asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the injustice and injury occasioned to foreigners, the subjects of Allied and neutral countries resident in this country, consequent on insufficient inquiry as to their status, the danger of relying on ex parte statements, and the far-reaching prejudice to traders of withholding from them permits to trade in England or to leave the country, he will appoint a tribunal, consisting of three Members of this House, to hear applications of appeal from the decisions of the War Trade Department, with power to revise or to confirm the same; and whether he will accelerate the action of the Department in considering applications for permits and accord traders against whom adverse reports may be made by the police the opportunity of being heard personally, or by their professional advisers, prior to the Department and the tribunal proposed granting or rejecting such applications?

I am not quite sure whether I understand the precise nature of the difficulties to which the hon. Member refers, but if he will give me the details of one or two of the cases which he has in mind I will make inquiries and communicate with him. I much doubt, however, whether these are matters which fall within the province of the War Trade Department.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether anything has been heard of the fate of the British subjects on board the "Clan MacTavish" and who were taken on board the German vessel "Moewe" as prisoners when the "Clan MacTavish" was sunk by that vessel; and whether he will take all possible steps to obtain information as to the disposal of such prisoners and enable their friends to communicate with them and send them relief?

I very much regret that at present I have received no information about the British subjects on the "Clan MacTavish," but I am taking all possible steps to obtain it; and any information obtained will be published, and I will also communicate it to my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information as to what number of officers and men were taken from the "Appam" and put as prisoners of war on the "Moewe"; and whether he has communicated with the relatives of such officers and men and will now publish their names?

I understand that thirty-two officers and men who were on board the steamship "Appam" were taken on board the German vessel. The next-of-kin have been communicated with in all cases where the information as to the individual's regiment, etc., is sufficient for correct identification. I will consider the question of the publication of the names.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give any information with regard to the German armed ship now called the "Moew"; and can he give the relatives of the twenty-eight officers and men put on board her as prisoners of war any hope of shortly seeing them?

The Admiralty are taking all precautions in their power to deal with the German raider.

asked whether the full text of the two messages sent by the Admiralty to the "Lusitania" when that vessel was on its last voyage has been communicated to the Government of the United States; and, if not, why, seeing that there were citizens of the United States on board that vessel?

No such communication was made to the Government of the United States, and it is not seen what useful purpose would be served by such a communication.

asked whether His. Majesty's Government, before refusing to allow food from America to reach the starving inhabitants of Russian Poland, consulted either the Russian or the American Governments; whether either or both approved of the refusal; and whether the text of the refusal has been communicated to those two Governments?

His Majesty's Government have not refused to allow food to reach Poland. Poland, being in occupation of the enemy, comes under the operation of the Orders in Council. The Allied Governments have been approached with a request to allow food to reach the country under neutral control. His Majesty's Government have, after consulting their Allies, replied that they cannot, as far as it rests with them, consider the question until the various measures of spoliation adopted by the enemy in Poland have ceased. To do otherwise would be simply to provide supplies for the Germans.

asked whether the indebtedness of Belgium to this country was the pressure used to dissuade the Belgian Government from accepting from Germany integrity and restoration of independence and full compensation for injuries; whether any collateral inducement was offered; and whether all the other allied Powers concurred?

The statement made in the hon. Member's question is entirely untrue.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question as to whether any pressure was put upon Belgium?

The hon. Member has put his question really in the form of a statement that we have applied pressure to Belgium to induce Belgium to refuse an offer. That we have put pressure upon Belgium or that such an offer has been made to Belgium I believe to be entirely untrue.

Can the right hon. Gentleman furnish the House with any information as to whether any approaches have been made either by the high Roman Catholic dignitaries or any others with reference to this question?

If I remember rightly, the hon. Member has a question on this subject on the Paper, and it will be answered when this question is reached.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any official information showing that Germany has made certain peace proposals to Belgium; and, if so, will he inform the House of Commons of the nature of such proposals?

According to a statement issued by the Belgian Legation, which appeared in the Press on 12th February, the rumours which have been circulated to the effect that peace proposals have recently been made by Germany to the Belgian Government are devoid of foundation.

In view of the fact that the word "official" has been added to my original question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he has any information of a non-official character referring to this matter?

No, Sir. I cannot go behind the statement of the Legation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many men of military age are being employed by the Congested Districts Board in Ireland?

