asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will take power to fix a price for petrol, as has been done in the case of solid fuel?

The whole question of the supplies of petrol is engaging the earnest attention of the Ministry of Munitions in conjunction with the other Departments concerned, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any extensive amount of English paper money is circulating on the Continent; and if precautions are taken to detect any attempt on the part of the German Government to follow the precedent of the Potsdam forgeries of Polish paper money by Frederick the Great?

I fear I can add nothing to the replies I gave in connection with a similar question on Thursday last by the hon. Member for Great Yarmouth.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists amongst Irish railwaymen at the inaction of the Government in failing to provide for the Irish railwaymen a war bonus similar to that granted to the railway workers of Great Britain; and if he will take steps to obtain the concession to Irish railway employés of similar treatment in the manner of a war bonus of 5s. per week?

I cannot add to the information given to the hon. Gentleman in reply to his question of the 23rd December last on the same subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take into consideration by the Board the advisability of amalgamating the Royal Marine Light Infantry and the Royal Marine Artillery under the old designation of Royal Marines?

The Royal Marine Artillery and Royal Marine Light Infantry, as at present organised, constitute the Royal Marine Forces, and it is not considered that any change is desirable at the present time.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that under the new establishment for the Royal Marine Artillery one major is provided to 162 rank and file, whereas for the Royal Marine Light Infantry there is to be one major for 242 rank and file; and whether he can see his way to accord equal treatment to the two branches?

The more technical work and training of Artillery requires a greater proportion of officers in the Royal Marine Artillery than in the Royal Marine Light Infantry. The Admiralty endeavour to accord equal treatment to both branches by regulating, as far as possible, the promotion of officers of each branch after similar terms of service at about the same age.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that trial flights are being taken at the schools of aviation of the Royal Air Naval Division when there is no medical officer in attendance or at hand; and will he issue regulations to ensure that medical officers shall be appointed and shall attend on these occasions?

In all schools of aviation, when trial flights take place, there is a naval medical officer, except at Redcar. At this latter place the Admiralty surgeon and agent at Redcar was responsible for the care of the flying station. In consequence, however, of a representation from Redcar as to the need of a fulltime medical officer at that establishment an active-service medical officer has been nominated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will say under what circumstances and for what reasons preference was given in the Prize Court sale, of 24th February, by Messrs. Mills and Sparrow, of lard to aliens over British subjects by requiring the latter to sign an official bond not to export during the War, which bond was not required from alien purchasers, thus giving them the opportunity to overbid British subjects by having a market in Holland to which the lard purchased in the Prize Court was sent?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am informed by the Admiralty Marshal that a bond is required from all purchasers of prize goods, but that in the case of the particular purchaser referred to in the question the bond was varied so as to allow the purchaser to export the goods to Holland in order that they might there be manufactured into margarine which was to be returned to this country. Care was taken that the condition should be complied with, a representative of the Government in Holland being directed to attend the purchaser's factory and to satisfy himself that the goods were, in fact, so manufactured into margarine and the margarine returned to the United Kingdom for comsumption there.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a number of officers and men of the 19th Welsh Regiment and the 9th Royal Welsh Fusiliers were recommended by their commanding officers for honours in connection with the battle of Loos on 25th September last; if so, will he say why their names were not included in the publication of Sir John French's official dispatches; and whether he can now give publicity to these recommendations?

In this matter commanding officers may propose, but it is for the higher authorities at Brigade, Division, Corps, Army or General Head-quarters to decide. I can only imagine that the recommendations referred to by my hon. Friend did not survive in the process of standardisation which must necessarily take place.

I may add that Sir John French's dispatch of 30th November, 1915, did not go beyond the period ending 20th September, and as the battle of Loos began on 25th September, the result of recommendations in question has still to appear.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the late Private James Torrance, No. 29395, 16th Canadian Scottish, who died from wounds in the London Hospital, has been buried in a general grave in the Ilford cemetery by the military authorities; and, if so, why he was not buried in the section of the cemetery set apart for soldiers?

