asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when he expects to be able to fulfil his promise to publish and circulate the agreement under which invalid German and British prisoners of war will be sent to Switzerland and also the categories of diseases that will qualify prisoners for this transfer?

We hope to lay before Parliament the correspondence constituting the agreement very shortly.

asked whether the arrangements now arrived at between Great Britain and Germany for the internment in Switzerland of invalid prisoners of war are applicable alike to civilian and military prisoners?

The question of the inclusion of civilians in the arrangement arrived at between Great Britain and Germany for the internment in Switzerland of invalid prisoners of war not entitled to repatriation is under consideration. As my hon. Friend is, no doubt, aware, we already have an agreement with Germany for the repatriation of invalid civilians.

I asked not about repatriation, but as to internment in Switzerland.

Yes, I know, and my reply is that internment in Switzerland of invalid prisoners of war is under consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in France it is already done?

I believe it is under consideration.

asked when the White Paper containing the American Reports of British prisoner camps in Germany will be issued; what reason is assigned for the delay in its publication; and how many Reports have been received since 31st March?

The White Paper in question has, I understand, been issued this afternoon. I am afraid that some delay was inevitable in view of the pressure of work in the printing department. I understand that twenty-one Reports have been received since the 31st March last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether those Reports will be included in the White Paper?

I would like to inquire about that.

asked what reply has been received in reply to the inquiries made of the German Government as to the rate of exchange governing the issue of pay to officer prisoners in Germany; and, if the reply was unsatisfactory, what further representations have been made to the German Government?

No reply has yet been received from the German Government, and the United States Ambassador has been requested to endeavour to obtain a reply at an early date.

asked whether the Government has agreed to allow, or is considering an agreement to allow, the Americans to buy from the Germans 15,000 tons of dye-stuffs, or any less amount; and has the Government made any sort of agreement that dye-stuffs going from Germany to America shall not be stopped by the British Navy?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies returned on the 23rd instant to the questions asked by the hon. Members for Mid-Armagh and Great Yarmouth.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question?

I would refer the hon. Member to the previous replies given as late as two days ago, and if they do not cover the question then I will answer a further question.

I do not know whether there is any representative of the Chief Secretary who can answer these questions?

This is a military matter, and should be addressed to the War Office.

I am afraid that I have not got the particulars yet.

In my second question I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has been refused information by the military authorities? Is that so? If it is so, are steps going to be taken by the civil government to enforce their authority?

I am sorry that I have not been able to get the information.

You are only making trouble for yourselves.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government, in view of the heavy losses suffered by Dublin traders, will now give better facilities for the transit of goods by rail to Holyhead and thence by sea, as a month has often hitherto been required to get stock through which before the War could be sent in twenty-four hours?

I have communicated with the London and North-Western Railway Company on this matter, and I am sending my hon. and learned Friend a copy of their reply.

asked the Prime Minister whether the house of Mr. Mark Wickham, Merchant's Quay, Cork, was entered by the military and police authorities on the 8th instant in search of arms; if the only arms found was a small toy air-gun, the plaything of his little son, which was purchased at a toy shop for 2s. 6d.; whether Mr. Wickham was arrested for having this toy in his possession without a licence; whether he will state the justification for this action; and if he will see that an end will be put to such interference with innocent people, who cannot be charged with any criminal act?

The facts as stated by my honourable Friend seem to warrant the release of Mr. Wickham. I was assured a day or two ago that inquiry was being made, and, if the facts are as stated by my hon. Friend, I think there can be little doubt that Mr. Wickham will be released forthwith.

Thank you.

This is a triumph!

asked the Prime Minister whether an official list of the names and addresses of persons arrested in error in connection with the recent rebellion in Ireland, and since released on ascertaining that they had no connection therewith, will be published; and whether, in addition, a notice expressing regret for their inadvertent arrest will be forwarded to each of them with a view to enabling them to make their position clear to their friends and business connections?

I will arrange for the list asked for in the first part of the question and will consider the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Mr. O'Leary Curtis, of Dublin, is still in prison without charge or trial; if so, where and to what treatment he is subject; and whether this citizen will, without further delay, be either released or given an opportunity of meeting in a Civil Court any charge that can be brought against him?

I understand that Mr. O'Leary Curtis is in prison. I have received some information in connection with this case which I have forwarded to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Ireland. If he had no connection whatever with the rebellion or with the movement which fomented it, he will no doubt shortly be released.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this gentleman's health is in a critical condition?

No, I am not aware of that. My informant, who went to see him yesterday, did not report that.