The number of whole time officials of military age employed by the Congested Districts Board is 145, exclusive of fifty-one serving with the Army or Navy and six engaged in other forms of War Service. The Board have no information as to the ages of some 2,500 men in casual employment upon their works.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether, now that the details of recruiting in Ireland have been published in Lord Wimborne's Report, similar information regarding the state of recruiting in Scotland will be published?

No, Sir, there has been no decision to publish information specially in regard to the state of recruiting in Scotland.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us no facts about Scotland?

I can refer my hon. Friend to many works published annually.

Is there any reason why information with regard to Ireland is published, while it is withheld in regard to Scotland?

Yes, Sir, every reason.

What are the reasons?

asked whether farmers and others who attested under Lord Derby's scheme prior to the passing of the Military Service (No. 2) Act and were not starred, but relegated to later groups, will be given the same right of appeal as is given to those attesting under that Act.

The answer is in the affirmative.

Does this apply to cases of men attested and called up who are the sole support of a widowed mother?

They will have to go before the tribunal.

asked the Under-Secretary for War the number of single men who have been attested under the group system and for immediate service, respectively, since the Derby recruiting scheme closed on 16th December?

No, Sir, I fear I do not see my way to give this information.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether any and what steps have been taken to give effect to the promise made by the Government during the passage of the Military Service (No. 2) Bill that the provisions of or regulations governing the enlistment of recruits under the Derby scheme should be amended so as to ensure that such recruits should not he in a worse position as to exemptions and other conditions than those who are deemed to be enlisted under the Act?

Yes, Sir, instructions on the points mentioned were issued to local tribunals last week.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the regulations as published do not assimilate to the rules, and that the men who enlisted under the Derby scheme are put at a disadvantage in comparison with those compelled to attest under the Military Service Act?

They cannot possibly be in all senses the same. It is not feasible, especially in respect of the man who is a conscientious objector, who says he has enlisted, although he still conscientiously objects.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the answer he has now given is absolutely contradictory to the answer given by the Prime Minister on the same subject?

I am not aware of anything of the kind. I can assure my hon. Friend the answer I have given is in consonance with a conference which we had on the subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Prime Minister said in this House that the Derby recruits would be allowed to conscientiously object just the same as a man joining under the Military Service Act? Is he also aware that the Regulations issued by the Local Government Board do not carry that out?

I am not aware of that. I think any further question on the subject should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether single men who offered themselves as recruits under the Derby scheme in November and December last and were rejected on medical grounds are outside the scope of the Military Service Act recently passed, or whether there is an intention to compel them to re-present themselves after 2nd March; and, if so, under what authority this is to be done?

These men are outside the scope of the Act. They are not required to submit to re-examination if they possess valid evidence of their rejection. Perhaps my hon. Friend will also refer to a full written answer on this point which I am giving to a question put by the hon. Member for Derby yesterday, and which will appear in the OFFICIAL REPORT for today. [ See Written Answers. ]

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that certain recruiting officers have induced persons who were rejected as unfit by the doctors to resubmit themselves and have instructed the doctors that, under the new eyesight regulations these men can now be accepted?

It is very difficult to prevent influence being exerted upon persons privately. We have no responsibility for that.

Is not the recruiting officer a person of authority?

Have the War Office given any further instructions to recruiting officers as a result of the correspondence the right hon. Gentleman has had with the late Home Secretary?

Yes, Sir, instructions have gone out.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what progress has been made with the scheme suggested for aiding our wounded and disabled soldiers and sailors during and after the War; and what is the result of the promised co-operation with the Dominions in this connection?

The latest available information as to the measures for dealing with disabled soldiers and sailors will be found in Part I. of the Final Report of the Departmental Committee, appointed by the President of the Board of Agriculture, Cd. 8162. I have no further information to give to the House, but the whole subject is receiving the attention of the Departments of the Government concerned in it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the report to which he refers contains any reference to co-operation with the Colonies in this connection?

No, none at all. It deals only with a branch of the subject, but that particular part of the subject, co-operation with the Colonies, is engaging the attention of my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary and myself.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many men have been discharged on medical grounds without receiving any pension; how many soldiers have died from disease under circumstances which debarred their widows or other dependants from drawing pensions; and whether, in view of the feeling that has been aroused, the War Office propose to modify existing rules?

asked the Under-Secretary for War the number of men who have been discharged from the Army since the beginning of the War on the ground of physical incapacity, but without pension or allowance, on the ground of their ailments not being caused by war service; is he aware that many of these men are in distress through lack of means; and if the Government have any intention of doing anything for them, in view of the effect upon appeals to married men to join the Army of the knowledge which is now becoming general of the neglect of the men in question?

