asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs which of the German colonies, other than those under the Colonial Office or the Governments of the Dominions, have been entirely taken over by the Allies; and which Power is responsible for the administration in each case.?

The Caroline and Marshall Islands in the Pacific, with the exception of the Island of Nauru, are being administered by the Japanese Government, as is also the district of KiauChau in China.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the names and the extent of the German colonies being administered either by his Department or by the Governments of the Dominions; and who is responsible for administration in each case?

To the information given in the Prime Minister's reply to the hon. Member's question of 10th January last, and my reply to the question asked on 7th March by the hon. Member for West Islington, I can only add that a portion of the Cameroons (about 35,000 square miles) is being administered by the Government of Nigeria.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state if the General Officer Commanding the Expeditionary Force in the Cameroons has issued an Order prohibiting the importation of trade spirits into that area; how long the Order is to remain in force; and whether, with a view of preventing the smuggling of spirits over the border from Nigeria, he will advise the Governor of Nigeria to make a similar rule for that portion of Southern Nigeria east of the Cross River which borders on the Cameroons?

The British sphere in the Cameroons is now being administered by the Governor—General of Nigeria, and a duty of about 13s. 7d. a gallon is now chargeable on trade spirits imported at a strength of 50 degrees, with a higher rate on stronger spirits. This duty is very much higher than elsewhere on the West Coast of Africa. As regards the prevention of smuggling, the Governor—General of Nigeria may be trusted to make adequate arrangements.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps the Foreign Office have already taken to strengthen the organisation and constitution of the British Diplomatic Service, in view of the new conditions arising out of the War; how far the Foreign Office are working in co-operation with the Board of Trade to reorganise the Consular Services; and with what result?

The proposals of the Royal Commission on the Civil Service are under consideration, but as regards the new conditions arising out of the War it is impossible to speak until it is known what those conditions will be; moreover, candidates will not be available while the War lasts. Any reorganisation of the Consular Service will be discussed in consultation with the Board of Trade with whom the Foreign Office acts in close co-operation as regards all matters of foreign trade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how soon he proposes to circulate the Reports from the American Embassy concerning British prisoner camps in Germany received since 31st March, and which were promised for 1st July?

I promised my hon. Friend on the 26th June that the next White Paper on this subject would be laid as soon as possible after the end of the quarter. The White Paper is now in the hands of the printer, and will be laid before Parliament shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House an assurance that no attempt will be made under the guise of arbitration, or in any other way, to set up anything in the nature of an International Prize Court, or in any other way to revive any part of the now condemned Declaration of London?

There is not now and never has been any intention on the part of the present Government to set up any International Prize Court nor was an International Prize Court provided for in the Declaration of London. An undertaking in the terms of the last part of the question would preclude the Government from applying a large number of well-established rules of International Law and the request for it can hardly have been adequately considered.

Are we to understand that we can have no promise from the Government that they will not continue any part of the now condemned Declaration of London?

I really do not think my hon. Friend has read the Declaration of London. The Declaration of London consists to a very large extent of a restatement of the ordinary principles of International Law which have been acted on for decades all over the world. It would be impossible for me to give any undertaking that those principles would not be enforced—of course they will be enforced.

If the Declaration of London has nothing much in it, why has it been condemned?

I explained to the hon. Member and to the House a little time ago why we thought it desirable to withdraw the adoption of the Declaration of London. There were several reasons which I do not propose to repeat at the present moment unless the hon. Member desires me to do so. If he will be kind enough to read what I then said and the recent White Paper on the subject which gave the conclusions between the French Government and ourselves, I think he will find the whole of his question answered.

May I ask if the Noble Lord intends the House to understand that the Declaration of London contained nothing contrary to established international law, and if it did contain anything, will he not promise to give an undertaking that those parts will not be revived?

I certainly did not intend to say that the Declaration of London contained nothing which was not a departure from the established principles of international law. I should like to confer with my hon. Friend whether he really desires that I should give the undertaking, even in the limited sense of the question, which he has asked me to give.

Would not the undertaking the Noble Lord has been asked to give be in contradiction of existing treaties with America?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that it was stated on behalf of the Government that commodities of any kind would be prevented from reaching or leaving Germany, he can explain what is meant in Clause D of the new Orders in Council, which provides that a vessel carrying, contraband shall be liable to capture and condemnation if the contraband forms more than half the cargo; and if he will say whether a ship carrying just under half contraband goods would be free to continue her voyage and deliver her goods?

