asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to any negotiations which have taken place with the object of securing from Italy her full adhesion to the policy of the Allies by a declaration of war by Italy against Germany?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any arrangement has yet been made and, if so, what for providing relief to the starving population in Serbia?

The answer, I regret to say, is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will specify the law under which Sir Robert Chalmers allowed amnesties to be purchased for large sums of money by persons against some of whom no charge had been made and others of whom had been acquitted of charges made in connection with the disturbances in Ceylon last summer; what aggregate amount was received in this way from innocent men; and what has been done with the money?

The system of voluntary contributions in payment of compensation for damage done by rioters is fully explained in the correspondence which has been presented to Parliament. The total amount received has been or will be employed in the payment of compensation in respect of property destroyed by the rioters.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the entire Cingalese population deny that these contributions were voluntary?

I am not aware of that.

Can anyone answer for the entire Cingalese population?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Sir Robert Chalmers, then Governor of Ceylon, now Under-Secretary for Ireland, authorised the arrest on the 7th June, 1915, of Mark Leo Fernando, a Catholic, aged twenty-two, the rejection of his protests of innocence of preceding disturbances, the refusal to receive evidence tendered, the refusal of any form of trial or inquiry, and the shooting of him in front of his own house on the 8th June; and under what law was this young man shot without trial after all disturbance had ceased?

I have no reason to suppose that there is any truth in this allegation.

How is it that the Committee of Cingalese gentlemen, some of whom are barristers and reside at present in this country, were not prosecuted for their allegations supported by oath?

I see no reason for a prosecution. The statements are simply not believed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any inquiry has been held into the conduct of the young English clerks and other civil employés in Ceylon who last summer were suddenly and without preparation or qualification appointed as officers in control of military and volunteers for ten weeks under martial law, and in that capacity had men and women shot, outraged, and flogged without any form of trial; if there be any legal ground for that treatment of British subjects will he say what it is; and, if Sir Robert Chalmers, now Under-Secretary for Ireland, disavows responsibility for it, what course will he or the Government take to exonerate him?

There is no foundation for the allegation that excesses were committed by the local forces in the suppression of disorder in Ceylon.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will allow persons who were arrested during the rising in Ireland to communicate with their relatives; if he will cause post cards to be issued to the prisoners for this purpose without delay; if he is aware that some hundreds who had no connection with the rising were arrested and deported without trial; and if he can state when they will be recalled to take their trial?

This question has, on account of the existence of martial law, been referred to the War Office. I have no reason to believe that some hundreds who had no connection with the rising have been arrested. The course to be taken in reference to the prisoners is receiving careful consideration. I note the hon. Gentleman's suggestion about giving those arrested facilities for communication with their relatives. It is quite possible that this has already been done.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will cause a sworn inquiry to be held to inquire into the death of F. Sheehy-Skeffington, Dublin, and James M'Cartney, manager to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, who with three others met his death at 27, North King Street, Dublin, during the rising in Easter week; and if he will take steps to compensate the widows for the loss they have sustained through the deaths of their husbands?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Prime Minister yesterday in answer to the hon. Member for East Mayo. The inquiry is now being held.

May I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the second part of the question, which asks if a sworn inquiry will be held into the death of this man, M'Cartney, and three others, and will their widows be compensated?

I am not in a position to make any statement at present as to compensation.

In justice to the other officers who are suspected in connection with this case, can we have the name of the officer who is under arrest?

I am not aware of the name of the officer. I have no doubt it will appear in Court.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken, with a view to further proceedings, to identify the officer who ordered or the men who obeyed the order to shoot Mr. Sheehy Skeffington dead on his way to his home near Dublin on Tuesday evening, 25th April; and whether those responsible have been identified?

I cannot at present add anything to what was stated in regard to this matter yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister did not say whether the men as well as the officer were identified. Is that known yet?

I cannot say.

In justice to those officers who might come under suspicion in connection with this event, will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether the name of this officer might not be properly given?

The hon. Member is asking the same question as that asked about a quarter of an hour ago.

asked the Prime Minister the total number of men of the Sherwood Foresters who have been killed and wounded during the recent fighting in Ireland?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. It is not usual to state the numbers of casualties of a particular regiment on particular occasions, and if I now make an exception to the rule hon. Members will, I am sure, not treat it as a precedent. Two battalions of the Sherwood Foresters were involved, and the casualties were as follows: Officers— Killed … … … 6 Wounded … … … 15 Other ranks— Killed … … … 24 Wounded … … … 142 There are also some men missing, the number of whom is not quite certain, but is probably nine.

asked the Prime Minister the number of persons executed, imprisoned, and deported, respectively, in connection with the recent rebellion in Ireland; and, having regard to the anxiety of mothers, wives, and sisters not yet informed whether those belonging to them, are living or dead, how soon will an official communication be made to the immediate relatives of all in custody?

