asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the total number of steamers requisitioned by the Transport Department of the Admiralty during the months of November and December, 1915, and the first fifteen days of January, 1916?

During November, the total number of ships on Admiralty charter was increased by 111. The number actually newly requisitioned during the month was larger than that, but a certain number was discharged. The net additions during December were 129. If my hon. Friend wants the actual figures of requisitioning and discharging for these months, I can let him have them, but they could not be prepared in time for this reply. Since the 1st January twenty vessels have been discharged from service and 109 have received notice that they will be required to come upon Government service. Many of these, however, will certainly not be called upon for service at present.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that scores of vessels have been kept lying idle, and in some cases empty, for months at a time?

That allegation has been made, but is challenged by us.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have given him some instances?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will explain why British steamers requisitioned by the British Admiralty and receiving payment at the Blue Book rates of hire money have been used for French military purposes, while French steamers have been free to engage in commercial trade and enjoy the rates of freight obtainable in that employment?

The majority of British steamers employed by the French have been chartered at market rates, others have been requisitioned at Blue Book rates as arranged between the British and French Governments. The French mercantile marine is already very heavily requisitioned at low rates of hire for French Government purposes.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it advisable to represent to the French Government that they should requisition French steamers for French military purposes, and so release the English steamers?

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he can see his way to raise the age at which men can join the Royal Naval Air Service from thirty-eight to forty-one?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the question, may I ask him if, on the other hand, he can also state the youngest age at which men can join the Air Service?

The youngest age for the Navy generally and the Air Service is eighteen, but perhaps my hon. Friend will put his question on the Paper. In reply to the question on the Paper, the present regulations admit of the entry, for the period of hostilities, of specially desirable men who are over the age of thirty-eight, and this arrangement is considered satisfactory.

Is that generally known?

I cannot say, but I hope that this reply will make it so.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now give the names of those acting on the Committee appointed to consider how best to effect economies in Admiralty expenditure?

As I informed my hon. Friend on the 13th instant, the Chairman of the Committee is my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The other members of the Committee are Sir George Franklin and my hon. Friend the Member for the Hexham Division, with whom is associated Sir Alfred Eyles, Accountant-General of the Navy. Mr. A. Cunison, of the Admiralty, is acting as Secretary. The Committee, I may say, has already held four meetings.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether an agreement or arrangement has been made by the Government permitting the importation of barley into provinces of Belgium in the occupation of the Germans; if so, whether he will state with whom such an agreement has been made, what are its terms, and why the Government has agreed to permit foodstuffs to be imported into districts occupied and administered by German troops?

asked the Prime Minister whether a deputation from Belgium by permission of the German authorities recently interviewed the British Government to request them to sanction the importation of malt or barley into Belgium; whether the reason given was that the German authorities threatened to seize the copper and other metal plant of the breweries in Belgium unless the plants were continued in use for brewing; and whether the British Government have allowed malt and/or barley to be imported into that part of Belgium which is in occupation of the German Army either from this country or from neutral countries?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if an agreement has been made between the British and German Governments under which barely may be imported into the provinces of Limburg, Antwerp, Liège, Luxemburg, Namur, and Brabant, and that part of Hainault which is not in the Etape, subject to the condition that the barley shall be used solely for the manufacture of beer and not for army use; and whether the amount to be imported under the agreement is 10,000 tons per month?

As there are three questions on the Paper to-day relating to this matter, this one, No. 58, to the Prime Minister, and No. 75 to the President of the Board of Trade, the House will perhaps allow me to reply to them together at length.

The permission referred to by the hon. Member for St. Augustine's has been given. It was based on the same general principles as the sanction given for the last fourteen months to the importation of foodstuffs by the Commission for Relief in Belgium, namely, that, in view of the policy of the enemy in Belgium, which is contrary to Conventions and rules of humanity, it is both the duty and interest of this country to mitigate the effect of the blockade on the population of its Ally so far as this can be done without direct benefit to the enemy and through a neutral organisation independent of his control.

On 5th November last, the Belgian Minister was informed, as the result of frequent representations received during the preceding months, which had been supported by the Belgian Government, but had been up till then refused by His Majesty's Government, that the importation of a monthly quantity of either 10,000 tons of malt or 12,000 tons of barley into Belgium would be agreed to, provided that:—

The necessary guarantees having been given, the Commission was authorised on 8th January to begin the importation of one month's supply only. No barley or malt can be spared from this country, and the Relief Commission will bring none from overseas owing to the shortage in shipping; but a small quantity is, I understand, obtainable in Holland, which would appear to be the only market open to the Brewers' Federation, in view of the existing shortage in the world's supply of barley and the lack of shipping.

Is the House seriously to believe that the Government rely upon importations of food-stuffs into a country controlled by Germans being for the benefit of Belgium brewers, and does he not think that it is perfectly idle to talk about an agreement that the brewers will not allow this or that, considering we know that the whole country—

That is a matter for argument.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of a statement made by the Prime Minister of Serbia that they had expected help from the Allies which did not come; that the Serbians otherwise would have engaged their three adversaries in a big battle; and whether he can make any statement as to the course decided upon by the British Government?

I have seen in the Press the statements referred to in the first two parts of the question, but otherwise have no information on the matter. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. I am not in a position to make a further statement.

Can the Noble Lord not hold out any hope that the Government will give some explanation of the extraordinary treatment of this country by the Government?

I cannot accept the adjective of my hon. Friend "extraordinary," but no doubt as soon as circumstances will permit my right hon. Friend will make a statement.

Will the Noble Lord represent to the members of the Cabinet that the great amount of misconception and ignorance with regard to our policy—

I would remind hon. Members that there are 117 questions.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is possible for merchants in Holland to import goods which are not consigned to or controlled by the Netherlands Oversea Trust; and, if so, what restrictions, if any, are placed on such goods going into Germany?

