asked whether the men of the Royal Irish Constabulary are each armed with a service revolver?

Not every member of the Royal Irish Constabulary is supplied with a service revolver, but revolvers are supplied to the various police stations in such numbers as are considered necessary for the performance of police duty in each locality.

asked whether, in a recent affray at Ashbourne, county Meath, a body of fifty men of the Royal Irish Constabulary were compelled, owing to lack of ammunition, to surrender at discretion with a loss of nine dead and fourteen wounded?

Two officers and fifty-four men of the Royal Irish Constabulary took part in the Ashbourne affray on 28th April. The fight having lasted for five hours, when both officers had fallen and six of the men had been killed and fifteen wounded, the remainder surrendered, being completely surrounded by about 300 rebels and having practically at that time exhausted their ammunition.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many rounds of ammunition each man had?

No, Sir.

asked what is the nature and date of make of rifle with which the men of the Royal Irish Constabulary are supplied, and its effective range; whether regulation ammunition is served out with this rifle or some other sort; what number of rounds per man; and what arrangements are made for a supply of reserve ammunition in case of emergency?

The men of the Royal Irish Constabulary are armed with the Lee-Enfield Carbine, Mark I., issued in 1904, and sighted up to 2,000 yards. Regulation ammunition is served out with each carbine and a reserve is kept. I do not think it advisable to state the quantities.

Is it not a fact that there is no reserve ammunition whatsoever for those rifles kept in the police barracks?

My information is to the contrary.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the recent rebellion was confined to a few districts in Ireland, he will communicate with Sir John Maxwell as to the advisability of allowing Gaelic hurling and football matches to go on in those counties in Ireland where no rising of any kind took place; and whether, in view of the fact that the organisation of the Gaelic Athletic Association, which controls such matches, has been vilified by men of anti-national and anti-Irish sentiment, will he see that in the interests of peace and order its members are not to be trampled on at the dictation of those who have ever been its vilifiers?

I have not been able to obtain the answer to this question, but I will endeavour to do so before the holidays go very far.

Will the right hon. Gentleman meanwhile instruct the police authorities in Ireland, except in districts where the recent rebellion took place, to allow hurling and football matches to go on, because if we are not given permission of this kind they will be held, in spite of Sir John Maxwell and the police?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Arthur O'Donnell, the only prisoner arrested in West Clare in connection with the late rising, is detained at Lewes Prison, and that though he has not been informed of any charge against him he is treated as though he was a convict; and whether, in view of the fact that there were no disturbances of any kind throughout county Clare, he will consider it advisable that Arthur O'Donnell should be released?

I regret that I have not yet got the answer to this question.

As this question is on the same lines as many others, may I ask would it not be better to deal with all these cases in a large and generous spirit, instead of chaffering over each in the spirit of a pawnbroker?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say what food is allowed daily to each of the Irish untried prisoners detained in Wands-worth Prison; whether he is aware that the prisoners state that they are half-starved and that the amount of food supplied daily is not sufficient for one meal; and, considering that many of the prisoners were not in any way connected with the recent revolt in Ireland, will he give instructions that they be as well treated as German prisoners of war?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to repeat the question. I have not got an answer.

asked if an adequate supply of forms to be filled in and handed to the commandant of detention prisons by Irish prisoners who have been inadvertently arrested and who claim release has been supplied to each prison and given to the prisoners; and if the prisoners have been made aware that these forms are available for them?

I am not quite certain whether I am able to answer the first part of the question in the affirmative. If I am not, I will see that action will be taken so that an affirmative answer can be given.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to whom these forms, when filled in, are submitted in Ireland for investigation? Are they submitted to the local police?

When filled in they go to the headquarters of the Irish Command.

Are they then submitted to the local police in the various districts?

I cannot say definitely what the procedure is, but I think that the police are asked for their reports.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any charge has or can be levelled against William Benn, cycle agent, of Tipperary, who is at present in Glasgow detention camp; and, in view of the fact that this young man took no part in the rebellion, and that his business will be ruined if he is kept in prison any longer, will steps be taken to have him released?

I have no specific information about this young man, but, if he took no part in the rebellion, there should be no obstacle to his being released, as my hon. Friend desires.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will make instant inquiries into the arrest and deportation of Samuel Ruttle, of Adare, county Limerick; whether he is aware that Ruttle and his family have been for more than twenty-five years in the employment of Lord Dunraven, and have not been Sinn Feiners; and, in view of the hardship inflicted on his family by his arrest and detention, will he be discharged immediately?