Out of 35,500 men discharged from the Army for disability up to the end of 1915, about 12,000 have received no pension. About 400 widows of soldiers have been found ineligible for pensions from Army funds. The 12,000 consists chiefly of men who upon their unit being ordered abroad were not found equal to the strain of active service in the field. They also include men whose disability was due to misconduct.

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform us how it happens that some Members of this House and of the other House are able to claim pensions while other Members are not?

Of course it does not depend on the person applying for the pension, but on the person for whom the pension is applied.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it is a good arrangement whereby one Member who applies for a pension is refused, while if somebody a little more influential applies for it for the same man it is granted? Is that not a very unsatisfactory arrangement?

Yes, certainly.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that has happened?

Not at all.

May I briny a case of the kind to the right hon. Gentleman's attention?

That will be adding to the privileges my hon. Friend conjects.

95. The following question stood in the name of Sir EDWIN CORNWALL: To ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Government have decided not to give pensions to members of the fighting forces permanently invalided through consumption, frostbite, gassing, and all such similar causes of permanent disability; and will he make a full statement as to the policy of the War Office in this matter?

This subject was dealt with in Debate yesterday. I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman has anything more to add.

Under the Royal Warrant pensions are given to non-commissioned officers and men discharged as unfit for further service on account of wounds or injuries or sunstroke received in action or in the performance of military duty, or on account of blindness caused by military service, or of disease due directly and wholly to war service. I am at a loss to understand what can have given rise to such an impression as that contained in the question. My hon. Friend the Financial Secretary made a statement last night on this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the provision made is considered inadeqate?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that wives and children resident in this country of men serving in the Australian contingents are ineligible for the Australian allowances; and whether, seeing that allowances are paid to the wives and children, irrespective of domicile, of men enlisted in this country, he can see his way to approach the Commonwealth Government of Australia with a view to placing the wives and children of all men serving in the British Army on the same footing in this respect?

This is not primarily a War Office matter, but I will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies about it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether legislation will be introduced early in this Session conferring on the Board powers to acquire agricultural land, as recommended by the Departmental Committee appointed to consider the settlement and employment on the land of discharged sailors and soldiers?

The Report of the Departmental Committee has only recently been received, and is under consideration.

asked whether the Government intends to take steps to carry out the recommendation of the Departmental Committee to consider the settlement of soldiers and sailors on the land, that the Board of Agriculture should be given powers to acquire land for the purpose of settling ex-Service men and to improve, manage, and sell the land?

The Report has only been recently received, and is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, considering the decrease in crime and consequent decline in prison population, any and what steps are being taken to utilise the gaols of the country for prisoners of war and interned aliens, and so save the expense of the providing and upkeep of new and separate establishments?

Seven prisons, and wings of two others, have been temporarily closed and lent to the War Office for use as detention barracks for military prisoners. The closing of five others is under consideration, but they do not afford suitable accommodation for prisoners of war, who cannot be imprisoned as criminals, but can he confined only so far as is necessary for safe keeping.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has had any reports from the police showing that a number of men, military and naval, have been drugged in a certain district in South London; and will he arrange, in the interests of home and overseas men serving in His Majesty's Forces, that special police protection be placed in this district so as to prevent any further cases of this kind?

Inquiry has been made by the police respecting cases of alleged drugging alleged to have occurred in South London and elsewhere, but no evidence has been forthcoming inconsistent with the view that the symptoms were produced by the drinking of strong spirits. The administering of drugs is a criminal offence, but no single case has been substantiated on investigation.

asked if any woman has recently been tried in this country as a spy and condemned to death; and, if so, has the sentence been carried out or is it to be carried out?

A woman spy was tried at the Central Criminal Court before three judges and a jury, found guilty, and sentenced to death. An appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeal, consisting of five judges, was dismissed. After consultation with the judges, the sentence has been commuted to one of penal servitude for life. I would add that her activities were discovered within six days of her arrival in this country, and from that time to her arrest her communications were effectively intercepted until her identity was established, and she was arrested.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if she was a British subject or an alien?

No, Sir, not a British subject.

asked if the inaction of the Censor with reference to incitement to shoot German prisoners of war, published in a London newspaper, does not signify tacit approval of that policy by the Government, will he say what action has been taken to divest it of that character?

