asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to any body of officials of the Great Central Railway having attempted to influence or interfere with the right of lady clerks joining or abstaining from joining the Railway Clerks' Association, or any other association formed for the protection of employés; and, if so, whether he will take steps to see that the same complete liberty of action in this matter is secured to women who replace men engaged in military or other war service as is extended to the men themselves?

As regards the first part of this question, I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Thursday last to the hon. Member for Stockport, and as regards the second part, I am informed that women are in this respect in exactly the same position as men.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Railway Clerks' Association contend that the facts do not bear out the answer to which he has referred?

If my hon. Friend likes to put a question I will answer it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether a Committee has been set up to inquire into the question of timber supplies; and, if so, whether he will state the terms of reference and the names of the members of the Committee?

Yes, Sir; and I hope shortly to be in a position to make a statement upon the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what was the amount in value of sugar, refined and unrefined, imported into the United Kingdom in the year 1914; whether these imports are below those of the average of the preceding five years; if he can give the figure for the first six or nine months of the current year; and whether he will state precisely what steps the Board of Agriculture are taking to render this country less dependent on imports from abroad of this commodity?

The reply to the first part of the hon. Member's question is £32,118,170; the reply to the second is in the negative; and the reply to the third is, for the nine months, £23,531,454. These figures are taken from returns compiled by the Board of Trade, to whom I would ask the hon. Member to address any further questions as to values or quantities of imports. In reply to the last part of the question, the hon. Member knows, I believe, generally the steps which have been taken to secure that the beet sugar factory at Cantley shall be enabled to continue its development; and he is probably aware of the difficulty which exists under the terms of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act of giving any very definite assistance to any profit-making company.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the efforts to maintain a single factory are the only efforts the Board of Agriculture have made to deal with the question of home-grown sugar in this country?

We have tried to give such assistance as we could to any other similar schemes for getting sugar beet started in this country, but not being able to give financial assistance to private profit-making companies, our power must obviously be limited.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he proposes to terminate the Civil employment of any temporary men in his Department at present serving with the Navy in the North Sea on Home defence, or with the Army at home or in France, on the grounds that he has no work for them, seeing that he has applied this principle to three men serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve engaged in Home defence?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three members of his staff have been dismissed, and must keep up their service in the Royal Naval Volunteer Force, where they are only paid nine-pence a day, and therefore it is very difficult for them to get employment which will adequately keep them in their position in life?

I think the hon. Member is referring to partial service in the Anti-Aircraft Corps in the neighbourhood of London. If anybody who has ceased to work in my Department on account of recent economies wishes to be discharged from that service to take up work elsewhere, then I will see that he gets that discharge.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if an Agreement has been signed between His Majesty's Government and representatives of the Merchants' Guild of Copenhagen and the Industrial Association of Denmark; if so, whether he will state the terms of the Agreement; and whether it contains a provision that commodities may be re-exported from Denmark to belligerent countries?

On Thursday last I told the House that I would consult the Secretary of State, and if he thought there was no objection and that the Agreement might be put upon the Table of the House so that everybody might see what it was, that should be done. In fulfilment of that undertaking I have made inquiries, and find to my great regret that there are insuperable public objections to laying the Agreement on the Table. Under those circumstances I can only say that this, like other agreements of a similar nature, is based on the principle of making effective distinction between bonâ fide neutral and enemy oversea trade.

Would the Noble Lord say whether this Agreement is consistent with the policy of preventing Germany from getting those supplies which she needs to carry on the War?

Our policy is to prevent Germany getting them.

I said preventing."

I thought the hon. Baronet, by a slip of the tongue, said "permitting." Certainly this Agreement is consistent with our policy.

Is the Noble Lord aware that we are sending to Denmark from twelve to twenty times the quantity of tea required for her home consumption, and that a good deal of this tea is being sent to Germany?

Can the Noble Lord answer the last part of the question upon the Paper?

With regard to tea, I will make inquiries. I was not aware of the figures.

I will give them to the Noble Lord. Can he answer the last part of the question?

It is quite obvious that if I cannot give a full account of this Agreement it would be very improper for me to give any account of particular terms in it.

Will the Noble Lord inform the House whether this Agreement was submitted to and approved by the Cabinet before it was signed?

I do not know whether it was submitted to or approved by the Cabinet, but it was certainly submitted to and approved by the Admiralty and by other Departments of the Government. I am not sure about the Cabinet.

