asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is now the desire of his Department that where any doubt exists as to the fact that a man has presented himself for enlistment since 14th August, and has been rejected as medically unfit, the matter has to be tried in the Civil Courts?

The War Office does not desire unnecessarily to bring any man before the magistrates in connection with the Military Service Act. Where a man refuses to acknowledge his liability to military service, and where there is no reasonable evidence to show that he is either excepted or exempted from the provisions of that Act, the matter must, of course, be referred for trial by the Civil Courts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what redress he proposes to give to those men who had presented themselves for enlistment after 14th August last, had been rejected as medically unfit, but who had presented themselves again either by being ordered so to do or voluntarily in order to procure armlets and were, in point of fact, enlisted; and are these men to be discovered and discharged?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement I made on this point on the 29th February, in answer to my hon. Friend the Member for North-West Lanarkshire. From this it should be apparent that men who have been rejected since 14th August, 1915, and who have been ordered to attest will have their attestation cancelled. Men who attested in order to secure an armlet will be considered to be part of the Army Reserve, and reliance will be placed upon their patriotism to give to the State in its time of need such service as they are capable of rendering.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view that numbers of married men attested under Lord Derby's scheme on the faith of his undertaking that single men would first be taken for service, he is aware many single men to escape military service have joined essential trades; and whether, seeing that many attested married men could equally well do the work in essential trades now being done by those single men, he will allow the attested married men to now join essential trades, setting at liberty the single men for military service.

No doubt it is true that a large number of single men have joined certified occupations. This matter is receiving the careful attention of the Government, but at present I cannot add to the statement I made in the House on the 29th February.

asked how many men have attested under the Derby scheme since 11th December, distinguishing between single and married?

I am afraid I am unable in the public interest to give the information asked for by my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state by what authority Private No. 25737, 6th Company, 14th Battalion Worcester Regiment, is being refused discharge on the application of his mother, seeing that he was only seventeen years of age on 17th August last; and, if there is any authority for refusing his discharge, will the War Office give an undertaking that he will not be sent on active service abroad until he is the age at which conscripts under the Military Service Act will be sent abroad?

I have no information about this particular case. I explained the principles on which these cases were dealt with in an answer I gave to the hon. Gentleman on the 2nd November, 1915.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a farmer who was starred under the National Registration Act and is now included in the list of certified occupations can toe prevented by the local recruiting officer from claiming exemption from military service or whether he is entitled as of right, as publicly announced by the Board of Agriculture on the 4th February, to obtain from the local tribunal a certificate of personal exemption in spite of the objection of the recruiting officer unless such objection has been made good before the local tribunal; and whether a farmer so treated will have any opportunity of obtaining exemption after the 2nd instant?

A farmer as such was not "starred," but under certain conditions he is in a certified occupation. If his application is duly made for a certificate of exemption, the recruiting officer cannot prevent it from being considered and adjudicated upon. A man to whom the Military Service Act applies must have made his application before the 2nd March, unless he satisfies the local tribunal that there was reasonable ground for the application being made after that date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many men of the 1st Scottish Provisional Battalion, stationed at Balnagask, Scotland, have been wounded or sick and are incapable of undertaking active military duty in future; whether the commanding officer has received from munitions firms applications for the release of a number of such men; and if the Army Council will direct the commanding officers, on the ground of national economy, to release men for munitions work whose health and condition precludes them from being of any real service in the Army?

I have not the detailed information asked for in the first part of the question. As regards the release of men for work in munition firms, the proper course is, as the Ministry of Munitions have clearly made known in the Press, for the firms to apply, in the first instance, for the release of soldiers to the Ministry of Munitions. Soldiers are only released by the War Office to return to civil employment on munition work at the request of the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state how many members of the Royal Naval Air Service Anti-Aircraft Corps have been taken from their duties and are now unemployed in that department; and when it is intended to employ them on other duties and of what kind?

The War Office have employed the whole of the naval personnel. They work under their own officers, and if any individuals are temporarily unemployed this has been done under the orders of the naval officer in charge.

asked whether the men employed by the War Office in place of those who for many months have been trained to work the anti-aircraft guns for the defence of London are specially qualified by training, or have been selected for proficiency in high-angle firing?