So far as concerns goods exported from the United Kingdom, I would refer the hon. Member to the Orders in Council of 7th October and 15th November, 1915, enumerating the classes of commodities which can go to Holland not consigned to the Netherlands Oversea Trust.

As regards goods reaching Holland oversea from neutral countries which come under the control of His Majesty's Navy, none are allowed to proceed if consigned otherwise than to the Netherlands Oversea Trust except shipments of certain commodities such as wheat, nitrates, drugs, imported by the Netherland Government for consumption in Holland; coffee and cinchona, the produce of the Dutch colonies, if consigned to the representatives in Holland of the estates on which the goods were produced; and limited quantities of a certain number of fresh and dried fruit from neutral or Allied countries in the Mediterranean and Portugal.

There are no restrictions, except as described above, on the re-export from Holland to any destination of goods imported consigned otherwise than to the Netherlands Oversea Trust or the Netherland Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the steamship "Noordam" arrived in New York from Rotterdam on 20th December with German goods consigned to the following firms: Strobel, Duegeleisen, Silberstein, Schulemann, Schwarz, Rothschild, Goissling, Hamburger, Kayser, Cæsar, Zublike, Burne, Macy, Steinfeld, Sonn, Von Kokeritz, Judae, Shackman, Juillard, Jacobson, Wilken, Block, Lunham, Hermes, Wimelbacher, Buetell, Frankel, Bing, Seeman, Leichow, Amerman, Zwilcheuhart, Waldemar, Saurer, Riglander, Kridel, Vandegrift, Rothenstein, etc.; whether the Government approved of these shipments; and what steps are being taken to restrict German export trade through Rotterdam?

As the House has been repeatedly informed, His Majesty's Government have allowed free passage from neutral ports of goods of enemy origin on the production of satisfactory proof that such goods were ordered and paid for by the neutral importer before 1st March last, or that they were purchased before that date under a contract making the importer liable for payment whether the goods were delivered or not.

Under this arrangement, permits were granted for shipments of enemy goods to twenty-four out of the thirty-eight persons mentioned, all of them being United States citizens. With regard to the remainder, permits may have been granted, though they cannot be traced from the names quoted.

Is the Noble Lord aware that these Germans in New York toasted the health of the British Foreign Office at Christmas time?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Germans of military age there are at present at liberty in the Colony of Hong Kong; and what are the reasons for this special treatment?

There are two male German subjects and and one male British naturalised subject of German birth at liberty in Hong Kong. Of the German subjects one is a Roman Catholic priest, who is a German-Pole by birth, but of anti-German views; the other is the licensee of the Grand Hotel, as to whom I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer given to his question on the 4th January. Both were allowed their liberty with the concurrence of the General Officer Commanding troops.

Were not the German colony deported from Hong Kong on the 15th inst., as it was announced they would be?

I understand so.

asked in how many British Dominions and Colonies the principle of compulsory service has been introduced?

Legislation involving compulsory service for the purpose of defence exists in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, British Guiana, Jamaica, Antigua, Dominica and Montserrat, St. Kitts-Nevis, Bahamas, St. Helena, the Straits Settlements, Fiji, and the East Africa Protectorate.

Is it not the fact that the Governments of both Canada and Australia are pledged not to entertain Conscription for overseas service?

asked whether a Compulsory Service Bill has been introduced in British East Africa by the Government; and, if so, what its proposals are?

The Ordinance received the Governor's assent on the 7th December. Its main provisions are that the Governor has power to sanction the formation of military corps and that every male between the ages of eighteen and forty-five is liable to service therein, subject to certain exceptions which are to be dealt with by a war council and district committees.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies, if, for the convenience of the public, he can give any details of the passport system to be introduced by the Commonwealth of Australia; and whether he can at the same time state whether passports are necessary for other British Dominions and Colonies?

The Commonwealth Government have issued a Regulation to the effect that after 29th February aliens will not be permitted to land without special permission, unless they are in possession of passports or other documents satisfactorily establishing their nationality and identity. The Regulation does not affect British subjects. The new passport Regulations for the United Kingdom have been communicated to the Governments of the various Oversea Dominions; but I am not aware how far similar Regulations have been put in force in those Dominions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken under Clause 3, Subsection (j), of the Naval and Military Pensions Act, 1915, to ensure the chance of employment for men discharged from the service by reason of injuries received during the present War; and whether any central office has been set up to which hospitals may send details of men so discharged, and to which public bodies, firms, or individuals can notify posts which they can offer to such men?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The duty of making provision for the training and employment of disabled officers and men has been placed upon the Statutory Committee established in pursuance of the Act referred to, which further provides that the Statutory Committee shall appoint a special subcommittee for the purpose. The Statutory Committee held its first meeting on Monday. Steps are being taken with a view to the appointment of the special sub-committee, who will then consider the best methods of making the required provision for employment and training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether arrangements can be made as far as possible to allow soldiers who have been longest in the trenches and fighting line leave for a reasonable time in preference to those who have had shorter service?

I have explained to the House on previous occasions that leave is given to those who have been longest at the front in preference to those who have more recently gone out. This does not mean that no man receives leave until all those who have gone out longer than him have received leave, but that, as far as possible, those who have been out longest receive leave first.

asked whether, recruits are being placed under canvas at Prees Heath, Whitchurch; whether there is insufficiency of hut accommodation; and whether, in view of the difficulties of training men due to the state of the camp, it is proposed to remove promptly any of the battalions to better training grounds which are provided with huts?

I am afraid that I cannot confirm my hon. Friend's information on any of the points stated. My information is that there are no recruits under canvas at present, and that there are no difficulties of training due to the state of the camp, which is said to be good. I have made special inquiries on the point.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will have an inquiry made into the condition of the rest camp at Bletchley, where it is alleged that the huts are not heated at all, the blankets are damp, and the whole camp is erected on mud; and, if the facts are as alleged, will he have an improvement effected immediately?

