asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have issued licences for the export from Germany to the United States of America of $5,000,000 worth of dyes, part of a shipment which may reach $30,000,000; and, if so, will he say why such licence was issued, seeing that this export must financially assist Germany?

asked if the British Government has been asked to allow a safe passage for 15,000 tons of dye-stuffs sold by Germany to the United States on condition that none of it is re-exported to Great Britain or her Allies; and what reply has been returned to this request?

The answer to both these questions is in the negative. Negotiations took place in April of 1915 in reference to two cargoes of dye-stuffs which His Majesty's Government were then willing to allow to be exported, but this offer was not taken advantage of, and must now be considered to have lapsed, and we so informed the American Government in a dispatch dated 22nd April of this year. We have since received a fresh proposal with reference to the export of dye-stuffs from the American Government. No reply has yet been sent to this proposal.

Is the Noble Lord aware that Germany's object is to improve her exchange with America, and is it to our interest that she should be allowed to do so?

I have very little doubt that what my hon. Friend says is accurate, and that that is the object of the German application for the export of these dye-stuffs. Unquestionably it is not to our interest to allow that to take place, and I will bear that consideration very carefully in mind in any reply sent to the American Government.

Will the Noble Lord give an assurance to the House that that permission shall not be granted?

I do not think it would be courteous to the United States to give any assurance to the House about any reply sent to them, certainly until we have actually sent it, but I can assure my hon. Friend what he says and what is the general feeling of the House will be borne in mind in any reply that is sent.

asked if the Government have any Diplomatic representative in Mexico at the present time?

His Majesty's Diplomatic representative in Mexico is Mr. Hohler, Chargé d'Affaires.

Is he at Vera Cruz or Mexico?

I should not like to answer that definitely, but I think at Mexico, though I am not quite sure.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action was taken by Sir Robert Chalmers, Governor of Ceylon, now Under-Secretary for Ireland, on the affidavit made before a magistrate at Colombo last September, by Jayasuriya Aratchige Sobo Nona Hamine, that she herself had witnessed English soldiers, on the morning of 5th June, 1915, shoot her husband and another native on their own land at Kalagedihena, where there had been no disturbance, and that for seven hours no one ventured to remove the bodies for fear of getting shot; if the facts are denied, what did the two men suddenly die of; and whether in Ceylon magistrates are free to administer false affidavits, and proctors to register them, setting forth facts amounting primâ facie to murder without any consequences following?

I am not aware what action, if any, the Governor took on this affidavit, and I have no reason to believe that the facts are as represented.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether there is any restriction at all on what would be perjury if this affidavit is false—whether there is any restriction at all upon perjury in Ceylon?

I am not in a position to give that information. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down any further question to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will give the text of the order under which, in certain streets in Dublin, during and after the recent insurrection, the military fired on all persons indiscriminately, whether combatant or not, entered all the houses, drove out all the male occupants, and fired on them when out; and if he will say what was the purpose of this order?

No such order was ever given, and I have previously informed the House that every care was taken to secure the safety of women and children.

Can the right hon. Gentleman deny that, order or no order, the action described in the question was taken?

It is certainly not in accordance with the information that reached me.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of men, women, and children shot, fatally and otherwise, while crossing the drawbridge at Great Brunswick Street, Dublin, during the insurrection by the military from the belfry of St. Mary's Church, Haddington Road, and from Beggarsbush Barrack; what was the object of concentrating on that bridge, where there were no armed men and no fighting; whether he has got a report on the case of Mrs. Naylor, shot on the bridge; of a doctor wearing a white coat and Red Cross armlet fired upon by the military when he ran to her assistance; of civilians waving white handerchiefs to be allowed to assist her being fired upon by the military; of her lying on the bridge in agony for five hours; of her death on reaching Sir Patrick Dunn's Hospital, where two men at the risk of their lives had carried her; and whether the military have prevented any inquiry into this and the other casualties on that bridge?

It is difficult to identify the locality mentioned, but it is impossible to give the number of persons shot in this or any other particular locality during the rebellion. No report of the occurrences stated to have taken place has been received.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any account at all of the killing of Mrs. Naylor?

No, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, in view of the promise given by the military authorities in Dublin to Mrs. Sean MacDermott that the body of her husband would be given to her after his execution, and of the comfort this was to both of them, will he say why that promise was not kept and the body was instead buried in quicklime at the place of execution?

This promise was never given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number and nature of the wounds which James Connolly when he surrendered was found to have sustained; whether the military authorities first decided that he should not be tried until his wounds were healed; whether on the surgeon reporting that Mr. Connolly was dying of his wounds they tried him; whether, being too ill to walk to or stand for his execution, he had to be carried on a stretcher to the place of execution, propped up in a chair there, and shot in that condition; and if he will give the date and place of any precedent for the summary execution of a military prisoner dying of his wounds?

