he say when a decision may be expected; and (2) when it is proposed to give the war bonus to the men in civil employment at the Military Hospital, Devonport?

It has been decided to give a war bonus to men at the out-stations. The amount and the application to individual classes will be announced next week.