asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is taking steps to ensure that the surplus of sulphate of ammonia over and above all home agricultural and munitions works' requirements may be equitably distributed amongst the buyers of neutral nations who have already made contracts for large supplies?

It seems quite possible that during the next few months there may not be any such surplus as that which my hon. Friend suggests. I hope, however, to be in a position to make a statement as to the position of the Government with regard to the export of sulphate of ammonia before the end of the Session.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he will state the monthly figures of imports oversea into Holland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from January, 1913, to July, 1914, both inclusive, and from August, 1914, to the latest date obtainable, of all articles of which the import figures show an increase during the War; and (2) if he will state the monthly figures of imports from Germany into Holland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden from January, 1913, to July, 1914, both inclusive, and also, if known, during the War of all articles of which the import figures show an increase during the War?

I regret to say that no particulars are given in the statistics of foreign trade published monthly by the Scandinavian countries respecting the sources from which imports are derived, so that it is not possible to state the total value of the imports into these countries either from Germany or from overseas during the periods referred to.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now furnish the House with information respecting the financial position of the Government scheme for the insurance of merchant ships against war risks; and what, if any, profit has accrued to the Government from this scheme?

I am sorry not to be able to meet the wishes of the hon. Member, but I do not think it would be desirable to publish any figures relating to the insurance scheme at present.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what rate of premiums has from time to time been paid by the owners of merchant ships insured under the Government war risks scheme since its commencement?

The rates of premiums charged on hulls under the Government war risks insurance scheme are as follows:—

At the outbreak of war—

1¼ per cent. for a voyage.

2½ per cent. for a round voyage.

2½ per cent. for a 91 days' time policy.

1st September, 1914—

1 per cent. for a voyage.

2 per cent. for a round voyage.

2 per cent. for a 91 days' time policy.

17th December, 1915—

15s. per cent. for a voyage.

30s. per cent. for a round voyage.

30s. per cent. For a 91 days' time policy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the increase in the value of British merchant ships during the War, their owners in insuring them under the Government war risks insurance scheme are paying proportionately high premiums?

The value for which ships can be insured under the Government scheme has been increased, and this involves a corresponding rise in the amount of premium paid.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the number of dependants in this country of British merchant seafarers interened in Germany and Turkey, who have been placed in very necessitous circumstances, and of the increase in the cost of living, he will now be prepared to increase the weekly allowances, none of which exceed £1 per week, which are granted to these dependants under the Government war risks insurance scheme?

I am afraid it would not be possible to increase the amount of the allowances to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, and, if so, what, transfers of German merchant ships to neutral flags has been agreed to by the Government; and whether any, and, if so, what, transfer of this kind is in contemplation?

I regret I am not in a position to make any statement on this subject at the present moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government accepts it as a principle both of international law and of national policy that the transfer of enemy ships to neutral flags during the War should not be recognised by this country; and, if so, whether any and, if so, what notification thereof has been made to neutral Powers?

The hon. Member is doubtless aware that the transfer of enemy ships to neutral flags is governed by the provisions of Article 56 of the Declaration of London. These provisions have been adopted by His Majesty's Government and are well known to, and recognised by, neutral Powers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to reduce the cost of food and of raw materials in this country, he will take steps to absolutely prohibit British tonnage from trading between one neutral port and another?

The trade of British ships between neutral ports is being restricted as much as possible. Absolute prohibition would not be to our interest.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the economic situation and the shortage of tonnage, he will consider the advisability of prohibiting all imports other than those necessary to the successful conduct of the War and to the existence of the nation?

The method by which unnecessary imports can best be excluded is being considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will consider the advisability of requiring all British shipping companies having regular sailings to submit to him their advertised schedules of the arrivals and departures of their steamers, with a view to such a reduction in the number of yearly voyages as will secure an immediate release of tonnage to be employed in the national interest?

The Government already have full information as to the voyages and commitments of all British vessels, and this information is kept up to date.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that ships are leaving our ports not fully loaded, and, in view of the shortage of tonnage, ought that not to be prevented?

