asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the names of the Germans and Austrians who have been given a safe conduct by this country from the United States to Europe; and whether he can state the reasons in each case for the grant of this facility?

The persons to whom safe conducts have been given are Dr. Dernberg, Dr. Dumba, Dr. Oskar Nedbal, and Max Hartenstein. In the case of the first named, it was considered to be in the interests of this country and its Allies not to prevent him from leaving the United States. In the case of Dr. Dumba the United States Government asked for a safe conduct, which His Majesty's Government did not feel able to refuse. Dr. Oskar Nedbal was given a safe conduct from Vienna to the United States and back because it was represented by the United States Ambassador that his presence was desired at the Panama-Pacific Exposition to conduct concerts, and it was considered that there was no harm in making an exception to the rule in his case. Max Hartenstein was given a safe conduct from Germany to the United States and back at the request of the United States Government, in order that he might give evidence in a criminal case.

Is it intended to give a safe conduct to Captain Boy-Ed and Captain Papen?

I must ask my hon. Friend to give me notice.

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

I regret that at the present moment no statement could be usefully made on the subject.

I will repeat the question on Wednesday.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to an interview between King Constantine and an American correspondent of the Associated Press, and to the King's statement that the landing of Allied troops in Greece was made without his assent; and whether, in view that Lord Lansdowne definitely stated that it was at the instance of the Greek Prime Minister His Majesty's Government sent troops to Serbia viâ Salonika, he can make any statement on the matter?

I do not know that I can usefully say anything on the subject except that Lord Lansdowne's statement was perfectly accurate. It would not be proper for me to discuss the relations between the King of Greece and his Ministers, which is purely a domestic affair.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that statements have appeared in the Press of neutral countries that France and England, by sending troops to Serbia through Greek territory, have violated the neutrality of Greece in the same manner that Germany violated Belgian neutrality on 2nd August, 1914, and that this same charge was made by the Chancellor in the Reichstag on 9th December; and whether, seeing that the Greek Government, through their Prime Minister, requested this country to send troops to Serbia viâ Salonika to enable Greece to fulfil her treaty obligations to Serbia, he will take steps to have this fact made known in neutral countries?

I am aware that such statements have been made in the Press of neutral countries, but they have been contradicted and ridiculed in the Press of neutral countries without any inspiration by His Majesty's Government. If there should appear to be any danger of neutral countries being misled on this point the suggestion of the hon. Member will be borne in mind.

Is the Noble Lord aware that in all the New York papers controlled by Mr. Hearst these statements are made day by day?

Yes; but I am afraid that it is impossible for us to control Mr. Hearst.

Can the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs explain why M. Venizelos, on 3rd November, in the Greek Chamber, said there was no connection between the landing of the Anglo-French force at Salonika and the question put to the Powers as to their willingness to send a force against Bulgaria?

I do not quite see how that arises; I must ask the hon. Gentleman to give me notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether bonâ fide neutral trade which is to be allowed under the Agreement made with Denmark will include goods which may be re-exported to Germany?

I beg to refer the hon. Baronet to the answers given to him on the 6th December.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the policy of the Foreign Office in concluding trading agreements with neutral Powers is to prevent Germany receiving only such articles as are not contraband?

The answer is in the negative. The policy of the Government in concluding trading agreements which the Foreign Office endeavours to carry out is by inflicting on Germany all the economic pressure possible to bring the War to a speedy and victorious conclusion.

Does that mean the including of the Commercial Treaty with Denmark?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Foreign Office have entered into agreements with neutral countries under which goods essential to the enemy are allowed to pass through neutral countries into Germany; and whether, having regard to the fact that these agreements contravene the purpose of the Order in Council of 11th March, namely, the prevention of commodities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany, this change of policy has been approved by the Cabinet?

The object of all the agreements referred to is the reduction, and, as far as possible, the extinction of all German trade, while preserving to neutrals their legitimate rights, and they do not involve any new departure or change in policy.

Have the Law Officers been consulted as to whether the Agreement with the Denmark traders affects the validity of the Order in Council of 11th March?

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a statement by an ex-Law Officer to-day that this Agreement is one that would be very dangerous to this country?

I saw that, but I cannot enter into it in answer to a question.

Does not the agreement indicate that in the view of the Government the blockade cannot be effectively carried out?

No, Sir.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer my question?

I really do not know; but, as far as I do know, the Law Officers of the Crown have been consulted, and the Agreement does not in the least degree affect the validity of the Order in Council.

