asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can, with a view to reassure public opinion, state whether the provisions for the defence of London and the Eastern counties against hostile aircraft have been proved to be satisfactory?

I cannot add anything to the statements already made by my right hon. Friend the First Lord on this subject, both in reply to questions and also in the discussion on the Vote of Credit on 11th November.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there have been seven or eight abortive raids since the 13th October?

That does not arise.

Has anybody been appointed to succeed Sir Percy Scott?

I submit, with great respect, that that does not arise.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will arrange that when the Anti-Aircraft (London) Corps is transferred to the War Department the blue uniforms now worn by officers and men in this service may be retained?

So far as I am aware, no alteration of uniform is contemplated.

asked whether Sir Percy Scott is still in command of the anti-aircraft defences of London; if not, when did he vacate that position; if he is still in command; when is it proposed that his retirement should take effect; and whether a full statement can be made upon the impending changes in this service?

It has been decided that the defence of London against hostile air attack is to be taken over by the War Office. That transfer, it is anticipated, will take place shortly.

As regards Sir Percy Scott, who is at present in charge of the gunnery defence of London, the question of his continuance in that work would be one for determination when the transfer takes place. But, pending such transfer, Sir Percy Scott remains in his present post.

Will the transfer be of such, a kind that this force will be loaned to the War Office, or will they be placed under the discipline of the Army Act, instead of being, as they now are, under the Naval Discipline Act?

That is an administrative question which my hon. Friend had better put on the Paper.

Does it not arise directly out of this question?

asked the Undersecretary of State for War under whose immediate control the Anti-Aircraft (London) Corps now is; and what officer is charged with the duties for which Admiral Sir Percy Scott was responsible?

The Anti-Aircraft Corps is at this moment under the control of the Admiralty; and as regards the second part of the question, Admiral Sir Percy Scott remains in charge of the gunnery defence of London. My right hon. Friend the Secretary to the Admiralty has just given a reply in this sense. When the corps has been placed at the disposal of the Army Council the control over it will be exercised by the Council through the officer who will be in charge of it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who will succeed Admiral Sir Percy Scott? Has any decision been arrived at on that point?

I think I indicated that he might not be available for this duty, but the matter is still under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only two days ago he said Sir Percy Scott would not be in charge?

I have just said that I did say that, but the matter is still under consideration.

Why could not the right hon. Gentleman have said that two days ago?

asked whether it is proposed to issue complete new uniforms to men of the Anti-Aircraft (London) Corps when they pass under War Department control; and whether these men will have to be enlisted in order to bring them under the Army Act?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and as regards the second it will not be necessary to enlist into the Army any naval personnel whom the Admiralty may place at the disposal of the Army Council for the purpose of manning anti-aircraft defences.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been directed to the statement that seventy-eight enemy submarines have been sunk or captured by the British Fleet since the commencement of the War; and whether he is now in a position to give the House and the country the correct figures?

I cannot add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the First Lord to the hon. Member for Birmingham North on. 30th September last, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

I will not trouble the right hon. Gentleman.

asked what information the Foreign Office has and can make public regarding the forces at or near Hamadan which are believed to be commanded by German officers?

I have received but little reliable information as to the nature and strength of the force to which the hon. Member alludes. I understand, however, that it consists of some 8,000 irregulars and 3,000 revolted gendarmes, and that it has an adequate supply of rifles, machine guns, and ammunition.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official knowledge of the number of Armenians massacred; whether any communications have passed between the United States Government and the British Government on the subject; and, if so, can he give any information to the House on these matters?

I am afraid that, owing to the circumstances of these massacres, it is impossible to obtain any official estimate of the number killed; nor have we received from or sent to the United States Government any communication on the subject. It is impossible, I fear, usefully to say anything further about these terrible events.

asked whether King Constantine has ever addressed to the British Government any representation of the position of Greece to the effect that the Balkan policy of the Allies was not definite, and that, supposing that Greece had joined the Alies and that subsequently the Allies had decided to reduce their action or to retire altogether, the position of Greece might be precarious, and that he feared that in those circumstances Greece might become a second Belgium; and, if so, what reassurances, if any, were given to Greece?

No representations have been made to His Majesty's Government in this sense.

In view of the fact that it has been revealed in the Greek Chamber that the Minister of Munitions carried on the negotiations with the Greek Government, how can the Noble Lord give any guarantee that dispatches have or have not passed between the Governments?

I can only say what I have said—that no representations have been made to His Majesty's Government in this sense.

