asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the crew, captain, and the survivors of the crew of the steamer "Wood-field," which was sunk by an Austrian submarine on 9th November, 1915, are now kept in confinement by the Spanish authorities on the Island of Melilla; and whether he will take steps to procure their immediate release?

The following question also appeared on the Paper:—

To ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the transport steamer "Wood-field," which was chartered by the Government to carry a cargo of petrol to the Dardanelles, was attacked on 6th November last by an Austrian submarine and several of the crew killed and wounded; whether, after three hours' fighting, the captain decided to abandon the vessel, but himself remained on board, though injured, in order to look after the ship's wounded carpenter, who eventually died in his arms; whether the vessel was in the end torpedoed by the submarine and sunk, and the captain was picked up after many hours by one of the ship's boats; whether two of the boats landed on the island of Melilla and another on the mainland of Morocco; whether the crew and captain have been interned by the Spanish Government at Melilla; whether the Government have made any and, if so, what provision for the support of the families of the crew dependent on them at the time of the disaster; and whether the Government intend to make any acknowledgment to the master of the vessel in recognition of his conduct?

I had intended to give the following answer in reply to Question 1. As it deals with the same subject, perhaps I may give it in reply to both questions. The "Wood-field" was sunk by an enemy submarine off the coast of Morocco on the 3rd November, as stated by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War, on the 7th instant. As then stated, the casualties amongst the military and crew were six persons killed and fourteen wounded. The survivors, forty-five British and nine Arabs (firemen), are all understood to be now in the hands of the Spanish authorities, by whom they have been treated with every consideration and kindness, the wounded in particular being well looked after. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has been and is in communication with the Spanish Government. I understand that the owners of the vessel are making suitable arrangements in regard to the families of the survivors. As regards the other statements in my hon. Friend's question, I have, so far, no information.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now give particulars of the loss of His Majesty's ship "Tara," and publish a list of survivors, so as to relieve the anxiety of the relatives of the crew?

I regret that I have little to add to the statements which have ready been issued to the Press in regard to the loss of the "Tara" and the whereabouts of the survivors. The vessel was in the Bay of Sollum, on the frontier of Egypt and Cyrenaica, on the morning of the 5th November. We have no first hand evidence of what occurred, but there is no doubt that she was torpedoed there by an enemy submarine, and that the greater part of the crew were forced to land and fell into the hands of the local tribesmen. We have no knowledge of the names of the survivors, except that it is credibly reported that Captain Gwatkin Williams is among them. We are necessarily dependent on somewhat vague native reports as to the numbers and whereabouts of the party, but there is every reason to believe that they are being well treated. A list of survivors will, of course, be published as soon as the endeavours which are being made to procure this information are successful.

Any further news, I suppose, will be given to the Press in the ordinary way?

Certainly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will now give particulars of the loss of the "Anglia," and publish a list of the survivors, so that the relatives of the crew may have information as to the extent of the casualties?

I have nothing to add to the War Office statement issued on the 17th November to the effect that the vessel in question struck a mine on that day and sunk, about 300 being saved out of a total of 385. The second part of the question should, I suggest, be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War, but I may point out that casualty lists have already been published.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether members of the Anti-Aircraft (London) Corps have been in formed that, in the event of compulsory military service being introduced, no obstacles would be placed in the way of their being enlisted; and whether permission has been given or refused to such members to attest in their respective groups under Lord Derby's scheme?

As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Central Bradford on Monday last, all members of the Anti-Aircraft Corps who wish to join the Army have always been given their discharge and every facility has been afforded them. A considerable number of them have already sought their discharge from the corps in order to join the Army. Apart from this, it would not have been possible for them to attest under Lord Derby's scheme, since they were already enrolled in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 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?

Inquiry has been made, and as soon as I receive a reply I will inform my right hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether attested persons in reserved occupations who were unaware when presenting themselves that it was necessary, as stated in the Local Government Board circular to local tribunals R 18, to inform the recruiting officer will be allowed to appeal?

If such a man receives a notice calling him up for service he should at once see his employer, who should forward the notice forthwith to the recruiting officer who has issued it, together with a certificate signed by the employer stating the precise occupation in which the man is actually engaged, and the name, address, and business of the firm by which he is employed. On receipt of these particulars the recruiting officer will provisionally cancel the notice calling up the man, and if, on investigation, it is found that the statements made by the employer are correct, a mark will be placed in the Army register against the name of the man.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether appeals should be lodged at once by attested persons belonging to all groups, or whether members of groups not called up should defer appealing until the public notice of the calling up of the group to which they belong?