Is this not a further surrender of our sea power; is it not a distinct advantage to Germany and a distinct disadvantage to our country, and is it not likely to prolong the War?

I say, unhesitatingly, "No" to all these inquiries.

Is it not far more important to consider other matters than tea, which is not a good thing on which to fight?

I beg to give notice that I will call attention to this matter upon the first opportunity.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is yet in a position to make a statement as to the position of the Entente Powers and Greece?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the proposed visit to this country of Mr. Ford and Mr. Bryan on a peace mission; and whether he will consider the desirability of notifying both these gentlemen, through the British Embassy in the United States, that their visit for such a purpose would be irritating and unwelcome to this country at the present time?

I understand that in this case passports have been issued for neutral countries only, and the contingency contemplated by the hon. Member does not arise.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether, although these people have left apparently in a storm of ridicule, he will have conveyed to them, in whatever neutral country they are, an intimation that they are not wanted here at any time?

Has the Noble Lord seen the statement made by Mr. Ford that he intends to come to this country, and has he anything to say to that?

No, I have nothing to say to it. I have not seen the statement.

Will the Noble Lord say whether any intimation will be made to these people, even if they arrive in a neutral country?

Speaking only for myself, I think it would be in the highest degree undignified for the Government of this country to send any intimation to a lot of ladies and gentlemen who, whatever their merits may be, are not particularly important.

Have they not a right of asylum, and cannot we certify them?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give the date when it became an offence for anyone bearing a German or Austrian name to change it to a British name?

asked the Home Secretary if he will reconsider the question of allowing persons with foreign names to assume other names for the purpose of concealing their identity since the War; and if he will bring in a Bill to make it compulsory for such persons, for a period of ten years, when they use the assumed name, to put after it their former discarded name on every occasion so that the public may not be deceived?

The Aliens Restriction (Change of Name) Order, which made it an offence for an alien enemy to change his name, was passed on 12th October, 1914, and has been in operation ever since. I would refer the hon. Gentlemen to my previous answers on this subject, and particularly to an answer to the hon. Member for the St. Augustine's Division on 16th June last, and to my predecessor's answer to the hon. Member for Yarmouth on 10th March last.

Is the Order retrospective so far as the outbreak of war is concerned?

I do not think it is retrospective, but it operates from 12th October. We can hardly make such an Order retrospective, because there is a penalty as for a criminal offence.

asked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to deal with the registered companies under the cloak of which Germans and other enemies are enabled to continue their business and connections in this country whether the shares are nominally held by British investors or not?

Effective steps are taken by the Board of Trade under the powers conferred upon them by the Trading with the Enemy Acts to prevent any trading with the enemy by such companies as are referred to by the hon. Member, and consideration is being given to the question whether any steps should be taken after the War to prevent the registration of companies the majority of whose shares are under foreign control.

Will the Bill to be introduced in another place have the support of the Government, and, if not, do they propose to bring in legislation similar to that which has just been passed in the Australian Commonwealth?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the incitements in the English Press to the Greek people to rebel against their king have been submitted to and approved by the Censor; and, if not, what action has been taken to punish their authors or to prevent their continuance?

I do not know to what incitements the hon. Member is referring.

The right hon. Gentleman has not observed the London papers then.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is making any arrangements to secure from the railway companies the issue of tickets at workmen's fares to workmen and women engaged on night shifts in the munition factories?

Arrangements have been made under which tickets at cheap fares are issued to munition workers in Government controlled establishments, whether working on the morning, afternoon, or night shifts.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will furnish a list of the persons whom he has engaged and who are giving their services gratuitously to the Ministry.

Yes, Sir, a list has been prepared and will be circulated with the OFFICIAL REPORT. The list does not include a large number of Civil servants, military and naval officers and railway officials who have been lent temporarily to the Ministry by their own Departments or authorities, and whose remuneration therefore involves no additional burden on public funds. Nor does the list include a large number of Members of both Houses of Parliament who are assisting the Ministry on Committees and in other ways. A list of such members was printed with the OFFICIAL REPORT in reply to a question on 28th October.

How many gentlemen from Wales are engaged in the Ministry?

I could not say, but quite a very small proportion.

The majority.

asked the Minister of Munitions what steps are being taken to equip the new Government munition factories with men; and whether the starting of these establishments is likely to be delayed on account of the shortage of labour?