The burial of this soldier took place before the arrangements for a special soldiers' plot in the cemetery at Ilford had been made. I have acquainted myself fully with the circumstances of this soldier's funeral, and I find that it was a dignified and impressive military ceremony, and that the soldier's friends have expressed their gratitude for all that was done.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that seamen, ship stewards, and other members of crews are not being allowed to sign on for vessels unless and until they have been attested; whether he is aware that these men have been officially informed that the efficient maintenance of the mercantile marine is of vital national interest and that the men will be doing as good service for their country by continuing to man British ships as by joining the Army; and whether this policy, which is calculated to reduce still further the number of seamen and others available, has the sanction of the Admiralty?

The question is under discussion at present between the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Board of Trade, and a further statement as to the policy to be pursued will be made later.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the case of an English gentleman of military age, a single man, Mr. B. Hollander, who was released from internment in Carlsbad by the Austrian military authorities on 24th August, 1914, on giving his parole that he would not bear arms against the Central Powers; whether, if he applies to the War Office, the War Office will give him a certificate of exemption under the Military Service Act, 1916; and, if not, what steps this gentleman should take to avoid breaking his promise to the enemy authorities?

If Mr. Hollander will apply to the War Office, stating his place of registration under the National Registration Act, arrangements will be made to exempt him from being called up under the Military Service Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will indicate the statutory authority by which it is declared within the discretion of the Government to extend the age limit of enlistment for military service; and whether such authority applies to enlistment both for the Territorial and other military forces?

The age limit is fixed by Regulations made under Section 93 of the Army Act and Section 7 of the Territorial and Reserve Forces Act, for Regular and Territorial soldiers respectively.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Mr. Harry, who is acting as military representative of the recruiting officer at Lewisham, is under forty-one years af age; is he in the Army; and, if not, has he attested under Lord Derby's scheme?

I think it is improbable that a gentleman would be chosen as military representative who is fit for service and not in the Army unless there were very good reasons for his not undertaking military service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions to recruiting authorities to the effect that when a recruit has been passed by the medical officer as fit only for Home service, in the field, or in garrison, such information shall be furnished to the local tribunal, in the event of a claim for exemption being made, with a view to allowing the tribunal to consider the economic effect of the calling up of such individuals?

I think that the applicant for exemption can be trusted to put forward on his own behalf the fact that he has been passed as fit for Home service only. The recruiting authorities have so much work to do that any addition, unless really necessary, must be avoided.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it has been brought to his notice that a circular letter has been sent to a large number of secretaries of Church of England working men's clubs by a person purporting to be the secretary of an Association of Friends, inquiring whether they or any of the members of their clubs were inclined to act as conscientious objectors, and offering legal aid and assistance to any persons so endeavouring to escape military service; and whether the Home Office have refused to take any action against this person?

I am not sure to what letter the hon. Member refers. Parliament has enacted that a man may apply for exemption from the provisions of the Military Service Act on the ground of conscientious objection to the undertaking of combatant service, and that the tribunal, if they consider the grounds of the application established, shall grant a certificate of exemption of one of the several kinds specified in the Act. It cannot be held that any person or organisation commits an illegality through offering assistance to men who seek to avail themselves of this provision of the Statute.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the existence in certain regiments or battalions of agreements by which the men have undertaken jointly and severally not to apply for commissions; and whether, in view of the fact that such agreements have the effect of preventing the application for commissions of men with public school and university education, he will in the interests of the Service make representations with the object of getting these men collectively to agree to cancel such undertakings?

The Army Council has no knowledge of the existence of any such undertaking.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether officers who have held temporary commissions during the present War will be eligible for commissions on the conclusion of hostilities in the general reserve of officers in a like manner with those granted to officers of irregular corps who served in South Africa and come under Article 683 of the Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion; and will temporary officers who have held the rank of captain on active service during the present War for not less than twelve months retain their rank if subsequently granted commissions in the general reserve of officers?

The questions raised by the hon. Member have not been lost sight of, but in view of the important considerations involved it will be some time before any decision can be announced.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any accounts have been published by the Board of Control of Regimental and Garrison Institutes; if not, whether it is intended that accounts shall be published and when; what is the amount of the balance which the Board now have in hand; how such balance is intended to be expended; of how many members the Board consists; whether the members are paid a salary or other emoluments (including travelling expenses) and, if so, of what amount; how often the Board meets, and whether the members attend the meetings regularly; how many persons are employed by the Board, and in what capacity; the total amount spent by the Board on administrative expenses up to date; whether Army officers attend the meetings of the Board or of its committees; if so, whether payments of any kind are made to such officers, and the amount and nature of such payments; and whether the business of the Board has come within the cognisance of the Retrenchment Committee; and, if so, whether any report or recommendations have been made with reference to it?