The following question stood upon the Paper in the name of Mr. HEALY: 73. To ask the Under-Secretary for War whether at 4.40 a.m. on Thursday week twenty armed police broke into the house of Mr. Darrell Figgis, in the Island of Achill, where he was residing with his wife, and, although he assured them when they knocked that no resistance would be offered, they broke the front door with a large stone and smashed the back door with a plank; whether his papers, historical manuscripts, and money were seized, and himself taken to Castlebar Gaol; whether he was imprisoned there from Thursday to Monday, denied letters or visitors, and then removed to Richmond Barracks, where he now is a prisoner, without any charge being made against him; and whether, seeing that since the split in the Volunteers eighteen months ago Mr. Figgis has taken no part in the movement and severed himself at the time by a public declaration from either side, that no Volunteers of any kind were formed in Achill, and that no rising occurred in Mayo, to which county the island belongs, he will state what was the necessity for the manner in which the arrest was carried out, and how long will the military be occupied in obtaining evidence to justify it or, if they have evidence to warrant the same, why is Mr. Figgis not brought to trial?

I have been asked to postpone this question, but I desire to state that simply because I put it down they deported this absolutely innocent man to England, although he had made a formal declaration months ago that he had nothing to do with the Volunteers.

The following questions stood upon the Paper in the name of Mr. FLAVIN: 84. To ask the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that Joseph O'Leary, of 11, Tremadoc Road, Clapham, London, who is spending his holidays in Ireland, was arrested on Tuesday, 16th May, in Dublin, and detained since in the Bridewell; whether he will say why Joseph O'Leary was arrested and detained; what charge, if any, has been made against him; whether his release will be ordered immediately; and 85. To ask the Under-Secretary on what grounds James M'Elligott, clerk in the Local Government Board, Dublin, has been arrested and deported to England; whether he is aware that this young man has an unimpeachable character; whether he is aware that 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 requested to postpone these questions, but I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, in connection with the latter, whether he is aware that it has now been postponed for the ninth time at his request, that the man is now five weeks in gaol, that he is absolutely innocent, no charge is preferred against him, he has had no trial and his friends are denied the right to see him, and is it not time for the military authorities and the right hon. Gentleman himself to move in the matter?

I was not aware that the question had been postponed so often. I deeply regret it. I am communicating with the General Officer Commanding in Ireland, and will take care the case is brought to his notice. I may inform the hon. Member that we are getting through 150 cases a day. Yesterday fifty were released.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this young boy's mother is in a very delicate state of health?

How many men are there in gaol, and how long will it take at the rate of 150 a day to get through them?

I should think another ten days.

asked the Under-Secretary, 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?

The procedure announced in the communiqué which has appeared in the Press covers, I think, the points raised by this question. The military authorities are most anxious that persons inadvertently arrested, who have had no connection whatever with the rebellion or with the movement which fomented it should be released forthwith, and printed forms on which release may be claimed and which are framed to facilitate rapid investigation, have been issued to commandants of places of detention. When these forms have been filled in the release of persons concerned will, if the facts justify it, be immediately ordered, and they will be sent back to the place where they were arrested. I think my hon. Friend should advise the fifteen men referred to in the question, to follow the procedure I have indicated.

The following question stood upon the Paper in the name of Mr. T. M. HEALY: 89. To ask the Under-Secretary for War if, out of thirty-five young men arrested in Mitchelstown by the military on 8th May, five are detained, namely, W. Casey, J. Hannigan, D. Roche, and the brothers O'Sullivan; have these men been removed to Cork and then to Dublin in custody, although all arms were surrendered and no incriminating documents or matter were found upon them; are their relatives left without any knowledge of their whereabouts and denied the opportunity of procuring their defence; have any of them been deported to England; if not, are they to be tried, on what charge, and where; and is any opportunity to be afforded them of consulting a solicitor or making a defence?

The right hon. Gentleman has asked me, for the fourth time, to postpone this question. It seems to me it is no use putting questions. It only makes the prisoner a marked man. I will not put the question again.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in the case of William Pearse, summarily executed in Dublin, not being either a leader or a signatory of the republican proclamation, any evidence was produced differentiating him from those not executed other than his relationship to his executed brother P. H. Pearse?

Yes, Sir, ample evidence of this man's guilt was, of course, produced before the court-martial.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state any evidence but the fact of his relationship to his brother?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the findings of the coroner's jury in Dublin on the death of Patrick Bealan and James Healy, that they had died from hæmorrhage resulting from bullet wounds inflicted by a soldier or soldiers in whose custody they were unarmed and unoffending prisoners, and that the explanation given by the military authorities was very unsatisfactory; what action is to be taken towards those authorities or the men under them; whether the two barrack yards have yet been dug up in search for the bodies of the batch of prisoners which an officer boasted that he and others had potted that morning and that no more would be heard of them; and, if not, whether those yards will be dug up immediately in the presence of some civil witness of repute?

This verdict was given while I was in Ireland, and I had an opportunity of reading the evidence upon which it purported to be founded. No suggestion was made as to the identity of the soldier or soldiers referred to, but the military authorities at once instituted a careful inquiry, which I believe has so far been without result. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.

Seeing that these men have been killed and that the military inquiry has been without result, will the right hon. Gentleman institute an impartial civil inquiry?