What is the channel of communication between this Government and Greece? Does King Constantine represent Greece in this sense?

The channels between this country and Greece are the ordinary diplomatic channels—the representatives of this country in Greece and the representatives of Greece in this country.

Is the Noble Lord able to say that no other channels than the ordinary diplomatic channels of the Foreign Office have been used for diplomatic communications?

There are no other possible channels between the Government of this country and the Government of any other country than those which are established by diplomatic usage.

Does not the Noble Lord see that he is evading a clear question?

asked whether cotton waste has been declared contraband of war; and, if not, why this has not been done?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Royal Proclamation dated 20th August, 1915, and published in the "London Gazette" of 21st August, by which cotton waste as well as raw cotton was declared absolute contraband of war.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, at the time he made the public announcement on 9th September to the effect that the Dardanelles operations were within a little of a great success which would have an enormous effect in all parts of the world, he had any official information at his disposal which has been withheld from the House; and, if so, has he any objection to laying the same upon the Table?

No, Sir, I had not, and did not pretend to have, any official information bearing on the subject beyond that which was available to every person in the country. The observation quoted was perhaps literally true. But, unfortunately, it conveyed an impression which, to my profound regret, shared, I am sure, by the hon. Member, has not been justified by the event.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether Colonel T. A. Wynne Edwards is in command of the 21st Battalion of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers now stationed at Conway; whether he is on active service and draws full pay; whether he is aware that on 30th November last Colonel Edwards addressed a public meeting at Rhyl and moved a resolution calling for the repeal of the Welsh Church Act in a controversial speech; whether Colonel Edwards's action was in contravention of the Service regulations; and whether, having regard to the effects such action will have at this time when Welsh Nonconformists have done so much for recruiting, official notice will be taken of this officer's conduct?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that Colonel Wynne Edwards attended a conference in connection with Church matters, held at Rhyl, and addressed the conference. In doing so he committed no breach of the King's Regulations, but the Army Council do not consider it to be in the interests of the Service that officers in command of troops should express their opinions in public on political questions of a controversial nature, especially when the matter discussed is one which closely affects all those serving under them. It is proposed to inform Colonel Wynne Edwards accordingly.

Is it not the case that Colonel Edwards had resigned his position in the Army before he made this speech?

I was not aware of that.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the way in which Lord Derby's scheme has been worked in the agricultural counties of Wales, that its details have never been explained in Welsh either in print or on the platform, that some counties had only two attestation offices, and some of them were in charge of monoglot Englishmen, that in many instances persons had to travel thirty or forty miles in order to attest, and, if rejected, they received no allowance for expenses; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to extend the time for and amend the methods of recruiting in these rural areas?

I am informed that the details of the scheme have been published in Welsh. I should regret if the supply of polyglot Englishmen in suitable numbers and at the right places has been found insufficient, but I have not had information to that effect before I read my hon. Friend's question. Perhaps he will be good enough to send me details. The decisions which have been taken from time to time as regards extending the time limit are already public property, and I am not aware of any intention to extend it either generally, or partially, as my hon. Friend suggests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the whole of the men at Woolwich Arsenal of military age have been attested under Lord Derby's scheme; and whether he is aware that their doing so has resulted in a great loss of time?

These men were attested because, after discussion with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions, it was decided that attestation was the best course. I am sure that he would not have concurred if this had involved any appreciable loss of time, and I am certainly unaware that there has been any great loss of time.

Why were these men attested? Was it so much window-dressing, and for the purpose of showing numbers?

Oh no, Sir, the object undoubtedly was that the men might be considered to be members of the Army, if and when the necessity arose.

Were each of these men paid 2s. 9d. on attestation?

No, Sir, I think not.

Is it not the case that in other cases where the men have been starred or otherwise required to go to necessary trades that they have been paid?

I understand—I do not know if I am wrong—that ordinary persons who attested, and have been put with Reserve B have not received any such payments.

Oh, yes, they have.

I dare say I am wrong in that; I must fortify myself.

The right hon. Gentleman might consult his colleagues in the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that large rural areas were for attestation purposes placed under the control of one officer; that men, after travelling long distances to recruiting centres on two or more occasions, were unable to attest owing to the lack of forms and the absence of recruiting officers; and whether such men will be given an opportunity of attesting?