Executed 14 Sentenced to death but not executed 2 Penal servitude 73 Imprisonment with hard labour 6 Deported 1,706 Included in the cases of penal servitude and imprisonment are a number in which a portion of the sentence has been remitted by orders of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Lists giving all prisoners in custody are being prepared by the General Officer Commanding in Command, Irish Command, for communication.

Cannot my right hon. Friend tell me whether the list of persons executed includes the name of Mr. Skeffington?

No, Sir, I cannot.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my question, whether any communication has been made to the relatives, and will he also say whether those deported are still in the United Kingdom?

Yes, Sir, those deported are still in the United Kingdom. What I stated in reply to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's question was that lists giving the number of persons in custody are being prepared by the general officer commanding for publication, and these no doubt will be communicated to the relatives.

Is the right hon. Gentleman quite clear as to the figures? The last official report published in Dublin was that twelve had been executed. How does it now come to be fourteen?

I am afraid that I cannot give an explanation of that. I was not aware that the figure given in the official list was twelve.

Certainly; the Prime Minister stated to me yesterday that no other execution had taken place since Monday morning.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names of those executed?

I cannot give the names now, but I dare say that I would be able to communicate them to the hon. Member if he desires it.

We have not got the names of the fourteen.

Has the right hon. Gentleman included Cork in the figures he has given of the executions?

Yes; I think it does.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the 1,706 persons deported have had any trial?

They have not had time to be tried.

But will they be tried?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the number of civilian casualties in the recent insurrection in Ireland?

I will answer this question together with a question of which the hon. Member for Rutland (Mr. Gretton) has given me private notice. The civilian casualties reported up to 9th May, 1916, are as follows:— Killed … … 180 Wounded … … 614 The accuracy of these figures cannot, however, be guaranteed. The police are preparing lists of killed and wounded as far as they are able, but these lists are not likely to be complete, as it is impossible to separate the insurgents from the civil population.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to which class the fifty men shot at the Royal Barracks in Dublin belonged — whether they are included in these figures?

I have no doubt they are included, but I should like notice of that—if they exist.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the charges on which Mr. Eoin MacNeill, of Dublin, and Mr. Herbert Pim, of Belfast, have been arrested; where, when, and by what kind of tribunal they are to be tried; and whether they are allowed private consultation with friends or legal advisers?

If the hon. Gentleman will have patience I shall be able to give him information about these two men, but he will, I am sure, recognise that it is impossible to obtain information simultaneously on so many different matters.

How soon does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to give the information?

The hon. Gentleman might repeat his question in eight days.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether men in the Naval Reserve will be called up for military service under the Military Service Bill, or whether they will have to await calling up for service, in the Navy?

Probably my right hon. Friend has in mind not the men in the Royal Naval Reserve, but the men enrolled in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (Section Y)—the Navy groups. These men will be called up as they are required for the Naval Service, and will not be liable for Military Service.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he proposes to notify the tribunals that in the view of the Government the chief officials of trade unions are engaged in work of public importance which would justify their being exempted from the operation of the Military Service Act, 1916?

As at present advised, I do not think it necessary to issue a direction dealing specially with this matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the proportion of married men who must be enlisted in the Army under the Military Service Bill to complete the number required is less than the proportion of single men enlisted under the Military Service Act, 1916; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to increase the number of exemptions granted by the tribunals to married men or to settle which of the eligible married men are to be enlisted in the Army and which are not to be enlisted?

It is not proposed to alter the grounds on which exemption may be claimed, nor does it seem desirable to take any measures in the direction contemplated in the question.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in connection with the proposed financial assistance to be provided through the medium of the Statutory Committee to meet cases of hardship arising out of the civil liabilities of men joining the forces, he will consider representations in favour of making, so far as Wales is concerned, the local Committees under the Naval and Military War Pensions Act the authorities responsible for investigating applications for grants, in place of the Commissioners proposed to be specially appointed for this purpose?

I am afraid this suggestion is impracticable for various reasons, among others, because the local committees under the Naval and Military War Pensions Act will not usually be constituted in time to deal with the applica- tions. I may add that, as the Prime Minister informed the House on the 25th April, the Statutory Committee found that they could not undertake this work, and the scheme is being administered by a Special Committee set up for the purpose. My hon. Friend has written to me suggesting that the need for appointing Welsh-speaking Commissioners should be borne in mind. I can assure him that this shall be done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to prevent anxiety in the mercantile marine as to the effect of the new Bill, if passed, he will ascertain and state that the War Office Circular, 5th March, 1916, issued by the Army Council, will continue in full force so that officers and seamen of the mercantile marine will not be called up for military service?