I hope the military inquiry may yet produce results.

asked the Prime Minister when and in what form the proceedings of the courts-martial in Ireland and the evidence in each case will be made available?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given him by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War on the 18th May.

The answer referred to was indefinite. Will the Prime Minister inform the House whether or not these matters will be reported and submitted to the House or made available for Members?

My right hon. Friend answered that very question.

No.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the dfficulties which have arisen in Ireland, he will consider the advisability of creating forthwith an Irish Parliament and Executive in accordance with the provisions of the Government of Ireland Act, so modified by mutual consent as to be consistent with that wider measure of federal devolution avowedly contemplated by the late Government, similarly entrusting the domestic affairs of England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, to separate Legislatures, in each case effectively and indisputably reserving the supremacy of the Imperial Parliament, thereby automatically satisfying all reasonable apprehensions entertained by North-East Ulster?

Well, Sir, I am afraid I cannot say more than that we shall not fail to keep in mind all considerations which are relevant to this problem.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the Irish prisoners of war will be allowed to receive tobacco, newspapers, and clean underclothing; if he will take the necessary steps to have instructions issued to that effect; if he is aware that they are in solitary confinement; if he will state whether solitary confinement is given to all German prisoners interned in Great Britain or British prisoners interned in Germany; if he will cause this punishment to be removed by allowing the Irish prisoners of war to converse at frequent intervals; and if he will make arrangements for each to attend their own church services on Sundays and other days recognised by the Church?

My hon. Friend will no doubt be aware that I stated yesterday that I would have the matter of tobacco and cigarettes considered, but I have since been reminded that the published regulations state that parcels may be sent to prisoners either by post or by hand. I know of no reason for supposing that clean underclothing would not be welcomed by those in charge of the prisoners. My right hon. Friend stated yesterday that the prisoners, except in a very few cases, are allowed intercourse with one another, and I understand that they are also allowed the ordinary facilities extended to prisoners of war, which would include access to religious ministrations.

asked if any of the Overseas Dominions have urged upon him the importance to the Dominions of an early declaration of the trade policy of the British Government after the conclusion of the War; and, if so, can he say what reply has been given?

No such representations have been made to me officially, but the whole subject is being carefully considered.

asked if the Commonwealth of Australia has communicated with his Department since the War began on the subject of German influence in British trade; if so, can he say what support he has offered the Commonwealth in their determination to eradicate such influence from the country under their jurisdiction; and can he lay the correspondence upon the Table of the House?

I have been in constant communication with the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia on the subject of Australian metal contracts and other matters, and have been and am prepared to assist them in every way in my power. I do not propose to lay any Papers on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Australian Chamber of Commerce advocating a preferential trading policy with the Dominions and our Allies; and whether the Government proposes to take any action in the matter with a view to such a policy being adopted before the termination of the War?

I have seen Press reports of the resolution referred to, and the whole subject is now engaging the attention of the Government.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate the great importance to the Empire of an early decision being come to by the Government as to what their trade policy is likely to be?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I quite appreciate, and so do the Government, the importance of this question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a statement made by the Recorder at the Central Criminal Court, when charging the grand jury on 2nd May, stating that it was deeply to be regretted that the Government permitted Germans to change their names under deed poll during the War in order to conceal their identity when many of them were ready to betray this country; and whether, having regard to the experience of the Recorder in dealing with crimes committed by Germans, the Government purpose taking any steps to prevent naturalised Germans from changing their names during the War?

I stated, in answer to a question on the 10th instant, that the statements reported to have been made by the Recorder do not represent the facts. No Germans have been permitted by the Government to change their names since the War began, with the exception of twelve persons, almost all of whom were British born women, German by marriage only, and now widows or separated from their husbands. As regards change of name by British subjects, I have nothing to add to the answers already given by my predecessor, the Attorney-General and myself.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the German, Russian and French Governments refuse to allow any naturalised subjects to change their names unless they can show to a Court of Law that it is in the public interest to do so; and is he aware that a large number of naturalised Germans continue daily to change their names?

I was not aware of that fact in regard to the countries mentioned, but I will make inquiries.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that Germans are changing their names and that no action is being taken to stop it?

Not German. They are all British subjects of German origin. There is no restriction upon them, and no restrictions could be imposed under the Aliens Restriction Order, because they are exempt from its provisions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not bring in legislation?

I am not convinced that any case has been made out for legislation.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of his statement that the Metropolitan Police would not be taken from their duties during a time when there is a shortage of men for the purposes of racecourse meetings, he will say if he is aware that the local police at Newmarket, Gatwick, and Windsor recently applied to the Commissioner for police to assist at these meetings, that police were sent, and were paid by the secretaries of these racecourse committees; and will he take steps to prevent any police being taken at the present time from their duties for these purposes?

