asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the friendly feeling towards this country which has existed in America is being to some extent modified and changed by offensive cartoons and leading articles published in this country and widely republished in the United States, reflecting upon American diplomacy and the personalities of the American administration; whether he is aware that a number of unrestrained people in this country are partly succeeding where German propagandists completely failed; and whether steps are being taken to counteract this influence and to maintain cordial relations with the United States?

Unless articles, cartoons, and cinematograph pictures are in contravention of the law they cannot be prevented, but it is very desirable, especially at this time, that they should not be such as to give offence to countries whose relations with the Allies are friendly.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that a number of British ships have been requisitioned at British Admiralty rates to carry corn supplies and other commodities to Italy for the Italian Government, he will say how many German ships which sought refuge in Italian ports at the outbreak of war have not yet been seized by the Italian Government?

asked the names of the German steamers hitherto interned in Italian ports and now requisitioned by the Italian Government, the respective dates of the requisitioning, the employment on which they are engaged, and the date upon which the first steamer so requisitioned sailed upon a voyage from the Italian port in which she had been lying?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question, and I will deal at the same time with Question 93. The Board of Trade is informed that of the thirty-seven German steamers in Italian ports thirty-four are being used by the Italian Government, and three are for various reasons unusable. Nine out of the thirty-four are in the trade between Italy and the United Kingdom, and sixteen in trade between Italy, the United Kingdom and Canada. I have no information as to the dates of requisition or sailing.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer as to the date on which the first of these steamers was used?

I have answered that. I have no information as to the dates of requisition or sailing.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it was before or after the recent Debate in the House?

I have twice told the hon. Gentleman that I have no information.

Why cannot you find out?

Put it down again.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he can state shortly the form of moratorium now in force in France protecting men serving in the French Army against actions for rent and other civil liabilities?

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to give an adequate summary of the terms of the French decree within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question. I shall be happy, if the hon. Member so desires, to send him a copy of the decree itself for his information, and it can be placed in the Library of the House if desired.

Might it not be circulated to Members in view of the importance of the question?

There is very great pressure upon this Department. It is very undesirable to put on them work which is not absolutely necessary. They have an unusual amount of work which is very urgent. I think that if I place a copy in the Library of the House it is possible for everybody to see it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the married men who attested under Lord Derby's scheme will shortly be called up, he will consider the necessity of giving them a moratorium against rent and other necessary liabilities?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Government are carefully considering the matter, but it is not possible to make any announcement at present.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication as to when any announcement can be made seeing that this seriously affects large numbers of people?

I would rather not be pressed to make any announcement now. I can only repeat that the matter is engaging our most earnest attention, and I hope that an announcement can be made very shortly.

Are we to understand that the moratorium will apply to married men only and not to single men who are under the same conditions?

It is quite obvious that a question of detail of that kind cannot be answered now when I am dealing with the general question.

Is there a change of policy since the Prime Minister made his statement last week?

No.

He replied in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will extend the age for enlistment to forty-five years, seeing that enemy countries have already called up men of that age or even beyond?

Power is reserved to extend the age limit when and to the extent which may be necessary. This is, of course, a matter within the discretion of the Government and its military advisers. For the present it is not considered necessary to extend the age limit.

asked whether a recruit rejected as being unfit for military service and given a cross flag card, as issued by the Bristol Citizens' Recruiting Committee and medically signed, is excluded from the operation of the Military Service Act, 1916?

The essential point is not the form of the certificate but whether it is properly filled in and signed by the recruiting officer or other authorised person. I am not quite clear as to what my hon. Friend means by the words "medically signed."

asked whether a single man of military age who at any previous time may have belonged to the Territorial Force and was discharged or left the force on grounds of ill-health is excepted from the provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916?

Yes, Sir. Such a man is excepted by the provision in Schedule I., paragraph 5.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will state how many out of 12,000 men discharged on medical grounds from the Army up to the end of the year 1915 and awarded no pension were disabled through causes not attributed to misconduct; how many of them had been kept with the Colours for a period of at least four months before being found to be unfit for service; and whether any of them were cases of frost-bite?

To prepare these figures would throw a great deal of labour on a Department already seriously overstrained. With reference to the last part of the question, I know of no case of trench-foot where a pension has been refused.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the statement publicly issued by Major T. Lucas, J.P., chief recruiting officer for Monmouthshire and Glamorgan, that a man was free from liability to be called up if he possessed the blue certificate of unfitness but could without a doubt be brought up compulsorily if he only possessed the white certificate of unfitness; and, having regard to the provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916, whether any official statement has been issued to the recruiting officers informing them of the legal position?

