asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many German and Austrian doctors and so-called German and Austrian Red Cross employés have been allowed to go through our naval blockade under safe conducts to Europe and how many under instructions from the Foreign Office without safe conducts; and what equivalent was obtained from Germany in the number of British subjects released?

The number of such persons given safe conducts is eighty-six, and the number of those who were to be allowed to pass without safe conducts is sixty-nine. I am not aware of the precise number in each category who may have been arrested on the way owing to suspicion of fraud, but the number is not large. With regard to the last part of the question, His Majesty's Government have not so far felt obliged to refuse requests made to them on the ground of the Geneva Convention for the free passage of enemy doctors and Red Cross employés returning to their own country from overseas. In most cases doctors and Red Cross officials captured or detained by the Germans have been also released. But as in some cases they have not done so, His Majesty's Government are considering the advisability of detaining similar German individuals who would otherwise be returned.

Does the Noble Lord admit the implication in the words "so-called" in the second line of the question, which imply that some of these Red Cross employés were possibly not Red Cross employés at all?

I think if my hon. Friend had listened attentively to my reply he would see that it was dealt with. I said, "I am not aware of the precise number in each category who may have been arrested on the way owing to suspicion of fraud, but the number is not large."

Is it not the invariable rule that they should have passports? The Noble Lord said some of them passed through without passports, and why were they passed through?

I am afraid I cannot answer without notice. It is probably some arrangement with the Admiralty, of which I was not aware.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a general statement in regard to the present diplomatic situation and of British policy before the House adjourns for Christmas, such as has been made from time to time since the outbreak of War by the Foreign Ministers or Chancellors of France, Russia, Italy, and Germany?

I will communicate the suggestion of the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether the secret diplomacy of his Department is in the real interests of this country, and whether—

That does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is able to make any statement regarding the present position of the various hospital units from England and Scotland that have been compelled to leave Serbia?

Sir Ralph Paget, who is acting for His Majesty's Government in the matter, has succeeded in collecting the members of the British units who escaped from Serbia at San Giovanni di Medua, from where it is hoped to transport them to Italy. Till transport is provided, which I hope will be very shortly, Sir Ralph Paget may be trusted to do all that is possible for the safety and comfort of the units under his charge.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he has any information to the effect that the Dutch East Indies liners and mail boats will no longer use the Suez Canal route; and whether he can state the reasons for this change?

Certain vessels of the Rotterdam Lloyd Line are, I am informed, to proceed in future via the Cape; the remainder will, as hitherto, proceed via the Suez Canal. The reason for this change of route is stated to be the alleged uncertainty as to the amount of coal available for bunkering at Port Said.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, adverting to Lord Lansdowne's statement that it was at the instance of the Greek Prime Minister that His Majesty's Government sent troops to Serbia via Salonika, is he aware that M. Venizelos in the Greek Chamber, on 23rd October, stated that the official correspondence concerning the disembarkation of the Anglo-French troops at Salonika proved that such disembarkation had no connection with the question asked by the Greek Government previously of the Powers, whether they were prepared to send 150,000 men to cooperate with the Greek Army against the Bulgarians; whether he is aware that this official correspondence was read to the Greek Chamber; and will he, therefore, see that this correspondence is laid upon the Table so that this House may have the same information as already given to the Greek Chamber?

I have seen a report of the proceedings in the Greek Chamber on 23rd October, from which it appears that M. Venizelos did make a statement to the effect mentioned in the first part of the question and referred to a previous occasion on which he had read from the official correspondence on the subject. What actually was read does not appear, and has not been, as far as I know, published. I am afraid that in the present position of affairs it would be impossible to lay Papers on the Table which would give a complete account of those transactions and an incomplete account would be misleading.

asked whether any definite arrangement has been arrived at as to the number of Greek troops who will be stationed in the Salonika zone?

I am afraid it is not possible to make a statement on this subject at present.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a full Report has now been made by Sir Ian Hamilton of the operations in Gallipoli between the period covered in his last published dispatch and the date of his departure; whether such Report, or a précis thereof, will be published at an early date; and, in particular, when the official detailed account of the Suvla Bay landing and subsequent operations will be published?

A further Report has just been received from Sir Ian Hamilton, and it deals with the Suvla Bay landing and subsequent operations. It will have to be considered by the Government, but there will be no avoidable delay in its publication.

asked whether any, and, if so, what steps have been taken by the French Government to induce British citizens resident in Paris to join the armed forces of Great Britain or France on the Western front?