My right hon. Friend proposes to deal with this point fully in the course of the statement which he will make to the House later in the week.

Will the hon. Gentleman deal definitely with the point—not in vague, general terms, but definitely?

The hon. Member raises a very large number of important questions. I could not speak definitely upon all.

asked the Minister of Munitions if managers and other officials of munitions works are under the same restrictions as workmen with reference to leaving their employment, or are they able to search for fresh employment whenever they please or to employ the threat of doing so as a means to obtaining an increase of salary?

Section 7 of the Munitions of War Act, which prohibits the employment in certain areas of persons who have been employed on munitions work, is limited specifically to "workmen." I am advised that it could not be held to apply to managers and officials.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the total gross amount of duty received from films and the amount of drawback claimed under the three heads up to the 30th November, and how much of his drawback has been allowed?

The Duty received is as follows:— No drawback has yet been paid, but claims amounting to about £17,000 are under consideration.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland if he will say under what Statute Patrick Dyer has been sentenced to a month's imprisonment by a police magistrate in Dublin for agitating against Conscription at Tubbercurry, county Sligo, where Dyer's home is; why the proceedings were not taken in county Sligo; under what Statute is agitation against Conscription treated as illegal in Ireland while allowed in England; and what is the authority for the present habit of stipendiary magistrates in Ireland to palliate their sentences in political cases, as Mr. Drury did in this case, by assertions of what would be done in Germany in like cases?

Patrick Dyer was sentenced to one month's imprisonment under Regulation 58 of the Defence of the Realm (Consolidation) Regulations, 1914, for the doing of acts intended to prejudice recruiting in His Majesty's Army contrary to Regulations 27 and 48 of these Regulations. The facts in connection with the defence were submitted to the competent military authority, who, pending their determination as to how Dyer should be proceeded against, conveyed him to Arbour Hill Detention Barrack in Dublin. The competent military authority having afterwards determined that the accused should be proceeded against in a Court of Summary Jurisdiction, he was, in accordance with the Regulations, brought before a Dublin magistrate, who heard the case fully and made the order mentioned. The magistrate had no necessity to palliate his sentence and exercised his own discretion in making such observations as he considered proper, having regard to the circumstances of the case.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the sole offence this man committed was to agitate against Conscription?

No; there is a distinction, no doubt, between the two, but I am afraid this man failed to observe it.

Is it not the Irish Channel that makes the distinction?

It makes many distinctions, but not that.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland whether a magisterial notice has been served by the hands of the police on the members of any Volunteer Force in Ireland except the Irish Volunteers canceling permission previously given to them to drill, with a verbal warning against their drilling; if he can say at whose instance Messrs. John A. Coen, William Clarke, Patrick J. Duffy, and William H. Rice, magistrates at Ballaghaderrin, have issued such a notice and warning; at whose instance similar tactics are being practised in other places but only against Irish Volunteers; what the reason is for this discrimination; and what beneficial purpose the Government expect to achieve by it?

In the case referred to by the hon. Member the magistrates acted on their own initiative and on account of the Irish Volunteers hooting a very distinguished Irish soldier—Lieutenant Michael O'Leary, V. C.—on the occasion of a recent recruiting visit to Ballaghaderrin. I know of no other instance in which the magistrates have thought it necessary to take similar action.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the time the alleged hooting occurred the Volunteers at Ballaghaderrin were in an entirely different direction, engaged in a route march?

No, I am not aware of that.

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland if his attention has been called to the conviction at Tralee Petty Sessions of John M'Galey and his sentence of three months' imprisonment on the uncorroborated evidence of one military sergeant against the corroborated evidence of another military sergeant; by whose direction the police in that and other cases influenced the bench against parties and witnesses by asking offensively whether they belonged to the Irish Volunteers; what is their ground for suggesting that this is illegal or criminal; and by whose direction stipendiary magistrates in Ireland allow this conduct in the Courts over which they preside?

Accused has appealed, the appeal is pending, and the case being sub judice, it would obviously be improper for my right hon. Friend to deal with the matters in the hon. Member's question.

Are we again face to face in Ireland with the bad old system of police interference in a mean and persecuting way, and, if so, would it not be better, in the interests of the Government itself, to adopt some other system?

I am not prepared to suggest any other system than that which at present exists.