The allegations on which my hon. Friend has based his question are not, according to my information, correct. The huts are heated, the blankets are not damp, and if there is mud I think that Bletchley merely shares this depressing inconvenience with other places in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. The commanding officer is satisfied with the conditions prevailing at Bletchley Camp to which he gives his constant attention.

asked the Under-Secretary for War, who is in charge of the defence of London from hostile aircraft; and whether any change in this behalf is contemplated?

The London antiaircraft defences are still under the control of the Admiralty. It is not desirable in the public interest to make any further statement at present.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answers on this subject have left considerable doubt in the minds of a considerable number of people. Will he soon be able to make some definite statement?

I hope so.

asked the Under-Secretary for War the total German casualties as published in the Berlin casualty lists to date, stating separately the numbers given under the heads of killed, died, severely wounded, and missing?

I gave figures on the 21st December on the basis of the latest information then available, and my present information does not go much later. Since the 21st December the figures have been reviewed and re-calculated.

The German casualties are as follows:—

Are these the figures for Prussia only or for the whole of Germany?

They are the figures for the whole of the German Army. They are derived from what information we have available, but it does not follow that that is all the information that there is. They are the latest figures we have, and I take it they carry us to the end of the year.

Unless these figures are elicited by question and answer in this House, they are not available to the general public, which gets nothing except doubtful newspaper reports from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman arrange to supply the exact figures at intervals to the Press Bureau?

I will give these figures to the Press Bureau, if that is what the Noble Lord wishes.

Will the right hon. Gentleman do it once a fortnight as the casualty lists come in from Berlin and are calculated by the War Office, and will he communicate the information, of which I understand the Government have been in possession all through, to the general public immediately?

I am as desirous as anyone that the public should have all the information which is available, but, at the same time, the House will realise that the sources of information at our disposal are not complete by any means, therefore I cannot guarantee the accuracy of these figures. I am certain that some hon. and right hon. Gentlemen might not consider them quite accurate, because they have other sources of information. If the Noble Lord still thinks it desirable that they should be communicated through the Press Bureau I will take the necessary steps.

May I ask—

The hon. Member should put his question down.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of horses bought from America for military purposes by the War Office during the year 1915, and from the Colonies, England and Wales, and Ireland, respectively, during the same period?

In the United Kingdom 346,561 horses have been purchased. The Indian Government Remount Commission in Australia has sent to Egypt and France for the Imperial Government 12,331 horses. In addition to the foregoing the Colonial contingents have horsed themselves from their own territories, and Australia has, in addition, provided India with approximately 25,000 remounts. The Remount Commission in Montreal has shipped to England a large quantity of horses, but I would prefer to furnish the hon. Gentleman with information on this point privately, if he will permit me to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the widow of a captain who had twelve years' service in the Regular Army at the time of his death on active service and the widow of a temporary lieutenant with the same number of months' service receive, under present regulations, the same amount of pension; and whether it is intended to make any change in this matter?

If the officer is killed in action or dies of disease contracted on war service the pension is the same in the two cases, but the gratuity given to widows of officers killed in action increases with the rank. It is not proposed to make any change in these arrangements, which have received the approval of this House on the Report of the Select Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Claims Commission of the British Army in France have appointed rent officers, and, if so, whether it is part of the duties of these officers to lease land for the purpose of constructing horse-standings; whether any of these horse-standings are already partly or wholly completed; and whether adequate steps have been or will be taken to ensure that when a division moves from an area in which horse-standings have been built the incoming division may be informed as to which villages in the area contain horse-standings, in order that such villages may, as far as possible, be utilised for the accommodation of Cavalry or Artillery, and not Infantry?

Rent officers have been appointed. I feel sure that the considerations mentioned by my hon. and gallant Friend are fully taken into account by the military authorities concerned.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the names of other places besides Dublin in which flour purchased for the Army was damaged by heating from improper storage, rejected by the soldiers, and sold at a loss; whether the purchase price of the flour so damaged in Dublin was £20 per ton and the selling price 30s. per ton; what is the gross quantity of flour so damaged and the total loss on it, including storage and handling; whether the damaged flour was fit for human food; and, if not, what steps were taken to prevent its being retailed for that use?

As far as I know there are no other places besides Dublin in which flour purchased for the Army has been damaged through improper storage. The purchase price of the Dublin flour was substantially below £20 per ton; the selling prices, so far as reported, ranged from £4 5s. (for sweepings) to £13 4s. per ton. The total quantity damaged was 86,680 bags. The total loss is not yet ascertained. The bulk of the flour was fit for food after reconditioning.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the hardship inflicted upon owners of houses in East Anglia occupied by the War Office through the failure of the War Office to pay the rent due, in spite of repeated applications; and whether he will take steps to remove this grievance of a district which has suffered heavy pecuniary loss through the War?

I am making inquiries into this matter as a result of representations which have been made to me. Some particular instances of delayed payments which have been brought to my notice are being examined, and if my hon. Friend will furnish me with the details of other cases I shall be very glad to inquire into these also.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any, and, if any, how many service motor lorries have been placed at the temporary disposal of the War Agricultural Committee of the Gloucestershire County Council to carry the many thousands of tons of stable manure which has been produced at the remount depot at Avonmouth to Gloucestershire farmers occupying land 10 to 20 miles away?

A report has not yet been made by the local military authorities, but I understand that they have the matter in hand.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Mesopotamian campaign has been under the exclusive control of the Indian Government, and whether the cost will be borne by the Indian Government or by the British nation, or by both?