I should like to have instances brought to my notice, and then we will give them attention, but the object of the Board of Trade and the Government generally is to see that ballast voyages are reduced to a minimum. They cannot be altogether avoided.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether an Advisory Committee, comprising many leading commercial men, was appointed to make a Report upon various trades of national importance; whether the Committee presented their Report some weeks ago; and whether it is intended to publish this Report as a White Paper, so that the House may know the views of these business men formed after an exhaustive inquiry?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for London University on the 19th January. I may add that the Report of this Sub-Committee, which was received by the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence on the 11th January, is in the hands of the printers and will be issued as soon as possible.

Did the "Daily News" receive a copy of this Report?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will have prepared and issued a monthly casualty list of officers and men of the merchant service who lose their lives or are injured by torpedoes, mines, shot, or other enemy action in the execution of their duty?

I have very carefully considered my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I cannot see my way to adopt it. However much care is exercised it would hardly be possible to ensure absolute accuracy in the lists, and anything short of absolute accuracy would cause needless anxiety and distress.

Would it not be possible, by taking a reasonable interval after the loss of the vessel to arrive at as nearly absolute accuracy as is possible in the case of naval and military casualties?

There is this distinction between the crews of merchant vessels and naval and military casualties, that every man in the Army or Navy has an identification number, and that adds greatly to the accuracy of the lists which are published. The means of identification are not the same in the merchant service, and I am advised it would be impossible to adopt them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether he has any information regarding the export of wood pulp from Sweden?

I understand that the Swedish Government have prohibited, as from the 22nd January, the export of chemical wood pulp, wet or dry.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) whether he is aware that certain universities are allowing examinations to men serving in the Army who were qualified to sit before the War; will he take steps to secure similar facilities of examination to those mining students who had completed their training previous to the War on the recommendation of the colliery agent and leave of the commanding officer; (2) if he will endeavour to obtain from the university authorities facilities for mining students who completed their training by 31st December, 1914, but who have been prevented by service in the Army and Navy from sitting for examination should be granted temporary certificates for two years, and be allowed to take their exami- nations in sections during that period; (3) if he will in the interest of mining obtain facilities for students who have enlisted and at which time had not completed their training; that they should be allowed to count their service as a part not exceeding one year of their mining training, and be allowed to take their examinations in sections; and (4) if special consideration can be granted mining students and others who, being wounded in the national service, for the present are unable to write; and that their examination, under such circumstances, be oral in place of writing?

I have, received representations on the subject referred to in this and the other questions which my hon. Friend has on the Paper, and the Board for Mining Examinations is being consulted with regard to them. I am not in a position to make any statement at present.

I beg to call attention to this on the adjournment of the Session.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether anything can be done by regulation to limit the pace of motor traffic after dark, especially with regard to crossings intersected by three or four main roads?

The police are doing all in their power to secure the safety of the public, and at many important crossings there are traffic points. To impose a reduced speed limit is impracticable; but the provisions of the Motor Car Act of 1903 are sufficient to enable the police to take action in all cases of reckless driving, or driving at a speed which is dangerous. On this subject I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the late Home Secretary on the 2nd November.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the information he has now given me is exactly the same as he gave me three or four weeks ago?

This is the answer given upon the advice of the advisers of the Home Office. I think the fact of giving the same answer is a demonstration of how correct we must be.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the nature of the Japanese mission to this country?

A Japanese mission would always be welcome to His Majesty's Government when desired by Japan, but as I have no information respecting a mission perhaps the hon. Member will be good enough to give me the information which he has the advantage of me in possessing.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what special arrangements, if any, have been made with neutral countries or sections of neutral traders for the supply to this country of various articles of food?

I do not quite understand what description of special arrangements the hon. Member has in his mind, but I shall be pleased to confer with him on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can make any statement with regard to the reported capitulation of Montenegro?

No, Sir. Telegraphic communication with Scutari is interrupted and I have no definite information as to what is happening.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the series of German advantages in Serbia and Montenegro and the possibility of this series being continued unless the most vigorous policy be adopted, he will give time for a Debate in the House of this matter?

No, Sir, I cannot entertain this suggestion.

asked the Prime Minister whether there exists under the control of the Government any body of men, forming what might be called a thinking department, whose function it is not merely to deal with events as they arise but to anticipate them by long date and to prepare bold and far-reaching plans to stop proposed advances of the Germans; if so, whether the question of the Near East was dealt with in the manner indicated; and whether it is possible to fix responsibility, as far as this country is concerned, for the failures which the actions of the Allies have encountered?

The Government, aided by their expert advisers, endeavour to fulfil these functions.