Is it true that neither the President of the Board of Trade nor the Committee in charge of exports were consulted in this matter?

I cannot say without notice.

Nor the Cabinet?

I will give notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Agreement between His Majesty's Government and certain merchants in Denmark was submitted to and approved by the Cabinet; and, if so, was such approval given before or after the Agreement had been settled?

The Agreement referred to was entered into with the concurrence of the Departments concerned, and the Government take full responsibility for it.

That is not the question on the Paper. The question on the Paper is whether the Cabinet was consulted before this highly-important Agreement was entered into?

It is not desirable to state publicly what questions are or are not submitted to the Cabinet. The Government were consulted as to the principle and agreed to the principle; the carrying out of it was left to the Departments concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any application has been made to His Majesty's Government to facilitate the dispatch to Montenegro of food purchased or to be purchased by a syndicate operating in that behalf; if so, what action has been or will be taken in respect of such application; and whether any loan to Montenegro for the purchase of food is contemplated?

Such an application has been made to the Foreign Office privately, but I do not think that at the moment there is any need, or indeed any room, for the formation of such a syndicate, since the purchase of the necessary supplies presents no difficulties, and has already been undertaken. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can give any information as to the treatment of British prisoners interned at Alhucemas by the Moroccan Government; and whether he is aware that they are not receiving parcels sent to them?

I think the hon. Gentleman is under some misapprehension. A party of survivors from the "Wood-field" were captured by Moorish tribesmen, but have now been released. The remainder of the survivors are under the care of the Spanish authorities at Alhucemas, Penon, and Melilla. It goes without saying that they are receiving every consideration from the Spanish authorities. I have received no information as to the miscarriage of parcels, but if the hon. Gentleman will give me particulars I will make inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a letter from the Tabernacle Coal Society respecting the refusal of Messrs. Charles Franklin to supply coal on the ground of lack of supplies; and whether he will take steps to secure the rights of the poor of London by inducing the firm to fulfil their contracts?

I have received a complaint from this society. Inquiry is being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received any report as to the attitude of the Arabs who have hitherto been friendly towards the British troops in Mesopotamia, and if he can state whether adequate reinforcements for all the future operations are now on their way?

I assume that the first part of the question refers to a rumour of German origin that friendly Arabs turned against the British troops in the recent action. I have every reason to believe this statement to be quite untrue. As regards the second part, I have nothing to add to the information contained in my reply of the 8th instant to the hon. Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman contradict the statement made to the effect that our troops on the way towards Baghdad were stopped for political reasons—our Expeditionary Force from India?

I do not know to what statement the hon. Gentleman refers, but any questions as to the movements of troops must be put on the Paper, and there must be full notice given of them. There are obvious reasons why I should not answer a great many of these questions, and there are stronger reasons why I should answer none of them without notice.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether girls are now being employed in the Post Office messenger service, and, if so, how many are so employed; whether their interests as to continued education and future absorption into the service are being safeguarded by the Standing Committee on Boy Labour in the Post Office; if so, will he add one or more women to the Standing Committee, and, if not, will he appoint a similar Committee to deal with girl messengers only?

About 1,000 girls are being employed as temporary messengers in the Post Office. Their employment is purely temporary and will cease after the War. No question of absorption therefore arises; and I fear that it would not be practicable in the present conditions to make special arrangements for their education during the comparatively short time they are in Post Office employment.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General if a 1½-oz. letter can be sent by post for 1½d.?

No, Sir! The rate of postage for an inland letter exceeding 1 oz. but not exceeding 2 ozs. in weight is 2d.

Any variation on the 1-oz.?

I am afraid it is quite impossible to make any change at this time, from what I know.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether the rule relating to the appointment of postmen from retired Army men is applicable to retired Territorials; and, if not, will he explain why it does not apply to them?

Under the regulations in force before the War, and still operative, soldiers who have had three years' Colour service and are otherwise eligible may be considered for appointment as postmen. If a Territorial "were to render three years' embodied service, he would be regarded as eligible, by length of Army service, for nomination to a postmanship. Territorials disabled in the War are being offered temporary employment in the Post Office. The whole question of appointments to permanent positions in the Post Office will need careful examination.

asked the Assistant Postmaster-General whether the parcels addressed to British prisoners of war are opened at the Post Office; and, if so, what steps are taken to see that these parcels are carefully repacked and that nothing is abstracted?

