asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, when the Foreign Office first heard of the possibility of trouble in Southern Persia; whether Persian reinforcements were sent to Hamadan in October to protect the Russians and British; and whether similar steps were taken with regard to Shiraz, where the British Consul has now been seized?

The conditions prevailing in Southern Persia have for several years been such as to admit of the perpetration of isolated acts of brigandage and revolt, but it was not till this spring that His Majesty's Government received direct evidence that these elements of disorder were being organised and encouraged by German agents in defiance of the Persian Government.

The only regular Persian force available at the time for the restoration of order in the provinces was, apart from the gendarmerie, the Cossack Brigade at Tehran, amounting in all to some 2,500 men.

A detachment of this brigade was sent to Hamadan in October, but the Persian Government were unable still further to denude the capital by detailing other detachments for the more remote provincial centres. There was no force that could be sent to Shiraz.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the area of un-tenanted and non-residential grazing land in Meath, Westmeath, King's County, and Kildare, respectively, released from grazing and distributed in accordance with the Land Acts during the last three months in pursuance of the policy of increasing food production, and the area in each of those counties to be similarly released and distributed in the next three months?

I am informed that the Estates Commissioners did not distribute any untenanted land situate in the counties mentioned during the last three months, and that they expect to distribute 50 acres in Meath, 335 in Westmeath, and 300 in King's County during the next three months.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if any change has been made in the object of the Irish Volunteers; if so, will he say what it is; and, if none, will he say on what grounds, by whose direction, and on what authority the police and Civil departments of government in Ireland are now treating the Irish Volunteers as an illegal organisation?

I am not aware that there has been any change in the objects or treatment of that section of the Volunteers in Ireland who have seceded from the National Volunteers under the direction of the Irish Parliamentary leaders, have called themselves the "Irish Volunteers," and have, under the guidance of their committee, endeavoured to obstruct recruiting and to foment disloyalty in Ireland.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that "Irish Volunteers" is the name of an organisation originally formed, the object of which he read in this House without disapproval? Does not that object still hold good?

No, Sir. They have since behaved in such a manner that they are endeavouring, as I have said, to obstruct recruiting and foment disloyalty. That was not stated to be one of their objects.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any evidence for that assertion other than the inventions of his own subordinates?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the date and nature of the communication from Dublin Castle, in pursuance of which the Resident Commissioner of National Education in Ireland, without the authority of the Board, called upon Mr. O'Connell, teacher of Foilemore National School, Cahirciveen, to sever his connection with the Irish Volunteers, under pain of dismissal; whether he will specify the rule, if any, violated by Mr. O'Connell and the rule, if any, empowering the Resident Commissioner to deprive him of his living for that cause; and, seeing that meetings of the Board are convened by direction of the Resident Commissioner, by what method is a meeting of the Board to be convened to consider the Resident Commissioner's conduct in that case?

I am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that the action in the case of Mr. O'Connell, teacher of Foilemore National School, Cahirciveen, was taken by order of the Board at one of their ordinary meetings, and not by direction of the Resident Commissioner. Rule 88 ( a ) of the Commissioners' Code states that "teachers are not permitted to be members of any association tending to impair their usefulness as teachers," and the Board have decided that organisations of such a nature as that of which Mr. O'Connell was a member come under the scope of this Regulation. It is incorrect to state that the meetings of the Board are convened by the Resident Commissioner. The ordinary meetings of the Board are held regularly on definite fixed dates, but special meetings of the Board may be convened by direction of the Resident Commissioner as necessity may arise.

The right hon. Gentleman has not given me the date and nature of the communication from Dublin Castle to the Resident Commissioner.

I know nothing about it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?

Certainly.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there are several thousand men in the Royal Irish Constabulary of military age who have had a semi-military training; whether, when a member of this force joins the Army, he forfeits his police pay; whether a postman or Civil servant, though without any kind of military training, who joins the Army receives his full pay minus the Army pay; whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails amongst the Royal Irish Constabulary at the attitude of the authorities towards them about enlisting; and if he will make representations to the proper authorities to allow members of this force to join the Army as freely as other men in the public service, and on as good terms as to rank, pay and allowances?

As I informed the hon. Member for the City of Kilkenny on the 15th November, there are 6,268 men of military age in the Royal Irish Constabulary, and they are highly disciplined. The financial terms offered to members of the force upon enlistment in the Army are regulated by Statute, and were stated in my reply to the hon. Member for the Connemara Division of Galway on the 22nd November. The civil pay of a Civil servant who enlists in the Army is abated by the amount of any separation allowance paid in respect of him as well as of his Army pay. I am not aware that the attitude of the authorities towards enlistment gives any reasonable ground for dissatisfaction amongst the Royal Irish Constabulary, who may now enlist freely and on as favourable financial terms as the police of London and elsewhere.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that enlisted men are being brought back to serve in His Majesty's dockyards who were not previously working in these yards; and, if it be necessary to replenish the shops in this way, will he explain how the country is served by men now working in the shops being asked to leave their work for the purpose of enlistment?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the suggestion in the second part of my hon. Friend's question, it is not correct to say that dockyard workmen are being asked to leave their work for service in the military forces. The position is as stated in my reply to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Chatham on Tuesday, namely, that workmen in His Majesty's dockyards and naval establishments, who are eligible for recruitment, are now at liberty to enlist, under Lord Derby's scheme, for immediate transfer to the Reserve, it being understood that they will not be withdrawn for military duties unless and until their services can be spared by the Admiralty.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the notice recently circulated in His Majesty's dockyards with regard to the recruiting of workmen under Lord Derby's scheme; can he say whether the circular includes established men; and, if so, will he explain how in the altered circumstances the services of these men are to be at the disposal of the Admiralty in accordance with the contract signed respectively by the men and by representatives on the part of the Admiralty?

The notice referred to in the first part of my hon. Friend's question has been issued by authority, and its contents are well known. The notice applies to all workmen, and established men are not excluded. The terms of the notice indicate that the men will not be drawn from their dockyard employment for military service unless and until the Admiralty are able to dispense with them. In the event of permission being given for established workmen to be called up for active military service, such men, as a matter of course, will be released from their obligations as dockyard workmen whilst they are serving with the military forces.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what would happen in the case of the pensions of these men—pensions to which they have contributed—in the event of the men being killed or incapacitated?