A claim may be sent in any time after attestation, and there is nothing to prevent the military representative and the Advisory Committee from considering claims at once. Where a claim is not assented to by the military representative, however, it cannot be dealt with by the local tribunal until the group in which the man has been placed is within not more than eight groups of being called up.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in inquiring into the number of unmarried men who have not attested, he will see that a differentiation is made between unmarried men who have no responsibilities and unmarried men who have in many instances greater responsibilities than many married men, in view of the fact that such information can be got from the National Register?

Instructions which are being issued for the administration of the group system provide for careful consideration being given to cases of the kind mentioned in the question.

I wish to ask the Prime Minister if he is in a position, or likely to be in a position, to give any further information with regard to the recruiting returns before the House adjourns for Christmas?

The matter was under the consideration of the. Cabinet to-day, but they were not able to complete their deliberations. I do not think I can hold out any hope of being able to make a statement to the House before the Adjournment.

Would it not be possible to give the aggregate figures, because of the moral influence that they would have amongst our Allies, as well as in the mind of the enemy?

That has been suggested, but I am afraid that if we gave the aggregate figures without the details it might afterwards be said that we were misleading the public, and that, I think, should be avoided.

Does the right hon. Gentleman contemplate being able to give any information to the House or to the public before the House reassembles?

I think it ought to be given in the House.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has received a letter dated 20th November, 1915, from Mr. F. T. Mortimer, of No. 120, Mardy Street, Cardiff, who complains of having been suddenly and with insufficient explanation dismissed from his post in the trades division of the Admiralty at Cardiff; if so, why no answer has been returned to Mr. Mortimer; and whether he has taken steps to inquire into his case and to see that justice is done to him?

The gentleman referred to in my hon. Friend's question was engaged for temporary clerical employment under the usual conditions, and he received the customary notice when it was no longer necessary to retain his services.

Was any answer given him to his letter of protest?

I cannot say. I dare say there was. But he was engaged on terms which made it quite clear that it was quite a temporary appointment, and he was dismissed with proper notice.

He was given a verbal assurance that his position was as good as permanent.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now state what additions have been made to the Advisory Committee in connection with Admiralty transport and the requisitioning of ships to bring food supplies?

It is proposed to add to the membership of the Committee, but arrangements are not yet complete.

asked why the British Goviernment should have considered it advisable to grant safe conducts to Captain von Papen and Captain Boy-Ed, thus enabling them to direct their energies towards the injury of this country nearer home?

In deference to the officially expressed wish of the United States Government, His Majesty's Government and the French Government consented to give safe conducts to these officers.

Will any escort or retinue be allowed to accompany these gentlemen? Will any men of military age be allowed to go with them?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Will any steps be taken when releasing these two individuals, to secure the release of Colonel Napier and Mr. Stanley Wilson, M.P.?

It is not a question of releasing the individuals. It is whether they are doing more harm in America than they will do in their own country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the ill-treatment of British prisoners in Germany, he will consider the desirability of endeavouring, through the American Minister, to induce the German Government to consent to the removal of these prisoners for internment in a neutral State, this country agreeing to similar facilities for the removal of German prisoners in England?

I have very great sympathy with this proposal, but I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland yesterday.

asked whether the Government have modified, or contemplate modifying, the Orders in Council so as to allow the United States of America to get a supply of dye-stuffs from Germany; and, if so, on what grounds is this being done?

In April last His Majesty's Government expressed their willingness, on the urgent representations of the United States Government, not to interfere with the shipment to the United States of America, on certain conditions, of two cargoes of German dye-stuffs already paid for by the American importers. This decision was published at the time in the United States of America. The German Government have, however, apparently been unwilling so far to allow the export of these cargoes, and, so far as I am aware, they have not yet been shipped. The arrangement involved no modification of the policy announced by the Order in Council, and no such modification is contemplated.

asked if the trade conditions existing before the War have now been re-established at Kiao-chou?

There has naturally been a complete dislocation of trade at that port, but it would appear that the Japanese authorities have done their best to facilitate a return to normal conditions.

asked whether the Japanese Government have already appointed an Imperial Commission to investigate matters that will come up for determination at the Peace Conference to take place after the War; and, if so, whether it is the duty of this Commission, which is composed of representatives of the Army, the Navy and the Foreign Office, to study all questions pertaining to Japan's interests that may come up for discussion at the Peace Conference of European nations, so that the Japanese representa- tives at the Conference will be in a position to offer positive proof of their contentions and be ready to defend them?