I have no information on the subject, but I will inquire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, if, in view of the completion of the canvass under Lord Derby's recruiting scheme, he will expedite the publication of the lists of exempted men in those trades concerning which no public announcement has been made?

A fifth list of reserved occupations is published in the Press to-day, and has doubtless been seen by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that traders in the North of England are being put to inconvenience by the difficulty in obtaining delivery of their raw materials and coal, and the refusal, for periods of several days, of railway companies to accept goods for delivery in the country and at the ports of Liverpool and Manchester owing to congestion of traffic due to the shortage of labour; and will he state whether instructions have been given that no further recruiting of railway or transport workers shall take place in view of the necessity of maintaining the Home and export trades?

I am aware that traders are experiencing inconvenience at the present time owing to congestion at the ports and restrictions on the railways. The matter is constantly receiving attention, but I am afraid that some delays are unavoidable. Most occupations on the railways are already included in the list of reserved occupations, and this also applies to nearly all grades of transport workers, including carters and motor lorry drivers. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Prime Minister recently appointed an important Committee, of which Lord Inchcape is chairman, with wide powers to deal with port and transit difficulties.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many men of military age are employed in the Anti-Aircraft Corps and in its telephone section; whether all such men, if there are any who are not suffering from physical disability, have been attested under Lord Derby's scheme, and, if not, for what reason; and whether in the future no recruits will be accepted for this corps who are of military age and fit for military service?

There are at present a considerable number of men in the Anti-Aircraft Corps of military age. A number of them are only employed at night, being engaged in other work during the day. As to whether or not any of the men of military age now serving in the Anti-Aircraft Corps would be rejected on medical grounds for Army service I cannot say, for the reason that there is no medical examination on entry into the Force. Members of the Force could not attest under Lord Derby's scheme since they are already enrolled in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. But all men who wish to join the Army have always been given their discharge and every facility afforded them. A considerable number have already sought their discharge from the corps in order to join the Army. For the last nine months no recruits of military age have been accepted unless officially rejected on medical grounds for service with the Colours.

Is my right hon. Friend quite satisfied that this Anti-Aircraft Corps is not being improperly used?

I do not know in what particular my hon. Friend means, but perhaps he will put his point specifically on the Paper.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of men have been refused attestation because they would not agree to be re-vaccinated; whether he is aware that the War Office stated that a refusal to be vaccinated was not a bar to attestation; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I think it would be well if my hon. Friend had stated whether he was referring to the Regular Army or to the Territorial Force. For the former, vaccination or revaccination is a condition of enlistment. For the latter it is not. No statement inconsistent is known to have emanated from the War Office. I have on several occasions made this position clear to hon. Members.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of proposed recruits are rejected for minor physical defects, many of which could be successfully dealt with in our general hospitals; and if His Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of paying those who offered to undergo operations or treatment at Army rates with dependant allowances whilst they are detained in hospital, provided that they have previously attested?

The number of men rejected for physical defects of a kind which could be cured by surgical operations is inconsiderable, and the risk and disadvantages of the course suggested are so serious that I fear I cannot adopt it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any fresh information with regard to the numbers and situation of the Serbian refugees in Albania; and whether he can state what action, official or unofficial, has been taken by the United States to supply them with food and clothing?

Recent reports indicate that there are about 10,000 refugees in or near Scutari, about half of whom are Montenegrins. I am not aware that any action has yet been taken in the United States in connection with this matter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to acquire, either by purchase, lease, or commandeering them, all the privately-owned railway trucks so that they may be under the complete control of the Railway Board?

asked whether the Government are proposing to pool the railway wagons of the country; and, if so, whether, before deciding on the form such pooling arrangement will take, he will consult the representatives of wagon companies and private owners?

It has been suggested by the Coal Mining Organisation Committee and by the Port and Transit Executive Committee that railway wagons, including those belonging to private owners, should be pooled, and the suggestion is being carefully considered both by the Board of Trade and by the Railway Executive Committee. I recognise that there are great difficulties in the way of such a scheme. The interests of wagon companies and other private owners will, of course, be carefully considered, and representatives of those interests consulted before any decision can be come to.

asked whether a number of British-owned ships have been sold to foreigners since the outbreak of war; whether such ships are now available for conveying supplies to the enemy; and whether he will issue a return giving the names and tonnage of such ships and the names of their late British owners?