It is contemplated that a balance sheet shall be published for the information of commanding officers up to the 31st December, 1915. The central fund amounts at the present time to approximately £125,000. The manner in which the fund to be expended will be decided by the Army Council. The members of the Board, who are twenty-three in number, receive no emoluments or allowances whatsoever from the central fund. The Board meets once a month, or oftener if occasion requires. Two sub-committees for the transaction of ordinary business meet weekly. The attendance of members is regular. I stated the number of persons employed by the Board in the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Gloucester on 24th January. The total amount spent on administrative expenses to 31st December is approximately £8,500. The following Army officers are members of the Board: Colonel B. E. W. Childs, Major-General S. S. Long, C.B., Lieut.-Colonel G. A. Malcolm, Colonel J. Stollery, V.D.; and representatives of the following Commands: Aldershot, Eastern, Irish, Northern, Scottish, Southern, Western, London District, Central Force. These officers receive no payment as members of the Board. So far as I am aware, the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that valuable chargers, the property of the Remount Department, are being dispatched by order of officials of the Department to their destination in open cattle trucks without rugs, and thereby running grave risk; and whether he will communicate with the Department on the subject?

I am informed that in a few isolated cases it has been necessary to send horses, but in few cases chargers, by open trucks owing to the absence of covered trucks, but that in all such cases special arrangements are made by the railway companies to afford shelter with tarpaulin sheetings.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the fact that Messrs. Stokes and Holt, having contracts for the Ministry of Munitions, are not observing the trade rules of the district in respect to the woodworkers employed; whether he is aware that the firm in question are employing woodworkers on the system of piece-work, while other firms in the district having Government contracts or tendering for Government contracts employ woodworkers under the terms of the agreement between the men's unions and the employers' association; and, having regard to the fact that Messrs. Stokes and Holt are thereby placed at an advantage against other firms in tendering for Government contracts, will steps be taken to compel Messrs. Stokes and Holt to conform to the local trade conditions in the employment of woodworkers?

I have made inquiries into this case and understand that the firm are employing certain classes of workmen at piecework rates on the manufacture of shell baskets. So far as I am aware, work of this character was not carried on in the district previous to the War, and I understand that the actual earnings of the men in question are in excess of the time rates paid to such men when engaged on their ordinary work in the district. In the circumstances it does not appear that the firm have in any way infringed the conditions of the Fair-Wages Clause.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to a speech made by the Rev. Henry Carter at the Wesleyan Church. New Windsor Street, Uxbridge, on 8th February last, in which the prohibition of intoxicating liquor was advocated; whether the Rev. Henry Carter was recently appointed a member of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); and, if so, having regard to the effect of the public advocacy of such views by a member of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), will he say what action he proposes to take?

I am informed that the first part of the question does not accurately represent what Mr. Carter said, and the third part of the question, therefore, does not arise. In answer to the second part of the question, Mr. Carter was appointed a member of the Board simultaneously with Mr. Butler, who is a well-known Midland brewer.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in order to better enable working men to obtain their supply of supper beer, he is prepared to advise the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to amend the terms of the London Order so as to permit the sale of beer for off-consumption up to 9.30 p.m., instead of as now ceasing one hour earlier than the sale or supply for consumption on the premises?

I am informed that the question of extending the evening closing hour for off-sales of beer has several times been considered by the Control Board, and that they have not seen their way to make an extension.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the provisions of the Order made by the Liquor Control Board for the London area apply to premises acquired, controlled, and carried on for the sale of intoxicating liquors by the Control Board?

The provisions of the Order do not by law apply to the cases mentioned, but the Control Board conduct the premises in strict accordance with the principles which they apply generally.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, under the provisions of the Order of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) for the London area, it is permissible for guests staying in hotels to have their supplies of liquor, whether consumed at meals or otherwise, charged to their accounts, or must all intoxicating liquor be paid for at the time of supply?