When will they get to work?

They are at work now.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, though the legal limit of alcoholic strength allowed in non-excisable drinks is only 2 per cent., raisin wine containing 10 and ginger win containing 11.61 per cent. of alcohol are sold by grocers; and whether the attentions of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) are to be extended to others than liquor licensees, who now alone are exposed to its regulations?

I am advised that the beverages mentioned by the hon. Member cannot legally be sold unless the seller holds the proper Excise and justices' licences. Unless therefore they are sold unlawfully, the premises where they are sold are licensed premises within the meaning of the Board's Orders and are controlled accordingly.

Will inquiry be made to see whether this liquor is being sold?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the national importance of their work in connection with naval and merchant ships, he will consider the desirability of granting war-service badges, or some other form of official recognition, to superintendents and masters of the docks, wharves, and basins in the different seaports in the United Kingdom?

The issue of badges, save as regards crews of transports and employés in naval dockyards and other naval establishments, is in the hands of the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of soldiers taken from the ranks of the Army and granted commissions as assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Reserve; what number of chief writers have been granted commissions as assistant paymasters out of the 150 who have been recommended for promotion for higher rank; and whether he can say if the qualifications of the soldiers promoted from the ranks to assistant paymasters are equal to or superior to those of chief writers who have spent a lifetime in the Navy?

The number of men taken from the Army, including the Army Reserve (Class B), and granted commissions as assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Reserve, is 100, these appointments being temporary for the War. As regards the second part of the question, chief writers obtain advancement to warrant writer, and thereafter to commissioned writer, and are not eligible for the rank of assistant paymaster for temporary service. The number of chief writers who have received permanent advancement to warrant rank since the outbreak of war is twenty-four. The qualifications of those entered as temporary assistant paymasters have been very satisfactory, and no useful purpose would be served by instituting the comparison suggested in the third part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that much dissatisfaction exists among writers in the Royal Navy because they have not been promoted to these posts as assistant paymasters?

Chief writers obtain advancement to warrant writer, and thereafter to commissioned writer, and are not eligible for the rank of assistant paymaster for temporary service. The number of chief writers who have received permanent advancement to warrant rank since the outbreak of war is twenty-four.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that it will create a certain amount of ill-feeling when men from the Army, who have had no naval experience of any kind, and men in the Navy are appointed paymasters over the heads of men who have had considerable service in the Navy, and who, surely, ought to be promoted?

Some of these men applied for posts as assistant paymasters before they joined the Army. They are the type of men required—actuaries and so on, and their service has been satisfactory.

Seeing that men from the Army have been appointed assistant paymasters in the Navy, should not the same privilege be given to men from the Navy to become paymasters in the Army? It ought to cut both ways.

asked when the first distribution of prize bounty will be made, and the cause of the delay?

My hon. Friend of course realises that no distribution can be made until the Prize Court has given its decision. Cases are now in active preparation for submission to the Court, and I hope that the first case, at any rate, may be so submitted within the next week or two. Of course, there will be no delay in making the distribution of the award to the recipients after the issue of the Decree by the Court declaring title to bounty and fixing the amount?

Does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate any delay in getting the cases dealt with by the Court?

No. It would be obviously improper for me to comment on the procedure of the Court, but I should imagine there will be no delay.

Have not many decisions already been given?

There has been no case before the Court arising out of this War.

asked whether any communication was received from the French Government in August, 1914, to the effect that the French admiral in the Mediterranean was in pursuit of the "Goeben" and "Breslau," and intended to attack those vessels in the Sea of Marmora or elsewhere; and, if so, what reply was made by the Admiralty to such communication?

No, Sir. No such communication was received.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say that this story of England's interference in the matter which has been published in Switzerland, probably by German agents, is entirely without foundation?

Entirely without foundation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state what protection Scottish fish curers holding corporation ground at Yarmouth have against being pressed for rent, seeing that the Admiralty has practically stopped the fishing industry in Scotland?

I am not aware that, in the circumstances mentioned, a tenant would have protection, unless his case came within the provisions of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914.

asked what steps are being taken to put a stop to the waste that is accruing owing to the over-provision of workhouse accommodation in Leicestershire which has been brought to his notice by the various urban district and parish councils in the county?

