asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has received the names of the officers composing the Court which tried Captain Fryatt and of the War Council which ratified the sentence; and if all the information asked for through the American Embassy will be published when received?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative; the information when received will be published if the United States Government consent to that course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will say what steps have been taken since the adoption by the Government of the Paris economic resolutions to unify the lists of contraband and of export prohibition; and what arrangements have been, or are being, made for prohibiting throughout the Empire in conjunction with our Allies the export of all commodities declared absolute or conditional contraband?

The list of goods declared to be contraband of war and of goods of which the export is prohibited are, so far as the British Empire is concerned, already co-extensive for all practical purposes. His Majesty's Government are in constant consultation with their Allies with the object of obtaining complete uniformity in these matters.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the Manchester Corporation have been compelled to accept a tender for boiler tubes from a German-owned firm, owing to the fact that these tubes, which are essential to their electricity and gas undertakings, cannot be obtained from any other source; if the English works of this German company are a controlled establishment under the Munitions of War Act; and if steps will be taken to extinguish the German interests in this business and place it entirely under British control?

If the hon. Baronet will furnish me with the name of the firm to which he refers I will have the matter looked into at once.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, notwithstanding the assurances given on behalf of the railway companies, he continues to receive evidence from traders that goods traffic for Belfast is still greatly restricted owing to the refusal of railway companies to accept goods for transit; and if he intends to put pressure upon the railway companies to fulfil their obligations to the public?

The hon. Baronet has forwarded to me certain complaints regarding Belfast traffic, and I am sending him copies of communications which I have received from the Lancashire and Yorkshire and Midland Railway Companies on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the statement by the Public Trustee that no decision of the Court has been given that a debt due to a British creditor and payable in Marks by an enemy debtor who has property in this country should be paid at the present depreciated value of exchange of Marks into sterling, the Public Trustee will pay all British creditors of enemy debtors at the normal rate of exchange ruling at the date of the outbreak of war so as to avoid loss to British creditors to the advantage of enemy debtors?

The Public Trustee will no doubt act in accordance with the directions of the Court in ascertaining the amount to be paid to a British creditor in respect of a debt payable in Marks.

asked the Secretary of State for India what Committees or Commissions have been instituted within the last six years to inquire into the medical equipment and organisation of the Army in India; what action was taken upon their Reports; and whether these Reports will be laid before the Mesopotamian Special Commission?

In 1912 a Committee, of which Surgeon-General Sloggett was chairman, inquired into the system of field medical organisation and equipment of medical units of the Army in India. Its recommendations were approved by the Government of India, and are now in force. The station hospital system for Indian troops was the subject of inquiry by another Committee. Its recommendations were under discussion when the War broke out, and as they related solely to peace arrangements their further consideration has been postponed. The Reports will be laid before the Special Commission, if the Commission should call for them.

May I ask if the Committee, the name of the chairman of which he did not mention, recommended certain important additions to the medical equipment in India which have not been carried out?

I have not myself read the Report of the Committee, and I do not know what it contained. My information is it referred to peace conditions, and consideration was suspended under pressure of the War.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has made any arrangements for restricting the export of mica from India; and, if so, who are the Government agents and have they any German connections?

The export of mica from India to countries other than the United Kingdom and British Posses- sions is prohibited save under special licence. At the request of the Minister of Munitions, Messrs. Chrestien and Co. have been appointed Government agents for the purchase in India of such grades as are specially required for the manufacture of munitions. So far as I am aware there is no German element in the firm.

May I inquire whether one of the managers has already been interned, and whether he is let out again?

I have made inquiries since the hon. Member sent this question. My information does not confirm it. In any case this firm was appointed by the Ministry of Munitions, and if he desires to pursue the matter further, perhaps he will address his question to them.

I will.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say where this firm has its offices?

I am afraid I cannot answer that without notice.

If not in Southern India, will there be any agency in that quarter, as mica prevails in the southern State of Travancore?