In the event of the men being incapacitated they would continue in the service, and in time come back to the dockyard. There would be no variation there. I should like to have notice of the question as to the men killed. I imagine their widows would become eligible for pensions under the Act.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the men themselves have contributed to the pension? What will become of the money they have contributed?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Assistant-Postmaster-General whether he is aware that in some cases postmen employed in letter carrying who have expressed willingness to enlist have been refused leave to attend for attestation till after the New Year's postal traffic is over; and whether, having regard to the effect of this on ascertaining the true results of Lord Derby's recruiting scheme, he will give directions that such leave be given?

Any cases of this kind which have occurred have been due to local misapprehension. It is my right hon. Friend's wish that all postmen who are willing to enlist should present themselves for immediate attestation under Lord Derby's scheme. Arrangements have already been made that they shall not be called up till after Christmas. Further instructions were issued on Tuesday last to make the matter quite clear.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the possibility of allowing members of the staff of the Foreign Office and of the Diplomatic and Consular Services to enlist?

His Majesty's Government regard it as essential in the national interest that the members of the staff of the Foreign Office and of the Diplomatic and Consular Services should remain at their posts and, even if of eligible age, should not join His Majesty's Forces. The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has therefore informed the members of the staff of the Foreign Office and Diplomatic and Consular Services that they are not permitted to offer themselves for military or naval service.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether it is the intention to recruit headmasters of schools who may be of military age; whether he is aware that, if the headmasters enlist, this would in some cases nave serious consequence to the schools; and will he therefore say whether it is the intention to canvass these men, seeing that at the present time they have charge of the training; of boys who may later on be called for military service?

I agree that in some cases the calling up of headmasters would be prejudicial to the public service, and possibly the military service, but I have no reason to believe that the machinery of the; Local Tribunals and Local Advisory Committees will prove ineffective. The Board of Education have recently issued a. circular relating to the arrangements for dealing with appeals in respect of teachers which have been made with the approval of the Director-General of Recruiting.

asked the Under-Secretary for War what proportion of the men of military age in each of the Departments of State have joined the Forces during the War and, if any, what steps are being taken to release men of military age in Government offices; and will he say what steps are being taken, if any, to get men from the Forces who are needed in the workshops?

The first part of the question should be addressed to my right, hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury. The answer to the second part is that men asked for by the Ministry of Munitions are being released, as far as they can be spared by the Army, for employment on the production of munitions of war.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if it is proposed to reprimand Captain Milne, of the Post Office Rifles, for a speech delivered by him within the building of the Controller's Office, London Telephone Service, on Thursday, 21st October last, in which he stated that with regard to Conscription the opinion has been expressed to him by responsible persons who, he-understood, would assist in drafting the Conscript Bill, that the Civil pay of Civil servants would not be paid to conscripts; that the Deputy-Chairman of the House of Commons was of that opinion; the conscripts would receive bad treatment at the hands of volunteers he felt certain, as he was basing his opinions on the tone of the fellows at present in the Post Office Rifles; and that he further said that he would pity conscripts who came under his personal command; and whether the War Office will issue some general statement deprecating such statements as the above at recruiting meetings in view of their effect upon recruiting?

I am at a loss to know how my hon. Friend obtained the information contained in the question, since Captain Milne was speaking privately in a private place and, if he expressed his personal opinion with considerable freedom, that in itself is not an offence. I would add that his remarks were made in answer to questions addressed to him, and not on his own initiative. I think too much attention has been directed to this matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if persons offering themselves for enlistment under Lord Derby's scheme are in all cases required to be vaccinated; if volunteers have been refused because they would not submit to vaccination; and whether men volunteering under Lord Derby's scheme can choose to join a Territorial regiment if they wish to do so?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no specific information in the sense of the second part of the question, but it is possible that certain men offering themselves have stated that they were unwilling to be vaccinated, and have in consequence been told that they could not be attested. As regards the last part of the question, if a man on being attested on the group system expresses a desire to join the Territorial Force when called up, his attestation papers are marked to this effect; although no promise can be given, his wishes will be met if it is possible to do so.

asked the Secretary for Scotland the number of houses of £21 a year rental and under in Glasgow?

I understand that the number of houses under £21 is 198,405.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information since the Report?

This information was given, together with the total number of houses in Glasgow, in the Report of the Committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether steps will be taken to provide men who have been discharged from naval service during the War on medical grounds with an armlet or other badge; and, if so, whether he can give any information as to the arrangements for issue?

The matter has been under consideration, and instructions will be issued shortly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the reason for the discrimination between dental surgeons in the service of the Admiralty, whereby those employed afloat are given commissions and those ashore are not given commissions, although the qualifications and duties of the two classes are identical; whether under Lord Derby's scheme of recruiting for the Army dental surgeons employed ashore by the Admiralty are held to be indispensable, and are not eligible for enlistment; and whether, especially in view of the odium now attaching to men of military age not apparently in the public service, he will remedy the inequality between the two classes of dental surgeons mentioned by giving commissions to all alike, whether employed afloat or ashore?

There are obvious differences in the conditions of service of dental surgeons at sea and those serving ashore, and the claims of the latter were fully considered in arriving at the decision not to grant them commissions. The services of dental surgeons employed on shore are indispensable, and in view of this they have been granted the Admiralty war service badge, and will in due course be given a special certificate stating that their services cannot be spared and that it is their duty to remain at their present posts.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether naval ratings on leave usually receive an extra 8½d. per day for subsistence allowance; whether men on leave through sickness or wounds do not receive the extra allowance; and if he will explain the reason the latter do not get the extra pay?

Naval ratings granted long leave are entitled to an allowance of 8½d. per diem in lieu of Service victualling, and any men sent on leave as a result of sickness, etc., would be similarly treated. If my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be happy to have it inquired into if he will let me know the details.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Advisory Committee of three shipping experts, having now undertaken to requisition steamers to convey food supplies in addition to advising in the working of the 6,000,000 tons of mercantile marine to the greatest advantage, His Majesty's Government will strengthen the Committee for its task by the addition of four more shipping experts and give them some measure of executive power under proper conditions?

As regards Admiralty transport work and the services rendered by its Advisory Committee, I have already taken occasion to express our sense of obligation to that Committee for the services it has rendered, pointing out at the same time that the number had been increased from three to four by the addition of Mr. F. C. Gardiner.