The hon. Member will see that this question raises a large number of points of detail, and he will not consider it unreasonable that I am not yet in a position to reply.

Seeing that this question has been long on the Paper, will the right hon. Gentleman say the earliest day upon which he can answer it? Clearly he is not in a position to deny it.

I neither deny nor affirm. I am afraid I cannot give my hon. Friend the information as to what the earliest day will be. I am asking for answers to all these questions at as early a date as possible.

asked whether the late Mr. Sean MacDermott, while in prison, including the night between sentence and execution, was confined in a cell without bed or stretcher of any kind,, with no clothing but what he were on his body, except two extremely small light blankets; whether he had to wrap his boots in one of these to form a pillow; why the priest he specially desired to attend him was not sent for; and whether in all these particulars this was the treatment of all those executed?

I am not in a position to answer this question.

asked, seeing that all the wounded non-combatant civilians in the Dublin hospitals have maintained throughout that they have been wounded by the military and not by the Irish forces, whether depositions on this point have been taken from those of them who have died of their wounds; and whether two non-military persons, such as clergymen or magistrates, will be appointed to take the depositions on this point of those who still live?

The assumption made in this question is not according to facts. There is no reason to make any further arrangements than those now obtaining. Every endeavour is being made to discover the truth or otherwise of statements made by wounded non-combatants.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform the House why the Government shrink from asking these sick people in hospital by whom they were wounded?

On the contrary, there is no shrinking at all. Every endeavour is being made to ascertain what actually did occur.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the attention of General Maxwell has been directed to the statement of Private William Richardson, 6th Connaught Rangers, of the treatment he and a dozen others received while prisoners in the hands of the Irish Volunteers by direction of P. H. Pearce, The O'Rahilly, and Thomas Clarke, Volunteer officers; whether that statement and an equally impartial one of General Maxwell's treatment of Volunteer prisoners may be sent to America; and whether he can guarantee that Private Richardson will not be punished for giving a true account of his experience?

General Maxwell is aware of the statement made of the treatment received by soldiers while prisoners in the hands of the rebels. Private Richardson will not be punished for any such statement he may have made. Consent cannot be given for any statement being sent to America.

asked why Councillor Patrick Mahon, national director of the Harbour Division of Dublin, was arrested, and why he is being detained; if there is any charge against him, and when he will be allowed to take his trial or release; and if he is aware that Patrick Mahon is a prominent and respected member of the official Nationalist organisation, and is now in custody without trial for the past seventeen days?

I have received information that the trial of Patrick Mahon opened on Monday last, and that his solicitor was furnished with particulars of the charge against him. I have not heard whether the court-martial has been concluded nor what has been the result.

Is this charge in connection with the rising, and, if so, will there be a court-martial?

Yes, Sir, I imagine that is so. The trial is by court-martial, as I have stated.

If it is not in connection with the rising, will it be a civil trial?

As I understand the matter, it is in connection with the rising, and so I do not think that question arises.

asked whether Thomas O'Driscoll, of Round Hill, Bandon, was arrested on 8th May, not being charged with any offence or found in possession of any firearms or ammunition; whether he has since been deported to Dublin or to England, and, if so, why he is detained and when and where he will be brought to trial; and whether, having regard to the fact that he took no part whatever in any disturbance of the public peace and is the sole support of his father, who is over seventy years of age, immediate inquiry will be made into his case?

This question only appeared on the Paper yesterday morning, and it has been impossible to obtain the information to answer it. I would appeal to hon. Members from Ireland to allow a somewhat longer interval; it is quite impossible to obtain information if only the ordinary interval is allowed.

I quite agree, but I hope the right hon. Gentleman will remember that in certain cases I have asked questions fully a fortnight ago, and I have received no answer yet.

I quite appreciate that fact, and I am endeavouring to rectify it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the fact that fifteen natives of Cliffoney, county Sligo, were arrested and taken from their homes by the military without warrant and have now been lodged in a detention prison at Wandsworth; whether any, and, if so, what charge has been made against them; whether they are to be put on trial forthwith or else liberated; whether he is aware that these men bear the character of being all of them respectable and law-abiding citizens, and that it is well known to the police and military that they were in no way connected with the recent disturbances in Dublin or anywhere else; and, seeing that such action as the imprisonment and deportation of those men is calculated to exasperate the feelings of the people in the district and bring the law and the Government into contempt, will he say what action he proposes to take?

This question appeared on the Paper yesterday morning only. I would ask my hon. Friend to allow more time.

