asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the secretary of the International Socialist Bureau visited London lately; and whether such visit was in connection with any projects promoted by certain Socialist or Labour sections in allied, neutral, or enemy States for discussing terms of peace?

Yes, Sir, I understand that M. Huysmann has been in London, together with M. Vandervelde, and that the main object of their visit has been to discuss the position of Labour after the war. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is it not the case that these men are out of touch with those of their own party both in France and in Belgium, and that their visit was not authorised by them?

I do not know anything about that, but I think that if my hon. Friend will read the answer which I have given it will satisfy him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has called for and obtained, officially or otherwise, a report of the outrages committed by Australian troops in Egypt last year; and will he say what redress, if any, has been given?

No, Sir.

asked the price of Egyptian and of American cotton, respectively, before the War and now; under what law the British authorities are now denying to the Egyptians the benefit of the free sale of their cotton to neutral countries; and, cotton being their chief agricultural product, whether they will be allowed to share with neutral countries and with countries within the Empire in any increase of price due to the War or other general cause?

The market price on the Liverpool Exchange of fully good fair brown Egyptian cotton in the middle of July, 1914, was 9.10d. per lb., and the price on the 23rd March, 1916, was 11.13d. per lb. The price of middling American cotton was 7.35d. in July, 1914, and 7.78d. per lb. on the 23rd March, 1916. Egyptian exports are treated on precisely the same principles as those on which Great Britain treats her own exports. Such restrictions on the export of Egyptian cotton as exist have been imposed in the interests of the successful prosecution of the War by the appropriate Legislative machinery of the Egyptian Government. As the figures already given show, Egyptian cotton growers have benefited by the increase in the price of cotton.

Will the Noble Lord say what is it that he calls the appropriate Legislative power, seeing that the Assembly has not been convened since the War began?

I do not think that I could answer that question without notice, but the appropriate Legislative machinery is the Legislative machinery which has the authority to make laws.

asked whether it is by direction of the Foreign Office that no free newspaper is permitted to exist in Egypt now; whether it is by the same direction articles copied from the "Times" and other English newspapers into "El Ehram" are deleted partially or wholly by the Censor, and that paper forced to appear with large portions of its space blank; and, with their Press and their Legislative Assembly suppressed, how the rights, wants, and opinions of the Egyptian people are ascertained and secured?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the negative. As regards the third part, neither the Egyptian Legislative Assembly nor the Egyptian Press have been suppressed.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is able to give any information with regard to the British sailors belonging to the crews or gun-crews of the "Appam"?

The crew of the Appam have returned to this country from America. The gunners were detained on the raider. The United States Ambassador was requested on the 18th instant to make inquiries as to the British subjects taken to Germany in the raider, but so far no reply has been received from His Excellency.

Will my Noble Friend ascertain the names of the individuals?

I will certainly endeavour to my very utmost to satisfy my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the agreement made between the Allied Governments on the 5th of September, 1914, precludes the negotiation of a separate peace between the Allies and any one of His Majesty's enemies; and whether he will give an assurance that Bulgaria will not be admitted to separate negotiations for peace, and will not in any event be permitted to acquire territory or other advantage at the expense of any people who has fought or may hereafter during the present War fight on the side of the Allies?

The Declaration of 5th September, 1914, ensures only that no peace will be made with any of our common enemies without a previous agreement having been come to between the parties to that Declaration. By that Declaration each of the Allies is precluded from making a separate peace and from demanding conditions of peace without the consent of each of the others. To make such a statement as my hon. Friend suggests in the second part of his question without discussion with our Allies would be in the opinion of the Government inconsistent with the spirit of the Declaration, and I do not think that at present any such discussion would be opportune.

Does my Noble Friend appreciate the fact that the intrigues which have been going on, aided and abetted by Brigadier-General Howell, are causing a great deal of disquietude, and does he not think that it would be well to allay that disquietude by making some such declaration as I have suggested?

I greatly deprecate such statements affecting persons who are not in a position to deal with insinuations made against them in this House. I know nothing of any intrigue, and still less of any in connection with General Howell.

asked what arrangements have been made for the regular exchange of British and Austrian civilian prisoners of war; and how many have already been returned to their respective countries?

Such Austrian civilian prisoners of war as are entitled to repatriation under the terms of agreements between His Majesty's Government and the Austro-Hungarian Government are repatriated monthly, as in the case of German civilian prisoners of war; owing, however, to the small number of British civilians interned in Austro-Hungary who are entitled to repatriation no necessity has arisen for their repatriation at regular intervals. The number of Austro-Hungarians hitherto repatriated from internment camps in the United Kingdom is 313. I regret that there is no record of the number of British subjects repatriated from Austria-Hungary, but I will see whether information on the subject can be obtained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he proposes to circulate to Members of this House the Reports upon Prisoner Camps in Germany recently received from the American Embassy in Berlin, and which have already been communicated to the Press and partially published during the present month?