No, Sir. If the facts be as stated no doubt he will be released in due course.

What is the meaning of due course—does it mean three months?

It means as soon as his case can be reached.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the charge preferred against Michael Foley, aged twenty-one years, who was deported from Dublin and is now detained as a prisoner in Knutsford Detention Barracks?

I will make inquiries into this case.

May I remind the right hon. Gentleman that I wrote to him about nine days ago on this question and have not yet had a reply?

I think it is one of those cases that I am making inquiry into.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to the prevention of vested interests being created which would interfere with the rebuilding of Sackville Street, Dublin, as part of an architectural and town-planning scheme worthy of the position and natural features of the thoroughfare, the Government will take immediate steps to acquire the whole area in order to be in a position to control the rebuilding?

The Home Secretary is proceeding to Dublin to discuss this with other questions. I can make no statement until after his return.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not hold some hope that in the meantime nothing would be done to prejudice the object in view?

That is most desirable, I think.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the worst of all architectural effects are produced in Government controlled schemes?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the many incomplete and misleading reports of evidence taken before the Hardinge Commission, he intends to have issued a correct and official verbatim Report of the evidence?

Yes, Sir, it is intended to publish such a Report of the public sittings.

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the question put the other day, and his promise to communicate with the Commission as to what would be done with regard to the private documents and private evidence given to the Commission which may and probably does affect Members of this House?

I have not yet been able to make that communication.

Will the Report be presented to the House in the form of a White Paper?

The Report of a Royal Commission is presented by the Royal Commission.

Was there ever a Royal Commission held before whose evidence was taken in private?

Yes. There have been many Commissions of the kind.

asked whether full reports of the proceedings at the courts-martial in Dublin have been taken; and when it is proposed to make those reports public?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part the reports will be published in due course, unless for some special reason, in particular cases, publication is undesirable.

asked whether it is proposed to try the Tullamore prisoners by court-martial; and, if so, on what principle it is proposed to bring before courts-martial alleged offences committed long before the Proclamation of martial law was issued, and which had been already in the hands of a civil tribunal?

Yes, Sir; these prisoners will be brought to trial by court-martial under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The latter part of the question raises a point of jurisdiction which it will be for the Court to decide. It will no doubt be raised as a plea in Bar before the Court.

That answer is an extraordinary sample of the way in which information is sent in.

This is not the occasion for comment. If the hon. Gentleman wishes to ask anything arising out of the answer given, he can do so.

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he was aware, when he gave that answer, that the prisoners were tried by court-martial the day before yesterday, and that this plea was raised and refused by the court-martial?

No. I am aware that I have given an answer of somewhat the same character as I have given just now to my hon. Friend, but I was not aware that the prisoners had been tried.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the offence for which the young men were tried was committed long before the recent rebellion?

Of course that is mentioned in my hon. Friend's question.

Is there any precedent for these proceedings which have taken place? These men had been in the custody of the civil authorities for five or six weeks previous to the outbreak at Dublin, and these proceedings have been taken by the military authorities without any notice.

The hon. Member is not entitled to make a statement; he must put it in the form of a question.

This is a question of law which ought to be addressed to one of the Law Officers of the Crown.

Was this Proclamation of martial law stated to be retrospective?

I do not think so.

Has a court-martial power to decide the legal point of which has arisen in this case as to the jurisdiction of the Court? Is it the proper authority for deciding a point of law?

It has decided it.

I cannot answer problems of law, or what is the proper tribunal to decide on the matter, but I will call for a report on the whole subject, and submit it to the hon. Member.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when these courts-martial are likely to come to an end?

I am afraid I cannot say.

Is there an appeal?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to deport a number of young ladies at present in Mountjoy Prison on suspicion, and against whom no charge has been preferred; and, if so, whether he will consider the undesirability of such a proposal, involving the transfer of these young ladies to a strange district in which they would be separated from their homes and friends and without any means of support?

I answered this question yesterday.

Have the friends of these prisoners at Mountjoy been refused permission to wait in a waiting-room, and have those friends had to wait outside in all weathers before they could get in?

The hon. Member must really give notice of that question. It is impossible that the Minister can be in a position to answer it.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been instituted of late with regard to news to America or from America a more stringent censorship; and whether, taking into account the sensitiveness of American public opinion and the importance of American good will, he can advise a relaxation of the censorship?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The considerations put forward in the second part do not therefore arise.

May I briefly mention that the right hon. Gentleman in an answer in this very House—

That is a matter for debate.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether further steps are being taken to promote arrangements by which prisoners of war may be removed to neutral countries and interned there on parole under the supervision of the neutral Government, the charges of maintenance, etc., being borne by the Government in whose service they were?