I do not think that that would necessarily be a reason for having two agents in control of the work.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he could arrange with the Fellows of the Zoological Gardens, in view of the number of soldiers at present on leave in London, who are left without opportunity for recreation on Sundays, to allow soldiers in uniform to have access to the gardens on Sunday on payment of a small fee; or, if not, whether soldiers of the Oversea Dominions could be admitted free on Sunday afternoons?

The Council of the Society arranged more than a year ago, and the arrangement still holds good, that officers and men in uniform, of the Navy, Army and Colonial forces, and also all wounded soldiers and sailors, shall be admitted free and without tickets on Sundays by the office entrance to the gardens.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether he is aware that of the papers and other effects taken from Mr. Sheehy Skeffington's house by soldiers of the Royal Irish Rifles on 28th April, two days after his murder, none were returned till some days after the court-martial of his murderer Colthurst on 6th June; why were not more than about one-third of the things then returned; why were those things returned torn, dirty, defaced, rain-stained; whether the two-thirds of the effects which were not returned are still in the possession of the military authorities; if so, why are they still retained; if not, why were they destroyed; in view of the fact that no breath of accusation has been uttered against the murdered man or any charge preferred against his widow, will an apology be offered to Mrs. Sheehy Skeffington, and will a proper offer be made to her for the loss and damage done to her property; and (2) whether he is aware that among the things returned to Mrs. Sheehy Skeffington about two and a half months after her husband's murder were khaki clothes and other garments blood-stained and with bullet marks, papers of P. H. Pearse, counterfoils from the Sinn Fein bank, notebooks of an Enniscorthy prisoner, and other documents from different houses raided in Dublin; whether these things were placed among the things of the late Mr. Sheehy Skeffington in order to raise suspicion or to excuse his murder; if not, how they came to be mixed up with his effects; and whether he is now in a position to state that the Government will show their sympathy with the families of victims of Captain Colthurst's murders by some public announcement, at once declaring the innocence of the murdered men and freely offering such full apology as they can give?

My hon. Friend put to me on the 3rd August several questions with reference to the effects of the late Mr. Sheehy Skeffington, and I fear that with reference to these questions I can only repeat the substance of what I then said. It seems to me premature to inquire seriatim into these various points independently of and prior to the inquiry. I will also refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the hon. Member for East Mayo on the 31st July, and I would add that any question of compensation or reparation if and to the extent that that question might properly arise, can certainly not be the subject of any announcement until the inquiry is over and its conclusions are available.

Is the hon. Gentleman in possession of the terms of reference of this inquiry? We have not seen them. I should like to ask how these matters must necessarily, as he says, come within the purview of the inquiry?

I do not think I said that. What I said in the answer to which I have alluded was that I thought they would come within the scope of the reference. I have not yet seen the terms of reference.

If they do not come within the scope of the inquiry they will be gone into by the War Office, no doubt?

Then I am quite sure my hon. Friend will put a further question.

asked whether Lord Decies has been acting as military censor; and, if so, what were his qualifications for the post; has Lord Decies been in France since the outbreak of war; and what powers of censorship he really has?

Lord Decies was appointed Press Officer on the Staff of the General Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, 11th June, 1916, after having been employed on similar duties for two months to the satisfaction of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. Lord Decies has not held an appointment in France. In regard to censorship, he carries out such instructions as he may receive from the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the censor stopped the sending of newspapers from Ireland without giving the newspaper proprietors any notice?

Is not Lord Decies well known as an able officer, capable of anything from cricket to censorship, from polo to politics?

Where did Lord Decies act as Press censor previous to his appointment at Dublin?

I have already informed the hon. Gentleman that he had been employed on similar duties for two months to the satisfaction of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief.

Where?

Why has he not been made Lord Lieutenant?

He would make a very good one.

asked the Home Secretary whether he can state the intentions of the Government respecting Irish prisoners now confined in Frongoch; whether an opportunity of having their cases tried by civil tribunal with legal assistance will be afforded, or whether it is proposed to keep them in confinement; and, if so, for what period?

