asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Government has demanded of the Russian, Japanese, or Portuguese Governments that British subjects of military age resident in their territories should be returned to this country in order to take up military service?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there has been received from the Russian Government any request to send back to Russia either any particular person, political refugee or exile, or any Russian subjects of military age, who have not joined the British Army?

The answer is in the negative. I can only refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question of the 11th July and to the comprehensive statement made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the position of Russian subjects in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether old Service men who answered the appeal in the earlier period of the War for non-commissioned officers to rejoin, and who have been sent to France and have gained further promotion, are reverted to their previous rank on return to this country for Home service; and, if so, whether he will state the reasons?

It has previously been explained to the House that where a non-commissioned officer or soldier has been given substantive promotion in France, as has probably happened in the case of the noncommissioned officers mentioned by my hon. Friend, no reversion would take place because the man has returned to this country, or as an incident of his having returned to this country. But it has also been stated that where the promotion given has been only to acting rank, the acting rank would cease when the man to whom it has been given ceases to perform the duties of that rank.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. William Halliwell, who received notice to appear before the Stoke-on-Trent Tribunal, on 12th July, to appeal as a conscientious objector, and who applied for an adjournment on the grounds that on 10th July he had met with a severe accident, breaking his collarbone, which application was supported by a medical certificate; and, in view of the fact that he was refused exemption, will he take steps to remedy this action on the part of the tribunal?

I am in communication with the claimant in this case. The proper course to be taken by a person who is aggrieved by the decision of a local tribunal is to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the scheme recently outlined by the Prime Minister for dealing with conscientious objectors is now in operation; and whether men who are already undergoing sentences for disobedience to military orders on conscientious grounds are being brought under it?

Yes, Sir, the scheme has been put in operation, and men who are already undergoing sentences for disobedience to military orders are in course of being brought under it.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether this regulation applies to men who are in detention as well as men who are in prison, and how many have been dealt with?

Can the hon. Gentleman Say whether it would not be possible to avoid punishing conscientious objectors any more by sending them to Germany with Lord Haldane as Bear Leader to introduce them to the Kaiser.

Order! Order!

I think that the regulation applies to men in prison only, and not to men in detention.

Will any steps be taken to see that men who are now in detention have the same opportunity as men who are in prison, seeing that the difference between the two forms of punishment is really technical?

I believe the intention is that it should be fairly administered, and that no conscientious objector shall be damnified.

Is there any single case of a person coming under this rule?

I cannot say.

asked the Secretary for War if he has made any further inquiry into the circumstances under which the public were excluded from a court-martial held at Chelsea Barracks on 12th July; and whether he will see that in future the Army Regulations are complied with in this respect?

My Noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State has received some correspondence from the hon. Member, and he has in consequence caused further inquiry to be made. I can to-day make no further statement on the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Reports have been received from the American Legation in Sofia regarding the recent treatment of British prisoners of war in Bulgaria?

Copies of a Report, dated 19th June, by the United States Consul-General-in-Charge at Sofia, have recently been received. It is of a satisfactory character. We have asked the United States Ambassador whether there is any objection to the publication of this Report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a speech made by M. Tchenkeli, in the Russian Duma, on 3/16th June, 1916, in which he read an extract from an official circular stating that, from information received at the headquarters of the Imperial Chief of Staff, it has been established that recently cases of venereal diseases, and particularly of syphilis, have become more frequent among the troops, and that there are many indications that a Jewish organisation in Germany is spending considerable amounts of money on the maintenance of syphilitic women who are employed for the purpose of ensnaring Russian officers and infecting them with syphilis; and will he ask the Russian Government for further information on this subject and as to whether there is reason to believe that this organisation confines its operations to the Russian Armies?

I have not read the speech to which the hon. Member refers, but I feel that our military authorities in the various theatres of war can well be trusted to take all precautions to guard against this danger.

I must apologise for being late. The difference in the maximum prices of English and Irish hay in the later part of the season is only slight. In the earlier part the difference is greater, owing to the fact that new Irish hay contains more moisture than English. I believe that the price for Irish hay is usually lower than that for English.

May I ask if the hon. Gentleman has expert authority for saying that the difference between Irish hay and English hay is so great as to amount to about £ 2 per ton?