I am informed that the exemption from the prohibition of the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor on credit which is imposed by the Control Board's Order is applicable only to liquor sold or supplied for consumption at a meal.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will state the total number of persons employed in the work of detecting and reporting breaches of the Central Control Board's Order at present in force in the London area; whether such persons are in the dircet service of the Control Board; and, if so, what are the terms of their engagement?

Under the Defence of the Realm (Liquor Control) Regulations it is the duty of the police to enforce the Order mentioned, and that duty has been left to them. The Control Board does not employ any staff for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that cases affecting women workers were heard last week before Munitions Courts without a woman assessor being present; whether, in accordance with the Munitions of War Amendment Act, such assessors have been appointed; and, if so, will a list of such assessors be published?

The cases referred to in the question had not previously been brought to my notice, but from my hon. Friend's statement it seems clear that they must have been heard before 28th February, the date on which the statutory rules requiring the presence of women assessors came into force. Invitations to serve as women assessors were sent out last week.

aked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to statements made in several tribunals by members thereof that men are much more urgent than munitions; and whether he will take any action to impress on tribunals the necessity of munitions in order to win the War?

By arrangement with my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board, a note emphasising the importance of munitions work and explaining why special arrangements have been made for the exemption of munitions workers from military service, was circulated to local tribunals immediately after the passing of the Military Service Act. I am sending my hon. Friend a, copy of the note in question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that the Inventions Board of the Ministry of Munitions has reported favourably on the Rodborough boot as a substantial improvement on the Regulation boot, it may be possible to contrive that its issue shall not be barred by previously existing contracts?

The Rodborough boot is not considered suitable for military purposes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any workers at munitions in England have been obtained from Ireland through the medium of the Labour Exchanges, or otherwise; and, if so, will he give the numbers of males and females, and the names of the districts to which they have been sent and the terms of employment?

The numbers of workers sent from Ireland to Great Britain through the medium of the Labour Exchanges for the manufacture of munitions, from the 1st October, 1914, up to date are as follows:— Men. Women. Shipbuilding 2,103 Nil Engineering 1,253 1 Explosives 2,245 22

These workpeople were sent mainly to Glasgow, Barrow, Southampton, Newcastle, Birkenhead, Govan, Woolwich, Devonport, Stevenston, and Widnes. They appear to have been engaged on the usual terms of employment prevailing for munition workers in this country. No record is available showing the number of munition workers obtained from Ireland other than through the medium of the Labour Exchanges.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that Irishmen who were sent over from Ireland to Great Britain by their trade unions for the purpose of doing munitions work have been notified by the local tribunals to report themselves for military service on 16th March; if he will issue instructions to the said tribunals as to the position of Irishmen who were not permanently resident in Great Britain on 15th August last; if he will give guarantees to the trade unions that send their members to Great Britain to carry out work of national importance that the said men will not be asked to become conscripts; and (2) whether he is aware that many munition workers, Irishmen, who were sent from their trade unions in Ireland to carry out munitions work in Great Britain have been notified by the tribunals (Holloway) that they must report for military service on 16th March; and will he say what steps, if any, he will take to prevent this use of the Military Service Act, 1916, and a breach of faith with the Irish trade unions?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned by the hon. Gentleman, and I think he must be under some misapprehension in stating that Irishmen coming from Ireland to Great Britain to do munitions work have been notified by the local tribunals to report themselves for military service. It is, of course, not the duty of any local tribunal to order anyone to report himself for military service; that is a matter which rests with the military authorities. An Irish- man who is not ordinarily resident in Great Britain or does not become ordinarily resident in Great Britain is not subject to the provisions of the Military Service Act.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that a bridge, known as Metcalf Road Bridge, on the main road leading from the Great Eastern Railway station to the Royal Small Arms Factory, is in danger of collapse owing to the heavy and extra traffic now imposed on it, and that the collapse of this bridge would seriously interfere with the output of work at the factory; whether he is aware that a short branch line from the Great Eastern railway station at Brimsdown to the Royal Small Arms Factory which would take the greater part of such heavy traffic has been under construction by the Government for more than a year, and, though only a mile in length, is not yet completed; and whether the completion of this line wall be accelerated and extended from the Small Arms Factory to the Powder Factory at Waltham Abbey?