Officers and seamen of the Mercantile Marine (except stewards on passenger vessels) are entitled to exemption from military service, and the passage of the Bill will make no difference in their position.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether he is aware of the confusion which arises in approved societies through members failing to notify their society that they have been enlisted in the Army; and whether he will approach the military authorities with a view to securing that in future all men on joining the Army should be required to produce their insurance cards and that these cards should be collected and returned to the central offices of the respective societies

Arrangements have been made with the Army Council under which every insured person on being called to the Colours is to be given by the military authorities a printed postcard showing his regimental particulars and the date of the beginning of his service; he is instructed to forward the postcard to his approved society or, if he is not a member of a society, to the Insurance Commissioners. He is also instructed to forward to his society any stamped contribution card in his possession at the time of being called up.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that very considerable areas of land cannot be cultivated this year owing to the backwardness of the season and the dearth of agricultural labour; whether, having regard to the necessity of maintaining the home-grown food supply, he will direct the military representatives to refrain from objecting to the exemption of essential and irreplaceable agricultural labour from military service?

No, Sir, I am not aware that considerable areas of land cannot be cultivated this year for the reason given in the first part of the question, though I am advised that it is probable that a good deal of land may not be cultivated as well this year as in a normal year for those reasons. In reply to the second part of the question, I can only repeat with emphasis that the Government hold that the maintenance of the highest possible output of home-grown food supplies remains a national object of a most essential nature, and that labour which is essential and irreplaceable should be retained on the land for this purpose. The military representatives and members of tribunals should be in possession of regulations and instructions which should ensure the carrying out of this policy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that an opportunity of learning this is given to the various tribunals throughout the country?

Yes, that has been done.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to say whether Rendal Wyatt, a graduate of Cambridge University, was punished during his stay in the military prison at Harwich Circular Redoubt for his refusal to undertake military duties, by being placed for a certain length of time in a dark cell in irons; whether, although Wyatt was undergoing a sentence of twenty-eight days' detention, he has now been sent to France; and, if so, whether he can state what military duties he will be expected to undertake there?

Rendal Wyatt was awarded forty-eight hours cells on 28th April, and seventy-two hours cells on 1st May. The cell was not dark nor was Wyatt put in irons. It is not the case, I am informed, that Wyatt was awarded a sentence of twenty-eight days' detention. He went to France on the 8th May with No. 2 Company Non-Combatant Corps. In France this company will be employed on various forms of unskilled work, but will not be employed in the firing line.

Were any of the men who were sent with Wyatt members of a Non-Combatant Corps, or were they men who were sentenced to imprisonment?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Can my right hon. Friend say whether this is really useful work on which to occupy a graduate of Cambridge University?

If the person in question was awarded to be a non-combatant by the tribunal it is quite proper to put him to non-combatant work.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps will be taken to bring back to the Colours time-expired soldiers who are ordinarily resident in Ireland?

The Bill, as at present drafted, refers only to men who are ordinarily resident in Great Britain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether time-expired non-commissioned officers who have taken their discharge, and who will be re-enlisted under the terms of the Military Service Bill, will be reinstated in their old rank?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether time-expired men recalled to the Colours under the Military Service Bill will retain the rank held by them when they left the Service; whether each man will have choice of unit or be compelled to rejoin his former unit; whether any bounty and, if so, how much will be paid on rejoining or at the conclusion of service; and whether the previous service will count towards pension?

These matters were dealt with fully yesterday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men who have served their full time in the Army, having received non-commissioned rank at the front and received their discharge will, when they are returned to the Army under the Military Service Bill, retain their rank or have to re-enter as privates?

Men will return to the Army with the non-commissioned rank which they held at the time of discharge.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can give an estimate as to the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men engaged in Regular depots, Territorial depots, and on recruiting duties in the country, and what proportion of them are under forty and fit for service; and whether these men can be released for service abroad and replaced by wounded men or civilians?

No, Sir, I cannot, I fear, give an accurate estimate of the numbers of those employed on recruiting duties, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman that all the active and Regular officers, non-commissioned officers, and men have been relieved of recruiting duties and replaced by retired officers and non-commissioned officers unfit for service, except in special cases where the man is employed on work for which his special qualifications make it impossible that he should be replaced without detriment to the Service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private H. Edwards, 35811, 14th Battalion South Wales Borderers, who offered to enlist at Llanrwst on the 9th December, 1915, and held a certificate of rejection; whether he is aware that on the 17th March the man received a notice calling upon him to report himself at Wrexham, and that, in spite of his exemption certificate, he obeyed the summons, and was transferred to the South Wales Borderers at Kinmel Camp; whether he was placed in hospital at the camp on the 3rd April, and died on the 5th April, having been on parade on one occasion only; whether an inquiry has been made into these facts; whether he is in a position to state the result, particularly with reference to the circumstances under which Private Edwards was passed as fit for military service by the medical officer at Wrexham; and whether he can give an assurance that steps have been taken with reference to medical examination which will prevent the repetition of such occurrences?