The Reports in question are communicated textually to the Press and are laid before Parliament from time to time. It is proposed to issue a further White Paper as soon as the pressure of work in the Printing Department permits, containing all the Reports received since the last series of Reports were circulated to Parliament. The forthcoming White Paper will include Reports which may be received up to 31st March.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information which goes to show that the German-owned steamer "Presidente Mitre," sailing under the Argentine flag, has from the beginning of the War used her wireless apparatus for communication with the enemy; and have any communications passed between his Department and the Argentine Government on this subject?

In the early months of the War His Majesty's Minister at Buenos Aires called the attention of the Argentine Government to the possible abuses of this nature. On 9th December, 1914, the Argentine Government issued regulations dealing with the matter. The regulations provided heavy penalties for infraction, and His Majesty's Government are not aware that any infractions have taken place. I shall, however, be grateful to the hon. Member if he can give me any recent information on this subject.

Can my Noble Friend say anything about Brazil?

I am afraid that I could not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information regarding the firm of Brauss, Mahn and Company, domiciled in Buenos Aires; whether they loaded the German steamer "Muansa" with coal, provisions, Chilian beans, etc., for Von Spee's squadron; whether they have continued to represent the German Imperial Government as commercial agents in Buenos Aires; whether he is aware that the British Government agents at Valparaiso recently consigned a shipment of Chilian beans to this firm in Beunos Aires by a steamer requisitioned by the Director of Transports; whether he is aware that Chilian beans are a substitute for fresh vegetables; and whether he has any information regarding the ultimate disposition of this consignment of Chilian beans by Brauss, Mahn and Company?

My information respecting the firm of Brauss, Mahn and Company, is to the effect that they have on various occasions acted as agents of the German Government at Buenos Aires, and were instrumental in obtaining supplies for. German cruisers. For this and other reasons Brauss, Mahn and Company have been put on the Statutory list of firms with whom all commercial dealings are prohibited under the Trading With the Enemy (Extension of Powers) Act, 1915. The other parts of the hon. Member's question should be addressed to the Admiralty.

Is my Noble Friend aware that it was only on last Friday that these people were put on the black list, and can he give an assurance that no British Government Department agent abroad shall have dealings with the enemy?

Certainly, I am in a position to give an assurance that no agent of the British Government will communicate with anybody or have dealings with anybody who is on the Statutory list under the Act.

Would the Noble Lord say whether the agents of the Admiralty made these arrangements with Brauss, Mahn and Company, and if they were known to the Government?

I have already said that that part of the question should be addressed to the Admiralty. I have not any information; otherwise I would give it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the treatment accorded to an official of the Road Board by the department of the chief engineer, Southern Command headquarters, and that this gentleman has had to relinquish his post under the Road Board at Salisbury owing to the refusal of the chief engineer to allow him to carry out his duties as resident engineer on the construction of camp roads, resulting in hardship and loss of office; whether he will take the necessary steps to ensure that the gentleman in question may be allowed to follow his profession without unjust restriction; and what compensation it is proposed to award to him for damages sustained owing to the action of the military authorities?

In carrying out works for the Army the Road Board proposed the temporary employment of a gentleman who had previously been employed by the military authorities. The military authorities did not consider it advisable to issue a pass to enter the areas where it was proposed to employ him to this gentleman, and it is understood that in consequence the Road Board dispensed with his services. I cannot undertake that this gentleman shall be employed in areas for which the military authorities are responsible, but he is at liberty to follow his profession without any other restrictions so far as I am aware.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at a meeting of the Glasgow Local Tribunal on the 16th instant the military representative instructed the tribunal that conscientious objectors could receive exemption from combatant service only; and whether this representative will be instructed to read the Act and the notes on administration issued by the Director-General of Recruiting so that he may not in future mislead the tribunal?

I have no knowledge of the statement said to have been made by the military representative before the Glasgow Local Tribunal on the 16th instant, but should any misconception have existed in the past the Memorandum recently issued by the Local Government Board on this question should remove it.

Will the Memorandum be sent to the military representatives as well as to the tribunals?

Yes, I will see to it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if, in view of the fact that the local tribunal in Orkney are causing dissatisfaction in Orkney by calling out men who are absolutely necessary to the working of the farms and ignoring the instructions issued with reference to this, so that farms will be thrown out of cultivation and their owners ruined, he will direct their attention to the instructions issued by himself, Lord Derby and Lord Selborne?

I have received only one complaint from Orkney, and in that case the complainant is appealing to the Appeal Tribunal, which is the proper course. On the local tribunals in rural districts, so far as I can judge, the agricultural interest is well represented. Full instructions have been issued to the tribunals.

May I send my right hon. Friend copies of the correspondence showing that the agricultural interest has been grossly neglected by the tribunals?

I think that if my hon. Friend will advise his correspondents to make their appeals that will be the most useful reply.

Will not my right hon. Friend advise my hon. Friend to revise his views on the Act.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Llanfyllin Tribunal has only refused to accede to twenty out of 578 claims for exemption, and has given absolute exemption in upwards of 400 cases; whether in so small a town this amounts to a refusal on the part of the tribunal to administer the Military Service Act, 1915; and what action has been or will be taken to enforce the law?