No police have been sent to assist in maintaining order at these racecourses, but at the request of the local police a few officers of the Criminal Investigation Department, well acquainted with criminals frequenting racecourses, have been sent to Newmarket and Gatwick.

Does the Government consider it is in the public interest that police or detective officers should be taken during a period of great national war for the purpose of protecting people of this character who frequent racecourses?

My province is to see that the police protect people from criminals wherever they congregate, and naturally the police are sent to places where they are likely to be found.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any communication from the Wandsworth tribunal to the effect that they had received a list of nine enemy aliens released from internment camps who were now working at their trade in or near London; and could he say whether any of these men, and, if so, how many were working for men of German, Austrian, or enemy origin?

Yes, Sir, I have received the list and have made inquiry into the nine cases. Six of the men are in the employ of British subjects, one is a master baker, and two are employed by German subjects. Four of the six British employers are British born, two are naturalised men of German origin, while of the two German employers, one is interned and the other is a widow, who has been here since she was fourteen. Eight of the nine men were recommended for exemption by the Advisory Committee. They had all been resident in this country for thirty years or upwards except one, who had resided for twenty-eight years, having come to this country at the age of two. The ninth is not a German, but a Hungarian, who has been twenty years in this country.

Is the master baker of German or enemy origin?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better read my answer.

asked the Home Secretary how many bakers of German, Austrian, or enemy origin there were in Wandsworth before the War began; and how many bakers of enemy origin there are in Wandsworth at the present time?

At the beginning of the War forty-three enemy alien bakers registered as being employed in the borough of Wandsworth; the present number is seventeen. There were, in addition on the outbreak of War seven enemy alien bakers residing in the borough but employed elsewhere. Of these three are still resident there. The information available only relates to enemy aliens.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the average amount in money or percentage of increase in pay and lodging allowance granted or given to the members of the City and Metropolitan Police since the outbreak of the War owing to the increased cost of food, clothing, and living for the men and their families?

A war allowance of 3s. a week has been given to the City and Metropolitan Police.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the average pay of the average constable having twenty years' service is about £2 per week, and that the 3s. war bonus represents an increase of 8 per cent. only, whereas the cost of living and food has increased by 50 per cent. since the War began, and does he expect that these men can live under these conditions?

Yes, Sir; the cost of living referred to does not cover the whole of a man's expenditure; it only covers that part which is devoted to food. A great many other costs of living have not increased, for instance, rent; and these men get their clothes from the State.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the allowance made to the average constable does not pay more than half the actual rent he has to pay for himself, his wife and family?

I would point out to my hon. Friend that the sum of 3s. was the sum awarded to Post Office servants by arbitration as the amount which should be given to them.

Is there any possibility of the police getting arbitration on their question?

No request has been made for arbitration, and, if it were made, I do not think that it would be entertained.

asked the Secretary for Scotland when the Board of Agriculture (Scotland) Report for last year will be presented?

I am in communication with the Board of Agriculture for Scotland with a view to expediting the publication of the Report.

Will the right hon. Gentleman arrange with the Prime Minister to give this House an opportunity of discussing Scottish agricultural affairs as soon as we get the Report?

I will do my best.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consult the railway companies with a view to retaining the restaurant cars on the railways and the supplying of cold luncheons and dinners which could be served by women?

The main object of withdrawing restaurant cars is to save engine power and to reduce train mileage. I think the matter must be left to the discretion of the railway companies.

I suppose the hon. Gentleman is aware that the Great Eastern Railway Company do not intend to withdraw their restaurant cars, and passengers on that line can be served by women dressed in very attractive uniform.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been drawn to the constant declaration of huge profits of shipping companies; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter with a view to allay public anxiety in connection with the continued increase in the cost of food, which it is suggested is mainly due to the high freights now ruling?

I am aware of the high profits made by many shipping companies. If the regulation of the freights of British ships would solve the tonnage difficulty, which is world wide, it would have been adopted long ago. Any regulation of freights to have an effective influence on prices must extend to neutral ships, which is impracticable without endangering the supply of neutral tonnage to bring necessaries to this country, and thus producing a shortage which would increase prices instead of diminishing them. We are doing our utmost to alleviate the tonnage situation by securing economy in the use of the ships we have and by bringing more ships into service, and in this we have had a fair measure of success, though much still remains to be done.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he has a guarantee from each of the neutral firms for whom ships are now building in this country that such ships shall not come under German control after the conclusion of the War; (2) if under the exceptional circumstances created by the War he will announce the names of the neutral firms for whom mercantile ships are now building in this country, so that British shipowners may assist him in preventing these ships coming ultimately under German control; and (3) if he was consulted by the President of the Board of Trade before permission was given to British shipbuilders to build steamers for neutrals; if so, was this step taken with his consent and approval; and can he say that the building of steamers for neutrals is consistent with the deficiencies in certain kinds of ships which the Board of Admiralty was recently said to be most anxious to fill up?