No, Sir. My attention has not hitherto been called to Major Lucas's statement. The form of certificate is not material. What, however, is essential, is that the form must be properly filled in and signed by the recruiting officer or other authorised person. I think the recruiting officers are fully aware of this.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a single man of military age who has at some previous date been discharged from the Territorial Force on the completion of his period of service, or is now so discharged, is excepted from the provisions of the Military Service. Act, 1916?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether a general officer and a separate staff are still being employed for the training centres of Salisbury and Ripon; if not, what is the annual saving to public funds by their suppression; and who is performing the duties formerly entrusted to them?

Under the new arrangements for the command of the Home Forces it is intended to dispense with these separate training-centre commands, but the new arrangements are not yet sufficiently settled to enable me to give figures for the saving. The duties will fall to the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief of the commands in which the camps are situated.

asked why, when the Army is proposing to pay a bounty of £15 to any time-expired soldier who re-enlists for the duration of the War, the same bounty is not payable to those who have already voluntarily re-enlisted?

The bounty is not given to men re-enlisting, but is to induce men still in the Service not to take their discharge when time-expired.

Is there a distinction drawn in the matter?

Yes, there is a, great distinction.

asked what is the position under the Military Service Act, 1916, of men who have been medically examined and accepted for commmissions in the Royal Flying Corps but who are still on the waiting list?

Selected candidates for the Royal Flying Corps who have been assigned to a group will be put into a later group if their training as pilots cannot be commenced before their group is called up.

asked what is the length of the waiting list for commissions in the Royal Flying Corps; and whether the corps still wants trained pilots?

There are 835 officers and 521 civilians on the waiting list of the Royal Flying Corps. The establishment is not yet complete.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the employés of registered plumbers are starred; whether he is aware that many such are engaged on sanitary work rendered necessary by medical officers of health condemning insanitary arrangements contributing to the destruction of public health; whether in case of diphtheria and typhoid such work is urgent; and whether such considerations must be taken into account by tribunals when employers are asking for exemptions for employés.

The question of reserving plumbers from recruiting is under consideration, and the Reserved Occupations Committee are receiving a deputation from the Master Plumbers' Association to-morrow.

Will it be borne in mind that this work is considered urgent by municipal authorities, and will care be taken to see that the public health is put first?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many men who had strong objections to vaccination consented to undergo the operation rather than not be allowed to attest under the Derby scheme; and whether he can see his way to take steps to enable such men to have their attestation forms revised or to be informed that vaccination is now voluntary, in view of the recent decision of the War Office that men enlisted for the duration of the War can be accepted if otherwise eligible, even though they decline to be vaccinated, and thus place those who readily responded to the call in the same position as men who attested later on?

It is certainly expedient that all men should be vaccinated or revaccinated, and if a man has signed an undertaking to be vaccinated it is presumed that he will adhere to his undertaking. If, however, he has not signed such an undertaking, no pressure is to be brought to bear on him to undergo vaccination if he has conscientious objections thereto.

asked whether the appeal tribunals and the central appeal tribunal under the Military Service Act, 1916, have yet been set up; and, if not, when they will be?

Twenty-five appeal tribunals have already been appointed by His Majesty, and the remainder will, I hope, very shortly be constituted, together with the central tribunal.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House of the constitution and situation of these tribunals that are being set up?

They represent counties or parts of counties.

asked by what procedure men rejected as unfit for service since 14th August, 1915, who have been induced, owing to a misapprehension, to submit themselves to re-examination and have been accepted, can claim to be excepted from service in terms of the Military Service Act, 1916?

The point raised by my hon. Friend was dealt with by me on several occasions last week, and has also been the subject of an announcement in the Press. I may add that I have caused lists of individual complaints to be referred to General Officers Commanding the several commands accompanied by the following letter:—

"War Office,

London, S.W.,

1916.

Sir,—I am directed to forward the attached list giving names and particulars of men who state that they have been rejected for the Army since 14th August, 1915, and have been subjected to a second medical examination under a misapprehension.

I am therefore to request that each individual case may at once be inquired into, and if it is found that any of these men have been misled through action taken on behalf of the recruiting authorities, their attestations if they so desire must at once be cancelled, and their former rejection allowed to stand.

In cases where men are under the impression that their second medical examination was irregular, and subsequent inquiries prove that they are under a misapprehension, it should be explained to them by the recruiting officer that the second examination undertaken at their own request for the purpose of securing an armlet, disclosed their eligibility for certain classes of military service for which recruits had not previously been specially enlisted,

I am to add that where it is found that injustice has been done to any man which is due to the recruiting authorities, steps should at once be taken to remedy the individual injustice, and to prevent the recurrence of any such irregularities.