It would assist my Noble Friend, Lord Derby, if my hon. Friend would be kind enough to inform me in detail of the localities he has in mind, and an endeavour will be made to meet such cases satisfactorily.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War, adverting to the circulars issued under Lord Derby's recruiting campaign that every man who intends applying for exemption must first be attested and placed in his group, will he say why the word exemption has been used, seeing that the local tribunals under the instructions which have been issued have no power to exempt an attested man, their powers being confined to placing him in a later group?

My hon. Friend is, of course, right in stating that the powers of the local tribunals are confined to postponement. If the expression "exemption" has been used in any case, I think the general context will make the meaning quite clear.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will reconsider his refusal to discharge Private No. 21,361, C. Company, 10th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment, who applied for enlistment at Nelson on 22nd September last, and stated his age as sixteen and was told to come next day and say he was nineteen, which he did without the knowledge or consent of his mother, a widow, whose main support this boy was; and if he is aware that the mother made application for the boy's discharge before he reached the age of seventeen and was put off by various excuses until the boy had turned seventeen, when she was informed that the discharge could not be granted as the boy was over seventeen?

My hon. Friend flatters me by thinking that I can carry the details of each soldier's case in my head. I am having inquiry made and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked whether men joining the Army who have a conscientious objection to taking the oath are allowed to make an affirmation?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Will the hon. Gentleman make that generally known, because during the last fortnight a great number of men have not been allowed to join the Army on account of their refusal to take the oath?

I am surprised to hear that; I will do my best to promulgate it; it has been well known in the Army now for a number of years.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether there are officers holding temporary commissions whose intellectual abilities are of the highest order and quite equal to those of officers in the Regular Army; whether he will consider the advantage to the State if the former were given equal opportunities of being trained for and holding Staff appointments; whether such opportunities are withheld from them on the plea that Staff appointments should be reserved for Regular officers; and whether he will make it known throughout the Army that recommendations for Staff appointments are to be made solely for merit and that no preference is to be given to any officer merely on the ground that he holds a commission in the Regular Army?

I have already dealt with all the points raised in this question in the answers I gave to the hon. Member for the North Bradford Division on the 25th November and the 6th December. No one doubts that intellectual abilities of a very high order are to be found amongst officers holding temporary commissions. I have already stated to the House that 50 per cent. of the officers now being trained at home in Staff duties are taken from the New Armies. To this I would add that while no preference will be given to any officer merely on the ground that he holds a commission in the Regular Army, full account will be taken of the fact that officers who have been members of the military profession for many years should possess, and generally do possess, scientific and technical knowledge which is of course not at the disposal of officers who have come to the Army from other professions.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very large numbers of young officers consider that the War Office is rather a rigid kind of trade unionism, with a secretary who is a museum of prejudices in favour of the Regular Army?

asked the Tinder-Secretary of State for War the result of the negotiations for obtaining a suitable building to provide our soldiers with lodging when detained in London on their way to and from the front, and whether, in view of the near approach of Christmas, every effort will be made to" secure the necessary accommodation before then?

Negotiations to secure a suitable building are still in progress, and every effort is being and will be made to secure accommodation at the earliest possible date. I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War the total cost of the twenty-four men of the Connaught Rangers, with seven motor-cars, in their last recruiting tour throughout county Leitrim, from the 20th to 29th November, inclusive; whether Recruiting Lieutenant O'Donnell spoke at all their meetings; and whether he will state to what the failure to get one recruit is attributed?

I recognise the interest the hon. Gentleman takes in all matters connected with recruiting for His Majesty's Forces, but I am afraid that the first part of his question could not be answered with precision without further inquiry. I am not aware whether there was any of the meetings during the tour referred to at which Lieutenant O'Donnell did not speak, and as regards the last part of the question I could not pronounce an opinion without a more intimate acquaintance with the psychology of the inhabitants of the county of Leitrim than any I can claim.

I will put down a question for Monday!

I am afraid I shall not have time by then to pay my visit to Leitrim.

Tuesday then!

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the case of Second-Lieutenant J. R. Rowley, 3/4th Northumberland Artillery, who was brought before the Clerkenwell police magistrate on 6th December charged with drunkenness and molesting a lady passenger on the train between Bedford and London, has been brought to his notice; why this officer was handed over to the civil authorities by the station staff officer at St. Pancras instead of being dealt with by the military authorities; what punishment, if any, was awarded to this officer by the magistrate; and if it is proposed to take any further action in the matter?