I understand that every effort is made to repack such parcels as are opened exactly as they were before, or, indeed, in a more secure condition, because, as my hon. Friend is aware, the packing of these parcels by the senders leaves much to be desired.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Report of Lord Balfour of Burleigh and Mr. Macassey, K.C., on the grievances of munitions workers will be circulated to Members before the Second Reading of the Munitions of War Act Amendment Bill?

My right hon. Friend has received an interim Report from Lord Balfour of Burleigh and Mr. Macassey, but as he understands that the employers' case has not been heard, he does not think it desirable to publish at the present stage any provisional conclusions which may be modified in the light of evidence not yet taken.

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to his chief the importance of supplying the House with information with regard to munition work before the Munitions Bill is discussed?

My right hon. Friend is fully aware of the desirability of doing so, but this is a semi-judicial Inquiry, and it is hardly thought right to publish a portion of the Report until both sides have been heard.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how the Government intend to proceed with the Munitions Bill when they have not yet heard the employers' side of the case?

Parliamentary proceedings do not affect the prosecution of the Inquiry.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Springfield cotton mill of Belfast is making cotton for munitions; whether he is aware that 100 women after doing the ordinary mill work, 55½ hours per week for 10s. 6d. a week,. return on five nights to work from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for special War work, and that for this overtime they are paid less than 3d. an hour; and whether he will take-power to examine the wage-book and to enforce fair rates of pay?

The Springfield Spinning Company (Belfast), Limited, recently held a War Office contract for absorbent cotton wool, which has just been completed. No complaint has been re- ceived as regards the labour conditions of this firm, but I will have inquiry made into the matter. The terms of the contract empower the Department to inspect the firm's wages boot and time sheets.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will supply a list of the institutions in London which have been entrusted with the preliminary official test of the optical instruments submitted to the Government by traders for the use of His Majesty's Forces under the Order in Council?

The institutions in question are the following:—Imperial College of Science and Technology, King's College, University College, Birkbeck College, Battersea Polytechnic Institute, Northern Polytechnic Institute, South Western Polytechnic Institute, Northampton Polytechnic Institute.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the old people have been removed from the Royal Alfred Home, Belvedere; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of obtaining some other places in which to house munition workers or delay the removal of these old men until after this inclement weather is over?

The removal has not yet taken place, but the arrangements have been completed and it will take place very shortly. Every possible consideration will be shown for the confort and convenience of the inmates of the home.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what provision has been made to secure the comfort of these very old men between sixty and ninety years of age at this time of the year, and cannot some arrangement be made for some other place, and have the local people been consulted?

I do not quite understand my hon. Friend's question. If it is whether some other place can be taken for housing munition workers, I may say that we have taken all the available institutions in the district.

Has the hon. Member been consulted as to whether he could give any advice on the point?

I will inquire.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the time served by a retired naval officer called out during the present hostilities counts towards increase of retired pay and towards qualifying him for a step in rank on the retired list?

The service of a retired officer called out does not count towards increase of retired pay, but a war bonus of 25 per cent. of the full pay he receives is paid in lieu. As regards the second part of the question, the service of retired officers called out counts as service to render them eligible for promotion under the rules applicable to active service officers.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he is aware that the Devon County Insurance Committee has transferred the members of the National Deposit Society (North Tawton district) to the panel of Dr. Langdon without their consent; and whether he proposes to take any action?

The insured persons to whom I assume that the hon. Member refers, who are not members of any one approved society in particular, were accepted as patients by two doctors acting in partnership, one of whom withdrew from the panel in April last, his partner undertaking to attend his insured patients. No complaint as to the notice then given to the patients was made until late in September, and steps were taken to draw the attention of those who complained to their right to apply for transfer to another doctor from the beginning of 1916. As the doctor named in the question is now serving in His Majesty's Forces, any such applications will, in accordance with the Regulations, be specially considered by the Medical Service Sub-Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish the text of the Home Office circular re in camera trials which he has stated to have been issued?

The text of the circular (which was dated 1st December) has already been published, as other Home Office circulars relating to the administration of justice are published—that is to say, by being sent to newspapers specially concerned in the subject matter. I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend a copy.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to arrange to have a copy in the Library, so that it may be accessible generally to Members?

If that is thought convenient, certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether the grant of winter equipment to special constables is conditional on the performance of a certain number of duties; and whether, as a result of the enforcement of this condition, many of the constables will only obtain the winter clothing when winter is over?