A certain number of British vessels have been transferred to foreign flags since the outbreak of war. In the case of all transfers effected since the Government obtained full control over this matter special and reliable guarantees have been obtained that the vessels would not be used in any way, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of the enemy. Particulars of all ships transferred from the British Register are given in a monthly Return issued by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen. I am sending the hon. Gentleman a set of these Returns.

Would it not be possible, inasmuch as a number of these transferred vessels were owned by British shipowners, to call these gentlemen to account?

Since the Government took control of the transfers every case has been carefully examined by the Admiralty and the Board of Trade, and a sufficient case has had to be made out before the transfer is allowed. I would like to add that we have refused transfers in a great many cases.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, according to the statement made in the "Board of Trade Labour Gazette" for December, the increase in food prices shows a general rise of 44 per cent. since the outbreak of war; if he is aware that many labourers who are working in Yorkshire, Lancashire, and many other towns in the different parts of the country are only receiving a standard rate of wages varying from 24s. to 27s. 6d., including 3s. war bonus; if he is aware that, in consequence of the rise in the price of food-stuffs, the lower paid workers feel justified in pressing for higher rates; and if he intends taking any action in the matter with a view to reducing food prices?

As I have stated on more than one recent occasion in this House, the question both of the supplies and the prices of food-stuffs engages the constant attention of the Government. Steps have been taken to assure adequate supplies, but it is clear that any attempt to fix maximum prices might only have the result of reducing supplies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a certain number of gentlemen who call themselves the Millers' Association meet from time to time and decide what is to be the selling price of flour?

What they may do at their private meetings is unknown to us, but we keep a very strict eye on the corn and flour market, and from time to time the Board of Agriculture officials are in close touch with the millers.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that they do not mind being looked at if you do not do anything?

My hon. Friend must not take it for granted that we do nothing. The millers tell quite a different story.

Is it not a fact that they were very much concerned when the Government took action regarding the purchase of wheat last summer?

Yes, I think that is a fact and I think it is also true that they are very much perturbed at the action the Government are now taking.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he hopes to introduce his new Bill dealing with enemy trading in this country?

The new Trading with the Enemy Bill is being drafted, but I am not yet able to fix a date for its introduction.

Will it be before the Adjournment—that was the promise?

No, I was not aware that any promise was made that it would be before the Adjournment. It will be before the end of the Session. The draft is well forward.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the effect of prohibiting the export of coal to Scandinavia is to enable German coal to be exported to those countries and thereby to enable Germany to pay for her imports of metals, etc., without drawing on her gold reserves; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The prohibition of the export of coal does not, of course, mean more than that licences are required for each consignment exported. In point of fact, the restriction is in the case of Norway and Denmark very slight indeed, and the actual figures for the eleven months up to November 30th, 1915, show a small increase in coal exports, compared with the same period of 1914. As regards Sweden, the question of coal export is closely bound up with more complex considerations, among which the point to which the hon. Member refers is not lost sight of.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether a charge for admission to Kew Gardens is now made on each day of the week, and what is the amount of the same; and whether he will remit the charge on Saturdays and Sundays in the interests of poor children?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. It is proposed to make a charge for admission into Kew Gardens of one penny on each day of the week except Tuesdays and Fridays, on which, as students' days, a charge of sixpence will be made. If the hon. Member's suggestion were adopted, the object in view in making the charges, which is national economy, would be to a large extent frustrated, because of the high average attendance at the gardens on Saturdays and Sundays.

Is no arrangement contemplated for admitting parties of school children free at week-ends?

No, I think not. The object is to make a little money for the nation.

Will my hon. Friend remember the great advantages to national efficiency which free admission to these gardens for the poor children of London means?

I am not sure that admission at 1d. is not of more value and therefore likely to be more useful.

Has there ever before been a charge for admission to Kew Gardens?

No, Sir; and there has never before been a war of this kind.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the position of the wife of a man confined in the Naval Hospital for Insane, at Great Yarmouth, owing to nervous strain brought on by his service in the Army, in the event of the man's death during treatment at the hospital; will the widow be entitled to the same pension as that of the widow of a man killed or dying from wounds or of disease contracted on active service and will the children also be entitled to the usual allowances; and, if not, will he explain why any difference should be made?

In such a case the widow would be entitled to the same pension as the widow of a man killed or dying from wounds or of disease contracted on active service, and the children would also be entitled to the usual allowances.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has received any official report of the loss of the German submarine which sank the "Lusitania," and, if so, can he state under what circumstances this occurred and whether the officers and crew of the submarine were lost or taken prisoners?