That is the advice which was given to me by those who know.

Is the price of Irish hay arrived at on the same basis as all other commodities imported into this country?

I will consider that.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Irish hay is subjected to a much longer process than English hay, and can he say whether he speaks on the authority of expert information or only official information?

May I ask whether the Department's knowledge of Irish hay comes from Captain Henshaw, an ironmonger?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the sum of 10s. 6d. per week is the amount agreed upon to pay a disabled soldier who has lost a leg in the War; and, if so, will the Government consider the advisability of increasing the amount for such disablements?

The rate for a soldier whose leg has been amputated below the knee is 10s. 6d. For more severe amputations the higher rates are given.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider 10s. 6d. per week sufficient?

It was carefully considered by the Select Committee.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his attention has been drawn to the difference in the rates of allowances in respect of every child after the third, which shows that to married soldiers 2s. a week are allowed in respect of each child dependant, while to seamen and men of the Royal Naval Division only 1s. is allowed for each such child; and whether the Treasury will allow an equalising of these divergent rates in separation allowances?

The separation allowances of seamen were fixed at a somewhat lower rate than those of privates in the Army, because the higher pay of seamen enables them to make larger allotments?

If these two sets of men are serving together, why cannot you consider these differences with a view to equalising them?

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German military officers and men have been taken prisoners by us; and how many of ours have been captured by the Germans?

My hon. Friend put this question on the Paper for the 20th July, and the answer prepared appeared in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Since then it has been possible to obtain somewhat fuller information. The number of German military prisoners of war in this country and in working camps in France is 20,200, of whom 401 are officers. I understand there are also 1,467 naval prisoners, of whom 121 are officers. In addition to the figure just given there are a number of prisoners, estimated at about 4,000, who have been recently captured, but have not yet reached this country. The number of British military officers and soldiers estimated to be still in the hands of the Germans on the 30th June, after those repatriated, transferred to Switzerland, etc., have been deducted, is 25,350, of whom 721 are officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War what decision has been arrived at with reference to bands, including pipe bands, of third-line units of the Territorial Force?

It has been necessary to obtain further information from commands. No decision has yet been reached.

I will put the question down again this day week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the supply of pilots; and whether, in view. of the growing demands of the Air Service, he will consider the claims of our public schools as nurseries for the future supply?

I am advised that the supply of pilots is at present satisfactory. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean to say that they are quite satisfied with the numbers that they get?

I am advised that the supply of pilots at present is satisfactory.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the extraordinary difficulty of getting a transfer from the class of observers into the class of pilots, and ought that to be so?

It is obvious that there must be some difficulty in a highly technical occupation such as observing pilots.

The following question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. PETO:

21. To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the meteorological and geographical advantages of Egypt have been considered for training pilots for the Air Service; and whether he proposes to establish aerodromes there before the coming winter?

Before putting this question, I would like to ask whether the hon. Gentleman can give us any idea when the Secretary of State for War is likely to answer questions?

That does not arise out of this question.

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War the text of the written message sent by the late Patrick H. Pearse before his surrender on 29th April last to the Commander of the British Forces in Dublin, and the text of the reply?

A reference has been made to Ireland on this matter. The reply has not yet been received.

asked the Home Secretary if the only charge against Samuel Ruttle, of Adare, county Limerick, is that he was on terms of personal friendship with Austin Stack, of Tralee; is it treason for a man in no way whatever connected with the Sinn Fein movement, but on the contrary, to be a personal friend with men from whom he might differ politically; and will he order this man's release at once and thus prevent his business from being ruined?

The grounds for Samuel Ruttle's internment are stated in the notice of the order which has been served upon him. His case has been before the Advisory Committee, and the decision will be announced shortly.

Are we to take it that Mr. Ruttle, who happens to be a personal acquaintance of the leader of the Sinn Fein movement, is thereby to be supposed to be guilty of treason?

Are not many other businesses in Ireland being ruined owing to this rigid detention of entirely innocent Irish prisoners?

The House is aware of the course that has been pursued. The military authorities recommended the internment of a considerable number of men, and the Advisory Committee has been actively engaged in examining their cases. A very large proportion indeed have already been released, and they are being released now at the rate of many scores every day.