I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply on the 8th instant to a question on the same subject from the hon. Member for North Islington.

Does that reply cover the special point in this question whether the equipment will be provided in time for all special constables?

I think if my hon. Friend will refer to the answer he will see that that is exactly what is there asked— whether "they must wait until the cold weather is over before receiving the equipment."

Does that depend on the number of duties performed?

The real question which I wish the right hon. Gentleman to answer is whether special constables will receive the winter clothing while it is still winter?

In regard to that, I think I have given the hon. Member a perfectly fair answer. I do not want him to think it is not fair. The arrangement is that we are going to provide, and we have almost entirely already provided, clothing, boots, and overcoats for special constables which by reason of past services may be said to replace overcoats and boots which they have worn out. There was no proposal that we would give overcoats and boots to men who have just joined the special constabulary, and that is perfectly well understood.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the manner in which circulation is being given to the idea that a compulsory Loan in this country may become a necessity; and whether he will take the necessary steps to prevent the financial position of this country being misunderstood and misrepresented by making it clear that such a course if adopted would be chosen as a desirable and acceptable method and not because the Loan might be otherwise impossible?

I do not anticipate any difficulty in raising on voluntary terms such Loans as the financial needs of the State may require. I trust this answer will remove any misunderstanding.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the sailors' and soldiers' home in Edinburgh, equipped by public subscription and not sought to be conducted at a profit but in order to supply sleeping accommodation and meals for sailors and soldiers on reasonable terms, will be exempted from payment of Property Tax?

Institutes of the kind referred to do not fall within any exemption from Income Tax, Schedule A.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has added any Scottish Members to the Retrenchment Committee; and, if not, and he proposes to do so, will he consult the two groups of Scottish Members in the House in order that they may consider whether any Scottish Members should serve on the Committee or not?

No Scottish Members have been added to the Committee. Should such an addition be contemplated, I will bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in Scotland the Act regarding the issue of cheques under £1 still holds good; and whether, with a view to complying with the request of the Government that debts should be paid by cheque as far as possible, he will consider the advisability of repealing the Statute?

My hon. Friend appears to be under a misapprehension. Under Section 20 of the Act 8 and 9 Vict, cap. 38, cheques are exempt from the restrictions placed by the Act on drawing promissory notes, etc., for sums under 20s.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state the total estimated amount that will be received by the Treasury in a full year from Income Tax on the pay of soldiers and sailors in all branches of the Services, including the Royal Army Medical Corps, after allowing for the concession made in the Finance (No. 3) Bill, 1915; and what would be the amount if Income Tax was deducted from all such pay only at the rates provided in Sections 2 and 4 of the Finance Act, 1914?

The estimates asked for may be put at £610,000 and £375,000 respectively.

asked whether the pensions granted to widows of officers who have served in the Army and Navy are subject to deduction for Income Tax; and, if so, whether Income Tax is deducted at the full rates provided for in the Finance Act, 1915, and the Finance (No. 3) Bill, 1915; and what is the estimated amount which would be received by the Treasury in a full year from this source?

Subject to the general provisions of the Income Tax Acts in regard to exemption or abatement, the pensions are chargeable with Income Tax as earned income at the rates provided for in the Finance Act, 1915, as modified by the Finance (No. 3) Bill, 1915. As regards the last part of the question, no data are available for an estimate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain what is the amount received by the Treasury from this collection of Income Tax at war rate on widows' pensions?

I will see if it can be done.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Sir W. Peat, who is a member of the Court of Referees on the Excess Profits Tax, is a member of the firm of Messrs. Marwick, Mitchell, Peat and Company, 79, Wall Street, New York; whether this is the same firm which has an office at Unter Den Linden, 56, Berlin; and whether this office has been opened since the commencement of the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second and third parts of the question, I understand that in June. 1914, the firm opened a branch office at 56, Unter den Linden, Berlin, but that immediately on the outbreak of war, the manager was arrested and interned and the office disposed of. No business has been transacted by the firm in Berlin since the beginning of the War.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is now in a position to state 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 last July, in view of the Resident Commissioner's statement that the Board did not consider this case until the 31st August?

In a communication addressed to the secretaries to the Commissioners of National Education, by the Under-Secretary, on the 15th June, 1915, attention was called to the fact that the teacher referred to had been actively engaged during the previous six months in drilling and organising a branch at Cahirciveen of the body known as the Irish Volunteers. The case was first submitted to the Commissioners at their meeting of the 6th July last, and, as I have already informed the hon. Member, the action taken thereon was ordered by the Board and not by the Resident Commissioner. I know of no such statement as is attributed to the Resident Commissioner in the concluding portion of the question.