The hon. and gallant Member will realise on reflection that it is not desirable to provide ill-disposed persons with information on these points. In any case, I think the question would be one to be addressed to the Minister of Munitions.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he has seen a circular letter issued by the Herefordshire local education authority to their school managers saying that boys who have not attained the age of twelve may now be released from school for employment, but asking them to stipulate that young boys should not be left in sole charge of a team of horses, as serious accidents have arisen in this way and in two cases they believed with fatal results; and whether he will advise the local education authority to impose more stringent conditions?

I have not seen the circular letter in question. I am addressing a circular to county local education authorities calling attention to the undesirability of excusing children under twelve from school for employment in agriculture, and to the need for a strict observance of the conditions agreed to in the House of Commons with regard to children above that age.

also asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that His Majesty's superintendent inspector of factories and His Majesty's inspector of factories for Bradford have in person attended before the Bradford Education Committee to urge the full-time employment of children of thirteen years; and whether he has been consulted about, or has consented to, this local education authority's suspension of its educational by-laws?

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has replied to the first part of this question in reply to Question No. 107, addressed to him by the hon. Member. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative. I do not understand that the local education authority has, in fact, suspended its educational by-laws.

next asked the President what steps he is taking to ascertain the number of juveniles who will be urgently in need of technical education to fit them for permanent employment when temporary war work ceases; and what steps he is taking to provide suitable instruction, training, and discipline for such young persons?

I am giving this matter very careful consideration, and hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the subject shortly.

further asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that children of school age are being employed in the coal mines of Durham contrary to the Education Acts; whether the Durham County Education Authority is prosecuting the parents for the failure of the children to attend school; and whether he will advise the authority to prosecute the employers also for employing children in contravention of the Education Act, 1876?

I understand that the Durham Local Education Authority are prosecuting the parents of certain children who have taken employment in coal mines and have failed to attend school, and that they are in communication with His Majesty's Inspector of Mines with reference to a proposal to prosecute the employers for employing children in contravention of the Elementary Education Act, 1876.

next asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that, owing to the attractions of unskilled work at high wages in temporary war work, there is a dearth of boys available for apprenticeship in skilled trades; and whether he will take steps to secure more educational control over the choice of employment by children leaving school?

I am aware of the large amount of unskilled labour at present required, and that, owing to the high wages offered, there is a great temptation to boys and their parents to place the boys at unskilled work. The Board of Education cannot, however, without legislation, secure more educational control over the choice of employment by children leaving school. For the present, I am afraid we must rely upon such influence as can be exercised by the Juvenile Advisory Committees of the Board of Trade Labour Exchanges, and the Juvenile Employment Committees appointed by local education authorities under the Education (Choice of Employment) Act, 1910.

asked the Secretary for India whether he is in communication with the General Officer Commanding, Mesopotamia Field Force, as to the possibility of providing better accommodation and a larger supply of surgeons, nurses, and medical comforts for the wounded who have to be evacuated by boat to Basrah; and whether he has had information as to the sufferings of our wounded, owing to such deficiency, on their voyage to Basrah?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Army Council are in communication with the Commander-in-Chief in India on this matter. I may say that all the requests for additional personnel and materiel which he has made have been met.

asked the Secretary for India whether he has any information to give the House as to the situation at Aden; and whether dispatches on the actions fought by the Aden Field Force, or the actions fought in July last and subsequently, will be soon published in this country, together with the names of any officers recommended by the General Officer Commanding the Aden Field Force?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the situation at Aden remains unchanged, and since I answered my hon. and gallant Friend's question of 21st February no operations have taken place except a brush with the Turks on the 24th of that month, in which a small flying column inflicted casualties on them. As to the second part of the question, I expect to receive shortly from the Government of India a report covering all recent minor operations on North-West Frontier and elsewhere, Aden included, and on its receipt I will consider the question of its publication.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if enemy aliens are allowed to leave this country under any circumstances whatever except when repatriated or deported?

The Secretary of State has power not only to deport alien enemies, but also to permit them to leave the United Kingdom whether for the purpose of repatriation or otherwise, and the latter power is used occasionally when the circumstances of the case justify it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can see his way to publish a brief and succinct Report of the various Colonies which have been taken from Germany by the efforts of the Allies throughout the War, showing the area, white and coloured population, chief towns and populations, the estimated expenditure of Germany on each Colony, estimated resources, number of prisoners taken, the quantity of munitions, number of guns, war material, or valuable stores seized, and any other particulars which might be of general interest?