The operations in Mesopotamia are under the immediate control of the Government of India, subject to such orders or directions as may be given from time to time by His Majesty's Government. As regards the second part of the question under the arrangements contemplated in the Resolutions of Parliament of 26th November, 1914, the Government of India will bear the ordinary charges connected with the force in Mesopotamia, the Imperial Government the extraordinary.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether there is any further information he can give the House regarding military operations in Mesopotamia?

A telegram from the General Officer Commanding, dated the 18th, and received by me this morning, states that the weather conditions have been atrocious, and have stopped all progress.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that letters giving a description of the recent battle at Ctesiphon and written by officers engaged are being published in the Press, which can necessarily give only an account of the operations and battle as they came under the observation of the writer; and if the India Office are yet in a position to publish General Townshend's official dispatch?

I have not yet received any dispatch on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the districts between General Aylmer's force and the Persian Gulf are tranquil; whether the necessary reinforcements for Mesopotamia have arrived at Basrah and are now proceeding up the Tigris; and whether General Townshend's force at Kut-el-Amara and General Aylmer's forces are in close touchy?

So far as I know the region in question is tranquil. With regard to the rest of the question I must refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave him on the 6th and 17th of this month.

asked the Secretary of State for India, whether he can give the House any information as to any measure of co-operation between the British forces operating in Mesopotamia and the Russian forces in Persia?

I am unable to give any information on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that the amount of gold held by the German Imperial Bank on 31st December, 1915, was £122,259,250, while that held at the same date by the Bank of England was £51,338,430, and in view of the fact that at present the Bank of England is legally obliged to give gold to any amount and to any person who may tender notes, he will introduce legislation to limit the amount which the bank may be called upon to pay out during the War?

My right hon. Friend would regard any legislation of the kind suggested as highly undesirable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether arrangements have just been completed by his Department whereby applications for 5 per cent. Exchequer Bonds, 1920, will be received, the bonds issued, and registration of holdings of these effected by the Bank of Ireland; and, if so, will he say whether similar arrangements will be made for Scotland, in view of the facts that the people of that country have an invincible objection to dealing direct with the Bank of England, and that such objection leads to many possible applications for loans and purchases of Exchequer Bonds being withheld?

Arrangements have been made under which the Bank of Ireland will act for the Bank of England in receiving applications for and issuing 5 per cent. Exchequer Bonds, 1920, and for the registration of holdings. It is not proposed to make any corresponding arrangements in Scotland, where there is no Government Bank corresponding to the Bank of Ireland, and where no shipment of valuable documents across the sea is involved. No estimate has been framed of the comparative volume of business in Exchequer Bonds likely to originate in different parts of the United Kingdom, but I cannot think that any considerations of the kind mentioned by my hon. Friend will deter Scotsmen from making a good investment.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that the Royal Bank of Scotland—

The right hon. Gentleman cannot be expected to know that. The hon. Member had better put a question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if the liquidation of the Deutsche Bank has been completed; and, if so, why is the bank still a going concern; (2) if the manager and many of the staff employed by the Deutsche Bank before the outbreak of war are still employed there under the supervision of Sir William Plender; and (3) what has been the cost per week of the administration of the Deutsche Bank?

The Deutsche Bank London Agency has not yet completely discharged its liabilities to creditors other than enemy creditors. The bank has not since the beginning of the War been allowed to undertake any new business, and is only a going concern in the sense that it has been kept open for the sole purpose of discharging its liabilities to British, Allied and neutral creditors. My right hon. Friend is informed that of the original staff of 402 at the time of the outbreak of War exactly 100, including the manager, are still employed at the bank under the supervision of Sir William Plender. The weekly cost of the control and supervision of the bank is, it is understood, about £92. This cost is borne by the bank, and no expense is incurred from public funds in connection with such control and supervision.

Why cannot business be carried on through the Bank of England, instead of continuing to employ Germans in this country?

I believe the number of enemy employés at the beginning of the War, nearly 200, is now reduced to ten. It cannot be reduced further compatibly with the efficient carrying on of the business.

Why is such a firm allowed to carry on business?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether any arrangements have been made similar to those made at the end of last year to enable farmers to secure sulphate of ammonia or nitrate of soda at reasonable prices for use in the coming spring?

The Departmental Committee on Supplies of Fertilisers are endeavouring to make arrangements to ensure ample supplies of sulphate of ammonia for spring requirements, and an announcement on the subject will be made very shortly. As I have previously stated, the price arranged for November and December was the result of a special arrangement made in order to secure an increased use of nitrogenous fertilisers, and it would not be right to expect the same price to be fixed for the ordinary spring supplies.

Is the Department taking any steps to reduce the exports of this sulphate so as to enable farmers to get it at a cheaper rate?

That is the point.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the failure of the Admiralty to handle expeditiously and economically the portion of mercantile marine under its control and the increase in the rates of freight, he will declare all commercial shipping a controlled industry, creating at the Board of Trade adequate machinery for dealing with the problem?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether his attention has been directed to the rise in freights; whether he will consider the immediate necessity of devising some means to ensure a more reasonable charge; and whether, in connection with the Admiralty, he will endeavour to liberate vessels to carry food and fuel supplies; and (2) whether, in view of the increase in the price of food, coal, and other commodities owing to the cost of freights, he will consider the advisability of the Government taking control of the commercial tonnage?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the freight of 150s. per ton which is now being demanded for cargoes from the River Plate to the United Kingdom is equivalent, approximately, to 3d. in the price charged for a 4 lb. loaf of bread, and that pre-war freights of about 12s. per ton were responsible for less than ½d. in the price of such a loaf; whether he is aware that wheat in the Argentine is as cheap to-day as it was before the War, and that abundant supplies of wheat and feeding-stuffs are, or will be shortly, ready for shipment from River Plate ports; and will he say what action the Board of Trade has taken or proposes to take to arrange for the transport to this country at reasonable rates of part of the abundant harvest of the Argentine?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state the reasons for the recent rise in freights from the Argentine; and whether British shipowners are reaping the benefit of these high freights?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what immediate action he proposes to take to deal with the still advancing shipping rates?