Yes, Sir, my attention had been drawn to this case which is already the subject of inquiry, and suitable action will be taken.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether a sergeant, thirty-six years of age, was recently discharged from the Irish Guards on completing sixteen years' service with the Colours and in the Special Reserve, notwithstanding his willingness to continue in his late regiment and that he is of excellent character and physique; whether it is the policy of the Army Council not to retain the services of suitable time-expired non-commissioned officers except as reenlisted privates; and, if so, what are the grounds on which such a policy is followed?

This will be inquired into by the War Office if my hon. Friend will communicate to me the name of the sergeant to whom he refers.

May I take it that if the facts are as stated, this non-commissioned officer will be reinstated in his former placed?

I am afraid I cannot go so far as that. I say it will be inquired into.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is the policy of the War Office in regard to non-commissioned officers whose time is up; will they be reenlisted as privates or retained if suitable?

Of course it will depend altogether upon the particular case. A sergeant or non-commissioned officer in the Army, who is a suitable person, will undoubtedly go on in the Army; he will be retained in that rank.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will state what is the latest information in his possession with respect to the operations of Sir J. Nixon's force; and whether, in view of the daily bulletins issued by the enemy, he can arrange for a British official communiqué on the operations in Mesopotamia to be issued to the British public daily or at much more frequent intervals than at present?

I will publish from time to time any information which can properly be given. Telegrams received by me to-day from Sir John Nixon report that there was heavy musketry fire for an hour on the 12th instant, but that the Turks did not attempt any advance. A heavy attack on a village on the right bank was repulsed. On the 13th all was quiet. Reinforcements continue to be sent up stream as they arrive.

Why have we been getting our chief information upon Mesopotamia from Turkish sources: we get far more information in the newspapers from Constantinople, emanating from Germany, than what has been issued by the India Office?

In so far as that is the case, it is because I am unwilling to give the House information as to the accuracy of which I cannot vouch. The information supplied from the sources to which reference is made by the hon. Baronet is frequently grossly inaccurate.

asked the Secretary of State for India what means were at his disposal for ascertaining the strength of the Turkish forces at Bagdad; whether the Foreign Office and the India Office were in close touch with each other on the subject; whether any explanation can be given for the British Expedition advancing so far in Mesopotamia with inadequate forces; and whether he has conveyed to General Sir J. Nixon and General Townshend the appreciation of His Majesty's Government of the bravery, skill, and endurance shown by all ranks engaged in the Expedition?

It would not be in the public interest to answer the first and third paragraphs of the question at the present time. The answer to the second and fourth is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to give the House complete information as to how war pensions should be applied for; and whether he can arrange for the publication of the same for all services in some handy form?

I have had prepared, in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty, a short statement which shall be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I hope that it will be of assistance to hon. Members.

Can my hon. Friend see that this is published in the newspaper Press so that the dependants of soldiers all over the country may see it?

I dare say the Press will take notice of my reply.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state whether members of the Army Service Corps are entitled to the Colonial allowance when they have been stationed in Egypt for more than a fortnight; and if this allowance is paid to all troops, or if it is paid only to men of warrant rank or above; and, if so, why?

Yes, Sir; the Army Service Corps is treated in the same way as other troops. Officers and warrant officers draw the allowance; the other ranks are provided for in kind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the addition of a representative of the private retail traders to the Committee appointed to investigate the question of obtaining contributions to the War Loan from the working classes, in view of the numbers of such traders who are in daily touch with the classes concerned?

In view of the large size of the Committee as at present constituted, I fear I could not see my way to add to its numbers. The Committee will, however, be very glad to receive a statement of the views of retail traders and all other persons or associations interested in this question.

asked if the 5s. War Loan vouchers will continue to be issued at the post offices, now that many small investors are beginning to appreciate the advantages of saving by this means, and having regard to the fact that these vouchers will form a convenient medium for making small presents at Christmas time and for the investment of small sums then?

The popularity of the system of scrip vouchers was not such as to justify its extension after the date originally contemplated for its ending.

Can my right hon. Friend say when he is going to issue instructions as to what is to be done with 5s. vouchers, held by a great many people, which do not make up scrip for £5? What are these people to do with the 5s. vouchers?

They can pay them into the Post Office Savings Bank now, and open an account there and draw out the amount.

Will they get the same amount of interest?

They carry the usual Post Office Savings Bank interest from the time when they are paid in.

asked whether the Government intend to increase the rate of interest to be allowed on deposits in the Trustee and Post Office Savings Banks?