The military personnel added to the anti-aircraft defences are not in place of, but in addition to the former naval personnel. Some redistribution has taken place, the naval personnel having been replaced at certain points by soldiers and transferred to other points, as I informed the House in an answer I gave to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 17th February. The military personnel, referred to in the latter part of the question, are specially qualified by training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there is any objection now to giving the names of the two battalions of the 11th Division mentioned in General Sir Ian Hamilton's dispatch of 11th December, 1915 ("Times," 7th January, 1916, page 21, column 2), as not specified by the corps commander, but as having at a moment when things were looking dangerous in the attack on Anafarta Ridge, on 10th August, 1915, rendered very good service on the left of the Territorials; and whether these two battalions were, in fact, the 6th York and Lancaster Regiment and the 8th West Riding?

The two battalions were, in fact, the 6th (Service) Battalion, York and Lancaster Regiment, and the 8th (Service) Battalion, West Riding Regiment.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the names of the members forming the Board of Control for the management of canteens; whether any of the members have served in the Army in the rank of commanding officer; what are the duties of the board, by whom they are appointed, to whom they are responsible, and by whose authority they issue Orders; and whether any of the members of the Board of Control are in any way connected with the management of any of the firms holding contracts for the supply of canteens?

A list of members of the Board is attached. A majority of the military members have served in the rank of commanding officer. The duties of the Board are to control the conduct of regimental institutes at home, the inspection of institutes and the fixing of prices. The Board was appointed by the Army Council in accordance with the recommendations of Lord Rotherham's Committee (Cd.7677–1914). The Board is responsible to the Council and issues Orders with the Council's authority. No members of the Board are in any way connected with the management of any of the firms holding contracts for the conduct of regimental institutes. A resolution passed at the third meeting (17th March, 1915), expressly prevents any member from having a direct interest in any firm or company holding a contract under the Board.

Board of Control of Regimental Institutes.

Members:

Sir C. N. Nicholson, Bart., M.P. Sir R. Burbidge, Bart. Colonel B. E. W. Childs. A. Hinton, Esq. W. E. Home, Esq., M.P. Sir W. H. Lever, Bart. Major-General S. S. Long, C.B. Lieut.-Col. G. A. Malcolm. L. D. Nicholson, Esq. W. P. Perry, Esq., C.B. G E. Sendell, Esq. Colonel J. Stollery, V.D. A. Whitehead, Esq. The Right Hon. J. W. Wilson, M.P.

Representatives of Commands: Aldershot Command. Eastern Command. Irish Command. London District. Northern Command. Scottish Command. Southern Command. Western Command.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many warrant officers temporarily enlisted for the duration of the War joined the Army Service Corps under the understanding that if their service was satisfactory they would be competent to receive commissions, and that they have since been informed that no commissions can be granted to specially enlisted temporary warrant officers in the Army Service Corps; whether he is aware that this decision has caused dissatisfaction and is not approved by commanding officers in the Army Service Corps; and whether he can hold out hopes that this regulation may be relaxed?

I am informed that all these warrant officers were told verbally, in the first instance, and afterwards in writing, that if they accepted the appointment of warrant officer they would not be eligible for further promotion, and that there was no such understanding as is mentioned in the question. I cannot hold out any hopes that further promotion in the Army Service Corps will be given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will give instructions that an official communication may be sent to the father of Private H. W. Bradley, No. 12736, B Company, 4th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, stating that the latter was reported as missing on 11th November, 1914, and that all inquiries to trace him have failed, so that the amount of insurance money due under a policy in the Salvation Army Assurance Society, Limited, may be paid to his executors?

It has been necessary to make reference to the Base in reference to this case, but it is hoped to issue a certificate very shortly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will consider the possibility of arranging that during the period of the War officers of the Territorial Force who have served in the field and, owing to wounds or sickness, are transferred to the Territorial Force Reserve shall, until reappointed to duty, be entitled to half-pay of the rank held during such transference?

I think there may be some misapprehension. Officers wounded or whose sickness is due to military duty should not be transferred to the Territorial Force Reserve or left without some pay, half pay or pension. If the hon. Member has a particular case in mind, perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a communication was received at the War Office, dated 25th January, on behalf of Private Alfred Hart, No. 313, 5th Middlesex Regiment, who enlisted on 26th August, 1914, at Pound Lane Barracks, Willesden, went to the front, and was wounded and subsequently died of consumption; whether he is aware that no allowance has been made to his wife since 31st December; and whether the wife is entitled to twenty-six weeks' separation allowance from the date of the man's death?