The right hon. Gentleman is ready to patronise the dirtiest work.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the withholding of travelling allowance to building workers employed at the Royal Naval Aircraft School, Kingsnorth; whether he is aware that the men first employed were paid from the time of embarking on the dockyard ferry at Gillingham Pier until their arrival back at the same point, that men taken on later were allowed two hours' pay for travelling time, and that now notice has been published that no allowance whatever is to be given; whether this action has been taken with Admiralty authority; and whether he will reconsider it and revert to the practice of booking the men's time from leaving to arriving back at Gillingham Pier?

I am aware that till recently travelling time was allowed for certain of the workmen employed at the Royal Naval Air Station at Kingsnorth coming from Chatham and Gillingham, and provision was made for their transport by the Admiralty ferry service. Free transport by ferry boat from Chatham and Gillingham to the Royal Naval Air Station continues to be provided. But it has been decided, after due notice, to withdraw the payment on account of travelling time, and thus follow the normal practice prevailing at other out-stations.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the reproduction in the "Cologne Gazette," of 9th October, of an article contributed to the "Daily News," and presumably printed by that journal as part of their campaign against compulsory military service; whether he if aware that the article in question occupied a column of the "Cologne Gazette," and was headed, "England's Limited War Strength"; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. The article which was thus reproduced was an article by Mr. Arnold Bennett setting forth considerations in favour of the voluntary system of recruiting. I see no reason to take any action in the matter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this sort of article is likely to hearten the enemy?

I should not have thought they would necessarily be heartened by learning that in the opinion of some people in this country we can exert our full strength by relying upon the voluntary principle.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty who is responsible for the Press publicity campaign for recruiting on behalf of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Naval Division?

Arrangements for the publication of any articles in the Press in connection with recruiting for the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines are under the control of the Inspector of Recruiting, Colonel G. M. Campbell, Royal Marine Artillery. The Director of Recruiting for the Royal Naval Division, Commodore Sir R. H. Williams-Bulkeley, controls any similar arrangements in connection with the Division.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether students in training colleges supported by Govern- ment funds who are of military age but have not enlisted will continue to enjoy the advantages of State-aided education?

The Board have asked training college authorities to inform them of the number of students in each college who offer themselves for military service under Lord Derby's scheme and are accepted as physically fit. Until these facts are known the Board will not be in a position to consider the possible alternatives for dealing with the students who remain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that intending recruits are not being accepted by some recruiting committees at the present time because they wear glasses or pince-nez; and will he state the reasons for this action?

The question of eyesight is dealt with, not by recruiting committees, but by medical officers. Men are not rejected because they wear glasses, but because their sight does not come up to the required standard.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of a case three, weeks ago where an individual presented himself for recruitment who was not accepted because he wore glasses, although his sight was perfect; and is he aware that this same gentleman was a former Territorial, a first-class shot—

The hon. Member should give notice. The right hon. Gentleman cannot be expected to answer these questions without notice.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether anyone enlisting in his group and attested under Lord Derby's scheme is in any way prejudiced in applying for a commission until he is attached to a particular unit?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will inform the House if members of Officers' Training Corps who have finished their course and have been certi- fied by their commanding officer as fit for commissions, but who for some reason or other remain ungazetted, are to be starred under Lord Derby's scheme, or what is to become of them?

The answer to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Devenport is in the negative. As regards Question No. 44, any member of the Officers' Training Corps selected to receive an immediate commission will, of course, be commissioned without delay. Others not so selected should be attested under Lord Derby's scheme. It is the present practice to give commissions only to men who gain experience in the ranks, and there is nothing to prevent such members of the Officers' Training Corps who are not selected for immediate commissions from presenting themselves for immediate service with the Colours without waiting for their group to be called up.

Am I to understand from that answer that boys of eighteen at public schools who are in Officers' Training Corps should now attest?

If they do so they will be trained, and retained until they are nineteen. There is no objection to their doing that.

Is it necessary for them to attest?

No, Sir; it is not.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that if a man who is now of military age does not get attested he will not be eligible for a future commission? To make it necessary that he should be attested will the right hon. Gentleman say, "If you do not attest now your chances of getting a commission its future will be practically gone?"

A man has to take his chance. If he is attested, and if he is a person suitable for a commission the chances are that that suitability will demonstrate itself in fullness of time and he will be suitably rewarded.

Are these members of Officers' Training Corps, who are not to get commissions under Lord Derby's scheme or not?

I suppose we are all under Lord Derby's scheme?

Oh, no, I wish I were.