No steps have yet been taken to endeavour to arrange for the transfer to a neutral country of prisoners of war interned in Austria-Hungary, Turkey, or Bulgaria.

Is it proposed that prisoners of war who are now sent to Switzerland will be free there to do what ever they like, or will they be in camp—

The hon. Member must give notice.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the probability that the facts of the disgraceful treatment of British prisoners of war in Germany are deliberately withheld from the German Emperor, he will endeavour to arrange that these facts shall be communicated personally by the American Ambassador in Berlin to the German Emperor, who could at once order such treatment of prisoners to cease?

I do not think it would be proper for us to ask for any communication to be made to the German Emperor. The facts referred to have been widely published, and if the Emperor wishes to take any action in the matter he can do so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statements of totally disabled British soldiers just returned from Germany to the effect that the food was so bad that rats would not eat it, and that British soldiers with wounds still unhealed were compelled to dig trenches; and whether, as our prisoners could hardly be treated worse, he could see his way to curtailing most of the privileges now accorded to all German prisoners, including officers?

The Government Committee on the Treatment by the Enemy of Prisoners of War will no doubt shortly take the evidence of the disabled British soldiers recently returned from Germany, and the evidence taken will receive our careful consideration.

With regard to retaliation, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given him on the 22nd May. Questions as to the treatment of German prisoners of war in this country should be addressed to the War Office, but the question of retaliation or reprisals involves considerations both of principle and policy which can hardly be decided departmentally.

Can the right hon. Gentleman do something about making it clear that the conditions of trade after the War will be more severe?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been directed to the statements of returned British prisoners of war from Germany that while many men regularly receive parcels of food and comforts from this country others do not receive parcels for months together; and if the War Office will undertake the organisation of the numerous agencies for the dispatch of food and comforts to British prisoners of war, so as to ensure that every man will receive a regular share of these gifts?

There is reason to believe that the supply of parcels to prisoners of war in Germany would be more efficiently carried out if the efforts of the numerous organisations which have taken up this work were properly co-ordinated. Steps have already been taken to effect this.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it has been decided to increase the rationing of the Belgian Relief Commission; and, if so, whether this has been done on the recommendation of the members of the War Trade Committee or of whom?

The rations allowed to the Belgian Relief Commission have recently been increased. The present ration of bacon and lard for Belgium—the most serious item—now stands at the figure originally recommended by the War Trade Advisory Committee after full investigation at the end of 1915. A further investigation by the Committee led them, two months later, to recommend a lower ration both in this and other articles. But in response to most urgent representations from the Belgian Government and in consideration of new measures adopted by the Relief Commission for the safeguarding both of their own imports and of the native food supplies of the country, we felt obliged recently to revert to the previous ration.

Did the members of the War Trade Committee recommend this, or did they not?

I must ask for notice of that. I have given the full information I have. I understood from the answer given to me that it has all been done on the recommendation of the War Trades Inquiry Committee, but I cannot be quite sure on that last point.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries?

Oh, yes, certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Hurst, K.C., who has been described as mainly responsible for the drafting of the disastrous Declaration of London, is the representative of the Foreign Office at the discussion of the Treaty of Paris now being carried on in Paris?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Mr. Barrington Hurst has been sent on a mission to Paris to discuss with the French authorities questions connected with the blockade of Germany; and whether, in view of the distrust of Mr. Hurst's judgment in such matters caused by the belief that he took a prominent share in framing the instrument known as the Declaration of London, he will say what is the precise nature of the mission entrusted to Mr. Hurst and on what instructions is Mr. Hurst acting?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why, in view of the fact that Mr. Barrington Hurst, K.C., was mainly responsible for the drafting of the Declaration of London, he has been sent out to Paris to discuss with the French authorities the subject of contraband, so important to the effective application of the blockade by the Allied navies?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is that it is contrary to the public interest to take the enemy into our confidence by public statements about confidential discussions with the French Government on the subject of blockade.

Whatever part Mr. Hurst took in negotiations about the Declaration of London was done on instructions for which he was not and is not responsible. He has equally acted under instructions during the War with regard to stopping supplies going to Germany, but I have no hesitation in saying that without the assistance of Mr. Hurst those measures—the effectiveness of which is now beginning to be understood—would not have been so well applied nor so ably maintained and defended as they have been.