As stated in the House of Commons, on Monday last, this question is being considered by the Committee recently appointed to investigate the question of making the savings of small investors available for loans to the Government for war purposes.

May I ask whether there is any chance of knowing when the Committee will report on this matter?

If my hon. Friend will give me notice of the question I will inquire of the Committee.

asked if the Treasury has given permission to the London Stock Exchange to sell in North America securities which have been in the possession of persons in allied or neutral countries since the beginning of the War; and, if so, why neutral countries should be included in such permission, seeing that this must entail the risk of some of the money realised going to enemy countries, however carefully it may be controlled?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the hon. Member will realise that in any case there is nothing to prevent neutral holders from selling direct to America. The facilities now offered are confined to securities which have not been in enemy ownership since the beginning of the War and have been in physical possession in allied or neutral countries during the same period. These facilities secure for this country any income that may be earned by British brokers acting as agents for sales, and have the advantage of assisting to maintain the position of London as the central clearing house for exchange operations generally.

Will it be by any means possible to ascertain whether securities which come, say, from Holland will not be in the possession of Germans?

I would not like to say that it would be possible to be perfectly certain in every case, but there will be no difficulty in sending the securities direct from Holland to the United States.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, under the new Order of the Central Control Board, a householder ordering a cask of beer one day, receiving it next day, and paying for it the day after instead of enclosing payment with the order, becomes liable to imprisonment for six months with hard labour and a fine of £100; and, if so, whether the principle of making credit illegal is to be extended in other directions in the commercial and industrial life of the country?

I am afraid that I cannot accept the responsibility of giving legal opinions on hypothetical cases.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that such cases have occurred, and that persons have been advised by their legal advisers that this is the result of the existing law; and whether he thinks it possible to maintain such a state of affairs?

If the hon. Gentleman had told me that there had been a fine for such conditions, I should have been very much surprised indeed. It is possible to conceive anomalous cases in the working of every law, but the hon. Gentleman must assume that the magistrates will administer the law with some amount of common sense.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether magistrates are not bound to administer the law, and whether he is aware that the law is so interpreted, absurd as it may seem?

No, but if the hon. Member tells me there is a single case where the law has been interpreted in this sense, I shall be glad if he will call my attention to it.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman does not see that the law being thus, persons employed in perfectly proper transactions are put to this inconvenience in order to escape the effects of the law?

asked the Minister of Munitions if the Central Control Board have agreed to suspend the operation of Article 4 ( e ) in the provincial as well as in the London areas, having regard to the fact that this provision causes even more inconvenience and expense to customers of breweries and wine merchants in the country districts than in London, where the Order has been temporarily withheld?

The answer to the question is in the negative.

asked on what principle or facts the Board of Control (Liquor Traffic) acted when they decided to open public-houses from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. in the dock area, but refused to extend this privilege to Shoreditch, Islington, Hampstead, and other places; whether he can state the exact numbers of the persons engaged in the production and transport of munitions and war material in the boroughs of Poplar and West Ham compared "with those in the three above mentioned boroughs; and why, if the above opening hours do not interfere with efficiency in West Ham and Poplar, they were held to do so in Shoreditch, Islington, or Hampstead?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to the hon. and gallant Member for Mile End on the 13th December. I am unable to supply the statistics asked for in the second part of the question.

asked what trade union organisations were consulted in the London area before the new Closing Order was made; what was the character of the evidence tendered by those bodies; and whether they expressed a desire for the restrictions?

As I have previously stated, the Central Control Board inform me that the London Order was made after the usual local conference (at which the London Trades Council was represented), discussions with representative deputations, and very full consideration of evidence, both oral and written. I am assured that the Board have always been anxious to hear all evidence by responsible representatives, notably from those representing trades unions. I do not think that I can usefully summarise the evidence presented by such organisations in relation to the case of the London area.

May I ask whether in all cases the Board of Control consulted the local authorities before issuing the Order?

I am assured that they do. I asked specifically, and I was told that they did.

I can give the right hon. Gentleman two cases in which I know they have not.

Does the right hon. Gentleman see his way to publish the evidence?

That is in the answer I have given.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement by Lord d'Abernon that the Order was not made upon evidence, but upon a letter from the right hon. Gentleman himself?

I can hardly think the chairman of the Board could have said that it was not done on evidence. It must have been a misreport or the hon. Member must have misread it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to Lord d'Abernon's statement?