We are always ready to avail ourselves of the opinions and suggestions of shipping experts, and my hon. Friend's suggestion that, for the purposes of advising the Admiralty Transport Department— particularly in view of the new duties placed upon them as members of the Requisitioning Committee—additions should be made to the membership of the Advisory Committee, shall certainly be taken into consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether midshipmen who entered Osborne in January, 1909, have been promoted acting sublieutenants without examination; whether those who entered Osborne one term later—namely, in May, 1909—are now required to pass examinations, notwithstanding the fact that since August, 1914, it has been impossible for them to carry on their studies; and, if so, will he say upon what considerations the distinction between these two sets of midshipmen is based?

The answers to the first and second parts of the question are in the affirmative, but the examination to be held is in the nature of a test only, in order to ensure that an officer has the requisite knowledge for performing the duties of a sub-lieutenant. As regards the third part of the question, the test examination has been introduced in the interests of the Service after full consultation with officers serving afloat.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty how many tons of German East African sisal hemp were seized on board the steamship "Emir" and sold by order of the Prize Court, the price per ton realised, and the date of the sale?

1,497 tons, 18 cwts., 12 lbs. net, of hemp and hemp tow were sold on 27th March, under the direction of the Oversea Prize Disposal Committee, in consequence of an order of the Gibraltar Prize Court. The Committee instructed Messrs. Churchill and Sim, general brokers to the Admiralty Marshal. I understand that Messrs. Churchill and Sim employed as expert brokers Messrs. Bastone and Firminger; and I am in- formed that, owing to the congestion in the Port of London, it was necessary to sell ex ship's side. A number of merchants concerned in the hemp trade were approached, but declined to consider so large a transaction, with the exception of Messrs. Landauer and Co., to whom the goods were sold tale quale as they lay in the ship's holds, with a guarantee of removal within ten days, without any allowance for damage or guarantee as to proportion of tow. The price realised for the hemp was £33 10s. per ton, which, I am advised, was equal to about £35 per ton stored in the docks and sold in the usual way. That figure, I am advised, was reasonable for hemp of this quality, having regard to the conditions of sale and to the market price at the time. The hemp tow fetched £18 10s. a ton.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if for many weeks coal has been sold from trolleys in the Charlton, London district, at 2s. per hundredweight to small consumers and that the price has now risen to 2s. 1d.; and if, in view of the difficulty of working people economising when the cost of living is continually increasing in the manner indicated, he will inquire into the reason of the extra charge on coal?

I will have inquiry made and communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if six girls have been reduced in wages and status for joining a trade union by the Great Central Railway Company; and, if so, whether, in view of the effect of such action on the part of the company on enlistment under Lord Derby's scheme, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I have received a complaint in this matter, and I understand that the railway company have no objection to their clerks joining a trade union except those employed in confidential positions at their head offices.

Is it suggested that these girls are employed in confidential positions?

I believe that is the fact.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the practice of the superintendents of Labour Exchanges with regard to guaranteeing persons recommended by them to employers; has the practice his sanction or any express authority; is he aware that such guarantees have been given in respect of alien enemies; and, if so, does he propose that the practice should continue, or what steps will he take to put an end to the practice of a British official recommending and guaranteeing in any particular any enemy alien during the present War?

It is not the practice of Labour Exchanges to give any guarantee with regard to workpeople submitted by them to employers, although, of course, every effort is made to ensure that only suitable applicants are submitted. Special restrictions as regards placing enemy aliens in employment by the Labour Exchanges were laid down at the beginning of the War. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of the cases he has in mind, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether British firms who have German partners or shareholders are anxious to have no further business relations with Germans; and will he seek powers from this House giving British firms the same right which many limited companies in this country have, under their articles of association, of buying out undesirable shareholders, to buy up the interest or shares held by such Germans, a fair price to be settled under rules made by the Courts, the proceeds to be deposited with the Public Trustee or Public Custodian?

My right hon. Friend has considered this proposal, which seeks to deal with a problem of serious difficulty, but, as at present advised, he is not prepared to initiate legislation on these lines to give effect to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the London Emery Works Company absolutely belong to the Vereinigte Schmirgel und Maschinen Fabrik, in Hainholz, Hanover, and that this company was formed here to take its supplies from the German company and brand them as British for sale in the Colonies; whether he has informed the War Office, Admiralty, and India Office that there are all-British firms in Sheffield capable of doing this Government work; why this German firm is preferred to British firms by His Majesty's Government; and (2) if he will make inquiries why all British companies on the War Office and Admiralty lists, and other Government Departments, who manufacture grinding wheels, have received few orders while Sheffield firms can supply these wheels at a less price and of better quality than German firms; and why this preference is given to the London Emery Company, the British Abrasive Wheel Company, Limited, and the United Vincit Company, Limited, which are German owned, controlled, and managed by Germans in part or whole?

As my hon. Friend was informed on the 17th November, the London Emery Works Company, Limited, is a branch of the German firm referred to in the first question, and a supervisor of the business has been appointed. I have no knowledge as to the distribution of orders given by Government Departments to this or to the other firms mentioned, and I must refer my hon. Friend to the Ministers responsible for the Departments concerned for information on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he intends to bring in any legislation to suspend the operation of the Patent Acts with regard to the duration of patents, so as to meet the case of manufacturers of patent articles who are unable to continue the manufacture during the War, owing to their works being occupied for Government purposes, who in the absence of any provision would lose part of the period of exclusive right granted them under the Patent Acts?

As at present advised, my right hon. Friend is not prepared to introduce legislation for the purpose indicated in the question.

Will the Board be able, by administrative Order or otherwise, to deal with this question without legislation?

That question may arise later on, but I cannot give any undertaking on the subject.

asked the Minister of Munitions (1) whether he has. observed that Lord d'Abernon has permitted public use to be made of the fact that it was on the repeated request of the Ministry of Munitions that the new Drink Closing Order had been applied to-the Metropolis; that it had not been demanded by the military authorities; whether he will exactly specify in what part of the Metropolis the drunken or drink-soaking working men whose inefficiency had interfered with the production of munitions were to be found; and (2) if he is aware that three responsible public-men were permitted to examine the evidence in possession of the Board-of Control (Liquor Traffic) upon which the new Order was based for London; that the secretary of the London Trades Council, the secretary of the Working Men's Club and Institute Union, and the secretary of the London Protest Committee have declared that the evidence does not justify the application of the new Order to London; and whether he will publish the full evidence in possession of the Board of Control?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer these questions. I am not aware that the chairman of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) has permitted any public use to be made of the different communications which took place between the Ministry of Munitions and the Board with regard to the London Order. The Minister of Munitions is of opinion that the application of the new Order was necessary in the interests of the successful prosecution of the War and approved the Order which was submitted to him by the Board. The Central Control Board were glad to be able to comply with the request of the three gentlemen referred to in the second question, who examined a portion of the available evidence, but their opinion cannot be set against the considered judgment of the Central Control Board, which was arrived at after long deliberation and personal examination of the facts by both members and officers. I am not aware that any such objectionable suggestion as that conveyed in the latter part of the hon. Member's first question was ever made by any person or body whatsoever.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the name of trade unionists is being used in opposition to this Order without the authority of the unions and in contradiction to the unions' views?