I have no information on the subject of the hon. Member's question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cases arising out of the recent riots in Ceylon were tried before courts-martial, and how many convictions were secured?

The number of persons who were tried before courts-martial was 412, and of these 358 were convicted.

asked when Papers will be published with regard to the recent riots in Ceylon?

Papers on this subject are now in course of preparation, and I hope to lay them before Parliament at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether it is the intention of the Government to invite the Government of the Union of South Africa to pass legislation on the lines of the Trading With the Enemy (Extension of Powers) Bill; generally what steps are going to be taken to secure uniform legislation on the subject of enemy trading throughout the Empire; (2) whether a Public Trustee has been appointed to administer properties and businesses of persons and firms and companies of German association in the Union of South Africa; and (3) what steps are being taken to prevent trading with persons, firms, and companies of enemy association in the Union of South Africa?

Information with regard to legislation and executive action dealing with trading with the enemy, including the Bill recently introduced, is regularly communicated to the other Governments of the Empire. Absolute uniformity is not, I fear, attainable, and it must rest with the Governments of the different self-governing Dominions to decide how the general principles underlying British policy in the matter are to be applied. The Union Government has recently introduced a Trading With the Enemy Bill, but I have not at present received the text.

Will the hon. Gentleman communicate to the House the text of the Bill when received?

I will consult the Secretary of State. I do not think there will be any objection.

Does the reply mean that there will be conveyed to the Colonial Governments the text of the Bill suggested by the Foreign Office, and the new Bill promised by the President of the Board of Trade?

There is, I think, no question that if the new Bill is passed into law it will be communicated in the same way as the other.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether dividends of the General Mining and Finance Corporation, and other mining companies in South Africa, are still paid on stock to bearer deposited with the Schweizerische Bank-verein and Schweizerische Kreditanstalt at Basle and Zurich; and what steps are taken to ascertain that no dividends so paid are passed on to and actually reach Germany?

I have no information with regard to the particular dividends referred to. The general position remains, I believe, as stated in my reply to my hon. Friend of 14th October.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Mr. F. C. Bovenschen, a gentleman of German parentage, who was appointed by Lord Haldane to be his assistant private secretary while Secretary of State for War, was promoted to the position of a senior clerk in the finance department of the War Office on Lord Haldane's resignation of office as Secretary of State in 1912, and is still employed in that department; whether Mr. Bovenschen is of military age and whether he is a naturalised British sub- ject; and if he will explain why an alien enemy, or a person of hostile origin or association, has been allowed to remain in employment at the War Office during the War?

Before the right hon. Gentlemen replies to this question, may I ask you, Mr. Speaker, if there are any means of preventing questions of this sort from being published in the public Press before the, appropriate answer is given? In this case Mr. Bovenschen, who is a distinguished public servant, a public schoolboy, and a double first at Oxford, has been for days—

The hon. Member is quite in order in asking the question, but he is not entitled to make a statement. I am not a censor. I have no power of censorship by striking out questions which are against the public interest, or which convey unfair imputations on Members outside or inside this House. I have no control over them.

May I ask, Sir, whether you intend to rule that this particular question makes an unfair imputation upon anyone?

I do not know what the answer is going to be. My private information is that Mr. Bovenschen is a gentleman of the most undoubted loyalty to this country, and has deserved very well of his compatriots, and that this is a very unfair and unjust imputation upon him. That is only my private information, because I have never had any official communication with him.

May I ask you, Sir, whether we are to understand that we are not entitled to ask questions for the purpose of getting information? May I say that I ask this question in quite good faith for the purpose of getting information, having no such private information at my command as you, Sir, appear to have?

A very little research on the part of the hon. Gentleman would have given him all the information necessary.

Perhaps I may be allowed to give the reply. Mr. Bovenschen's appointment to be a private secretary was on the initiative of has Departmental chief, and came in the ordinary course of office seniority amongst the qualified clerks. Advancement to be an acting assistant principal—there is no such grade as senior clerk—had nothing to do with Lord Haldane, and took place several years after he had ceased to be Secretary of State. Mr. Bovenschen is, as stated, serving in the Finance Department of the War Office, which he entered by open competition in 1908. He is a natural born British subject. I understand that his mother is English and that his father, who is now dead, became a naturalised British subject in 1887. I can assure the House that the loss of so valuable a public servant, who is neither an alien enemy nor of hostile origin or association, as the hon. Member chooses to assert, would weaken the Department and would thus be of material assistance to the enemy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether this gentleman's father was a German? I understood him to say he was a naturalised British subject. Is he of German parentage?