I am not in a position to say how long it may be necessary to detain those persons whose cases have been reviewed by the Advisory Committee with the result that their internment is continued. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin on the 2nd August.

Have the prisoners who are being kept in detention been informed individually of the result of the inquiry?

They either have been or are about to be.

Are we to understand that no civil trial will be accorded to these prisoners?

That is a question which I have answered repeatedly, and it has also been subject of debate.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will state if James Hannigan, Patrick Roche, Patrick O'Sullivan, and Michael O'Sullivan, of Mitchels- town, county Cork, were brought before the Advisory Committee, and, if so, with what result; why were these men interned seeing that no trouble of any kind took place in this district; is he aware that some thirty-five men were arrested in this district immediately after the rebellion and all of them released except six; that the release of the latter was promised if four rifles which were known to have been in the possession of the local Volunteer corps were given up; whether these rifles were handed over; if so, why were such hardships inflicted or these men by deporting them to Frongoch camp and keeping them away from their business, as well as creating a bad feeling in the district; and will he, if these four men are still detained, order their release as soon as possible?

The four persons mentioned were brought before the Advisory Committee, who made inquiry into their cases, with the result that they recommended the release of Patrick Roche and of Patrick and Michael O'Sullivan. These three persons have been released. With respect to James Hannigan the Committee recommended that he should be retained in internment, and he accordingly remains in the camp at Frongoch. The case has been carefully considered, and I cannot now re-open it.

asked the Home Secretary when it is proposed to grant the Irish lady prisoners a civil trial; if they will be allowed to instruct counsel for the defence; if he is aware that they have now been three months in English prisons without trial; and if he will say whether it is the Government's intention to release them at an early date?

I have nothing to add to the replies I gave to the hon. Member on the 17th July and subsequent dates.

When do the Government intend to give the Irish lady prisoners a sample of what you boast about—British justice?

asked whether any of the suspended employés who were engaged in Government Departments in Ireland have been reinstated; when it is proposed to allow them to resume duty; and why they have been victimised?

So far as I am aware the reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. The resumption of duty by those Government employés who have been suspended by the responsible heads of their Departments on suspicion of complicity in the rebellion must depend on the reports received in individual cases from the Commissioners who are at present engaged in investigating them.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is anybody in the places of these suspended men?

I cannot, without notice.

asked the Home Secretary if he can state the amount of expenses involved in importing to Dublin 600 Royal Irish Constabulary men to take the place of the Dublin Metropolitan Police; if he is aware that these men have been drafted from all parts of Ireland at considerable expense to take the place of the Dublin Metropolitan Police who are engaged in a struggle for a living wage; if the Government will reconsider their decision and allow the men a reasonable increase in their wages; and if he will state the wages and bonuses paid to the London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, and Birmingham police forces, and in other cities similar to Dublin?

The hon. Member has been misinformed. Royal Irish Constabulary have not been drafted into Dublin to take the place of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. I will make inquiries as regards the present emoluments of police in other places, but I would remind the hon. Member that it was only in 1914 that the Dublin Metropolitan Police received a substantial increase of wages, now supplemented by the war bonus of 3s. 6d. a week recently sanctioned both for the Dublin Metropolitan Police and for the Royal Irish Constabulary.

Does the reply deny that 600 men of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been drafted into Dublin as stated?

Yes, completely.

The right hon. Gentleman refers to a substantial increase. Is he aware that that increase is one of 2s., granted after thirty years? Is that substantial?

I am not sure that that is so. I have not verified the figure.

What is the difference between the wages of the Irish police and those of the police of the towns mentioned? Have not the Dublin police recently had much more laborious and terrible duties to discharge than the police in these other towns?