It depends upon our suitability. I am not quite sure that I understand what my hon. Friend wants to ask me?

Is there any chance of an Officers' Training Corps being used by a very small minority of its members as a hiding place for shirkers—people waiting for soft jobs?

No. I think my hon. Friend may rest assured that that is not the case.

May I bring to my right hon. Friend's notice one or two instances which seem to illustrate this point?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether it is now possible to give facilities to second-line Yeomanry units to recruit at least up to their nominal strength; whether, in view of the fact that most of these units are from 25 per cent. to 40 per cent below strength, they are still expected to fulfil the three purposes of Home defence, possible foreign service, and conditional draft-finding units; and whether he will at once, in the interest of economy and efficiency, either amalgamate these units or enable them to be made up to full strength?

The Army Council have after careful consideration decided that the filling up of the reserves of the Infantry is of the most pressing importance and they have consequently shut down recruiting for the Yeomanry except in the case of those Yeomanry regiments whose first line is now serving abroad as Infantry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer that part of my question which refers to the second-line units which are in many cases nearly 50 per cent. under strength, and asks him whether, as there has been no more recruiting, he proposes, in the interests of efficiency and economy, to amalgamate these units or enable them to be made up to full strength?

The hon. Member asks me a series of most important and difficult questions. The difficulty is to find enough men to fill up the ranks, and while the third-line units are not full I can throw out little prospect to my hon. Friend that the second-line units will receive recruits.

Am I to understand from that that there are no proposals, and that no steps are likely to be taken to amalgamate the units that are not up to strength?

No; I should not like my hon. Friend to run away with that idea.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that in certain cases the local Advisory Committees set up for the purpose of working Lord Derby's scheme are insufficiently acquainted with the scheme itself, and that in one case the Committee was unable to give an applicant any information on the points about which he was requested to apply for information to the Committee; would he consider the advisability of enlarging these Committees and inviting magistrates to serve instead of leaving the matter in the hands of individuals who apparently neither possess the necessary public or business knowledge nor are even acquainted with the details of that part of the scheme that they are appointed to administer; and will he explain the procedure to be adopted by an applicant who desires to appeal against the decision of an Advisory Committee?

I am not quite sure that the hon. Gentleman's remedy for the alleged shortcoming of the Committees he mentions— i.e., the enlargement of their numbers—would be an advantage. I should point out that the hon. Gentleman is himself somewhat mistaken as to the function of the Advisory Committees. Their function is to advise the War Office representative what action he should take before the local tribunal, but they are not competent to give any decision.

Is it the Committee's business to understand their business before advising the War Office Committee?

Yes. I would not suggest for a moment that that was not part of their business, as I think it is part of the business of the War Office Committee to understand the duty of the Advisory Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps, if any, have been taken by the Government in connection with the wharves in Kingston, Jamaica, owned by German steamship companies; and if the Government contemplate introducing legislation by which all real estate owned in the British Empire by alien enemies shall be acquired and the subjects of countries at present at war with us debarred in the future from owning any real estate in the British Empire?

So far as I am aware, no wharves are owned by German steamship companies in Jamaica. A small slip dock, formerly the property of the Hamburg America Company, has been taken over by the Government for the use of the naval and military authorities for the period of the War. The same company were co-lessees of a railway pier at Kingston jointly with a neutral company. The Government has, by agreement with the neutral company, resumed possession of this pier, and the question of future disposal of both dock and pier after the termination of the War is receiving consideration. The last part of my hon. Friend's question raises issues too wide to permit of satisfactory discussion within the limits of a question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of gold coin which circulated in this country in the year 1914 prior to the outbreak of War; and what is the amount of gold coin in circulation in this country at the present time?

The amount of gold coin held by the banks (including the Bank of England), according to returns furnished to the Master of the Mint, was:—

Can the right hon. Gentleman give details as to the basis on which they arrive at the estimate of the gold in the hands of the public?

I assume that the estimate is founded upon the knowledge of the amount of gold imported in the period and the amount of gold which has been exported in the same period. The balance is assumed to be in the hands of the public.

Are we to understand that there are only £3,000,000 less in circulation in the hands of the public this year than last year?

That was on 30th June. I assume that there is much less in the hands of the public now, but I have not the figures.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has arranged for the distribution of Leaflet No. 4, issued by the Parliamentary War Savings Committee and distributed to working people in mills and workshops, which advises people to eat less meat, to be careful with their bread, to use home products wherever possible and to use them sparingly, and to grow their own vegetables, to the guests who were present at the recent Lord Mayor's banquet; and, if not, whether he will do so at the earliest opportunity?