Private Hart was discharged from the Army medically unfit on the 31st December, 1915, and the issue of separation allowance thereupon correctly ceased. There appears to be no record of this soldier having been wounded or of his serving at the front. He died on the 17th February last while his case was being investigated by the Chelsea Board. His widow is not entitled to any further issue of separation allowance, but her case for a widow's pension is now being considered.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in determining pensions to dependants, account is taken of the potential help which the deceased soldier would have brought to his parents and others, or only the actual help they were giving at the moment of enlistment?

The pensions payable to dependants from Army funds are based upon the state of affairs for a reasonable period before enlistment. It is open to the Statutory Committee to take potentialities into account, if it should see fit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in many districts soldiers' wives requiring treatment are compelled to go to an infirmary or a sanatorium by reason of hospital accommodation not being available, and thereby lose their separation allowances and are treated as paupers; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the advisability of allowing soldiers' wives entering an infirmary or sanatorium to retain their separation allowances, a reasonable amount out of such allowances being paid to the guardians or other authority?

When a soldier's wife leaves her home under the conditions named, the allowances payable to the children are raised to the motherless rate, but if the institution is supported out of the rates, no payment in relief of rates is made unless the soldier was himself making one. In that case it is continued, within the amount available. If the institution is not supported out of the rates, there is no bar to payment. The soldier's allotment is paid to the wife while in a rate-supported institution, for her personal use. These arrangements appear to me to meet the situation adequately.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will state the amount of the original allowance to the dependants of Private John Wall, No. 6396, No. 4 Company, 2nd Battalion Irish Guards, Expeditionary Force, France, upon the strength of which he offered himself for service; the amount which they now receive; and the cause of the reduction?

I cannot find that any reduction has been made in this allowance, which has stood at 8s. 3d. a week throughout.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he can state the number of persons, men and women, employed in munitions work in Dublin; whether he can give the lowest wages paid to men and women, respectively; and whether he can approximately calculate the amount of wages paid weekly in Dublin as compared with the sum expended in Leeds every week for many past months?

I am afraid it will be very difficult to furnish information on most of the points mentioned in this question, but I am making inquiries and will communicate with my hon. Friend in due course.

asked the Minister of Munitions if any steps, and, if so, what steps, have been taken to render innocuous the effluent from the munition works at Gretna discharged into the River Eden?

No steps of the nature described in this question have been thought necessary, as it is considered that the effluent will have no deleterious effect on fish life.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether evidence exists to the effect that cocaine was smuggled to India in Austrian steamers before the outbreak of war; and whether cocaine dens have, since the suppression of opium, been established in most of the big Indian cities?

Cocaine has in the past been smuggled into India by Austrian and German and also by other steamship lines. The habit, in a more or less furtive form, exists in Indian seaport towns and in a less degree in the largest inland cities; but, so far as my information goes, it is unconnected with the opium habit or with measures taken to suppress the latter.

also asked whether any and, if so, what measures have been taken by the Governor-General in Council to improve the conditions of volunteering in India?

I am in telegraphic communication with the Government of India on the question, and will inform my hon. Friend on receipt of their reply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a resolution from the Dublin Chamber of Commerce that an Irish representative of the tobacco importers and manufacturers be included on the Licensing Committee recently appointed; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting this request?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to, but I think it is important that the Licensing Committee should be as small as possible, and I do not propose to enlarge it.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will cause copies of all instructions issued from time to time by him to the tribunals under the Military Service Act, 1916, to be placed in the Library or otherwise made accessible to Members?

I have arranged that copies of all important circulars or instructions to tribunals are circulated to hon. Members.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether exhibitors at the forthcoming London Fair and Market may take as their guide, as to the articles that the Government will permit them to exhibit thereat, the exhibits shown at the British Industries Fair, 1916?

All exhibitors at the London Fair and Market have been required, under the recent Defence of the Realm Regulations relating to exhibitions to make application to the Board of Trade for permission to show their goods, and in considering these applications exactly the same rules are applied as in the case of the British Industries Fair this year.

asked whether it is the intention of the Government to issue in book form a list of alien enemy firms now operating in Great Britain?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question is in the negative. I may, however, remind him that the Orders now being made for the winding up of the business of such firms are notified in the "Gazette," and that lists of such Orders will be presented to Parliament from time to time.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that during the last three weeks there have been about 300 men turned away at the Tilbury Docks after the calls have been made because there has been no work for them, and at the Albert and Victoria Docks an average of 350 men are turned away from time to time in consequence of having no work to do; and if he intends taking any action in the matter with a view to having work found for these men from time to time in some of the docks where there is a congestion of ships?