No, Sir; we have no information.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his Department will follow the course adopted by the War Office and suggest to naval agents and bankers that they should cease to require confirmations granted in Scotland of the estates of deceased Scottish officers to be resealed in the English Probate Court in respect of undrawn balances of pay appearing in the inventories of Scottish estates?

This does not appear to be a matter in which the Admiralty can properly intervene. As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend on the 9th instant, the amounts paid to officers' agents or bankers under power of attorney or written authority automatically cease to be naval assets, and in consequence are altogether outside Admiralty control and jurisdiction.

Is it not very inconvenient that there should be a difference of practice between the War Office and the Admiralty in this matter?

I am not aware of the inconvenience, but if there is inconvenience and my hon. Friend will give me particulars I will look into it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Army agents and bankers have now agreed to dispense with the resealing in the English Probate Court of Scottish confirmations of the estates of deceased Scottish officers in respect of undrawn balances of pay?

The Army agents have been advised, as I promised my hon. Friend, that the War Office does not object, but any action they may take remains a matter for their own discretion, and I have no information as to their views.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to publish the scheme for the awards of prize bounty; and whether he can make any definite announcement as to the prospect of an early distribution of prize money or prize bounty?

As I have already explained, whilst it is not thought possible to make any payment of prize money until after the close of hostilities, it is proposed from time to time to make prize bounty awards. Arrangements in connection with the first payment are now being completed, and it is hoped that the claim may be submitted to the Prize Court at the earliest opportunity—probably during next month. Payments will, of course, be made without delay as soon as the decision of the Court in each case is given.

Is the distribution of prize bounty to be in accordance with a scheme, and, if so, when will the scheme be published?

The distribution will be under a scheme which will require the sanction of an Order in Council. So soon as that can be obtained the scheme will be published.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in order to prevent the despatch of defective rifles and ammunition, a rigid inspection will be instituted at the works producing on orders from the British Government in the United States of America?

Competent inspectors have been detailed for the close examination of all munitions obtained from overseas, and test examinations are also made on delivery in this country. It is believed that these arrangements are such as to ensure that no defective weapons or other munitions shall be accepted.

May I ask when these arrangements of more rigid inspection were made, in view of the fact that defective rifles and ammunition have been received recently?

I understand that it is almost inevitable that in large consignments there should be one defective, but we have had an elaborate machinery of inspection for some months past.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a man was fined 9s. for treating his wife by the magistrates at Bristol, who held that, if they made an exception in favour of wives, licensees would have to satisfy themselves as to the claim of women treated to be wives of the treater; and whether steps will be taken to appeal on behalf of the Crown or to amend the law?

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that a man at Bristol on Wednesday was fined 9s. for treating his wife with liquor; if he is aware that there is general resentment in consequence of a man not being able to treat his wife; and if he will advise the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to remove the restrictions?

My right hon. Friend's attention has not been officially called to the case mentioned by the hon. Member. I may say, however, that the practical difficulties of making an exception to the No-Treating Order in the case of a specified relationship are obvious, and it is thought that cases in which undue advantage would be taken of any such exception would expose publicans to grave risk and difficulty. If the hon. Member can suggest a method by which publicans can assure themselves of the relationship of two persons to each other, my right hon. Friend will ask the Control Board to consider this suggestion.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman if he thinks that the fact of a man being in a position to treat his wife will retard the output of munitions in any way?

No, I do not think so at all, but that is quite a different question from making an Order and having machinery to carry it out.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will give the grounds on which the Central Control Board has refused to relieve persons residing within provincial areas from the trouble and expense imposed by the pro visions of Article 4 ( e ), which compels them to pay for alcoholic beverages purchased from wholesale firms by payment in advance, or by postal order, or by special messenger, while these provisions have been suspended in the London area?

The Board informs me that the temporary suspension of the provisions of Article 4, paragraph ( e ) of their Order for the London area was granted as being, in their opinion, a reasonable concession in view of the special circumstances of that area. The same considerations did not appear to apply in respect of provincial areas, in which a corresponding paragraph has now been in operation for several weeks. The suspension which was granted for the London area was limited to a period which ends on the 31st instant.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the promises given when the appointment of the Central Control Board was under consideration that the operation of the Board should be confined to munition areas, and in consultation and agreement with local authorities, he will instruct the Board to regulate its proceedings in con formity with these promises?

So far as I am aware, the promises which were given in Debate have been observed in the past, and there is certainly no question of any departure from them.

