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?

The immediate objects of the Allied Powers are to regularise the military position, and to deny to Bulgaria and the Central Powers any control, direct or indirect, over Solonika. This we believe to be in accordance with the wishes of Greece herself, and negotiations are being actively pursued to this end. His Majesty's Government hope that these negotiations may shortly reach a satisfactory conclusion. It is not possible to say more at present, but full information will be given to the House as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention has been called to the allegations of cruelty and neglect to our prisoners of war at Sennelager; and whether he has received any report from the American Ambassador to Berlin as to the conditions at such camps?

Very unsatisfactory reports have been received from time to time as to the conditions obtaining at Sennelager, but I am glad to say that a report was received in September from the United States Ambassador at Berlin showing that a substantial improvement had taken place. This report has been published to-day in a White Paper together with a number of reports on other camps in Germany.

Can the Noble Lord state with certainty that provisions and comforts sent to these soldiers and officers in the internment camps are received by them, or are the soldiers robbed of them by their captors?

So far as my information goes it is that all parcels sent from this country are received by prisoners—at least, I hope so. If my hon. Friend has any knowledge of any that have not been received I hope he will communicate with me at once, and I will make representations.

Yes, Sir, I have.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any information with respect to the recent revolutionary incident at Shanghai; if he can state how long it lasted; and whether order is completely restored?

I have no information on the subject beyond what has appeared in the Press, and I gather that order has been restored.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether he has any official information showing that the International Settlements are the haunts of Chinese malcontents who are plotting against the Chinese authorities; whether the late Governor of Shanghai arsenal, Admiral Tseng, was actually assassinated in the International Settlement at Shanghai; and whether the local authorities are taking all possible steps to prevent seditious movements being organised in these settlements against a friendly nation?

I have at the present moment no official information of the nature described, but the International Settlement at Shanghai is no doubt used from time to time as a refuge for Chinese malcontents and as a base for plotting. The answers to the inquiries in the last part of the question are both in the affirmative.

asked whether Sir John Jordan, His Majesty's representative in China, is shortly vacating his post; and whether in that case Mr. Max Müller has been selected to replace him?

There is no foundation whatever for the report to this effect which appeared recently in the Press.

Has not the statement mentioned in the question been widely circulated in the Press during the last few weeks, and is it not causing great uneasiness in the Far East? Is it desirable to wait for a Parliamentary answer to obtain a contradiction?

I am sorry. It is my duty to see the reports in the Press. This particular report has not reached me. As to the question as to what is proper action in relation to these reports it is very difficult to say. I do not think that it is an integral part of the duty of the Government to contradict every unfounded report published.

Does not the Noble Lord think, seeing there is so much uneasiness among people in the Far East on a question like this, that it is the duty of the Foreign Office to take notice of it?

No such report as that contained in the question on the Paper reached me at the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any official information regarding the reported action by the Rumanian Government in commandeering all shipping; and whether any British vessels are affected and what is the position of the owners?

All river tugs and the greater number of lighters in Rumania have been requisitioned by the Rumanian Government, though certain formalities have still to be completed. Vessels requisitioned are, however, allowed to ply between Rumanian ports with a military guard on board to control their movements. The measure does not apply to sea-going vessels. There are no British tugs and only a few British lighters on the Danube. These, seeing that they may still, under the condition already stated, ply between Rumanian ports, are hardly affected by the requisition, as they could not, of course, in any case proceed to enemy ports.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state in what English Statute it is provided that an enemy living in a neutral country is for belligerent purposes treated as a neutral, and that consequently it is no offence for a British subject to trade with a German firm in neutral countries?

I am not aware that the matter is dealt with in any Statute. The principle has been established by a long series of decisions in the Courts of this country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received any information that large shipments of food are being sent from America to Germany through the post; and if he has made any representations to the United States Government on the subject?

Yes, Sir, reports have been received that considerable quantities of food are being sent from America to Germany by parcels post. We are in communication with our Ambassador at Washington, and other steps have been taken to deal with the matter effectually.

Have any instructions been given to the Navy in regard to the matter?

I do not think it is very convenient to state what instructions have been given to the Navy.

An HON. MEMBER: Have the Government given any?

Can the Noble Lord say whether the precautions are being taken to use the Postal Treaty, which guarantees the neutrality and inviolability of post-office matter passing at all times between neutral countries?

I cannot admit my hon. Friend's account of the Postal Treaty at all; in any case it does not apply to the parcels post.

LONSDALE asked if the refusal to publish the particulars of the Danish trading agreement is dictated solely by the wishes of the Danish parties to the arrangement?

The publication of such an Agreement as this is objectionable on several grounds. In the first place, there are the other parties to it and their wishes to be considered. In the second, so far as the Agreement is advantageous to this country, a publication of its terms rouses the opponents of this country to opposition to it and to all similar Agreements in the future. In the third place, if one Agreement is published, it makes a precedent for a demand for the publication of other similar Agreements—a precedent which would be inimical to the public interest in several ways, notably, by making it much more difficult to bargain with other parties in the future. All these reasons apply to the Danish Agreement.