I have no knowledge. He is now dead. He became a naturalised British subject as long as twenty-eight years ago.

Why not Lord Milner?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Report of the Military Court of Inquiry, of which the Attorney-General formed one, into certain matters connected with the British Empire Committee is being further considered by the War Office, in view of the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions to take no action; and whether, the Court having found that Messrs. Ernest Devereux and T. Watson made an unwarrantable use of their positions as members of the British Empire Committee to obtain money from a Mr. Hand, and that no new contracts of any kind ought to have been given to them, Messrs. Devereux and Watson have been black listed or are directly or indirectly concerned in any Government contracts at the present time?

The names of the two gentlemen referred to have never been included in the War Office list of contractors, and, so far as is known, neither of them is directly or indirectly concerned in any War Office contract at the present time. The question of the removal from the War Office list of the Construction and Contracts Company, in which they are interested, is at present under consideration. Apart from the erection of the hutments for the Empire Battalion, this firm has held no contracts for the Department. For the rest, the Army Council, after giving full consideration to the Report of the Court of Inquiry, have taker all the action which they consider necessary in the matter.

What is the use of the Government holding a Military Inquiry in which the Attorney-General in the present Cabinet comes to the decision that these men have obtained money by threats in the course of doing public duty, if no further action is taken?

My hon. Friend is, of course, well aware that he is putting to me a question which involves another Department of the State; therefore I am very reluctant to give him a full answer. I am quite sure he realises, as well as I do, that that is the case. We have to place ourselves in the hands of our advisers in relation to prosecutions and abide by their decisions. That has been done in this case. When my hon. Friend asks me what is the use of holding a Military Court of Inquiry and then doing nothing, I think that is a very wrong method of describing the action—the very drastic action—which the War Office has already taken in this matter.

Does not my right hon. Friend feel that the War Office cannot be sufficiently protected when, after the Attorney-General comes to that decision, no prosecution is taken?

It is not really for me to answer a question of that kind; it is quite another Department who advises the War Office, and we have to abide by their advice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there are now enough pilots and observers in the Royal Flying Corps to enable those at the front to be sent home for at least a month's rest after every two or three months' flying?

Arrangements are made whereby officers requiring rest are sent home when necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the flying pay of officers in the Royal Flying Corps is often much in arrear; and whether he will take steps to accelerate such payment?

I am not aware of any delay in the issue of flying pay, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case inquiries will be made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Germans constantly use non-commissioned officers as pilots in their flying corps; and whether it is proposed to utilise some of our best mechanics in that capacity and so save some of our officers for observation purposes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second that what is suggested is already being done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men joining the Royal Flying Corps in England are allowed to learn flying at once, but at the front have to do three to four months' observation before they are allowed to come home and take their flying ticket, and whether in that case their seniority should rank from the date of joining in France?

Seniority is not affected by the date of appointment to the Royal Flying Corps. The question asked does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether every German aeroplane has a dual control to enable the observer to bring the machine down safely in the event of an injury to the pilot; and why so few of our machines are so fitted?

I understand that though a small number of German machines are fitted in the manner described, the majority are not; and I may add, as regards the second part of the question, that dual control is being fitted in those types of aircraft where it is desirable.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of the machines are so fitted?

No, Sir, I cannot give the hon. Member that information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the Crown Prince of Prussia remains in the official Army List as Colonel-in-Chief of the 11th Hussars?

The hon. Member is, I think, misinformed. The name of the Crown Prince of Prussia, together with those of the two Allied Emperors, was omitted from the Official Army Lists, both monthly and quarterly, as long ago as October, 1914. I believe a statement has appeared in the "Almanach de Gotha" to the effect mentioned in the question, but I have, of course, no control over that publication.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that the name of the Crown Prince of Prussia does not appear in the existing Army List?