I have seen that officers of trade unions have dissociated themselves from certain statements which have been made.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the scheme of Treasury control over Admiralty and War Office expenditure, as set forth in the Treasury Minutes of 8th December, 1914, 29th January, 1915, and 29th March, 1915, is in force in regard to the Ministry of Munitions; and whether, in accordance with the Treasury Minute of 20th August, 1914, periodical forecasts of expenditure out of Votes of Credit in respect of munitions are submitted to the Treasury?

The rules in force as between the Treasury and the War Office are as an interim arrangement being applied to the Ministry of Munitions, pending the formulation of definite arrangements as between the Treasury and the Ministry, which it is hoped will be completed at an early date. The Minutes referred to in the question are being acted upon under the interim arrangement, and will be specifically applied by the new scheme. The answer to the last part of the is in the affirmative.

Are we to understand that the control of the Treasury over the Munitions Department will be at least as close and strong as that exercised over the War Office and the Admiralty?

I hope to make it so, but I am not sure that the control over any Department is at present as strong as possibly the House of Commons would wish it to be.

Is there any check at all upon the expenditure of the Munitions Department other than the economic instincts of those who are managing the Department?

Are there any economic instincts at all in these personages?

I think that question, should be addressed to my hon. Friend next to me (Dr. Addison).

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Kitchener will on his return resume his duties as Minister for War; and, if so, whether he will be a member of the War Council formed of Members of the Cabinet?

Lord Kitchener has resumed his duties at the War Office, and he is attending the meetings, of the War Committee of the Cabinet in his capacity as Secretary of State for War.

Is he a member of the War Council?

Yes, of course he is.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the House rises for the Christmas Recess, an opportunity will be given to debate the military and diplomatic dispositions which have led to the present state of affairs in Serbia and the neighbouring parts of the Near East?

I will consider, but I can give no undertaking.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to consider that the situation in Serbia is becoming worse and worse and, in addition to certain moral aspects of the situation, there is the question of the continual detriment in the military situation?

All these things have been most carefully considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can explain the delay which has occurred in introducing the Parliament and Registration Bill; whether, when its introduction was announced for the 23rd November, its proposals had been submitted to and approved by the Cabinet; and whether the promise will now be renewed that ample time for the discussion and consideration of this Bill will be given in this House?

The delay was due to the necessity for giving the fullest consideration to a somewhat difficult problem. My promise with regard to time does not need renewal.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered the suggestions forwarded to him by the Member for North-East Bethnal Green for enabling representative members of the French Chamber of Deputies and Members of the British House of Commons to meet for the purpose of promoting the interests of the two countries with respect to present and after-war conditions; and whether he is prepared to give facilities in the direction indicated?

My hon. Friend's suggestions involve considerations that call for a good deal of inquiry, and I am afraid that I cannot give an answer to the last part of his question today.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view of preventing wasteful expenditure, His Majesty's Government will appoint a small committee of financial and commercial experts to review, week by week, the expenditure in connection with the Army, Navy, and the Ministry of Munitions, and to report thereon to the Committee of the Cabinet charged with the conduct of the War?

His Majesty's Government are giving close and continuous attention to this matter, and the necessary steps are being taken to secure the objects which my hon. Friend has in view.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the War Census Act of the Commonwealth of Australia, which provides for the ascertainment of the capital value of all land, stock, shares, machinery, and other assets situated in Australia, whether held by corporations, firms, or individuals, resident or non-resident in the Commonwealth; and whether, with a view to the imposition of a War Tax upon capital in the United Kingdom, he will consider the desirability of providing for the taking of a similar census of the wealth of Great Britain and Ireland?

In the present circumstances the Government think that a fair valuation of capital for the purpose of a War Tax is hardly practicable.

asked the Prime Minister if he will direct the Ministers of all Departments of the State who are trading with German-owned firms or firms where Germans own a majority of the shares of any company to lay upon the Table particulars showing the names of all such companies and of their shareholders?

I have no evidence which would lead me to believe that such a Return would serve a useful purpose, but I am quite ready to consider any information which my hon. Friend may wish to produce in support of his suggestions?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with reference to the question of taxing at source the profits of co-operative societies, whether satisfactory proof exists that it would be necessary to repay much the greater part of the sum collected to the members who are said to be exempt, since no return of members is made to the registrar; and whether he will issue trial papers to householders who are members of two or three large co-operative societies, in order to test the estimate made by traders that between 40 and 50 per cent. of such members are liable to Income Tax?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the numerous answers which I have already given on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the Lord Provost of Dundee refuses his consent to the publication of the correspondence which has taken place between himself and the Treasury, in connection with the new City Hall, at Dundee, he will make the correspondence public on his own responsibility or that of the Treasry; and whether, in view of the necessity for national economy, he will state the attitude of the Treasury in regard to such municipal undertakings, not only at Dundee but throughout the country generally?

I am afraid I am unable to publish private correspondence without the consent of those concerned. I remain of opinion that it is contrary to the public interest that public works, such as the new City Hall at Dundee, should be proceeded with during the War.

Does the right hon. Gentleman also consider that the case of the new County Hall across the Thames for London comes under the same censure?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the relations between the Sugar Commission and Messrs. Tolme and Runge; whether he is aware that Herman Runge recently stated at a sugar meeting that his son was still a partner in the firm; how many members of this firm are of alien enemy origin; whether Richard Runge is living in Hamburg and has a son fighting in the German Army; and will he explain why he does not transact the business of His Majesty's Government with persons or firms who are of British origin and which are British owned?