The case alluded to appears to be that of the rural district of Llanfyllin, an area with a population at the last Census of over 12,000. I understand that the figures as regards exemptions are approximately as stated. I do not know in how many cases the military representative may have appealed, or may hereafter raise a question.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that some vigorous action is required in respect of that which brings into contempt the town, the rural area, the county, and the principality?

What action; I do not know what the hon. Gentleman means? No action can be taken except that which I have indicated, namely, an appeal against a decision if the military representative thinks it improper.

Is it impossible for my right hon. Friend to bring any pressure to bear upon this tribunal?

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the rural district council of East Westmorland has refused to grant representation on the local tribunal to organised labour, notwithstanding the fact that the only two labour organisations in the district both submitted a nomination; and whether he will ask this body to put their house in order in so far as the personnel of the local tribunal is concerned?

I am making inquiry of the local authority on this subject. According to the return received by me the local tribunal contains a labour representative.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that on the 24th instant the Hackney Tribunal refused exemption to a man reported by the military doctor to be suffering from a withered right arm, crippled toes, and flat feet; and can he state what military service this man will be called upon to perform?

I am not aware of the case to which the hon. Member refers. It is for the local tribunal to decide each case on its merits. I have no authority to interfere in individual cases. I may add that, as regards voluntarily attested men, the question of medical fitness is one for the military authorities, not for the tribunals.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Amalgamated Press, Limited, appealed to the Southwark Tribunal on the 24th instant in respect of fifty-one single men stated to be essential to the production of their weekly journals, with the result that twenty-one for whom they claimed total exemption were granted six months' exemption; will he say whether the production of "Comic Cuts" and "Forget-Me-Not" is regarded' as work of national importance at a time when single men are being discharged from munition works; and, if so, will he take steps to secure uniformity of exemption in accordance with this decision?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this matter. The military authorities have the remedy in their own hands in any case in which they think exemption has been improperly given, as the military representative has the right to appeal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, where commanding officers consistently refuse permission to suitable men to accept commissions and such refusals are contrary to the interests of the Service, any steps are taken by the military authorities to prevent this abuse of the discretionary power exercised by such commanding officers?

I must repeat that men cannot be considered as eligible for commissions unless recommended by their commanding officer, who is the best judge of their qualifications. My hon. Friend's question, if he will permit me to say so, begs a question which cannot be decided in this House, but only by the military authorities who know the facts of the case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that steps are taken with regard to these commissions?

Yes; we are endeavouring to do that now.

What remedy is there if there is a consistent refusal by the commanding officer with regard to these commissions?

My right hon. Friend knows that he communicates with me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an employer named Mr. E. H. Bentall, of Heybridge, Essex, is promising workmen that they will obtain exemption from military service if they are willing to work in the moulding department in connection with the above firm's works, where the employer has himself discharged five of his workmen for having joined a trade union, and where over forty of the men in this department have left their work in consequence of the arbitrary action of this employer to them; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

As stated in my reply to the hon. Member's question on the 23rd instant, any complaint as to the labour conditions prevailing at this firm's works would be dealt with by the Minister of Munitions. I will bring these further statements to the notice of my right hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether boys of sixteen and seventeen who joined the Army pretending they were older are refused pensions if they are disabled; will he say on what ground they are first accepted and sent into the firing-line and then refused national support when they have suffered disablement in defence of their country; and will he state how many boys under eighteen years of age he estimates have been enlisted in the Army since the War began?

I will refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on the 23rd March.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me an estimate of the numbers of boys sent into the Army?

No, Sir, I cannot possibly give those numbers

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the men of the Royal Sussex Regiment were ordered by Colonel Johnson to be inoculated on board ship on their way to India; that two privates availed themselves of their right to refuse, and were awarded the punishment of twenty-five days' confinement for their refusal; that in the case of one at least of these men not a single inoculation parade had been missed; that the punishment was admitted to be for refusing the operation itself, and that Colonel Johnson gave the Indian Government as his authority for the order; will he say if men who have joined the British Army as volunteers become thereby subject to the Indian Government; and, in case a miscarriage of justice has taken place, will these men be compensated and the officer censured for disobeying the Regulations of the British Army?

I am causing an inquiry to be made into this case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of William Henry Salmon, of Countesthorpe, Leicester, who, upon presenting himself for attestation in November, 1915, was rejected as medically unfit, but who was requested by Major H. Stuart Murray, of the Glen Parva Barracks, on the 2nd instant, to send him for inspection the certificate of exemption, and promising that it would be returned, and who, the certificate not having been returned, was ordered on the 16th instant to join the Colours; and what action the War Office proposes to take in this case?

I cannot say whether any action is necessary in this case until the report I have called for has been received.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not say what action the man should take as to the withholding of his certificate of rejection when he is ordered to report himself?

It all depends on the kind of rejection. If the man has a certificate of rejection after the 15th August last year he has only to report that fact, giving the nature of the rejection, and he is outside the scope of the Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. E. W. Jeffs, of Derby, was examined in accordance with the instructions for the physical and medical examination of candidates for commissions in the Regular Army and Special Reserve and was given a certificate on 19th August, 1915, to the effect that he was unfit for military service; that the military authorities have now sent him a notice calling him up for service under the Military Service Act, 1916; and whether this man should be excepted, seeing that he offered himself for enlistment since 14th August, 1915, and was rejected?