A report on the action taken in each individual case should be forwarded to this Office forthwith. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant,—Director of Recruiting."

On what date was that letter sent?

It was sent out on Sunday.

Will the question whether these men have been misled or not be decided by the officials who, they allege, misled them?

Oh, no! If my hon. Friend had listened to the letter which I have read out he would have seen that it is directed to the commandants. There is no idea of addressing it to recruiting officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the age limit for active service has been reduced from forty-five years of age to forty-three; and has a soldier who is above the age, who has served his twenty-one years in the Cavalry before 1914, when he rejoined, a right to claim to come home for Home defence?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men now being called up under the Derby scheme are not receiving the promised option of choosing Territorial regiments whereas others are now being drafted into Territorial units; and what action he proposes to take?

As my hon. Friend was informed on the 27th January, as far as possible the wishes of men who have voluntarily attested under the Group system to serve in particular branches of the Army are respected, but no absolute pledge can be given that all wishes can be complied with. It must depend on the requirements of the various branches, but my hon. Friend can rest assured that the Territorial Force shall receive its full share of recruits under the Group System.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that opposition to compulsory military service is being justified in the country on the ground that a Member of this House was asked to organise such opposition by a Member of the Cabinet as at present constituted, as both that Minister and his colleagues in the Cabinet (including the Prime Minister) were having a very difficult time, and that unless it was shown that people outside were not in favour of it compulsion was certain; and whether he is able to give a direct negative to the above statement both on behalf of himself and his colleagues in the Cabinet?

The Prime Minister has no knowledge of anything of the kind.

Does that amount in effect to saying that the statement is without foundation?

The Prime Minister knows nothing at all about the matter.

Do his colleagues?

Has the Prime Minister made any inquiries?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the wife of a man who has married since the 2nd November and who is now called up for service under the Military Service Act, 1916, will be entitled to receive separation allowance in the usual way?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary for Scotland how many teachers have attested since war broke out; what is now the ratio of male teachers to pupils as compared with 1913; and whether he proposes to put any limit to such enlistments?

The total number of teachers who since the outbreak of the War have been called to the Colours on mobilisation, have enlisted for immediate service, or have been attested under the Group system, is 2,275 out of a total of 3,736 of military age. The ratio of male teachers to pupils was 1 to 156 in 1913 and 1 to 201 in 1915, but owing to an increase in the number of female teachers, the average number of pupils per teacher has remained at the pre-war figure of 41. With regard to the last part of the question, an arrangement has already been arrived at with the War Office under which the educational requirements of each locality will be considered before teachers in the remaining Groups are called up for service.

asked the Minister of Munitions if his attention has been drawn to the action of Messrs. Richardson, Westgarth, and Company, of West Hartlepool, in giving the first intimation of their intention to dispense with the services of a starred workman named F. N. Myers, a single man of military age employed by them as an engineer's patternmaker, to the recruiting officer, Major Martin, of West Hartlepool, and not to the workman himself, thereby depriving the workman in question of the opportunity of accepting one of a number of offers of employment on munition work, at which work he could most usefully serve in the present crisis; whether he is aware that Messrs. Richardson and Westgarth induced their starred workmen to attest under the Derby Group system on the assurance that as starred workmen they would mot be likely to be called up for service; and whether he will take steps to give the workman mentioned in this question and other workmen who have been treated in the same manner by the same firm an opportunity of working on munitions elsewhere than at Messrs Richardson and Westgarth's?

I am informed that Myers' name was not, as suggested in the question, supplied to the recruiting officer by the firm. A summons to the Colours was addressed to him by the recruiting officer, and Myers applied for and received a release from his foreman. The firm state that they are not aware of any inducement having been held out to their employés to attest, or of any special assurances having been given to them. I have drawn their attention to the fact that they have no power to release a starred munition worker for military service without the consent of the Ministry of Munitions. I have also called the attention of the War Office to the irregular action of the recruiting officer in summoning a man starred for munition work to the Colours without reference to the Ministry of Munitions. If my hon. Friend will give me further details of other cases he has in mind I will consider whether any further action in regard to them is possible.

asked the Minister of Munitions if his Department is issuing new badges or certificates to workmen in controlled establishments to be valid as certificates of exemption under the Military Service Act, or will war badges previously held be valid as such certificates; and is it necessary for the holders of badges at the time the Act came into operation to get new badges or certificates or to apply to the local tribunals for exemption?

