asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether there is any objection to men in the Navy wearing a rose on St. George's Day; and, if so, will he cause that objection to be removed for Sunday, 23rd April?

Commanders-in-Chief and commanding officers are authorised to grant permission to such officers and men as may desire it, to wear the national emblems on St. George's, St. Andrew's, St. Patrick's, and St. David's days.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there is any objection to men in the Army wearing a rose on St. George's Day; and, if so, will he cause that objection to be removed for Sunday, 23rd April?

Under the King's Regulations special emblems may be worn on the headdress on anniversaries, provided authority has been obtained. I understand that the Northumberland Fusiliers are permitted to wear the rose on St. George's Day, but that no other regiments have asked for permission to do so.

If regiments ask for permission will it be granted?

It certainly will be favourablly considered.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when will the Papers be laid showing the British case for seizing mails on board neutral vessels?

The Memorandum regarding the examination of parcels and letter mails to which the hon. Member presumably refers was laid on the Table of the House on 6th April. Copies will be issued to Members at the earliest possible moment: the Memorandum, being in French, it is being translated as usual.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information regarding developments in the provinces of China?

The information which has reached us from China is unfortunately to the effect that the unrest in many of the provinces shows no sign of diminishing. It is impossible to give any comprehensive account of the political sentiments of individual provinces or to predict what will be the ultimate development of a situation which varies from day to day. I am glad to say there is, so far, no indication of any danger to foreign lives and property.

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs (1) whether a commission of neutrals has offered to undertake the relief of the starving population in Serbia; whether there is any practicable method of administering such relief without the supplies falling into the hands of the enemy; if so, whether facilities will be granted for the transport of supplies and their distribution in Serbia; and (2) whether he has any information in respect to the treatment of the Serbian civil population by the enemy in occupation of the country; whether the reports of frequent massacres and of widespread starvation of the Serbians are confirmed from official sources of information; if so, whether any representations on the subject have been made to neutral Governments; and whether any steps are being, or can be, taken to alleviate distress in Serbia?

Serbia being in the occupation of the enemy, no official information can be received as to the conditions in that country. From unofficial information which has been received, it appears that the civil population have not been personally maltreated by the Austrian troops, though isolated outrages on the part of Bulgarian irregulars may quite possibly have occurred. The material, however, in our possession is too slight to justify representations to neutral Governments.

With respect to the relief of the distress in Serbia, His Majesty's Government are anxious to do anything possible consistent with paramount military considerations. But they desire to state emphatically that it is the duty of the occupying Powers to provide for the well-being of the population of the occupied country, and to protest against the callousness of those who, by deliberately starving the populations under their control, attempt to blackmail our Allies and ourselves into replenishing supplies which ought never to have been taken from the country.

Granting it is the duty of the occupiers of the territory, is it not possible for the Allies to do something to alleviate distress if it exists in Serbia?

We have had various proposals so far but none which in our view could possibly be complied with without serious military disadvantage.

May I ask if the declaration of policy just made is generally applicable or for application in Serbia only?

I do not think it fair for my hon. Friend to say I have made any general declaration of policy. I merely pointed out, on behalf of my right hon. Friend, that the people primarily and chiefly responsible for the well-being of the occupied territories are the occupiers themselves; so it is not fair for our enemies to turn round on us and say "because we are starving the population, therefore it is your business to relieve them."

asked the Secretary for Foreign Affairs if he will state how many ships are regularly engaged in conveying food and supplies for the relief of the Belgians; how many of these are British, French, and neutral, respectively; what is the average rate at which the relief ships are chartered; whether he can state on what terms and charges German ships interned in neutral ports are or will be chartered on behalf of the Relief Commission; and whether the money to be paid to the German owners of such ships will be paid during or after the War, and by whom?

The question of employing German interned ships is tinder consideration, and a statement in regard to the ships employed by the Relief Commission is not at present in the public interest.

Considering the enormously enhanced value of the tonnage of ships what steps have been taken by the Government to prevent the Germans discounting in advance any bills of sale realisable at the end of the War?

I should like notice of that question. I am not a shipping expert.

Am I to understand that the Government have taken no steps?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend should accept my answer that the matter is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state what steps he has taken, beyond communicating to the Governments of the Dominions the Resolution of this House of 10th January, to carry out the intention of that Resolution and bring the whole strength of the Empire into co-operation with our Allies in a policy directed against the enemy?

The subject of my hon. Friend's question is engaging the attention of the Government in consultation with the Dominions, but there is no statement which I can usefully make.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether any representations have been received on behalf of the Governments of Canada, Australia, or other Dominions respecting the prohibition of trade products from importation into the United Kingdom; and whether any prohibition directed against the United Kingdom is in force in any of the Dominions?