I am informed by the Port of London Authority that there has been practically no diminution in the number of labourers employed directly by them at the docks in question, though the number of casual men attending there has been in excess of requirements owing to a temporary falling off in the number and tonnage of vessels arriving during the last three weeks. I understand that steps are being taken with a view to facilitating the interchange of labour between different sections of the docks.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Abbeyleix Poor Law guardians, who were compelled by the Local Government Board for Ireland to prosecute parents who had not their children vaccinated, unanimously disapproved of the Vaccination Acts in their present form, and called for the extension of the conscientious objector's clause to Ireland; if he has received a copy of this resolution and of similar resolutions passed by Irish public boards; and what action he intends to take?

I have received the resolutions of the Abbeyleix Poor Law Guardians, and of some other bodies, on the subject of the enforcement of the Vaccination Acts. As I have already informed the hon. Member, I do not think that there is at present any general demand for legislation on this subject in Ireland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when the holdings on the Crookenden and Casey estate, county Cavan, were vested in the tenants; and is there any portion of this estate outstanding?

I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that two holdings were vested on the 13th July last in the purchasing tenants. The vesting of the other holdings is being proceeded with, but in some cases cannot be completed until the improvements which are being effected on this property have been completed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether proceedings were recently taken in county Cavan against fishery poachers; were these proceedings successful; what is the name of the waters where this poaching occurred; and will he state what, if any, punishment was inflicted?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The waters referred to in the third part were those of Lough Oughter. For illegal fishing one offender was fined £5 and the other £1, and each was further fined £3 for assaulting the police on the occasion.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of vacancies at present existing in the second section of the first grade for men teachers, and if he will state the probable date at which these vacancies will be filled; if he will state the number of teachers that were specially promoted to the second section of the first grade during the past year, and the number that are likely to be specially promoted during the current year?

The number of vacancies existing in the second section of the first grade for men teachers was eighty-five on the 31st December, 1915, which is the last date for which returns are available. These vacancies, as well as any that may occur in the meantime, will be filled up after the 1st April, 1916, if a sufficient number of teachers fulfil the requirements necessary for advancement. The number of men teachers specially promoted to the second section of the first grade since the 1st April, 1915, is twenty-five. No estimate can at present be given as to the number likely to be specially promoted in the current year, as special promotion is only awarded under exceptional circumstances to teachers of high attainments.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what is the estimated total income of his Department for the year 1915–16 and 1916–17?

The estimated total income of the Department for 1915-16 (including Parliamentary Votes, Science and Art Grants to schools and classes, assessments and fines in connection with general cattle disease fund, income from endowments fund—including interest on security loans, etc.)—is, approximately, £542,000. For the year 1916-17 the corresponding figure will be, approximately, £534,000.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any information regarding the assassination of Mr. Harding, district judge of Trichinopoli?

I regret to say that Mr. Harding, an Indian civilian, of nearly thirty years' service, was stabbed to death by an Indian on the 22nd February. The assassin was arrested, but the telegraphic report which I have received stated that the motive of the murder was not yet known. I am expecting further information.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the number of robberies from vans which have taken place in London during the time the streets have been darkened, he will issue instructions to ensure special efforts being taken to convict and suitably punish the perpetrators?

I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that there has been no abnormal increase in the number of robberies from vans in London. Most robberies of this sort have resulted from the leaving of vans with valuable loads unattended, and, occasionally, from the employment of undesirable carmen. Due attention is given to the matter by the police, who have not been unsuccessful in detecting the offenders; and I do not think any special instructions are necessary.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the total number of resolutions or petitions that have been received by the Local Government Board in favour of the consolidation and amendment of the Poor Law Statutes since the answer of the right hon. Member for Battersea in 1907, and the total from December, 1903, to the present time?

No further resolutions of this series appear to have been received since the date of the answer referred to, and the total number received remains as then stated; but after the publication of the Report of the Poor Law Commission a variety of resolutions were received, suggesting action on their recommendations.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the telegraphic cable connecting the Aran Isles with the mainland of Galway, and essential to the proper carrying on of the fishing industry there, is under the control of the Post Office; and, if so, why he allows it to be kept inoperative this season as a means of forcing the young fishermen thus impeded in their work to enlist?

The cable between Galway and the Aran Islands is maintained by the Post Office. It ceased to work on the 31st January. The Post Office cable ships have many repairs on hand, and the weather conditions have been very unfavourable for such work during February, but this cable will be repaired as soon as circumstances will allow. There is no foundation for the suggestion in the last paragraph.