The subject has, for some time past, been receiving the constant attention of the Government, and it is undoubtedly one of the most important problems we have to face at this stage of the War. There is a serious shortage of world's tonnage as compared with the world's requirements. We went fully into the question of commandeering the whole of British tonnage in order to regulate freights, and came to the conclusion (a conclusion which is, I believe, confirmed by all experts who have studied the question), that this particular remedy would only aggravate the shortage of tonnage available for the United Kingdom and the Allies. It would, in short, make things worse. We did, however, in November take steps, firstly, to restrict the employment of British ships between foreign ports, and, secondly, to requisition ships for the carriage of food-stuffs. We are now taking steps to co-ordinate more closely the demands for tonnage for military and naval purposes and for munitions and food for ourselves and the Allies; to secure further economy in the use of requisitioned tonnage; and to increase the amount of tonnage available. The recent rise in the Plate rates referred to in the question by the hon. Member for the Toxteth Division was largely due to the fact that a large number of steamers which were fixed for other purposes (mainly the conveyance of food-stuffs from the Argentine to this country) had to be requisitioned suddenly by the Transport Department to bring nitrates for making explosives from the West Coast of South America. The only steamers available to take their place were neutral vessels, and neutral vessels, owing to their immunity from requisition, can command higher rates than British ships. By stricter coordination we hope to avoid sudden rises of this kind in future, and by strict economy in the allocation and use of tonnage we shall be able to meet all the essential requirements both of ourselves and of the Allies; but the need for economy of tonnage in every Department is imperative, and articles which are not strictly necessary at the present moment may have to be shut out.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a great and extravagant waste of the tonnage requisitioned by the Admiralty, and has he already made representations to the Admiralty to release many of these steamers?

I think the Admiralty is aware of the fact that any economies they can make in the use of tonnage will be for the general good. They are conferring with the other Departments concerned with that object in view at present.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the available tonnage is enormously restricted in effective working capacity by the scarcity of labour for the discharge of cargoes; and, in addition to that a very great number of steamers are coming home without cargoes where cargoes might be brought?

In reply to the first question, the Transit Committee have already communicated to the Government their anxiety with regard to dock labour and we are trying to make arrangements for some dock labour, which is specially necessary to be returned from the forces for this necessary national work. In answer to the second question, we are doing all we can to induce vessels which have gone out of cargo to bring cargo back with them, and if we succeed in the measures which are now being taken we hope there will be a very limited restriction of ballast voyages.

Why have the Board of Trade taken no action to prevent the sale of British tonnage to neutrals up to November last?

We have taken all the action which is within our power, and we added to the power we then had by an Act of Parliament which was passed through this House. Since that Act was passed no vessels have been transferred without the direct formal sanction of both the Admiralty and the Board of Trade.

Is it not the fact that 200 or 300 British vessels have been sold to foreign countries since the beginning of the War?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the advances in rates of freight, he will arrange to deal with shipowners' profits on the lines adopted with regard to controlled establishments, securing to the State all profits earned since the declaration of war in excess of 20 per cent. more than the datum pre-war profits, thus largely eliminating the interest of shipowners in advancing rates and so penalising most other forms of industry?

The taxation of excess profits in any period of account ending prior to the 1st July, 1915, has already been provided for by the provisions of the Finance (No. 2) Act, 1915. For the rest, my right hon. Friend is unable to anticipate the contents of any future Finance Bill.

asked whether at present owners of British ships are at liberty to sell them to subjects of neutral countries?

The transfer of ships from the British register during the War, except with the approval of the Board of Trade, is prohibited by the British Ships (Transfer Restriction) Act, 1915.

( by Private Notice ) asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a statement in the "Times" newspaper this morning to the effect that the firm of Runciman (London), Limited, have, in their capacity of shipbrokers, been offering to charter tonnage on Government account. Whether he has informed himself as to the reasons why this particular firm were selected for the purpose of this business; and whether he has any connection with the firm in question; and whether he has any information as to the reasons for the statement referred to?

The International Joint Committee for the Purchase of Wheat, of which I am not and never have been a member, informed me this morning as follows: The Committee came into existence on the 30th of December, and Messrs. Ross T. Smyth and Company, who went out of the corn trade in order to be free from any competing private interest, were appointed as agents. Pending other arrangements which were under discussion and in view of the urgency of the demand for prompt tonnage, they continued their practice of chartering the greater part of their tonnage through the Runciman firm, with whom they said they were satisfied when trading on their own account. The new arrangements for opening a chartering department of their own, in accordance with the wish of the Committee, were completed last week.

Before the Committee was set up I took part in the preliminary discussions, and my advice to the Departments concerned was that they should employ one broker, and because of inflated freights pay him not on a commission basis, but by lump sum for his services. This was the plan suggested by me to the Indian Wheat Committee and followed by them last season. To the meeting at which I made this suggestion I took the liberty of inviting Mr. Glanville, who had served the Indian Committee satisfactorily, but I have been informed this morning that the arrangement has been made with another gentleman who will have the same advantage as Mr. Glanville of not labouring under the disability of being related to me. He will be the servant of Ross T. Smyth and Company.

So far as the firm of Runciman is concerned I can only say that I retired from it ten years ago on taking office in the Government of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, and since then my sole connection with it is that the hon. Member for the Hartlepools is the head of it, and that I am his son, a relationship of which I have every reason to be proud.