If the hon. Member could know all the facts I am sure he would share this opinion, and I must add that the attacks made outside upon permanent officials who are not responsible for policy, who cannot say a word in their defence and who are under great pressure doing invaluable service to their country in a great crisis are most unfair, and at a time like this most unpatriotic. If the policy of the Government is not approved, it is the Government that should be the subject of attack and criticism, or at least the political head of a Department and never the permanent officials, and I would appeal to Members of the House to adopt that course and to give no countenance to any other form of attack.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a censorship is in operation in regard to Australia to such a degree that the OFFICIAL REPORTS of Debates in this House are withheld from those to whom they are addressed in Australia; and whether telegraphic agencies which colour news to suit political purposes are under any kind of control by the Government?

I have no information to the effect suggested in the first part of the hon. Member's question. All telegrams from this country are subject to censorship here.

If such a state of things did arise as is indicated in the first part of the question would the right hon. Gentleman know of it?

That is purely a hypothetical question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say how many convictions of colliery owners have been secured for breaches of the Coal Mines (Limitation) Act and the amount of such fines; and will he at the same time state how many hundreds of communications have reached the Board of Trade complaining of overcharges and breaches of the said Act?

I am not aware of any convictions under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act. Numerous complaints have been made to the Board of Trade and have been investigated where it has been possible to obtain sufficient particulars. In many cases the sellers have been able to justify their charges. In others the price has been revised at the request of the Department.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that prices are now being asked for house coal £1 above those provided for in the Act? If he has evidence as to companies asking these prices will he institute prosecutions? If so, I will give him a list now.

If the hon. Member will wait until Question 28 he will have an answer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) how many applications, if any, have been made by colliery owners to the Board to increase the sum of 4s. provided under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915; if so, have such requests been acceded to; what substituted prices, if any, has he sanctioned; how has he arrived at such substituted prices, seeing that there is not a single official at the Board of Trade who has any knowledge of colliery costs; and (2) seeing there is not a single permanent official at the Board of Trade who has any knowledge whatsoever of the coal trade, is he aware that the Home Office have a number of officials fully acquainted with, not only the technical management of mines, but with the buying and selling of coal and the cost of producing coal; and will he therefore advise the Prime Minister that, in the interests of efficiency, the Price of Goal (Limitation) Act, 1915, should be administered by the Home Office?

The standard amount under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, was increased to 5s. for the Forest of Dean district in September last. Applications have been since received for increases in respect of three other districts. Two were refused, and the third is under consideration. Such cases are decided on an examination of the evidence submitted. The considerations to be taken into account are not wholly of a technical nature, but where expert advice is necessary it is obtained. This is true of the administration of the Act generally, and I do not think that the alteration suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of the companies which have made application to increase the price of coal under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act are making 50 per cent. profit? Is he aware that the Government have taken no step whatever to inquire into the facts where the cost has risen above the Act of Parliament?

The hon. Member had better give notice of that supplementary question.

The question I have asked is on the Paper, and it has not been answered.

The question which was asked has been answered, and also the supplementary question, by the statement that only three applications have been received and none has been granted.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, 1915, is being ignored by many colliery owners and that he is aware of this fact, he will give the reasons why he refuses to institute proceedings against persons breaking the law; whether he is aware that, following the official statement that the Act does not impose upon the Board of Trade, nor did the Board ever undertake, the duty of prosecuting in cases where the allegation was made that illegal prices had been charged, many colliery owners are now ignoring the Act and refuse to supply persons who refuse to contract out of the Act; and will he, seeing that this Act was passed at the instigation of large numbers of private Members, take steps to see that the Act is obeyed and prevent the law being brought into contempt?

The Board of Trade can hardly themselves institute proceedings under the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act as the Court has to refer certain questions to them for decision. I should be sorry to think that many colliery owners are ignoring the Act. Irregularities no doubt occur from time to time, and, as I have already indicated, where such cases are brought to their notice the Board have as a rule been able to put matters right. Cases of refusal to supply can be dealt with by the district coal and coke supplies committees. The administration of the Act is not an easy task, and if my hon. Friend would care to call at the Board of Trade the officials would be very glad to explain the practice adopted and to receive any suggestions he may think fit to make.

Is the Board fully aware that where colliery owners decline to supply coal at the prices under the Act the owners say they have no coal to sell, and therefore the consumer has to pay these prices?