Will any compensation be given to men who have been unjustly detained and whose businesses have been ruined thereby?

No, Sir, I cannot say that, although persons were released, they were improperly interned. A very large proportion of those who have been released have taken part in the rebellion, and have been released on the ground that they were not fully aware in respect of the disturbance on Easter Monday on what they were really engaged.

Will permission be given to those who took no part in the insurrection to sue the Government or those responsible for having ruined their businesses and having sent their families into starvation?

It is not for the Government to say what proceedings are to be taken. If it is within the law, they can, of course, take proceedings.

Is it to be assumed that every man who has been interned and taken away from Ireland is guilty?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the hon. Member for Dublin (Mr. Nugent) did not ask his question three months sooner?

As the only charge against these men is that—

Notice should be given of any further questions.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that numbers of innocent men were arrested at Charleville, county Cork, after the recent rebellion because of the alleged firing of revolver shots at a policeman; is he aware that the policeman was uninjured though the bullets, according to appearances and investigations, went through the peak of his cap; whether even the authorities, after due investigation of the case, were doubtful that the bullet holes in the cap could be possibly made without grave injury to the man who wore it at the time the alleged shooting took place if the firing were done by anybody bent on doing harm; is he further aware that many respectable citizens, both Nationalist and Unionist, in the district believe that the whole thing was a plot, and that the policeman put the cap on a hedge and fired through it himself; and, if no steps have been taken to hold an inquiry into the matter so far, will something be done to put the blame on the proper shoulders and not have the memories of Sergeant Sheridan recalled by outrages such as this?

On the evening of the 17th May three shots were fired at a constable of the Royal Irish. Constabulary near Charleville, of which one passed through the top of the cap that he was wearing at the time. A military detachment on the same evening arrested on suspicion fourteen Sinn Feiners, who were discharged next day in the absence of incriminating evidence. The police authorities, having investigated the matter, have no reason to doubt that the constable was deliberately fired at.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that public bodies in Ireland as well as local benches of magistrates, consisting of Unionists as well as Nationalists, have condemned the action of the military authorities in interning these men, who are not Sinn Feiners but supporters of the Nationalist party in this House and in full sympathy with the Allies; and will he grant an inquiry into this case, because people in Ireland are absolutely convinced that the policeman referred to put his cap on a hedge and fired three shots through it himself?

I am not aware of the representations the hon. Member makes. As a matter of fact the men arrested were released next day on the order of the military authorities. As regards the allegation in the last part of the question it is without foundation. The constable's revolver was examined immediately after the occurrence and was found not to have been fired.

asked the Home Secretary upon whose information Patrick Sheehan has been suspended from the employment of the Land Commission; whether the Estates Commissioners denied the charge preferred against Sheehan immediately after the rebellion; and, if so, why this young man is to be victimised on the strength of the information given possibly through prejudice or hatred because of Sheehan's religion and politics; and, in view of the fact that the Commissioners, who are amongst the chief of the Irish Government officials, believe this man to be innocent of the charge against him, will he be reinstated immediately?

I would refer to the reply which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Bury St. Edmunds on the 17th instant, when I stated, after a personal examination of the official papers, that I would suggest to the Land Commission that the case of Patrick Sheehan should be included with those of other civil servants suspected of complicity in the rebellion, which will come under review at an early date. The Land Commission have accordingly suspended Sheehan, who, like other officials similarly situated, will be afforded an opportunity of establishing his innocence at the investigation which will be opened this week.

Is it not a fact that the three Land Commissioners sent notice to the Home Secretary stating that this man was absolutely innocent of the charge made against him, and why is it that three Government officials are going to be overridden at the suggestion of the hon. Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Major W. Guinness).

The hon. Member is mistaken.

It was stated in this House on Thursday last.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three men in the Land Commission were dismissed on the day the question was asked by an hon. Member on the opposite benches?

No, Sir. I do not know that that is the case either. There has been a considerable number of questions asked about these three men. Ultimately I suggested that their cases should be reviewed by the Commission of Inquiry, and upon that the Land Commissioners decided that they should be meanwhile suspended.