A certificate rightfully held with a war service badge on 1st March will be valid as a certificate of exemption under the Act, and new certificates are not being issued in such cases. It is not necessary for a man who holds such a certificate on that date to get a new badge or certificate, or to apply to a local tribunal for exemption. This, however, does not apply to the holder of a war munitions volunteer badge. I am sending my hon. Friend a memorandum issued by the Ministry on this subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether cases of exemption under the Military Service Act, 1916, are considered by the advisory committee or by the military representative only before they are referred to the tribunals; to what official of the advisory committee should applications for exemption be addressed; and through what channel will their decision be conveyed to the applicant?

Applications for exemption under the Military Service Act are to be sent in every case to the local tribunal and not to the advisory committee. The applications must be made on the official form which provides for the particulars to be entered in duplicate. The duplicate part of the application is forwarded by the local tribunal to the military representative and is considered by him in consultation with the advisory committee. The advisory committee and the military representative acting in consultation can decide that the claim is one which should not be opposed by the military authorities, but the actual decision in all cases rests with the local tribunal and not with the advisory committee, and the decision is communicated to the applicant by the local tribunal.

Has the advisory committee, then, no separate jurisdiction whatever?

The advisory committee gives valuable assistance to the military authorities, and between them they advise the local tribunal what is the military aspect of the question.

asked whether the Army Council instruction, dated 28th January, whereby students preparing for the Roman Catholic priesthood are on no account at any time to be accepted for service in the Army, will be extended to other theological students?

asked if students in Catholic theological colleges have been given exemption from the Military Service Act, 1916, as a class; and, if so, will this exemption be given to medical students who are training for a profession of the highest importance to the community?

Instructions are now-being prepared under which theological students of all religious denominations will be treated alike. As regards the latter part of Question No. 115, no alteration has been made in the decisions already announced in reference to medical students. The Regulations have been framed upon the same lines as those for theological students. If there be any distinction, perhaps the treatment of the medical student is the more generous.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received protests from various important labour bodies in Liverpool which were ignored altogether by the city council in the appointment of the local tribunal under the Military Service Act, 1916; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that organised labour in such an important district as Liverpool is given its rightful representation on the tribunals?

I have received representations from some labour bodies in Liverpool, and am in communication with the city council on the subject.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that some difficulty is being experienced by persons appearing on behalf of appellants before the tribunals under the Military Service Act, 1916; that a case of this kind occurred at Plymouth on Tuesday, the 22nd instant; and, in view of this, whether he will draw the attention of tribunals to Clause 18 of his circular, which provides for another person being eligible to appear on behalf of an appellant?

On present information I do not think it is necessary to take action in the direction suggested by my hon. Friend. I am making inquiries in the case to which he refers.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that he definitely promised that a representative should appear for men if it was thought desirable; in this case it was a trade union secretary that was refused?

I am making inquiries in the case. I am not unaware of the fact to which the hon. Member calls attention. Instructions were given to the tribunals, who ought to act upon them.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that in many cases hardship is being done by the refusal of the local tribunals to grant exemption from military service to the only son of a widowed mother; and whether, in view of the assurances given by the Prime Minister, by the Secretary of State for the Colonies and by himself during the passage of the Military Service Act, 1916, he will strengthen the instructions given to the local tribunals in this matter?

I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of correspondence which has passed between the central tribunal and myself on the subject. The correspondence has been communicated to the local tribunals.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will consider, in consultation with the Commander-in-Chief at the front, the possibility of allowing men who have survived a year in the firing line to be exchanged into their Home service battalion, seeing that at present a man has no chance of getting home unless he falls sick or is wounded?

While I recognise the desirability of providing rest for men who have gone through so much hardship and borne a heavy strain for a prolonged period, I fear the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion would withdraw from the Armies all the most experienced men and also officers, for such a rule could not apply only to men. To deprive the Army of so much valuable experience would not, I submit, conduce to the attainment of victory. I may add, however, that all such men as he mentions, other than those in prison or who have been for a long time sick, have been granted leave. The statement made in the last part of the question is calculated to cause misapprehension, and is not, I think, one to which extended publicity should be given.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the services of these men would not be equally valuable in helping to train new recruits at home?

We have adopted that policy where it is possible with men who have been wounded, and who are here, sent from the front, but I submit that to deprive the Army of so much real experience and fighting power as suggested, would not be desirable.

asked whether members of the Flying Corps stationed on a certain well-known racecourse have to sleep in the stable dormitories generally used by the stable boys, which in present circumstances are unhealthy and have produced illnesses arising from cold; if so, whether the War Office has received complaints of this; and what steps it has taken to remedy the conditions?