I could not possibly make a comparison of that sort except by circulating the figures with the OFFICIAL REPORT. During the rebellion the Dublin Metropolitan Police had to be withdrawn from the streets, as they were unarmed.

asked the Home Secretary (1) if he will say from what country districts 500 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been drafted into Dublin city; whether this is to be taken as evidence that their services are unnecessary in the districts from which they were withdrawn; if so, whether there is any reason why they should not be transferred to the Regular Army for military service; and (2) whether some 500 members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been drafted from the country districts into Dublin city; if so, whether he will state the reason why they have been so drafted; and whether it has any reference to the dissatisfaction existing amongst the Dublin Metropolitan Police because of the refusal of the Government to grant them an adequate war bonus and an increase of pay sufficient to enable them to meet the increased cost of living consequent upon the War?

I would refer to the reply on this subject which I have given to-day to the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin.

For what purpose have these men been drafted in from their respective districts?

The hon. Member has been quite misinformed. There has been no such movement of the Royal Irish Constabulary.

There has been!

No!

Does that mean that it may be in the county? Phænix Park is, I believe, technically outside the city of Dublin and in the county?

My information is that there has been no large movement of 400 or 500, or any large number of the Royal Irish Constabulary, with a view to replacing the Metropolitan Police.

Everybody in Dublin says so!

That does not of necessity make it accurate.

No police have been drafted in within the last week?

No, Sir; no large body of police have been drafted into Dublin.

Or the county?

Not that I am aware of. A very small number—ten or fifteen, a mere handful—of men have come into Dublin for some special duty; but there has been no movement of the kind suggested.

asked how long it is intended to keep Major Price, chief detective in Ireland; what are his duties; does he draw a double salary and, if so, what is the total amount of the same; is it a portion of his duty to try and connect the Irish Parliamentary party with the outbreak of Easter week; and, in view of the attacks made by him upon private individuals in Ireland who had no connection whatever with the Sinn Fein movement, will he be sent back to discharge his ordinary duties as county inspector of police?

The position and emoluments of Major Price were explained at length in reply to questions of the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County on the 23rd March and the 20th July last. No such duty as is suggested in the third inquiry in the question has been imposed on Major Price. I cannot say when the military authorities will be in a position to dispense with his services.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire as to the allegation that he offered to release one of the leaders of the rebellion provided he could connect two hon. Members of this House with the Sinn Fein movement?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to send me the information on which he bases that statement.

Is this the same Major Price as ordered the constabulary some time ago to fire on defenceless people?

No; it was another officer of the name of Price. But I am not sure that the account of the hon. Member of the occurrence is strictly accurate.

asked the Home Secretary how many prisoners from county Clare are still in detention on account of the Dublin rising; whether he can give their names and the charges against then; and whether he can hold out hope of their early return to their families?

One prisoner from county Clare named Eamon Waldron is still in detention. The order was made on the ground that he is of hostile associations and a member of an organisation called the Irish Volunteers or of an organisation called the Citizen Army, which have promoted armed insurrection against His Majesty, and is reasonably suspected of having favoured, promoted or assisted in armed insurrection against His Majesty. The Advisory Committee have recommended that he should be retained in internment.

Was there any direct evidence that these men were of hostile association beyond the fact that they belonged to the Irish Volunteers, which, before the rising, was not an unauthorised or illegal body?

I have no doubt there must have been some evidence or the Committee would not have recommended detention. The great majority of those who merely belonged to the Irish Volunteers have been released.

asked the Home Secretary if he has considered what legal authority he will need after the War, when his powers conferred by the Defence of the Realm Act are abrogated, effectively to deal with those Germans who have hitherto been resident in this country, but who are now known to be and to have been enemies in disguise?

This is one of the questions which are engaging the attention of the Government, but I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Are we to be at the mercy of these people after the War?

I cannot say yet whether fresh legislation will be necessary, or whether a continuance of the existing powers will be sought.

asked the Home Secretary if any arrangement has yet been made for the payment of a war bonus to the Royal Irish Constabulary; and if he can state the terms of the arrangement?

I would refer to the reply which I gave on Monday last to a question of the hon. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin.

Will the officers be included in the arrangements made?