When Private Edwards was called up under the Military Service Act he produced no evidence of ever having been rejected on medical grounds. He went before the medical board and was pronounced fit for general service. He was admitted to Kinmel Park Camp Hospital on 1st April, was transferred to Bangor Military Hospital, where he died of broncho-pneumonia on the 5th April. I have had the facts in this case specially reviewed from the medical point of view, and as a result I am informed that there is no evidence of Private Edwards's unfitness at the time of examination.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men in Hertfordshire are called upon to attend a medical board at Bedford, a journey which involves the loss of a day's work, in addition to travelling expenses; and whether the War Office will at once make arrangements for a medical board to attend one day a week or a fortnight at the chief town of each of the Parliamentary constituencies in Hertfordshire, to obviate the loss of time and money to the men concerned?

The question of placing the medical board at Bedford in a more central and accessible position is now being considered, and it is hoped to have this done at an early date. The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that it is quite impossible, at the present time, to obtain the services of sufficient medical officers to arrange for medical boards even to visit the chief towns of the county of Hertford, and I would remind the hon. Gentleman that there are other counties with which other hon. Members are connected where it would be quite impossible to arrange for a visit by a medical board to all their chief towns.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements that men travelling long distances should be allowed to do so at a cheap rate or granted free passes?

If the person concerned is called up to the Colours he receives a free warrant. If he desires, as it is natural he should, to be examined by a medical board before he is called up, in order to arrange, then he is travelling as an ordinary citizen and is not given a free warrant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to grant a free pass or half fares?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that there are insufficient repositories in this country to meet the demand for storing the furniture of married men called to the Colours and that loss is entailed by a forced sale, whether he will take steps to provide sufficient accommodation?

I think that the object which my Noble Friend has in view will be furthered by the Clause which has been inserted in the Local Government (Emergency Provisions) Bill enabling local authorities to make arrangements for the storage of furniture belonging to men called to the Colours.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what action he has taken, or intends to take, in regard to the complaint made in a letter addressed to him by the father of William Henry Scott, No. 27054, a soldier in the 3rd Battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, stationed at North Ferriby, Hull, who attested on the 10th December, 1915, and was rejected on account of hammer toes and acute rheumatism, and who afterwards received a copy of Army Form W3,195, whereupon he took his rejection paper and showed it to the Army officer from whom he had received Army Form W3,195, who tore the rejection paper up and said it was no use, and passed him into the Army, with the result that he collapsed during a route march, since when one of his toes has been amputated, one hammer toe still remaining?

In view of my appeal yesterday, I would ask my hon. Friend whether he desires me to call for a report on this individual case.

I do, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps he proposes to take to ensure that married men who voluntarily attest during the month between the passing of the Military Service Bill and the appointed date thereunder shall have in all respects the same rights and privileges in relation to appeals to local tribunals as will be enjoyed by men coming under the operation of such Bill?

All men who voluntarily attest whilst the groups are open have the right to appeal to the tribunals up to within ten days after the date of the Proclamation calling up their groups, or to within ten days after the date of attestation if their groups have already been called up.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Groups 35 to 41 of attested married men are officially called up for the 29th instant; whether such call was made in the expectation that the Military Service Bill, now withdrawn, which did not include un-attested married men, would become law; whether, since that Bill has been withdrawn and all married men are, under the Bill now before the House, to become liable, Groups 35 to 41 will come in their order; whether this will be later than the date of calling up very large numbers of the married men; and whether it is proposed, nevertheless, to call first upon these, who behaved best and came forward before they were under any legal obligation in this behalf, or whether all the married men will now be placed upon the same footing in all respects?

Military requirements necessitate the calling up of these groups and it is impossible to defer the calling of them up until the Military Service Bill now before Parliament has received the Royal Assent.

Since men attested under Lord Derby's scheme have received no training hitherto, will it not be possible to put all on the same footing?

As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the men coming in under the Bill are to be given a month's notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as the majority of men who attest under the Derby scheme are able to do so without the loss of a day's wages, he will consider the desirability of discontinuing the payment of the 1s. 7d. ration allowance paid to each man on attestation at the same time as he receives the 1s. Army pay for the day?

Gladly as I should welcome any saving compatible with fair treatment of the men, I do not see my way to accept this suggestion. To stop the allowance in all cases would produce many well-founded complaints, and to inquire into the circumstances of each case would be impracticable.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that after the passing of the Military Service Act, 1916, James Moran, of No. 10, Thorngate Road, Paddington, presented himself at three different recruiting centres and, after medical examination, was rejected as unfit at each centre; if he is aware that Moran then filed a claim for exemption on the ground of physical infirmity, and on the ground that he was the sole support of a widowed mother who is herself blind; if he is aware that Moran has been suffering from disease of the eyes for many years, and under continuous treatment for the same, and that he is the sole support of a blind mother; and will he say what action he proposes to take.