No relations exist between the Sugar Commission and Messrs. Tolme and Runge except that Messrs. Tolme and Runge have, in the ordinary course of trade, made offers of sugar from time to time to the Commission on behalf of foreign sellers, from some of which business has resulted. This firm has had no relations with the Commission other than that of the kind established between the Commission and other firms of sugar brokers doing a similar business. The statement attributed to Mr. Herman, Runge is an accurate statement of fact. Mr. Julius Grunge is a member of the firm in question, although as the House has already been informed, he has retired for the period of his engagement by the Commission from any active participation in the business of his firm. The firm in question is British, and no member of the firm is of alien enemy origin. Mr. Richard Runge is not, and has not been since the outbreak of war, a partner, nor has he had any interest in the firm of Tolme and Runge. The last part of the question assumes a state of fact which is not true.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Foreign Office will apply to have the camp at Ruhleben put under English control on the same principle as the German internment camps in this country are under the control of German committees?

I was informed by the United States Ambassador on the 18th October that the camp at Ruhleben had been placed under the control of the prisoners interned there. Mr. Page's Note containing this information was published in the Press on the 27th October.

Will application be made for all other internment camps for British prisoners in Germany to be put on the same principle of control as German internment camps in this country, which are under the control of German committees?

There are very few civilian prisoners in Germany, except at Ruhleben. If the military prisoners are referred to, efforts will be made in the direction recommended.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has observed that a substantial decline has taken place in the price of certain great articles of consumption, including sugar, and that there is discontent as well as national loss and inconvenience being caused owing to the restrictions imposed by the Government in order to maintain its control on the distribution of this article; and whether, as the main causes which led the Government to adopt this course at the commencement of the War have now ceased to operate, he can see his way to announce that the import of sugar with any necessary restrictions as to its origin will be allowed freely to all merchants from some early date?

I am not aware that any discontent, loss or inconvenience, has arisen in connection with the maintenance of the prohibition on the import of sugar, and the Government are not at present prepared to relax existing restrictions.

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer remember that every extra penny in the price of sugar represents a tax of £14,000,000 per annum on the people, and will he not therefore relax the prohibition of import so that every possible relief may be obtained?

I believe at this moment, apart from the tax, sugar is being sold in this country at ½d. a pound less than it could be sold if it were bought in the open market. The advantage of not freeing it is that we have been able to make purchases ahead at a far lower price than the outside world could have done, with the result that it is sold here ½d. a pound cheaper than anywhere else in the world.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he could state the total number of casualties on the western front at Loos, or in the vicinity, during the last three months; how far the advanced line has been extended beyond the position occupied three months ago; and (2) whether he could state the total number of casualties, killed, wounded, or missing, of the Australian troops in the Gallipoli Peninsula since their arrival; and whether he can state how far their advance line extends beyond the furthest point occupied by them a week after their arrival?

It is, of course, very undesirable to state, even if it would be possible to do so at all within the limits of a question, the exact position of the lines now held at the two points in question. The casualties on the whole of the West Front, so far as British, Canadian, and Indian troops are concerned, during the period mentioned, amount to approximately 95,000 of all ranks. In the Gallipoli Peninsula the Australians (as distinct from the New Zealand Forces) have sustained approximately 25,000 casualties since their arrival.

Does not the answer of the right hon. Gentleman imply in the high conduct of this War some cardinal defect which ought to be remedied?

asked the Undersecretary for War whether his attention has been directed to the case of Private R. Armstrong, who joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers ten months ago and was recently discharged from the Service on medical grounds; whether he is aware that this soldier was sent under escort from Netley for the purpose of being placed in Maybole poorhouse; that he was taken under warrant to the poorhouse and indignantly refused to enter the same, desiring to be taken to his wife and four children in Sheffield; that the escort then disclaimed further responsibility and left the soldier, who had only 2s. 6d. between him and want; and that a doctor who examined the man said that there was nothing wrong with him mentally and that he was suffering from nervous debility; whether the authorities will make efforts to find this man and afford him free travelling facilities to his wife at Sheffield; and whether steps will be taken to prevent anything similar happening to other soldiers?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to this case. Private Armstrong, who had ten months' service, including six weeks in France, of which three were spent in hospital, was admitted to Netley on the 29th October. On being brought before the Invaliding Medical Board he was pronounced to be suffering from general paralysis of the insane, and recommended for discharge. His wife was communicated with and stated that her circumstances made it difficult for her to have her husband home, as she was living in a small cottage with one bedroom, had four young children, and nothing to live upon but her allowance. There was, consequently, no other course but to send Armstrong to a union, and he was accordingly sent to Maybole. He could not have been sent to the Sheffield Union on account of his not having made any settlement there; and moreover, since he had been attested, his wife had removed from Sheffield to an address in Derbyshire. As regards the latter parts of the question, the sum given to Armstrong was 6s. 6d., which was considered sufficient, as he was going to an institution where he would, of course, be maintained. I am not aware that he had been pronounced by a doctor to be suffering from nervous debility only, and, as I have already indicated, it is not practicable to send him to his wife. I am, however, having further inquiries made regarding this case.

asked the Undersecretary for War if he would give figures showing how many wholly disabled and how many partially disabled soldiers have been discharged from the hospitals up to the present time; approximately, in what numbers disabled men are at present being discharged per month; how many situations, or opportunities for industrial or agricultural training, have so far been provided for partially disabled men; and whether the number of openings is likely to keep pace with the number of applicants?

I am unable to give the figures asked for in the first part of the question. By arrangement with the Board of Trade men discharged from the Army are invited to register at the Labour Exchange nearest their place of residence if they desire assistance in obtaining employment. Large numbers of men so registered have been placed in employment through this agency. Indeed, I am informed that at the present time the openings for partially disabled discharged soldiers, either in situations or in institutions where training is given, are in excess of the number of men available to fill them. My hon. Friend will be aware that under the provisions of the Naval and Military War Pensions Act one of the functions of the statutory Committee will be to make provisions for the care of disabled officers and men after they have left the Service, including provision for their health, training, and employment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Committee will be set up?

That does not depend upon me. I cannot give any date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of revenue derived from the increases in the Income Tax over the rates specified in Sections 2 and 4 of the Finance Act of 1914 from the pay of soldiers and sailors serving in the armed forces of the Crown?

The estimate asked for by the hon. Member may be put at £825,000 for a full year.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether time-expired men in the Army are obliged to continue service without regard to any circumstances which would entitle them to be discharged?