No, Sir.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the late Chief Secretary for Ireland was anxious and expressed a wish that the rents of labourers' cottages should be reduced during the period of the War; if he will explain why the Local Government Board have refused to carry out his wishes; and, in view of the services rendered to the Empire by the enlistment, in the Army of tens of thousands of the sons of these poor cottiers, will he take steps to have the wishes and pledge of the late Chief Secretary redeemed?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question of the 25th July.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware that until some three years ago the full address of all aliens to whom certificates of naturalisation had been granted was regularly included in the annual Return, but that during the last two or three years only the towns of their residence are included in the Return and all other means of identifi- cation omitted; and if he will take steps to have in future full particulars inserted as formerly?

The hon. Member will find all the information he desires in the lists published monthly in the "London Gazette." The change in the annual lists was made before the War for reasons of economy and convenience, and I am not prepared to reverse it at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary what was the total amount received from the Dublin Metropolitan Police rate for the years 1880, 1881, 1882, and 1883, respectively; and what was the actual cost of the Dublin Metropolitan Police for each of these years?

The amounts received from the Dublin Police rate in the years ended on 31st March, 1881, 1882, 1883, and 1884, were £31,504, £32,611, £32,060, and £34,116, respectively, and the total expenses of the police establishment (including Police Courts) were £136,164, £136,957, £167,640, and £154,907, respectively?

asked the Home Secretary on what date the last increase in wages was granted to the Dublin Metropolitan Police; whether that increase was preceded by a strike or a threatened strike of the men; what were the total amounts received for the years 1914 and 1915, respectively, from the Dublin Metropolitan Police rate; what was the total cost of maintenance of the Dublin Metropolitan Police force for the years 1914 and 1915; and what is the estimated return from the Dublin Metropolitan Police rate for 1916 and the estimated cost of maintenance of the Dublin Metropolitan Police force for this year?

Apart from the recent war bonus the last increase of pay granted to the Dublin Metropolitan Police took effect under the Constabulary and Police (Ireland) Act of 1914 from the 1st October of that year. I know of no foundation for the statement in the second part of the question. In the financial year 1914–15 the net produce of the Police Rate was £46,489, and the cost of the force under the heads, Pay, Pensions, and Clothing, was £149,791. The corresponding figures for 1915–16 were £47,258 and £142,394 respectively, and the estimated figures for 1916–17 are £47,626 and £142,439 respectively.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the increase in the messing was 2s., and could the right hon. Gentleman give information to the House as to what was the increase in the cost of the messing of these particular men during the last three years; has it not been consideraby increased and beyond the 2s. per week which is given?

I cannot say what has been the increase. The cost of living has risen for everyone. The Dublin Metropolitan Police and the Royal Irish Constabulary have been in receipt of a war bonus.

asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to secure that all interned enemy aliens shall be deported on the termination of hostilities in order that our disbanded soldiers and sailors may not be exposed to undue competition in seeking re-employment at the end of the War?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The consideration suggested is one of the many connected with the wide question of the treatment of enemy aliens in this country at the end of the War, which, as I stated in answer to a question on the 29th June is engaging the attention of the Government. I cannot make any statement on the point at present.

Is the consideration now being given to the question an official or a genuine consideration?

Yes, Sir, it is official— and genuine!

asked the Home Secretary whether there has been a large increase of jaundice amongst the persons working with poisonous dope; if he will say what progress has been made with the experiments to produce non-poisonous dope; and is there a probability of it being supplied to the various works at an early date?

I am pleased to be able to say that not only has there been a considerable decrease recently in the number of cases of jaundice due to dope, but that satisfactory dopes which are free from tetrachlorethane are now available in sufficient quantity, and that the War Office and Admiralty have directed their contractors to use only the approved dopes of this kind. It may be taken, therefore, that the danger from tetrachlorethane poisoning in this class of work has now been removed.

I take it that that dope is now being circulated to the manufacturers?

Certainly!