May I inquire whether the contents of this Agreement are known to hundreds of people in Denmark, and also in Germany?

I am not aware of that.

It is true.

With the greatest respect to my hon. Friend, I rather doubt whether it is true. The accounts that I have seen of this Agreement are wholly misleading.

Have the contents of the Agreement with the Netherlands Overseas Trust just been made public?

I do not think so.

Is it the Danish parties to this Agreement that have objected to its publication—that is the question on the Paper?

I do not think that it is right to press me to go further than I have done. I have given a very full answer to the question—as full an answer as I think I can give. I do not think it is fair to press me further.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the Inland Revenue authorities at Somerset House have quite recently intimated to young men of twenty or twenty-one in Somerset House, who want to join the Colours, that they cannot be released from their official duties; and whether he would make inquiries as to whether this routine work could be equally well done by girls, so that this Government Department could set an example to other employers?

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue have granted permission to all their staff of military age to join the Army by entering Section B, Army Reserve. When the group to which an individual officer belongs is called up, the question of his release will be carefully considered by the Commissioners with due regard to the collection of revenue necessary for the prosecution of the War.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether recruits enlisting under Lord Derby's scheme in their appropriate group for service in the Royal Navy have the same privilege extended to them of appealing to a local tribunal for exemption as recruits have who join His Majesty's Army?

Men attested under Lord Derby's scheme—the particular form of recruiting under which has, I understand, now closed—who express a preference to serve in the Royal Navy have the same privilege of appealing to local tribunals as other men enrolled in the Army Reserve, Class B. If not required for the naval service, they will still be liable for service in the Army. Under the scheme of entry in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve under the group system, for future service in the Royal Navy, a scheme which, as distinct from Lord Derby's scheme, is still in operation, only men are eligible for entry who are free to come up for service when summoned in their group at any time within the next nine months. Postponement from group to group is not contemplated under this scheme, and the arrangements under the Army scheme for appeals to local tribunals are therefore not applicable. Particulars of the scheme have already appeared in the Press, and I shall be happy to send my hon. Friend a copy of them.

May I ask whether naval recruits are on a similar footing to Army recruits—that is, single men first and married men afterwards?

My hon. Friend had better see the answer in full

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that regulations issued by the Admiralty in this respect were issued so late that a great number of men enlisted in the Army who wished to enlist in the Navy?

I should imagine they would have an opportunity of stating their preference if that is so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman admit the statement that anyone enlisting under the Derby scheme can apply for exemption or for reconsideration in a new group?

I have stated the facts in an answer.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, seeing that armlets are now issued to discharged unfit soldiers, he will say if it is proposed to issue armlets to sailors who have been discharged from the Navy through wounds received in action or illness contracted during the War?

The answer is in the affirmative. I would refer my hon. Friend to the announcement issued to the Press on the 10th instant, a copy of which I shall be happy to send him.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether Lord Derby's object in issuing armlets is to draw attention to persons of military age who have not attested; whether he is aware that persons over and under military age are insulted in the streets and public places for not having registered; and whether it is proposed to issue armlets to persons over and under military age of a distinctive character to put a stop to this state of affairs?

I was not myself aware that persons of hoary and of tender years were subjected to insults in streets and in public places for not having registered. As the compliance with the suggestion of my hon. Friend would involve the issue of armlets to nearly the whole of the male population, I am afraid that I cannot promise that armlets will be issued on the scale suggested.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the question on the Paper: whether the object of Lord Derby in issuing these armlets was to draw attention to persons of military age who had not attested? I desire to know, if the armlet has been issued for this particular purpose, why the finger of scorn should be pointed to boys and persons over forty who have not registered?

I think that my hon. Friend is quite right in assuming that the issue of the armlets was for the purpose he named. It is quite obvious. All I suggest is that if everybody who is either below or above military age were to be given armlets, then you would have armlets practically for the whole of the male population of the country.

Is it not a fact that you have taken thousands of boys of fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen years of age?

That really does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government on the Army Vote next week to give full details as to the number of men who have enlisted, the number of authorised exemptions, and the number of unmarried men who have not responded to Lord Derby's appeal; and whether this information will be circulated to Members before the Debate?

I shall give the House the fullest information in my power, but I fear it will not be possible to circulate any statement before Tuesday.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has yet taken any action to induce the munitions employers of Glasgow and the West of Scotland to employ women who have never before worked for a wage in order to prevent what is already taking place, namely, the depletion of women workers at all other trades in the neighbourhood, particularly muslin manufacturing and carpet weaving; and has he informed the employers there of the success of the method followed in Dundee and Aberdeen national shell factories, namely, employing women who have not before been engaged in any trade?