I do not know to what article the hon. Member refers. No such article has been passed by or submitted to the Press Bureau. The suggestion in the question is, of course, quite unfounded and, I may be permitted to say, most reprehensible.

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny or has he not seen a letter published in the "Daily Mail" to this effect?

No, Sir, I have not seen it and I was not aware of it.

You ought to have seen it.

asked how many born British subjects have been imprisoned without charge or trial in the United Kingdom since the War began; how many are now in prison without charge or trial; and whether any legal assistance has been offered to them?

I assume that the hon. Member refers to cases dealt with under the Defence of the Realm Regulation 14 B. The number of British-born subjects who have been so dealt with and are now detained in places of internment is seventeen, of whom seven are of German origin and the remainder of hostile associations. These persons are allowed to take legal advice.

asked under what Statute and on what grounds the ordinary law for the preservation of the peace and the protection of innocent persons is now in suspense as regards such persons advocating peace, and other persons are allowed to forcibly deny the rights of free meeting and free speech to peaceable subjects not violating the law unless exercise of those rights be violation?

asked the Prime Minister if the Government intend to take any action to protect the right of free speech which is being prevented in many parts of the country by organised bodies of persons who attend meetings and announce that they will not permit the meetings to be held, and, in particular, is it intended to take any action against an organisation calling itself the Anti-German Union, which has for weeks past broken up meetings organised by the Society of Friends in their own rooms; and further whether, without interfering with the attendance of soldiers in uniform at public meetings which they may desire to attend for their instruction, it is intended to continue to encourage by inaction soldiers deliberately organising opposition and breaking up meetings?

The law with respect to the preservation of order at public meetings is the same now as it was before the War, and is being administered on the same principles. It is the duty of the promoters of meetings to keep order, and if they are unable to do so they can take proceedings in proper cases against disturbers under the Public Meetings Act, 1908. If there is violence and breach of the peace the police may be called in, and, so far as the force available can do so, they will give the necessary protection. With respect to the presence of soldiers at meetings, I would refer to the Prime Minister's reply to a question by the hon. Member for Blackburn on 26th January.

Are we to understand from that reply that the Home Office has no responsibility if direct incitement to violence appears in newspapers to break up public meetings?

That does not arise upon this question.

It arises upon my question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any recompense or recognition, by award of honours or otherwise, has been given to the masters of the Channel packets plying to the principal British base in France for the devotion and unbroken success with which they have conducted for eighteen months a responsible and often perilous daily and nightly service?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty in what practical way he proposes to recognise the services rendered to the nation and the sacrifices made by officers and men on ships serving as Fleet auxiliaries and on the ships of the merchant marine requisitioned by the Admiralty for War service?

The Board of Admiralty cordially associates itself with the tribute which my hon. Friends have paid in their questions to the services rendered in the one case by the Channel packets and in the other by the ships serving as Fleet auxiliaries and requisitioned by the Admiralty for war service. I gladly take this opportunity also of acknowledging the inestimable value to the Empire of the services rendered by the mercantile marine generally. I need hardly assure the House that these services will be adequately recognised at the proper time.

May I call attention to the word "practical" in my question? What I asked for was some indication of the practical way the Admiralty propose to recognise the services rendered by these men.

I said that their inestimable services would be adequately recognised at the proper time.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if a Russian subject named Peter Petroff, lately resident in Glasgow, has been interned for the period of the War; if so, on what grounds this action has been taken; and will he have the case reconsidered, and, if the man has been charged with any offence, have him tried under the Defence of the Realm Act in open Court?

Petroff, in regard to whose nationality as a Russian I have no definite information, has been interned under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. He was informed that he might make representations against his internment to the Advisory Committee appointed to deal with such cases in Scotland, and his application is now under consideration by that Committee.

asked the Prime Minister if the handing over of John M'Lean, of Glasgow, who was arrested under a Clause of the Defence of the Realm Act, to the military authorities has been with the knowledge and consent of the Government; can he say if John M'Lean will be given a trial in a Civil Court; and will he, in view of the prevailing unrest in the Glasgow district, have special inquiry made with a view to applying a remedy for it?

asked the Lord Advocate for what offence Mr. John M'Lean, M.A., was handed over to the military authorities; whether he was lodged in Edinburgh Castle; whether he is to have a civil trial; and, if so, why has the decision been altered?