No, I have not seen it.

asked the Minister of Munitions, seeing that the powers conferred on the Board of Control (Liquor Traffic) are solely concerned with the efficiency of labour in certain munition producing and transport areas, whether he can state the exact number of convictions for drunkenness of men actually employed in munition producing or war transport in the London area for six weeks before the No-Treating Order for the occupations of the men; whether discriminating police inquiries were made to distinguish if these men were employed on Government work or on similar work for ordinary commercial firms; and what proportion the number of convicted munition and transport workers bore for each separate week to the total number engaged in these classes of work?

The statistics suggested by my hon. Friend are not available, but careful inquiry was directed to the point whether restrictions on drink would improve efficiency of output, and the result, so far as experience goes, has fully justified the course adopted.

asked whether, having regard to the terms of appointment of the Board of Control (Liquor Traffic), the licensing justices and the London County Council, who were consulted at the conference at the Middlesex Guildhall, on 1st October last, respecting the proposed Orders for the London area, were carefully reminded that evidence could only be accepted which either bore direct relationship to the production and transport of munitions and war material or indirectly affected the same; whether, as a fact, the evidence of the licensing justices was almost wholly remote from, this issue; and whether the chairman of the London County Council stated that the metropolitan working class had exhibited remarkable restraint under every temptation of long hours and high wages?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. As regards the third part, I have no official information, but have no reason to doubt the fact.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that the various sections of workmen employed in the engineering trades at Sheffield are taking objection to the rules posted up by employers at various controlled establishments under the Munitions of War Act; if he is aware that such rules provide for heavy fines upon workmen for trivial offences; and whether he will consider the advisability of drafting model rules to govern conditions at all controlled establishments?

Complaints with regard to the rules mentioned by my hon. Friend were brought to my notice in October. Since then I understand that the rules of which complaint was made have been materially modified. I may also state that I propose to amend the Munitions (Ordering of Work) Regulations, 1915, so as to provide that the only rules in respect of which proceedings can be taken before a munitions tribunal shall be rules approved by the Ministry of Munitions.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if an answer to these questions is not considered in the public interest?

I think if my hon. and gallant Friend will again consider the character of the questions he will see that, if questions of this kind were answered, undoubtedly it would be giving information to the enemy which it would be undesirable to publish, and if I begin to answer questions of this kind there is no end to similar questions which might be asked. Might I just say to my hon. and gallant Friend that I can give him all the information he asks for privately? I shall be very glad to give him all the information myself.

I want to hurry up the Department.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can give the names of the persons who gratituously are giving the whole of their time to the service of the Ministry of Munitions; and whether he wishes to add any names to the list recently published?

The list referred to in the question included the names of all persons who are giving the whole of their time gratuitously to the service of the Ministry with the exception of two who, I regret to say, were inadvertently omitted, namely, Mr. Alexander McDowell and Mr. W. Weir.

May I ask whether that list also included the names of people who are only giving partial time to the Ministry?

It the hon. Gentleman will call my attention to any specific case I will let him know.

Will my right hon. Friend say whether one of the Parliamentary Secretaries is refusing the salary voted by Parliament?

I do not know that.

It has been published in a list.

asked the Minister of Munitions what arrangements have been made as to the issue of medals to men engaged on munitions work?

I hope shortly to appoint a small Committee to deal with the question.

Are we likely to hear the result of their deliberations at an early date?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the urgent need for national economy, he will direct an investigation into the way in which public money is being wasted by employing men in munitions work away from their homes in munitions and other factories from which workmen of similar class have been enlisted, thus entailing in some cases a double subsistence allowance?

I see no reason for a special investigation. I am fully aware of the desirability, both in the interests of national economy and for other reasons, of employing munition workers so far as possible near to their homes. It is unfortunately true that numbers of skilled workmen required for the production of munitions have enlisted, particularly in the early stages of the War, and these had to be replaced by workmen drawn from other parts of the country. Special steps are being taken to withdraw from the Colours skilled munition workers, and where possible these are returned to their old firms, having regard to the relative urgency of the work on which these firms are engaged. Unfortunately many cannot be so recalled, either because they have been victims of casualties or are serving far away from this country, or for other causes.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, having regard to the Report of the Health of Munition Workers' Committee that there may be a case for the establishment of wet canteens in certain districts and in special circumstances where alcoholic beverages may be obtained, he will make a commencing experiment at once by introducing good, ripe, wholesome English beer such as contains only a small proportion of alcohol?