This question seems to be founded on a complete misapprehension. The Clause to which the hon. Member refers applies to the penalty incurred by the vessel herself and does not affect the rules governing the treatment of contraband cargoes. In the case supposed of a vessel carrying less than half a cargo of contraband the contraband would be put into the Prize Court in the usual way. I do not know if the hon. Member's question wishes to suggest that where even a small portion of the cargo is contraband and the rest is bonâ-fide neutral traffic not destined for the enemy at all, the whole of the cargo should be detained and the whole ship confiscated. But if so, I can only say that this would be a violation of all international law and would greatly embarrass His Majesty's Government in the conduct of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the smuggling of fat and other contraband from Holland into Germany by bands of men organised for that purpose; and whether he will make representations to the Dutch Government asking them to prevent the continuation of this practice?

His Majesty's Government are aware that in spite of the more stringent measures recently adopted by the Netherlands Government some smuggling of various goods from the Netherlands into Germany continues. They understand that the Netherlands authorities are actively engaged in endeavouring to prevent such traffic.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what action has been taken upon the representations made to the Foreign Office by the Netherlands Minister for the re-lease from the British Army of a Dutch subject named Solomon Duynkerk, who was kidnapped into the Army by Lieutenant Mollock, of Stoke Newington, and who is now undergoing imprisonment at Winchester for refusing to obey military orders?

May I ask, Sir, if you exercise any supervision upon questions of this character, which are designed for the purpose of mischief making rather than for the purpose of obtaining information?

I do not encourage mischief makers in any quarter of the House. It did not occur to me that this was more mischievous than most questions.

After reference to the War Office the Netherlands Minister was informed that persons of dual nationality who have voluntarily attested for military service cannot be permitted to avoid the liability which they have thus undertaken by making a declaration of alienage in renunciation of their British national status.

Is it not the fact that this man was induced to attest under misrepresentations that it was necessary for aliens to do so?

That is not my information, but of course this is really a matter which should be addressed to the War Office.

Is it not the fact that a representation made by the Dutch Minister was not acknowledged by the Foreign Office for more than a month after its receipt?

No, Sir; I am informed that is a mistake.

Is he a British subject?

I understand he is.

asked the Home Secretary if the Home Office gave authority for the treatment of Solomon Duynkerk, a Dutch subject, as a person liable to service under the Military Service Act; if this man had an official certificate of alienage and possessed a registration card marked Dutch; if, notwithstanding this, the man was fined and handed over to the military on the advice of the Home Office; and on what grounds the Home Office took the action they did?

The Home Office has no authority to determine the question whether a man is liable to service under the Military Service Act. The action of the Home Office in the case in question was confined to pointing out, in answer to an inquiry from the magistrate, that Section 16 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, provides that where a man who was a British subject ceases to be a British subject—as this man had done by making a declaration of alienage—he shall not thereby be discharged from any obligation, duty, or liability in respect of any act done before he ceased to be a British subject. This man had voluntarily attested before he made the declaration of alienage, and the decision of the Court was to the effect that he was bound by his attestation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will give special instructions to the Newport (Mon.) Military Service Tribunal that they must hear and receive evidence in cases of claims on conscientious grounds, seeing that on 30th June this tribunal dismissed the claim of Mr. A. B. Moon, who had evidence from twenty-one ministers and six magistrates of the town as to the genuineness of his convictions, but the chairman refused to allow any letter to be read?

I am informed that the tribunal offered Mr. Moon an adjournment to enable him to call any witnesses whom he might think would help him in his application; that this offer was twice repeated, but declined by Mr. Moon, who wished his application to be then heard; and that, after a lengthy hearing, the application was refused. I understand that Mr. Moon has appealed to the Appeal Tribunal.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the action of the chairman of the Heanor Local Tribunal, who is writing letters to the local Press denouncing conscientious objectors; and, in view of the fact that instructions to the tribunal say that the members of the tribunals must maintain an unprejudiced and judicial mind so that applicants for exemption on the ground of conscientious objection may feel that their cases will be fairly considered, will he at once take action to have this chairman removed from his membership of the tribunal?

I have not received any complaints as to the treatment of cases of conscientious objectors by this tribunal. I consider it advisable that a member of a tribunal should not engage in newspaper controversy on a matter which has or may come before the tribunal.

Has the right hon. Gentleman communicated that view to the chairman of the tribunal?

I am doing so.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been directed to a resolution of the London Education Committee to suspend without pay the men in their service who have obtained exemption from military service; and, in view of the definite promise that the Military Service Act would not be used for industrial conscription, if he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I see no reason for intervention in this matter. In any case it is not one in regard to which I could exercise any control.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the plan now adopted by many tribunals of putting a set of complicated questions to applicants claiming exemption on conscientious grounds, in some cases requiring answers to be written in their presence, he will endeavour to secure that uneducated men shall not be prejudiced in their claim by their inability to express themselves in writing?

I have no reason to think that uneducated men will not be given reasonable opportunity of stating their case.

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he is taking upon the conduct of Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, who, on Monday, 3rd July, when formally committing a conscientious objector named Percy Larkman for trial by court-martial at Chelsea, addressed Mr. Larkman with the words, " You cur, you ought to be whipped round the streets!" and if this officer took any part in the actual court-martial on Mr. Larkman, at Chelsea, on 7th July?