Who is responsible for the detention of men arrested in Ireland and deported to prisons either in this country or Scotland against whom no charge has been preferred? Is it Sir John Maxwell or the Prime Minister?

Under the Constitution of this country all officials are under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister. The hon. Gentleman will see that the Government of Ireland must be subject to the supreme control of this country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men are not such desperate rebels as he imagines? Some seventy of them were recently drilling on my ground, and when requested by my gamekeeper, who was alone, moved peacefully away.

What steps are being taken by the Government to investigate the circumstances of men like those referred to in the question, who have committed no offence, and who are brought to prisons in this country without any charge being preferred against them? Who is going to investigate them? Is it Sir John Maxwell or the Government?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice of that series of questions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War on what ground Miss Kathleen Brown was arrested in Wexford on 4th May, and since detained in four different prisons; whether, with eleven other women, she was served on 20th May in Mountjoy Gaol with a deportation order to be interned in England without any trial or any charge being made against her; will some responsible person be asked to examine into her case; and, if the Government are satisfied that she has been guilty of no offence whatever, can she be allowed to return to her home? As this young lady had been guilty of the crime of performing at the Abbey Theatre, of which Mr. Birrell was so fond, perhaps the Government will be able to see their way to release her?

I can certainly assure my hon. Friend that if this lady is guilty of no offence whatever she will be released without delay, under instructions already given.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the number of men arrested under martial law in South Louth subject to the recent disturbances in Ireland; how many of them have been already released; and whether he will cause an immediate investigation into the cases of those who are still under detention, and who state they can prove that they were at home attending to their business from the date of the outbreak till the time of their arrest?

I am not in possession of the information to answer the first two parts of the question. As regards the last part, all cases will be investigated with all dispatch.

Since this answer was drafted I have received some correspondence from my hon. Friend bearing on this matter. I am much obliged to him for this, but I have not yet had time to study it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the majority of the prisoners deported from Ireland took no part whatever in the actual rebellion and have not so far had any charge preferred against them, they will be allowed the use of cigarettes and tobacco if sent to them by their friends?

I am afraid that I do not see my way to accept the view stated in the first part of the question. As regards the latter part, I will have the matter considered.

The following question stood on the Paper in the name of Mr. FLAVIN:—

80. To ask the Under-Secretary of State for War on what grounds James M'Elligott, clerk in the Local Government Board, Dublin, has been arrested and deported to England; whether this young man has an unimpeachable character; whether James M'Elligott's mother's health is in a precarious condition as a result of her son's arrest and deportation, and that she cannot get any information about her son; and whether his release will be ordered at once?

I have been asked to postpone this question, but may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the members of the family of this boy came from Ireland lately to see him, but were denied the right of seeing their own son? The boy is now in gaol for thirty-one days and has had no trial.

I will, of course, see that the relatives are allowed to visit their son if my hon. Friend will give me the names.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is prepared to receive a deputation of the trade union movement, to hear their views as to the cause of the dissatisfaction in Ireland?

I shall be very glad to consider any representations which the hon. Member, and those for whom he speaks, care to make to me in writing, but I fear I cannot undertake to receive deputations representing the various views and interests of parties in Ireland.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as a result of his visit to Ireland, any terms of agreement have been settled that will ensure peace and good will between all classes in Great Britain and Ireland; and, if so, will he order the immediate trial or release of the Irish prisoners who have been deported?

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the general statement I shall make to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a copy of a resolution passed unanimously by the Limerick Board of Guardians at their meeting on the 17th May, expressing their opinion that on the Committee of Inquiry appointed to investigate into the matters in connection with the late attempt to establish an Irish Republic it should not alone have included in its personnel some member possessing the confidence of the majority of the Irish people, but that the scope of its authority should be widened so as to enable it to investigate the treatment meted out to Irish men and women by the military authorities both during the rebellion and since the establishment of martial law, and that it should deal with the Irish question for some years past; and, if so, will he say whether he has taken any action in the matter to meet their wishes?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part of the question, I certainly do not think that these matters can properly be inquired into by Lord Hardinge's Commission.

asked the Prime Minister whether the terms of reference of the Royal Commission presided over by Lord Hardinge empower the Commissioners to hold part of their inquiry in secret; whether an assurance was given before the appointment of the Commission that its proceedings would be held in public; and whether, in view of the fact that the Press and public are being excluded from important parts of the proceedings, he will amend the terms of reference of this Royal Commission so as to ensure that no further part of its proceedings will be held behind closed doors?