No, Sir; no man is obliged to continue in the Service without regard to the terms upon which he enlisted.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he is aware that Private M'Adams, of the Poplar and Stepney Rifles, was, whilst attending to his wife, who was seriously ill, arrested by the police on the charge of being an absentee; that he was taken to the local police station and at four o'clock in the morning sent by rail to the quarters of his battalion; whether he is aware that M'Adams was sent back to his home in the East End and found his wife dead; and will he explain why this man was arrested and upon whose orders the arrest was carried out?

I am obtaining an official report on this case.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that ex-clerks who have joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and whose vacated posts have been filled up by women are being employed to a considerable extent instead of charwomen in British hospitals; and if he will make sure that there are no charwomen available for charing work in hospitals before he allows this double exchange of work between men and women to be carried any further?

If men of the Royal Army Medical Corps are employed on charing work in hospitals at home, this is in order that they may have experience of the work they will be required to do when they are employed in hospitals abroad. It is regarded as a necessary part of their training.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he is aware that a number of Territorial Force battalions who had taken the Imperial Service obligation were, on the outbreak of war, sent to India to release men of the Regular Army and enable them to proceed to the seat of war; and whether, seeing that these men enlisted for the express purpose of fighting the enemy and that they have now had upwards of fourteen months' training, it is proposed to enable them to proceed to one of the areas in which the War is going on, and for their places in India to be taken by less efficient troops?

I understand that the desire of the Territorial Force battalions in question to proceed to an actual seat of war has, in the case of several of the battalions, been already gratified. As regards the remainder, I am afraid I cannot give the hon. Gentleman any pledge, although I fully realise the desire of all our troops who are not at actual theatres of war to be sent to such theatres.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he is now in a position to announce that the same rate of pay and the same regulations as to promotion will be granted to veterinary surgeons holding commissions in the Territorial Force as are granted to those holding commissions in the New Army; and whether he will explain why, owing to the present differentiation of treatment in the two branches of the Service, veterinary surgeons in the New Army have quite recently received promotion to captain's rank after one year's service, regardless of their professional experience, whereas veterinary surgeons in the Territorial Army are ineligible for promotion till they have served five years?

I regret I am not yet in a position to make a further statement, but hope a decision will very shortly be reached.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this question has been asked since last June, and that every day men are being, in the opinion of many concerned, unjustly promoted over the heads of others owing to this unfair preference?

I am doing everything I can to expedite a decision.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware of the number of trained Territorial cadets, naval and military, who have enlisted in the fighting Forces previous to and since the outbreak of the War; whether he can see his way to the establishment of municipal cadet battalions affiliated to Regular or Territorial units for working lads between the ages of fourteen and seventeen; whether there is now at the War Office any member of the staff whose special duty it is to supervise cadet corps; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of making an appointment for that purpose?

I believe that between the dates of the inspections in 1913 and the 31st December, 1914, somewhat more than 8,500 cadets, naval, Territorial, and military, had joined His Majesty's Forces. The suggestion made in the second part of the question has been on several occasions brought before the Army Council, but it is not considered necessary to make any alteration in the present cadet organisation. Provision already exists at the War Office for the supervision of cadet corps.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether he is aware that the arrangements made with the Insurance Commissioners for the sanatorium treatment of soldiers discharged from the Army suffering from tuberculosis are proving inadequate and unsatisfactory in practice, inasmuch as accommodation in a sanatorium is only available for comparatively few of such patients on discharge from hospital, those few being, as a rule, the least serious cases; and whether he will take immediate steps to provide sanatorium treatment for all soldiers and ex-soldiers invalided from active service with tubercular disease, in the interest alike of the men and their families and of the health of the nation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I explained to the hon. Member the special arrangements made for these cases in my reply to him on the 25th ultimo; and I am not aware of any cases referred to the Commissioners by the military authorities under these arrangements for which residential accommodation has not been secured without delay. I have already intimated to the hon. Member that I shall be glad to inquire into any particular case which he has in mind.

asked the Undersecretary for War if it is the practice under War Office regulations to discharge immediately from the Army men who are pronounced to be suffering from tubercular disease; if he is aware that in some cases the discharge from the Army takes effect when the men are in a dying condition, occasioning distress to the men and their families, and that the War Office refuses even to provide burial in such cases; if he is aware that, in consequence of men being discharged as soon as they are pronounced to be suffering from tubercular disease and being then obliged to give up their uniforms, the governors of the Brompton Hospital have had to appeal to the public for gifts of warm clothing for military patients; and whether he will institute more generous treatment for men who have contracted tuberculosis in the service of their country?

No soldier suffering from tuberculosis is under the regulations discharged from a military hospital unless he is fit to travel and in a fit condition for sanatorium treatment. When so discharged they are civilians and, as was explained in answer to my hon. Friend on the 24th November, arrangements for their care are made by the National Health Insurance Commissioners. In the great majority of cases it is not the fact that the disease was due to military service. On discharge a man gives up his uniform and receives a suit of civilian clothes or an allowance in cash.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that men of the kind indicated are coming upon the funds of approved societies all over the country in increasing numbers?

I was not aware of that.

Has the hon. Gentleman observed that part of the question which deals with warm clothing? The answer only says that they are provided with a suit of civilian clothes?

They give up their uniform and get civilian clothes instead of it.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, under Regulations of the War Office, Artillery officers who were officers in the Regular Army before the War are no longer eligible as aides-decamp and only to a limited extent as adjutants of Artillery brigades; if so, whether this is because it is recognised that the services of such officers are all required for more important work in the batteries; and, if so, whether it is the intention of the War Office to discontinue the higher pay now given to officers on the Staff which was based on the possession of superior qualifications which are not now a condition of Staff employment?

Although officers of the Regular Artillery are still eligible as aides-decamp, such an appointment would be quite exceptional. These officers are also eligible to act as adjutants. Every officer of over three years' service in the Artillery is now eligible to be promoted temporary captain to command a battery if he is recommended as suitable for such work. As regards the latter part of the question, rates of Staff pay are of general application and have no special reference to the rates paid to officers of the Royal Artillery.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether the authorities have yet decided on a steel helmet for the protection of soldiers going into action; whether all soldiers going into action will be provided with these; whether the French or German pattern has been followed; and whether surgeons have been consulted as to the best shape to protect the skull from fracture, scientific authorities as to the form of helmet most likely to receive bullets at an angle favourable to the wearer, and as to the best kind of steel for the purpose?