It appears that Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton did use words capable of bearing the construction stated in the question. He has been seen by the General Officer Commanding the London District on the matter and cautioned. He took no part in the court-martial on Mr. Larkman.

Is the War Office going to do nothing more to this man than caution him? Is it not regarded by the Army Orders as a very serious offence?

It has been dealt with by the General Officer Commanding the district.

Yes, with a caution.

asked what provision is made in the new scheme for dealing with conscientious objectors for the men who on logical conscientious grounds refuse to accept alternative service under the Military Service Act; and what steps do the Government intend to take to prevent men like Mr. Clifford Allen and Mr. Fenner Brockway being handed over to the military authorities, when tribunals have admitted them to be genuine conscientious objectors to both combatant and non-combatant service and to have proved this to the satisfaction of the tribunals?

It will not be possible for the Government to take any other course with men who refuse to avail themselves of alternative service which is in no way connected with military operations except to hand them over to the military authorities.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some tribunals are dealing with men as if alternative service were simply non-combatant service?

I am not aware of that.

May I ask how the right hon. Gentleman expects any man who has a conscientious objection to military service to enter into a bargain as to the terms in which he would be immune from that service?

reply was inaudible in the Reporters' Gallery.

Is a conscientious objector a man who takes full advantage of all that is done by others?

I should call such a person an unconscientious objector.

asked the Home Secretary whether the books, papers, and money taken in the raid on the premises of the No-Conscription Fellowship offices have been returned, as was the case in the raid upon the offices of the National Council against Conscription, and, if not, why; and will he say if the Government proposes to bring any special charge against the No-Conscription Fellowship, or what action, if any, it is proposed to take?

The seizure in this case was made by the City Police by the Order of the Competent Military Authority under Regulation 51. I am informed that the sum of £12 which was seized was returned on the 10th instant. Copies of six leaflets and pamphlets which had previously been the subject of proceedings under the Defence of the Realm Act in London or elsewhere, and had been condemned by the Courts, were destroyed by order of the Competent Military Authority. The remainder of the literature and documents seized has been returned. I understand that no further proceedings against the No-Conscription Fellowship are at present contemplated.

asked the Prime Minister how many men of military age who went abroad before the War or during its earliest stages, without the permission of the Government, to escape military service have been recalled; how many of these have refused to respond to the call; and what steps His Majesty's Government are going to take to impose the same disabilities on those remaining abroad as are inflicted in Continental countries?

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. It was not necessary, before the War and during its earlier stages, for anyone desiring to go abroad to go through any formalities which might be described as obtaining the permission of the Government, and I am unable to say how many persons may have gone abroad at that period. Equally, it is impossible to say how many of them have come back and responded to the call. Only those men who were registered on the 15th August, 1915, are being called up. If, by the latter part of the question, my hon. and gallant Friend refers to legislation, the answer is that no legislation is contemplated.

Are no steps contemplated to mark the base conduct of these men in deserting their country in this time of national peril?

asked the President of the Board of Education the total number of persons employed in the Board of Education at the beginning of the War; how many of these are now serving, in one capacity or another, elsewhere than in the Board of Education, or have been transferred or lent to other offices; what is the total number now serving under the Board; and whether it is found that the business of the Board can be quite adequately carried on with this diminished number?

The number of persons in the employment of the Board of Education at the beginning of the War was 2,135; of these, 727 are now serving elsewhere than under the Board. The number of persons now employed by the Board is 1,472. The Board have made certain emergency arrangements for the conduct of their business in view of the present national situation and the serious depletion of their staff; but these arrangements, although the best of which the present circumstances permit, would not be satisfactory for the conduct of the Board's business under normal conditions.

asked whether men who attested under the Derby scheme, but who attained the age of forty-one before the limit of time in the Military Service Act, are likely to be called up, or whether they will simply be retained in the Reserve?

Those who attained the age of forty-one prior to the day on which they are ordered to report to the military authorities will not be retained with the Colours, but will remain in the Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the action of certain Army medical boards in different parts of the country in passing over medical evidence submitted by civilian medical men and passing for general service, after brief examination, men who subsequently break down under training; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that greater attention should be given by Army medical boards and military representatives to medical evidence from private medical practitioners, in the interests both of the Army and the men concerned?

The responsibility for the decisions taken by the recruiting medical boards of course rests with those boards, but they have been instructed to give due consideration to medical evidence submitted by civilian medical practitioners regarding men who have been called up for service. It is not, I think, the case that there has been any general failure to do this, but, in view of statements which have been made, attention has again been called to the point.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether an Irishman, a qualified school teacher engaged in his profession for the past twelve years in this country, can be compulsorily called to the Colours under the Military Service Act now in operation in Great Britain?