The quarters in question are in the Royal Hotel and consist of the dormitories used by jockeys or grooms in peace time. The rooms, which have been specially inspected, are considered quite healthy, and, except for a slight outbreak of measles, there has been no unusual illness. The only complaint received by the War Office has proceeded, not from the soldiers of the Royal Flying Corps affected, but from a lady residing in the neighbourhood. When this complaint was received the quarters were specially inspected, and the conclusion I have stated was reached.

asked the total casualties for the Serbian and Salonika Expedition to the latest date for which figures are available?

The military casualties in the Salonika Force up to 20th February were: Officers 37, other ranks 1,439.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he will say under what circumstances captains of Artillery who have been in charge of six-gun batteries for many months, and who have been doing the duty of majors in presiding at courts-martial, are retained in their existing rank and pay, whereas officers of the same period at Woolwich who have retired and rejoined are promoted to the ranks of major and colonel in priority; and why battery commanders, who are captains, are not allowed to occupy the post of staff captains, an increase of pay of £200 per annum over their present pay?

The command of a six-gun battery is normally held by a major and that of a four-gun battery by a major or captain. A large increase of Regular majors was made in order to provide sufficient majors for six-gun batteries and for a reasonable proportion of four-gun batteries, but it is not always possible to have a major in every six-gun battery without disturbing the personnel of other batteries in a way which would not conduce to the efficiency of the Artillery as a whole. The temporary rank of major has only been given where this rank has been considered necessary for efficiency and disciplinary purposes. Certain officers have been given the rank of lieutenant-colonel to command divisional ammunition columns where special qualifications of organisation are more necessary than gunnery experience and because Regular Artillery lieutenant-colonels cannot be spared for this duty. As regards the last part of the question, I fear that possible financial benefit to individuals must be regarded as secondary to the general efficiency of the batteries.

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman of his statement, in November last, that it would be true to say that captains ought to be promoted to be majors within a reasonable time, and that five months have elapsed since he gave that answer and not one of these captains has been promoted to be major?

I will have that looked into. I was not aware of the fact.

asked whether there is now not a single cadet company for the training of officers in Ireland; if so, who is responsible for this state of affairs; and what opportunity at present exists for training young Irish men anxious to serve as officers during the period of the War?

Facilities exist for preliminary training in Ireland in the various contingents of the Officers' Training Corps. It is the case that there is no cadet unit for training candidates for commissions in Ireland.

asked the Under-Secretary whether he was aware that young Irishmen were induced to join the Cadet Company of the 7th Battalion Leinster Regiment, recently known as the Cadet Company of the 5th (Reserve) Leinsters, for training as officers, and that during the last few days this Cadet Company has been disbanded and the young men in question were told by their commanding officer that they must become ordinary privates in the Leinster or other regiments; whether information has reached him that such a breach of faith on the part of the War Dffice will prove detrimental to recruiting in Ireland; and whether he will state the name of the officer responsible for the disbandment of the cadet company?

I understand that the members of the Cadet Company of the 7th Battalion Leinster Regiment have always been enlisted as ordinary privates and without any guarantee of commissions being given. The battalion has now proceeded abroad and those left behind have been given the option of serving with the 10th Commercial Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers or the Farmers' Platoon, 5th Leinster Regiment, and with other companies of the 5th Leinsters. The status of those who were in the Cadet Company has not been altered; they are still eligible to be granted commissions if recommended as being suitable after passing through the necessary course of training. I do not think there is anything in what has occurred which should, if rightly understood, prove detrimental to recruiting in Ireland.

asked whether numbers of soldiers who are being employed on the lines of communication in manual labour could be replaced by native labour, and thus increase the number of our combatant soldiers?

I think the disadvantages of using non-Europeans on the lines of communication are considerable, and that this course is unnecessary. Men employed in manual labour on the lines of communication are found in existing circumstances from men unfit for combatant service, and it will shortly be possible, I hope, to employ conscientious objectors in setting free any men fit for combatant service who may at present be employed on non-combatant duties.

asked if an order has been recently issued to officers employed at the War Office to appear in breeches, gaiters, and spurs; and, if so, who is responsible for the order; and is it regarded as being conducive to more efficient clerical office work?

No, Sir; no such order has been issued. As regards the last part of the question, I should not like to advance a categorical opinion as to what form of military dress is the more conducive to efficient clerical office work. My observation tells me that the present rules allow considerable and sufficient latitude.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make further inquiry, as if so he will find that there is foundation for my question?