My right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty has asked me to reply to the question addressed to him, and I will answer the hon. Baronet's three questions together. No ship can be exported from the United Kingdom during the War without the consent of the Admiralty and Board of Trade. The Departments act together and obtain full guarantees as to the manner in which the ships will be employed during the War. The very few ships that are being allowed to be built for neutrals are tied down to British or Allied trade during the War at about half the market rates. The question of the position of these ships after the War is at present under careful consideration, and all steps necessary to protect British interests will be taken. There would be practical difficulties in enforcing a guarantee that any particular ship will not at any future time come under German control, but the point is not being overlooked, and such precautions as are possible will be adopted.

May I ask if it is in the interests of this country that ships should be built at the present time for neutrals which obviously may come under the control of Germany when the War is over?

The hon. Gentleman is asking the same question again.

Could the hon. Gentleman state whether any of these ships are being built for Sweden in view of the law passed by the Swedish Parliament rendering such agreements illegal?

I do not think so, but I cannot say without notice.

May I ask whether any new contracts for neutral ships are being made?

Not, I believe, without consultation with us.

Is it a fact that no less than eleven ships are being built for one neutral firm?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

Could the hon. Gentleman give the name of the neutral firm asked for in Question No. 26?

Not without notice.

It is in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the recent increase in the price of milk is caused by any increase in the cost of production or by a shortage in supply; and, if not, can he say what is the cause of the recent increase, and does he propose to take steps to fix a reasonable price to the consumer?

I discussed the question yesterday with representatives of the London milk trade. I understand from them that the rise in price is partly due to increased cost of distribution, but mainly to the high price of all agricultural produce, and particularly of meat and cheese. If farmers cannot obtain anything like a proportionate price for milk, there is a tendency to sell cows and heifers to the butcher, and this is accentuated by the withdrawal of milkers for military service. If, owing to the disproportion of price, the production of milk were reduced, a shortage would result, which would have far more serious consequences than the present rise in price. There is no evidence of any shortage of supply at present.

Why is it then that in many districts the prices have not risen?

Is it not a fact that the large proportion of farmers in this country are obtaining little, if any, increase on the prices they were getting months ago?

No. This question and my answer refers to London milk only, and it was with the London milk purveyors that I had my conference. I am not prepared, at present, to give any definite facts with regard to other parts of the country. The statement made is that the prices the London purveyors are paying are from 5d. to 6d. per gallon more than pre-war prices.

May I ask whether there is any intention of putting the Milk Act, 1914, into operation in order to give the municipalities the power to supply milk?

If my hon. Friend will look at the answer, he will see that there would be danger in any action which tended to reduce the price of milk unless other agricultural products, at the same time, were taken into consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the price of milk delivered in London to-day is 1s. per gallon at the stations? And why did the hon. Gentleman only meet the representatives of the purveyors after an agitation started by the Press?

The milk at the station sold at this price is surplus milk which, particularly in the month of May, can be got cheaply at the stations.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the importation is prohibited of cedar-wood slats, required by our British pencil manufacturers, while the import of cedar-wood pencils is permitted; and, if this is the case, will the Government consider the advisability of allowing our pencil manufacturers to import sufficient cedar-wood slats to keep their industry running, and of reducing proportionately, if found necessary, the quantity imported of finished pencils?

Licences will be given for the present for the importation of cedar slats.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what quantity of foreign ale and beer was imported into the United Kingdom during the year 1914–15, and also during the first two quarters of 1915–16?

The numbers of barrels (of 36 gallons) of foreign ale and beer imported into the United Kingdom during the two periods specified by the hon. Member were 52,000 and 13,000 respectively.

Would it not be wiser to use our shipping to more profitable purposes, in view of the scarcity of food?

That scarcely arises out of the question on the Paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether on-licence holders who have obtained their supplies from beer dealers, and not directly from brewers, will be entitled to proportionate supplies under Clause 5 of the Output of Beer (Restriction) Bill; and, if not, whether he will amend the Bill so as to include beer dealers and their customers within the operation of that Clause?

The Clause referred to is only intended to prevent brewers from differentiating against on-licence holders in the matter of the supply of beer. I do not think it would be possible to guarantee supplies to licence holders who did not obtain their beer direct.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Committee appointed by him to consider a trade policy after the War has met; whether it has taken evidence; and when it is likely to report?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Gentleman to the reply which my right hon. Friend returned to the hon. Member for Walsall on 19th April, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the Solicitor-General if he is aware that in important and numerous districts in London, Brighton, and Hove a number of houses were erected during the Regency and before the accession of William IV., which are governed by special Statutes whereby it is provided that, whether held under lease or freehold, they shall be painted externally in uniform and special tints, and shall be repaired under stringent regulations at stated periods; whether the Government has taken any action in regard to the request made by the Hove Town Council to the President of the Local Government Board for authority to postpone such work; is he aware that this and other public bodies look to the Government for assistance in the direction desired; and whether he will indicate what action is necessary to give municipalities the power to postpone such work?