I have had inquiry made respecting this case and have been in communication with the hon. Member upon it. The tribunal appear to have considered that the separation allowance to which the man's mother in Ireland would be entitled would prevent the case being one of serious hardship. The man has been passed by a medical board as fit for military service.

asked whether there are now nearly 23,000 cases in the list for hearing in the City Local Tribunal; and, if so, how long it is estimated that it will take to dispose of these cases?

The number stated in the question appears to be the total number of applications received from attested and unattested men since the tribunal started work. Of that total considerably more than half have already been dealt with; the remainder are being dealt with at the rate of over 2,000 per week, and arrangements are being made whereby cases will be dealt with even more rapidly. I think that the thanks of the country are due to the City Tribunal for the diligent manner in which they are dealing with the numerous and difficult cases which come before them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether officers and men who served in the Armoured Car Division, which was a part of the Royal Navy Air Service and remained in that service after the division was disbanded, have been informed that seniority in the Air Service will only count from the date of the disbandment of the Armoured Car Division; and, if so, whether he can see his way to reconsider a decision which inflicts hardships on officers and men who have gone through arduous and dangerous service in Gallipoli and in France?

The suggestion in the question is not correct as regards officers, who do count their Armoured Car time. The men, however, were receiving such high rates of pay as drivers in the Armoured Car Division that there was no justification for giving them the same rate of pay in the Air Service proper. They were, therefore, given their choice of taking their discharge, going to the Army, or accepting such rates of pay in the Air Service as their qualifications entitled them to. It is, therefore, considered justifiable that these men should be considered as having made a fresh start and their seniority has been reckoned accordingly. This will not interfere with their prospects as they are only entered for the period of the War, and, in the circumstances of the case, seniority cannot play such a part in determining promotions as it must do in the permanent service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether any and, if so, what arrangements exist for giving notice to local civil authorities of the approach of hostile air craft?

Yes, Sir; arrangements for distributing the necessary warnings to local civil authorities have been framed by the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, Home Forces, with the co-operation of the General Post Office and the Police.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the recent fatalities which have occurred from the use of dope in aircraft works, he is aware that private makes of dope free from the poisonous spirit known as tetrachlorethane, and which are claimed to be entirely non-poisonous, are freely advertised and may presumably be obtained in considerable quantities; and whether the Home Department is prepared to recommend aircraft manufacturers to use these private makes of non-poisonous dope in the meanwhile?

The Home Office has been in constant communication with the Departments concerned, and I understand that the arrangements which were set on foot some time ago for securing an adequate supply of a satisfactory dope free from tetrachlorethane are now approaching completion. It is hoped that the approved dope will shortly be manufactured in such quantities as to meet all requirements. The use of any other non-poisonous dope must depend on its suitability for aircraft purposes, and this is a matter for the War Office and Admiralty to decide.

asked the Prime Minister which members of the Judicial Committee on the Air Services are possessed of technical knowledge of aeronautics; and whether he will appoint to that Committee a sufficient number of men of aeronautical experience as will give public confidence in the findings of the Committee?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last, to which I have nothing to add.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether it is or is not his intention to have an aeronautical expert to deal with what is purely and aeronautical matter?

asked when the House will have an opportunity of discussing the composition of the Judicial Committee set up to inquire into the Air Services?

No, Sir. I have no reason to think there is any general desire for such a discussion.

I wish to answer that, Sir.

The hon. Member is not entitled to answer. He can only ask a question.

asked why, in view of the fact that the criticisms and allegations of the Member for East Herts applied equally to the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps, the terms of reference of the Judicial Committee are limited to the Royal Flying Corps; and will the Government so amend the terms of reference as to include the entire service?

I have read the speech of my right hon. Friend in which he promised to ask for a judicial inquiry. It is clear that this inquiry was to be made into the relation between the casualties in the Royal Flying Corps and the character of the machines with which the Army pilots had been provided. The charges of murder were made against the Army, not the Navy. In any case, after consulting the First Lord of the Admiralty, I do not propose to extend the scope of the judicial investigation.

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the whole question of the Committee of Inquiry on the first opportunity on the adjournment of the House.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Royal Aircraft Factory have placed orders for 2,500 engines of their own design; whether, since first placing the orders, over 500 alterations in the drawings have been issued to the manufacturers; whether this design is based upon the successful Renault engine; whether the alterations or alleged improvements have resulted in a wholly inefficient engine; whether the order for 2,500 of these engines was placed before the engine had been proved efficient; whether this large order has deprived other constructors of necessary material; whether, owing to unskilful design, the engine is peculiarly liable to catch fire in the air and so to jeopardise the life of the pilot: whether the Aircraft Inspection Department of the Royal Flying Corps have protested against the employment of this engine; and, if not, whether he will call for a Report on the subject and, if that Report confirms the allegations in this question, will the War Office give orders to stop the construction?