The people who are aggrieved can take proceedings under the Act. It is not for the Board of Trade to prosecute. If the hon. Baronet will call at the Board of Trade and see the officials who have to administer the Act with great difficulty, I shall be much obliged to him.

asked the Prime Minister whether, seeing that the Board of Trade refused, when the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act was before this House, to give our Allies the benefit of the same, and that, owing to the Board of Trade taking no steps to regulate the price of coal or freights, the price of coal to Italy, f.o.b. Cardiff, has risen from 20s. to 60s. per ton, freights to Genoa from 8s. to 80s. per ton;. that the Board of Trade have recently fixed the price of certain qualities of coal for France at prices 75 per cent. above the pre-war period, though the cost of producing coal has only risen 3s. to 4s. per ton; whether, seeing that the Exchequer receives 70 per cent. of these excess profits, His Majesty's Government will notify our Allies that all such excess profits arising from the sale or shipment of such coals will be refunded by this country to them?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. It is not correct to say that the Board of Trade have fixed the price of coal exported to France. The prices recently announced were fixed by the coalowners at the request of the French Government, conveyed to them through the Board. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the coalowners have accepted the proposals put forward by the Board of Trade? Is it not a fact that prices were regulated by the Government?

Negotiated.

Will the hon. Gentleman have the matter explained to the Allies, so as to prevent the mischievous misconceptions arising from stupid questions like that which has been put down?

Has the hon. Gentleman consulted with the hon. Member to put him up to ask that question?

asked if the twenty-six ships now building in the United Kingdom for neutrals are all in fulfilment of contracts placed before the out break of war; and, if not, how many are for contracts since war broke out.

Precise information as to the dates of the contracts is not available at present. I will, however, make inquiries on the subject and inform the hon. Baronet of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will inquire into the comparative price of tea plus tax and freight at the present time and ascertain the increase, if any, upon the price of tea plus tax and freight before the War?

Tea is for the most part sold in London free of duty by auction. The price in London of Pekoe Suchong common, which may be taken for comparative purposes, was about 11¾d. per lb. at the end of May, ex duty, equivalent to a duty paid price of 1s. 11¾d. per lb. At the end of May, 1914, it was 8½d. per lb., equivalent to a duty paid price of 1s. 8½d. per lb.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether he has any reason to believe there is a combine in the tea trade by buyers who are holding in bond large quantities of tea, which are not put upon the market, thereby running up prices artificially?

No. I have heard a vague rumour that there is something of the kind, but I have not, so far, obtained any confirmation of it.

Has the hon. Gentleman any personal knowledge of the tea trade?

My inquiries have not been made personally, but by those in my Department who have charge of that particular work.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to two recent prosecutions in Glasgow where it was shown that the tradesmen used labels in the windows as follows: "Fresh supplies daily of genuine Irish produce and Irish eggs shipped direct"; and that so-called Irish eggs were sold to a customer at 1s. 3d. and 1s. 6d. per dozen, although at the date of the offence the lowest price for Irish eggs was 2s. 6d. per dozen; and whether, in view of the fact that it was proved that the eggs were of Canadian origin, further steps will be taken to stop a system of trading which is spoiling the market for the genuine Irish product?

My attention has not been specially drawn to the cases mentioned. As I stated in answer to a question by my hon. Friend on 11th April, prosecutions are instituted under the Merchandise Marks Act to deal with such cases.

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange during the Recess to examine into this matter for himself?

No. I have much more important work to do.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has made any representations to the Government with a view to the employment of German prisoners on the work of forestry in Scotland?

Steps are being taken to arrange for the employment of German prisoners in felling and preparing timber.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there is any objection on the part of the War Office to the employment of German prisoners on the work of forestry?

There is no objection. Steps are now being taken to establish a number of small camps in various parts of the country where prisoners of war will be employed in felling timber.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that numbers of German prisoners are skilled in the work of forestry; and whether he has considered the practicability of employing them in the work of afforestation of land at present waste or in process of being denuded of trees by improvident cutting?

We are hoping to employ German prisoners as suggested by my hon. Friend in the autumn, but at present it is much more important to employ them in felling than in replanting.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Lanarkshire Middle Ward Committee submitted to him a scheme for the employment of disabled soldiers about a year ago; whether any action has been taken with regard to it; and whether, when the chairman and clerk of the committee desired to make representations to the Committee on the Employment of Disabled Soldiers with regard to this matter, they were refused a hearing on the ground that the Committee appointed to deal with this question applied only to England and Wales?