I have no reason to doubt that, having regard to the wide circulation of the leaflet in question, it has already been brought to the notice of the persons referred to.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the advisability of raising the interest now paid on deposits in the Savings Bank to the level of that paid to investors in the War Loan, so as to prevent withdrawals and encourage economy.

The hon. Member's suggestion will receive consideration along with the other proposals which have been made for the encouragement of saving.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has brought under the notice of those devising measures of retrenchment in Ireland the scope for their policy in the police force, some county inspectors having only sixteen stations to control while others have up to ninety-one stations; some district inspectors having only three stations each to superintend while other district inspectors are efficiently controlling fourteen stations each; one policeman being maintained per 202 of the population in some counties while in other counties one policeman is sufficient per 732 of the population; whether all ranks of the police force will be reduced to the minimum found to be sufficient; and what measures he is taking to secure for Irish purposes the benefit of all economies effected in Ireland?

The possibility of effecting economies in the cost of the police has engaged my attention, and, as shown by my replies to hon. Members' questions of the 19th July and 26th October, considerable savings have already been secured. There is now no county inspector having only sixteen stations, and no district inspector in charge of only three. It would not, however, equalise the work of county inspectors or district inspectors to divide the number of stations in the country equally between them, nor would it tend to economy or efficiency to distribute the police solely on the basis of population. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, economies made during the War will lessen the indebtedness and therefore the taxation of the United Kingdom at the end of it, and Ireland will be benefited in proportion to her share of this taxation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to question the distribution of the rank and file of the police?

No.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state for what reason the allowance in lieu of rations to officers at the War Office has been suspended since April last; whether his attention has been directed to paragragh 119 of the Regulations for mobilisation, in which it is laid down that on a general mobilisation field rations and forage are to be issued to all ranks from and including the first day of mobilisation; and whether there is any regulation or order differentiating between officers at the War Office and other officers of His Majesty's Army?

The House of Commons is informed by foot-notes in the Army Estimates that the rates of pay given to officers holding appointments in the War Office "include all emoluments with the exception of pensions for wounds and rewards for distinguished services." When the issue of the ration allowance came to the notice of the accounting officer he found himself unable to continue it in the absence of an order by superior authority, and it was therefore suspended.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private George Edmund Gunter, of the Royal West Surrey Regiment, against whom an ejectment order has been granted in respect of a cottage in Church Street, Godalming; whether he is aware that this soldier has taken part in the War and is now a prisoner of war in Germany; whether he is aware that the eviction of the soldier's wife and three young children will take place at Christmas, owing to arrears of rent due to the illness of the children and to the expense involved in sending parcels to the prisoner husband; and whether, in view of all the circumstances, steps can be taken to keep together this soldier's home until his return?

Yes, Sir, my attention has been called to the case mentioned, the facts of which are substantially as stated in the question, except that I am not aware of the reasons why the rent has fallen into arrears. The House, however, will be glad to hear that I have ascertained from the police superintendent at Godalming that the woman's home will not be broken up, and steps are being taken to provide another house for her. I should like to state as evidence of the good feeling of our soldiers that the men at Witley Camp have subscribed in aid of this poor woman and her children.

had given notice of the following question: To ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a considerable number of soldiers wearing His Majesty's uniform were invited and organised by means of forged tickets to break up a meeting of the Union of Democratic Control at the Memorial Hall on 29th November; whether this is contrary to the Regulations; and whether, seeing that the utilisation of members of His Majesty's Forces to participate in acts of mob violence is likely to discredit the Army in the public estimation, he will take steps to see that orders are issued to prevent soldiers from accepting similar invitations in future?

Would I be in order, in view of the mischievous and unpatriotic nature of this and the like questions, in moving that the hon. Member be not heard?

The nature of the answer which will be given will probably sufficiently dispose of it.

I will deal first with the specific point raised in the question, and then, with the permission of the House, add one or two remarks which will throw light on this matter. Careful inquiry which has been made at all stations concerned fails to disclose any knowledge of invitation to soldiers or organisation by means of forged tickets with a view to the breaking up of the meeting of the Union of Democratic Control on the 29th November. An Assistant Provost-Marshal of the London District who was present in plain clothes throughout the meeting examined the tickets held by one or two of the stewards which had been collected by them, and could see no signs of forgery in any of them. He states, however, that the checking of tickets at the doors was very incompletely carried out, and that it was quite possible for soldiers or other persons to enter without tickets.