When will the Government cease to pander to hon. Members on the Opposition benches?

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received any Report as to the sanitary conditions of Frongoch Camp; if a 6 inch hot pipe is working full pressure day and night in one of the dormitories where 200 Irish prisoners sleep; if the ventilation of this dormitory is insufficient; and if, to safeguard the health of the Irish prisoners, he will send them to more healthy surroundings or order their immediate release?

The sanitary conditions at Frongoch are reported to me to be excellent, as I informed the hon. Member for North Westmeath on the 6th July. There is a warm pipe in one of the dormitories, but the beds are well removed from it, and this dormitory is neither overheated nor ill-ventilated I may add that this camp was previously used for German prisoners, and was then visited on several occasions by representatives of the American Embassy, who not only found no ground for criticism but considered it an ideal camp and one of the best in the United Kingdom.

Did not the medical authorities condemn it as unfit for the German prisoners?

No, Sir. The exact opposite is the case. They reported most favourably upon this camp.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if the Government have decided not to compensate the dependants of those murdered by the military in North King Street, Capel Street, and other districts in the College Green Division of Dublin on the plea that there is no proof by whom these breadwinners met their deaths; why no public inquiry is granted so that the positive proof in the hands of several solicitors in Dublin and the evidence at the inquests may be submitted and tested; whether the Government will publish the whole of the evidence obtained at the secret inquiries, much of which it is alleged was given under threats; whether he will give permission for the printing and publishing of an appeal in Ireland, Great Britain, and neutral countries to relieve the distress of the dependants of the murdered men, such an appeal to include copies of sworn affidavits indicating how and by whom the men were murdered; and (2) whether he will consider the claim for compassionate allowances or compensation for the loss of their breadwinners of the wives and families and dependants of innocent men who met their deaths at the hands of the military during the disturbances in Dublin; whether he had an opportunity during his visit to North King Street, Dublin, of seeing for himself the necessity for some such allowances or compensation and whether, in view of the fact that compensation is to be given to the owners of business concerns injured by the military during the disturbances, he will sympathetically consider the need of the widows and orphans and dependants referred to?

On the subject of compensation, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers to the questions of the hon. Member for the Dublin Harbour Division on the 22nd and 26th June. I think an appeal containing exparte statements of the nature referred to by the hon. Member would be calculated to stir up ill-feeling, and its circulation would not be permitted. As regards the other points mentioned by the hon. Member, I would refer him to the answer given by the Prime Minister to the question of the hon. Member for East Mayo on the 17th instant.

If the Government refuses to hold an inquiry when people in Dublin are able to identify the actual men who murdered those people, what is to he the remedy?

The Prime Minister made a very full statement on this subject.

The Prime Minister said there was no proof as to the identity of those by whom those murders were committed. We hold in our possession, and only want an opportunity of producing, actual evidence and affidavits from several respectable people in the district.

The hon. Member is making a statement now and not asking a question.

Will the dependants of the soldiers killed by the criminal neglect of the Government in not maintaining law and order be properly provided for?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Mr. Patrick J. Casey, of 83, Capel Street, Dublin, in consequence of communications received from the police, attended on three separate occasions and gave evidence before a military tribunal at Dublin Castle with reference to the murder of Malachy Brennan, of 86, Capel Street, Dublin, who, whilst standing unarmed at his own door, was deliberately shot dead by a soldier on Friday, 29th April last; whether Mr. Casey, on the third day on which he gave evidence, identified in the presence of the tribunal the soldier who shot Brennan; whether the soldier was also identified at the same time and place by several other witnesess; whether sworn affidavits implicating the soldier referred to are in the possession of Messrs. Corrigan and Corrigan, solicitors, Dublin; whether he has received any Report from the military tribunal referred to as to the result of their inquiries into this case, and, if so, what action he proposes to take with regard to it; and, if he has not received any Report on the case from the military authorities, whether he will demand a Report and communicate its contents to the House, or whether he will order an independent public inquiry into all the circumstances of the murder?