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that in the textile industries many women skilled in their work but entirely ignorant of anything in connection with the making of munitions are being tempted to leave their employment for that of munition making by the promise of higher wages; whether he is aware that their services are required for the making of textile fabrics for Army and other clothing and for the maintenance of exports; and if he will try to arrange that no such person shall be engaged until inquiry has been made at the Labour Exchanges with a view of ascertaining if there is a supply of women equally suitable who are not so necessary in their present employment?

I am fully aware of the desirability of exercising suitable precautions in the recruitment of women for munition work, so as to avoid, as far as possible, difficulties of the nature referred to by my hon. Friend. The object desired can only be achieved fully if the women are exclusively drawn through a channel over which central control can be exercised. I have accordingly caused a circular to be addressed to munition factories drawing their attention to this point, and requesting them to carry out the engagement of their women through the National Labour Exchange system. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the letter in question. I understand from inquiries that I have made that the great bulk of employers in the Glasgow and West of Scotland recruiting women are doing so almost entirely through the Labour Exchange system. So far as the Department is able to control the supply of women workers, it will take steps to secure that the recruitment of munition workers shall cause the minimum disturbance of local industries. It is not necessary to confine the recruiting entirely to women who have never before worked for a wage, because in the district referred to there are a number of dressmakers and tailoresses unemployed, who are willing to undertake this work and are suitable for it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not had any complaints from Glasgow and the West of Scotland about the depletion in the two trades mentioned?

My attention has not been drawn to these complaints, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the general shortage of railway trucks required for the transport of goods; and whether he will issue peremptory instructions to those responsible for handling the-goods required for or on behalf of his Department that all railway wagons shall be unloaded promptly in order to minimise the shortage of wagons as much as possible?

Complaints have been received of shortage of railway trucks, and the subject is reviewed at weekly conferences between the Ministry and the Railway Executive. Contractors are being urged to discharge all vehicles promptly. The question is the subject of close attention and further action will be taken as necessary in agreement with the Railway Executive Committee.

Has my right hon. Friend received complaints from the electrical department of Manchester with reference to the shortage of coal on account of railway wagons, and, if so, what action does he propose to take?

I should rather like my hon. Friend to put a question of that kind on the Paper.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a large number of railway trucks are out of use and cannot be restored for want of workmen?

If my hon. Friend tells me that I am not prepared to contradict him.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great many trucks are being used when they are out of repair and will fall to pieces very soon?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the general shortage of railway trucks required for the transport of goods and merchandise; and whether he will issue peremptory instructions to those responsible for handling the goods required for or on behalf of his Department that all railway wagons shall be unloaded promptly in order to decrease the shortage of wagons as much as possible?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Admiralty is fully alive to the importance of the prompt release of wagons, and has from time to time issued instructions impressing upon officers concerned the importance of speedy clearance. A committee consisting of representatives of the railways and of the various Departments concerned is at present devoting a large part of its efforts to this question, and a proposal is under consideration for the appointment of two officers who would visit naval establishments, etc., where temporary railway congestion has occurred, in order to assist the local officers in the more rapid handling of railway rolling stock.

Does that apply to coal wagons as well?

I say off-hand, yes; but I will look into the point.

I beg to ask the Minister of Munitions whether he is in a position to give any information as to the statement ascribed to Lord D'Abernon that the recent Order made for London by the Board of Control was not made upon evidence but upon a letter from the Minister of Munitions?

I have communicated with Lord D'Abernon, who says that it was ridiculous to suppose that he had said that the decision of the Board of Control was not based upon evidence and upon careful consideration of the whole of the facts. The Board, after the most careful inquiries, submitted a draft Order scheduling London to the Ministry of Munitions and other interested authorities, and the Ministry assented to the issue of the Order. The initiative was taken by the Board of Control, but I thoroughly approved of their proposals and believed them to be required in the interest of the efficient output of munitions.

May we take it that we have in this answer an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that he, at least, will not vary that decision of the Control Board?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that foremen and acting foremen in the Naval Ordnance depot at Woolwich Arsenal are receiving less pay for the actual number of hours worked than all subordinate grades acting under their direction; that foremen's wages do not rise with those of subordinate grades, and that they are not paid similar rates for overtime on Sundays and holidays as are their subordinates; and whether he will either better the working conditions of foremen or enable them to obtain a clear certificate of discharge in order to obtain other employment?

An increase in the minimum pay of temporary foremen in the Naval Ordnance Department, Woolwich Arsenal, has been sanctioned, and orders will be issued at once.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any special fund or provision is available for victims of Zeppelin raids who have been maimed or injured, and so impoverished or left unable to support themselves or their dependants, and for victims of the East Coast bombardments who have similarly suffered?