Yes, Sir. It has not appeared since October, 1914.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the complaints made by discharged wounded soldiers from the hospital because they only receive from the Regent Street pay office very small amounts, in some cases only about one-tenth, of their pay that is due to them; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I have no information to show that the Regimental Pay Office in Regent Street is not carrying out the official orders in this respect. Perhaps the hon. Member will communicate to me details of any failure that may have come to his notice.

asked the Under-Secretary for War (1) whether any measures have yet been taken to induce second lieutenants, lieutenants, and captains of the Regular Cavalry to transfer to the Artillery or the Infantry if promoted on transfer from lieutenant to captain and from captain to major; and (2) whether any inducement has been offered to lieutenants and captains in the Yeomanry to transfer to the Artillery or the Infantry with promotion on transfer to the next higher commissioned rank?

Steps have been taken to ascertain whether any Cavalry officer are desirous of promotion into Artillery and Infantry units, and each case is being considered on its merits.

If they supersede officers of the same rank now in the Infantry or Artillery are they to come in in promotion over the officers as they stand at present?

That is a very complicated question. I do not think so. I should think the answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to drain the camp and make watertight the huts at Halton?

Improvements to surface drainage are being carried out by the Road Board. Leakage in huts, when reported, is being repaired as soon as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it was very wet last week?

It was very wet, I agree.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the complaints of Alsatians who are interned with Germans that they are subjected to espionage from Germans, and that even their letters are censored by them; and if he will give instructions that, as far as possible, the Alsatians may be placed in a separate camp?

No, Sir, I was not aware of the complaints mentioned in the first part of the question. The question of placing Alsatians in a separate camp is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that Private Bernard D. Campion, 2/4th Leicester Regiment, enlisted when he was seventeen years of age; whether a birth certificate to that effect has been put in his possession by Mr. Campion's brother; whether a request has been made to him that, in accordance with his statements in this House, Private Campion should not be sent on foreign service; whether the officials at Lich field have replied stating that the official age of Private Campion is twenty years and three months and declining to accept the birth certificate and regard Private Campion as ineligible for service abroad; and what action he proposes to take on these facts?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the full statement I made regarding the method of dealing with these cases in an answer I gave to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 2nd November.

Will a birth certificate be considered full evidence in all cases?

Oh, yes. A birth certificate is always regarded as full evidence of a man's date of birth, but if he has been already enlisted, and. has called himself nineteen and is over the age of seventeen, we keep him.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by his reference to a reply to myself? I have not the slightest recollection that he ever gave me a satisfactory answer.

I will refer the hon. Member to the OFFICIAL REPORT of 2nd November. It is a very long answer, I agree. Of course I know I am seldom so fortunate as to give satisfaction to my hon. Friend, but I explained quite clearly and succinctly the methods adopted by the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the fact that last winter hun- dreds of horses purchased for Army purposes died or were rendered unfit for service by being exposed in all weathers for the alleged purpose of hardening them; whether this is again being done this winter, particularly at Whitmore Reans barracks, Wolverhampton; and whether any consideration has been given to the practicability of other means that may achieve the desired results?

Where suitable stables are not available a number of horses are again this year standing in the open, and are taking no harm therefrom. My attention was called to the condition of the horses which were standing out at Whit more Reans barracks, Wolverhampton, and I found that it was good.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to cases of hardship arising from the liability of contractors in relation to contracts entered in before the outbreak of war; whether, in the case of building contracts in particular, contractors are under legal obligation to pay heavy ground rents for sites which cannot be utilised under present conditions, and to effect clearance of sites and schemes of rebuilding under onerous time penalties which the existance of war conditions as regards labour and finance make it impracticable as well as inexpedient in the public interest to proceed with during the War; and whether he will consider the question of establishing a war emergency Court with power to suspend the liability created by pre-war contracts in such cases as it may appear just and expedient to do so?

I can add nothing to the answer that I gave to the hon. Member for North Islington on 1st December.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is in contemplation an agreement between Great Britain and any commercial body or association in Sweden on the lines of the agreement recently made between this country and the merchant associations of Denmark?

A Memorandum fully explaining the nature of the measures taken by His Majesty's Government in pursuance of the policy laid down in the Prime Minister's announcement in this House on 1st March, 1915, is about to be laid. It would be convenient if the hon. Member would await the issue of that Paper.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is intended to introduce legislation to amend the Act of Settlement or other Acts in order to prevent British subjects of enemy birth having the right to sit in the Council Chamber of the King as Privy Councillors?

No, Sir.

Why should the nation be called upon to make unlimited sacrifices in order to crush our enemies whilst the Government deal tenderly and protectively with men of enemy race?