I cannot confirm or deny the specific statements made in the first part of the question, nor can I accept them. The War Office have, however, ascertained from Ireland that a Report of the circumstances surrounding the death of Malachy Brennan was received and a Court of Inquiry held. The evidence at this showed that he was in the street when fighting was going on, and was accidentally shot. It appears that there were snipers on the roofs of the houses in Henrietta Place. Green Street, and Halston Street, at the time the deceased was shot. It is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by a public inquiry.

What is the object to be attained by bringing a witness three times to the Castle and bringing up a person to be identified, and are there several people in the district who are able to prove that there was no sniping whatever from this house, and the man was actually shot inside his own home?

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to make no protest against the term "murder" used in all these questions?

I have already stated in answer to the question that I do not accept it.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the verdict of the coroner's jury was one of murder, and that the military were represented at the inquest?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware of the dismissals of employes in Government Departments in Dublin; if he is aware that a number of Government employé s were arrested on suspicion during the rising in Ireland and were afterwards tried, found not guilty, and were released; and if he will say why they are now being dismissed?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question of yesterday on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is with the sanction of the Government that text books, pamphlets, and other publications for the use of speakers and learners of the Irish language, and having none but a literary purpose and interest, given to Irish prisoners in this country in the various prisons, have all been taken from them at Frongoch, and that no Irish matter or paper containing Irish matter is allowed to reach them; whether the prisoners made any improper use of the Irish language while allowed to use it; whether the proscription of the Gaelic language is found to increase their affection for the Empire; and whether the Government have considered the effect on neutral opinion of proscribing Gaelic and imprisoning and interning without trial officials of the Gaelic League who are not accused of connection with any political organisation, while allowing the free use of German literature to German prisoners and internees?

The censorship of books and letters in the Erse language presents difficulties, but I have arranged that educational books in the Erse language will be passed.

What is that?

Irish.

Would you call the Hebrew language Sheenie?

Letters in Irish have been passed, and this will continue, unless the number should increase to such an extent as to cause difficulty in their examination.

How is it that Irish literature of the class mentioned in the question has not been delivered, and that the Gaelic League, which sent a parcel of that character there, has been unable either to get it delivered, returned, or even acknowledged?

The reason is that the Censorship had difficulty in reading this literature. I have now made such arrangements with the military authorities that the literature can be passed.

asked the Prime Minister whether it was with the sanction of the Government that the military rulers of Ireland after the insurrection prevented for three weeks the publication in any newspaper or otherwise of. an appeal for subscriptions for the Irish Volunteer Dependants' Fund; what provision was made for obviating the suffering thus caused before any other fund was opened from which those sufferers could consistently accept relief; whether it was consideration for the opinion of neutral countries, especially America, that caused the nominal withdrawal of the military prohibition; and whether the Censor now prevents the fact being communicated to those neutral countries that collections for the Irish Volunteer Dependants' Fund are now being prevented throughout Ireland?

A report on the statements and allegations contained in this question have been called for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the British troops in the Balkans have during the past month taken part in any fighting; and whether there have been any casualties?

No, Sir, no fighting of importance has taken place between the British Forces and the enemy in the Balkans. There have been a few patrol encounters and some shelling. The British casualties have been very slight.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men in Orkney absolutely essential to the working of farms have received notice to present themselves for service at an early date; and whether, in view of the fact that the services of these men are essential to the gathering of the crops, he will endeavour to arrange that those whose services are so important will obtain a further extension for three months?

I was not aware that there had been any avoidable interference with the gathering of the crops in Orkney owing to the cause stated. It has been arranged that if cases such as those alluded to are reported to the War Office by the Scottish Board of Agriculture they shall be considered promptly on their merits, and the calling up of the individuals concerned would if necessary be suspended to enable the crops to be gathered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will say how much, if any, of the National Relief Fund has been expended in connection with the relief of soldiers; and whether it is intended to repay the sum so expended to the National Relief Fund, and, if so, when?

The sum to be repaid is the subject of arbitration.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this money was contributed for civil purposes? Can he say on what authority the money is allocated to military purposes?

I am not aware that it has been allocated to military purposes. I must not be taken as admitting that in the answer I have just given.

For what purpose was the money borrowed?

The money was advanced by the executive of the National Relief Fund to provide for the families of soldiers and sailors in times of distress. That is not a military purpose.