It is not for me to explain the motives of newspapers in making insinuations concerning or attacks on individual Ministers.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to introduce any legislation to enable men who have joined, or are about to join, His Majesty's Forces to be relieved from their contractual obligations, such as rent, insurance premiums, mortgage interest, etc.?

The Government are not at present proposing legislation on this subject. If any legislation were proposed it would have to take the form of an Amendment of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that several thousand tons of potatoes grown in the North-Eastern counties of England cannot be removed from the area of their production owing to railway trucks not being available for their consignment; and whether, during the next few weeks, in order to save for consumption a large quantity of human food, potato growers in these counties can be furnished with facilities for placing their potatoes on the market?

The Board are aware that there is a great shortage of trucks for agricultural requisites and produce in the North-Eastern counties, and in association with the Board of Trade and the Railway Executive Committee they are doing everything possible to secure the means of transport required by agriculturists.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take special steps to prevent these potatoes rotting and therefore being lost for public consumption?

Yes; but if we take special steps about everything, it puts everything in the same position. The question of potatoes is not the only one of extreme urgency in regard to which we are doing everything possible to provide trucks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether His Majesty's Government contemplates making a commercial agreement between Great Britain, the British Dominions and Foreign possessions, and the Allied nations; and, if not, what specific action it proposes to take upon the Resolution of the hon. Member for Hereford which has been adopted by the House?

This question, with others relating to the policy to be adopted in commercial matters after the War, is receiving careful consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a more definite announcement on the subject than I made in the House on 10th January.

Did not the hon. Member deal more with steps to be taken during the War than after the War?

asked whether the Advisory Committee appointed to report on certain industries have completed their inquiry; whether their Report has been already received by the Board; and, if so, whether it can be at once communicated to Members of the House?

The Sub-Committee appointed by the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence to make recommendations as to the best means of securing the position after the War of industries undertaken in consequence of the Exchange meetings and British Industries Fair organised by the Board of Trade has made a Report which has been adopted by the Committee and presented to the Board of Trade. I fully recognise, in common with the Committee, that many of the recommendations are of wider scope than the particular group of industries to which the inquiry of the Sub-Committee was confined, and that any decision thereon must involve considerations of policy affecting many other industries and interests. I feel, nevertheless, than pending the institution of wider inquiries it is desirable for the public to be made acquainted with the information so far obtained. I have, therefore, given instructions for the publication of the Report, without, of course, taking responsibility for any of its conclusions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in reference to the Return of the property in this country owned by persons in Germany, amounting to £105,000,000, if he can state to what extent is that property mortgaged to institutions or individuals in this country?

I am unable at present to give exact figures, but it is estimated that of the £105,000,000 of property in this country owned by persons in Germany about £30,000,000 is subject to charges in favour of persons here. The amount of such charges is estimated to be about £10,000,000.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received a communication from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom expressing the opinion that it is desirable, in the interests of British traders and the public, that a list should be published of the businesses established in this country which are owned partly or wholly by alien enemies and are being supervised by the Board of Trade; if so, will he state if such a list will be published; and if he will state what instructions are given to the officials appointed by the Board of Trade to supervise such businesses, and whether they have any general powers or discretion beyond the limits set forth in such instructions?

I have received a communication from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, dated 17th January, asking that a list of supervised businesses should be published, but I do not think that it would be advisable to publish such a list, on account of the injustice which would result in certain cases to British shareholders. The whole subject is dealt with comprehensively in the Bill which was introduced yesterday. The instructions given to supervisors vary according to the circumstances of particular cases. Supervisors are usually requested to exercise control over the banking account, but the exact procedure to be adopted to secure that there is no trading with the enemy, and that no money is paid to or for the benefit of an enemy, is left to their discretion. The supervisors report to the Board of Trade from time to time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is prepared to publish a list of the names of firms in which 90 per cent. of the capital is held by Germans or enemy aliens?

I will consider that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the quantity of coal available for home consumption in the year 1915 was 188,965,000 tons, against 183,849,000 tons in 1914, an increase of 5,116,000 tons; and whether, in view of this increase, he is prepared to consider a reduction in the price of coal to the home consumer?

The figures given represent the amount available for home consumption and for the Admiralty in the twelve months ended July, 1915, and July, 1914, respectively. The increase is due to a reduction of export, the quantity exported having been nearly 30,000,000 tons less in the later period, and I do not think it affords any ground for an amendment of the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information as to a firm of margarine manufacturers in Holland being a German firm and sending out margarine as of British manufacture and enclosed in wrappers containing the impress of the British flag; whether he is aware that this firm is in competition with British margarine manufacturers; and what action he can take on the question?

I have received a communication in which an allegation of this nature is made, and I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries on the subject.

asked whether, in a recent claim under a war risks Government policy, special instructions were given by the War Risks Committee not to undertake to reinstate the damage building; to decline to allow the fees of architects; and to limit their award to the actual cost of the builders' work only; and whether this course is contrary to the practice of the tariff insurance offices?

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of the claim to which he refers, I will make inquiries into the matter.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that all the preventive men in the main ports of the country have passed a resolution protesting against the decision of the Treasury not to grant their application for a war bonus and asking that the matter be referred to an independent arbitrator; whether he has received such resolutions; whether he is aware that, owing to the low wages prevailing in this grade, the increased cost of living is being felt by these men; and whether, in view of the fact that the men have had no substantial improvement in their pay for a considerable period and of the fact that the Board of Customs and Excise regarded their application for a war bonus favourably, he will grant the request made and submit the matter to arbitration and thus carry out the advice that the Government have given to private employers of labour and other Departments of the Government?

I am informed that a memorial from representatives of the whole body of preventive men was received by the Board of Customs and Excise on Saturday last, and the Board have also received local representations on the same subject. They are reporting to the Treasury, who will give the claim due consideration.