Yes, Sir; the Commission has absolute discretion as to whether its sittings should be held in public or in private, and I do not intend to interfere with this discretion.

asked the Prime Minister when the promised public inquiry into the death of Mr. Sheehy-Skeffington is to be held; and whether the deaths of Messrs. Dixon and M'Intyre will also form the subject of a public inquiry, as the three are alleged to have been shot together?

asked whether any and, if so, what steps have been taken in connection with the inquiry which he promised into the circumstances surrounding the shooting of Mr. Sheehy-Skeffington; who will constitute the Court of Inquiry; whether the proceedings will be public; whether any provision will be made to have the relatives of Mr. Sheehy-Skeffington represented at the inquiry; and whether, meantime, the military officer or officers concerned in the shooting have been placed under arrest?

I think it is clear that this inquiry cannot take place until the conclusion of the court-martial, which is being or is about to be held on the officers concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether the guns imported from Germany to arm the Ulster Volunteers, in 1914, are still in private possession; and, if so, can he state for what purpose they are held?

As far as I know the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no special knowledge which is not common to the whole world to enable me to answer the second part of the question.

Is it proposed that disarmament should take place throughout Ireland.

That is a question which can hardly be dealt with across the floor of the House in this way.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the late Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland that a contributory cause of the rebellion was the gun-running of the Ulster Volunteers and the preparation to set up a provisional government; and, in view of the fact that those responsible have not been prosecuted, will he take steps to secure the immediate release of all prisoners arrested in connection with the rebellion who are not charged with the commission of acts of violence?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I cannot give the undertaking asked for in the second part of the question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government are taking all possible steps to secure that no innocent person should be detained a moment longer than, is necessary to establish his innocence.

Will the persons against whom no charge has been preferred be now released?

We are taking every possible step in that direction.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the men against whom no charge has been preferred will be given an opportunity of proving their innocence?

They are being released day by day.

Are there not men who were arrested a month ago, against whom no charge has been made, who have not been put on their trial and whose friends are denied the right to see them? What action is going to be taken in regard to them?

These cases are being dealt with as quickly as possible. The desire of the Government is as strong as that of anybody that no man should be detained a moment longer than is absolutely necessary.

With regard to the Sligo prisoners, will the right hon. Gentleman see the hon. Member for Black-pool, who knows the constituency?

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary that 150 cases are being investigated daily.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will order the immediate revision of the lists of Irish prisoners with a view to the release of those who had no connection with the disturbances in Dublin?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will order the immediate release of all deported prisoners from Ireland who are under the age of eighteen years and against whom no proceedings by trial are pending?

I am afraid I cannot give the undertakings asked for in the question, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the authorities are, under the instructions of the Government, actively revising the list of the prisoners with a view to ensuring that no innocent persons should be unnecessarily detained.

May I ask whether the Irish Volunteers, who took no part in the disturbances, are included?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Prime Minister whether printed forms on which release may be claimed have been issued only to those deported prisoners from Ireland who have stated that they had no connection whatever with the Irish Volunteer movement; whether he is aware that in various parts of Ireland large numbers of Irish Volunteers had no knowledge whatever that any rebellion was contemplated, and took no part whatever therein; and whether the printed forms will be supplied to prisoners in this position?

Forms have been issued to all prisoners who claim that their arrest was a mistake, and who state that they are not in any way connected with the rebellion or with the organisation which was responsible for it.

Who decides whether these persons are properly deported or imprisoned? Is it General Maxwell?

The investigation is at present being carried on by the military authorities in Dublin.

Will these forms be issued to the Irish Volunteers, who had no connection with the rising, seeing that the organisation has only been declared illegal since the rebellion?

Yes, Sir, I will see that the forms are issued to them.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the fact that Lord Midleton forwarded to the Irish Government some time ago a Report on the state of Ireland drawn up by a number of Unionists in Dublin; and whether, in view of the fact that Lord Midleton declined to give the names of these persons to the Hardinge Commission, he will now communicate them to the House?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question I have no knowledge whatever of these names.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly say whether those parts of the evidence which have been given in secret will be communicated to the Members of the House?

I must consult the Commission on that subject. The members are their own masters in the matter of procedure, and they are an absolutely independent body.

I must press the right hon. Gentleman on this point. Is it just that evidence given in which the names of Members of this House may be implicated should be kept from the knowledge of hon. Members?

I do not think it will be. I will communicate with the chairman.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will have published a complete list of the places where the Irish prisoners are interned, the names of the prisoners in each place, and the regulations as to letters, parcels, and visits from their friends and relations?

Lists of the names of the Irish prisoners have appeared in the Irish papers, and these state, I think, the place of internment. Regulations as to letters, parcels, and visits from friends and relatives were published in the Irish papers early last week, were read out by me in this House on Thursday last and appeared in all the English papers on Friday last. I will ask the Press to reprint the communiqué of Friday last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to state how it is proposed to deal with the prisoners deported from Ireland; and whether they are to be kept on in the various detention barracks, in separate cells and denied all intercourse with each other, or whether, pending any decision as to their future treatment, they will be allowed the ordinary facilities extended to prisoners of war?