I saw representatives of the Middle Ward yesterday. They informed me that they are preparing a detailed scheme, and will shortly lay it before me, when it will receive my best consideration. The Memorandum, which I received in July last year, did not amount to more than an intimation that the District Committee was considering such a scheme and would lay it before Government Departments. As to the last part of the question, I have no information, but I accept my hon. Friend's statement.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that inconvenience is being caused to skilled munition workers by reason of landlords obtaining orders of ejectment against them; and whether he can consider the feasibility of issuing a Regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act forbidding the ejectment of workmen residing in munition areas, certified as being skilled workmen on munitions, provided they have not committed any breach of the conditions of their tenancy?

The cases to which my right hon. Friend refers are to some extent met by the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, but the exceptions provided have in some cases had unfortunate results which could, I fear, only be prevented by an amendment of the Act.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, before committing himself to any encouragement to the establishment of an imperial school of technical optics and the costly overlapping it may involve, he will cause inquiry to be made into the accommodation and facilities for experimental and research work on optical glass and on lens problems at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, South Kensington?

The Minister of Munitions is fully alive to the importance of dealing with the matter by a comprehensive scheme such as he understands is favoured by the Board of Education and the London County Council, which would include both the Imperial College and the Northampton Institute, and would obviate anything like overlapping or competition.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Central Control Board has yet considered certain representations on the subject of restricted hours of business in the districts of Ringwood, Fordingbridge, and Lymington, Hants, which were made to it in March last on behalf of the licensed traders of these localities; and whether, in limiting the hours of consumption of alcoholic liquors, the Control Board appreciates that any distinction should be made between areas where munitions are produced or soldiers are quartered, and such purely rural areas as parts of the New Forest, where there are neither?

As my hon. Friend said in reply to a question on the 18th May, the application of the Order in question to the different types of districts which are affected by it is receiving special consideration, and I am not at present in a position to add anything to the answer he then gave.

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 exemptions 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?

My right hon. Friend communicated with the Appeal Tribunal in this case. They are fully aware of their powers under the Act. I have no reason to think that the case was not properly heard.

Did not Parliament pass an Act giving protection to conscientious objectors, and is not this a case where the judicial authority set up by Parliament is deliberately refusing to carry out the Act of Parliament?

I am not in the least inclined to take that view of the case after what I have heard.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will make arrangements that when conscientious objectors are transferred to civil prisons by the military authorities their relatives may be informed of the fact, and some opportunity allowed the prisoners to receive letters from their families and to write to them?

When a prisoner sentenced by court-martial is received in a civil prison, he is allowed to send a notice to his friends saying where he is, whether he is in good health, and on what date he will be allowed to write and receive a letter. The intervals at which such prisoners are allowed to write and receive letters are regulated by the ordinary prison rules.

( by Private Notice ): I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is true that sixteen men from Richmond and others from Abergele, who on conscientious grounds were resisting military orders, in spite of instructions to the contrary, were this week sent to France; if so, what steps have been taken to bring them back without delay?

I may say that I have received no notice of the question from my hon. Friend. I can inform the House of the steps that were taken to prevent these men going abroad, and as to what the proposal is now. A telegram was sent, as I have informed my hon. Friend. I think I need not read it. It asked that steps should be taken to send the men back.

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will read the telegram.

Very well— Copy of telegram from the War Office to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, 30th May: It is understood that there are eight conscientious objectors at Kinmel Park who are being sent overseas. Take steps to ensure that they do not go overseas. If they have already gone, take steps to recall if still in this country or state whereabouts as far as is known. In addition forward a report on the matter. That was repeated to the other commanders by letter. Copy of telegram to General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, 30th May: It is understood that there are sixteen men of Non-Combatant Corps now in detention or recently released at Richmond due to proceed to France with their unit to-day. These men are said to have committed offences against discipline on account of conscientious objection. Take steps to ensure that they do not go to France, but remain to undergo sentence or, if released, are forthwith attached to another unit of the Non-Combatant Corps. If they have already gone, take steps to recall if still in this country or state whereabouts is far as is known. Copy of telegram from War Office to General Officer Commanding Northern Command, 30th May: In addition to particulars required by War Office telegram of this date furnish a report on the matter by letter. The reply that was received was: Copy of telegram from the General Officer Commanding Kinmel Park to the War Office, dated 30th May: Reference your telegram of to-day. No. 1 Western Company Non-Combatant Corps, including nine men under escort, proceeded last night to France, due Southampton to-day. The other telegram was: Copy of telegram from the Officer Commanding Troops, Richmond Barracks, to the War Office, dated 30th May: Reference War Office telegram of to-day. Non-Combatant Company left yesterday for Southampton and the sixteen men are probably now in France. It was stated last night that it is not easy to rescue them, though it is very desirable. These men left for France as free men, and those who commit themselves there will get imprisonment and will be transferred home to civil prisons.