I cannot find from my hon. Friend's question that this man had offered himself for enlistment and been rejected. If this be the case, as it appears to be, he has not complied with the requirements of paragraph 6 of the First Schedule of the Military 'Service Act and is not entitled to be excepted from the provisions of the Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether military representatives are instructed to appeal against the decisions of local tribunals granting absolute exemption to only sons who are the sole support of widowed mothers?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the result of his inquiry into the case of Private Wankin?

No, Sir. I cannot state the result of the inquiries, which are not yet completed.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he will be in a position to reply very soon?

I really do not know; but if my hon. Friend will speak to me afterwards, I perhaps may be able to elucidate the point. I do not know who he is.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that notices calling upon medically rejected men to report themselves are still being issued; and, if so, whether he will issue instructions that no further notices are to be issued to men of whose medical rejection the recruiting officers have a record?

Notice papers are not being sent to men whom the recruiting officers know to have been rejected— i.e. , to those who are entered in the Military Register as having been rejected. If any men are inadvertently called upon, the matter can quite easily be put straight.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to the authorities at Hamilton to look at the records which they actually have, so that inconvenience may be spared to a large number?

I will cause that to be done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many exemptions under the Military Service Act, 1916, have been granted by Government Departments, giving the number from, each Department; and how many of these have been recently cancelled or withdrawn?

I cannot make any statement on this matter as regards Departments other than that which I have the honour to represent, but I may say that on the assumption that only Civil servants and War Office clerical staff are in question, the number of exemptions granted under the provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916, amounts to thirteen. None of these have been recently cancelled or withdrawn.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what percentage that represents on the total number?

I do not know if the hon. Gentleman was in the House when I made a statement a few weeks ago that there are 6,350 people employed by the? War Office, including both sexes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many cases have been adjudged by the local tribunals under the Military Service Act, 1916, and how many remain for adjudication; how many appeals have been taken to the Appeal Tribunal by aggrieved persons and how many by permission of the Army Council; how many of these appeals have been decided, stating the results as to confirmation or reversal; how many appeals have been taken from the Appeal Tribunal by its leave to the Central Tribunal, if any; and what progress has been made in the Central Tribunal in disposal of such appeals?

The War Office have no means of answering this question accurately.

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the latter part of the question?

I really do not know. Perhaps my hon. Friend might put the inquiry to my right hon. Friend.

asked whether fishermen are exempt under the Military Service Act, 1916, or whether they are required, as an alternative to enlistment if of military age, to join the Royal Navy or enrol in the Royal Naval Reserve (Trawler Section) or in the Royal Volunteer Reserve (Y Section), to be called up as required?

The Admiralty have exercised their right under the Military Service Act to have the first call on the service of fishermen who are liable to service under that Act. The War Office, therefore, carry out the Admiralty wishes in respect of fishermen.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the men in his Department who have enlisted are still paid their ordinary salaries in full; whether this is done where full soldier's pay is given to these men along with separation allowance; and is it in many instances the case that female substitutes are employed to do the work of these soldiers, sometimes the substitutes being the wives of the men themselves?

Full civil pay in addition to military pay and allowances is only granted to those members of the Post Office staff who enlist in certain sections. About 15,000 out of the 50,000 Post Office servants who are on active service come under this arrangement. It may be the case that in a few instances the wives of men on active service are engaged as substitutes. The pay of the 15,000 men I have mentioned is under consideration by the Post Office and the War Office.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether Mr. Cyril Jackson, the vice-chairman of the Statutory Committee, has been appointed to the Central Appeal Tribunal; whether this will interfere with the work of the Statutory Committee, which is urgent; and whether it is impossible to substitute another gentleman in his place?

Mr. Cyril Jackson was a member of the Central Appeal Tribunal set up last autumn. That body has now, with the addition of one or two other members, been constituted the Central Tribunal under the Military Service Act If Mr. Jackson finds that the work of the Statutory Committee, which obviously has the first call on him at the present time, makes it impossible to fulfil the duties of a member of the Central Tribunal, arrangements can, I have no doubt, be made for his relinquishing the latter.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that, as Mr. Cyril Jackson is receiving £1,750 as vice-chairman of the Statutory Committee, he ought to be released from the other work?

I think it may be perfectly proper to leave it to Mr. Jackson. He has been ill recently and not able to take any part in his work. I am quite confident he will do that which is best in the interests of the country.

asked whether tribunals are supposed to consider applications for total exemption from miners for conscientious reasons on the ground that they are otherwise provisionally exempted; and, if so, whether any miner whose exemption is withdrawn will have an opportunity afterwards to have a plea of conscientious objection to military service heard?