My hon. Friend appears to make an allegation in the question against some unnamed person, but I have entirely failed to find any evidence of any organised steps having been taken of the kind he alleges.

On behalf of the Army, however, on the members of which this question, if not contradicted, constitutes a serious reflection, I would state that such disorder as took place seems to have originated from an ill-considered act upon the part of two of the persons on the platform. The meeting was perfectly quiet and orderly until one of the stewards, apparently on the instruction of the hon. Member for Leicester, attempted to remove four or five Colonial soldiers who were seated in the front of the hall. At the same time another person on the platform said in a voice sufficiently loud to be heard "Let that accursed military element be got rid of before we start." Similar remarks were audibly made in Teutonic accents by three or four of the stewardesses.

I am informed that but for these provocations the meeting would have passed off without disorder, and, even as things turned out, the behaviour of the soldiers is stated by civilian sympathisers with the union who were present to have been greatly restrained and entirely admirable.

Arising out of the right hon. Gentleman's reply, which, I may say, is a tissue of misrepresentations—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"]

That is not a phrase that we are accustomed to in this House. The hon. Member will remember that at the present time all that he is able to do is to ask a question, and not to make statements of a controversial character.

I withdraw the expression, and beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter on the Adjournment of the House to-night.

The answer which I have given to the House is the report by an inspector, whose name I can give my hon. Friend.

As my name has been mentioned, may I be allowed to say that the reference to me is absolutely without foundation. I never said anything of the kind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a neutral journalist was recently permitted to inspect new types of British aeroplanes at the Royal Aircraft Factory; and, if so, whether he was taken for a trip over areas of military importance; and whether steps were taken beforehand to ascertain that his sympathies were wholly with the Allies and that his knowledge of aeroplane design was so slight as to preclude the possibility of information useful to the enemy being transmitted to foreign countries?

The answer to the last three parts of this question is in the affirmative. As to the first, the newest types were not shown.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether a party of journalists were recently conducted round the Royal Aircraft Factory at Farnborough; and, if so, whether any of these were taken for flight on Government aeroplanes, and will he say whether they represented newspapers of our Allies or of neutral countries; whether similar privileges are accorded to British journalists in order that they may impress the British public with the efficiency of the nation's aircraft; and (2) whether a visit of journalists recently to the Royal Aircraft Factory was arranged primarily by the Department of Military Aeronautics or whether it was arranged by the chief official or officials of the Royal Aircraft Factory with or without the permission of the Director-General of Military Aeronautics?

This visit was one of a series of visits to various centres arranged by the Foreign Office and War Office in conjunction, with a view solely to making some of our Allies and Neutrals better acquainted, through the medium of the newspapers of their several countries, with the efforts being made by this country in the common cause, and so removing wrong impressions fostered by the enemy. These journalists represented both Allies and Neutrals. They visited a portion of the Royal Aircraft Factory and other centres of activity bearing on the prosecution of the War, including a private aeroplane factory, a private manufacturing establishment, and some munitions factories. Somewhat similar facilities have been given from time to time to representatives of British newspapers, and these may be repeated; but it must be borne in mind that the staffs of all these establishments are already very heavily pressed by their normal work, and have little time to spare for superintendence of visitors.

asked whether it is the policy of the War Office to advertise the products of the Government aeroplane factories in the foreign Press; and whether, in cases where it has been possible to institute comparisons, aeroplanes which are the product of independent design have not usually been shown to be superior to those of Government design?

The answer to both parts of the question is in the negative.

Is there not a tendency in this Department rather to discourage new types, even if they are advanced types, on the ground that they are not in conformity with certain models which are being built?

I do not think that there is any ground for believing that the Royal Aircraft Factory discourage new types. On the contrary, they are constantly producing new types and constantly sending out specifications to the trade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will state what arrangements, if any, exist at the present time to train able and promising officers of the New Armies in Staff duties, and how many such officers are undergoing now this kind of instruction?