Under what authority does the Under-Secretary at Dublin Castle write to the Resident Commissioner on such a subject?

Under his general authority.

asked the Chief Secretary what steps he is taking to counteract the endeavours of the organisation which is obstructing recruiting and fomenting disloyalty in Ireland; and if all supporters of this movement who are in Government employment will be dismissed?

It is not in the public interest to set forth all the steps that are being taken to counteract the endeavours of the Irish Volunteers to obstruct recruiting and to foment disloyalty in Ireland; but some indication as to them is given in my answers to the questions of the hon. Member for North Westmeath in this matter. When persons in Government employment are found to be supporters of the movement they are warned to cease all connection with it, and, if they fail to comply with this direction, they are dismissed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that seditious leaflets have been widely circulated in Ireland, and although representations have been made to the authorities, nothing has been done?

We have watched these leaflets, and we do what we can to suppress them.

asked the Prime Minister (1) the number of recruits necessary to keep up the existing establishments and make good the deficit for the campaign of 1916; and whether the War Office, Treasury, and Board of Trade have agreed on the number of recruitable men that can be withdrawn from industry on the basis that this country makes no further advances by way of loans to our Allies, (2) whether, in view of the fact that large numbers of unmarried men have not attested under Lord Derby's scheme, will he now forthwith redeem his pledge to the married men and release them from any obligation they have incurred under Lord Derby's scheme; and whether he intends to at once introduce legislation dealing with this question on the basis of taking unmarried men from non-essential industries; and (3) whether the Government have informed our Allies that the power of this country to give them financial aid and munitions is dependent on our export trade not being further reduced; and whether the Cabinet have obtained any Report from the Departments of State giving the total number of recruitable men who can be withdrawn from non-essential industries, having due regard to these financial considerations; if so, will he give the figures?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware of the hindrances to recruiting arising from the unsatisfactory character of the starring of persons under the National Register; and whether he will take steps to see that all starred cards are promptly placed at the disposal of the Advisory Committee of the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, in order that they may organise the canvass of such starred persons as they decide should be asked whether they will enrol for miltary service, subject to the usual provisions; and (2) whether he is aware that few, if any, armlets are now in public use by persons who have been enrolled for military service in the Army Reserve under Lord Derby's scheme; and whether he will take immediate steps to make the wearing of such armlets by enrolled persons compulsory, in order that it may be known who have volunteered to help the country in this way, and that their example so known may be an incentive to others who at present have failed to follow their example?

In reply to these questions, which deal with various aspects of the question of recruiting, as to some of the points raised the information is not yet complete, while others cannot be adequately dealt with in answer to a question. It will be convenient, therefore, to defer them for the general statement which will be made on the Vote for more men.

When the Prime Minister makes his general statement will he bear in mind that during the time of Lord Derby's campaign thousands of men have left their own work and gone into the munitions work and starred trades?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, with regard to the question of dealing with starred men, that it will be recognised that this is a very urgent question, and one not necessarily independent of the numbers arrived at under Lord Derby's campaign?

I recognise that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman also bear in mind the promise made the other day to consider the desirability of circulating a memorandum giving the figures before the day that Lord Derby's scheme is discussed?

I shall be glad to do so if possible, but I cannot promise.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether any statistics are available which will show up to the present time, respectively, what numbers of men in Great Britain have, under Lord Derby's scheme, enlisted for immediate service, been attested under Army Reserve B (group system), and have been rejected?

I cannot, I fear, anticipate any disclosure of the statistics on these heads which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister may think it in the public interest to make. But the statistics, if not at the moment complete, will be so shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the uncertainty of many married men of military age as to their position, he will say whether, as stated on Monday last by Lord Richard Frederick Cavendish, supervisor and organiser of recruiting in Lancashire, married men will not be called up until single men have gone, that if compulsion should not be brought into force for single men married men who have been attested will be relieved from their pledge, and that if compulsion should be brought into force those who have attested will receive preferential treatment in regard to the selection of a regiment and the time of their being called up?