I have had communications on particular oases from some of the Dominion Governments, and I have every reason to believe that they understand and appreciate the reasons connected with the tonnage situation which rendered the recent prohibitions of importation necessary. I am not aware of any prohibitions having been established in the Dominions for similar reasons.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies what definite measures have been taken, in pursuance of the promises made on behalf of His Majesty's Government on Empire Day (April, 1915), on Dominion Day (July, 1915), and other dates, in order to secure, in co-operation with the Dominions, the complete elimination of the German control of the metal resources of Australia?

This question is one in which the Prime Minister of Australia is greatly interested, and it is under discussion with him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of his statement that the speaking of Gaelic is not criminal under the Defence of the Realm Act, he will explain the confirmation and enforcement of the fine imposed upon Mr. Chavasse for that offence, no other being charged, and with the imprisonment of Mr. Padraig O'Conaire for a week in Derry Gaol for that offence, no other being charged; whether in this case the arrest and imprisonment or the abandonment of the prosecution was due to the competent military authority; and whether the same freedom of speech is to be allowed in Gaelic as in English in future?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland.

Is it not true, as stated in the question, that these two men have been punished for no other offence, or no other charge, than speaking the Irish language?

They were charged under the Defence of the Realm Act. They refused to obey orders given to them by the properly constituted military authorities.

Did they not give a full answer in Irish?

asked the Attorney-General for Ireland by what authority Mr. Padraig O'Conaire was arrested in county Donegal and kept in Derry Gaol for a week for speaking Gaelic, no other offence being charged; by what authority the prosecution was then abandoned; what amends will be made to Mr. O'Conaire; whether the fine and costs imposed upon Mr. Chavasse for a like offence, no other being charged, will now be refunded; and what measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of such cases and to secure the same freedom of speech in Gaelic as in English in future?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question on this subject yesterday. The prosecution in this case and all proceedings connected therewith were under the direction of the competent military authority. It is not proposed to take any further action in reference to any of the other matters referred to in the hon. Member's question.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of the question, as to what measures are taken to prevent a recurrence of this treatment?

If people in Ireland are asked by the police questions arising out of their conduct it would be just as well if they replied in a language which the policeman understands.

Where does the right hon. Gentleman find a precedent for tolerating a language by imprisoning its professors?

Answer.

Answer.

There is no precedent.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether some months ago the War Office, in order to meet the exigencies of the service in the expeditions on the Western front and elsewhere, sanctioned the appointment of lieutenants to be temporary captains and of second-lieutenants to be lieutenants in each British Infantry battalion serving in the field, both Regular and Territorial; whether, with the approval of the Secretary of State for India, the Government of India some months ago extended this system, then in practice among the British units of the Expeditionary Forces serving under the War Office, to all the British regiments serving with the Indian Expeditionary Force D in the campaign in Mesopotamia, with effect from the beginning of the operatons of the Force D; and whether, after the promulgation of these orders to the British troops, Regular and Territorial, in Mesopotamia, any orders have been issued to exclude Territorial officers, undergoing the same hardships and dangers, from the benefit of the extension and to deprive Territorial lieutenants and second-lieutenants of the temporary promotions sanctioned to the rank next above them?

If I understand my hon. Friend correctly no such orders as he seems to have in mind have been issued. But I am not certain that I have understood aright what is in my hon. Friend's mind.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that there are a number of practising physicians and surgeons above the age of forty-five who would be willing to volunteer for special and general service at home and thus enable the War Office to free active service men for work at the front; and if the War Office will officially invite all medical men, without limitation of age, to offer their services for the period of the War under a scheme which would ensure proper recognition and due consideration of the special quaifications of practitioners who volunteered?

Medical men between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five are being employed as commissioned officers for general service in the United Kingdom. Doctors over fifty-five may offer their services for local employment to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command in which they are living, or in which they desire to do duty with troops. I think the hon. Baronet and my medical advisers are really at one in this matter. In other words, the policy should be that the medical men of more advanced years render the country the better service by undertaking the care of the civil population and thus setting free those of military age who are physically fit for duty at home or abroad.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical profession are looking for a clear and definite lead from the War Office in this matter, which they have not had up till now?

I am surprised to hear my hon. Friend say that. We have endeavoured to carry out the policy he advocates to the best of our ability, and we are continuing to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Admiralty Regulations require that not merely the parents but the grandparents of all masters of Admiralty transports must be British; and whether he will consider the desirability of extending this rule to positions which bring Army officers into close contact with German prisoners?

I understand that the Admiralty Regulations are as stated in the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I may assure the hon. Gentleman that the question of nationality is one among many others which are considered in connection with the appointment of officers to posts which would bring them into contact with prisoners of war.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Lieutenant Meyer's father, who died soon after his son was born, was in fact alive and a visitor at Bath and at the George Hotel, Buxton, in the year 1915, and was speaking with a strong German accent; and whether this in any way modifies his previous views as to the desirability of appointing this gentleman with a German father alive to the adjutancy of Donington Hall?

I find I made a mistake in the supplementary answer I gave to the hon. Member on the 5th April. For this I express my regret. I learn that the father of Lieutenant Meyer was naturalised thirty-eight years ago, and I have no reason to modify the views I expressed as to the son's suitability for the post of adjutant, to which he was appointed.