I am not yet, though I hope very soon to be, in a position to answer the first part of the question. The prisoners are, I am informed, except in a very few cases, allowed intercourse with one another, and I understand that they are allowed the ordinary facilities extended to prisoners of war.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that house searchings continue to take place and arrests to be made in districts in Ireland where no disturbance has taken place; that many men have been arrested who have had no connection whatever with the disturbances; that these arrests are being made under every circumstance of indignity and outrage; that the conditions of imprisonment of these men, and of the prisoners generally, are degrading; that no charge has been preferred against many of the prisoners; that the continuance of this system is exasperating public opinion in Ireland and producing an atmosphere charged with danger and menace to public order and peace; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

Most of the suggestions made in the question do not accord with my information. If the hon. Gentleman has specific cases in view I shall be glad if he will furnish me with particulars. The prison treatment of those who are under arrest is not, I believe, the subject of any serious complaint. Every effort is being made to accelerate the release of innocent persons.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether now, even at this eleventh hour, he will undertake to put a stop to the system of marching troops into peaceable districts and making wholesale arrests in counties and districts where the population remained perfectly peaceful and loyal throughout the whole insurrection, and even stood by the Government?

I do not think wholesale arrests or anything deserving that description have been made. There has been a certain amount of searching for arms, but as to the marching of troops, I think it is popular.

I will ask the right hon. Gentleman to inquire whether it is popular to march troops into a district, surround houses, and search them in the dead of night for arms. Innumerable cases have been brought to my attention of people who were absolutely loyal being thus treated in districts in which no disturbance was even attempted. It has been done in hundreds of cases.

It is very difficult, as the hon. Gentleman knows, for me to deal with general allegations, but if specific cases are sent to me I will undertake that rigorous and most careful inquiries shall be instituted.

What was the object of deporting nine or ten ladies to England?

I should like notice of that question.

Is it not the case that, after the right hon. Gentleman left Ireland, the deportations were resumed and large numbers of people were sent over—400 in one day?

I am not sure whether it is the case. Undoubtedly some people have been deported, but I took care, when I was in Dublin and Cork, to ensure there should be no unnecessary delay in inquiring into these cases. There has been a combing out, and in cases where there are found to be no reasonable grounds for suspicion the prisoners are at once sent home.

They might have left the girls alone.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any provision has been made for the supply of clothing to the Irish prisoners of war at Wandsworth, Knutsford, Stafford, and Wakefield, in view of the fact that most of these prisoners had to leave Ireland without an opportunity of bringing anything with them?

Yes, Sir; arrangements have been made for the issue of clothing in all cases of necessity.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information that a number of Englishmen have recently gone to Jersey and Guernsey and enlisted in the militia for the purpose of escaping military service; and can he say how many men have enlisted in the militia forces who were not resident in the islands prior to the War.

Inquiry is being made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information that a number of South Africans have come to this country who served throughout the South-West African campaign for the purpose of enlisting in the Armies here; whether the War Office insist that these men should be treated in the same way as raw recruits taken in this country; whether he is aware that for this reason a number of South Africans who have patriotically come to assist the Mother Country refuse to surfer this indignity; and will he make immediate inquiry into the matter?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on the 8th May, and I would add that arrangements have been made to deal with these men at the Central Recruiting Office. They will be posted to battalions of the Rifle Brigade. It has been settled that those with former training and experience shall, if fitted, be placed in squads in the more advanced stages of training.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Patrick M'Cann, of Manulla, county Mayo, a migratory labourer, who came to England on 29th January, 1916, was arrested at Birkenhead on 2nd May instant, and charged at Birkenhead Borough Police Court with having failed to register on 15th August, 1915, when he was at home in Ireland, and with being an absentee from His Majesty's Army on 1st March, 1916; and that the accused was convicted and fined on both charges and handed over to the military authorities, who have placed him in the Reserve Battalion, 3rd Monmouth Regiment, although evidence that he was at home in Ireland from Christmas, 1914, to 29th January, 1916, was not disputed, and his English employer, a milk purveyor, deposed that the employment was only temporary; and will steps be taken to have the fines remitted and to have this Irish migratory labourer, who has not been ordinarily resident in Great Britain, discharged from military service?

I am sending the hon. Member a letter about this case, and, as there is a long list of questions to-day addressed to me, I will ask him to be good enough to accept a reply by letter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to make it clear with regard to Irish migratory labourers under what conditions they can safely come to this country?