The question is under careful consideration. I understand that several firms are engaged in experiment in the production of wholesome and palatable beer of low alcoholic content—in some cases as low as under 2 per cent. of proof.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that the War Office has notified local authorities that, owing to the demand for benzol and toluol for the manufacture of explosives, it has been found necessary to require gas undertakings throughout the Kingdom to extract these constituents from their gas, thereby in some cases affecting the illuminating power of the gas and its calorific power; if he is aware that the War Office have advised that the general public should do everything in their power to prevent attacks on gas undertakings owing to the possible deterioration of the gas supply, and that this can best be done by ceasing to test gas altogether or by preventing results of the test being made public; if he is aware that some few years ago the illuminating power of gas was reduced; if he is aware that if the gas tests are abolished by local authorities a greater amount of J impurities will pass through the gas mains; if he is aware that if the calorific power is reduced it will mean that more gas will have to be consumed for heating and cooking purposes at the cost of the general consumer; and if he intends taking action in the matter?

The requirement referred to was necessitated by paramount interests of national defence. I am advised that the effect on the calorific power of gas will be inappreciable, and in view of the greatly increased use of incandescent burners the effect on illumination will also be restricted. The conditions under which the gas companies have undertaken the operation at the urgent request of the Ministry are not such as to yield them any profit, so that I trust that the appeal made to the public authorities not to attribute blame to the gas companies for any slight inconvenience that may be caused to consumers may have general support, including that of my hon. Friend.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now looked into the payment of Members of both Houses of Parliament who carry dispatches to and from the Army; and what he has determined regarding such salaries?

In future, if Members of either House of Parliament undertake these duties, it will be without remuneration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the selection of General Joffre by the French Government, as generalissimo of the French armies, in all the theatres of operations will necessitate any important changes in the higher commands of the British Forces; and, if so, can he inform the House what these changes will be?

Some changes are in course of being made, and will be announced almost immediately. They have no connection of any kind with the change which has been made by the French Government in the functions of General Joffre.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British policy in the Balkans is settled by the War Council or by the Cabinet as a whole; and whether he is in a position to give the House any definite information as to the present policy of the Government in the Near East?

The Cabinet is responsible for decisions affecting British policy; as regards the second part of the question I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. Friend yesterday.

asked the Prime Minister if he is now able to give the result of the inquiry made into the statements given by the hon. Member for Blackburn about the breaking up of anti-conscription meetings by the military; and can he give an answer to the other points raised on this matter?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister answered part of the hon. Member's original question, as it affected the action of the Civic Authorities of Glasgow, on the 8th instant. He has requested me to state the result of the inquiries made as regards the incidents at Nelson, Halifax and Bradford.

I am informed that there was some disturbance of the meeting at Nelson. When the meeting had been in progress a short time a number of the members of the Home Defence Corps entered the room ostensibly to prevent the meeting taking place, four got on the platform and attempted to seize the speaker's manuscript. When the police arrived these four men were still upon the platform but they left upon police appearing and joined about eight other members of the corps, who were in the body of the Hall, and from there heckled the speakers until the close of the meeting at 10.15 p.m. The members of the corps were not in uniform. Two men were ejected from the meeting, but the police cannot say if they were mem- bers of the corps. The police are informed that a drill parade of the corps was assembling and some of the members asked permission of the commander to go to the meeting. The commander refused, but dismissed the drill parade. The bulk of the members did not go to the meeting, and their numbers were limited to about a dozen.

As regards Halifax, the following telegram has been received:—The Officer Commanding Administrative Centre states that his Territorial band attended and played at an excellent recruiting meeting in the public street outside the hall in Halifax where meeting against Conscription was held. The recruiting meeting was attended with good results. Some Territorial soldiers attended the meeting of their own free will and broke it up. It was not an organised interruption.

As regards Bradford, the following telegram has been received:—I have made full inquiries from Chief Constable, who informs me that a meeting to discuss Conscription was advertised to take place at the Mechanics' Institute on 2nd instant, but was not held owing to objection of owners of building. No soldiers were present. Soldiers have not interfered with any meetings at Bradford.

I can assure my hon. Friend that no concerted plot to prevent public discussion or interfere with meetings is known to me, and that there is none which has the approval of the military authorities. It will be seen from the reports which I have given to the House that in only one case of those mentioned by my hon. Friend was there interruption of a meeting by soldiers in uniform, and I am assured that that was not an organised interruption.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether a meeting against Conscription has the disapproval of the Government?

No, Sir, I never said anything of the kind.