I am aware that there is a special statutory provision of the nature referred to in the question affecting certain houses in Hove, and that the Hove Town Council have communicated with the Local Government Board with a view to the extension of the time limited by the Statute, but as to the other places mentioned I have no information. Under the Special Acts (Extension of Time) Act, 1915, where the time within which a duty is to be performed under any special Act is limited, an application may be made to the appropriate Government Department for an order extending that time, but in all cases such an application should be made before the time limited by the special Act expires. I understand that the time limited by the Hove Statute has already expired, and in regard to that case I cannot add anything to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board on the 15th May.

asked the Solicitor-General if his attention has been drawn to the position of commercial travellers of military age who, at present, hold appointments in civil life under time agreements with respect to their liability to be called up under the Military Service Bill, having regard to the fact that when the War is over their agreements will have become null and void by the efflux of time; and whether, in view of the hardship and loss which will be imposed upon them in that event, he will endeavour to meet their case by promoting legislation which will have the effect of suspending their agreements during the period of their service in the Army instead of allowing their agreements to lapse?

The question of promoting legislation for the purpose of suspending the time agreements of travellers who are on active service has received consideration, but it has been found impossible to propose a general suspension of these agreements for the benefit of travellers without incurring the risk of causing serious hardship to the other parties to the agreements, whose position may be entirely changed during the War, and it is therefore not intended to propose the legislation suggested. It cannot be doubted that employers generally will act with consideration towards their travellers who offer themselves or are called up for military service.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the regulations and instructions have yet been issued to the tribunals; and, if not, will he at once take steps to see that the same are put before them and the general public, as the delay is causing much anxiety?

A revised set of regulations and instructions containing various amendments consequent upon the passing of the new Act is in preparation and will be circulated to the tribunals as early as practicable.

Will copies be sent to Members of this House?

If they desire, yes.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has received representations from all the labour organisations in Kettering protesting against the inadequate representation of labour on the local tribunal; and will he point out to the local authority that one Labour member on a tribunal of seven is not adequate representation and is not in accordance with his instructions?

I have within the last few days received some representations on this subject, and I am communicating with the local authority.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that Mr. Frank Bibby, who was appointed by him to be chairman of the Appeal Tribunal for Salop, has had all his gamekeepers of military age, of whom he kept some fourteen, transferred to the Remount depot near his place, that he has four motor drivers who are badged, that all his house and farm servants are badged, and that as Mr. Bibby is refusing exemption to men farming their own land considerable local feeling has been aroused at his conduct; and, with the object of giving appellants before the Appeal Tribunal some confidence that their cases will be fairly and judicially considered, will he revoke the appointment of the present chairman?

Mr. Bibby was not appointed by me as chairman of the Shropshire and Herefordshire Appeal Tribunal, but was elected unanimously by the tribunal. As the question contains a series of charges against Mr. Bibby, who has rendered the country invaluable services in more than one direction, I think it right to state that since the commencement of the War he has been superintendent of a Remount depot for Artillery horses under the War Office, at which not less than 500 horses have been under training at any time. The additional stabling necessary for over 300 horses was erected free of expense to the Government. No rent or maintenance charges are paid by them. Owing to the difficulty of procuring suitable men for this work, six (not fourteen) gamekeepers, with previous knowledge of horses, were transferred to and are exclusively employed in remount work; five of the six are married men with families and the other is medically unfit for active service. In addition, three married men, previously stable men, who hold motor-driving licences, are practically entirely employed on remount work. The wages of these three men and of seven others engaged at the depât are paid by Mr. Bibby, and not by the Government. None of Mr. Bibby's house and farm-servants are badged. I may add that besides the men employed in the depot more than 100 men from Mr. Bibby's estates have joined the Army.

Are we to expect an apology from the hon. Member?

What has the right hon. Gentleman's reply to do with the facts stated in the question?

They are not facts.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether a voluntarily attested man who has attained the age of forty-one years since his attestation, but before he has been called up for service, is eligible or not?

No, Sir. Under the present age limits, a voluntarily attested man who attains the age of forty-one years before he is called up for service is not retained with the Colours, but is passed to the Reserve, and would not be called up unless the age limit were extended.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government propose to introduce legislation to deal with men domiciled in this country of military age who have gone abroad or to Ireland to escape military service?

I do not think this is a matter which can be dealt with by legislation, but all possible administrative steps have been taken, and are being taken, to prevent men of military age from leaving this country without the permission of the Government, and to recall those who went abroad before the War or during its earliest stages.

If a man is a British subject domiciled in this country and is at present abroad, is it a fact that he will be under no disabilities if he returns to this country after the War, and is it not a fact that in all Continental countries a man who does not join loses all his civil rights?

I will inquire.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received from the International Bible Students' Association a list of their members who are now undergoing imprisonment for resistance to military orders on conscientious grounds, together with a request that these men should be put to some work of a useful nature under civil authority, which the men are willing to undertake; and what reply has been sent to this request.