Arising out of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask him whether he knows that a definite assurance was given to us on Tuesday that these men should not go to France, and that on that assurance no Debate took place in this House in regard to the matter? That being the case, may I ask whether he cannot give orders at once that these men shall be returned? May I also ask him whether, in view of the new Army Order, he cannot give an assurance now that no more of these resisting men shall be sent to France, where they must be a serious encumbrance to the Army?

I am not at all aware that no Debate took place. There was a Debate on the subject for about two and a half hours. I made a long speech, and my hon. Friend made a very interesting speech, so that I do not think he is correct in that matter. But I do not think my hon. Friend ought to press me further than he has already done. It is quite true we tried to get these men stopped, but we were too late. What difference can it make to my hon. Friends if these men are kept in France or if they are brought back to this country? I really do not think it can matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a question was put down by Private Notice, and was withdrawn at the express desire of the War Office authorities, conveyed to myself and my hon. Friend through a Cabinet Minister, and on the absolute understanding that those men should be stopped from going to France, and when I placed before the Cabinet Minister the probability that the telegram might be sent to the wrong place I also got the assurance that steps should be taken to bring them back; is he aware that I communicated with a Parliamentary Private Secretary about the matter during the course of that day; and is he also aware that if a telegram had been sent to—

The hon. Member is abusing his right.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state, for the guidance of tribunals, whether the Government have made or will make arrangements to relieve licence holders of responsibility whilst on military service without the holders having to give up the licence, or is it necessary to have the licence transferred to wives or relatives; and, if not, in the event of a conviction against the house, who will be responsible?

The answer to the first part is in the negative, and, though I have no authority to determine a question of law under the Licensing Acts, I am advised that if licensed premises are to be kept open when the licensee is called up for military service, it is necessary that the licence should be transferred to some responsible person.

Does that apply to the manager of a club who is called to the Colours?

No, there is no licence issued in such a case.

asked whether a soldier whose health has broken down while serving in the Army, who has been discharged incapable of working at his trade without a pension, and who has been compelled to seek parochial relief, is liable to have his name struck off the register of Parliamentary voters; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to prevent this happening in the making of the next register?

A person who receives Poor Law relief other than medical or surgical assistance within the meaning of the Medical Relief Disqualification Removal Act, 1885, is disqualified from being registered as a voter. Cases of the kind referred to by the hon. Member will be carefully considered in connection with any legislation which may be proposed on the subject of registration.

If it is a fault, as it so frequently is, made in the payment of the pension by the Government Committees, will that relieve the men of their liability to be struck off the roll?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put that question down.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the instructions which he has promised to issue to tribunals with regard to the exemption of the sole head of a business with dependants will apply to the cases of attested men as well as to the cases of men under the Military Service Acts?

I may refer to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last, to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Tavistock Division, when I stated that the Regulations would not be retrospective, but would apply to voluntarily attested men.

Will the Regulations to be issued to-day be available in the Vote Office, in case any Member desires to draw attention to some particular point?

I will make inquiry, and, if possible, they shall be available at the Vote Office to-day.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that under the provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916, James Moran, of 10, Thorngate Road, Paddington, whose eyesight is 60 per cent. below normal, has been passed as fit for military service by a medical board notwithstanding that he has been under continuous medical treatment for hereditary disease of the eyes from infancy and has been rejected as unfit for military service by the military doctors at three different recruiting centres; if he is aware that, notwithstanding Moran is the sole support of a blind mother in Ireland, the tribunal refused his claim for exemption on the ground that the separation allowance would be sufficient for her support; whether, the disease being hereditary, the mother would be entitled to no pension or gratuity if Moran were discharged from the Army; and whether, in the event of Moran being disabled during the course of military service, this blind old woman will receive a pension or allowance equal to her present contributions from Moran?

My right hon. Friend has had no further information in this case since he replied to the hon. Member's previous question on the 11th May. The latter part of the question will be dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War in the reply to Question No. 112.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the feeling of our working men as to the number of Belgians and men of other Allied nations of military age now in this country; and can he say what steps he proposes to take to compel them to go back and serve in their own countries and to prevent them from taking the employment of our own men after the War?