I quite agree that it is a very important question. I understand that in the case mentioned in the question the man has been resident in Birkenhead for three or four years.

Is it not a fact that he was in Ireland from Christmas, 1914, to a month before his arrest?

I am afraid that I cannot answer off-hand that question. Probably the material which the hon. Member is asking for is contained in the answer which I am going to send to him.

asked whether instructions were issued by him prior to the 18th April that Private Jack Bannister, of 11, Chippingham Street, Attercliffe, Sheffield, a medically rejected lad who had been forced into the Army, should obtain his discharge; and whether these instructions have been carried out?

Perhaps my hon. Friend will repeat this question. I have not yet been able to ascertain whether any instructions were issued.

asked whether rejected men who attest before 7th June will thereby render themselves liable to be called up before the date on which they would become liable if they refrained from attesting, namely, 1st September?

If a rejected man voluntarily attests, and on examination by a medical board is found fit for military service, he would be called up in the ordinary way according to his group. If he is found unfit for military service, he would not be called upon for service with the Colours.

asked why it has been decided to increase the number of men medically unfit in the Army by suspending the check of examination by regimental medical officers when men join second-line units; how long must a man have been in training before the regimental medical officer is allowed to examine him except for infectious disease; and when a man breaks down under training and is sent to hospital, may medical examination then take place?

There is no limitation to the examination of soldiers by their regimental medical officers when it is necessary in the interests of the men's health.

Do I understand that the statement made on this question last week has been rescinded and that these recruits on joining can be examined by the medical officers of the units?

Yes, Sir, when it is considered necessary.

By whom?

By the medical officer of the battalion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that boys who are not yet seventeen years of age are still being sent overseas if certified by the medical officer as up to the standard of eighteen and a half years and fit for service abroad; and whether he will give instructions that boys under seventeen are not to be sent abroad?

I have many times stated what the rules are on this matter, and in particular in answer to the hon. Member for Blackburn on the 2nd November, 1915. If boys under seventeen are discovered in units overseas they are sent back to England.

asked what are the terms of the Army Order which protects officers serving overseas from losing seniority of rank in comparison with officers who join overseas battalions from Reserve Service battalions and from Second and Third Line Territorial battalions when these officers were commissioned or promoted at dates later than officers now serving overseas?

There is no Army Order on this subject. Nothing but a universal roster for promotion can absolutely make certain that officers will not on occasion obtain further promotion in a Home unit than in one doing duty overseas.

asked the nature of the instructions which the Government propose to send to recruiting officers regarding rejected men; and whether he can give any indication of the kind of certificate which is recorded in the military register as exempting from re-examination?

The following classes of men will not be summoned for reexamination medically:— ( a ) Those who are recorded in the military register as having been rejected at the primary military examination. ( b ) Those who are recorded in the military register as having been rejected by a medical board. ( c ) Those who now willingly present themselves for re-examination medically and are found by a medical board to be unfit for any service. ( d ) Those concerning whom the recruiting officer is satisfied that there is no possible doubt. The aim of the Army Council is to eliminate only the improperly "rejected" men, i.e., men holding certificates which have been granted to others than themselves and transferred to them, and men holding certificates saying they were unfit because of some transient and now long past disability.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a case before the Somersetshire Appeal Tribunal on 20th May, in which work under the Society for the Relief of Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians in Distress was accepted as work of national importance, and which was held to be good ground for conditional exemption of a conscientious objector; whether the military authorities consider it necessary to employ British subjects of military age to do rough work for enemy aliens interned in this country; and whether German subjects are employed in doing similar work for British prisoners of war or interned civilians in Germany?

The power to determine what is work of national importance does not rest with the War Office. The Committee on Work of National Importance decides these matters, I understand, and the opinion of the military authorities is not sought. I am unable to answer the last part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, since the introduction of the Military Service (No. 2) Bill, the War Office have directed the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps not to accept any more recruits; and, seeing that this Officers' Training Corps was originally started by barristers of the Inns of Court for the purpose of training themselves in arms, whether, as barristers find themselves debarred from their own corps, he will direct that all barristers who apply to be recruited in their own Officers' Training Corps shall be accepted?

Recruiting for the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps was closed in February by order of the War Office. The strength of the unit was more than twice that of the establishment, and until the strength is reduced to the establishment it is not proposed to re-open the corps to further enlistment.

Is it not rather hard on these barristers, who prepared it in peace time, that the Government should use their organisation to help other people, and then refuse to allow them to use it when they want it?