Not only have the proper authorities concerned adopted a pattern of steel helmet, but, as I have on many occasions stated, large quantities have already been sent out and are still being sent out. The scale of supply will be that recommended by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief. There has been no slavish adherence to any existing pattern of helmet, but the authorities, surgical and other, mentioned in the last two parts of the question, have been consulted on the various points mentioned by my hon. Friend.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether British soldiers going into action are provided with any forms of armour protecting vital parts of the body from rifle bullets or bayonet thrusts; if not, whether the matter is still under consideration; and whether he is aware that a large body of scientific opinion believes that the provision of such armour would considerably reduce the number of vital wounds received by our soldiers and consequently the number of those killed or dying of wounds?

Steel shields to protect the vital parts of the body have been designed and tested, but the difficulty has been to devise a shield which is not too heavy for a soldier to carry and yet possesses sufficient power to resist penetration. Trials and experiments with various patterns are being carried out. The patterns largely advertised are not up to the standard which could be of any practical value.

asked whether Territorial soldiers whose term of enlistment expired during the first year of the War have all been free to leave the Service and have in certain cases exercised such freedom; whether, under the Bill recently introduced by him, he proposes to withdraw such freedom and to compel Territorial soldiers to continue in the Service till the expiration of the War; and whether, seeing that the effect of such an Act will be to break the State's undertaking given to these men when they enlisted and to treat these men with less consideration than other men who have as yet given no service to the State and are allowed to volunteer under Lord Derby's scheme and, if of mature years, to go into a late group which possibly may never be called up, he will reconsider the desirability of proceeding with this Bill?

My hon. Friend is, I think, referring to the Military Service Bill which stands upon the Paper for Second Reading. As at present advised the Government do not intend to proceed with this Bill, but I shall not move that the Order for the Second Reading be discharged until it has been possible to reach a conclusion as to the success or otherwise of Lord Derby's scheme.

asked whether men who are relieved from active service and sent home through illness or wounds are being sent to workhouse infirmaries and receive about half of the usual rate of pay; and if it is intended to give such men a sufficient allowance or pension in order that they may maintain themselves in comfort and decency?

A certain number of Poor Law institutions have been taken over by the War Office and converted into military hospitals, but the soldiers treated in them are in the same position as the patients in any other military hospital. The latter part of the hon. Member's question does not therefore arise.

asked whether a new commercial expert has been appointed as Controller of Contracts in place of Sir George Gibb, who resigned, or whether the control has reverted to those who possessed it prior to the appointment of Sir George Gibb?

The making of contracts is centred now, as it was while Sir George Gibb was at the War Office, in the Director of Army Contracts. The present Director was appointed since the outbreak of war, on the strong recommendation of the President of the Board of Trade, as possessing wide knowledge of the manufacturing industries of the country. The function of supervision for which Sir George Gibb was appointed, at a time of great stress, has now reverted to the Financial Secretary. I would remind my hon. Friend that at the time of Sir George Gibb's appointment the War Office had not been relieved of the very heavy contract work connected with munitions. The pressure is now less extreme.

asked whether those responsible for the over-buying of khaki and the forcing up of the cost of materials and khaki are still entrusted with the conduct of this business?

There is no evidence to show that the purchases of the War Department have caused subsequent rises in the cost of materials and khaki. The purchases in question were made after a careful review of the probable requirements of both British and Allied Forces and upon the advice of a number of the leading business experts in the country. The experts included a wool broker, a spinner, two manufacturers, and two merchants.

Will my hon. Friend have an investigation made into the whole of this business?

That is constantly engaging my attention.

asked whether the accumulated arrears representing the difference between the weekly sum allowed under an affiliation order and the sum legally deducted from a soldier's pay for the maintenance of an illegitimate child, in cases where the first-mentioned sum is the larger, is paid out of the soldier's effects, or in any other way if the soldier is killed in action or dies of wounds or disease; and whether there is any provision made in the special report on naval and military pensions and grants for the maintenance of illegitimate children previously dependent on contributions made under affiliation orders?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative except that under Scottish Law the father's estate would be liable. The question of pensions for illegitimate children depends on circumstances, which will be for the consideration of the Statutory Committee now in course of formation.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether His Majesty's Government has any information regarding the dispatch by Germans from Shanghai to India of proclamations, purporting to be signed by the Sultan of Turkey, calling on Indian Mahomedans to join in a holy war against the Allies?

No official information has been received on this subject.

asked whether in war time a further sum of £267,000 is being this year spent in carrying on the work of building the new capital in Delhi; and, if so, whether under the circumstances this sum could be reduced?

Before the War the normal expenditure on new Delhi was taken at £666,000 a year. In the Budget for the current year provision to the extent of £267,000 only was made, and this was stated to be the lowest amount required to carry on work actually in progress and obviate the deterioration of plant and disbanding of establishment.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a meeting of the Union of Democratic Control was broken up on the 29th ultimo, by an organised attack by soldiers and others provided with forged tickets; that for several days beforehand articles appeared in the "Daily Express" inciting to violence; and that the writer of the articles took a leading part in breaking up the meeting; and whether any steps will be taken by the Government to prevent the continuance of such incitements to lawlessness?

I have received a report on this matter from the City Police. It appears that the opposition to the meeting was so strong that the promoters did not persist in it. Police were in attendance, but they were not called on to deal with any breach of the peace. Articles on the subject of the meeting appeared in the "Daily Express," but do not appear to contain any incitement to violence. The police will, of course, do what the law requires of them to preserve order; but I cannot promise any special facilities.

Is it not very undesirable and contrary to Regulations that soldiers wearing His Majesty's uniform should be invited and organised in bands to lead the mob in acts of violence?

It is very undesirable for anybody to be invited to lead anybody to acts of violence. As regards the Army, of course the question is one of discipline, and, naturally, it should be addressed to the War Office.

I will put it down for Monday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that these soldiers were called on to lead the mob?

I have no information as to that at all.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that forged tickets were issued in large numbers to these soldiers?

No, I am not aware.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received complaints that a London daily paper has repeatedly published incitements against the Union of Democratic Control and exhortations calculated to-lead to breaches of the peace, which have in fact occurred; whether he is aware that this paper is under the direction and control of a gentleman of alien origin named Blumenfield; and whether inquiries; will be made, or have already been made, into the nationality, character, and antecedents of Mr. Blumenfield?