No; I have gone into this matter already. If my hon. Friend is not satisfied that my inquiries have elicited a proper answer, I will certainly engage to inquire again.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the allowance to the widowed mother of No. 6,339, Sergeant P. Lawson, 1st battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, reported killed on the 12th March, 1914, was stopped on the 26th April, and consequently she now finds herself without adequate means of support; and whether he will cause an immediate inquiry to be made into this case, with a view to a pension being granted without further delay?

A pension of 5s. a week has been approved in this case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any men of the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) or other regiments have been asked to work in the British Aluminium Works at Kinlochleven; if so, will he state the wages paid, and whether any of the men have refused to work there because all they have been offered is 1d. per hour in addition to their military pay?

Soldiers detailed under military orders receive in addition to their pay the appropriate emolument laid down in Regulations. I am not aware of any men refusing to do the work to which they have been detailed.

asked whether, in view of the danger and difficulty experienced by aeroplane pilots at night in finding the flares at present used at aerodromes, a recognisable form of searchlight could be provided for aerodromes as well as the flares, so as to relieve pilots of the danger of being unable to find the only places where a landing can be made in safety at night?

In dealing with this matter the authorities responsible have, of course, been guided by the reports received from those directly concerned, i.e., the pilots. These indicate a preference for open flares over searchlights or any other form of lighting apparatus. The hon. and gallant Member will agree with me that the views of the pilots in this matter are more important than those of other persons who do not leave the ground. I may, however, inform him that continual experiments are being made to ascertain the best method of lighting aeroplane landing grounds at night.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the usual practice to grant a few days' leave to soldiers going on active service before they start for the front; whether he is aware that in some cases recently this leave has not been given, owing to the fact that the orders were received too late to allow the necessary time; and whether he can see his way to take any action in the matter?

I would refer my lion. Friend to the answer given to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Black-friars Division of Glasgow on the 27th January.

asked whether he can give the total number of men discharged to date on account of blindness, and their nationalities?

The total number of non commissioned officers and men discharged from the Army for blindness is 156, of whom 122 are English, 16 Irish, 15 Scotch, and 3 Welsh. There are also 9 British officers who have lost their sight at the front, of whom 6 are English, 2 Irish, and I Welsh. I am indebted for these figures to Mr. C. Arthur Pearson, the chairman of the Blinded Soldiers' and Sailors' Care Committee, who, as the House I am sure appreciates, has done admirable work on behalf of the blinded soldiers and sailors.

These are cases of total blindness and not of one eye only?

Yes.

asked whether there are 117 generals now in Egypt?

If there were a large force of troops in Egypt, on which point it would not be proper for me to make any announcement, it is quite conceivable that the presence of 117 generals might be necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has been able to obtain a report on the cold-light system which has recently been used with success in France for the detection of hostile aircraft and on the form of shell with which a Zeppelin airship was destroyed during the last few days?

I have no information that the so-called "cold-light system" has been used with success in France for the detection of hostile aircraft, though the possibilities of this so-called cold light have, of course, been carefully considered. The details of designs and forms of shell and other munitions are not suitable for discussion in public, but I may inform the hon. and gallant Member that the English and French military authorities are in close touch and constant communication on these points, so that the experience of either nation may be available for the other.

asked what is the total amount paid to Messrs. Perfect and Company for superintending the receipt and dispatch of Army frozen meat, and inspecting same, from the commencement of the War to 31st December, 1915?

The total amount paid to Messrs. Perfect and Company for all services rendered to the 30th December last is in round figures £28,000.

asked the number of wounded soldiers in military and civil hospitals, respectively, in London on the 12th February, 1916; and also the number of vacant beds in the military hospitals on the same date?

On the date mentioned there were in military hospitals in London 2,437 wounded soldiers, in auxiliary hospitals 1,267, and in civil hospitals 578. In the military hospitals on the same date there were 5,346 vacant beds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what reduction has been made in the number of civilian medical officers in the Territorial base hospitals in England; whether any reduction has been made in medical officers in the base hospitals in France; and, if so, to what extent?

Civilian medical officers are employed to a very small extent in Territorial Force general hospitals. These institutions are staffed by officers of the Territorial Force. The number of Territorial Force officers mobilised varies with the number of patients in the wards. The number of medical officers in the base hospitals in France cannot be reduced. The military authorities consider that the number now so employed has reached an irreducible minimum.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a certain number of medical officers are attached to each division at the front whose services are limited exclusively to that division, or whether, when a single division is engaged in a struggle of such protracted length that its medical officers and staff are exhausted, medical officers from a neighbouring division which has not been engaged can be drafted over into the exhausted division for its relief and the saving of the wounded?