The Royal Aircraft Factory does not place orders for engines. There are three different types of engines which have been designed at the Royal Aircraft Factory, and orders for these have been placed by the Directorate of Military Aeronautics. One of these resembles the Renault engine. During the development of these engines many alterations were made in drawings and specifications. Material available for engines must of course be shared between different constructors. The remaining allegations in the question are devoid of foundation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received communications from the Mablethorpe Urban District Council and from other local authorities on the East Coast calling attention to the positions in which many of these places find themselves owing to the War; and whether he will consider favourably some scheme of financial assistance to enable them to escape ruin?

Representations have been made to me by a committee, acting on behalf of the East Coast towns, and also by the local authorities of some of the towns. I am awaiting a communication from the committee as to the assistance which they think it needed, and upon its receipt the matter will have my careful consideration.

asked if any prize money has been paid during the present War to the officers and crew of any of His Majesty's ships; and what are the general arrangements as to prize money in the Navy at the present time?

No prize money has yet been paid, and it has been stated in reply to previous questions that it is not considered practicable for any distribution to be made until after the War. The intention to substitute for the old practice of payment to the actual captors a new system of pooling prize proceeds for more general distribution throughout the Fleet was notified in Order in Council of 28th August, 1914.

If no prize money has been paid, are we to understand that it is not considered practicable to have any distribution made until the end of the War?

Prize money, I imagine, has never been paid out during the course of a war. On that point I am subject to correction. It is quite impossible to pay prize money on the pooling system until the end of the War, when all the proceeds are in the pool.

Has any scheme been drafted and published so as to show the men what proportion they will get?

There is to be such a scheme to authorise bounties, but there is no scheme so far, because we have not advanced to that stage.

Will the men who have been discharged from the Navy for various reasons receive their portion of the prize money when the distribution takes place?

Obviously all those matters will be carefully considered.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether prize money earned before the commencement of the War has yet been paid?

That was not prize money. The hon. and gallant Gentleman is referring to gratuities earned in Indian waters; that is another matter. If he will put a question down I will tell him how far that has gone.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that the German Government is reported as stating in its recent note to the United States Government that the German naval forces receive orders that merchant vessels, both within and without the area declared as a naval war zone, shall not be sunk without warning and without saving human lives unless the ship attempts to escape or offer resistance, His Majesty's Government has any objection to publishing a list of British and neutral ships torpedoed without warning and without their attempting to escape or offer resistance between 7th May, 1915, when the "Lusitania" was sunk, and the present time; and whether such particulars have been communicated to the British Embassy at Washington?

The number of unarmed British merchant vessels which have been torpedoed without warning between the 7th May, 1915, and the 10th May, 1916, is thirty-seven. The number of neutral merchant vessels torpedoed without warning between the same dates is, according to the evidence available, twenty-two. I understand that these particulars are known to the United States Government. I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, issue lists, giving the names of the vessels, with the OFFICIAL REPORT.—[ See Written Answers. ]

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the National Union of Gas workers and General Labourers sent a communication in February to Mr. Oliver, the naval store officer at Devonport Dockyard, on behalf of the coaling gang, complaining of dangers the workmen are subjected to in the route they have to take to reach their place of employment; if he is aware that the naval store officer stated that he was unable to do more to safeguard the men; and whether, in view of repeated complaints, he will order some arrangements to be made to remove the danger?

I understand that stevedores at work on ships discharging cargo in the stream have to proceed from the wharfside down an ordinary ladder resting on a lighter at an angle, in order to get on board the tug conveying them to their ships. As these men have to climb up and down ships' sides by means of a Jacob's ladder, and up and down straight ladders fixed in holds of the ships, I really think the risk run adds little, if anything, to that to which they are thoroughly accustomed. The matter was fully gone into some time ago, and the conclusion arrived at was that no change-of route could be made without detriment and additional risk. No further complaint has been since received.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the privilege of munition workers' railway tickets is granted only to men working in controlled establishments and not to those employed in uncontrolled establishments; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that munition workers in uncontrolled establishments are engaged in the same necessary work and are subject to the same restrictions under the Munitions of War Acts as those employed in controlled establishments, he will take steps to concede the privilege to all munition workers?

The conditions under which these tickets are issued are determined by the Railway Executive Committee. I understand that it is considered that to extend the privilege in the manner suggested would make any limitation of it practically impossible.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that there are cases of business establishments controlled by the Ministry of Munitions which have never done, and have no prospect of doing, munition work, and that the result of these proceedings is to deprive those establishments of their profits from their ordinary business without in any way forwarding munition work; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any cases such as those referred to by the hon. Member. If he will bring any specific case to his notice, inquiry will be made into them.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will offer a prize of £10,000 to the inventor of a chemico-explosive incendiary bullet small enough to be fired from a gun mounted on an aeroplane and having the property of exploding within the envelope of a Zeppelin and setting fire to it?

The question of perfecting the types of projectile suitable for use against Zeppelins, whether from aeroplanes or otherwise, is constantly before the Ministry of Munitions, and they have been assisted by many suggestions from inventors. There does not appear to be any occasion for offering the particular incentive suggested.