Are the War Office going to pay interest on the sum that they have had?

My hon. Friend will see that is a matter for arrangement

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the War Office has been placing every possible obstacle in the way of repaying the money at all?

I am not aware of that at all, but those who are responsible in the War Office cannot admit every claim that may be made upon them unless the claim is substantiated.

asked whether, having regard to the special urgency of prompt payment for wool in Ireland, as compared with this country, he is now in a position to say what the price is to be and how soon it will be paid?

The Army Council are issuing to-day a notice permitting wool merchants and country dealers to buy wool from farmers in Ireland at certain fixed prices, which have been based upon 1914 prices with the addition of 35 per cent., and subject to the conditions specified in the notice. As transactions are now permitted upon these conditions there should now be no delay in paying the farmer for his wool.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this price is considered to be very much below what it should be?

I know that some people consider it so.

Will this be a general Order including all wool merchants?

I think that is so.

May I ask when payment will be made for the wool of local buyers commandeered previous to the compulsory Order?

It will be paid for as soon as the wool is delivered.

It is already delivered.

Is it the intention of the Government to send any officers to the country districts with the usual buyers?

Wool merchants and dealers will be permitted to buy wool, but not to sell it to anybody but the Government.

Have the Government sent any agents to compete against them in buying?

No, that is not done.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the wool commandeered by the Government from these buyers is paid for only at the price at which it is bought from the farmers; that they are kept out of their money for a long time; and does he consider that is fair?

I am not aware of that. I think it would be very much better for hon. Members to wait until the scheme is in operation before they form their opinions about it.

What is the position of these men who have bought wool which is commandeered; how are they paid; is it by commission?

When we are dealing with matters of detail of this kind, hon. Members will see that it would be fairer to me if they gave me notice of the questions.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury, in paying the sum of £1,001,000 to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, satisfies itself that the money is used only for the specific purposes sanctioned by Parliament; and, if so, what method it adopts in obtaining the necessary information?

The agreement with the company (Clause 3) provides for payment by the Treasury as to one-fourth on application for the shares and as to the remainder as and when required by the company subject to one month's notice. Two ex-officio directors are appointed by the Treasury who watch the interests of His Majesty's Government under the agreement.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty how the sum of £1,001,000 paid by the British Government to the Anglo-Persian Oil Company has been spent; and whether the policy indicated in the statement made by the then First Lord of the Admiralty on 7th July, 1914, has in any way been departed from?

The Government is assured, through its representatives on the board of directors, that the money is being properly expended on the development of the company. It is not desirable, either in the public interest or in that of the company as a commercial concern, to give details of the expenditure at the present stage. The heads of expenditure were given by the First Lord on 15th June, 1914. From these there has been no departure.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that for generations past banks have had stored in their vaults vast quantities of plate, specie, and jewellery of great value, and that it is beyond possibility that such securities will ever be called for; and if he will appoint an expert Committee to confer with some of the leading banks as to the best method of utilising such securities in the public interest and also to inquire into the probable amount of unclaimed dividends in the hands of accountants employed in winding-up bankrupt estates, etc.?

For the reasons stated in my answer to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for South Donegal on the 28th June, 1915, I am not prepared to take steps of the nature suggested. Inquiries which have been made from time to time clearly indicate that the popular idea of the amounts involved is very much exaggerated. As regards bankrupt estates, unclaimed dividends are not held by trustees in bankruptcy, but by the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state whether all possible steps are being taken to recruit and train native troops in the British Colonies in East, West, and Central Africa?

This question has formed the subject of careful consideration, and steps are being taken to make the best military use possible of the natives of tropical Africa.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether taxi-cab drivers are greatly concerned with regard to the proposed limitation in their supply of petrol; whether licences have been granted for various quantities of petrol varying from 70 gallons for one car to 10 gallons per month, that the drivers assert that 70 gallons per month is the minimum quantity upon which they can continue to run their cabs; and whether he will take prompt action with a view to a reconsideration of the quantity of petrol to be allowed these men?

I am afraid that for the present I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave yesterday to the right hon. Member for Deptford.

Why has it taken the Government two years to find out the necessity of preventing petrol being wasted by private cars?