In cases of injury or death due to hostile aircraft or bombardment up to the 17th July last, relief was granted to the victims or their dependants by the Treasury on the recommendation of the East Coast Raid Committee. No special provision has been made from public funds for persons who have sustained injuries or to dependants of persons killed after that date, but the Committee of the National Relief Fund have undertaken to make grants from that fund by way of temporary relief in deserving cases.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether, under some future War Obligations Bill or otherwise, pro-vision might not be made for persons, say, who suffered in the air raid of 13th October in London? There were quite a large number of them.

If my hon. Friend wishes it, the point shall be reconsidered. It has already been the subject of inquiry.

asked how many abortive Zeppelin raids have taken place since the raid on the 13th October last; and whether London may now, under existing arrangements, be considered as reasonably safe against these attacks?

The answer to the first part of the question is none. With regard to the second part, as I stated yesterday in reply to a similar inquiry by my hon. Friend the Member for Carmarthen, I cannot add anything to the statements already made by my right hon. Friend the First Lord both in reply to questions and in the discussion on the Vote of Credit on 11th November.

Do I understand my right hon. Friend to say "none"—no abortive raids have been made?

The answer to the first part of the question is none.

Have there been no raids, or no abortive raids?

We have had no reports from our patrols with regard to the matter.

What is an abortive raid?

Will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that all raids on this country will be reported?

To the central authority? Oh, yes.

To the Press?

They will certainly be reported.

What does my right hon. Friend understand by an abortive raid?

An HON. MEMBER: When it is abortive.

I am not responsible for the question. I say the answer to the first part of the question is none.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that local committees of the National Relief Fund have been instructed by the Government that relief given in cases of distress occasioned by death caused by hostile air raids should only be of a temporary character; and if the Government propose to grant something in the way of pensions to those who have lost their lives or are permanently disabled as a result of an air raid?

The Government Committee on the Prevention and Relief of Distress have advised the Committee of the National Relief Fund in the sense stated in the first part of the question. It is not proposed to grant special permanent pensions to dependants of persons killed or to persons disabled by air raids.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office has in working order an efficient range-finder for Zeppelins?

Yes, Sir.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can say whether men employed away from their homes on Admiralty work are only granted free passes if engaged at the northern ports; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of extending the concessions to men at other stations far distant from their homes?

The matter is under consideration, though I must not be understood as giving any assurance in regard to it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty on what ground no allowance other than the very small sum made from the Patriotic Fund is made to the wife and children of a man who, by reason of the strain at the front, is now confined in the Naval Hospital for Lunatics at Great Yarmouth; and why this man's pension is not paid to the wife, seeing that the earnings of the family are insufficient for their support and maintenance?

The practice as regards the maintenance of a lunatic in the Naval Hospital at Great Yarmouth has so far been as follows:—Admission is confined to men entitled to a life pension. If insanity was not due to the Service, the man's treatment and maintenance have been met out of his pension, but an allowance of 6s. a week has been made to his wife or other dependant from the funds of Greenwich Hospital. If insanity was due to the Service, then the man has been maintained in the hospital at the expense of the State, and authority has been sought to make an allowance from his pension to any dependants, the amount of the allowance depending upon the degree of dependency. As regards men whose lunacy was attributable to the Service, the practice has recently been so far under consideration, that it has now been decided that full pay will be granted to the man for a period not exceeding eighteen months—if maintained in the hospital so long. In such a case where allotment has been in force, the wife would receive separation allowance from the State during that period.

May I ask when that result was achieved?

Quite recently.

Does that cover the case, which I recently brought to the right hon. Gentleman's notice, of a man from active service in hospital whose wife and family were starving?

I think it was on that case we went into the matter.

asked the Attorney-General whether any change has been made in the terms of remuneration of the Law Officers; and, if so, whether he can state what the new arrangement is?

asked what arrangement has been made for reducing the remuneration of the Law Officers of the Crown during the War?

The English Law Officers, immediately after their appointment, considered the question of a reduction of their remuneration during the War. The remuneration consists, as the House is aware, of a fixed salary, with fees for contentious work. Any reduction of the Law Officers' salaries would, under arrangements with which the House is acquainted, fall upon some of their colleagues as well as themselves.

They were therefore of opinion that the reduction should be principally made in the fees. They proposed to the Prime Minister, on their appointment, that during the War the salary, as apart from the fees, of each Law Officer should be reduced by £1,000 per annum, and that a large reduction should be made in the scale of fees. The method of effecting the latter reduction involves a number of points of detail with which it is not necessary to trouble the House. The changes have already been in operation for many weeks.

It is estimated that these changes taken together will produce a reduction of about £5,000 per annum in the remuneration of each of the Law Officers, or £10,000 in all.

This reduction is anticipated not in relation to the figures for 1913–14, which have been much discussed, but in relation to the normal figure, which is considerably lower.

I may perhaps be allowed to add that the Law Officers, in making these proposals to the Prime Minister on their appointment, added the following observation:—

I desire to ask, in view of the fact that the right hon. Gentleman has stated that his salary is dependent upon the pool, whether we shall be entitled, now that that statement has been made officially from that Bench, to raise this question which the Prime Minister said was a matter of domestic arrangement, and I also ask whether it is not a fact that, notwithstanding the reduction named by the right hon. Gentleman, the fees paid to the Home Secretary in the last year of his office as Attorney-General amounted to £21,000?