I have been asked to reply to these questions by the Prime Minister, John M'Lean was arrested by the military authorities under Regulation 55 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations, for an offence against Nos. 27 and 42 of these Regulations. He was detained in military custody in Edinburgh Castle in terms of No. 56 of the Regulations, until he claimed in virtue of the same Regulation to be tried by the High Court of Justiciary. He was then handed over to the civil authorities for the purpose of such trial. On application being made for bail, he was released on bail of £100. With regard to the last part of the question by my right hon. Friend, he is aware that a Commission has recently been appointed by the Government for the Clyde area, as well as the Tyne, to deal with some important aspects of the matter referred to.

asked the Prime Minister whether, when the Government passed the Defence of the Realm Act, they contemplated that the new law would suspend the Habeas Corpus Act; and whether, now that the Law Courts have interpreted the Act as depriving British citizens of this safeguard for personal liberty, the Government will take steps to restore to British citizens their legal security against the exercise of arbitrary power by the Executive?

asked the Prime Minister whether a recent case in which a British subject has been imprisoned without trial and his demand for a writ of habeas corpus was dismissed by a Divisional Court of five judges, that decision being upheld by the Court of Appeal, has been brought to his notice; whether he understands that Parliament in passing the Defence of the Realm Act intended to confer this absolute power on the King and his Ministers or whether the Regulations made under the Act do not exceed the powers intended to be conferred on the Executive Government; and, if so, will he take steps to restore the ancient liberties hitherto enjoyed by His Majesty's subjects by the protection of the Habeas Corpus Acts?

The Regulation in question applies only to British subjects of "hostile origin and associations." It gives the Secretary of State power to place them under certain restrictions and obligations when he is advised by the competent authority that this is "expedient for securing the public safety and the defence of the realm." Before the Regulation was made it was pointed out to the House by my right hon. Friend the late Home Secretary that it would be necessary for the Government to have such powers, and the matter was discussed on the Home Office Vote after the Regulation was made on the 17th June last year. It was considered that the Advisory Committees would provide adequate safeguards against possible cases of hardship. I believe that the decision referred to is under appeal.

In view of the fact that the Attorney-General assured the House on the discussion on the amending Bill in March last that a writ of habeas corpus would still run, will my right hon. Friend allow the House to reconsider the matter?

The statement referred to had no reference to this class of cases.

Did not the undertaking given by the Attorney-General relate to a case where a British subject had been arrested under the Defence of the Realm Act and held in custody and a writ of habeas corpus was refused by the Court, and when the Attorney-General assured the House that a writ of habeas corpus was still available to the man?

My recollection of what my right hon. Friend said is that if there was undue delay a writ of habeas corpus would run. It had no reference to this case.

. My right hon. Friend has not replied to my question: Whether he believes the House of Commons intended to part with this protection of the liberties of the people?

That, of course, I cannot say, but if my hon. Friend will refer to the Debate he will see that the matter was discussed.

Does the answer admit that British subjects have been in prison since the commencement of the War and have not yet been told what the charge is or had an opportunity of defending themselves?

No, certainly not.

I have seen them in prison.

If my hon. Friend will give me particulars, I will have inquiries made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House what he would consider undue delay in these circumstances—how long a man must be in prison without trial or sentence before the term will be considered undue?

The undue delay referred to was undue delay before the man was brought to trial before a Civil Court or court-martial. It had nothing to do with this class of case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state the length of time during which a man may be in prison when it would or would not be undue delay?

Will the right hon. Gentleman afford the House facilities for discussing the matter in a more satisfactory way than can be done by question and answer?

I think this is a very unsatisfactory way of discussing it, as the question is now under appeal.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has now given the sanction of the Board to the practice of various education authorities whereby children of eleven are taken to work in the fields; and whether he has considered if women could be more suitably so employed if adequate payment were made them?

The Board have no legal power to sanction such a practice. Their general attitude is indicated in Circular 898, which was issued after a Debate in the House of Commons on the 4th March, 1915, and states that children should only be excused from school if no other labour is available. My right hon. Friend regards the increased employment of school children on the land with much apprehension, and he is in full accord with the special efforts which are now being made by the Board of Trade in co-operation with the Board of Agriculture to obtain the services of women where no male labour is available.

May I ask if the Board of Education have any power to limit in any way the Grants in cases where children are so employed?

The President of the Board is at the present moment receiving a deputation upon this question, and perhaps my hon. Friend will wait until he sees what becomes of it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if certain clerks to local tribunals are informing applicants for forms to claim exemption under the Military Service Act that they cannot be supplied until they have attested under the Derby scheme; and will he make an official statement that such' is not the case?