I think that the resolutions which have been passed on this subject by various urban district councils and parish councils in Leicestershire have been based upon a misapprehension of the real facts. The surplus accommodation at the present time is much less than is supposed; it may be only a temporary surplus, and it is spread over a number of different institutions. In view of the necessity for making separate provision for different classes of inmates, considerable deductions have to be made from the gross total in order to arrive at the net total accommodation which may at any time be required

If it is the case that all the people could be accommodated in two workhouses, could not they be assembled in them and the others closed, so that money could be saved?

I cannot answer that question unless I have the special circumstances before me. The surplus accommodation for the number of inmates is very much less now than it was some months ago. It is essential that there should be classification of certain classes of inmates, and this can only be managed by keeping more houses open than otherwise would be necessary. I will consider any special cases put before me.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need of Members of Parliament understanding the real conditions at the front, he is prepared to make arrangements with the Commander-in-Chief in France to enable all Members of the House to visit the front during the Parliamentary recess?

If the instructional excursions suggested were to be instituted they would have to include Members of both Houses of Parliament. To send over, either in a body, or in relays, such a large number of legislators would, however, be a very large undertaking, and would be a considerable tax both on the time and powers of organisation of the General Officer Commanding and of the staff. A considerable number of Members have, I understand, already been to the front, and the Debates in this House show evidence of this. It might possibly be practicable to arrange from time to time for some additional Members to proceed to the front. Perhaps, if the hon. and gallant Gentleman has in mind any particular Members who would, in his opinion, derive special benefit from a visit to the trenches, he will communicate with me in private on the subject.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that some of the Members sent over under these conditions remain there?

That is asking too much.

On what basis have the Members who have been sent over been selected?

Why is it that the Labour party were so largely represented?

The answer is that they were gentlemen who are doing great service to the State in relation both to recruiting and to the addition to our munitions.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a great number of Members who have done both these things have never been asked?

I am not aware of that.

May I state that my visit to the front was merely incidental to what I had to do.

My visit to the front was not at the expense of the State.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state his intentions concerning the Military Service Bill; and, if it is to be proceeded with, on what date the Second Reading of the Bill will be taken?

It will he impossible to proceed with this Bill during this Session.

Is it intended to introduce a Bill next Session?

The hon. Member must wait until he sees the King's Speech.

asked what steps, if any, have been taken towards keeping a record of wealthy Englishmen going to reside and acquiring land and house property in America and in British Colonies since the outbreak of war; and whether it is intended to recall those of them of military age, and to tax their property in the United Kingdom in respect of that acquired abroad during the progress of the War?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second, a regulation has been made under the Defence of the Realm Act whereby men of military age are prevented from leaving the country without passports, and these are only given where good reasons can be shown.

The right hon. Gentleman has not dealt with the question of the tax on these people.

I think I have.

asked whether the Committee presided over by the right hon. and learned Member for Exeter has received instructions to grant compensation to licensees who suffer loss in consequence of the regulations made by the Central Control Board on 18th November, 1915, for the London area?

The answer is in the negative. I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply on this subject which was given by the Prime Minister on the 9th December last in answer to the hon. Member for the Thornbury Division. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.

Is this order of general application or an exceptional interference justifying compensation, as was laid down on 9th December I Will the right hon. Gentleman let me have an answer to that?

My hon. Friend will find all the information which I am able to give in the answer to which I have referred.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly note that that is the one missing thing for which I am now asking?

I beg your pardon.

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied that the measures, which he announced on 1st March last year, the Government intended to adopt in order to prevent commodities of any kind from reaching or leaving Germany have been effectual; and, if not, do the Government intend to take other and more stringent action to stop supplies from reaching the enemy?

This question will be dealt with in Debate on Wednesday.

asked whether the annual Grant to the Royal Irish Academy of Music will be continued?

Yes, Sir; the Treasury has modified its decision, in view of facts as to the Academy's financial position recently brought to its notice.

Will similar action be taken with regard to the English Academy?

The two cases are on quite a different footing, the financial position of the English Academy being absolutely different.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Grant to Ireland for the training of teachers, including summer schools and the teaching of Irish, and the Grant for the training of teachers in connection with technical education will be continued; and whether the Grants to the Department of Agriculture in Ireland for science in the intermediate schools will be continued?

asked whether, in respect of the economies proposed to be effected in the several Irish administrative Departments, regard will be had to the principle that we should not attempt to economise on the money we now spend on technical colleges and modern appliances and that we should improve our research methods, the education of our people, and the training of our young men?

asked the results generally of the further consideration given to the threatened withdrawal or reduction of Grants to Irish institutions and, in particular, with reference to the Grants to Irish training colleges?