Is it against the King's Regulations for soldiers in uniform to attend meetings and take part in the proceedings?

It is not against the King's Regulations for soldiers to attend meetings, but there are limits as to what a soldier should do at meetings, both by way of action and by speech.

Were not these soldiers free citizens who had joined the Forces for the purpose of the War, and why should they be debarred from expressing their opinion?

They were not debarred, but they ought not to break the King's Regulations.

Is any action taken against these soldiers if they contravene the King's Regulations?

No, Sir. There is no proof that they have contravened the King's Regulations.

asked the Prime Minister whether any communications have been received from neutral powers regarding the preferential treatment arranged for certain traders in Denmark under the recent Agreement entered into by His Majesty's Government?

The answer is in the negative.

asked whether the views of the Board of Trade were specifically asked for and obtained before the Agreement with Danish trading interests was concluded; and can he say if the Board expressed its approval of the same?

The Agreement was carefully examined and unanimously approved by a Committee on which the Board of Trade were represented.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is able to assure the House that his declaration of 1st March to the effect that no commodities of any kind would be allowed to enter or leave enemy countries is fully adhered to in the Agreement recently concluded with certain trading interests in Denmark?

The recent Agreement with the two Danish associations was concluded with the express purpose of enforcing to the fullest possible extent the policy referred to by the hon. Member in the case of goods hitherto exported from Denmark to Germany either direct or viâ neighbouring neutral countries.

Has the Prime Minister taken into consideration whether it would be advisable to have a general statement as early as possible as to the policy of the Government?

The Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs has already given instructions for such a statement to be prepared. He will lay it on the Table of the House, and then we can consider whether a discussion is desirable or not.

asked whether the Government have considered the suggestion that Germany would restore complete independence to Belgium on condition that Britain would restore complete independence to Ireland; if so, what decision has-been arrived at; and, if not, when this opportunity of making good the promises to small nationalities will be availed of?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part of the question does not therefore arise; the last part of the question I am afraid I do not understand.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the municipal expenditure per head of the population in the ten chief cities of Great Britain, and also the expenditure per head in the City of London and the average in the London; boroughs?

Figures on this subject will be found in Vol. I. of "Comparative Municipal-Statistics," published by the London County Council. For several reasons, some of which were indicated in my reply of the 8th instant, I do not think that any useful comparison can be made of the expenditure per head of London and other cities.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us the net results of the figures in the volume he referred to?

I think it would be misleading to do that. The general information can be obtained from the volume to which I have referred, but it would be misleading to give the return asked for by the hon. Member.

Is it not equally misleading when it is printed?

asked (1) the number of trains with restaurant cars daily arriving at and departing from London; (2) approximately the number of men and number of women employed as cooks and as waiters in restaurant cars arriving at and departing from London; and (3) approximately the quantity of coal which it is needed to draw a railway dining car 100 miles; and whether, in view of economising our fuel supply and keeping the price of coal down, he proposes taking any steps to discontinue this unnecessary coal consumption?

I am unable to give the figures desired by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, and as regards the suggested discontinuance of the running of restaurant cars, I can only refer him to the reply given on the 17th November to the hon. and gallant Member for the Wilton Division, of which I am sending him a copy.

Will it not be somewhat dangerous for women to be employed as cooks on restaurant cars?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that insufficient travelling accommodation is provided on long-journey trains, and that frequently soldiers travelling are compelled to sleep in the corridors, to their own discomfort and other passengers' inconvenience; and whether, especially in view of the forthcoming seasonable traffic, he will make representations to the railway companies to provide ample and adequate travelling facilities?

My hon. Friend has called my attention to some statements which have been published in the Press on this subject, and I will bring the matter to the notice of the Railway Executive Committee. I have no reason to suppose however, that the railway companies are not fully alive to the importance of doing what is possible to provide adequate travelling facilities under the existing abnormal conditions of transport.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do something to prevent the necessity of soldiers lying in the corridors for long journeys of eight hours' duration?

Arising out of that answer, may I say that I came up in a train from Sheffield [Interruption]—

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of soldiers who have been killed by falling from trains in motion since the War broke out?

Ten fatal accidents of this nature have occurred to soldiers since the outbreak of the War.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this is one of the results of soldiers being compelled to lie in the corridors, because when they wake up they frequently mistake the ordinary door for the lavatory door, and so walk out on to the line?

I do not know what caused these accidents. That would be shown by the evidence given at the inquests.