I am sorry that I cannot give the military particulars asked for in the question, but the following details as to the conquered German Colonies have been compiled from the most recent German statistical sources and checked by the information given in the "Statesman's Year Book":

AFRICA. South-West Africa: Estimated area—322,450 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White 14,830 (12,292 Germans.) ( b ) Native 83,204 Principal towns— Windhuk, population (a) White 2,871 ( b ) Native 11,098 Luderitzbucht, population ( a ) White 1,616 ( b ) Native 3,260 Swakopmund, population ( a ) White 1,463 ( b ) Native 2,076 Karibib, population ( a ) White 1,170 ( b ) Native 5,598 Keetmanshoop, population ( a ) White 1,155 ( b ) Native 5,910 Revenue (estimated) for 1914—23,500,000 marks (=£1,175,000). Expenditure (estimated) for 1914—40,340,000 marks (=£2,017,000). Imports, 1913—Value, 43,400,000 marks. Exports, 1913—Value, 70,300.000 marks. Cameroons: Estimated area—300,000 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White 1,871 ( b ) Native 2,649,000 Principal towns— Buea No details as to population. Duala Victoria Rio del Rey Jaunde Garua Revenue (estimated) for 1914—11,310,000 marks (=£565,500). Expenditure (estimated) for 1914—17,260,000 marks (=£863,000). Imports, 1913—Value, 34,600,000 marks. Exports, 1913—Value, 29,100,000 marks. Togoland: Estimated area—33,700 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White 368 ( b ) Native 1,032,000 Principal town— Lome, population ( a ) White 186 ( b ) Coloured 133 ( c ) Native 7,078 Revenue (estimated) for 1914—3,500,000 marks (=£175,000). Expenditure (estimated) for 1914—4,180,000 marks (=£209,000). Imports 1913—Value, 10,600,000 marks. Exports, 1913—Value, 9,100,000 marks. PACIFIC Samoa: Estimated area—Savai, 660 square miles. Uolu, 340 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White 557 ( b ) Natives, coloured 33,554 ( c ) Others, coloured 511 ( d ) Of mixed race 1,025 ( e ) Chinese and Melanese 2,452 38,099 Chief town—Apia, on Upolu. Revenue (estimated) for 1914—1,190,000 marks (=£595,000). Expenditure (estimated) for 1914—1,380,000 marks (=£690,000). Imports, 1913—Value 5,700,000 marks. Exports, 1913—Value 5,300,000 marks. Kaiser Wilhelmsland and Pacific Islands: Estimated area—70,000 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White (264 Germans) 283 ( b ) Native 531,000 Principal port—Friedrich Wilhelmshafen. Bismarck Archipelago: Comprising, besides smaller Islands, Neu Pommern (formerly New Britain). Neu Mecklenburg (formerly New Ireland). Neu Hannover. Admiralty Islands. Bougainville (the most North-Western of the Solomon Isles). Estimated area—22,640 square miles. Estimated population— ( a )White (482 Germans) 685 ( b ) Native 188,000 Chief towns— Rabaul both in Neu Pommern Herbertshöhe Caroline Islands. Pelew Islands. Marianne (or Ladrone) Islands, and Marshall Islands. Estimated area—1,000 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White—East Caroline and Marshall Islands (154 Germans) 264 West Caroline, Pelew and Ladrone Islands (105 Germans) 195 ( b ) Native—Caroline, Pelew and Ladrone Islands 55,000 Marshall Islands 15,000 Total 70,459 chief towns— Ponapé (Eastern Carolines)—Population about 2,000. Yap (Western Carolines)—Population about 7,155. Jaluit (Marshall Islands), on the island of that name. Revenue for all the above, 2,100,000 marks (=£105,000). Expenditure for all the above, 3,830,000 marks (=£191,500). Imports— Kaiser Wilhelmsland and Bismarck Archipelago 5,872,000 marks Caroline and Marshall Islands 3,335,000 marks Total 9,207,000 marks Exports— Kaiser Wilhelmslandand Bismarck Archipelago 5,041,000 marks Caroline and Marshall Islands 7,046,000 marks Total 12,087,000 marks ASIA. Kiau-Chau: Estimated area—200 square miles. Estimated population— ( a ) White (4,256 Germans) 4,470 ( b ) Natives 187,000 ( c ) Coloured 3,000 194,470 Principal town—Tsingtau. Revenue (estimated) for 1914—8,060,000 marks. Expenditure (estimated) for 1914—18,410,000 marks. Imports, 1912—Value, 121,254,000 marks. Exports, 1912—Value, 79,640,000 marks.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the Statutory Rules made under the Australian War Precautions Act on 29th January, 1916, with regard to the exclusion of naturalised persons of enemy origin from holding shares in any companies incorporated in Australia; and if he is prepared to introduce a similar Bill into the House to exclude all naturalised persons of enemy origin from holding shares in all public or private companies in this country?