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in view of the apprehension existing in Ireland in regard to the intention of the Government in dealing with the financial Grants to Ireland, he is in a position to make a statement on the subject; whether he will take into account that some of the Grants, as, for instance, to the Gaelic colleges, are small but are necessary to the maintenance of a great deal of educational activity, and that other Grants are reproductive, such as those designed to encourage horse-breeding and for other national purposes under the direction of the Board of Agriculture, and that the Grants necessary for the support of the primary and secondary schools and for fostering technical education are of the highest national utility; and whether he will use his best endeavours to secure that the Grants are not diminished?

I have given careful consideration to these matters, and am submitting proposals for Treasury sanction which will make it possible to continue the Grants referred to.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether there is any foundation whatever for the statement that is current in Ireland that the withdrawal of these Grants was due to the suggestion of the Under-Secretary, Sir Matthew Nathan?

The Under-Secretary made no suggestion of any such kind whatsoever. There is not a shadow of pretext for the allegation against him.

Was the suggestion the Chief Secretary's own, then?

No, Sir, it was not.

In view of that fact, will the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House his willingness to enforce it, and, if unwilling, why he did not resign?

Those things require no explanation.

asked the hon. Member for Oswestry, as representing the War Trade Department, whether he has had any applications from Glasgow cloth manufacturers for licences to export khaki to France; whether the reply to these applications was that the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce would decide as to whether such cloth was permitted to be so exported; whether he is aware of the fact that the reply of the officials of that chamber was that they had no instructions whatever on that point from his Department; and whether he will explain how such dealings with the mercantile community of the country assist the finances of the War?

The War Trade Department have received the applica- tions referred to. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The reply from the officials of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce as stated in the question, must, I think, have been given under some misapprehension of the arrangement with regard to the export of wool made by the Board of Trade, and notified by that Department to the different chambers of commence in December, 1914. In these circumstances it is, perhaps, unnecessary for me to give any reply to the last part of the question.

asked the hon. Member for Oswestry, as representing the War Trade Department, whether an application was made to his Department on 5th November last by a Glasgow cloth manufacturer for a licence to export cloth goods to Sweden; whether he is aware that it was clearly shown that similar goods in similar quantity had been sent for years to the same consignee, and that a refusal of such licence was given on 29th November, or three and half weeks after the application; whether he is aware that four letters were sent by the trader to the War Trade Department, asking to whom, an appeal against that decision could be made, followed by a telegram asking the same thing; and that the Department's reply to this telegram was an inquiry as to the number of the application; whether the Treasury intervened in this case, asking that a reply should be given; and whether any reply has yet been forthcoming?

The facts are as stated in the question. The matter has been the subject of recent communications with the applicant for the licence, and a full explanation has been given to him with an expression of regret for the delay in dealing with the matter.

asked the Postmaster General if his Department have come to a final decision re the suspension of the Sunday delivery of letters throughout the whole. Kingdom, as is already in operation in London, so as to procure one day's rest for the staff?

A decision has not yet been arrived at.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what has been the result of his communications with the Government of Australia in order completely to carry out the desire of that Government to free the metals of the Commonwealth from enemy control and to encourage their development for the benefit of the industries of Australia and the British Empire?

asked what means the Imperial and Australian Governments together propose in order to secure for the British Empire, in peace as well as in war, the full benefit of the Australian metal resources?

asked whether any definite proposals are now before the British and Dominion Governments for cooperation in the granting of bonuses for the refining in the United Kingdom or the Dominions of zinc and other metals of Empire origin?

This important subject is one which the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth has telegraphed his desire to discuss personally with me during his forthcoming visit to this country.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government are taking any measures, in co-operation with the Governments of Ontario and the Dominion of Canada, to further the declared intention of the Ontario Government to eliminate foreign manipulation of the nickel ores of Ontario so that, in view of their importance for purposes of defence, industries may be created within the Empire which will keep these products under observation from the time they leave the mines to the time they are marketed?