Any barrister who is anxious to serve in His Majesty's Forces is probably doing so now by means either of this Officers' Training Corps or some other corps, but if the hon. and gallant Gentleman will bring to my notice the case of any barrister who has been denied the right of serving his country owing to the closing of the Inns of Court Officers' Training Corps, I will consider it as a special case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if discharged soldiers now in civil life who have served not less than twelve years in the Army and who are now under forty-one years of age, and who will be called up under the Military Service Act, will be entitled to discharge during the period of the War on reaching the age of forty-one years?

A discharged soldier who is called up under the Military Service Act will be enlisted for the period of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if eighteen conscientious objectors, named, respectively, Elliott, Philcox, Hanson, Hitsburger, Pope, Gahagan, Baber, Fulford, Arnold, Sutherland, Pierce, Essan, Record, Tritton, Greenwood, Pendry, and Moate, who have been stationed at the Happy Valley, Shoreham, have been, or are about to be, sent to France, and, seeing that all these men are refusing to obey any military order, will he say what military advantage is expected from these men's services in France; and if, in the interests of national efficiency, he will take steps to have these men transferred to civil work of national importance?

No. 3 Eastern Company of the Non-Combatant Corps is now stationed at Shoreham, and has not been sent to France. In reply to the last part of the question I may say that the companies of the Non-Combatant Corps which have been sent to France are doing work of considerable advantage to the Army.

Is it not a fact that the Non-Combatant Corps to which the right hon. Gentleman refers does not contain men who are resisting?

No, Sir, I do not think my hon. Friend is correctly informed. I understand that certain Non-Combatant Corps now in France do contain persons who object to all kinds of military service, including non-combatant.

But they are not resisting.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that Mr. Frank Elder, of Salford, claiming total exemption on conscientious grounds from military service, appealed from the Salford Tribunal to the Manchester Appeal Tribunal and was twice told by Sir William Cobbett that they could not grant total exemption to any conscientious objector; and, having regard to the provisions in the Military Service (No. 2) Act and to his explicit undertaking, will he say what steps he will now take to make the tribunals conform to the law?

I am communicating with the Appeal Tribunal on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can arrange for the Bradford boys of eighteen, who will be called upon to join the Army under the Military Service Bill, to be trained together, as the Pals battalion raised in Bradford were, instead of being trained indiscriminately among older men; and whether he can arrange for them to be trained for the first six months at least in Bradford, where there are two barracks practically empty, so that parents may keep in touch with their boys as long as possible?

I regret that what my hon. Friend suggests is not possible. Owing to the number of men under training in England, and the large number of instructors required, it is not possible to set up a separate establishment for recruits under eighteen at Bradford. If this were done at Bradford, obviously the same consideration would have to be given to other cities.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that numbers of tradesmen who sit on local tribunals under the Military Service Act, 1916, are asked to adjudicate on the claims for exemption on the part of trade rivals who happen to be of military age; whether he is aware that the closing down of the shops of competing traders is financially profitable to some of the men who are called upon to make the decision; and whether steps will be taken to remove even the suspicion of influence of this sort?

I am prepared to rely on the general good sense of the members of tribunals to prevent any injustice of the kind suggested occurring. In any event there is an Appeal Tribunal to whom a dissatisfied applicant can appeal.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can obtain a hearing before the Central Tribunal of the case of Charles Dukes, of Warrington, district organiser for the Gas-workers' and General Labourers' Union, secretary of the Lancashire and Cheshire Federation of Trades Councils, secretary of the Warrington Trades' Council, member of the Warrington Munitions' Tribunal, member of the advisory committee of the Labour Exchanges (Liverpool district), his appeals to the local and county tribunals having failed; and, as hardship is likely to result to the workmen whose interests are in the hands of Mr. Dukes, will he have this case referred to the Central Tribunal in order to have an authoritative decision on a matter which is likely to be of importance with the calling up for military service of married men?

I am making inquiry in the matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, concerning the case of a time-expired soldier who has served twenty-two years, including service in Belgium and France from the beginning of the present War, until 31st March last when he took his discharge, and who will be forty-one years of age on the 1st November next, whether the man in question will be at liberty to take his discharge again when he reaches the age of forty-one if he is once more called to the Colours under the provisions of Clause 2 of the Military Service Bill?

No, Sir. If such a soldier rejoins the Colours, under the provisions of the Military Service Act, before he attains the age of forty-one years he will, under the terms of the Act, be enlisted for the period of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the shortage of periscope pattern No. 14 at the front, and that in particular artillery observers have been unable to obtain this pattern, though they have many times applied for the same; and will he say who is responsible for this shortage?

I am informed by the Ministry of Munitions that every effort is being made to meet demands of No. 14 periscope, but, as these are complicated instruments, the output is slow. At least four other types of artillery observation magnifying periscopes have been approved to supplement the output of No. 14 periscope. These, while not being quite so good as the No. 14, are useful substitutes, and are being produced as rapidly as possible.

asked in how many different sizes the French steel helmet is made; and in how many different sizes the English steel helmet is made?