Will there be an opportunity of discussing the Central Control Board's Regulations?

That question should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked whether an extension of the hours for the sale of alcoholic liquors has been granted to clubs in the Woolwich district, thus differentiating betwen the clubs and licensed public-houses?

No, Sir. Clubs and public-houses are treated on precisely the same footing, special exemptions in rare cases being considered upon a careful review of the particular circumstances which affect the locality.

Do the special exemptions apply to clubs only, or to public-houses as well?

They relate sometimes to clubs and sometimes to public-houses, and sometimes to both.

asked the Minister of Munitions what machinery he proposes to set up for giving effect to Clause 5 of the Amending Munitions Bill; and whether opportunity will be given to representatives of women workers to submit their views on Orders relating to their wages and conditions?

The machinery proposed for the purpose is indicated in Clause 6 of the Bill as amended in Committee. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will take steps to secure that women assessors appointed under the Amending Munitions Bill are such as will command the confidence of working women; and whether, in accordance with the procedure adopted for the appointment of workmen's representatives, he will accept nominations from women's trade unions?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The second part of the question does not quite correctly state the procedure adopted for the appointment of workmen's representatives, but I may say that any names submitted to the Ministry by women's trade unions will be carefully considered.

asked the Minister of Munitions if there are standard terms and conditions in taking over controlled establishments, and are careful records being maintained; and do the provisions cover loss of profits or future trade and provide for expenditure on new plant?

My hon. Friend will find the information he desires, so far as it is not contained in Sections 4 and 5 of the Munitions of War Act, in the Rules made under the Act dealing with limitation of profits, of which I am sending him a copy. He will see that the Rules provide for proper allowances for expenditure on new plant and buildings installed for the manufacture of munitions and for due consideration being given to such matters as loss of future trade.

asked the Prime Minister whether the hon. Member for Fareham is Parliamentary Secretary (Military) to the Ministry of Munitions; and, if so, whether he is accepting the salary voted to him by Parliament?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative.

Does my right hon. Friend think it advisable that Ministers should advertise these facts?

I do not think they do.

They do.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to a recent resolution of the British Science Guild urging upon His Majesty's Government the necessity of immediate steps being taken to establish a national school of technical optics, with a view to affording opportunities for the scientific training in this country of artisans and other students in the theory and practice of the several operations needed for the manufacture of the optical instruments and appliances which have hitherto been largely imported from Germany, and are now being imported into this country from the United States of America and elsewhere; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I understand that the resolution in question was passed by the British Science Guild in July, 1914. The object in view appears to be undoubtedly of the greatest importance, and my right hon. Friend has had before him for some months the necessity for increasing the number of skilled workmen available for the manufacture of optical instruments for war purposes. I am advised that a considerable number are being trained at various works engaged on Government contracts. As regards the permanent supply of such workmen, I understand that the matter is receiving the careful attention of the Board of Education.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a small but efficient school of technical optics has been for some time in existence in connection with the Northampton Polytechnic Institute, Clerkenwell; that the governors of that school have purchased at a cost of £13,000 a site for its extension, but have no funds available from which they can complete the necessary extension and equipment, and that unless funds are forthcoming they will be compelled to sell the site to avoid further payment of interest; and whether, in these circumstances and having regard to the need of a well-equipped school, the Minister of Munitions can see his way to make a grant of money towards the further extension of the school?

My right hon. Friend is sorry to hear of the difficulties with which the governors of the institute are faced, but the matter does not directly concern the Ministry of Munitions and I regret that I cannot hold out any prospect of a grant from funds at the disposal of the Ministry. I understand, however, that the matter is under the consideration of the Board of Education and the London County Council.

Is there any chance of the Board of Education making a grant in this case?

That question had better be addressed to the President of the Board of Education.

Is any attempt being made to train women as well as men for this work?

I do not know whether they are men or women. Efforts are being made to train workers. I cannot answer on that point further without notice.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has discerned in the recent debates in the German Reichstag, in the speech of the German Chancellor or elsewhere, any indications on the part of our principal enemy of a disposition to transfer the settlement of the issues involved in the War from the battlefield to the council table; and, if so, whether, in the councils of the Allies, our Government can see its way to suggest any form of response to that disposition?

I am sure that my hon. Friend is as competent as any member of the Government to draw inferences from the recent debates in the Reichstag. As regards the rest of the question, I would refer him to the public statements I have made and to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn on 8th December.