I have dealt with the first point in my reply to the previous question. As regards Mr. Blumenfield, he was by birth a citizen of the United States. He came to this country in 1898, and was naturalised in 1907. The inquiries made at the time of his naturalisation were satisfactory as regards his character, and I have no reason to think there is any occasion for further inquiry.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this German has published a. book entitled "An Exile in England," showing clearly that he has not accepted this country fully as his country?

I was not aware of the fact; but even if the fact be as stated, I do not think that action would be necessary.

I thought that we had to be very careful about people with German names at this time.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Caxton Hall, Westminster, and other similar buildings owned by municipalities licensed for music and dancing, are able to let their halls to persons who wish to hold private parties, who may send in their own wines, spirits, etc., and remain on the premises until three or four o'clock a.m.; and whether, having regard to the Defence of the Realm Act and the recently passed Clubs Act, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his question on the 4th November. I do not think there is any action for me to take in the matter under the Acts mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the total number of prison officers in England and Wales; how many have enlisted in the Navy and Army; how many of these have been killed or died of wounds; whether he is aware that the Prison Commissioners have strongly commended the depleted staffs of prisons for their sacrifice of annual leave and cheerful performance of extra duties; and will he cancel Standing Orders 711 and 713, which deprive prison officers of their right of free meeting and joint discussion of their grievances and conditions of service, and place them on the same basis as their fellow Civil servants in the Post Office?

The total number of male officers at present in the service is 2,739. Six hundred and seventeen are known to have enlisted, or their services have been lent to the Army or Navy. Of these, 34 have been killed or died of wounds. In addition to the 617, many more have been given permission to enlist, but reports of actual enlistment have not yet been received. It would not have been possible to allow so many enlistments had there not been a great falling-off in the prison population. On 28th July, 1914, the total population was 17,747. It is now only 11,149. The prison warders form a disciplined force, whose position corresponds more nearly to the Army, Navy, or Police, than to the ordinary Civil Service. The Standing Orders have been carefully considered and allow the warders ample opportunities of putting their views before the authorities, and I concur with my predecessors in thinking that these Standing Orders are right in the public interest and should be maintained.

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the question of the exemption of firemen in certain localities from enlistment in the Army; whether he is aware that general fire brigade work can for the most part be carried out by men over military age and that substitutes for firemen can be readily trained in from two to three months, the ordinary recruit course of the larger brigades occupying about six weeks; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will take steps to indicate to local authorities the advisability of promptly training a sufficient number of substitutes so that the enlistment of firemen may be encouraged and should not result in an unnecessary depletion of the staffs of local fire brigades?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether he has considered the grave danger in cities like Bradford and other densely populated places of substituting an untrained staff of slow, old men in place of the young, athletic, active, thoroughly trained men who are now members of fire brigades?

The comparison between men of different ages rather depends on the different cases. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers to questions on this subject given by the Under-Secretary of State for War on the 10th and 17th November. I understand the arrangement mentioned in those answers applies only to permanent firemen employed solely on fire brigade duty, and therefore the number affected, outside the London area, would appear to be very small. In London a large number of volunteers have already been trained, and I have no doubt other authorities will be ready to follow this example if they have not already done so. In reference to the point raised by the hon. Member for Bradford, the distinction to which he points is certainly one which is kept in mind in making any possible arrangements for substitution.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the serious position in which cleansing departments of local authorities are being placed by the depletion of labour for the collection and disposal of household refuse, including the contents of privies and middens; and whether he will take steps to ensure that an essential minimum number are retained, so as to prevent the outbreak of epidemics arising from insanitary conditions?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It is obvious that a certain staff is necessary for the performance of essential sanitary work. If men engaged on this work, who cannot be replaced, are attested under the new recruiting scheme a claim should be made before the local tribunal for their relegation to later groups. This procedure is not, however, applicable to the case of men who resign their places under the local authority to enlist or take up other work.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many students matriculated in the National University, Ireland, in each of the years 1913, 1914, and 1915; how many of these students in each year were admited on the certificate of the Commissioners of Intermediate Education; and how many passed the university's own matriculation examination?

I am informed that the numbers of students matriculated in the National University of Ireland in 1913, 1914, and 1915 were 562, 694, and 743 respectively. Of these 107, 150, and 131 respectively matriculated on the results of the senior grade intermediate examination alone, and 453, 536, and 605 respectively matriculated by passing the university matriculation examination. The latter category includes a small proportion who matriculated on the results of the senior grade intermediate examination combined with the results of the university examination.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many officers and members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are able to speak Irish and how many of such Irish-speaking officers and men are serving in the Irish-speaking districts?

The information asked for by the hon. Member is not available, and could not be obtained with accuracy without a systematic inquiry which could not usefully be undertaken at the present time.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the action brought by Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Lord-Lieu-tent of the county of Inverness, against Donald Watt, a carter, who set a trap and caught a rabbit as a delicacy for an invalid child; whether he is aware that for killing one wild rabbit, of which there are hundreds of thousands on the Mackintosh estates, this workman was fined £l, with £l 1s. as expenses; and whether, in view of the fact that this workman has given three sons to the War and that one of them has been killed in action, he will take steps to have the sentence remitted?

The report I have received confirms the statements of my hon. Friend as to the facts of the case. I have decided to remit the penalty.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the two gamekeepers who gave evidence in this case in the Sheriff's Court are both stated to be within the military age? In view of the fact that numbers of able-bodied men who ought to be serving with the Colours are still employed not only on the Mackintosh estate, but on others in the North of Scotland—

The hon. Member had better give notice of that question.

Will any action be taken with respect to Mackintosh of Mackintosh, especially having regard to his position as Lord Lieutenant of the county?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an accident occurred on 8th June last in the London and North-Western Railway tunnel between Gledholt and Huddersfield, resulting in Platelayer Arthur Kaye being killed and Platelayer J. A. Haigh being injured, and that the foreman of the jury expressed the opinion that lack of knowledge of the single-line working, which prevailed at the time, led to the accident; and whether he will consider the advisability in a case of this kind of a Board of Trade inquiry being ordered into the causes of the accident?

The Board have been in communication with the railway company regarding this accident. Single-line working was not in operation on the section of line on which these men were at work, but on an adjoining section over which they were passing. The company have issued an instruction to all platelayers that where single-line working is in operation they must warn all persons whom they see on the line. An inquiry does not appear to be necessary.