Yes, Sir, he would come within the provisions of the Military Service Acts as a British subject ordinarily resident in Great Britain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay immediately any communications which have passed between the British Government and the Government of the United States as to the status of the German submarine " Deutschland "; and whether he will undertake to keep the House of Commons fully informed on the course of negotiations on this matter?

The correspondence on the subject is at present proceeding, and it would not be in the public interest to publish it now. But I will see that the hon. Member's suggestion is carefully considered.

May I ask the Noble Lord whether he can give an undertaking to the House that we shall not be committed to any dispute with the United States in this matter without giving the House the opportunity of considering the whole subject?

I do not think the House would wish me to give any such undertaking as that. I will represent the hon. Gentleman's suggestion to my right hon. Friend.

I understand my right hon. Friend (Lord R. Cecil) wishes me to postpone this question. May I state they have had three weeks to say whether they shall give their permission or not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have been taken by the Prisoners of War Department of the Foreign Office, or by the Prisoners' Committee presided over by Lord Newton, to impress upon employers of labour and trades unions the economic and humanitarian advantage of engaging prisoners of war as workmen; and whether he can publish any correspondence that has passed on this subject?

The difficulty of finding employment for prisoners of war does not arise so much from the reluctance of employers to utilise their services as from the requirements of the military authorities for their safe custody. I will see, however, that the suggestion made by my hon. Friend is considered by Lord Newton's Committee.

asked how much money has been spent on behalf of or distributed among enemy military and civilian prisoners of war in this country since the beginning of the War by the Emergency Committee for the Assistance of Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians in Distress and by other philanthropic societies in Great Britain?

I have not yet been able to obtain the figures for the whole period of the War, but in the twelve months ended on 30th June a net sum of approximately £5,600 had been expended by the Emergency Committee. This does not include money spent on tools and industrial materials, which was recovered from the prisoners, nor the camp visiting expenses which have amounted to about £575. I have no information about the activities of any other philanthropic societies.

asked to what extent Dr. Marckel is permitted by the War Office to visit German prisoners of war in this country; what is the nationality of this gentleman; is he the accredited representative of the German Red Cross Society, and how much money is he allowed to distribute or to spend monthly on behalf of German prisoners; and whether any equivalent facilities were given, or was any similar person appointed, in Germany to minister to the wants of British prisoners?

Dr. Marckel, who has been a naturalised British subject for twenty-seven years, is not permitted to visit places of internment for prisoners of war in this country. It is known that he has relations with the German Bed Cross Society, and that he helps prisoners in this country, but the Army Council have no information as to the extent of his benefactions. He can only send money or articles to individual prisoners through the commandant of each camp, and the latter has full power to veto any article being sent or to withhold it if sent. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the commandant has not given this gentleman permission to visit the German prisoners in the camps in Great Britain? He has been in nearly all of them.

I am informed that he is not permitted to visit places where German prisoners are interned in this country.

When was that permission taken away?

I could not say without notice.

Has not the prohibition been enforced for some months?

I am afraid I cannot give the date.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain firms in the Smithfield Market evade his maximum price for frozen lambs by the device of chopping the lamb into two and selling it as pairs of hindquarters and pairs of forequarters, for which they charge full economic values; that many were so sold last week and the previous week by a firm named Sam Matthews and Company; and will he state the total amount of lambs sold by his agents to this firm for the last three weeks?

I am not aware that any firms adopt "the device of choping the lamb in two and selling it in pairs of hindquarters and pairs of forequarters " for the purpose of evading the Board of Trade Regulations. Messrs. Sam Matthews and Son state that they do not carry on such a trade but that, at the urgent request of certain of their customers, they do cut up into joints about one-quarter of the carcases which they sell. While the better joints are sold above the Board of Trade price the cheaper joints are sold well below that figure, and from the information supplied to me it appears that the proceeds of a carcase so cut up are but little above what would be received for the carcase sold as a whole. Messrs. Sam Matthews and Son are now receiving only about one-fifth of their normal supplies of lambs.

asked how many tons of the consignment of New Zealand beef which was stored in the premises of the Compania Sansenina de Carnes Congeladas, Long Lane, Smithfield, and delivered about the first week in June were seized and condemned; what boat brought the beef here and when was it discharged; was any note or comment as to its condition made by the Compania Sansenina's officials when the meat was received into their store, and, if so, what was the nature of the note or remark; has any Report been received from the City of London Corporation's officials on the seizure; and, if so, what does that Report state?