Lord Derby's letter of the 19th November to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, and the latter's reply to it, is the official declaration of policy on this subject. The first part of the statement attributed to the Noble Lord is in accordance with that declaration. If, however, he went on to make a statement with regard to what would happen if compulsory methods were adopted, he, no doubt, made it as an expression of his personal opinion.

Will my right hon. Friend report that that expression of personal opinion is one very widely shared in by a number of persons who have been engaged in canvassing and recruiting?

Oh, yes, Sir, I can well believe it.

Is it not the fact that men who have married and have families have fulfilled their principal ambition in life?

asked if all members of recognised Volunteer Training Corps who are of military age and who have signed an undertaking to enlist, if called upon to do so, have been attested under Lord Derby's scheme?

I regret that I have no statistics which would enable me to answer this question. But it was understood before Lord Derby began his campaign that these men would join the Forces of the Crown.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whose decision is it in pursuance of which recruiting is allowed among those engaged in essential industries in Ireland while not allowed among those engaged in the same industries in this country; whether any Irish representative body has been consulted and has approved of that discrimination; whether is has been submitted to and approved by the Cabinet; and will he explain how, under these circumstances, uniform administration throughout the United Kingdom has been maintained?

The National Registration Act, as the hon. Member is aware, did not apply to Ireland. The recruiting authorities in Ireland were consequently not so fully provided with information as were recruiting authorities in other parts of the United Kingdom. My statement on the 8th December was that recruiting was conducted on the voluntary principle uniformly throughout the United Kingdom. Uniformity of administration would be obtained through the issue of identical instructions to the various recruiting authorities concerned.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why the fishing and agricultural industries are protected in this country and not in Ireland?

I really do not think that that arises out of this question. I do not think the hon. Member is correct in his assumption. Nearly the whole of those who in peace times are engaged in the fishing industry have given their services to the Admiralty.

Have any been recruited from the fishing industry in this country as they have been in Ireland?

Yes, certainly—if there are any men still unemployed by the Government.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the evidence given at an inquest, held at Shoreditch, on 7th December, on Henry Cotton, who died from a complication of chronic bronchitis, mitral disease, and pleurisy; if he is aware that it was stated that Cotton, although having been previously rejected as unfit and in a dangerous state of health, was pressed to enlist by three soldiers who called at his house at midnight, and that he was passed for service in the 4th City of London Regiment by Surgeon-Major Dutch; and if he will take action with respect to those who forced Cotton to go to the recruiting office, and in the case of the doctor who passed him as being fit for service?

I am obtaining a report on this.

asked whether senior medical students are being employed in military hospitals as surgical dressers and medical clerks; and whether their services in these capacities will be taken into account as hospital attendance for the purpose of their medical qualification?

( was understood to ask ): Before that question is answered, may I inquire if the right hon. Gentleman has received representations from some of the public authorities on the matter?

My hon. Friend asks whether I have received representations from public authorities on this subject. I think we have received one letter, but I do not think there is an absolutely unanimous feeling. As to the question on the Paper, I am informed that medical students are not being employed by the War Office as surgical dressers or medical clerks in military hospitals.

Does my right hon. Friend not think it would be a saving of qualified medical men if senior medical students were so employed?

I think it is really better for medical students who are not in their last years of study to join the combatant Forces of the Crown. Those who are approaching completion of their medical curriculum should proceed with it and become doctors.

But is not their experience gained in these hospitals equivalent to, or even better than, the experience they would gain in civilian hospitals?

If my hon. Friend means in the capacity of an orderly I should say certainly not.

As dressers?

As dressers they might get some amount of clinical practice which would be of value, but in a subordinate capacity, not being members of the Royal Army Medical Corps, they would not receive it.

asked whether recruiting officers have been instructed to keep a record of the names and addresses of any men whose enlistment is not proceeded with on account of their unwillingness to be vaccinated; and are such men provided with any document to prove that they have offered themselves for enlistment and the ground for their rejection?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the attestation of many men who are presenting themselves for enlistment under Lord Derby's group system is not being proceeded with by the recruiting officers because of the unwillingness of conscientious objectors to vaccination to consent to undergo an operation from which they have been legally exempted; and will he say if he is prepared to instruct recruiting officers to refer such men to the Territorial Force, in order that their services may not be entirely lost to the country?

I understand that what is stated in the first part of the question is correct. It is, of course, impossible for recruiting officers to vary the Regulations for the Regular Army. I should say that conscientious objectors, as a body, knew by this time what the position was in regard to vaccination. I have already informed the authorities concerned that men desirous of avoiding vaccination may be enlisted in the Territorial Force.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how that could take place where only one form is in use at these offices?