Have not prizes been offered in connection with other particularly needed inventions, and, if so, why not adopt the suggestion here?

The reason is that we receive tens of thousands of suggestions.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can state approximately the number of employed and the amount of wages paid, respectively, in the cities of Leeds and Dublin?

I regret that the information asked for by the hon. Member is not available.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) have recently made orders closing for sale of intoxicating liquor certain licensed premises in England, in two cases until 5th April, 1917, and in one case absolutely; that these orders have followed the conviction of the licence-holders for offences against the Board's Regulations, for which offences adequate penalties have been imposed; that the further and much more severe penalties of closing the premises will fall upon the owners of the property who had no part in and were quite unaware that the offences were being committed, and that the orders closing the houses have been made without notice and without any opportunity having been afforded to the owners of being heard; and whether, in these circumstances, and seeing that the question of closing the premises is one which will arise on the next annual application for renewal before the licensing justices, he will take steps to have the orders suspending the licences in question immediately withdrawn?

The Central Control Board have only closed premises where such action was necessary for the proper control of the sale of intoxicating liquor. My hon. Friend will recognise that flagrant violation of Orders cannot be tolerated, but if he will give me the particulars of any case in which he thinks the action of the Control Board in closing licensed premises for the sale of intoxicating liquor was not justified, I will inquire into the circumstances.

Can the hon. Gentle-may say whether, when the licence holder's offence has been purged by punishment, the Ministry of Munitions proceeds with a kind of Sicilian vendetta against the owner of the premises?

I do not know what the hon. Member means.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the terms of his letter of 15th March to the chairman of the Commission on Restriction of Paper Imports that contracts for the purchase or supply should be read as if the quantities therein contained were reduced by one-third, and that all who find themselves in the position to demand greatly enhanced prices should be prepared to forego their advantage in the national interest and be satisfied with such reasonable adjustments as the occasion calls for, has been generally complied with; and, if not, whether the powers of a board of arbitration will be conferred on the Commission or some other means devised to provide for a settlement in cases of dispute on an equitable basis?

I understand that the experience of the Commission is that there is a general desire throughout the paper trades to act reasonably with regard to existing contracts. In several cases the Commission have been asked to act as arbitrators, and in every case which has been dealt with up to now a settlement has been arrived at which has been accepted by all the parties concerned. No necessity appears to have arisen for conferring greater powers on the Commission than they at present possess.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is the number of vessels now under construction in the United Kingdom for foreign firms; and whether, in view of the shortage of tonnage, he will take steps to requisition all vessels built in the United Kingdom for foreign firms during the present War, and to prevent any vessel from leaving the country to sail under a neutral flag?

I am informed that forty-two vessels are under construction in the United Kingdom for foreign firms, sixteen of which are being built for firms of allied nationality. None of these can be transferred to a foreign flag without the sanction of the British Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the British Government will avoid giving sanction?

We have withheld licences for the transfer of vessels to foreign countries that are not allies of ours, but in many cases licences have been granted for vessels which have been built here to go under Allied flags, providing they continue in Allied service.

Are we to understand from that reply that licences will not be given to neutral nations?

No, Sir, I cannot make a definite promise, but the circumstances of the cases must apply.

The right hon. Gentleman gave a different answer yesterday. Can he say how the discrepancy between yesterday and to-day has arisen?

I am not aware of any discrepancy. If the hon. Member will point out where it arises I will look into it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the securing of certain reserve stocks of wheat is the only step taken or contemplated to be taken by the Government to meet the probable future food shortage in this country due to the restriction of the Home supply and the dearth of mercantile tonnage?

I could not bring within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question any description of the activities of the Government on the subject referred to which include organisation of imports, regulation of exports, regulation of transport, internal and external, regulations as to the slaughter of stock, and the organisation of the supply of fertilisers, in addition to the questions of labour and many others which are dealt with by the War Agricultural Committees. If my right hon. Friend has any suggestions with regard to what might be done and is not done I will see that they are fully considered by the proper Departments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many race meetings have been permitted in Great Britain during the past year; and whether he will take the sense of the House as to their continuance?

I am not in a position to state the number of race meetings held in Great Britain during the past year, but, as I said in reply to the question which my right hon. Friend asked on the 9th instant, the Government decision not to object to a limited number of race meetings only applies to a small number of specified places in addition to Newmarket. It is a distinct understanding that racing at those places shall not involve any demands upon the railways, and, as at present advised, I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

Is there any restriction in Ireland?

No, Sir. So far as I know there is no restriction in Ireland. The powers which I exercise are through the position which I occupy as Chairman of the Railway Executive Committee, and I have no functions in that capacity in Ireland.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take the sense of the House as to the continuance of these race meetings?