That being so, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he, in dealing with the facts in the second question, acted upon the principle laid down in the first question, namely, that the parents and grandparents should be of British nationality?

Yes, Sir; it was one of many factors.

It was not a controlling factor?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of J. T. Murphy, of 69, Primrose Avenue, Shiregreen, Sheffield, a member of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, who works in a reserved occupation and holds a badge and certificate which he has shown to the military authority; whether he is aware that in reply this workman has been informed in writing by Lieutenant Barnsley that the fact of holding a badge and certificate does not exempt from service, and that the workman must in addition obtain from the employer an employer's certificate; whether he will state what authority there is for Lieutenant Barns-ley's statement; and what action he proposes to take?

I am calling for a report about this case.

On the general point, is it the case that a badge and certificate of themselves exempt, or must the workman obtain an employer's certificate?

That question ought to be addressed to the Minister of Munitions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether many boys who attested under the group system did so on the distinct promise embodied in the invitation issued on all the posters that men of eighteen would not be called up until they were nineteen years of age, and also emphasied in posters issued by the Parliamentary Recruiting Committee, which stated that under no circumstances will men be called up until they are nineteen years of age; and whether it is the intention of the Government in the face of these promises to call up boys before they are nineteen years of age?

Men in Group I. and Class I. are now called up, but only those who have actually reached the age of nineteen will be taken for service. All under that age will be medically examined and have the option of returning to their homes for the present or of remaining with the Colours and undergoing special training. They will not be sent abroad for active service before reaching the age of nineteen.

Why should they be given the option of returning home; why should they not be trained at once so that they could be used at once?

Because it was announced previously in Parliament that they would not be taken before they reached the age of nineteen. Now we are going to give them the option, and I would ask the House to support us.

How does the right hon. Gentleman justify sending boys of sixteen and seventeen to the front, which he is doing at present?

The hon. Baronet is really mistaken when he says we are doing it at present. I can assure him that there is no intention of doing it, and never has been any. My hon. Friend ought to remember that these boys, and about whom he has been complaining for a year or more, were, on their own showing, liars.

They were patriotic!

Then I will say they were patriotic and mendacious. They concealed their age. That is the first thing. The second thing is that very many of them are quite well-grown and well-developed boys, and have reached what is known as the physical development of eighteen and a half, in which case they are kept on.

Does the same rule apply to members of Officers' Training Corps of the same age to whom the right hon. Gentleman referred on Monday night last?

Do you mean with regard to the age of eighteen and a-half?

Yes.

I must ask for notice of that question.

Arising out of the answer—

I think we have had enough supplementary questions. We cannot have a debate upon the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has recently received a letter from the Joint Committee of the Friends Service Committee and No-Conscription Fellowship, to the effect that the men for whom they speak will, in lieu of military service, only consent to undertake work towards the attainment of peace and towards the removal of international and racial hatred, and that, if any other service be imposed on them, they are determined to await the penalties attaching to deserters; and whether, in view of the Government statement that the service of every man available is needed in the Navy and Military Forces, it is intended to further countenance the activities of this committee and fellowship?

I am not aware that the Government has given any countenance to the bodies referred to. The matter is being carefully watched.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will communicate with the Appeal Tribunal which met at Hertford on 25th March last, with the object of obtaining for Mr. A. Ray Palmer, a chemist specially engaged in agricultural work and a conscientious objector, who appealed there on that date for total exemption and who was deprived on that occasion of his certificate of exemption from combatant service, a rehearing of his appeal or, alternatively, leave to appeal before the Central Tribunal, having regard to the fact that, as a result on a youth of nervous temperament, such as he is, of prolonged waiting from 10.30 a.m. until 5.30 p.m., he was mentally unfitted to stand the strain of cross-examination to which he was afterwards subjected?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War to a question put to him by the hon. Member for North Somerset on Monday, last.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what steps should be taken by men who have been refused exemption by the military tribunals but who will not submit to any form of military service, but are willing to undertake civil work of national importance; to whom should such men apply for such employment, seeing that the Board of Trade Committee inform them that they cannot deal with individual cases; and will he make as full a statement as possible, in view of the urgency and seriousness of this matter?

These men are, I presume, under the Military Service Act and deemed to be enlisted. They are, therefore, amenable to military law as members of the Army Reserve.

Is the right hon. Gentleman answering the question on the Paper—his reply is not relevant to that question?

That is a matter of opinion; I think it is.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received a request from the International Bible Students' Association asking that a similar arrangement may be made with them on behalf of their members, many of whom are conscientious objectors under the Military Service Act, 1916, as has been made with the Christadelphians, and what action he has taken upon the request; and, if he has not already agreed to make such an arrangement, will he do so at once, as a number of these men are under a call to the Colours to which they will not respond but are willing to engage in work of national importance of a non-military nature?

I cannot identify the request to which the hon. Member refers, and I have no authority to make any arrangement such as is suggested.