If only one form is in use under Lord Derby's scheme I can understand that, because the men enlisted into the Groups are intended to form a Pool, from which men will be drafted to any unit. Those units in greatest need of reinforcements will obtain them first. For the Territorial Force another form of attestation should be used, and I have given instructions that it shall be provided for all candidates joining that Force.

May I ask whether the danger is to be faced by the Territorial Force by the enlistment in their ranks of men who may be a source of contagion?

Of course there has always been that danger. The Territorial Force has been exempted from compulsory vaccination ever since it was started, and therefore I do not think there is a very great additional danger at the present moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman instruct the authorities to whom he sent the notice to have it made as public as possible, in order that these people may take service in that part of our Army?

I think that is very desirable, and I will see whether greater publicity cannot be given to it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question as to whether any Territorials have been recruited under the Derby scheme?

No, Sir; I think not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware that men who have volunteered for enlistment and have been rejected for medical reasons are now, in consequence of not being given armlets, faced with the dilemma that they have either to submit to being regarded as shirkers or to explain generally details of their physical condition, which they may not desire to disclose either for private reasons or for fear of injuring their prospects of employment; and if, in view of this, the Government will reconsider the recent decision not to give armlets to men rejected on medical grounds; and (2) if he is aware that the Liverpool recruiting committee unanimously passed a resolution, on Monday last, protesting against the withholding of khaki armlets from men who had volunteered for military service and had been rejected as medically unfit; and if, in view of the feeling in Liverpool and elsewhere on the subject, the Government will take steps to give armlets to these rejected men on the lines indicated by the Director of Recruiting at the beginning of last month?

Armlets will be given to those candidates who have been rejected on medical grounds, subject to certain conditions which are shortly to be published by the War Office.

Will the armlets also be given to men who are discharged on account of ill-health from the Army?

I should like notice of that, but I think the answer is in the affirmative.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think there is a great deal of waste of material in the armlets?

It depends on the size of the arm.

I mean in width.

Are the armlets to be issued to the rejected men identical with those issued to the men who have been attested and put back to their classes?

I would rather not give an absolute pledge on that subject, but I think again the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will propose an all-round reduction of ministerial and Parliamentary salaries during the War as an example to the nation of retrenchment of public and private expenditure urgently necessary to conserve our financial resources for the prosecution of the War?

The Government do not intend to make such a proposal.

asked the Prime Minister whether, before the House adjourns for Christmas, he will arrange for Parliament to send on behalf of the nation a message of thanks and appreciation to all our sailors and soldiers who are away from home serving their country in the different theatres of War?

I doubt whether such a course is necessary, or in accordance with the usual practice, but I will inquire into the matter. Our gallant soldiers and sailors are well aware of the appreciation and gratitude felt by the country for their services.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the French Chamber of Deputies, on the first anniversary of the outbreak of war, sent a message to the French troops? Will he take that fact into consideration?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consent to the appointment of two or three Committees of the House to consider and report on the problems which will arise after the War, more especially affecting the reinstatement of the men who have given up their positions and prospects to enlist, trade within the Empire, and trade development generally by this country and our Allies?

asked the Prime Minister whether the investigations with reference to commercial conditions which will require to be dealt with at the conclusion of the War are being carried on by a regularly appointed Committee; if so, will he say when it was appointed and the number of sittings so far held; whether, in the event of a Committee having been formed, it has taken evidence, and if he will communicate the scope of its work; if the instructions of the Government are that those investigating should, in addition to reporting, make recommendations; if he will consider the advisability of giving the names of the officials of the Departments; whether he will give those of the business men who have been asked by the Government to assist in this work; and if he will state, in consideration of the importance and urgency of this matter, why it could not be dealt with by a Select Committee of Parliament?

His Majesty's Government are fully alive to the great importance of the economic, social, commercial and financial problems that will arise after the War, and I am strongly of opinion that not even our preoccupation with the immediate and paramount task of ensuring victory ought to prevent us from taking measures to ensure that these problems shall be carefully explored by skilled experts in advance.

My hon. Friend will be glad to know that a great deal of preparatory investigation is already taking place, but much of it is naturally unsuited for public discussion at present. For this and other reasons, I doubt if the precise machinery suggested in the question is best suited for the purpose.