I have received various communications from this association, though I cannot trace the list to which my hon. Friend refers. These communications have been duly acknowledged, but I saw no reason to enter into correspondence with one particular association on this question.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if his attention has been called to the action of Lieut.-Colonel Reginald Brooke, commandant Wands-worth barracks, who, on the 19th instant, opened a letter addressed to Mr. H. Goitein, a conscientious objector, and returned to the sender with the inscription: Letter returned. Not of a sort I will pass. If your news re Private Rendall Wyatt is true I am very delighted to hear, and sincerely hope the whole lot of c.o.'s will be treated the same; and will he say-what action he proposes to take?

No, Sir. My attention has not been called to any such action on the part of the officer named.

Has not the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the matter by this question on the Paper, and why has he not inquired into it?

I understand that the letter was not returned in this form.

It was.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether conscientious objectors who have been drafted into the Army may legally be placed in irons for disobedience to orders; whether it is the intention of the War Office to review the sentences passed on such men; whether the death sentence will be inflicted on such men for disobedience to orders at the front; and whether the treatment of such men is severer than that meted out to other soldiers?

If men have been placed in irons in regimental cells, except for extreme violence or destroying their clothing and equipment, the action taken is illegal, and those responsible would be held accountable for their actions. Men who may have been committed to prison or detention barracks are subject to confinement in cells, and are liable to be placed in irons for certain offences laid down in the rules for military prisons and detention barracks, which have been approved by Parliament. One case has been reported where a man who, it is believed, stated that he was a conscientious objector, was handcuffed for a short time in a regimental cell.

Arrangements were made by the War Office to review all sentences passed on alleged conscientious objectors by courts-martial. In certain cases, courts awarded a sentence of two years' imprisonment, but on review by the War Office such sentences have invariably been commuted to 112 days' detention, which is the punishment laid down by the King's Regulations as suitable for a man's first offence of disobedience of orders brought before a court-martial.

The companies of the Non-Combatant Corps, numbering 341, which are now in France, are rendering useful service behind the front. No trouble has been experienced with any of the men in France. Continued refusal to obey orders there would not involve the penalty of death. The treatment of such men is neither more nor less severe than that of other soldiers who commit similar offences.

Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there will be no distinction between conscientious objectors and other men in the ranks in regard to punishment for disobedience of orders?

Yes, Sir. If my hon. and gallant Friend will refer to the last part of my answer he will see that I state, "the treatment of such men is not more nor less severe than that of other soldiers."

asked the Under-Secretary for War if he is aware that on Friday, 12th May, some fifty recruits from King's Lynn were ordered to attend at the Britannia Barracks, Norwich; that they were kept waiting in the rain from 2 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., and were then informed that they would not be examined till the next day; that they were given plank beds to sleep on, but some of them having no money were obliged to go without food till after their postponed examination, and that one of them contracted bronchitis as a result of the treatment received; and will he take steps to ensure more satisfactory arrangements in the future?

I have called for a report.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether the Army Council will consider the possibility of making arrangements for the older married men when called up being stationed for their preliminary training as near their homes as possible, so that in their spare time they can keep in touch with their business and be enabled to supervise the adjustment of their affairs?

I sympathise with the object the hon. Member has in view, but I am informed that this proposal is not practicable.

asked the Under-Secretary for War why the recruiting medical board for East Suffolk is at Bury St. Edmunds, which is in West Suffolk, instead of in Ipswich; whether he is aware that Bury St. Edmunds is very difficult to reach by railway from towns in the East of Suffolk; whether he is aware that the Appeal Tribunal for East Suffolk and the Ipswich local tribunal have asked that a medical board might be set up in Ipswich on account of the inconvenience and expense of sending men to Bury St. Edmunds; whether the Director of Recruiting has recommended that a more central place should be chosen; and whether he proposes to establish a medical board in Ipswich?

asked the Under-Secretary for War why the recruiting medical board sits at Bury St. Edmunds, in the area of West Suffolk, the population of which at the last Census was 116,905, instead of at Ipswich, in the area of East Suffolk, with a population of 277,155; and whether, as the railway communication with Bury St. Edmunds does not compare with that of Ipswich, he will arrange for the transfer of the board to the latter town or the establishment there of a separate board?

Yes, Sir. Arrangements have been made for a recruiting medical board to assemble at Ipswich and to commence work there on the 29th May. It will sit daily on and after that date.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that a recruiting officer at Hove informed a boy on the 18th May, when reporting himself for service, that youths of eighteen years of age all over the country are to be compelled to sign on for not less than seven years; will he say whether this is compulsory and whether any official countenance is given to pressure being applied to boys in order to induce them to enlist for long service; and whether their parents are consulted in the matter in cases where the engagement extends beyond the period contemplated under the Derby recruiting scheme or the Military Service Act, 1916?