May I ask if the indications to which my question refers do not suggest that after seventeen months of conflict it is becoming probable that the objects for which we are contending can be more easily obtained by conference?

The hon. Member is only repeating what already appears on the Paper in better terms.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that German companies have branch companies in neutral countries controlled by the parent boards, such branch companies being able to trade with Great Britain and being outside the operation of British laws, and that Germans are thus still exploiting our market, the freedom of which has enabled them to make war upon us, he will reconsider his decision not to give facilities to Lord Halsbury's Bill?

The Bill recently introduced into this House (Trading with Enemy (Extension) Bill) by His Majesty's Government gives full power to proclaim any person or body of persons in a neutral country with enemy associations as an enemy; and to prohibit trade with such person or body of persons. I do not see how the adoption of Lord Halsbury's Bill would give wider powers in this direction.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state his decision with regard to the suggestion that Parliament should this Christmas send an expression of its thanks and appreciation to our fighting forces?

No, Sir; I am afraid I cannot say anything further in regard to this question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to make a statement regarding the various ways in which it is proposed to help soldiers leaving the Army after the War is over; whether the War Book, compiled by the Imperial Defence Committee, is available for consultation by Members of Parliament; and whether the Government has taken into consideration the suggestion that a Peace Book should be prepared to help the various Government Departments in reorganising the country on a peace footing?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave him and to my hon. Friend the Member for the Wellington Division of Shropshire on the 13th December. I do not think I can usefully add anything to that answer, except that it would clearly be contrary to the public interest to adopt his suggestion with regard to the War Book he refers to.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Lord Privy Seal is accepting the salary voted to him by Parliament?

No, Sir, he is not.

Are we to understand it was unnecessary to have the Supplementary Vote last July?

It has turned out to be so.

asked the Prime Minister, while recognising the possible necessity of certain Orders in Council being kept secret during war and in the crisis prior to war, whether he can state if, during his tenure of office, the practice of publishing all Orders in Council in the "London Gazette" had been strictly adhered to by all Departments up to 25th July, 1914?

I have no knowledge of this matter except the information that I have received from the Privy Council Office, by whom I am told that the Orders in Council so published are: (1) those which are required to be published by Statute; and (2) those gazetted by request of the Department at whose instance they are made.

asked the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that Orders in Council are not being published in the "London Gazette" because of the need of war secrecy in a number of cases, whether he will allow a measure of Parliamentary control over the Executive to be set up through a scrutiny of all those Orders in Council by a Committee of three Members nominated by Mr. Speaker?

A large number of Orders in Council are in fact not published in the "Gazette" for various reasons, but those which involve matters of policy are in all cases subject to the directions of His Majesty's Government exercised through the different Departments. The course proposed by the hon. Member does not appear to be necessary or practicable.

asked the Prime Minister whether he authorised the arrangement by which any reduction made in the salary of the Attorney-General would fall on his colleagues; and whether there is any precedent in the history of this House for a salary voted by the House being divided among Ministers?

I am not quite clear as to the meaning of the hon. Baronet's question. It is within the public knowledge that under the pooling arrangement, to which reference is presumably made, salaries are equalised. Therefore if one Member suffers, all the Members suffer. I know of no law or prescription which forbids any association of men from doing what they will with the salaries which they receive.

The question on the Paper is not in the form in which I handed it in at the Table. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Attorney-General stated, in answering a question on this subject, that the fees of his colleagues would be reduced if the House voted a reduction of his salary by £1,000 per annum? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dundee leaving the Cabinet, the present total of fees shared by Ministers is larger than before, having regard to the reduction in the Law Officers' salaries?

No, they remain just the same, I think.

He took £4,250 out of the pool, and the saving on the Law Officers' salaries represents £2,000; so the Cabinet are the gainers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this proposed arrangement was alleged by the Attorney-General as a reason for making a total change in the method of remuneration?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the salaries and fees attaching to the offices of Attorney-General and Solicitor-General, respectively, are taxed in common with the income of other classes of the community; and, if so, will he state upon what ground the salaries and fees of these public servants are to be reduced, while those of other public servants continue to be paid in full?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The reduction which has been made is a spontaneous act of the present Law Officers.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the sums of money paid respectively to Lord Buckmaster and the Home Secretary for the financial year 1914–15?

£9,725 and £14,705.

asked the President of the Board of Education in how many towns the school age of children has been temporarily relaxed with a view to their employment in factories?