It is open to a miner to whom a certificate of exemption has been given to apply for a variation or renewal of the certificate on grounds of conscientious objection when the original certificate ceases to be in force.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the lack of impartiality and tolerance displayed by many tribunals up and down the country to appellants on the ground of conscientious objection, and also the influence exercised by the military representative, with the result that such a thing as absolute exemption in these cases is practically unknown; and, in view of this, whether he will remind the appeal tribunals that absolute exemption can be granted in cases where the genuine convictions of the appellant are such that neither exemption from combatant service nor conditional exemption will adequately meet the case?

My hon. Friend will have received a copy of the circular I issued last week to local and appeal tribunals, in which he will see that the point raised in his question has been referred to.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the resignation of Mr. W. B. Foster, secretary of the Leeds Labour party, from the Leeds Tribunal, in order to draw public attention to the fact that the tribunal has disregarded the instruction to treat the appeals of conscientious objectors in an impartial and tolerant spirit; and does he propose to institute an inquiry as regards this matter?

I am making inquiries respecting the matter to which the hon. Member refers.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, as Chairman of the Cabinet Conference, whether he has received a request from Lord Derby that a day should be set apart for the full discussion of the recruiting situation, when an explanation could be given of the steps now being taken by various Government Departments to release single men from "starred" or reserved occupations, and whether this discussion can take place before 7th April?

I have received my Noble Friend's request. After consulting my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies, I propose to make a full statement to-morrow, when the Government will move the Adjournment at an early hour for the purpose. On the Prime Minister's return, the question of a day for discussion will be considered, and he will make an announcement.

May I ask whether any debate will be permitted tomorrow on that statement?

It is on the Adjournment.

asked the number of men of the Public Schools battalions of the Royal Fusiliers who have obtained commissions, giving the numbers from each battalion, respectively, and the number, respectively, who had served at the front before receiving commissions?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South-West Manchester on the 22nd March. I fear I cannot give these figures, and that if they were given in the form suggested in the question they would be fallacious.

Does not the War Office know exactly what has occurred with regard to this?

I think that the facts are fairly well known, but I cannot say that accurate figures could be given in the form in which my hon. Friend asks for them. The general principle is no doubt completely well known.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that commissions are given in suitable cases?

That is exactly what we are endeavouring to do.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that he has not done it for months and months?

I do not agree with my hon. and gallant Friend. The House is familiar with what we have done. The hon. and gallant Gentleman has just returned and does not know. We have written to the commanding officers, and are pursuing the matter. It will not rest.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of complaints of the unbusinesslike methods practised by the War Office, especially with regard to contracts; whether he is aware of constant complaints that letters are answered frequently only after long delay, and that sometimes no answers can be obtained even on matters of great importance; whether he will take means to call the attention of the leading officials responsible to these complaints; and whether he will consider the desirability of setting up an independent Committee with full powers to investigate these complaints and to recommend the means by which more satisfactory methods may be adopted in future?

Charges against public Departments are not uncommon, but unless they are specific in character it is almost impossible to act upon them. If the hon. Member will give me particulars of some cases I will have them investigated. He will, of course, remember the enormous volume of work with which the Department has to deal and will not he so unreasonable as to expect that in the present stress there shall be absolutely no cases of delay. I fear in my own case, for instance, owing to my being in receipt of 300–400 letters a day, in spite of much valuable assistance afforded me, delay has occurred and is, indeed, inevitable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, when the shortage of doctors and nurses and hospital equipment for the forces in Mesopotamia was realised by the Government, any endeavour was made to transfer some of the hospital equipment in Egypt and at present not being used, and so to secure aid to those wounded who are dying for want of attention?

Yes, Sir. Aid was offered as soon as it was realised that aid was wanted.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how long an interval, if any, will intervene between the receipt through the proper channels by the Secretary of State for War of an offer of the services under the Volunteer Act, 1863, of a volunteer corps and the acceptance of such services?

Obviously, I cannot say how long the interval will be in each case, but though some interval will be necessary I agree that it should be as brief as possible.

Will my right hon. Friend kindly bear in mind how long the recognition of Volunteer Training Corps has been under consideration, and, remembering how long steps have been delayed, will he see that the delay is dealt with as early as he can?

I will endeavour to do my best, but my hon. Friend must remember that the matter which is under consideration requires a good deal of thinking out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why no attempt has yet been made to repatriate subjects of allied countries so that they can serve in the respective armies of those countries; and is he aware that many of these allied subjects who are avoiding military service are occupying positions formerly held by British subjects now with the Colours?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 16th instant by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary to the hon. Member for Somerset, North. Assistance has been given to the French and Belgian authorities with a view to securing the return of Frenchmen and Belgians of military age. No similar arrangements have yet been made with the Russian or Italian authorities. I have no information as to the last part of my hon. Friend's question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the military authorities have not inquired into the death and burial of Patrick Sullivan, a soldier in the Royal Irish Fusiliers, one of two brothers both wounded in action; and whether an explanation of that case can now be given?

As I have before stated, I will inquire into this ease if the hon. Gentleman will give me the necessary data in order to enable me to trace it, but I am not prepared to make inquiries into these cases of individual soldiers unless the proper data are furnished. Surely, if the hon. Gentleman takes a real interest in this deceased soldier, he will put himself to the trouble of obtaining the information required, instead of referring me to an unspecified issue of an unnamed provincial journal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how the recent figures given regarding admission ratio per 1,000 for venereal disease in Egypt compare with the years 1913, 1914, and 1915?