Certain information was given to my hon. Friend on the 22nd June last in answer to questions about this meat, and I do not think I can usefully add to it.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that many of the dock workers around the Albert and Victoria Docks are protesting against the posters that are being posted up day by day saying that 200, 300, and 400 men are wanted at a certain line of boats in the docks; if he is aware that one day only 200 men were taken on to work New Zealand boats out of the 400 wanted; if he is aware that there are hundreds of dockers hanging around the docks who are not working more than two and three days a week; if he is aware that there are three calls a day at the various docks—namely, 6.45, 8.45, and 12.45; if he is aware that, in consequence of advertising for men to assemble at a particular day and time, dockers very often lose work at other places of call; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

Regulations made by the Board of Trade have been in operation since 26th June last under which posters are exhibited daily in the Albert and Victoria Docks, stating the number of men required by the various employers. These arrangements, which which are still in the experimental stage, appear to be working satisfactorily, and no protests against them have been received by the Board. I have not been able to trace the case referred to by my hon. Friend where 200 were taken on out of 400 wanted, and the records show that in the absence of special circumstances the numbers taken on are well up to those stated in the notices. No statistics are available as to the number of days per week worked by individual dock labourers. The Board understand, however, that there is less employment during June and July than at other periods in the year. In the particular docks in question there appear to be three calls— i.e., at 6.45, 7.45, and 12.45—and a call at 8.45 which is not general. The object of the arrangements above referred to is to give the men notice of the places at which labour is required, and it would appear that the arrangements must tend to diminish and not to increase the risk of men losing, work through attending at the wrong place of call.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the freights now levied by shipowners is a principal factor in the price of coal and other commodities in Dublin; and whether the Government will take measures to enable a more moderate profit to shipowners in the interest of consumers; and whether he has received a communication from the Port and Docks Board, Dublin, on the subject?

I have received the communication referred to from the Port and Docks Board, Dublin, and am making some inquiries into the matter. In the meantime, I regret that I am unable to add to the reply already given to my hon. Friend on this subject on 11th July.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the Cardiff Shipping Company made a profit last year equal to 187 per cent., and if that be so surely the Board of Trade ought to be able to do something in the way of reducing freights?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the 100 munitions workers who were discharged from a controlled establishment at Paisley three months ago, and who were stated by the Minister of Munitions to be holding themselves in readiness for future work, have yet been called upon to do this work; and, if not, will he say whether any more munition workers are now called for in Scotland?

I am not certain as to the firm to which my hon. Friend is referring. If he will send me the necessary information I will make inquiries and let him know the result.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that his Department are advertising at the present moment for munition workers, while at this particular works they have been suspended for four months?

It depends entirely on the particular process of munition-making in which the people are engaged. In regard to some munitions we have a surplus; in regard to others we have not.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether women are being employed, after they have completed their period of qualification, on a minimum time rate in the Edinburgh district; and what is that rate?

The time rates for women on various classes of munition work and the provisions as to placing them on piecework when qualified are contained in Orders made by the Minister of Munitions on the 24th February and the 6th July, respectively. I am sending copies of these Orders to my hon. Friend, and if he will bring to my notice any case in which it appears that they are not being complied with, I shall be obliged.

Is any inquiry made as to whether they are being complied with?

We have a regular system of inquiry all over the country.

asked whether munition workers in controlled establishments in the Edinburgh district are being employed on a minimum time rate which is lower than the existing rate for casual labour?

I have no information enabling me to answer this question, though I should think it quite likely that persons are being employed on regular munition work at a lower rate per hour than that paid in employments where work is casual and average earnings therefore relatively low. I shall be glad to receive any information which my hon. Friend can supply.

asked what is the minimum time rate paid to turners in the Edinburgh district?

I understand that the minimum time rate for turners in Edinburgh, recognised by the Amalgamated Society of Engineers, is 42s. 9d. a week, but I am unable to say what is the lowest rate paid in the district.

asked what is the minimum time rate paid to munition workers machining shells in the Edinburgh district?

The minimum time rates required by Circulars L 2 and L 3 to be paid to munition workers machining shells in the Edinburgh district are 32s. 9d. and £l per week of fifty-four hours for male and female machinists respectively.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that no food canteen has been opened in the Albert Dock, North Woolwich; if he is aware of the demand for the same by the working classes employed in the docks; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The Central Control Board have been in touch with representatives of the various classes of labour employed at the docks, and no demand for further canteen accommodation at the Albert Dock has been pressed upon the Board. The dock is served by three public-houses and seven canteens, in all of which full meals can be obtained. If the hon. Member will send me particulars upon which his question is based, I will have them looked into.

asked whether the exportation of tea from Sweden has been prohibited since the 11th instant; and, if so, whether this decision of the Swedish Government will affect the prohibition of export which' has been enforced in this country since the 29th June?

The exportaton of tea from Sweden has been recently prohibited. This does not, of course, preclude such exportation under licences issued by the Swedish Government. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for India what progress has been made in the recruiting of members of the domiciled Anglo-Indian community for Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry to be of general service with British troops during the War?