What my hon. Friend suggests not only can be done but is done. It is the duty of the higher military authorities to distribute the medical officers under their command so as to meet the various exigencies which may arise. The water-tight compartment arrangement is obviously undesirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only recently it happened that some medical officers were employed for fifty-two hours at a stretch, while the medical officers of another division were completely unemployed?

Obviously I can have no knowledge of that fact. If the dates and places are brought to my notice, I shall have inquiry made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that when a Cavalry corps reached the trenches there was only one medical officer to attend to all casualties?

That is a contingency that might happen.

And were not a number of lives lost owing to this shortage?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will give the names of those whom he has described as unofficial members of the Advisory Board for Army Medical Services; whether Sir A. Bowlby and Sir J. Rose Bradford sit on that board as civilian representatives while they are at the same time holding military posts; and, if so, by whom are civilian interests represented on that advisory board?

The unofficial members are Professor Kenwood, Sir John Rose Bradford, Professor Leonard Hill, Sir Anthony Bowlby, and Sir Charles Cameron. Sir Anthony Bowlby and Sir John Rose Bradford represent surgical and medical knowledge respectively. They were not put on the board as representative of what my hon. Friend calls civilian interests. The board is an Advisory Board for Army Medical Services.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Medical Department has under consideration any scheme of so arranging hospitals and hospital work at the front; and whether by the provision of movable hospitals, or by a closely connected series of hospitals within a short distance of the firing line, that operations on the severely wounded might be undertaken with the least possible delay?

I do not quite understand the first paragraph of my hon. Friend's question. As regards the hospitals referred to in the second paragraph I may say that use has been made of this description of hospital for many months.

Is it not the fact that wherever it has been possible to operate quickly, by using the movable hospitals, the mortality has been reduced by an enormous extent?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that over large areas in the North of England the sale of petrol to the public ceased on or about 8th February and has not since been resumed; that petrol required by officers of His Majesty's Forces in the prosecution of their military duties can only be obtained on presentation of a certificate granted by the military authorities and only at specified depots; that these depots are often at such a distance as to render such certificates of no use; and, under these circumstances, will he make representations to the companies possessing a practical monopoly of the supply of petrol with a view to securing a more equable distribution of such stocks as are available for public consumption?

The question of the supply and distribution of petrol has been engaging the attention of the Ministry of Munitions and the Board of Trade. Arrangements are being made to ensure an improvement in the supply and distribution of petrol for military purposes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is intended to raise the price of petrol by the intervention of the State, as in the case of coal, for industrial purposes?

I am not in a position to answer.

May I ask whether the use of petrol by the public has been shut down, and whether that also applies to the petrol used by Ministers?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the House any further information on the question of granting further recognition to the Volunteer Corps associated to the Central Association of Volunteer Training Corps?

asked whether the Prime Minister is now in a position to state the decision of the Government on the question of giving recognition to the Volunteer Training Corps?

The Government have decided to deal with the National Volunteers in Great Britain by putting into force the Act of 1863, under which they will be properly constituted and recognised as a military force solely for Home defence; will receive military rank and status; and be placed in exactly the same position in which the old Volunteer force was at that time and subsequently. They will be under the supervision of the Lords Lieutenant of counties, who will make such provision for their maintenance as may seem necessary and desirable.

Will steps be taken immediately to carry this into effect?

Yes; I understand that is being done.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can see his way to arrange that a medal, badge, ribbon, or armlet be issued to all the men from the front who, owing to loss of limb, severe wounds, or illness, have been discharged from the Army as medically unfit and no longer allowed to wear the King's uniform or, if not, whether those men who have sacrificed so much for their country will be allowed, if they wish, to wear the King's uniform for the duration of the War?

All men who have been discharged from the Army since the beginning of the War on medical grounds are entitled to receive a khaki armlet if they apply to the Officer in Charge of Records concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether the advisory committee appointed by the Government to investigate the cases of British subjects imprisoned by the Home Secretary, without trial or any charge being made against them, have any power to insist on release if they consider innocence is established?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The committee have no occasion to insist on the release of the interned persons to whom reference is made. Their recommendations have invariably been acted upon.

Are we to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that, without any curb, he can imprison British subjects without any charge and for any length of time?

That does not arise out of the question, but the circumstances are not such as the hon. Member suggests.