I do not think it has taken them as long as that. The necessity has arisen recently.

asked the Home Secretary whether the restrictions placed since the War upon the marriage of aliens, either in the case of two aliens or of an alien and a British subject desiring to marry; and whether he will give his reasons for restricting the marriages of British subjects and of friendly aliens in England at this time, especially in view of the need of encouraging marriage in national interests?

No restrictions have been placed on marriages between British subjects and friendly aliens.

You are all right, King!

asked the Home Secretary if I. G. W. Grü ban was an enemy alien on the outbreak of war, why naturalisation was granted; whether the Ministry of Munitions has brought charges against Grü ban that he broke its regulations and made false returns whilst manager of Haigh, Grü ban, and Company, Limited; whether Grü ban, whilst in the service of Kirchener (Prussia), sold German machines as British; whether any communication has been received from the present directors of Haighs, of Oldham, inviting the Home Office to investigate certain matters; and if Grü ban is still at liberty and is making arrangements for a supply of German wood-working machines to be shipped to the Colonies as British machines on peace being restored?

Grü iban, who is of German origin, was naturalised in September, 1914, my predecessor being satisfied at the time that it was a proper case for naturalisation on public grounds. I would suggest that the second part of the question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Munitions. I have received communications from the present chairman and managing director of the company with regard to the matter referred to in the third part of the question, and I have brought them to the notice of the Board of Trade. An Order for Grü ban's internment was made and acted upon, but the Advisory Committee recommended his provisional release on sureties, pending a full inquiry, and subsequently, after a prolonged investigation, recommended that he should not be again interned. I am not aware that Grü ban is making any such arrangements as the hon. Member suggests, but should be glad to be furnished with the evidence that he is so engaged.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British Engineers Association brought to the notice of the Home Office some months ago their opinion that this man was a spy, and that information has been sent to the Government that in the office of this man a spy box was actually found where a man was taking notes of an interview between this man and a representative of the Ministry of Munitions?

All the facts were laid before the Advisory Committee, which considered this case over a period of no less than three days, with the result I have stated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his Department was warned when this man applied for naturalisation papers that he was not a fit and proper person to be naturalised?

That was in September, 1914, long before I was at the Home Office. I think they made pretty full inquiries at the time.

Why should this alien enemy be made a naturalised British subject in spite of the protests of British manufacturers?

I do not think there was any protest at the time. There may have been one in 1914. He was naturalised, I understand, because he was the sole head of a large business employing a considerable number of British workpeople, and it was understood that he had lost his German nationality.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in this very same firm by whom he was employed he was changing and putting false name plates on their machines?

That allegation was not made at that time; it was not proved at that time.

Who is interesting himself in this person?

Is there no method of cancelling naturalisation certificates afterwards proved to have been obtained fraudulently?

The law only provides for the cancellation of naturalisation certificates that have been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation.

Why not send him to Frongoch?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether opiates, cocaine, and poisonous drugs are still being sold by unqualified persons to any of the services in connection with the Army and Navy; whether such drugs are now procurable by the public without the presentation of a prescription from a qualified physician or surgeon; and, if so, will he consider the desirability, in view of the continual increase taking place in the use of such dangerous drugs, of taking such steps as may be necessary to prevent their use where not required for medical or surgical purposes?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave yesterday to the hon. Members for Plymouth and for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities.

Will the draft Regulation be submitted to medical bodies, so that they may make representations before it is finally settled?

The Royal College of Physicians has been consulted. I am not sure whether the organisation representing the dentists has been consulted. I will take that into consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in winding up the business affairs of alien enemy firms and companies, provision is made for paying compensation to British subjects or friendly aliens for loss of employment?

Compensation for loss of employment is paid to persons employed in enemy businesses wound up under the Trading With the Enemy (Amendment) Act, 1916, on the same basis as in an ordinary liquidation.

Are any steps taken for the purpose of finding those men employment who may be thrown out in consequence of German firms being wound up?

No, I do not think there has been.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the firm of Chavres, Wilson, Peck, and Company, of Fargate and Leopold Street, Sheffield, and of the firms incorporated with them; is he aware that these firms are owned and financed by Bechstein and Company, of Germany, the well-known German piano makers; and if he will make inquiries about these firms with a view to having them wound-up?