Has not the right hon. Gentleman made an arrangement with the Christadelphians; did he not say so a week ago?

No, certainly not; no arrangement was come to. What I did say was that the Christadelphians had forwarded to me a statement of their views which seemed to offer an admirable suggestion with regard to themselves. I did not say that any arrangement had been arrived at.

If the right hon. Gentleman thinks the suggestion admirable, could not he encourage its adoption in other quarters?

I do not think it is necessary for the Government to encourage suggestions of this kind. There are certain people unwilling to do their share in defending the country, and I think it is for them to find suitable fields for their energies.

Is it not that the Government are unwilling to carry out their own Act of Parliament?

No, it is not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an unattested man who had served in and received his discharge from the old Volunteer Force is entitled to total exemption from military service of any kind under the Military Service Act, in view of the provisions in Section 1 (1) and in Clause 5 of the First Schedule to that Act?

The War Office have been advised that an ex-member of the old Volunteer Forces is not excepted from the provisions of the Military Service Act, but my hon. Friend will, of course, be aware that the interpretation of this Statute is for the Civil Courts and not for the Army Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the fact that attested married men have to attend their county town to be medically examined at their own expense, while Derby recruits are examined locally; and if he can make arrangements for all to be examined locally?

If the hon. Gentleman is speaking, as I apprehend he is, about single and married men attested under the Derby scheme, it is not the case that the arrangements for the medical examination are more favourable in the one case than in the other. The same conditions apply in both cases.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Army Medical Board at Halifax is passing men into the Army who are ruptured; and if he will make inquiries concerning the effect of active service in the Army on ruptured men?

The answer to the first half of the question is in the affirmative. Carefully selected men suffering from slight hernia, if properly fitted with a truss, may be passed for general service. It is not anticipated that active service will incapacitate or harm these men.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that a circular headed "England expects every Man to do his Duty," was issued in the Mansfield district last December to married and single men, signed by Captain Muschamp, recruiting officer under Lord Derby's scheme, stating that there is no chance of appeal if a man does not attest; that all the members of the Mansfield Tribunal, including the mayor, four ex-mayors, and two labour representatives, read this circular to mean that compulsion would be applied to married men unless they attested; that for this reason all the members of the said tribunal urged all married men to attest, including men who in their opinion ought not to be called for military service; and will he, in view of these facts, at once introduce legislation to release all men of their liability under the Derby scheme who were led to attest on the faith of a false statement made in an official document?

I must refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board on Thursday last to the hon. Member for South Paddington. I have nothing to add to that answer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the President of the Local Government Board in answering a question last Thursday had not the circular before him, and in view of the fact that some of my Constituents have been led to attest under a trick, will he relieve them from their obligations and from compulsory service?

What my right hon. Friend said was that it appeared to have been rendered necessary that there should be some reconsideration of this case.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of issuing forthwith medal ribbons for the campaigns of 1914–15, so that the men who have fought in these campaigns may be distinguished from those who have only recently joined the Army?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for West Cumberland on the 25th November, 1915, to which I can add nothing at present.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he will say what answer has been returned to the letter received from a solicitor of Cannock, Staffordshire, who wrote to the Board about the case of the brothers Holt, of Pool Farm, Brown-hills, who farm seventy acres of land and have a large milk business, and who have been given a short temporary exemption from the Military Service Act, 1916; and, seeing that this land will go out of cultivation if these two brothers are taken into the Army, will he take steps to ensure that these men will not be called up so long as they remain in their present useful occupations?

I shall be glad to send my hon. Friend a copy of the Board's letter of the 8th instant on this matter. In reply to the second part of the question, the Board of Agriculture have no power to control, review, or alter the decisions of any local or appeal tribunal.

In a case like this, where the land passes out of cultivation if these men are taken, cannot the Board of Agriculture in the national interest make representations to the Local Government Board, or some other Government Department which has jurisdiction in this matter?

No, Sir. What we do is this: One of these men has been given three months' exemption. He can apply for a renewal of the exemption, and if we are satisfied that the land will go out of cultivation unless he gets a renewal we can instruct our representative on the tribunal—we have a representative on the tribunal—when the matter again comes before them.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Arthur John Ramsden, who appealed successfully against a sentence of six weeks' hard labour imposed upon him at Marlborough Police Court for using language likely to prejudice recruiting; whether the prosecution was instituted by the Metropolitan Police; and, if so, whether he will communicate with the Commissioner of Police with a view to securing that such charges shall not be brought on wholly inadequate grounds?

Arthur John Ramsden, in the course of a speech at Hyde Park, made certain remarks which were resented by the crowd, and the police officer on duty, fearing a breach of the peace, arrested him. The facts were reported to the military authority, who intimated that the defendant should be brought before a magistrate. This course was adopted, and the defendant was convicted. The words used were not disputed, and in the first instance the defendant pleaded guilty to the charge of making statements likely to prejudice recruiting. I see no reason for the suggestion that the charge was brought upon wholly inadequate grounds.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Judge Wallace, who was formerly a Member of this House, said that the offending speech was not half so bad as many speeches delivered in Parliament?