The Attorney-General cannot answer that question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Treasury Minute of July, 1895, which fixed the old scale of salaries, will now be modified?

I must ask for notice of that question. Until I have consulted the Minute and refreshed my memory as to its details, I cannot say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether precisely the same work will be done by these two Law Officers?

No, I cannot possibly say that. It may be that less work will be done in each case, and then the fees will be smaller; or it may be that more work will be done. I cannot say how many cases will arise, but if the hon. Member suggests the possibility that the Law Officers, because they are receiving less remuneration, will not attend to the same number of cases, if necessary, he is making a suggestion which has no foundation.

Has the right hon. Gentleman the authority of the Prime Minister for saying that his salary has been brought into the pool?

We have nothing whatever to do with the pool.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the provisions of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Bill, rents of dwelling-houses to which the Bill applies are still being raised and ejectment orders granted; and what steps he-proposes to take in the matter?

The statements made by my hon. Friend point to the desirability of the Bill being promptly passed into law. I hope it may be possible to conclude its stages in the House to-day.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the landlords are still raising rents in London and threatening tenants, who will not pay with ejectment? Cannot some steps be taken to prevent this?

I doubt whether any Amendment could be made in the Bill which would enable us to deal with these cases, hard as they are and much as I deprecate them.

May I ask if notice could be given to the magistrates that the matter is under consideration and so avoid issuing orders for ejectment at this time of the year?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in relation to the Government War Obligations (No. 2) Bill, the expression of American and Canadian securities is intended to embrace similar investments in South America?

South American securities carrying the right to payment in the-United States of America in the currency of that country would fall within the scope of the scheme, but not South American securities payable only in sterling or in South American currencies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that soldiers on active service abroad have been unable to invest in the War Loan except by incurring a loss of nearly 3s. in the £, owing to their being paid abroad in Foreign money, and so having to bear the loss in exchange; and whether he will make such arrangements as will obviate this hardship in the future, and enable soldiers desirous of lending money to their country to be credited for such purpose with the full English face value of their Army pay?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. The procedure is: The soldier makes his application through his commanding officer, who informs the General Post Office and the Army Paymaster at home. The amount the soldier wishes to invest is charged to his account by the Army Paymaster. No cash is remitted by the soldier, so that the question of loss by exchange does not arise.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, in the unit of the Royal Flying Corps stationed at Swingate Downs, Dover, the inclusive messing charges amount to about 7s. a day, from which ration allowances are to be deducted; and whether he will have an inquiry into the circumstances under which these charges have been permitted, notwithstanding the searching inquiry made by the War Office in order to prevent unnecessary expenditure?

I have not yet received a report on this subject, but am expecting one. If it should disclose necessity for inquiry, inquiry will, of course, be made.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will give the casualties, kill, wounded, and prisoners, of the Royal Flying Corps for the three months ending the 1st December and for the three months ending the 1st September?

I have assumed that the hon. Gentleman wishes this information for all theatres of war and for officers only. The numbers killed, including those who have died of wounds, etc., for the period ending 31st August, fourteen, and for that ending 30th November, eleven. The corresponding figures for wounded were twenty-two and twenty-one; for missing, none and ten; and for prisoners and interned, eighteen and twenty-six. I am not sure that the giving of casualties by arms is desirable, but I recognise that the Royal Flying Corps is in a special position in this connection.

asked the Under-Secretary for War how many regiments have officers' training companies in some one or other of their battalions; whether he has any figures to show how many commissions have been granted to soldiers trained in these special companies; and whether this regimental military education is believed to be at least as good as that provided in Officers' Training Corps?

I cannot give the number asked for in the first and second parts of my hon. Friend's question. Officers are now almost entirely drawn from the ranks. The education consists of six weeks in a school, and then several months in an officers' company, where the candidate would remain until he had passed his final test and was ready for drafting. This course of training is believed to be better than that provided in an Officers' Training Corps.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Major Winston Churchill has been promised the command of an Infantry brigade; if this officer has ever commanded a battalion of Infantry; and for how many weeks he has served at the front as an Infantry officer?

I have no knowledge myself, and have not been able to obtain any, of a promise of command of an Infantry brigade having been made to my right hon. and gallant Friend referred to in the question. On the second point I have consulted books of reference and other authentic sources of information, and the result of my investigations is that my right hon. and gallant Friend has never commanded a battalion of Infantry. No report has been made to the War Office of the movements of Major the Right Hon. Winston L. S. Churchill since he proceeded to France on the 19th November. If he has been serving as an Infantry officer between that date and today, the answer to the last part of the question would be about four weeks.

Will my right hon. Friend let me know if he is promised a command of an Infantry battalion?