I am rather sorry my hon. Friend put his question in that alternative form. There is no reason to think naturalised British subjects sworn in His Majesty's Privy Council are not loyal subjects of this country and will not do their duty.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a protest against the Orders of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) applying to the West Riding of Yorkshire, stating that the Orders imposed by the Board were against the weight of evidence as to the making of munitions being delayed through workmen drinking, and requesting that the case of the West Riding should be submitted to the arbitration of an impartial tribunal; and, if so, whether any steps will be taken to meet the request for arbitration?

My right hon. Friend has not received the protest and request referred to by my hon. Friend. I am informed that convictions for drunkenness show a remark- able decrease since the Order came into operation, and that in other respects the Order is having the beneficial results which have been generally observed in other areas. My right hon. Friend does not think it necessary to take the steps suggested.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the evidence of the Chief Constable of Leeds in particular and the Watch Committee of Leeds is quite contrary to his own statement just now made?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Chief Constable of Leeds and the Watch Committee of Leeds tendered evidence at an inquiry held at Leeds by the Board of Control in favour of the regulations which were afterwards imposed?

I understand that is the case.

Is there any objection to submitting this case to a Court of Arbitration? Surely one side or the other is right or wrong.

I do not understand the hon. Member. I have not heard the other side yet.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain why this was extended to Pontefract and Nottingham? Is he aware that there is no necessity at all for this meddlesome legislation in my Constituency?

asked the Minister of Munitions how many inspectors of munitions have been appointed; by whom are these officials appointed; what qualifications are required for these positions; and if the Ministry of Munitions have assured themselves in all cases before making the appointments that the person to be appointed possesses the necessary technical knowledge for the work?

The following numbers of assistant inspectors have been appointed to the inspection staff, Woolwich, since the commencement of the War: Officers, 57; civilians, 112. These have been selected and appointed on the advice of the chief inspector, Woolwich. The officers were selected for their Service knowledge, and the civilians are all qualified mechanical engineers. Both classes require training at Woolwich before being put in executive control of inspection work. I think my hon. Friend is referring to the class of men who are more properly described as examiners. I am not now in a position to give him information in regard to these men, but an inquiry is being made.

asked the Minister of Munitions the number of cases tried before munitions tribunals, giving, respectively, the number of cases in which employers and workmen have been fined and the number of cases, respectively, in which the maximum fine has been imposed?

A detailed Return of the results of proceedings of munitions tribunals up to and including 27th November is now in course of completion and will be laid on the Table before the Adjournment. Most of the information desired by my hon. Friend will be found to be included in it.

May I ask whether the Members of the munitions tribunals possess the necessary qualification of impartiality?

( by Private Notice ): I beg to ask the Minister of Munitions whether any arrangements have been made to enable munition workers to get the advantage of cheap bookings for any short holiday they may receive at Christmas?

as stated in the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Deptford on 14th December, where reduced week-end tickets are under existing circumstances issued to workmen, available from Saturday to Monday, the period of such tickets will be extended at Christmas time so as to make them available on Friday, 24th December, until Tuesday, 28th December. The issue of the tickets referred to is made only to munition workers in Government or controlled establishments, upon direct application from the firm, and is subject in all cases to the consent of the superintendent of the line.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when the Motion is made to issue a writ for the election of a Member in the place of an hon. Member of this House who has fallen in the War, some method can be arranged, such as Members rising in their places when the Question is put, or some other simple but effective way, whereby this House can show its appreciation of the supreme sacrifice made by the late Member in giving his life for his King and country?

It is open to the House to adopt such method as most commends itself to hon. Members of signifying their sense of the occasion referred to. At present Members uncover their heads.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a British officer of the Indian Army, if made prisoner of war, is only entitled to Indian Army leave pay during the period of his detention, whereas an officer of the British Army is entitled to full pay and allowances under similar circumstances; and, if so, can he see his way to remove this disability inflicted on Indian Army British officers?

Indian Army officers who are prisoners of war receive, after sixty-one days on full Indian pay, the British pay and allowances drawn by similarly situated British Service officers, or Indian Army leave pay, whichever is greater. I do not consider that any alteration is required.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government, in view of the favourable reception accorded to the proposal to pay war bonus and wages in part by War Bonds, intends to give further consideration to this proposal?

As the hon. Member will be aware, the whole question of the encouragement of savings by the popularisation of War Loans for the small investor is at present receiving close consideration by the Committee presided over by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary of the Treasury.

This particular proposal amongst others?