The annual admission ratio per 1,000 of strength for the years mentioned was:—

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he can say what the War Office intends to do with the Anti-Aircraft Corps; (2) whether the places of the men of the Anti-Aircraft Corps are now being taken by others; whether these men are untrained and have their knowledge and experience yet to gain; whether the services of the Anti-Aircraft Corps are not to be utilised as formerly; and (3) whether the men taking the places of the Anti-Aircraft Corps are very many more in number; whether the number of officers is also increased; and whether the cost to the nation is thereby very much enhanced?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Shoreditch on 2nd March. All these questions rest on the false assumption that the naval personnel are being got rid of and being replaced by soldiers. It has been repeatedly stated in both Houses of Parliament that this has not been done and is not in contemplation.

I beg to give notice that I will call attention to this subject on the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, since a recent raid on the North-East Coast, any special guns have been erected on the roof of a certain municipal building in a North-East Coast town?

The mounting of guns for defence against aerial attacks is not a subject on which information can be given in the most public manner possible— i.e. , in an answer to a question in this House.

May I ask whether the mounting of wooden guns is a question on which an answer could be given in the public interest?

No, Sir, I do not think it would be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can say whether any and, if so, how many of our airmen were injured when they went up in pursuit of the enemy during the recent Zeppelin and aircraft raids; and, if so, if any such injuries were due to the action of the enemy or to any-preventable causes?

There were three casualties to officers of the Royal Flying Corps. The injuries were not due to the action of the enemy, nor to any cause which was, at the time they were incurred, preventable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the six Zeppelins reported as having been sighted in the neighbourhood of two East Kent towns and two East Anglian towns on Sunday night, 19th March, or in the early hours of Monday morning, were driven off by our aeroplanes; and, if not, will he say whether any warning of the presence of these airships was given to the police, military, and civil authorities at the neighbouring towns?

Reports were made on the night in question of the presence of Zeppelins off the coast. Certain appropriate action was taken in consequence and aeroplanes went up in certain places. This is all it is desirable to say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can say whether the Government War Committee known as the Derby-Montagu Committee, or any member of it, has approached the hon. Member for East Herts with a view to his becoming a member or adviser; if any such invitation was given and not accepted, if he can say if any reason was given for the refusal; and if he will say whether this Committee possesses power to add to its numbers or whether additional appointments rest with the Secretary of State for War?

I understand that the hon. Member for East Herts was asked to give evidence before the Committee presided over by Lord Derby. He replied that no useful purpose would be served until this House had satisfied him upon the powers and authority of the Committee. No invitation has been given to him to become a member of or adviser to the Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the indignation existing in East Herts owing to the treatment of some hundreds of convalescent wounded soldiers in the neighbourhood of Bishop's Stortford; and can he inform the House who was responsible for permitting these men to sleep on bare boards without the usual straw bedding and for allowing a considerable number to be accommodated in cucumber frames?

The men referred to were either fit for duty or light duty and were not convalescent wounded soldiers. It is regretted that straw could not be obtained locally and an extra blanket was issued in place. Accommodation was allotted by Central Quartering Committee for 600 men in glasshouses at Stansted; these houses are at least 8 feet high, comfortably heated, and have been previously occupied by troops.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform me whether steps will be taken that this shall not occur again?

It depends upon what the hon. Gentleman is referring to. If he is referring to these men having been taken to glasshouses, I am afraid the answer is in the negative, but as to the absence of straw, I will endeavour to see that it does not occur again.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of these glasshouses have no floors, and that they are damp and exceedingly injurious to health?

That information has not been conveyed to me, but I shall certainly have inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to give the promised information regarding the case of Patrick Mahone, invalided from the front and now an inmate of the workhouse at Great Yarmouth?

The Chelsea Commissioners are now in a position to consider this case, having received the necessary information, and they will discuss it this week. I cannot yet, therefore, announce any decision.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a fortnight ago I gave notice about this case?

I am perfectly well aware of that. I do not think it is very reasonable that my hon. Friend should try and hurry a great Department like the Chelsea Commissioners, because this particular case is not the only one.

asked whether any pension, and, if so, from what date, has been granted to Private Edward Shea, Royal Munster Fusiliers, in view of the fact that after taking part in the battles of Ypres and the Aisne he was wounded at Festubert, is unable to follow his occupation as tailor, and is permanently unfitted for labouring work?

The Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital awarded Private Shea a pension of 7s. a week conditional with effect from the 8th December, 1915, the day following the date of his discharge. The medical board by whom he was examined were able to take a more hopeful view of his condition than is suggested by the hon. Member's question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the joint interests of increased revenue and increased food production, the Cabinet have considered the advisability of imposing a special or increased tax upon arable land which is kept untilled; and, if so, with what result?

My right hon. Friend is unable to anticipate his next financial statement.