It is obviously not the case that men cannot claim exemption under the Military Service Act until they have attested under the Derby scheme, since men so attesting are outside the Act. I am not aware that statements of the kind suggested have been made, and the in formation circulated by the Government should remove any misapprehension.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow me to tell him privately of some of these cases?

Yes, I shall be very pleased if my hon. Friend will do so.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if, in view of the wide area covered by the local tribunals under the Military Service Act, he will make arrangements for forms to claim exemption being obtainable at post offices; and will he supply copies of the Regulations and Circulars for every member of the local tribunals, seeing that evidence is already forthcoming that many members are apparently unacquainted with that information?

Forms can be obtained on application to the local tribunal, which can be made by post. They can also be obtained from recruiting officers, and I do not think it is necessary to keep a supply of forms at post offices. Copies of the Circulars and Regulations and Instructions can be obtained for each member of a local tribunal by application to the Local Government Board or to the Stationery Office through the clerk to the tribunal.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if, in the circular issued to local tribunals, it is mentioned that care must be taken to avoid anything of the nature of industrial compulsion; and, if so, what action he proposes to take upon the action of the Gravesend Local Authority and the Eccles Local Authority, both having, since the Military Service Act became law, dismissed from their employment men who have refused to enlist on the ground of conscientious objection?

As far as my information goes I have no authority to intervene in either of the cases referred to in the question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman regard these as instances of industrial compulsion?

No, Sir, not so far as my information goes. They appear to me to be cases similar to those which have arisen before and which will arise again, where local authorities part with their servants for proper reasons. I have no power in the matter. I do not think that they have any relation to the Military Service Act.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government propose to take in order to obtain better co-ordination in respect of appeals on behalf of the Belgians, and to prevent waste of effort and misapplication of funds; and whether similar steps will be taken in respect of war charities generally with a view equally to the protection of donors and of all urgent bonâ fide charities?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. As to the first part, arrangements have been made for giving official recognition to appeals which are approved by the British and Belgian Governments. The official recognition will be in the form of a certificate issued by the Local Government Board. I am not in a position to make any promise to extend this principle to war charities generally.

Will the right hon. Gentleman extend the scope of the action of the Government to all war charities?

I should not like to promise to do that, because my promise might be taken to indicate that there is some hope that we might be able to do it. We have looked into the question very carefully and it seems almost an impossible task.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions the names of the witnesses from Stockport invited to give evidence at the Control Board Conference in Manchester, on 23rd November last, and who attended and gave evidence; and whether such evidence was for or against the making of and Control Board Order?

As I have previously stated, between 300 and 400 persons of public standing were invited to attend the conference mentioned in the question. I fear I cannot undertake to identify the Parliamentary constituency from which each of such persons came.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been drawn to public comments made by the Provost and magistrates of the town of Annan as to the action in and around that town of the Central Control Board; whether these operations of the Board are to be regarded as partaking to a certain extent of the nature of a social experiment and demonstration on a fairly large scale of the possibilities and advantages of disinterested control of the liquor trade, in addition to and apart from the objects of the Defence of the Realm Acts; and, if so, whether, having regard to possible proceedings before the losses tribunal in Scotland, it is practicable for his Department to publish a White Paper setting forth the facts and circumstances, so as to enable the public interested in such experiments to follow the position?

I am informed that representations on this subject have been made by the Provost and magistrates of Annan. I understand that negotiations are proceeding, and that in many cases agreement has been arrived at.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount and value of the imports into this country from Switzerland of chocolate and other cocoa preparations in each of the periods of six months ending 30th June, 1913, 30th June, 1914, and 30th June, 1915, respectively; whether these imports contained a very large amount of sugar imported into Switzerland from Germany and Austria; and whether, with a view to lessening the import into this country of foreign-manufactured articles of the nature of luxuries, and to prevent the exportation into this country from Germany and Austria of sugar of enemy origin, he will take steps either entirely to prohibit the importation from Switzerland of chocolate and other cocoa preparations or to place a substantial Import Duty thereon?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Statistics of importation in the periods specified will be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am aware that some, at least, of the chocolate imported from Switzerland contains sugar of enemy origin, but it is the practice to allow the importation of goods for our own use manufactured in neutral countries from materials which are partly of enemy origin, provided that the proportion of value due to such materials does not exceed 25 per cent. I have had inquiries made which show that this proportion is not, in fact, exceeded in the case in question, and I am not prepared at present to prohibit the importation of Swiss chocolate and cocoa preparations. These preparations are, of course, already dutiable, and the hon. and learned Gentleman will not expect me to make a premature announcement as to any possible increases in Customs duties which may or may not be in contemplation by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.—[ See Written Answers. ]

Is there any reason why we should permit the import into this country of foreign-made luxuries, such as chocolate?