I have indicated in previous answers given to my hon. Friend the methods by which officers are selected for training in Staff duties and also stated that applications from officers of the New Armies are considered equally with those from others. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that 50 per cent. of the officers now being trained at home in Staff duties are from the New Armies. These are in addition to such officers as are being trained in France, where a special course is being instituted, but as to the number being trained in France I have no information.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that on 14th March, 1907, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman admitted that it was the rule that all Orders in Council should be published in the "London Gazette," and stated that the rule had been broken in practice, and that he would consult with the Lord President of the Council as to the course to be adopted in future; and whether an assurance can be given that all Orders in Council have been published in the "London Gazette" since 14th March, 1907, in accordance with the rule?

I have already circulated an answer to this question. But I understand the hon. Member wishes to know the exact meaning of the phrase "of the character described" in my answer. It means Orders made tinder the Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions Act, 1865, to which the hon. Member referred in the question he addressed to my predecessor on the 14th March, 1907.

Is it in war time or peace time?

Certainly in war time; possibly in peace time.

Does the right hon. Gentleman recognise the danger of Orders in Council being passed which may remove Parliamentary control?

I am well aware of that.

asked the Prime Minister whether, if he is satisfied that there is a general desire on the part of the House that a Ministerial statement should be made on the War situation in the Near East previous to the adjournment for Christmas, he will accede to the request?

As I said last week, I am afraid that I can give no undertaking, but if there be such a general desire it will, of course, receive careful consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the arrangements for closer military co-operation already announced with regard to France have been completed and extended to all the other Allies; and whether he can state the extent to which this will be a change from the system hitherto prevailing?

Arrangements for closer military co-operation have been completed with regard to France, and are under consideration with regard to other Allies. It would not be in the public interest to announce details of these arrangements, which might be of value to the enemy.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the "Times" newspaper is regarded on the Continent as having a semi-official, if not official character, and in view of the importance of preventing the dissemination of news that misrepresents the position of this country and the Allies, he will consider the advisability of taking it over and running it as a Government organ until the close of the War?

No, Sir. I am disposed to think that the Government have sufficient responsibilities without taking over such a serious addition.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will say if, speaking generally, all Staff appointments are reserved exclusively for officers of the Regular Army, including those old officers who have been brought back out of retirement; whether any officers of the New Army have been nominated for appointment to any brigade, divisional, or Army corps staff on active service; and, if so, how many such officers are at this moment so employed?

The way I would put this is that, speaking generally, Staff appointments are reserved exclusively for those officers who have the most knowledge and experience. Such officers are, in present circumstances, found for the most part in the Regular Army. There are, however, several officers who have only temporary commissions employed on the Staff and there is no bar to the selection of such officers for Staff employment if they are considered suitable and are recommended. I am afraid I cannot undertake to have a list of these officers drawn up.

Are any of those officers to whom my right hon. Friend refers on active service?

Oh, yes, I think so; but perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to give any information as to the results of Lord Kitchener's visit to the Eastern Mediterranean?

No, Sir.

asked the Undersecretary of State for war if the percentage of sickness amongst our troops oil the Gallipoli Peninsula is greater than the percentage of sickness amongst the French troops; and if he can state if the French medical authorities consider that the ration of claret served out to the French troops has caused a good deal of immunity from a prevalent disease?

The Army Council have no information as to the comparative immunity from sickness of the British and French troops on the Gallpoli Peninsula, nor whether the ration of claret stated to be served out to the French troops has proved salutary as a prevention of disease. Even if this were so, it does not, I think, follow that like results would follow if claret were served out to British troops, nor am I perfectly certain that such a step if adopted would commend itself to all Members of this House.

Apart from Members of this House, is there any member of the medical profession who recommends it?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the late M. Pasteur made inquiries and investigations into the value of claret, and found it an exceedingly good thing for killing germs of all kinds?

I quite sympathise with that statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a Commission of eminent medical men have been considering this very subject, and that it was on their re- commendation that French light wines were supplied?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of our soldiers have exchanged their jam for French claret?

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the death of Miss Norah Newton, of Bradford, as the result of an accident due to the defective steering chain of a motor wagon which had been temporarily repaired by a bolt; and whether, having regard to the fact that several fatal accidents recently occurred within the period of a few weeks as the result of using defective steering chains on motor wagons, he will take steps to bring owners of these vehicles to a sense of their responsibility in these matters?

My attention had not previously been called to this case. I have made inquiry into the circumstances, but I am afraid that there is no action which I can usefully take in the matter. I trust proceedings in the Coroner's Court and the opinion expressed by the jury in this case will bring home to owners of vehicles their responsibilities in this matter.