Hear, hear!

I am sorry to say that is not a reason against the prosecution.

asked the President of the Local Government Board when he proposes to elaborate the scheme for giving special relief to attested married men; whether such scheme will provide for the State assuming liability for business engagements and leases; and whether, seeing that a number of groups have already been called to the Colours, an early opportunity will be given to the House of Commons to discuss such scheme in detail?

Considerable progress has been made with the scheme, but it has not yet reached a stage at which it can be laid before the House.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will say why no representative of labour has been appointed upon the West Sussex Appeal Tribunal; why in the appointment of this tribunal the Local Government Board has not carried out the regulations under the Order in Council; and why protests against the exclusion of labour which have been sent to the Local Government Board have been ignored?

The hon. Member is, I think, under some misapprehension. Appeal Tribunals are appointed under the Military Service Act, and their constitution is not governed by the regulations to which he refers. When the Appeal Tribunal for West Sussex was being constituted the name of a person was submitted to me as a representative of labour, and he was duly appointed. The only protest on the subject which I have received has come from the Worthing Branch of the Independent Labour Party, and I do not think it necessary on the information before me to recommend further appointments to the tribunal at the present time.

asked the President of the Local Government Board what he can do in the case of three brothers named Umpleby, who live at Primrose Hill Farm, Londonderry Road, Stockton-on-Tees, who have been refused exemption from the Military Service Act, 1916, and who farms 125 acres of land, including three acres of market garden, and who have sixty-one head of cattle, seven horses, fifty-six sheep, and forty-eight pigs, and who have also a retail milk business of fifty gallons a day; seeing that if these men are called up the whole of this business must be stopped, will he say if this is a case which comes within his statement that conscientious objectors who are willing to do work of national importance shall be permitted to do such work; and will he say what work of national importance outside military organisation these men could be more usefully doing than their present occupation?

If the application was made solely on conscientious grounds, I presume it was refused on that ground.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the arrangements for dealing with cases of sickness at the Oswestry Camp in regard to medical staff and hospital accommodation, respectively; and whether great dissatisfaction exists as to the provision for dealing with the abnormal number of cases at this camp?

When I answered my hon. Friend on the 6th April, I was under the impression that he was referring to Prees Neath Camp, and the figures I gave had reference to that camp and not to the adjoining Oswestry Camp. The number of admissions to hospital at this camp from the 1st October to 31st March was 1,754, and of those admitted thirteen died, three of them as a result of accidents. The number of recruits training in this camp was 8,500, and the total strength is 11,000. The medical arrangements in this camp are, in the opinion of the Deputy-Director of Medical Services and also of that of the Senior Medical Officer of the camp, adequate. A medical officer is attached to each battalion. The hospital is a temporary one with 100 beds. There are, in all, eleven medical officers attached to the camp, eight regimental officers, and three officers doing duty at the hospital. In addition, there are four medical officers belonging to the Welsh Field Ambulances which are stationed at this camp for training. Their services are always available if required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the scheme inaugurated by the Corporation of Glasgow for the collection at its own depots of parcels for soldiers on active service and the transmission of them in bulk to the military forwarding officer at Southampton; whether this scheme involves a great economy in cost to the senders of those parcels and in labour and bulk to the railway company; and whether, in view of the disadvantage under which the relatives of Scottish soldiers labour in respect of distance from the military forwarding station and cost of carriage, he can either open a depot for the military forwarding officer in Scotland or arrange for the carriage of parcels in bulk at the rate applicable to military stores?

My hon. Friend will doubtless agree that there is no reason why Scotland should receive in this matter treatment not accorded to other parts of the country. Perhaps I may put it the other way round for my hon. Friend, and say that there is no reason why other parts of the country should receive treatment which is not given to Scotland. That is a chase off. Obviously Scotland is more distant from Southampton than England, but Carlisle is more distant from Southampton than Birmingham. The possibility of a flat rate for these parcels was referred to the Railway Executive Committee, but it has been found quite impracticable to adopt it.

I would remind my hon. Friend that an organisation has been specially created by the War Office, of which Sir Edward Ward is the head, to insure the most efficient utilisation of the existing facilities for the dispatch of gifts in general demand by the troops. The local associations of Glasgow would obtain free transport for such gifts by coming into what is called the "Pool." This system combines efficiency with due regard to local interests, and would, I think, meet the requirements of the Corporation of Glasgow, so far as this can reasonably be done.

Does the existing organisation enable parcels to be sent to individual soldiers?

I understood that they were sent to the unit in bulk and distributed by the commanding officer, but I may be wrong about that. Perhaps my hon. Friend will repeat that part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will appoint an independent Committee to examine into and report upon the organisation and working of the Army Medical Service at Home and abroad?