In June last the Dominion Government approached His Majesty's Government on behalf of the Government of Ontario and asked for their co-operation to the extent of recommending a suitable person for appointment as a member of a Commission about to be appointed to investigate and report on the nickel industry and resources of Ontario. His Majesty's Government recommended Mr. G. T. Holloway, and the Ontario Government appointed a Royal Commission on 9th September with Mr. Holloway as chairman. The investigation which has been entrusted to the Commission is of a very wide character, and some time must elapse before it is completed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to the East African campaign; and if he can state whether General Sir H. Smith-Dorrien is to proceed at once from South Africa to the seat of operations?

Minor operations only have taken place lately. On 6th December a German raiding force attacked and dislodged a weak observation post of our troops at Kasigap, which is about seventy-five miles west of Mombasa.

On 8th January there was an encounter between two patrols in the vicinity of Mwelendogo (towards the south-west end of the Shimba Hills), in which Major Wavell and Lieutenant Mackintosh, of the Arab Company, were killed, and Major Leitch (25th Battalion Royal Fusiliers) was wounded.

On 21st January our forces occupied Longido, which is in German territory, and Mbuyuni, without encountering any serious opposition, although heavy rains rendered the advance arduous.

General Sir H. Smith-Dorrien will embark for East Africa, after a short stay in South Africa, where he proceeded for the purpose of consultation with the Government of the Union.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give the House any information as to military operations in East Africa and Nyassaland?

I have just dealt with the East African operations in reply to the last question. As regards Nyassaland, there has been no development; heavy rains and the flooded state of the border district's have impeded military operations.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether since 1st December small investors have been deprived of the opportunity of putting their savings into Post Office vouchers?

The 1st December was the date originally announced for the closing of the issue of scrip vouchers. The results of the issue did not justify any extension of the time limit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Bombay Tramways Company, in order to avoid the payment of double Income Tax, is removing its headquarters from London to Bombay; whether he is aware that many Colonial companies pay a triple Income Tax; and whether, in view of the probable removal of many more companies and the net loss involved to the trade and revenue of the United Kingdom, he will endeavour to adjust this grievance in his forthcoming Budget?

My hon. Friend refers to a company which I understand operates a system of tramways outside the United Kingdom, and which is owned predominantly by persons resident in India. These circumstances suggest that considerations other than the incidence of the British Income Tax may have influenced the company in its decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a very large number of the shareholders are resident in India, and that there is a very small number in this country?

I think that is the substance of my answer.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest why they did not do this before?

I suppose they did not think about it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if persons resident in this country drawing incomes from Australia are required to pay the war rate of Income Tax here when they have already paid the 3s. 6d. in the £ war rate Income Tax in Australia; if so, can he see his way to make some special concession on their behalf?

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave on the 11th November last to my hon. Friend the Member for Merionethshire.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Development Commission have withdrawn the Grants for horse-breeding to England, Scotland, and Ireland; and whether the Treasury are prepared to make good the deficiencies so caused by placing on the Estimates for each of the three countries an amount equivalent to the Grants so withdrawn?

The English and Scottish Grants have already been settled. The Treasury are prepared to place on the Estimates such provision for Ireland as the Department of Agriculture may consider absolutely necessary in 1916–17 not exceeding, as a maximum, the sum voted in 1015–16.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty experienced in fulfilling private orders for motor spirit owing to the quantities required by His Majesty's Forces, and to the need for the practice of economy in the use of the spirit, so that ample supplies may be always available for naval and military purposes; and whether he proposes to take action to ensure economy in the use of motor spirit by the owners of cars which are not employed either for trade or professional purposes?

I have no official information as to the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I may remind the hon. Member of the taxes that have recently been imposed upon imported motor cars and the increased duty on motor spirit.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state how many members of the Valuation Department at present on the staff are eligible for military service, or between the ages of nineteen and forty-one, and how many of these have enlisted; also how many men of military age have been placed on the permanent staff since 31st October, 1915, and how many of these have enlisted; and how many retrenched members of the Valuation Department who are not eligible for military service have been temporarily re-engaged since 7th December, 1915, in order to release members of the permanent staff who are eligible for military service?