My right hon. Friend is aware that in some areas local education authorities, in the course of their ordinary administration, have excused children from attendance at school with a view to their employment in industry. He has no complete information as to the extent of such action or as to the number of children so excused who are employed in factories.

Is it not a fact that some of the children so excused are below the statutory age for the attendance of children?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he is aware that certain British subjects have lately transferred their capital and business offices to New York and have abandoned their British domicile, thus escaping payment of all British taxes; and whether he will take steps to prevent such action by others?

My attention has been drawn to the circumstances stated in the question, but I am not prepared to take any action of the nature suggested.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he expects to be in a position to receive American bonds and negotiable securities in connection with his scheme for upholding the American exchange; and whether he intends to issue a statement which will guide those who are in a position to co-operate with him by selling or depositing their American securities?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the memorandum printed in the "Gazette" for Friday last, 17th December. A further statement for the guidance of individual holders will be issued to-morrow. Lists of securities received from large holders such as insurance and trust companies are now under examination, and these holders will be asked to send in such securities as may be accepted as soon as the examination is complete.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the new issue of five-year Exchequer Bills is in effect a new War Loan and not an issue of ordinary Exchequer Bills contemplated when the exception was made in their favour on the issue of the last War Loan; if ordinary Exchequer Bills are ever issued for periods exceeding one year, and if the interest is paid on them by selling them at such a discount as will provide interest on the repayment at their face value; and if the last War Loan will be exchangeable into the new Exchequer Bills?

No, Sir. The new issue consists of Exchequer Bonds and not of Exchequer Bills, which is an obsolete form of Government security and is entirely distinct from Treasury Bills. Exchequer Bonds may be issued for any term not exceeding six years under Section 26 of the Exchequer Bills and Bonds Act, 1866. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of his pledge, when he asked the companies to subscribe to the last Loan, that they would get the increased rate if it was paid, and does it not apply to this issue?

It was stated at the time quite definitely that the Exchequer Bonds and Treasury Bills were not included as the kind of security which would entitle their holders to apply for them.

asked the Chancellor of the. Exchequer, whether no Exchequer Bond prospectuses were obtainable on Friday either at the Glasgow Stock Exchange or at any of the Glasgow banks, although clients of the stockholders and banks there received by post such prospectuses from London brokers and banks; and why the equitable treatment of the provinces which he promised would be observed in all future issues was not secured?

Consignments of prospectuses left the Bank of England at 12.55 p.m. on Thursday, 16th December, addressed to the Glasgow Stock Exchange and the head offices of the banks in Scotland, and a further consignment left at 4 p.m. on the same day addressed to every banking office in Scotland not covered by the previous arrangement. I have not received any corroboration of my hon. Friend's statement in the first part of the question, and, in view of the facts stated above, I think he must be mistaken.

Does he not consider it his duty to treat all citizens of this country equally and alike?

Yes, Sir; and, so far as circumstances allow me to do so, I have done so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many registered enemy aliens have left their registered place of residence and cannot be traced by the police?

Figures are not available, but the constant touch with registered alien enemies which is kept by the police indicates that the numbers are very small and that such disappearances as have occurred took place early in the War, before the machinery both of the police and at the ports was in complete operation.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can see his way to remove the London Lighting Restriction Order from Tuesday, 21st December until and including Monday, 27th December?

The danger of an attack by hostile aircraft at this time of year is not one which can safely be disregarded, and the danger would not be diminished by announcing in advance the dates between which London would be fully lit. I regret, therefore, that I am unable to comply with my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is the right hon. Gentle-aware that during certain weather conditions it is almost impossible for Zeppelin raiders to come to London, and do they not obtain during this week?

There are some things which ought not to happen in Christmas Week, but we cannot be certain that this will be one of them.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Home Office has forbidden the Press (through the Press Bureau) to publish anything likely to promote the sale of dry-powder chemical fire extinguishers, on the ground that they are unreliable for controlling fires such as are likely to be caused by bombs; whether he is aware that, apart from fires that have got serious hold on buildings, such extinguishers are largely used as effective first-aid fire extinguishers for ordinary first-not caused by bombs, especially in the larger-sized houses in town and country; and whether it is the policy of the Home Office to prevent the sale of such first-aid fire extinguishers?