I do not think any proposal is escaping their attention.

asked the Under-Secretary whether the kitchen arrangements in the First Eastern General Hospital were planned for 520 patients, and whether they now have to provide for 1,500 patients; whether the commandant of this hospital is in charge of two other institutions; and what salary does he receive?

The facts are substantially stated in the first part of the question. The hospital has expanded and outgrown the original kitchen accommodation. The question of improving the kitchen arrangements has been taken in hand, and I hope the defects will soon be remedied. In the expansion, two other section hospitals have been formed, which are in the general charge of the commandant of the hospital and administered under him by officers commanding sections. The commandant is a colonel in the Territorial Force Army Medical Service, and draws pay of his rank.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he thinks that with the existing kitchen accommodation proper food is given to the patients?

I do not like to say offhand, but I hope so.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that parcels of tobacco sent to the' front to soldiers who have been invalided home are returned to the senders, together with a claim for the payment of Customs Duties, which sometimes amount to a considerable sum; and whether, before returning such parcels, he can take steps to ascertain by means of a reply postcard whether the senders are willing to have the parcels distributed among other soldiers?

The regular procedure as regards the comparatively few parcels of tobacco returned from the front to senders is to inquire of them before the parcel is sent on whether they wish to pay the duty or abandon the goods. There is an arrangement in many battalions at the front to share in common parcels of tobacco addressed to men who have lost their lives or who have been sent home.

If the parcels are so few, cannot the Government see their way to omit the duty altogether?

I should be glad, but I am afraid I cannot answer. The question had better be addressed to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, having regard to the fact that the postal rates on small parcels from the United Kingdom to soldiers on active service press with severity upon poor people, he can rearrange, in conjunction with the War Office authorities, the entire scale of rates and reduce them, or at least reduce or abolish the rate on parcels not exceeding 3 lbs.?

I regret that it is not practicable, in view of the vast and growing bulk of the parcel mails for the Expeditionary Forces, and of the difficulties of providing adequate transport both in this country and abroad, to effect any reduction in the rates of postage on parcels for the troops abroad.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to take care that this saving is made before he makes any concession to the people on whose behalf the two previous questions were asked?

I am afraid that in present circumstances it is not possible to make any concession to anybody.

( by Private Notice ): I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether it is possible to arrange that the holder of a ring paper should have the right to send once a month at a reduced rate a parcel to a soldier who made the allotment in respect of which the ring paper was issued?

I would refer the hon. Member to an answer which I gave this afternoon to the hon. Member for South Tyrone (Mr. Horner), and I would also say that there are certain practical objections to the adoption of this proposal which J am afraid render it impossible to sanction it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that this would reduce the number of parcels and very likely reduce the weight also of parcels sent?

No, Sir. I think any reduction of rate would be likely to likely to increase the number.

( by Private Notice ): I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he can communicate to the House any information regarding the steps he has taken to secure the safe and rapid delivery of letters and parcels, during the Christmas period, to the troops in the various theatres of war?

The number of parcels posted in the United Kingdom for the troops in France and Flanders on one day, December 13th, was about 500,000, and about 300,000 on each of the following days. The number of letters has varied between 1,000,000 and 1,500,000 a day. For the Mediterranean and Salonika Forces nearly 14,000 bags of letters and parcels were dispatched on November 25th. The total additional number of parcels sent to all the Forces during the Christmas season has been over 1,500,000. In order to cope with the Army mails at Christmas and subsequently, it has been necessary to erect a large temporary building in Regent's Park. The War Office have been good enough to give the Post Office very valuable assistance by the loan of a large number of motor lorries. Six special trains, and four special boats across the Channel, have been run daily to carry the Army mails. The large staff employed have worked with admirable industry, and all letters and parcels posted by the dates announced by the Post Office have been sent oversea, and it is anticipated that all will be delivered by Christmas Day.

asked whether, in view of the ever-increasing importance of aerial warfare, both in attack and defence, he recognises the necessity of organizing Anti-Aircraft Artillery, either in conjunction with the Royal Flying Corps, or as a separate branch of the Royal Artillery with its own administration and promotion, so that there may be some definite organised body responsible for the provision of the necessary equipment and weapons and for training the men who are to use them?

The necessity referred to is fully recognised, but it is not desirable to make public any changes in organisation which may have taken place or others which it may be desirable to effect.

May we have an assurance that changes are being made in the sense suggested in the question?