HON. MEMBERS: Why not?

Is not the question absurd on the face of it, Major Winston Churchill being under sixty?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if this appointment were made it would be thought by very many persons both inside and outside this House a grave scandal?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the name of the General Officer now in supreme Command of all the Forces operating in the Gallipoli Peninsula?

Sir Charles Monro is in command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force.

Is there any danger of the hon. Member who asks the question being appointed to any command?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the interests of public economy, he will consider the advisability of placing Territorials serving in the Home Forces on the same footing in the matter of personal kit as Territorials and other units serving abroad; is he aware that the allowance of 2d. a day kit money amounts to something like £3 a year; and that, notwithstanding the fact that a company officer has the power to enforce proper expenditure of kit money, this is not always done, with the result that often the allowance is expended in other ways?

I am aware of the amount of this allowance, but have no information to show that the system is not working well from the point of view of either efficiency or economy.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries to see if the statement in the question is not correct?

I will look further into the matter, but I have looked into it, and I am quite satisfied.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has considered and, if so, whether he proposes to set up a committee, consisting of Members of this House possessing wide business knowledge and experience along with others of well-known capacity and authority directly and officially associated with the industrial classes, to consider and, if possible, make definite recommendation regarding trade and industrial problems which must arise at the close of the War?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Monday to my hon. Friends, the Members for North-East Bethnal Green and the Wellington Division of Shropshire.

asked the Prime Minister what authority or authorities are now responsible for the defence of London against Zeppelin attacks?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answers given yesterday to similar questions by my right hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty.

asked the Prime Minister whether a statement will be made in the House on behalf of the Government before Christmas dealing with the condition of affairs in the Near East; and whether facilities will be given for a debate on the subject?

I am afraid that I can add nothing to the statement that I made on Tuesday in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Bethnal Green.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War why the sample body-shield submitted to the War Office by Mr. W. Kenyon, of Oswaldtwistle, was returned to him on the 19th of July last without the same having been first thoroughly tested?

The body-shield in question was admittedly not bullet proof, and therefore did not fulfil the conditions prescribed by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief as necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many draft-conducting officers there are; what are their salaries; what are their duties; what number of drafts have been taken by each officer during the past six months; and whether their duties could be equally well performed by a regimental officer?

The number of draft-conducting officers is at the present time 107, and the salary they receive is £250 per annum. I am not revealing any secret when I say that their duties are to conduct drafts to the bases in France. When not so engaged they are required to assist the commanding officer of the battalion to which they are attached in any way the latter may desire. It would be impossible to answer the fourth part of the question without calling for elaborate returns such as are—if my hon. Friend will pardon me saying so—rather out of place in war time. As regards the last part of the question, the performance of these duties by regimental officers tends to hamper very seriously their train- ing and that of their units, and it was in order to avoid this disturbance and waste of time that draft-conducting officers were appointed.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) the numbers of railway wagons containing goods for the War Office which are now and have been under load for one week and under, for two weeks and under, for four weeks and under, and for over four weeks, respectively; and (2) whether he is aware of the general shortage of railway wagons for the carriage of goods, and that this shortage is considerably increased by the number of wagons containing goods for the War Office which are kept under load for unduly long periods; and whether peremptory instructions will be given to have wagons unloaded promptly, in order to materially diminish the shortage of wagons referred to?

The question of unloading Government traffic has been closely watched since the beginning of the War, and the special difficulties anticipated during the winter are being dealt with by a Committee on which the Government Departments concerned are represented. Information regarding trucks under load is compiled from time to time in a form most suitable for the purposes of the Committee, but this does not enable me to give the detailed information asked for by my hon. Friend without adding largely to the labour of the Committee, which I do not feel justified in doing.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the waste to the country in continuing to keep with the Colours men who are not of military value for physical reasons, and who are quite willing to be discharged and to return to their civil employment; and whether he will arrange for such men to obtain their discharge without any further delay?

The question of expediting the discharge of soldiers who have no further military value is receiving the close attention of the Army Council. The particular instances to which my hon. Friend has drawn my attention privately are being examined, and I will communicate with him again.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider also the eases of the men who may be of greater value in civil work than they are in the Army?

The whole question is under constant consideration.

Is not Lord Derby most anxious that these men should be discharged and go into munitions and other works?

We are anxious that all men who can be spared shall be spared.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the medical board is able to say that the disease of rheumatoid arthritis, on account of which Private T. Corcoran, late of the South Staffordshire Regiment, has been discharged from the Army as medically unfit and is now unable to work, after serving eight years and 287 days in the Regular Army and six years and 185 days in the Army Reserve, including active service in the South African War for which he received a medal with five bars, and also including active service in France in the present War, is not due to the effect of long spells of duty in wet weather and in wet clothing during the earlier period of the present War aggravated by gunshot wounds; and whether he has finally decided to give this ex-soldier nothing more than his ordinary pension of 8d. a day?