I cannot undertake action which, in my view, could only have the effect of dislocating and perhaps disorganising a most efficient piece of mechanism.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of the officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps practising at the Front endorse the suggestions I ventured to make some weeks ago in the House?

As my hon. Friend has not thought it right to send me the letters, naturally I could not have the information which he has acquired.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if some of the most eminent specialists in the various branches of surgery have been for a long time during the War employed in field ambulances or otherwise where their special qualifications are wasted; and whether it is proposed to take any steps to ensure that doctors with special experience in different branches of medicine and surgery who have joined the Royal Army Medical Corps shall be utilised to the best advantage?

Our supply of efficient operating surgeons in our military hospitals at home and abroad is fully adequate. It is necessary that a certain number of younger surgeons should do duty with field ambulances, and they are employed with those units. Every effort is made to utilise the services of medical men joining the Royal Army Medical Corps for such duties as their special acquirements and their professional limitations best fit them, but it is impossible to allow each individual to select the work which he considers himself most competent to undertake.

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed that my question says that some of the most eminent specialists in the various branches of surgery were so employed, not the younger officers, as he says in his reply; and is he prepared to deny that eminent specialists in surgery have been employed in very inferior work?

I am quite prepared to believe that eminent specialists have occasionally, when they are employed abroad, to do somewhat trivial and menial duties. That must be part of every campaign.

Not at all!

I do not agree at all with my hon. Friend. I think it is absolutely inevitable in the ordinary routine of carrying on a great campaign that it may fall to the lot of the most eminent to do the most trivial duties. We retain the services of these eminent specialists, and if we have to employ them in that way occasionally, I am very sorry, but it is part and parcel of the difficulty of carrying on a great campaign.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, with a view to economising the supply of medical men available for the Army, whether he will take steps to provide that general practitioners be, so far as possible, employed in part-time work in hospitals, or in looking after the health of troops quartered in the neighbourhoods where such practitioners live, so as to release for duty abroad men who have volunteered for whole-time service, thus obviating the necessity for asking an unncessary number of men to take commissions in the Royal Army Medical Corps, whereby the supply of doctors for the civil population at home is in danger of being unduly depleted?

General practitioners are already being largely employed in local military work. Every effort is being made to protect the needs of the civil population for adequate medical attendance, and in this connection the War Office is receiving the advice and assistance of representatives of the civil medical profession and of the various Government Departments concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Treasury Circular embodying the recommendations of the Retrenchment Committee as affecting the normal hours of attendane in the Civil Service is to be put into operation without in any way allowing those affected the opportunity of making representations thereon; and whether he can see his way clear to afford an opportunity to those immediately concerned to state their case against it, with a view either to its withdrawal or amendment?

Since the issue of the Circular I have received representations which lead me to conclude that it is inexpedient to proceed with the proposed alteration, and that claims for compensation for reduction in earnings would go far to prevent substantial economy. The proposal has, therefore, been withdrawn.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the rule adopted by the War Office with regard to the payment or refund of passage money to those who return from Australia, Canada, South America or elsewhere, at their own expense for the purpose of joining the ranks of the Army as privates or officers; and why it is that the passage money of some is repaid to them while it is refused to others?

The general rules are that passages are allowed for Reservists who are residing abroad by permission, for officers similarly situated, and for others granted commissions after being sent to this country under orders of competent authority for that purpose. As regards other cases, which are treated according to circumstances, the considerations involved do not admit of being fully stated in reply to a question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will ascertain whether it is possible to arrange to relieve those soldiers at Salonika who went out with the original Expeditionary Force to France, who have not visited their homes since the War began?

I have made inquiries and find that what my hon. Friend suggests is not practicable. I may remind him that such a system of reliefs as he indicates is not recognised in times of peace when a man is on service overseas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that malaria is prevalent in the neighbourhood of Salonika during the summer months, whether the medical authorities are taking steps to safeguard the health of our troops by exterminating the mosquitoes which breed in the adjacent marshes?

The authorities at Salonika are fully alive to the importance of the matter which the Noble Lord presses on my attention, and they are taking all the necessary steps.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the number of non-commissioned officers and privates who have been recommended for commissions by the lieutenant-colonel commanding the 10th Battalion Royal Fusiliers; whether there are a number of men serving in this battalion who consider themselves entitled to commissions but whose claims have been rejected by this officer; and whether he will cause independent inquiry to be made into the matter?

These figures do not exist in the War Office. No doubt there are some men whose views as to their fitness for commissions do not coincide with those of their commanding officers. Such an independent inquiry as is suggested is much to be deprecated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this commanding officer, so it is reported, persistently refuses to recommend for commissions privates who have served from the commencement of the War, and in these circumstances does he not think it is only fair to those privates that some inquiry should be made as to whether his refusal is proper?

I dare say the hon. Gentleman's question may be brought to the notice of the commanding officer.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the condition of prisoners of war at Philippopolis; and if he has any official information as to the necessities of these prisoners and the result of the efforts of the American Chargø d'Affaires to ameliorate their condition?