Has he considered the point?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the discussion of those trade relations after the War, he could inform the House of the steps, if any, taken to ascertain the views of those British firms chiefly trading with neutral countries, such as China?

asked whether, in considering the question of trade relations among the Allies after the War, due regard will be had to the value of neutral markets?

His Majesty's Government fully appreciate the importance of preserving and extending British trade in neutral markets. The subject will naturally come under the consideration of the Special Committees which I am appointing to inquire into the position of certain important branches of British industry after the War. In addition, Mr. Ainscough, who has recently completed a commercial mission in China, on behalf of the Board of Trade, has been closely in touch with important British firms trading with the Far East, and would be glad to receive any further information as to their views which they care to supply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether British trade interests in China, a neutral country, will receive careful recognition in any discussions which may take place among the Allies with regard to economic relations after the War?

Most certainly.

Is Japan to be represented at this Conference?

I could not answer that question without notice, but I think it is more than likely that Japan will be represented.

asked the Prime Minister if Admiral Jellicoe has protested against any Orders in Council relating to the carrying out of the blockade against Germany?

My right hon. Friend does not know what is the source of the rumour to which my right hon. Friend refers. In any case, he will agree with him in thinking that it would be highly improper to refer in this House to confidential communications between the Admiralty and officers holding high command.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether Admiral Jellicoe has complained that the Contraband Committee has released ships which the Navy have taken?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed that the President of the Board of Trade should be the only Cabinet Minister to attend the Paris Conference; and whether, in view of the interest which the sister States of the Empire have in the complex questions to be discussed, he will arrange for the Secretary of State for the Colonies also to take part in the Conference?

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that the present Government is a Coalition representing parties holding divergent economic opinions, he will undertake that the Government shall be represented at the economic conference in Paris by a member of each of the parties in the Coalition?

asked the Prime Minister whether the President of the Board of Trade will attend the Economic Conference of the Allies to be held in Paris; and, if so, will he do so as a representative of the United Kingdom only or of the whole British Smpire?

The Prime Minister has asked me to attend this Conference with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, and I hope to do so.

The following question stood on the Order Paper in the name of Mr. R. McNEILL: 55. To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of his statement that nothing will be said by the representatives of His Majesty's Government in Paris at the forthcoming Economic Conference which will in any degree fetter the free acton of the House of Commons and of the desirability of the Conference being fruitful of practical results, he will afford an opportunity for this House to express an opinion that may guide the action of the British representatives at the Conference by giving a day before the Conference meets for the discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for St. Augustine's?

A request reached me this morning to postpone question No. 56, which is not in my name. It is possible it may have referred to No. 55. I was asked to postpone it indefinitely, until the Prime Minister's return. I think that is rather an unreasonable request. Perhaps the Secretary of State for the Colonies will be able to answer it to-morrow?

I did request, or give instructions to request, my hon. Friend to postpone it because the Conference cannot be held for a long time, and I thought it would be no injury to the House if it were postponed until the Prime Minister came back.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the pattern of steel helmet supplied to British Infantry at the front has been found to be satisfactory in all respects; and whether he can give an assurance that all battalions in the field will shortly be equipped with, helmets either of the present or of an improved pattern, as completely as is now the case in the French Army?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, as all battalions in the field will be equipped with the helmet. I am glad to be able to give the assurance asked for in the last part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the 9th Bedfordshire Regiment, now billeted in private houses at Sittingbourne, is to go under canvas forthwith; and, if so, will he have special inquiries made as to whether the projected camping ground, affords a suitable site in view of the health of the regiment?

Yes, Sir. Orders have been given for the battalion in question to go into camp, and I fancy they moved on the 25th. This step has been taken on the advice of the sanitary and medical officers owing to a case of cerebro-spinal meningitis having occurred in the billet occupied by troops at Sittingbourne. The new camp is situated on high grass land, with pipe-water supply adjoining, and is an admirable camping ground in every respect. It was selected by a committee consisting of a Staff officer, a medical officer, and a Royal Engineer officer, and was personally inspected and approved by the Major-General Commanding the Thames and Medway Garrison.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an advertisement was recently inserted in the Manchester newspapers, as well as special papers concerned with sanitation, inviting men between the ages of twenty-two and forty to join the sanitary section of the 66th East Lancashire Division; whether he is aware that, when attested men with the necessary qualifications applied, they were informed that all the vacancies were filled up, although at that time not a single man had then joined, and can he state whether Colonel R. Cecil Winder, V.D., secretary of the East Lancashire Territorial Association, gave instructions to the officer commanding the Royal Army Medical Corps entrusted with the formation of the section that he must not take attested men; and whether he will make inquiry into this matter with a view to giving attested men a chance of joining this section so that their special knowledge may be thoroughly utilised in the future?

I have called for a Report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Private A. Howard, No. 7,800, 3rd Royal Sussex Regiment, who was shot through his left eye and through the neck, on 9th May, 1915, and has lost the sight of his left eye, was warned to hold himself in readiness to proceed overseas on 20th March; and whether it is the practice of the War Office to send men suffering from an infliction of this character abroad, seeing the disadvantages such men would be placed under when in the firing line?