There is only a small proportion, under 25 per cent., of this chocolate which is of foreign enemy origin, and that is the rule which applies to these cases.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he proposes to adopt the recommendations of the Committee on War Loans for Small Investors; and whether he will consider the desirability of placing Exchequer bonds within the reach of a larger number of small investors by issuing them at lower denominations than £5?

As already announced the recommendations of the Committee to which the hon. Member refers have been accepted, and in accordance therewith two executive Committees, namely, the National Organising Committee for War Savings and the Central War Savings Advisory Committee, have been appointed and are at work. In reply to the second part of the question the proposal to issue Exchequer Bonds of smaller denominations than £5 has been very care fully considered, but has been found not to be practicable. I hope that the 15s. 6d. War Savings Certificates, which entitle the purchaser to the return of £1 five years hence, with certain powers of withdrawal in the interval, will serve as an alternative to small Bonds for investors who cannot afford £5 Bonds. These War Savings Certificates will be on sale on Saturday of this week, 19th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is intended that the inquiry which certain of the staff of the Land Valuation Department desire to be made into their allegations of misrepresentation is to be held; and whether there is a prospect of other Government employment, temporary or permanent, being found to be available for such of these retrenched officials as are not of military age, due regard being had to economy of public funds?

I can add nothing to the replies which I have given to previous questions on the subject, of which I am sending my hon. Friend copies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of money advanced to each of the Allied Governments to the end of 1915, with the rate of interest and when repayable; the estimated value of other material sent to each of them to the end of 1915; and whether this has been paid or added to the loan?

I do not think it advisable to anticipate at the present time such particulars on these heads as I may be able to give in my Budget statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a member of the Territorial Force, who is physically fit but whose five years period of service has expired, is liable to be discharged for the reason only that his time has expired; and whether he is entitled to claim his discharge for the same reason?

In the circumstances mentioned a member of the Territorial Force is liable to be discharged, and is entitled to claim his discharge.

asked whether a member of the Territorial Force who is physically unfit for service as a result of active service in the War, and whose time has expired, is liable to be discharged for the reason only that his time has expired, and without sick pay, pension, or gratuity during the period of his incapacity subsequent to the date on which he is discharged?

I have stated the position as regards liability to discharge, in reply to my hon. Friend's last question. A man who is, at the time of his engagement expiring, physically unfit as the result of active service, will be eligible for pension, temporary or permanent, according to the nature and severity of the disability.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if M. Fokker, the Dutch inventor of the present German battleplane, offered his invention to our air authorities?

M. Fokker offered to the War Office in 1913 a type of aeroplane invented by him. As the machine was inefficient and dangerous it was not adopted. Subsequently to the outbreak of the War, M. Fokker produced a new design which was an imitation of the Morane-Saulnier monoplane, this being a French design. This design was not offered to the British Government, but was used in small numbers by the Ger mans, and a machine of this type was amongst those lately on view on the Horse Guards Parade. M. Fokker afterwards produced another modification of the Morane Saulnier monoplane with an engine of much greater horse power, but this design, like M. Fokker's second design, was not offered to the British Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say which design the Ger mans are using now? Is it the last design?

Yes.

When a design is offered to the War Office, even if it be not perfectly satisfactory in all its parts, would it not be better to study it and adopt it?

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

asked the Under-Secretary for War what officer has been made immediately responsible, under the Field Marshal Commanding the Home Forces, for organising the offensive and defensive protection of the country against hostile aircraft; whether in assigning that responsibility due provision has been made for expert knowledge of the best kind in regard both to gunnery and aircraft and the perfecting of their adaptability to the purpose; and to whom inquiries which require an immediate reply are to be addressed?

The Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Forces is himself responsible for organising the protection of the United Kingdom against hostile aircraft. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The Field Marshal has at his disposal the advice of the beat experts, not only in gunnery and aviation, but also in many other services of equal importance to aerial defence. It must be obvious that measures which are taken for the anti aircraft defence of the country are military operations of great importance, and, in common with other operations of a like nature, their efficiency depends-largely upon the amount of secrecy maintained

The right hon. Gentle man has not answered the last part of my question, as to whom inquiries requiring an immediate reply should be addressed?