Enlistment under the Military Service Act, 1916, is for the period of the War. If any such statement as is reproduced in the first part of my hon. Friend's question was made, it was manifestly incorrect, and no recruiting officer had any right to make it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether men whose period of service has already expired and who have voluntarily reengaged for service are to be entitled to the scale of bounties announced?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the Written Answer, which appeared in yesterday's OFFICIAL REPORT, to a similar question by my right hon. Friend the Member for the Hallam Division of Sheffield.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many men of military age are now employed on the staff of the Ministry; how many of these are single men; and what proportion of them are regarded as indispensable?

On the 19th May the number of men of military age on the staff of the Ministry of Munitions was 1,213, of whom 492 were single men. Out of these 492, 195 have been medically rejected. Of the remainder, 38 will be allowed to go so soon as they are called up. The balance (259) are at this moment regarded as indispensable to the Ministry, but their cases are kept under consideration, and it will no doubt be possible to release some of them as time goes on. Many of them, however, possess engineering, chemical or other technical qualifications which it has not been possible to obtain in men not qualified for military service.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that employers in controlled establishments are requiring from workmen particulars as to their age and if they are attested; if these questions are asked with his sanction; and, if not, whether he will take any action in the matter?

I think that my hon. Friend must refer to inquiries made with a view to the completion of a special register of male employés which firms are now obliged to keep. Under Regulation 41 A of the Defence of the Realm Regulations there is an obligation upon such employés to supply on request the information necessary to enable the employer to make and revise this register.

Why should it be necessary to ask if the men have been attested?

I do not know if they have been asked.

If I supply the hon. Gentleman with a copy of the form will he inquire?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the conditions under which girls are employed at Sumner Street Filling Factory, Southwark; whether he is aware that the manager, named Johnson, from time to time lectures the girls on German atrocities and informs the girls that if they do not do their uttermost the deaths of the soldiers who are killed will be put at their door; whether he is aware that many of the girls have become hysterical as the result of such statements; that owing to the dismissal of a forewoman named Miss Cole the girls refused to work until the reason for her dismissal was given; that the manager gave instructions to the police at 11 p.m. to eject the girls from the factory, and that as a result a number of them had to walk the streets all night through not having enough money to get home; that several disputes have already occurred at these works and that the union concerned has used all its influence in the direction of peace; that, despite the fact that the representative of the Ministry of Munitions gave an undertaking that no dismissals should take place as the result of the stoppage of work, already the manager, since the resumption of work, has dismissed one of the girls, and that the manager has made the statement to the girls at a shop meeting that all who are members of the union would be got rid of one by one; and whether he will make a really searching inquiry into this matter?

My attention had not previously been drawn to the statements referred to in the first part of this question as having been made by the manager of the factory. I am informed that, owing to the dismissal of Miss Cole, some of the girls who were employed on urgent munition work refused either to work or to leave the factory, thus committing a serious breach of the Munitions Act. The assistance of the police was obtained to secure their departure, but I do not understand how this could have deprived them of their means of getting home. No under-taking was given by the Ministry of Munitions in regard to dismissals, but the union officials were asked to use their influence to secure a resumption of work, and were informed that on receipt of a written complaint the matter would be inquired into. I am informed that the manager, so far from seeking to get rid of members of the union, has given special instructions that applicants for employment should not in any case be asked whether they belong to a union or not.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Statutory Committee under the Naval and Military War Pensions Act in approving the scheme framed by the London County Council for the administration of the Act in the County of London; whether he is aware that this scheme does not conform to the provisions in Section 2 (4) of the Act; whether he will consult the Law Officers of the Crown as to whether the Statutory Committee were acting ultra vires in approving the scheme; and whether steps will be taken to give effect to the provisions of the Act?

The scheme framed by the London County Council is, I believe, in conformity with the provisions of the Naval and Military War Pensions Act, and I see nothing on which I need consult the Law Officers of the Crown. Section 2 (4) deals with the division of a county into permanent districts, and enables but does not require such a division to be made.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider an appeal by the local authorities in London? They are up in arms against this suggestion of the London County Council.

The Statutory Committee will consider any representations made to them by the borough councils.

asked the Prime Minister whether two Privy Councillors, Members of this House, have been summoned to attend before the Judicial Air Committee in order that the charges made by them in this House of the criminal neglect on the part of the Government in respect to the Air Service can be investigated; whether, following this precedent, he will now appoint a judicial munitions committee to report to this House whether the charges made by Members of this House that thousands of lives have been lost owing to His Majesty's Government having failed to order munitions early last year is true or untrue?

I understand the Committee have invited the two hon. Members referred to in the first part of the question. I do not propose to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Why not?

The two cases are not analogous.

Is it not a fact that owing to a statement made by a new Member in this House the Prime Minister thought it necessary to set up a Judicial Committee, and why should the views of Privy Councillors and old Members of this House be ignored?