In considering the question, will notice be taken of the fact that some of these men are only paid 18s. a week, and that no revision of wages has taken place since 1911?

I will see that those facts are considered.

asked how many local or sub-post offices have been closed in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, since the commencement of the War; and how many local or sub-post offices existed in Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, at the commencement of the War?

The information which the hon. Member desires as regards the number of sub-offices which have been closed since the commencement of the War could only be obtained by wide inquiry, and I do not think it right to demand it of officers who are seriously pressed with work. Discretionary power has been given to local executive officers to close sub-offices in certain circumstances. The numbers of sub-offices on the 31st March, 1914—the latest figures available before the War—were: England and Wales, 18,100; Ireland, 2,944; and Scotland, 2,312. The figures for March, 1915, were approximately the same.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what change has taken place in the terms under which the Grant was made from the Development Fund to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society?

In previous years the Grant made from the Development Fund to the Irish Agricultural Organisation Society was equal to the society's own income derived from (a) affiliation fees, (b) subscriptions from affiliated societies, and (c) donations and subscriptions from individuals. Under the new conditions the variable Grant made is equivalent to the sum derived from (a) and (b) only. The emergency Grant was made for the year 1915–16 and was intended to cover the loss of subscriptions due to the War, and the equivalent Grant from the Development Fund.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction has been expressed in Ireland respecting the proposal to discontinue delivery on Sundays; and whether he will consider the advisability of retaining this service?

I am aware that this question has given rise to discussion in all parts of the United Kingdom. The whole matter is still under consideration.

I have put down an Amendment to leave out Sub-section (1), but I have already tested the feeling of the Committee on the question of the complete exemption of workmen who go back to the works. In view of that fact, I have no desire to move this and other Amendments.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), to leave out the words, "A certificate of exemption may be reviewed by the authority by whom it was granted at any time on the application either of the holder of the certificate or of any person generally or specially authorised for the purpose by the Army Council," and to insert instead thereof,

"(1) If it is made to appear to the authority by whom a certificate of exemption from the provisions of this Act was granted, either upon the application of the holder of the certificate or of any person generally or specially authorised for the purpose by the Army Council, that there is reason to believe that the circumstances which led to the granting of the certificate have materially changed, the authority may, after giving not less than seven clear days' notice to the person authorised as aforesaid or the holder, as the case may be, review the certificate, and upon such review the certificate."

I do not know whether my hon. Friend proposes his Amendment seriously. He did not make any speech recommending it to the Committee, and it seemed that he was not quite sure what its effect would be. What the hon. Member desires is provided for in the Bill. His Amendment seems to me to be an alternative scheme to ours and on the whole I prefer ours.

I did not make a speech because I did not want to detain the Committee. I assumed that the Amendment would have been studied before to-night, and I assumed also that its merits would have been obvious.

Amendment negatived.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), after the word "reviewed" ["may be reviewed"] to insert the words "or renewed."

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In Subsection (1), after the word "renewed" ["may be renewed"], leave out the words "by the authority by whom it was granted."—[ Mr. Long. ]

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), after the word "time" ["at any time"], to insert the words "by the local tribunal or the Government Department, as may be directed by Regulations made under this Act with respect to the constitution and procedure of local tribunals."

I want to ask one question upon this Amendment. We have had, so far, no indication given us as to the character and scope of the Regulations proposed to be issued under this Bill. May I ask, before we allow this Amendment to pass, whether the Government can give an assurance that before the Report stage we may know what the general character and scope of these Regulations are likely to be?

I certainly cannot undertake to make any such promise, because the Report stage will, I hope, be taken shortly. At the very latest, I suppose, it must be on Monday of next week, and we could not frame these Regulations between now and then. I have already promised that the Regulations shall be laid before the House and made public, subject, of course, to the condition I attached, that the Regulations shall take effect without lying on the Table for so many days. When we come to the part of the Schedule which deals with the Regulations I shall be perfectly ready, if necessary, to indicate the general view of the Government, but, until the Bill has been passed, and until I know what are the duties which are thrown on the Department with regard to the Regulations, it is obviously quite impossible that I can announce what they are or proceed to make them.

As I understand the right hon. Gentleman, he gives us an assurance that on the Schedules stage we shall have some indication as to the scope of the Regulations. That will quite meet my point.

Yes.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: Sub-section (1), after the word "authority" ["if the authority"], to insert the words "by whom the certificate is reviewed."—[ Mr. Long. ]

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), at the end, to insert the words: "Provided that the person whose certificate is under review shall have the right to be present and to speak or to be represented when the certificate is reviewed, and provided that at least seven days' notice shall be given to him before the certificate is reviewed."

This Amendment would ensure simpler working without in any way diminishing the number of persons available for the Army. I also desire to provide that at least seven days' notice should be given; otherwise, under the wording of the Bill, a man might have his certificate taken away, or it might be reviewed without his realising what was being done or having an opportunity to state his case. I hope the Government will be able to meet the cases which might arise if these words were not inserted.

I think I can assure the hon. Gentleman that this Amendment is really not necessary. This deals with a question of procedure, and it is quite obvious that the procedure is bound by regulations, and the special requirements necessary to be put into the Bill here will be met by the regulations which will be issued and which will cover all cases.

If I understand the right hon. Gentleman aright, he will deal with my point by regulation?

Certainly.

I gladly accept that assurance, and ask leave to withdraw my Amendment.

Before this is withdrawn, I should like to take the opportunity of uttering a word of warning against everything that can possibly be done being done by regulation. There are a great many rights and privileges which ought to be made clear in the Bill. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will not rely upon regulations which, I have no doubt, have not yet even been drafted, but will set right points which may legitimately be pressed here.