I was not aware of the nature of the inquiries my hon. Friend had in view, but obviously such inquiries should be addressed to the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Forces.

Local authorities have difficulty in obtaining immediate advice, and where it is essential they should get it, to whom should they apply?

The nearest person, no doubt, would be the military authority in command of the district, who is, of course, under the command of the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the totals of German casualties, based on German official information and given by him from time to time in the House, are regarded by the War Office as reliable?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the supplementary answer I gave to the Noble Earl the Member for West Derbyshire on the 19th January. My military advisers do not consider it to be in the public interest that any statement should be made of their views as to the reliability or otherwise of the German casualty lists. My own views have been stated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is a wide discrepancy between the percentages of wastage per month calculated on these British figures. Cannot we have some calculation on the same basis so as not to mislead the public?

The hon. and gallant Member has in mind, I think, two different things. The 15 per cent. I mentioned was in relation to the British Army. These are the German casualties.

The discrepancy is very very large—by something between 4 per cent, and 15 per cent.

I am perfectly aware that the figures given as to the German casualties are derived from figures given to the world at large by the Germans.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether trained members of the Royal Naval Air Service Anti-Aircraft Corps have been removed from certain gun and light stations in or near London and their places taken by younger men and officers selected from the Army; if this has been done will he explain why the change has been made; and whether the men so displaced are kept on full pay without being given employment of any kind?

My right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty has asked me to answer this question. Both naval and military personnel have been employed for some time in the anti-aircraft defences of London. Necessarily they are employed where their services are most useful and convenient, and they are moved as may be necessary at the discretion of the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief the Home Forces. In one or two instances men have been withdrawn, but that has been because they were required at other stations, and where they have been with drawn they have been moved straight to these new stations. No men have been displaced and kept unemployed.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the impression in the ranks that these older men have been discharged to make room for younger men, and is there any truth in that?

I should not like to give an answer which might be misleading. It is conceivable that in the redistribution of work among the personnel some men might be found unfit for these new duties, but as a general rule there is no intention to displace or discharge them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make a statement with regard to the restrictions on fruit imports; and whether the same restrictions apply to what is known as Colonial fruit?

The extent of the proposed restriction on the importation of fruits has not been definitely decided upon. Fruits, however, from all parts of the Empire will in any case be exempted from the restriction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Board contemplate restricting the importation of cheap fruit, such as apples and oranges; is he aware that these figure largely as food in working-class districts; if he has considered the effect of stopping or re-stricting imports upon the organising of the fruit industry generally; and if he is aware that the proposed restriction may have the effect of hampering the distribution of the Home fruit later in the year?

No final decision has yet been come to with regard to the classes of fruit the importation of which will be restricted. I recognise that any restriction of imports is bound to work hardship on some classes of the community, and it is only with great reluctance that the Government have come to the conclusion that such restrictions are absolutely necessary if we are to secure adequate cargo space for necessary imports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of hundredweights of hops imported into Great Britain during the past twelve months; and whether, as a ton of foreign hops occupies 253 cubic feet of freightage measurement, he will consider the desirability of prohibiting the import of hops so that the freight space thus occupied may be used for other articles of commerce?

The importation of hops into the United Kingdom in the year 1915 amounted to a little over 10,000 tons. I understand that the space occupied by a ton of hops is approximately that stated by the hon. and gallant Member. The amount of cargo space which would be re leased by a prohibition of importation hardly appears to be sufficient by itself to justify that course, but I would not dismiss the proposal prematurely.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what proportion of the available tonnage is required for the transit of the materials imported for the purpose of the brewing trade?

The total weight of all materials used in brewing in the year ended 30th September, 1913 (the latest year for which particulars have been published), was approximately 1,000,000 tons. I have, however, no information as to how much of the materials was imported and how much was of home growth.

Is it proposed to restrict the importation of these materials?

We are considering restriction of a great many materials, but this is not one which we have yet decided to restrict.

asked the President of the Board of Tarde what proportion of sugar now being imported into this country is required for the purpose of the brewing trade?

In the last three months of 1915 the sugar imported amounted to 380,000 tons, and the quantity used in brewing to nearly 32,000 tons, or 8¼ per cent, of the quantity imported in those months.

Will it be possible for the brewing trade to import as much sugar as they require for the purpose of brewing?