I have seen the Statutory Rules under the Australian War Precautions Act with regard to shares held by naturalised persons of enemy origin, but I do not propose to introduce legislation on those lines.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board of Trade has instructed insurance companies to withhold a distribution of profits on with-profit policies for 1915; and, if so, seeing that this will discriminate to the disadvantage of holders of such policies, will he say why such action has been taken?

The Board of Trade have not given any instruction to insurance companies to withhold a distribution of profits on with-profit policies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that freight rates on steamers going from Glasgow to the Hebrides and the north-west coast of the mainland in Scotland have become prohibitive, the rate per ton for coal, for example, having risen from 5s. to 30s. in many places; and whether in view of the scarcity of other fuel in many places and the entire absence of it in others where there is a good deal of poverty, he will take such steps as are possible to restrict the excessive rate of freights asked by owners of vessels who have vessels free from Admiralty use?

The main reason for the present high freight rates is the prevailing shortage of tonnage for all purposes. Steps have been and are being taken with a view to decreasing this shortage, but I cannot take steps to restrict the particular rates referred to.

asked the Attorney-General whether he is now in a position to say whether the Government will legislate to obviate the necessity for calling grand jurymen at Quarter Sessions during the period of the War?

My right hon. and learned Friend has ascertained from the Society of Chairmen of Quarter Sessions that the balance of opinion among its members is against the abolition of Grand Juries during the War. Opinion generally appears to be divided upon the point, and legislation is not practicable without a large measure of general assent among those concerned.

asked the Solicitor-General what action it is proposed to take to stop industrial insurance companies from sending out notices to policy holders stating that arrears must be paid up within fourteen days or the policy will lapse, which many policy holders are permitting, being ignorant of their rights under the Courts Emergency Act?

It is understood that these notices are given in order to comply with Section 3 of the Collecting Societies and Industrial Assurance Companies Act, 1896. In the case of small policies falling within Section 1 of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act, 1914, the notices are not effective unless and until application is made to the Court, which has power under the Act to grant relief in cases where the failure to pay premiums is due to circumstances attributable to the present War; but, as in some instances, the failure to pay premiums may not be due to that cause, it is not considered that the companies should be prevented from issuing the statutory notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the depreciation in value of securities upon the removal of the minimum prices restriction is on an average far in excess of the 7½ per cent. allowed by the Inland Revenue Commissioners, in pursuance of the direction of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, given in accordance with his answer to the hon. Member for North-East Lanarkshire on the 23rd September last; and whether he is prepared to give directions that when the minimum price was in force at the date of death, and has not since been removed, such securities shall be valued for Estate Duty purposes on a 5 per cent. basis, or that a greater allowance be given beyond 7½ per cent., and that if the minimum prices have been removed since the date of death the value shall be taken at the average market price of the day after such removal?

I am giving directions for the increase of the allowance from 7½ to 12½ per cent. in the case of deaths since the 16th December last, the date of issue of the Prospectus of the 5 per cent. Exchequer Bonds.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the distribution of land on the Kelly Kenny estate, Tiermanagh farm; and whether, in view of the fact that the portion available for distribution is limited and the tenants numerous, the Congested Districts Board will divide the land according to the letter and the spirit of the Land Act, 1909, and take care that no uneven distribution may deprive the congests of their legitimate claims?

The lands referred to are being disposed of under a scheme approved of by the Congested Districts Board. They know very well they cannot escape criticism at the hands of those whose hopes have been disappointed, but they will pursue their difficult task in accordance with the spirit and letter of the Land Acts.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the amount paid out of the Irish Agricultural Grant under Section 51 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, in respect of part-payment of the rates on agricultural land in Ireland, during each of the last three years for which statistics are available; and what is the proportion of the rates on agricultural land which are payable out of that Grant?