I am informed that the French steel helmet is made in three sizes. The English steel helmet is also made in three sizes.

asked why at a port near London where troops do not embark, and which is only used to ship stores and material, and at other ports of a similar character, it is considered that one of the senior military officers of the supplies reserve depot is not competent to deal with the military side of the shipping work, and cannot be relied on to link up the supply staff with the naval transport staff?

I have already answered this question in previous replies, and there is nothing to be added to what I have already said.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these Regular staff officers are not considered necessary at the ports in France where stores are embarked. They were never used in the South African War, and are they necessary now?

I have already stated that they are considered necessary, and I cannot place the hon. Member's opinion or mine against that of the military authorities.

asked whether, owing to the reported scarcity of meat and other articles of food in Germany, he can make any further statement as to the amounts of the rations supplied daily to the British prisoners of war by the German Government?

I stated on the 3rd May, in reply to a supplementary question, that the authorised scale of rations for British prisoners in Germany was carried out very generously. Since then I have had further information, derived from returned prisoners. These do not, I find, confirm the statement made, but, on the contrary, show that the German scale is, in practice, disregarded with serious consequences to the prisoners. I should, therefore, like to take this opportunity of correcting my previous answer, and of stating that I am advised that, if it had not been for the parcels of food sent to the men from this country, they would in very many instances have starved. I do not, therefore, think that there should be any relaxation of the efforts which have been made, and are being made, to send relief to the prisoners. I am obliged to the hon. Gentleman for giving me this opportunity of correcting an error which I made, and from which I had reason to fear consequences of a most undesirable kind might follow. I sincerely hope that this correction will receive the publicity it demands, and that it may be in time to avert those evil effects, which I can assure the House have caused me not a little anxiety.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he does not think that the time has arrived for something to be done to the German prisoners in this country, when evidence is given by independent people as to the brutal and cruel way in which our prisoners are being treated in Germany?

I have answered this question many times, and I would appeal to the House to give grave consideration to the effect which might be produced by any such course as that which the hon. Gentleman advocates. If the Germans choose to treat our prisoners in the way described, can it be argued that we should do as they do?

Has my right hon. Friend read the report from the American Embassy people as to the treatment of some of our prisoners quite recently which appears in the papers to-day?

I am not quite sure that I have seen the particular report to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I have seen a great many.

Has any endeavour been made through the American Ambassador in Berlin to bring these disgraceful facts personally to the knowledge of the Kaiser, who, with one word, could stop the whole thing if he chose?

I think it is desirable that that question, if answered at all, should be answered by the Foreign Office, after due notice has been given.

Is there any guarantee that these parcels of food ever really reach our prisoners and that they are not taken by the Germans?

As far as we know all parcels, or almost all, so far have reached the prisoners. The matter is one which I think ought to be regarded with grave anxiety as to what may possibly happen in the future. It is one of the matters which ought to be very carefully considered by all the Departments concerned.

Will either of the two right hon. Gentlemen enable the House to compare the treatment of British prisoners by Germany with the treatment by Britain of Michael Davitt and O'Donovan Rossa in time of peace?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the fact that some units in France, e.g., the 3rd London Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery, have had no leave for eight months, whilst other units have had leave twice within that period; and whether arrangement will be made for a fairer distribution of leave amongst soldiers at the front, so as to remove the sense of grievance felt amongst them?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to previous answers which I have given on this matter. It is one within the discretion of the General Officer Commanding - in - Chief. What might appear to my hon. Friend to be an arrangement calling for some explanation would not so appear to him if he were acquainted with all the military exigencies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if any men have been shot during the War for military offences without previously being tried by court-martial, and, if so, how many; and whether the names of the officers directing such executions are kept at the War Office for reference?

There is no power to inflict a sentence of death for a military offence except after conviction by court-martial. The rest of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the number of cases in which Field Punishment No. 2. has been inflicted upon men at the front during the War; whether there is a record kept of such cases at the War Office; and whether the names of the officers ordering the infliction of this punishment are recorded at the War Office for reference?

No, Sir; no such record is kept.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that periodical lectures on questions connected with the War are given by Ministers to editors of newspapers, he will arrange that similar educational facilities shall be extended to Members of this House?

I think the recent Secret Session of the House showed that there are practical difficulties in the way of adopting the hon. Member's suggestion.

Can my right hon. Friend say why, when Members of Parliament were invited by the Minister of Munitions on the ground that they had brought men back to munition work, the invitations were not distributed to all men who had done that work?