I am afraid I cannot answer that question. I shall be glad to make a statement to the House on the subject if the House desires. I ought to add, in fairness to those concerned, that the Government has been bound to look upon race meetings as connected not only with sport, which is a matter of small importance in war time, but as an important part of an industry which is of military value.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has received communications from the Mablethorpe Urban District Council and from other local authorities on the East Coast pointing out the seriousness and distress likely to result from the withdrawal of the issue of tourist tickets from the industrial centres in the Midlands and the North to these places of resort; is he aware that by continuing the facilities granted last year it will not mean any increase in the number of trains run, all the difference made being that on certain days the trains will be full instead of half empty; and, in view of the hardship already suffered by lodging-house keepers and others owing to the War in these districts, will he consider their petition favourably and allow the railway companies to grant this concession?

I have received communications to the effect mentioned, and the question whether any modification could be made in the recent decision to suspend the issue of tourist tickets has been put before the Railway Executive Committee. I understand, however, that, in the present conditions of transport, it is improbable that the Committee will find it practicable to take steps in this direction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been directed to the proposed closing of Shadwell Railway Station; whether he is aware of the special hardship to Shadwell, which cannot otherwise have proper traffic facilities; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware that it is proposed by the Great Eastern Railway Company to close Shadwell and certain other stations shortly. I have been informed by the company that this step has been rendered necessary owing to shortage of staff and the heavy requirements of Government traffic; but I am asking them for their observations on the point raised in my hon. Friend's question, and I will communicate with him on receipt of their reply.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to the possibility of district motor bus traffic when the streets are not too narrow to allow of other facilities?

I will inquire into that aspect of it as well.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that his present system of selling New Zealand meat at fixed prices, not market prices, acts prejudicially to the meat supply in the poorer districts of London; that small London butchers are unable to secure New Zealand lambs, which are retained by the Government agents and sold to a restricted class of customers on a basis frequetly of favouritism; that the bulk of such lambs are consumed in the West End or middle-class suburbs; that the public get no benefit through the foods being sold under market value at Smithfield; and whether he will direct that what surplus meat his Department has for sale shall be offered in the market at market prices on Free Trade principles?

As I have informed my hon. Friend on previous occasions, the instructions given to the Board's selling agents are that the trade in this meat should continue in the same channels as it did before the War. I am satisfied that the various sections of the trade are receiving their share of the present reduced supplies in substantially the same proportions as during peace time. The selling agents have also been instructed to keep their prices at a level which will have a moderating effect upon the upward trend of prices, and I am of opinion that this is in the national interest.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, under the existing lighting restrictions in certain areas, the justices are bound to convict in every case brought before them in which a superior police officer is of opinion that the light seen outside a building is too great, although the justices themselves, having seen the light, are of a contrary opinion to that sworn to by the superior police officer?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that the temporary postmen at Newport, Monmouthshire, were given notice on 26th April that the employment of all men performing full duties would cease on 8th May, and that short duties with pay at 14s. and 15s. per week would commence on the above date; if he is aware that nearly all the temporary postmen were ineligible for the Army; that a number of them are marreid men with families; that they have in a number of cases been doing this work for years; that this alteration is a distinct hardship to these men; whether it was done with his sanction; and, if not, whether he will restore to these men their position and pay?

I am making inquiry and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked when telegraphic communication will be restored to Dublin?

Public telegraphic communication with Dublin was reopened yesterday, but at present telegrams are necessarily subject to some risk of delay or non-delivery.

There is general telegraphic communication between England and Ireland, but messages are necessarily subject to some risk of delay and non-delivery owing to local conditions. Communication with Dublin and places beyond Dublin was only reopened yesterday for public traffic, as previously only one wire which was in a somewhat faulty condition was available.

Telephonic communication from England is available with Belfast and places served through Belfast, but not with Dublin or places to the south and west. Only one telephone line is working between London and Dublin, and that is required for official purposes.

The local exchange systems in Dublin and other places in Ireland are understood to be available for the use of subscribers and the general public, subject in some cases to local restrictions necessarily imposed by the military authorities, but in these cases there are no particulars in London.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether the Board of Education will follow the example of other parts of the Oversea Dominions and give instructions that Empire Day, 24th May, shall be marked by a lecture on the Empire in all public schools in the country and observed as a half-holiday?

The Board of Education have no authority to issue instructions of the kind indicated. I have, however, no doubt that local education authorities and school authorities will take such steps as they consider appropriate for the observance of Empire Day, and I will see that this question and answer are communicated to them.

asked the Prime Minister whether the second year of comradeship in arms of the Forces of the Empire will on Empire Day, 24th May, be marked by flying the Union Jack on all public buildings and schoolhouses in Great Britain; and whether the Government's wish to this effect has been communicated with a view to its universal adoption?

The Government's approval of this suggestion has already been expressed in another place, but I am glad to take this opportunity of repeating that His Majesty's Government will cause the Union Jack to be flown on all public buildings under their control, and hope that their example will be followed.