The amount paid in respect of the Agricultural Grant is a fixed sum of £727,655 annually. This sum is equivalent to half the amount raised in the whole of Ireland by poor rate and county cess off agricultural land in the standard year as defined in Section 48 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898. It is not practicable to say what proportion the Agricultural Grant bears to the amount so raised in any other year.

asked the Chief Secretary what reasons, if any, there are against the extension of the conscientious objector's Clause of the Vaccination Acts to Ireland; whether he is aware that medical men report that proper housing accommodation and cleanliness are more essential than vaccination; and if he will extend the Clause and approach the Treasury to provide the money for the proper housing of the people?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 2nd March to the question on this subject to the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has seen the notice published in the official "South Canara Gazette," of September, 1915, of the intention to open new arrack, shops in the villages of Shambur, Perambale, Karindala, and Kokarady, as from the 1st April, 1916; whether he will state the ground upon which this action has been taken; and whether the proposal to open these shops was submitted to the Advisory Committees in the localities specified?

I have seen the notice referred to, but am unable to say on what grounds it is proposed to open these shops. There are no rural Excise Advisory Committees in South Canara, and the usual procedure of inviting local opinion by notice seems to have been followed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of two railway-wagon examiners named Saddington and Ketteringham, who were charged at Hull Petty Sessions on the 17th January, 1916, with attempting to steal 25 lb. of bacon, and were sentenced to six months' imprisonment; and, in view of the fact that the evidence of the principal witnesses for the prosecution was contradictory, and also having regard to the good records of the prisoners and their service in the employment of the railway company, twenty-three and seventeen years respectively, whether he will intervene and grant a mitigation of this sentence?

The prisoners, who were tried at Quarter Sessions on the 28th of January, had, under the Criminal Appeal Act, a right to apply without cost to themselves to the Court of Criminal Appeal for leave to appeal against their conviction or sentence, and thereupon the evidence for the prosecution might have been reviewed by the competent tribunal. I cannot take the place of the Court of Criminal Appeal, but I will consult the Recorder on the cases and inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the Post Office clerks in Ireland; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to satisfy their complaint?

I have received resolutions passed at a recent conference of Irish Post Office clerks. Among other things the conference is dissatisfied with recommendations of the recent Select Committee of the House of Commons upon Post Office Servants, with the arrangements for leasing private wires to newspapers, with the growth of female labour during the War, with the method of recruiting the service, with the surveying system, with censorship arrangements, and with the failure to place the Irish Post Office "under a proper system of democratic Irish control." I am afraid no inquiries that I could make would be likely to satisfy their complaints.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the lateness in arrival of the afternoon train at Wick preventing a proper evening delivery of the letters arriving by this train, he can see his way to authorise a special late evening delivery?

A delivery of letters is made in the Wick town area after the arrival of the afternoon train. Its late arrival makes an evening delivery in the rural area for the most part impracticable, and the expenditure already-incurred in relation to the revenue yielded is clearly too considerable to admit of any increase.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in the event of the abolition of the Sunday delivery of letters in the country now contemplated by the Government, it would entail a loss of pay to the postmen in rural districts?

All Sunday work is paid for as extra service and is in addition to the regular week's wages. I have not yet arrived at any decision as regards the general cessation of Sunday posts.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can state how many vacancies have occurred, and how many have been filled, in the ranks of first-class assistant superintendents, second-class superintendents, and overseers from the 1st January, 1915, to the 31st December, 1915, in the telegraph departments at Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Dublin, respectively, the vacancies in each case being regarded as the number which would have occurred if the vacancies in each rank, or in the higher rank or ranks, were filled?

The particulars are as follows:— Manchester 7 vacancies 6 filled. Edinburgh No vacancies. Glasgow 24 vacancies 21 filled. Dublin 13 vacancies 6 filled. It will be realised that the circumstances of many of our large cities and towns differ substantially.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture what is the approximate number of horses in the United Kingdom used for racing, hunting, and private purposes, as carriage horses, hacks, etc.?

I regret that no statistics are collected which would enable me to answer my hon. Friend's question.