I have no official information as to the progress of recruiting, but I gather from the Indian newspapers that over 1,000 men have enlisted and that prospects are generally favourable.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received official Reports concerning the breakdown of the arrangements made in India for the moving of troops and drafts arriving from England; and,. if so, will he take the necessary steps to have matters rectified without delay?

I presume that my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the recent movements of troops from Karachi. I received telegraphic news of this lamentable incident and have asked for a full report regarding it. Meanwhile I have taken steps to ensure that troops will not be moved by rail from Karachi to Northern India under such conditions while hot weather conditions prevail.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will take any steps to procure the prompt production of the Report by Sir W. Vincent, General Bingley, and Mr. Redesdale, upon the medical arrangements for the Mesopotamian Expedition and its presentation to Parliament?

I have asked the Viceroy to expedite the consideration of the Report by the authorities in India and to transmit it to me with their observations as early as possible.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the contents of this Report are already matter of comment?

That may be quite possible, but it ought not to be so, because the Report reached the advisers of the Government of India only a very short time ago and has not yet been examined by them. When the last mail was written they had only just received it, and I myself have not yet got a copy.

Could not a summary of the Report and the chief recommendations be submitted by telegraph?

The Report is the result of an inquiry into events in Mesopotamia in the past, of which I gave some account to the House early this Session. I think my hon. Friend and the House will see that it is right that before that Report is published the Government of India should have an opportunity of examining it and that the Government as a whole should have the same opportunity. I gather that my hon. Friend's anxiety is lest anything should now be left undone which could be done to ameliorate the conditions. I am informed by the Viceroy that he specifically put that question to Sir William Vincent and General Bingley, and that they both replied to him that there was nothing now to be done in anticipation of the full consideration of their Report; they believed that everything possible was now being done.

asked if the Mesopotamian Force has for a long period been unprovided with necessary stores and equipment?

I shall deal with this matter in a statement which I shall make to-morrow.

Will we have an opportunity of discussing that?

Yes, Sir; but I think it would be more convenient to have the opportunity a day or two later.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if to-morrow he will be in a position to tell the House whether the necessities that were asked for from Mesopotamia were disregarded by the Commander-in-Chief in India, or refused by the Financial Members of the Council?

The hon. and gallant Member will see I cannot anticipate to-day the statement I will make to-morrow.

I understand there are two quite different subjects. The first is the publication or non-publication of Papers in regard to past operations, and the other question is that relating to the actual conduct at the present time of the operations in Mesopotamia. Will the opportunity for debate which is given enable the subjects to be raised separately?

After my statement is made my right hon. Friend will be able to judge for himself.

asked the Prime Minister whether his promised statement in regard to the publication of the Papers relating to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia will be made in such a form as to permit of a Debate taking place, or, if not, will he undertake that an early opportunity will be provided should the House so desire?

I do not think that the statement tomorrow can be in such a form as to permit of immediate Debate, but if there is a general feeling in the House that there should be a discussion on any of the points raised I shall be glad to secure an early opportunity?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the provision of medical officers, warders, and nurses for the troops, British and Indian, at Basra and along the Tigris and Euphrates is now sufficient for the requirements of war?

By warders I think my hon. Friend refers to ward orderlies. Subject to this correction I may inform him that all demands which have been received by the War Office up to date have been complied with.

Are the War Office accountable for these arrangements?

I think that is so now; it has not been so at all times.

Could the hon. Gentleman say since when?

No, I am afraid I could not without notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has now made inquiries as to Patrick J. Kelly, taken prisoner when defending Jacobs' factory against British troops; Patrick Sheehan, taken prisoner righting in the rebellion in Sinn Fein uniform; R. Rooney, arrested as a well-known Sinn Fein organiser; whether on being released they were rein-stated as clerks in the Land Commission Department in Dublin, their return being the occasion of a demonstrative welcome from their fellow clerks; and what action he proposes to take in view of the under-taking of the Government not to employ men implicated in the Sinn Fein movement?

Sheehan was not taken prisoner fighting in the rebellion in Sinn Fein uniform, but was arrested by the military in his own house, on the 3rd of May. So far as the police are aware Rooney was not connected with the Sinn Fein movement. He was arrested in his office by the military on the 4th of May. Kelly was in Jacobs' factory, and was arrested there, He states that he went to Jacobs' factory on the second day of the rebellion through curiosity to see what was going on, and that he was seen there by an armed volunteer at the gate, who produced a revolver and ordered him inside, and that he was kept there until the surrender of the factory. These men were all released by the military, and were then reinstated by the heads of their Department—the Irish Land Commissioners—who inform me that no demonstration of the nature referred to took place in the office. I am suggesting to the Land Commissioners that the cases of these three men should be included with those of other Civil servants suspected of complicity in the rebellion which will come under review at an early date. I would add that out of 378 men of recruitable age, on the staff of the Irish Land Commission, 135 joined His Majesty's Forces in one or other of its branches, while, in addition, many others presented themselves but were medically rejected, and others willing to go could not be spared.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that even if Mr. Sheehan was not arrested in uniform he was often seen in Sinn Fein uniform?