The Government regard the enlistment of aliens of allied nationality in the forces of one or other of Allied Armies as a matter of great importance. They have given active co-operation to such of the Allied Governments as have asked for help in reclaiming their nationals for military service; and I understand that arrangements are now being considered by the War Office for giving facilities in proper cases for the enlistment of foreigners in the British Army. So far as any uneasiness in this matter is based on statements that have appeared in the Press to the effect that there are 200,000 foreigners of military age in this country, I would take this opportunity of saying that those statements are grossly exaggerated. The figure given covers roughly all foreigners of all ages—men, women, and children—in England and Wales.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware my information did not come from the Press at all. Is he also aware that the feeling about this matter is very bitter in some parts of the country where aliens may come and take the places of men who go to the Army?

Can the right hon. Gentleman see his way to issue a statement through the Press giving the real facts of the case which have been so grossly exaggerated or misrepresented in the Press?

I hope my answer may receive publicity, and thus serve the purpose the hon. Member has in view. I am aware there is some feeling in the matter in various parts of the country. I have for some time past drawn the attention of the War Office to the subject, and pointed out the advisability of giving these men, many of whom are anxious to serve in the British Army the opportunity of doing so.

Does the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that, although a good deal may be exaggerated still there may be numbers in particular localities; for instance, as in the East End of London, and the presence of them may give rise to feeling?

That is why the Government attach importance to the matter and have it in hand.

Is he not aware—

We really must get on. We cannot have a debate on every question, or we shall never reach the main topics of the day.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether John Battle, farmer's son and migratory labourer, of Muccanagh, Turlough, Castlebar, county Mayo, who came to England in March last, was arrested by the military authorities under the Military Service Act on a farm at Knowsley, near Prescot, where he was temporarily engaged as agricultural labourer, and forced to join the Royal Garrison Artillery at Gosport; whether steps will be taken to protect Irish migratory labourers from such treatment; (2) why Thomas M'Hale, migratory labourer, of Oughterard, Turlough, county Mayo, who came to England about nine weeks ago, was recently arrested under the Military Act on the farm of Mr. George Yockshell, Granage, near Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, where he was engaged as an agricultural labourer; and, having regard to the fact that he was never ordinarily resident in Great Britain, steps will at once be taken to have M'Hale discharged from the Army, in which he is enrolled as Private No. 4,683, R.L.V., C Company,. Reserve Battalion, Hut 19, Park Hall Camp, Oswestry, Wales; and (3) why Michael Nolan, of Cloonagleeragh, Turlough, county Mayo, who came to England as a migratory labourer six weeks ago, was seized by the military authorities on the farm of a man named Sherlock, at Molesworth, and forced into the Army, although he was never ordinarily resident in Great Britain; whether he is aware that Nolan's two brothers are already in the Army; and, as he is the only support of his widowed mother, will steps be taken to have him discharged from the Army forthwith?

Inquiries are being made into all these cases which deal with individual persons.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state what arrangements have been made for securing that the numerous gypsies of military age who are still roaming the countryside shall be called up for military service?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Bristol on 7th March last.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men enrolled in the Army under the Military Service Acts in the districts of Stepney and Poplar will be given an opportunity of joining the local Territorial regiment if it is in need of recruits?

The numbers required for each Reserve unit, Regular and Territorial Force, are found by taking first the men fit for general service raised in the regimental area of that unit. It is only when no more men are for the moment required for the regiment affiliated to the area that men are drafted into a unit of another area.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state in what manner the Proclamation or notices will be issued to married men liable to serve under the Military Service Act, 1916; is it proposed to call up all married men liable under the Act on the appointed day, is it proposed to call up the men in age groups like the Derby attested system, or is it proposed to call men up in districts; and whether, in view of the anxiety of the men concerned on these points, he will give publicity at once by public notice to whatever scheme is decided on?

Proclamations are being posted announcing that all married men made liable for service by the Military Service Act, 1916 (Session 2) are liable to be called up for service on and after 24th June. They will receive notice papers in all cases where their registered addresses are correct. Those who do not receive notice papers are bound to report themselves to the nearest recruiting office not later than 24th July.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in deciding that time-expired men who have already voluntarily re-engaged for the period of the War, should not participate in the scale of bounties recently announced, regard was had to the distinction being drawn between such men and others who left the Service and will now receive a bouny on being compulsorily recalled; and whether he will consider the possibility of treating all time-expired men alike?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I fear that the decision must be regarded as final.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he could see his way to suggest to the local tribunals the desirability of impressing on all those who are exempted for a short or long period the importance of joining the local Volunteer Corps with a view of obtaining an elementary knowledge of military drill, which would be of advantage to them either when they are called up or in case of grave emergency?

When another circular is issued to local tribunals by my right hon. Friend the suggestion of the hon. Member will receive careful consideration.