The warning referred to was issued because the claims put forward by the makers of certain of these dry-powder extinguishers were likely to mislead the public into believing that such appliances could be relied upon in preference to water as a means of extinguishing or controlling incendiary bombs and the fires caused by them. The Commissioner of Police had investigated the matter with the aid of a Committee of experts who represented the Admiralty, the War Office, the Home Office, the Police and the Fire Brigade, and on 18th September issued a public notice to the effect that experiments so conducted were found to show that powder extinguishers are ineffective as compared with water for dealing with the fires in question; and that the danger of serious damage being caused by such fires would be greatly increased if the public relied on these appliances.

If they disclaim any right to advertise in regard to putting out fires caused by incendiary bombs and limit the advertisements to their present useful purpose, will the right hon. Gentleman allow their advertisements to appear again?

I do not think that any prohibition has been issued, but rather extravagant advertisements are to be deprecated, especially in cases where a panic might be caused if a bomb were dropped.

May we understand that advertisements may be put in if they are modified?

That is a question I should not like to answer without notice.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are buckets of sand all over this House for the purpose of extinguishing fires, and that sand is a dry powder?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether the Coal Supplies Committee are asking the miners to curtail their Christmas holidays to prevent a slackening in the supply of coal; whether it has been brought to his notice that at a number of South Wales collieries the workmen are employed only two or three days per week; whether this loss of work is due to the shortage of ships and the freight charges, caused largely by a number of British-owned ships being engaged in trading between foreign ports; the number of British ships engaged in the export of coal from the United States to the Argentine Republic; and whether these ships are afforded the protection of the British Navy?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The position is, I am informed, as stated in the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question, and there is, in fact, a shortage of tonnage for mercantile purposes. I am unable to state the number of British ships at present engaged in carrying coal from the United States to the Argentine Republic. The Government have, however, recently taken power by Order in Council to prohibit British ships from carrying cargo between foreign ports, except under licences. This power of prohibition came into force on 1st December, and the issue and refusal of licences is being dealt with by an expert Committee.

asked the President of the Local Government Board in what London boroughs the rates have been reduced since the outbreak of War, the reduction in each case, and the proportion per head of the population?

I will send the hon. Member a statement showing the rates made in each of the Metropolitan boroughs for the three years ending 31st March, 1914, 1915, and 1916. I cannot supply the information asked for in the last part of the question.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman tell us in how many of the boroughs the rates have been reduced since the beginning of the War?

When the hon. Gentleman sees the information with which I am going to supply him, he will obtain that information.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the question now—one word would answer it?

I should occupy the time of the House in going through all the figures. The answer would take me fifteen minutes to read.

It would not. You would only have to give one figure.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will consider the advisability of calling a conference of representatives of all local authorities in the London area with a view to effecting economies in the cost of administration?

My right hon. Friend has throughout, in his position as President of the Local Government Board, used every endeavour to promote economy in the cost of local administration, but he is not sure that the suggestion of the hon. Member is one which would be likely to give very satisfactory results in practice. If, however, he has evidence of a general feeling that such a conference would be of advantage, he would be glad to do anything in his power to bring one about.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether time-expired men with thirteen years' service are encouraged to remain in the Service or whether, if they are to remain in the Army, they are compelled to take their discharge and to reenlist on worse terms as regards proficiency pay and pension than if they had been in continuous service; and whether there has recently been any alteration in the Regulations with regard to this matter?

The men in question are encouraged to remain on the same terms as before. The second part of the question, i.e., that which inquires whether men who wish to remain in the Army are compelled to take their discharge, does not, therefore, arise. Fresh instructions were issued on the 30th October last.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will state the procedure to be adopted by a private soldier on active service whose time has expired and who wishes to return home; and if he will state whether any men of the l/24th London Regiment upon whom there is now no obligation to serve have been unable to secure release from service?

A soldier should make application through his company officer. As regard's the second part of the question, I am not aware if there are any cases such as my hon. Friend describes, but if he will furnish me with particulars, giving details of the man's number, name and unit, I shall be glad to have inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether officers and men and still allowed, wherever practicable, to serve with their own selected battalions as promised when joining the New Army; and whether officers attached as supernumeraries to a battalion and trained with it, but who are in excess of the strength on the embarkation of the battalion for foreign service, are given preference in appointments to fill vacancies as they occur at the front in the battalion with which they were trained?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 28th October. I think I may add that preference would be given in the direction suggested in the latter part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the grievance complained of still exists?

I understand that the practice of allowing men to join the battalion with which they were trained is now being carried out wherever possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the number of qualified British dentists now with the Expeditionary Force in France?

There are forty-three dentists employed with the Expeditionary Forces in France, exclusive of those employed with the Canadian Contingent.