May I ask what course there is for these prisoners?

The question is irrelevant.

asked the Prime Minister whether the advisory committee which deals with the cases of British subjects imprisoned by administrative order of the Home Secretary was appointed by the Government and can be dismissed by the Government?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply. The Committee was appointed by the Government, and could no doubt be dissolved by them, but the Defence of the Realm Regulation which deals with this matter provides that any representations which may be made by a person affected shall be duly considered by an Advisory Committee which shall be presided over by a person who holds or who has held high judicial office. If there were no such Committee there could therefore be no internment orders. I would add that there is no question of dissolving a Committee which has carried out its difficult work with such scrupulous regard both to the safety of the country and the rights of individuals.

Is this Committee any curb on the right hon. Gentleman?

I hope I do not require any curb. Cases are referred to them for advice, and in all the cases referred to them their advice is always acted upon.

Why should there not be an application to the judge in public?

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Prime Minister whether a separate medal will be issued to those who took part in the Gallipoli operations; and whether, having in view the stimulating effect of such honours and the length of the War, he will consider the conferring of medals now for Gallipoli and such other operations as are concluded?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for East Wilts on the 21st February.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to depriving Members of this House who have volunteered and been accepted for active service of their pay or salary, it is intended, in view of the fact that the sittings of the House are now often limited to three days each week, to deduct from the salaries of civilian Members one-third of their salaries, invest the same in the national War Loan, and hand over the scrip representing such investment to Members entitled to it who may be still alive and Members of the House at the termination of hostilities?

I think it would be better to leave such matters as these to the individual choice of Members of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether Cabinet Ministers have decided to take one-fourth of their salaries in Exchequer Bonds; and whether he will recommend all other members of the Government to take a similar course?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the matter has been left to the individual choice of the member of the Government concerned. I am given to understand that they have all agreed to act in the same way as the members of the Cabinet.

Is it considered desirable that ordinary Members of the House of Commons should follow the same example and agree to accept one-fourth of their salaries in Exchequer Bonds?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Exchequer Bonds can be sold next day?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view, of the fact that the Navy is the senior fighting Service, will he say why His Majesty's Government have not appointed a single naval officer to represent the Navy on the War Council?

The, Navy is represented on the War Committee by the First Lord of the Admiralty, who has at every meeting been accompanied by one or more naval officers, including invariably either the First Sea Lord or the Chief of the War Staff.

asked the Prime Minister if, before the Treaty with the Allies was concluded agreeing not to make a separate peace, our Government ascertained from all of the Allies what their objects were in the War; and what they expected in the way of guarantees, territorial concessions, and trade and economic opportunities?

It would not be desirable at present to publish information as to the communications that may have passed between the Allies at the time when they mutually bound themselves not to conclude a separate peace with the common enemy.

Is it not the fact that a secret Treaty—now divulged from outside sources—was concluded with Italy, and, as the price of Italy's intervention in the War, offering to give Italy large tracts of Austrian territory?

"Order, order."

If it is really a secret Treaty, it would be no longer secret if the hon. Member's question were answered.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the account which, under the title of "Canada in Flanders," has been published of the doings of the Canadian Expeditionary Force; whether he is aware of the anxiety in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to be furnished with similar accounts of the actions in which their troops have been engaged; and whether the War Office will sanction arrangements with that object?

I have seen the volume in question, the value of which I fully recognise. The compilation of similar volumes for England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, treating separately of the exploits of the soldiers of those four kingdoms, respectively, raises different considerations. As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated on the 24th February, a new series of descriptive accounts written up from official records is about to appear, but these will not deal with events on a national or, as has also been suggested, on a county basis. The time has not yet come for this, which, I think, is better left to private enterprise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say in the case of a company whose financial year ends on 31st December, but which notwithstanding makes out a half-yearly balance sheet on 30th June not signed by the auditors of the company, whether, for the purpose of the Excess Profits Tax, the accounts will be taken on the basis of two half-years ending 30th June instead of for the financial years of the company ending 31st December: whether he is aware that many companies have taken their financial year for Income Tax purposes as the basis for this tax and made their declaration under the Act accordingly; whether instructions have now been issued that this basis is not to be followed, but that where a company has made out half-yearly accounts for the purposes of the directors not signed by the auditors nor issued to the shareholders the two half-yearly accounts are still to be taken instead of the company's financial year; and will he say whether this will necessitate the reopening of the Income Tax assessments for three years, which in the case of collieries extend over five years, or whether assessments made for the purposes of Income Tax are not to be taken into account as a determining factor?