I would rather not give an assurance on that, but everything that is considered necessary is being done.

asked the Under-Secretary whether he is aware that promotion up to the rank of sergeant in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Royal Artillery, is by the officers commanding sections or batteries, but above that rank is by various authorities differing in respect of noncommissioned officers from the Royal Horse Artillery, the Royal Field Artillery, and the Royal Garrison Artillery, but agreeing in taking from anti-aircraft work back to the other branches of the Royal Artillery those non-commissioned officers who are the most experienced and skilful in anti-aircraft work; and whether he will consider some other system of promotion whereby this loss to Anti-Aircraft Artillery work can be remedied?

The Commanders-in-Chief of the Armies in the field have not made any suggestion that the present system of promotion is unsatisfactory, and as they are satisfied and are the responsible authorities, it is proposed to make no alteration.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he recognises that if the system is such as is stated in the question, that the Anti-Aircraft Artillery are bound to suffer?

The Anti-Aircraft Artillery is bound to suffer if that happens.

Through losing their most efficient non-commissioned officers?

I do not think that is the case. However, I will have it looked into.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that officers, non-commissioned officers, and men employed on the lines of communications, and applying for leave to England, are required to sign a certificate that they are prepared to pay the expenses of the journey both ways before their applications for leave are considered; and whether it is the intention of the War Office to claim at some future time the payment of these expenses by those who have already proceeded on leave to England?

No, Sir, I am not aware of any such practice as that mentioned in the first part of the question. If officers, non-commissioned officers, or men lose their warrants or tickets they have to pay, but not, I am informed, in any other circumstances.

May I give the right hon. Gentleman information as to cases where certificates from officers, non-commissioned officers and men asking for leave are required that they are prepared to pay the expense of the journey home and the journey back to France?

I shall be glad to receive the information from the hon. Gentleman, but I can assure him that in every case which I have heard of no charge has been made except where the warrant has been issued and has been lost.

What about the claims for repayment?

It is perfectly possible to claim repayment when the ticket or warrant has been found.

asked if inquiry is from time to time made into the average age, efficiency for duty, percentage of sick, and defaulters among noncommissioned officers and men passed from hospital as for permanent base and employed at the various camps at the bases in France or on the lines of com- munication; and, if not, will he appoint a small Commission to visit those camps and report on these matters?

The appointment of a Commission to inquire into the manner in which the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Army in the field, exercises his duties in regard to the important matter in question is not contemplated.

asked the Under-Secretary for War how many persons have, since the start of the War, been tried for espionage, how many have been condemned, and how many acquitted; and what have been the nationalities of the accused?

It would not, I am afraid, be in the public interest to give this information.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether any Germans who have been naturalised have been condemned, including those who are Privy Councillors?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that delay occurs in discharging men from the Army who are pronounced by the medical officers as unfit for service, and that in consequence of this delay unnecessary outlay is incurred in their pay, clothing, food, and accommodation; and will he have inquiries made into the matter and instructions issued to expedite such discharges?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the written answer which I gave on Friday last on this subject to the hon. Member for Wirral, a copy of which I will send him.

May I give the right hon. Gentleman information? I have received from a commanding officer a letter in which he gives information regarding twenty-seven of them—

It is not for the hon. Member to give information. It is for the Government to give information.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Messrs. Hepburn, Gale, and Ross, Limited, of Long Lane, Bermondsey, contractors for leather goods, are paying skilled workmen from 7d. to 8d. per hour; that they refuse to pay extra for overtime worked; that they are paying women workers, who are doing the work of skilled men, from 3d. to 4d. per hour; and whether he will communicate with that firm with the object of compelling it to pay its employés a living wage?

Certain complaints as to the wages paid by the firm in question have been received and are under investigation. If the hon. Member will be so good as to furnish me with particulars as to the precise nature of the work on which the skilled workmen and the women workers referred to are respectively engaged, I will see that the matters raised by him are included in the inquiry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the fact that the War Office now fix their own price for a great deal of the leather they require, it would not be just for all the employers to pay the same standard rate of wages?

The arrangement is that where firms are employed by the War Office we insist upon the terms of the Fair-Wages Resolution being properly carried out.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that other firms are better?

What I said was that certain complaints as to the wages paid by the firm in question have been received and are under investigation.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can give the number of casualties sustained by General Townshend's Force in the fighting which has taken place since its return to Kut-el-Amara; whether Sir John Nixon is still at the front; and what is the latest information he has received from Mesopotamia?