The members of the Inland Revenue Valuation Office (temporary and permanent) now actually serving with the naval and military forces number 944. The permanent valuation staff as a whole has been allowed by the Board of Inland Revenue to enter Section B of the Army Reserve, and the question of the possibility of releasing from their official duties further officers as and when their groups are called up will be carefully considered. Already, in addition to the number above mentioned, eighty-seven officers have been granted permission to apply for commissions or to enlist. The permanent valuation officers of military age not included in the figures quoted number 193. No addition has been made to the authorised permanent establishment, and the period of years during which the selection of officers most suitable to complete that establishment has been in process came to a conclusion last summer. The Board of Inland Revenue expect to be able to re-engage, on a monthly hiring, a further number of candidates formerly in their temporary employment to act as temporary substitutes for permanent officers absent on military service, and in these cases preference will be given to candidates who, for reasons of age or health, are not available for military service.

Have any of the retrenched temporary staff been engaged up to the present moment?

That is the subject of the last paragraph of my answer.

The right hon. Gentleman says "further number." What is the number already engaged?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question without making further inquiry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that these men called temporary assistants were practically engaged on the understanding that their appointment would be permanent, and will he draft men over the miliary age into other branches of the Civil Service?

I am afraid I cannot agree with the description given by my hon. Friend of the agreement. It has been my duty to examine the terms of the agreement with great care, and there can be no question that they were engaged for a specified period and no longer.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the practice of melting down sovereigns in order to use the gold for commercial purposes is still carried on in this country to a considerable extent; and if he will state what steps have been taken to put an end to such a practice at the present crisis?

. I fear that for the moment I cannot add anything to the answers that I have already given on this subject. The whole question is under consideration.

Would it not be practicable to introduce a short Bill containing a single Clause to prohibit this practice?

It would be quite practicable to introduce a Bill forbidding the melting of coin, but the effect of that Bill would not be to stop the manufacture of jewellery from bar gold, and it is a question whether it is expedient to introduce a Bill forbidding the use of bar gold for that purpose.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer for what period it is estimated it will be necessary to keep open the London branch of the Deutsche Bank; if the sole object of keeping it as a going concern is to enable it to discharge its liabilities; and whether he is aware that it has already been kept open for seventeen months for this purpose?

I am not in a position to make any statement as regards the first part of the question. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative, subject to the qualification that the liabilities of the bank in this connection do not include liabilities to enemies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that pressure is brought to bear to put an end to an institution of this sort in this country?

So long as the carrying on of this business in this country leads to the payment of debts to British subjects and Allies, I think on the whole it is preferable that the debts should be paid.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the appointment of a liquidator would be a quicker way to get the debts paid than by keeping the bank open?

I am glad of the hon. Member's opinion, but I would remind him that there are two opinions about that.

Are there any liabilities still in existence other than liabilities to alien enemies?

I cannot say what the amount is. As soon as all the liabilities other than the liabilities to alien enemies are paid, of course the business of the bank will not be continued.

Is there any desire on the part of the Government to keep this institution in being until the end of the War?

Not the slightest. The only desire on the part of the Government is to see that injury is not done to British subjects.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many men out of the 100 at present employed in carrying on the Deutsche Bank in London are German or enemy subjects, naturalised subjects, and British-born subjects respec- tively; and what is the weekly amount paid in salaries to these employes, respectively?

The present staff engaged at the Deutsche Bank is composed as follows:—

Are those enemy subjects living at their own addresses, or are they interned at night?

I am afraid that is a question that will have to be addressed to the Home Secretary. I am not familiar with the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Retrenchment Committee, of which he was chairman, did not meet from 9th September until 29th December; what arrangement has since the latter date been made as to the number of meetings to be held; and how many, have been held during the month of January?

The Committee held several meetings in November between the two dates mentioned by my hon. Friend and during the whole period the Treasury were in constant communication with Departments on the subject of economy, and a number of memoranda and other documents were prepared for the Committee. Six meetings have been held in January, and for the present the Committee have arranged to meet twice a week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that those dates are taken from a statement by a Member of the Government, the head of the Agricultural Department?

I was not aware of that fact.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the decisions of the Treasury Committee on new issues have any legal force; and whether there is any appeal against them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the late Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. Friend the Member for the Bridgeton Division on the 18th May last. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the reply.

asked whether the proposed economies in Irish Departments include a reduction of the personnel and expenditure of the Irish Prisons Board, in view of the diminution of crime and of prisons and the consequent diminution of work of the Board?