This man's case has been carefully considered by medical boards on three occasions. The first report was that the disability was not the result of active service, climate, or ordinary military service. With this report before them, the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital awarded Private Corcoran, in consideration of his length of service, a pension of 8d. a day for life, which is the highest rate to which he was entitled under the Pension Regulations. In consequence of an appeal made by my hon. Friend, the Commissioners of the Hospital again had Private Corcoran specially examined by a medical board as to whether there were any ill effects from the slight gunshot wounds which he sustained at Ypres in 1914. The board reported that there was no existing disability from this cause. The papers were then submitted to the Director-General, Army Medical Service, upon whose instructions another board was assembled. The final report of this board, which was signed by no less than five medical officers, stated that the multiple chronic arthritis was not the result of active service, climate, or ordinary military service, and that there were clearly other circumstances present that must be considered as within Private Corcoran's own control. The Director-General, Army Medical Service, reviewed the finding of this board and concurred in it. In these circumstances the Commissioners at the Royal Hospital have no power to award Private Corcoran any increase of his pension of 8d. a day.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the mother of Private Jennings, No. 1433, 1st battalion West Riding Regiment, who was called up on 4th August, 1914, has received no dependant's separation allowance for the period between early October, 1914, and 10th March, 1915, although Private Jennings obtained an application form from Captain Appleyard for the purpose of claiming the allowance in question in October, 1914, which he filled up; if he is also aware that Private Jennings subsequently asked repeatedly why the deductions were not being made from his pay as arranged, and that Mrs. Jennings wrote to York, presumably to the paymaster, about the matter but without effect; whether he has inquired as to what became of the form of application filled up by Private Jennings in October, 1914, as to why the reminders referred to were unheeded, and why it was necessary for a fresh application form to be filled up after nearly six months' delay; whether it has been decided that the mother of Private Jennings must lose the Government's separation allowance for dependants for the whole period between early October and the 10th of March through no fault of her own or on the part of her son; and if it has taken his Department from the 10th of July to the 7th of December to make inquiries into this case?

I am inquiring into this case, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the extra 3s. 6d. separation allowance allowed to residents in the London area is not payable to persons who did not reside in such area prior to mobilisation; and if he can see his way to recommend that persons whose circumstances have obliged them to live in London since mobilisation become entitled to the extra allowance?

Yes, Sir, the question has been very fully considered, and I regret I can hold out no hope of a change.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has yet been able to make inquiries regarding the advertisement issued by the commanding officer of the central training camp at Havre asking for 100,000 sand bags; and whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the subject?

I have not yet received all the information for which I have asked, but I will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I do so.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the delay which takes place in the payment for hay and other agricultural produce purchased by the War Office; and what steps he can take to expedite payment so that the ordinary processes of agriculture may not be interfered with?

I am not aware that there is any general delay in the payment for hay, though cases have occasionally occurred, to some of which my hon. Friend has been kind enough to draw my attention. All of such cases have been rectified, but I must say that in some cases the vendors were not free from responsibility in the matter. If my hon. Friend has any other specific instance to bring to my notice, and will furnish the necessary particulars, I shall be pleased to make inquiries and have the payment expedited.

What steps are being taken to see that in future the payments are made more promptly and more regularly?

I am bringing very considerable pressure to bear upon those responsible for the delays which have occurred.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he is aware that heavy motor lorries are driven at a high rate of speed to and from the new post office in Regent's Park during the night, causing much disturbance and discomfort to the residents on the east side of that park; whether such lorries are at liberty to exceed the speed limit of 12 miles an hour and, if not, whether the park-keepers have authority to enforce the by-law; and whether the traffic of this sort going westwards could be diverted to the route by the Inner Circle, where it would disturb far fewer people?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first part of the question. I have requested the Post Office authorities to instruct drivers that the speed limit must not be exceeded. There are serious difficulties in diverting the west-bound traffic as suggested in the last part of the question, but I will see if they cannot be overcome. I am afraid that whatever is done there must be some discomfort for the residents on the east side of the park, but they will no doubt appreciate that the service is an essential war service.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the express provisions in Section 8 of the Game (Scotland) Act, 1772, and in Section 1 of the Game (Scotland) Act, 1832, that a person may be convicted of a breach of these Game Laws on the evidence of one witness, whether, in the event of the Game Laws being amended, he will consider the desirability of bringing these provisions into conformity with the general principle of the law of Scotland, which requires at least two witnesses for a conviction?

In the event of legislation being proposed to amend the Game Laws, the question referred to by my hon. and learned Friend will, so far as I can give an undertaking on the subject, be considered. I desire to add that I am not to be taken as assenting to the view that the law of Scotland requires at least two witnesses for a conviction.

asked the Lord Advocate, in view of the provision in the Game (Scotland) Act, 1772, that half of any penalty or forfeiture for any breach of that Act shall be paid to the prosecutor and the other half shall be applied to the use of the poor of the parish, or to the repairing of the high roads within the parish where the offence shall be committed, as the sheriff or steward-depute or substitute shall direct, if he will say to what authorities this second half of the fine is generally directed to be paid; and whether the penalties are shared in the manner described where public money has been expended on the prosecution?