What is Sinn Fein uniform?

Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that incriminating documents were found at the house?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is no such thing in existence as Sinn Fein uniform?

Is it in order for an hon. Member to address a question to another hon. Member?

It is not in order, but I have known it done.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that he himself answered a question about the uniform and described the distinguishing marks?

I will make inquiry as to the matters mentioned by the hon. Member.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Members on this side of the House are making use of the Sinn Fein rebellion in order to drive Catholics out of every Government Office in Dublin?

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the Motion relating to the Report of the Royal Commission on the Rebellion in Ireland, of which notice has been given by a large number of Members?

I have not yet had an opportunity of consulting my colleagues on this matter. I will do so as soon as possible, and communicate our decision to the House.

asked the Prime Minister when the promised inquiry into the shootings in North King Street, Dublin, will take place; and whether he can give the names of the Commissioners and the terms of reference?

I undertook that these cases should be carefully investigated, but there has never been any promise of a public inquiry. Accordingly after all the available evidence had been secured Courts of Inquiry were held and the witnesses examined. The conclusion arrived at after a full hearing in all the cases was that the deaths occurred in the course of continuous and desperate street and house-to-house fighting which lasted for nearly two days, and in which the soldiers were constantly exposed to sniping from the windows and roofs of the houses. There can be little doubt that some men who were not taking an actual part in the fighting were in the course of the struggle killed by both rebels and soldiers. But after careful inquiry it is impossible to bring home responsibility to any particular person or body of persons. I have myself read the evidence taken by the Courts of Inquiry. I am of opinion that further inquiry would not be likely to lead to any different result.

Arising out of that answer, is it not a fact that the inquiries were conducted in secret by the military, who were incriminated, or the parties charged in regard to these alleged shootings of non-combatants; has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the wide prevalence of sinister and horrible rumours in the City of Dublin; and does not the right hon. Gentleman consider that a full, impartial, and public inquiry would be desirable, both in the interests of peace and good feeling in Ireland, and the honour of the British Army?

I can only say, having, in the past, had much experience in these matters, and having read the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry, that I do not think that any partiality of any kind was shown. The evidence was collected, not only by the military, but by the police, and other persons, and everybody concerned was voluntarily invited to attend. If I thought truth could be elucidated, or responsibility brought home, by any further Court of Inquiry, I should, not only in the interests of the country, but of the Army, be anxious that such inquiry should be held. I have come to the conclusion I I have done after very careful weighing of the facts, and I do not believe that any further inquiry would lead to any different conclusion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make public the evidence and proceedings of these tribunals?

I will consider that, certainly.

Is it not obvious that the responsibility really rests with the rebels who raised this rebellion?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will cause a public inquiry to be held into the case of Patrick Derrick, of Eustace Street, Dublin, who was shot without trial in the back yard of his father's house on Friday, 28th April?

My hon. Friend spoke to me of this case last week and I should like to communicate further with him about it.

asked the Prime Minister when the promised public inquiry into circumstances under which Mr. Sheehy-Skeffington was murdered in Portobello Barracks will take place; whether he can give the names of the Commissioners who are to conduct the inquiry; and whether the reference will be wide enough to include the cases of Messrs. M'Intyre and Dixon and the fate of all prisoners taken in Portobello Bar-racks while Captain Bowen Colthurst was in a position of authority in those barracks, the extent of responsibility of other officers for the murders, how it came to pass that Captain Bowen Colthurst was retained in a position of responsibility in view of the evidence given as to his mental condition, and who was responsible for continuing Captain Bowen Colthurst in authority for nine days after he had murdered three men and after these murders had been reported to the military authorities in Dublin?

At Mrs. Skeffington's request I am to-day in direct communication with her on this subject, and I should like to defer my answer until I know precisely what she has to lay before me.

I will put the question again on Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in addition to the reports of the military authorities, he receives communications from civilians competent to judge as to the effect of the continuance of martial law in Ireland; and whether, if it be made clear that martial law is extending the area of unrest and disaffection and increasing the spirit of resistance to the Government, he will take steps immediately to put an end to martial law?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the last part, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given on my behalf by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary last Thursday.

Has the Government wilfully closed its ears to the reports of people in Ireland that the best recruiters for Sinn Feinism at present are the British Government?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in regard to the continuance of martial law in Ireland, he has taken into account the importance of public opinion in the United States and the desirability of profiting by the comparison of British declarations and German conduct in Belgium; whether he has been informed that the tendency of recent events has been to modify opinion in America to the detriment of this country; and whether he will take the earliest steps possible to put an end to military law in Ireland?