With a view to economy the General Prisons Board have temporarily dispensed with the assistance of the inspector of prisons and that of three clerks. The work of the Department does not admit of any further economies in present circumstances.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in accordance with paragraph 6 of instructions for the guidance of pensioners, any pensioners have yet been called up for service in the United Kingdom?

No, Sir; it was decided after considerable discussion that there was no legal power to recall pensioners compulsorily to the Colours.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that sailors and soldiers going to the Isle of Lewis on leave, and proceeding by Messrs. D. M'Brayne and Company's, Limited mail-boat from Kyle of Lochalsh to Stornoway are carried on the main deck, upon which cattle and sheep are ordinarily carried; whether he is aware that there is no adequate accommodation to protect them from wind and sea; whether he will take steps to secure that these men, including men on sick leave, receive reasonable protection from the exposure involved in this, the only method of transit; and (2) whether he is aware that No. 8,201 Private Kenneth Murray, of the 2nd battalion Seaforth Highlanders, after over a year's service on the Western front, proceeded on leave to his home in Stornoway in December, 1915; that he took passage by Messrs. D. M'Brayne and Company's, Limited mail-boat "Sheila," from Kyle of Lochalsh to Stornoway, on the 21st December, 1915; that, in common with other sailors and soldiers proceeding on leave, he was without cabin accommodation or protection from the elements, but was carried on the main deck; that, on the arrival of the "Sheila" at Stornoway, he was found dead on the hatch over the cargo hold; whether any inquest or other public inquiry was held as to the cause of death; and, if so, with what result; whether the military authorities or the family of the deceased were represented or had any opportunity of being represented at such inquest or inquiry; whether the death was caused or accelerated by exposure; and whether he will take steps to insure that soldiers who have for upwards of a year withstood exposure in the trenches may not be sacrificed by exposure when proceeding home on leave?

No information has reached the War Office regarding the particular case referred to in question No. 94. I have, however, called for a report. Incidentally, I may remark that an inquest is not a Scottish institution. On the general question I am obtaining information, but I understand from my hon. Friend the Member for Ross and Cromarty that the naval authorities have been assisting in the transport of soldiers and sailors on leave when it is impossible for the "Sheila" to run, and the Admiralty informs me that the hon. Member for Ross and Cromarty made representations to them several days before the question was put on the Paper regarding better facilities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the "Sheila" runs every other day, and that men on leave are carried on other days by coal boats, and that the same difficulty as regards the elements occurs in one case as in the other, and under those circumstances will be give the matter further consideration?

I might give a great deal of consideration to the inclemency of the elements, but I should not be able to alter it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether military canteens have been started now on the Suez Canal defences; if he will say what has been the cause of the delay; and whether the arrangements will be carried out at once so as to avoid the troubles that occurred on the peninsula of Gallipoli?

Instructions have been given for the establishment of canteens in the area named. The preliminary steps were taken at the beginning of the year, but there were various questions of a general nature to be settled before the final instructions could be given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Y.M.C.A. already have a large number of huts on the Suez Canal defences, and are prepared to run canteens at the present moment if the War Office will allow them to do so?

If War Office facilities could be given that it will be done, is that the idea of the hon. Gentleman?

Yes.

I am very glad to hear it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there are sufficient reasons why the Army Council, in dealing with military canteens in this country, should not make use of a system similar to that of the Expeditionary Force canteens which are doing such good work in France; whether it is indicated that such a system would result in a large saving both to the soldier and the country; and will the subject receive early and favourable consideration if the adoption of the system in this country has not been decided on already?

The question of a semiofficial general canteen system for the conduct and supply of all canteens throughout the whole of the Service was being carefully considered shortly before the outbreak of war by a Special Committee presided over by Lord Rotherham. Owing to the War, the question had for the moment to be dropped. It is now proposed that the Board of Control, Regimental Institutes, shall be directed to reconsider this question and to submit their recommendations thereon for the consideration of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many replies he has had accepting the offer made to farmers to loan horses for farm work?

This question should, I think, be addressed to the Board of Agriculture. I understand, however, that the circular to which my hon. Friend is doubtless referring has not been issued long enough for any considerable number of replies to have been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the senior officers in the Special Reserve have received any recognition in the honours list for the work they have done and are doing so efficiently since August, 1914; and, if not, will he see that their claims receive due consideration?