As prosecutions under the Act referred to by my hon. and learned Friend are generally undertaken on behalf of either private parties or county authorities, I regret that I am unable to give the information sought in the first part of the question. With regard to the second part, the expense of such prosecutions is never borne in whole or in part by the Exchequer.

asked whether penalties and forfeitures for breaches of the Game (Scotland) Act, 1832, are still paid to the moderator or other officer of the Kirk Session of the parish where the offence was committed for the use and benefit of the poor of such parish, as provided by Section 7 of that Act, although the obligations in respect of the relief of the poor of the parish are now performed by parish councils; and whether, in the event of the Game Laws being amended, he will consider the desirability of having these penalties and forfeitures made over to the Treasury like other fines?

Prosecutions under the Statute referred to by my hon. and learned Friend are almost invariably private prosecutions, for which the Lord Advocate has no responsibility. According to my information, however, the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. To the second part of the question, the answer is also, so far as I can give an undertaking, in the affirmative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to state the results of his inquiry into the dispute with reference to the girls employed by the Great Central Railway Company?

From the inquiries which I have made it would appear that the dispute turns upon a question of fact—namely, whether since the War began there has been any alteration in the practice in the chief goods manager's office with regard to clerks not being allowed to belong to the Railway Clerks' Association. The statements of the parties on this point are conflicting, and I am prepared, subject to the agreement of both parties, to ask someone, preferably a barrister accustomed to weigh evidence, to inquire into the matter and report to me. To this course the company would agree on the understanding that cross-examination of the company's staffs is confined to a representative of the Railway Clerks' Association not in the company's service. The inquiry would, of course, be private, and no one giving evidence would be prejudiced thereby.

In consequence of the nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I propose to raise this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Government have made large purchases of nitrate of soda; and if he can say if any part of this is to be made available for agricultural purposes?

Yes, Sir, a certain quantity was purchased in Chile, but the exceptional difficulties in respect of freight and the unfortunate closing of the Panama Canal render it uncertain to what extent it will be available for agricultural purposes at an early date.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state at what price it will be available for agricultural purposes?

That will depend upon the freights.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can now say if the Government are to be able to extend to farmers the privilege of getting a supply of sulphate of ammonia, at a fixed price, to be applied to the land in spring, similar to the arrangement which was made in regard to sulphate of ammonia applied to the land in November and December?

The question referred to by the hon. Baronet has been for some time under consideration by the Fertilisers Committee, and I hope shortly to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject. My hon. Friend will have noticed that the price arranged for sulphate for autumn dressings was a special price fixed with the object of inducing farmers, under suitable conditions of soil and climate, to apply this fertiliser in a manner which has not hitherto been usual; and I cannot promise that a price applicable to a special arrangement of this kind will be extended to the accustomed purchases later in the year. Much must depend on the general conditions of the market after the new year.

Will the parties to whom this privilege is being extended give any undertaking as to the maximum prices to be charged for their products?

No, Sir; nothing of the kind has been done.

Are we to understand that the Government is to furnish a certain class of agricultural necessaries for the farmers at less than market price, while farmers are allowed to charge higher prices for their products?

That is more a matter for debate.

asked what steps the Government propose to take to conserve an adequate supply of basic slag in this country to help to increase the food production?

In June last the Government took steps to conserve supplies of basic slag by prohibiting its export to all destinations outside the Empire. A few licences have been granted to export slag of a lower grade than that used by British farmers or for the purpose of relieving the congestion of stores, but none have been granted since the beginning of November.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he has received a copy of resolutions passed by the South of Ireland Cattle Trade Association complaining of the mistake made by one of the Board's officials in wrongly diagnosing a supposed case of foot-and-mouth disease; whether a more experienced official has been placed in this position; and whether reasonable compensation will be allowed to those who suffered loss, inconvenience and delay by reason of this misadventure?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second and third in the negative. I have dealt fully with this matter in my reply to a question addressed to me on Monday last by the hon. Member for Cork. I have already sent the hon. Member a copy of that reply, and I venture to hope that he is now convinced of the unreasonable character of the resolutions to which he refers.

Am I to understand from that reply that steps have been taken to prevent a repetition of this mistake, which has been so costly to all those concerned?

Surely it is much better to stop trade in cattle when there is a suspected case of foot-and-mouth disease, and no one can give any guarantee that the trade will not be held up for a day or two if there is again as good a case for stopping it on suspicion as there was before.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state, for the guidance of large numbers of workmen who will now for the first time be called upon to pay Income Tax, whether or not contributions paid by members of trade unions providing superannuation benefit will be deducted from the amount assessed for Income Tax?