The cases of Arthur Wilson, Peck, and Company, Limited, and Hopkinson's Successors, Limited, have been considered by the Advisory Committee, who recommended that the shares and debentures held by enemy subjects should be vested in the Public Trustee with a view to their being sold, and he is now negotiating a sale.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in reply to a question from me his predecessor stated that the majority of these shares held by Bechstein and Company in Berlin would not be disposed of during the War?

No, I am afraid I do not carry in my mind all the answers of my predecessor.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the Forester Paper Company, of Acton; and whether, in view of the fact that an uninterned Austrian, Egon Friedman, has by far the largest individual proportion of the profits of this company, he will have this alien business wound-up, as it competes with British businesses whose managers have been called up for service with the Army?

A majority of the shares of the Forester Paper Company, Limited, are held by British subjects, but I am asking the Advisory Committee to consider what course should be taken with regard to the shares held by enemy subjects.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the manager of this paper company is only thirty-four years of age and has two brothers fighting against us, and is it not very unfair that an alien enemy should remain manager of a company in competition with a company whose managers have been taken away to serve in the Army?

I am obliged for the information the hon. and gallant Gentleman gives me. I will convey it to the proper quarter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have raised this question half-a-dozen times and can get no satisfaction from the Board of Trade?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the criticisms in the Press of the United States regarding the publication of the Statutory Black List, and whether he proposes to take any action thereon?

Yes, Sir, I have noticed the criticisms referred to. They appear to be largely based on misapprehension. The action taken by His Majesty's Government is not novel. The Act under which the Statutory List for the United States has recently been issued was passed last December, and lists have already been published referring to most neutral countries since then. Nor are the provisions of the Act unduly stringent. By the French law all persons of enemy nationality, wherever living, are enemies of France, whatever their conduct during the present War, and it is illegal for French subjects to trade with them. By the British law only those persons, whatever be their nationality, who have shown themselves hostile to this country are put upon the list of persons with whom British subjects may not deal. Nor do we seek by this list to affect the freedom of action of neutral citizens. All we have done is to declare that British shipping, British goods, and British credit should not be used for the support and enrichment of those who are actively assisting our enemies. If in the compilation of the list any persons have been unjustly included they will be removed; and, as I have more than once stated, great care will be taken in applying the law to existing contracts to avoid anything in the nature of injustice. I may add that we are informed that the German Government have taken action of a similar character.

Is it not possible for our subjects abroad to be treated as France treats her subjects abroad?

That question was very carefully considered and discussed in this House last December. I do not think it would be possible for me within the limits of an answer to explain the reasons why we arrived at the conclusion that the course we adopted was the best and fairest.

As it is very desirable, will the right hon. Gentleman have the matter again brought before the Government?

It has been brought before the Government.

Again?

It has been brought before them quite recently.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will give the reason why the work on the workmen's dwellings at Welling, Lodge Hill, and Well Hall, which has been in progress for from twelve to eighteen months, and which has up to now been done by direct labour, is now being let to a contractor; if he is aware that the work will be completed in five or six weeks' time; that there is a large amount of material on the various jobs will he state whether the contractor takes this material; and whether, with the object of preventing waste of labour and material, he will cancel the contracts and finish the work by employing the workmen direct?

The workmen's dwellings at Welling, Lodge Lane, and Well Hall have been in progress for a little over five months, and not for twelve to eighteen months as stated in the question. The work, from the commencement, has been carried out mainly by direct labour, but certain operations, such as roofing, plumbing, etc., have, in accordance with the usual practice, been done by contract as being the most economical and expeditious method. A considerable number of the houses will be completed very shortly, many of them within from five to six weeks; any surplus material will remain the property of the Government and will be utilised hereafter. To substitute direct labour on those portions of the work at present being carried out by contract would not therefore prevent waste of labour and material but would have the opposite effect.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in changing from direct labour to contract labour there is certainly a very large loss, and is it in the interests of the Department to keep the supervising staff it has there until the contract is completed?

There have not been any such changes in this case.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a considerable number of workmen were last Saturday week given a week's notice to terminate their engagement on the job?