I have no report regarding the details of this particular case, but officers or men with one eye are not invalided from the service, and it is possible that they may in certain cases be put in category A, i.e. , be classed as fit for general service.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say that a man with one eye ought to go into the trenches?

It has been decided by the military authorities that a man with one eye may be very useful, especially if be is a good shot. That does not mean that all men with one eye should be taken for general service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether hutments have been placed on the Birmingham playing fields at Castle Bromwich which have been formed out of sewage matter, notwithstanding that the medical authority for Warwickshire communicated his objections to his Department, pointing out the difficulties of sanitation; whether better sites could have been selected near the canal, where easy transportation for building materials is available, with a good supply of water; will he state why the representations made to him on this subject were ignored as well as those coming from local people; whether he is aware that there are large buildings in the district, the property of the Drainage Board, which could have been converted into dormitories at a very small cost, saving the money spent on these huts?

The sub-soil on which the huts in question are built is gravel, and the site chosen was that most convenient for training the troops in aviation, which is the main object of the camp. The representations made were not ignored. A special visit was paid on the 8th January, 1916, by the Director of Fortifications and Works, accompanied by the sanitary engineer of the War Department. They met the engineer to the Birmingham, Tame and Rea District Drainage Board on the ground and considered the matter carefully and came to the conclusion that the objections raised to the site were untenable. Local objections are, of course, at all times listened to, but the War Department must reserve the right to accept them or reject them. I am informed that no buildings available in the vicinity were brought to notice by the engineer to the drainage board, and it is extremely doubtful if, taking into account the necessity in the case of the aeronautical service of the men living close to their work, they would be as suitable as huts erected on the spot.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say the hut soil was gravel, and does he deny that these huts were built oh sewage matter?

Yes, I deny that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that a private soldier from the Mansfield Division, who had been suffering from a sprained muscle, last week visited Mr. Barker, the manipulative surgeon, paying his own expenses to London; that this surgeon effected an immediate cure of the injury after the Army medical authorities had repeatedly failed to do so; will he say why the Army should be deprived of Mr. Barker's services for reasons of medical etiquette; (2) whether the War Office have refused to avail themselves of the services of Mr. H. A. Barker, the manipulative surgeon, owing to this gentleman refusing to conform strictly to the etiquette of the profession; whether he is aware that Mr. Barker has successfully treated a number of officers and men in the Army and Navy, as well as medical men and their families, where eminent surgeons have failed; and will he therefore direct the medical authorities that they are not to have regard to professional etiquette but to the interests of the patients, seeing that Mr. Barker has offered to give his services without payment to the War Office?

I have no information other than that now tendered to me by my hon. Friend regarding the private soldier from his Division, who is stated to have been cured by Mr. Barker. It is the case that the War Office have declined to accept the services of Mr. H. A. Barker, together with those of several other gentlemen who are not registered medical practitioners. I cannot say that it is the intention of the Army Council to direct the medical authorities to employ unqualified medical men to treat military patients. If this were done, I feel quite certain that from no quarter would there be a louder outcry that our soldiers were not receiving the necessary skilled attention than from Members of this House.

Is not the only objection against the qualifications of Mr. Barker that he refuses to conform to the medical professional etiquette? Is it not also the fact that Gentlemen sitting on the Treasury Bench have consulted Mr. Barker with advantage?

I cannot answer for all my colleagues. I can only say that the reason why the Army Council cannot accept the services of Mr. Barker is that he is not a registered medical practitioner.

asked whether the inquiry into the case of assault by Second-Lieutenant Plummer, at Aberlour, will include an inquiry into the action of Colonel Leith, commanding at Aberdeen, in suppressing civil proceedings which had been commenced and which the police were desirous of proceeding with, and in suppressing all references to the incident in the Press?

I thought the hon. Gentleman was aware that the Court of Inquiry was a military inquiry. Under what powers and for what reasons the Procurator Fiscal stopped the civil proceedings is a matter upon which the hon. Gentleman should, I think, address himself to my right hon. Friend the Lord Advocate. As the Court has been directed to investigate the whole case the point in question will doubtless form part of the inquiry, but the War Office is not responsible for the action of the Procurator Fiscal.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that men with long service are being discharged from the military department at Haulbowline and their work done by military; and will he state the reason for discharging these men?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will permit me to defer answering this question until I have obtained some additional information.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will give the reasons which decided the Government to refuse to resort to bonus bonds as a—and probably the only—method of bringing the savings and excess income of wage-earners into the national Exchequer during the present crisis?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the alleged illegality under the existing law of the proposed premium bonds affected the Government's decision not to issue them; if so, whether his attention has been called to the fact that such alleged illegality could be cured by a single Clause in the next Finance Act; (2) whether he was aware before the date of his refusal to sanction an issue of premium bonds that an important meeting of City men had resolved to send a deputation to interview him upon the subject; if so, why he announced his decision before waiting to hear the views which the deputation desired to lay before him; and (3) if he will state to what Committee or Committees the question of a proposed issue of premium bonds was referred; what was the decision or advice of each Committee; when was such decision or advice communicated to him?