Telegraphic information has recently been received that the prisoners of war in hospital are well treated, but no recent report has reached us of the condition of the bulk of the prisoners at Philippopolis. I understand that parcels are reaching them. The American Chargø d'Affaires is doing everything to supply the men with such things as are most needed and His Majesty's Government are most grateful for his efforts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many men of the Royal Irish Fusiliers are prisoners of war at Philippopolis?

I am informed that four men of the Royal Irish Fusiliers are prisoners of war in Bulgaria. I cannot say for certain whether they are at Philippopolis.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will explain the reason of the delay in the institution of a new decoration for meeting the exceptionally large numbers of claims to recognition on account of bravery in the field?

There has been no delay other than has necessarily been involved in the processes of design and manufacture of both the medal and riband. The formal institution of the medal has been effected by the Warrant which appeared in the "London Gazette" of Friday, 7th April.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Prime Minister gave an undertaking two months ago that this should be done and it is still not out?

I was not aware that it was two months, but I can well imagine that the design might take a very long time.

They do not want the medal now.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the shop stewards deported without trial from Glasgow have been offered a free journey, together with their families, to San Francisco; and whether he can state by which Department and for what purpose this offer was made?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Minister of Munitions has no information on the matter referred to. No such offer was made by him or on his behalf, or, I am informed, by or on behalf of the military authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what are the results of his inquiries as to the accommodation and treatment of recruits called up to Wrexham?

I have had inquiries made, and I learn that recruits are provided with breakfast at 7.15 or 8 a.m., dinner 12.45 or 1.15 p.m., and tea from 4.30 to 5 p.m. The coffee bar is open all day till 9 p.m., except from 2 to 3 p.m., and any recruit who wants more food can get it on payment. It is in a sense true that the men sleep on straw, inasmuch as every man is provided with a regulation palliasse stuffed with straw, which is periodically renewed. The Officer Commanding 23rd Recruiting Area confidently states that the food and accommodation is as good, if not better, at Wrexham than they will obtain during their service in the Army, and that it would be good enough for himself. This is confirmed by two letters received, one from the Deputy-Mayor of Wrexham and the other from the Chairman of the Denbighshire Parliamentary Recruiting Committee.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to give the result of his inquiry into the case of Richard Ivor Parry?

My hon. Friend should have received a written answer which I sent him on the 10th April.

Will my right hon. Friend make inquiries whether this man has not been at home for thirteen months suffering from heart disease, whether his medical attendant has not informed the medical authorities, and whether the medical authorities notwithstanding that have passed him for general service?

The hon. Member ought to give notice of a series of questions of that sort.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether payment is being made to the visiting committee of the Middlesex County Asylum at Wandsworth in respect of the care and treatment of uncertifiable nerve-shaken soldiers; and, if so, whether this is in accordance with a statement made on behalf of the War Office, in answer to a question on 11th March, 1915, that soldiers invalided through nerve-strain would not be placed under asylum administration?

Yes, Sir, payments are being made to the visiting committee of this asylum as agents of the War Office. The whole responsibility for the care and treatment of the soldiers in question remains with the War Office.

Can my hon. Friend assure me that the pledge referred to is being carried out in the spirit and in the letter, namely, that men who are nerve shaken are in no way under the Lunacy Commissioners?

I can give that assurance. The visiting committee makes payments for supplies as agents of the War Office, but the care and treatment of the men is reserved for the War Office exclusively.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1) if he will give the names of those now or recently employed writing leaflets and other matter for recruiting purposes in Ireland; the rates at which that work has been and is being paid for; the nature of the previous experience of those persons that was regarded as a qualification for that work; and (2) what salary and expenses are being paid to Recruiting Lieutenant George E. Draper, now operating in the county of Sligo; and from what date?

I am making inquiries and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many persons in all are employed by the following: the Army Finance Department, the Army Pay Department, and the Army Pay Corps, including the members of these three bodies working in the War Office; and will he state what percentage are women?

The total number of persons employed in these departments, including those in the War Office, is 17,531. About 45 per cent. are women.

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that these enormous numbers are absolutely necessary?

Yes. I wish I could reduce them.

asked what rent, if any, is being paid for the headquarters of the Northern Home Defence Armies?

This accommodation was acquired under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The payment to be made is at present being considered by the Royal Commission appointed to deal with cases such as this.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the length of the War and the slender separation allowances awarded to many mothers whose sons joined just as their apprenticeship was finishing, on account of their inability to establish greater pre-war dependence, and on account of the increase in the cost of living, he can see his way to allow a revision of such allowances, based on what the son would now have been contributing to the home?

The Select Committee fully considered this question, and I can hold out no hope that their decision in the matter will be varied.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when they last considered it, and whether in view of the great difference now in the cost of living they could reconsider it?

I am afraid I cannot give the date. It was some time ago. I would remind my hon. Friend that as part of the recommendations of the Select Committee a Statutory Committee has been set up to deal with cases of this kind.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers attached to Indian regiments who are in command of companies or battalions are given the temporary rank and pay of captains or lieutenant-colonels; and, if so, how long they have to be in command before such temporary rank is given to them?