I do not agree with the seven days' notice in the Amendment, but I hope the right hon. Gentleman will make it quite clear and definite that the man affected will have an opportunity of appearing before the tribunal. I had a very serious case brought before my notice to-night, which makes me feel it necessary that there should be some provision in the Bill. If, however, the right hon. Gentleman will give us a clear and definite statement that the person affected shall be brought before the tribunal I shall be satisfied.

I really think that this particular power is already in the Bill, but if there is any doubt about it I will consider it. It is quite obvious that there must be a great many cases where individuals cannot present their own case, and they must be represented.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Further Amendment made: In Sub-section (2), after the word "are" ["certificate are"], insert the word "materially."—[ Mr. King. ]

had on the Notice Paper the following Amendment: In Sub-section (2), after the word "give" ["to give"], to insert the words "before the expiration of a period of one month." I think this is a matter, Mr. Maclean, which is met by the assurance given by the right hon. Gentleman before.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (2), after the word "fails" ["if he fails"], to insert the words "without reasonable cause or excuse." This Amendment is also to make clear a point—

I do not know which Amendment is being taken. Is it that of the hon. Member for West Leeds?

I tried to get an assurance about my Amendment, but I do not think you, Mr. Maclean, saw me rise.

We cannot go back now.

I was asking for an assurance.

Of course, I will give that.

I am much obliged.

I agree to the Amendment of the hon. Member for North Somerset.

Amendment agreed to.

I beg to move, in Sub-section (2), to leave out the word "fifty" ["fifty pounds"], and to insert the word "ten."

No.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman accept it?

Oh, no!

I ask leave to withdraw.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

I beg to move, at the end of Sub-section (2), to insert the words

"Provided that a man who leaves his employment or is temporarily out of employment shall not be required to notify that he is out of employment unless he does not intend to resume his former employment or has not done so for a period of three months."

This is quite a simple point. This Subsection says that a workman changing his employment, or if the conditions under which he obtained a certificate are changed, he shall notify the authority, and the penalty attaching, if that is not done, is a fine not exceeding £50. This Amendment is to deal with the case of a man who leaves his employment, but keeps to the same trade, so that if he goes from one shop to another or is temporarily out of employment he shall not be required to notify the authority. Notification shall only be necessary if he desires to change the character of his employment altogether. That is the question; it is a good point, and I hope the right hon. Gentleman will accept the Amendment.

I think the case is met by an Amendment down in my name which I am about to move, but I will take note of the point raised.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

1.0 A.M.

I beg to move, in Subsection (3), after the word "from" ["as from the date"], to insert the words "the expiration of six weeks after."

This is the Amendment that I undertook to introduce dealing with the period of time to be given during which the man whose certificate has lapsed shall have an opportunity to secure a renewal or a fresh occupation. It is a part of the general arrangement which I think the Committee agreed to accept earlier in the day.

I think, judging from the arguments adduced from these benches, that it was shown that six weeks would be a very awkward time, because it would synchronise with the period in the Munitions of War Act, and is therefore liable to suspicion, to say the least of it, and in those circumstances perhaps the right hon. Gentleman would accept, say, a period of two months?

No. The hon. Member may remember that I made the proposal of a month, and it was suggested that that was too short and that a longer period, say two months, would be better, so I adopted what is generally the acceptable practice of splitting the difference and making it six weeks. I have nothing to do with the Munitions Act, and really I must not be pressed to go further still in this matter. I think six weeks is long enough.

It is quite true that the right hon. Gentleman has nothing to do with the Munitions Act, but the people affected by this Bill will have a great deal to do with it, and will be brought in under the Bill, and therefore they will look at this very closely. It appears to me that he might go so far as to meet us. If he will consult his advisers he might be able to make it two months.

Well, I do not think we will quarrel over two months.

If the right hon. Gentleman accepts the two months I will not proceed further, of course.

Very well, I will accept it. I beg to move, in Sub-section (3), after the word "from" ["as from the date"], to insert the words "the expiration of two months after."

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In Sub-section (3), at the end, insert the words "unless in the meantime the man has obtained a renewal of his certificate."—[ Mr. Long. ]

I think there was an undertaking that the Government proposed to adjourn at one o'clock. My only reason for putting the point is this, that some of us have been allowing the rapid passage of some important points, and we do not want to reach the end of the Bill under a false understanding.

It is perfectly true that an hon. Member spoke to me from behind here and I said that if it went on satisfactorily we might get up at one o'clock, but we are now so near the end of Clause 3 that perhaps we might finish it.

Oh, certainly!

I beg to move, to leave out Sub-section (4), and to insert instead thereof the following new Sub-section:

"(4) If any person—

Sub-clause (4) deals with irregularities in obtaining certificates. The draft that the Government has got only contemplates an irregularity of a man making a false statement in order to obtain a certificate for himself. There is no provision made relating to forgery, or mischievous destruction, or tampering with, or defacing, or any of those offences in connection with a certificate for another person, and I have drafted this Sub-clause to take in all the irregularities of this nature that might occur. I venture to say it is quite essential that they should be provided for, and that the very inadequate draft of the Government ought certainly to be withdrawn and something better put in its place. Let me just call atention to one more point. These tribunals have, so far as I know, no power whatever to administer oaths. It is therefore open to a man to come in and give false evidence, and there is no penalty attached to it. Certainly there is no penalty in this Act, and there is no penalty elsewhere. I think that is very undesirable indeed, especially if there is any danger of industrial compulsion. A man or an employer can make a false statement; and there is no authority whatever to deal with such a false statement in a Court. There has certainly been some lack of due appreciation of the conditions, and my case, I am sure, is not met and is a very important case. I would call the attention of the labour Members to the lack, and I hope they will back me up, even though it is late. By the way the Treasury Bench is behaving itself just at the present moment, it seems as if I had rather amused them by bringing forward a matter which they really cannot answer. Although I have been very reticent just lately, I really do intend to press this forward.