With regard to the first part of the question, I can assure the hon. Member that all relevant considerations are borne in mind. With regard to the second part, I am confident that in proportion as the people of the United States of America become acquainted with the full facts of the rebellion they will recognise that it has not been dealt with in any spirit of vindictiveness or with any other object than to restore order and prevent the possibility of the recurrence of such misguided and untoward proceedings. I have already answered the last part of the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in order to establish full confidence in the United States, and to allow them to judge with full connaissance de cause, he will use his influence to remove all restrictions of censorship of news passing between this country and the United States?

I would prefer to have notice of that.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Joseph M'Bride, an Irish prisoner in Wakefield Prison, is treated with severity and cruelty; that this untried prisoner is kept in solitary confinement, not being allowed to associate with the other untried prisoners; that Mr. M'Bride, an aged man broken in sorrow over the fate of his younger brother, Major John M'Bride, is confined to his cell continuously from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. with no room for exercise, and that his health is being seriously undermined by these hours of confinement; that parcels of clothing and necessaries addressed to him by his friends have not been delivered to him by the prison officials; and whether this treatment will be terminated and Mr. M'Bride brought to trial or released forthwith?

I must correct the hon. Gentleman on one point. Mr. Joseph M'Bride is not in Wakefield Prison, but in Reading Prison, which is under the jurisdiction of the Home Office. I am informed that he is not in solitary confinement, and that he is treated in exactly the same way as the other Irish prisoners. The question of his release is, of course, one for the Advisory Committee, and not for the Army Council.

Could the hon. Gentleman say why M'Bride and other Irish prisoners have been transferred to Reading, and whether it is a fact that Joseph M'Bride, who is a very delicate man, was left for a long period with insufficient clothing, whilst parcels of clothing sent to him by friends from Ireland were not delivered to him?

I am afraid that I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the names of any persons from county Clare still detained as prisoners on account of the rising in Dublin; and whether, in view of the fact that no disturbances of the peace occurred in Clare, he will consider the advisability of allowing these prisoners to return to their homes?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. It would be contrary to practice to give lists of names; but I may say that most of the cases from county Clare have been considered by the Advisory Committee and that effect will be given in due course to their recommendations.

Can the hon. Gentleman explain why it is the Government meticulously inquire into the alleged offences of these country youths while they pass the sponge over the fact of an unarmed citizen being killed in the streets of Dublin?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that 1,000 workers have been locked out from the York Street Flax Spinning Mills, Belfast, owing to 100 machine boys having demanded an advance of 2s. a week; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I am informed by the firm that a stoppage of work of the boys at these mills commenced on Monday, 3rd July, but that all workers resumed on Monday, 10th July, and have since continued at work.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the behaviour of the Dominions in connection with the War, he will take steps to ensure the continuance and permanence of the present relations between the Dominions and the United Kingdom, such relations consisting of a union of hearts in Imperial matters and absolute selfgovernment in matters affecting the Dominions only?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, I would like to ask whether he is aware of any fact or circumstance at the present time that will put the relationship of the Mother Country and the Colonies in any peril whatever?

No, Sir, I do not. As to the question of the hon. Member (Mr. Martin) I do not think that at the moment I can usefully add anything to my public utterances on this subject. It is, of course, obvious that no change can be made in the relations between this country and the self-governing Dominions without the consent of the latter.

Would it not be right on the part of the Government to take steps to prevent the dumping of surplus politicians into this country?

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that 160 old age pensioners have gone into the Edinburgh Workhouse as a result of the increase in the cost of living; that an old age pensioners' flag day is being held to buy and provide for them; and, in view of the indignation locally that the Government has not saved those old people from this degradation, whether he will at once introduce legislation to prevent any further degradation to those old people?

I am informed that the number of old age pensioners admitted to the Edinburgh Poorhouse during the year ended 15th May last was 152, but that the increased cost of living was not the only cause of their seeking admission. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not think this is at all an improper object for which to appeal to the generosity of the public. I am afraid that for reasons which have often been stated in this House I cannot undertake to adopt the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it costs the country 14s. per week to keep these people in the workhouse, whereas 2s. 6d. would keep them out?

Yes, Sir. I am well aware of that.

Is that the last word to be said upon this matter, or is it any good at all for trade organisations, or any other party, continuing the agitation which is, and has been, going on?

I have already—with the Chancellor of the Exchequer— expressed the great sympathy that the Government feel for these people, and also the great difficulty there is in making any special provision for their case.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a day for discussion?

Is it not possible to persuade the Treasury to grant £2,500,000, which would practically minimise the hardship from which these old age pensioners are suffering at the present time?

It would cost a great deal more than that.

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact of the gigantic profits declared by the shipping companies—[HON. MEMBEES: "Order!"]—and could he not further tax those profits to bear the cost? [HON. MEMBERS: "Order!"] Hon. Members on the other side are getting the dividends.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce the amending Bill for the better government of Ireland before the Adjournment of this House for the Autumn Recess?