The command of companies in Indian Infantry regiments is exercised by native Indian officers. In accordance with the terms of the communiquø dated 25th February, 1916, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy, a British officer below the rank of captain who acts as Double Company Commander in an Infantry regiment, or Squadron Commander in a Cavalry regiment, is granted the temporary rank and pay of captain, after he has held the post for a complete period of thirty days. Similarly, a captain or major in temporary command of an Indian regiment is given one step of temporary rank, with the emoluments attaching thereto, after he has held the appointment for thirty days. A major appointed to the substantive command of an Indian regiment is promoted at once to lieutenant-colonel.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether notice of this temporary rank was given in the "Gazette" as in the case of the English Army?

I must ask my hon. Friend for notice of that. I am not familiar with these matters, and I must make inquiry before I answer.

asked whether, under the Foreigners Ordinance, 1914, and the Hostile Foreigners Trading Order, under which hostile firms have been closed down, such firms will be able to resume business operations six months after peace is declared; and, if so, whether further legislation is contemplated prescribing that all German business in India shall be transacted by British subjects and all imports and exports carried in British steamers?

The provisions of the Ordinances under which the Hostile Foreigners (Trading) Order was issued will remain in force for six months after the end of the War. Meanwhile, the policy to be followed after that date is being considered, but regarding this I would at present prefer to say nothing.

asked the Secretary for India whether he will take steps to circulate in those parts of His Majesty's Dominions where there is a large Mahomedan population the substance of the orders issued by the German Government to their resident officers in East Africa forbidding the practice of some of the essential tenets of Mahomedanism with a view to the restriction of the observance of their religion by the natives?

The contents of the documents referred to were at once telegraphed to India. As soon as I saw them, I telegraphed suggesting their widespread publication amongst those interested in them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the conditions and regulations attached to the 4½ per Cent. War Loan are such that stock placed by the father of a pupil child aged eight in Scotland in the name of the latter can be neither sold, transferred, nor in any way dealt with for the ensuing thirteen years, and that the dividends cannot be cashed but must be accumulated with the Bank of England for thirteen years; whether he has seen a recent letter written by the Bank of England insisting upon this being the position; whether, with a view to encouraging the investment of Scottish children's money in national stocks, he can give an assurance that the rights of administration competent to fathers as guardians of their pupil children in Scotland will not be interfered with by any mere regulations of the Bank of England; and whether investors in Scotland are to regard this claim of the Bank of England as irregular and definitely abandoned for the future?

I have received a copy of the correspondence referred to from my hon. Friend. Stock inscribed in the sole name of a minor cannot be dealt in during minority except in the manner provided in the National Debt (Stockholders' Relief) Act, 1892. The bank's practice as registrars of stock is regulated by the National Debt Acts.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this matter on the Adjournment to-night.

asked whether it is proposed to make any concession to medical men in respect of the increased licences on motors and motor cycles?

The existing concession under which registered medical practitioners pay only half-rates will extend to the new duties.

Will that affect veterinary surgeons?

No, Sir. There is a subsequent question on that point.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of allowing to the veterinary profession the same abatement on motor licences as is allowed to the medical profession; whether he is aware that if this is not done many of them will be compelled to give up their cars, thus injuriously affecting the livestock trade, particularly in Ireland; and whether he is aware that the practices of many veterinary surgeons now serving in the Army may be ruined by the inability of those looking after their work at home to cover the necessary ground if they are compelled to give up their motor cars?

I would remind the hon. Member that veterinary surgeons were granted by the Finance (No. 3) Act, 1915, an allowance in respect of motor spirit used for purposes of their profession, and I am not satisfied that there is a case for further concession. I have no reason to think that the apprehensions expressed in the latter part of the question will be realised.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware of the effect upon the trade caused by the management of the sugar supplies by the Sugar Commission; and if he will take prompt steps to reconstruct that Committee and to include a majority of men on the same who possess a practical knowledge of the sugar trade by reason of their life-long association with the business?

I do not consider that the action suggested by the hon. Member is called for. The Sugar Commission has the advantage of the constant advice of persons with a practical knowledge of the trade.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state what is the minimum quantity of cider which farmers may sell wholesale without becoming liable to the proposed tax of 4d. per gallon?

There is no such minimum. Liability to the duty is not affected by the question whether the cider is sold in wholesale or retail quantities.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the average importation of cider and perry into this country in ordinary times averages about 30,000 gallons per annum; and will he state whether imported cider and perry will be liable to any Customs Duty?

Imported cider and perry will, equally with that made in this country, be subject to the tax under Clauses 6 and 7 of the Finance (New Duties) Bill.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has not lost sight of the fact that the consumer in this country importing cider from abroad for his own consumption and not for sale will not be taxed? He will avoid the tax, and the foreign producer of cider will obtain a preference of 4d. a gallon over the home producer.