Is evidence being taken by the body making the investigation?

reply was inaudible in the Reporters' Gallery.

asked whether the Government will give facilities to the Bill, introduced by Lord Halsbury in another place, dealing with enemy companies?

No, Sir, I am not prepared to give facilities at present, for the reasons given by the Lord Chancellor in his speech in the House of Lords last Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that clothing contracts and food contracts under the War Office are necessarily determined by officials who are not connected with the different trades, and who therefore cannot have the necessary knowledge to enable them to avoid undesirable contracts and extravagance, the Cabinet will consider the advisability of immediately transferring those matters to the Department of Munitions, or, alternatively, to place them under the complete control of committees drawn from the leading members of the different trades?

The Contracts Department of the War Office has actually in its employment, and consults in an advisory capacity, a large number of business experts. I see no reason for making the change suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in connection with the recent exchange of prisoners of war with Germany, we have returned upwards of 100 well-fed, well-clothed, able-bodied men to Germany and have received in exchange soldiers who are totally disabled by their injuries and in many cases are in a half-starved and ill-clad condition; and what course he proposes to take to secure in future a fair equality of exchange?

One hundred and three men were returned to Germany on the occasion of the recent exchange, and, as stated in the question, they were all wellfed and well-clothed, but they were not all able-bodied, as forty-three were incapacitated for further service. The remaining sixty were members of the German medical services. The disabilities from which the soldiers returned by Germany are suffering are similar to those on account of which the forty-three incapacitated Germans were repatriated. The condition of the clothing of the British subjects repatriated from Germany was, I am informed, bad, but it is also stated that they did not appear, to be half-starved. As regards the last part of the question, it is not considered that there is any inequality in the exchanges which take place, the same standard of incapacity being adopted by both countries.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire through the proper channels whether it is not the fact that owing to the scarcity of wool in Germany returning prisoners have had their woollen underclothing taken?

I will make inquiries; but that is not in accordance with the information I have received.

asked whether it is to be understood from the fact that Lord Kitchener has joined the War Committee as a member that the War Committee has been increased beyond the number of five, which the Prime Minister stated on 2nd November to be the highest limit?

Lord Kitchener as Secretary of State for War is necessarily a member of the War Committee. I am not aware that I ever bound myself that the Committee should in no circumstances consist of more than five.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman state that according to his idea the Committee ought to consist of some number between three and five?

I did, but five is not a sacred number.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to transfer the services of the Lord Chief Justice to the Treasury?

At my request, and that of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Lord Chief Justice has been good enough to render temporary assistance at the Treasury.

Will the reserved judgment in the Speyer and Cassel case be delivered before he takes up his new duties?

Does the hon. Gentleman think that I can answer that without notice?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that, by the unification of municipal government in London, economies to the value of over £1,000,000 a year could easily be effected; whether he will therefore take step? to ascertain whether this result could be attained by extending the jurisdiction of the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London, giving to the boroughs a representation on the Court of Common Council proportionate to their population, and thus not only preserving but enhancing the dignity of the City Corporation and at the same time effecting economies; and (2) whether he is aware that Royal Commissions have reported that the property of the City Livery Companies is national property and should be under national control; whether he is aware of allegations of extravagance in administration; and whether, seeing that the value of the property is variously estimated at from £17,000,000 to £25,000,000, and that there is an annual income of over £500,000, he will take steps to secure it for national purposes in the present emergency?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the revenues of the City Livery companies, and seeing that their funds are not used to their best advantage nor subject to public control, he will promote such legislation as will ensure their resources being utilised for the benefit of the nation?

The proposals, even if they could be recommended, could only be carried into effect by means of legislation which could not fail to be keenly controversial. At the same time, the hon. Gentlemen who ask these questions must not take it that I agree either with their premises or with their conclusions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the only inaccuracy in my question is that I estimate the savings at over £1,000,000, whereas in point of fact they would be over £4,000,000?

I am afraid I cannot accept that as the only inaccuracy in the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny that there is a difference of over £1 per head in the municipal expenditure in London as compared with provincial cities, and that, taking the population in London into consideration, that proves there is an expenditure of over £4,000,000 that could be saved?

If I were not to deny that, I should be compelled to affirm that there were many reasons to account for the difference.

I will put the question down again.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Chief Secretary for Ireland, in making a statement on the question of Ministers' and Members' salaries, spoke on behalf of the Cabinet; and, if not, whether he intends to follow the advice of his colleague?

My impression is that my right hon. Friend must have been speaking for himself.