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the alarm felt by the Yiddish population of East London, who dread deportation to Russia, and that the Yiddish protection societies are endeavouring to calm excitement, to disseminate correct information, and otherwise to assist in the maintenance of order and good feeling; and whether he will remove the warnings given by the police to East End newspapers not to advertise the meetings which the Jewish protection societies are holding for these lawful purposes?

Many false reports have been disseminated on this subject, partly, no doubt, through honest misunderstanding, but partly also from perverse motives. I am informed that in one instance the police have found it necessary to warn the editor of a journal that he was responsible for advertisements as well as for editorial matter and news.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is able to give any further information as to the work to be undertaken by those conscientious objectors to military service whose cases have been referred to the Home Office Committee appointed by him?

The Committee have in hand several schemes for the employment of these men. The scheme for their employment under the Road Board is farthest advanced; and it is probable that, for some little time to come, most of the men released will be found work under the Board, who will make the necessary arrangements for housing and feeding them.

Have any, and, if so, how many, of these men been employed up to the present under these schemes?

I do not think any rcommendations have yet been made.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any information can be supplied concerning P. B. Jordan, of Harrow, a member of the International Bible Students' Association and a conscientious objector, who was sent from Seaford on 30th May to Henriville Camp, Boulogne, and was court-martialled some time afterwards; what was his sentence; and will he say from what effects of his treatment this man is suffering?

I understand that this man is undergoing a sentence of ten years' penal servitude, but the War Office does not possess any other information with regard to him and is unaware that he is suffering any physical effects from this sentence.

Is it intended that this man shall finish his sentence of penal servitude before being sent to the Central Tribunal?

No, Sir, I think not.

Then why cannot he be treated in the same way as others who are let off on furlough until their cases can be tried?

I think they are treated in the same way.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a number of these conscientious objectors are now off on furlough until their cases can be decided by the Central Tribunal, and why should there be this discrimination in one case, which is treated with so much greater severity than others?

I cannot help thinking that my hon. Friend has been misinformed.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the ages, length of service, qualifications, and condition, whether married or single, of the temporary clerks and temporary second division clerks who have been declared indispensable in the Stationery Office, while established clerks of considerable seniority are being released for military duty; how many clerks of the established staff, besides Messrs. Ribton and Griffiths, have been declared dispensable since the passage of the Military Service (No. 2) Act, 1916; and whether, both in the interests of economy and justice, it can be arranged that single temporary men should be released for military service before married established clerks, by allotting the work now being done by temporary clerks to the established clerks whom it is proposed to release for military service?

I am at present inquiring into the matter referred to in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many temporary majors there are in the Royal Garrison Artillery and what is their average length of service; and what are the special qualifications held by these temporary majors which entitled them to this rank, in preference to Regular Artillery captains who might otherwise have been thus promoted?

There are forty-seven temporary majors, and their average length of service is over ten years. It is impossible to find all the battery commanders required from among Regular officers and it is necessary to make use of all temporary officers in any capacity for which they may be qualified. They are, of course, only appointed to command batteries after they have been reported as suitable and possessed of the necessary experience.

In regard to these appointments of temporary majors, by whom are they made?

The Commander-in-Chief has full power to appoint officers of temporary rank.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will say how many batteries of the Royal Garrison Artillery there are now at the front previously commanded by majors now commanded by captains; and why these captains, who have successfully commanded batteries, should not be promoted to majors?

I cannot say how many batteries are in the position mentioned as the number varies from day to day. The Commander-in-Chief has full power to promote captains to the temporary rank of major to fill vacancies if he considers they are suitable.

Is it possible to get a report from the Commander-in-Chief as to promotions in the Royal Garrison Artillery, and is he aware that there is great dissatisfaction in that corps?

I should be very reluctant to trouble the Commander-in-Chief at the present moment.

Later on.

Will the captains who are doing a major's work receive a major's emoluments?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will assure the public that wounded soldiers after recovery are not hurried back to the trenches until all the members of their unit at the base have been called to the front, and thus destroy an impression that is abroad that the wounded soldier when recovered is sent to the trenches irrespective of the reserves at the base?

My hon. Friend will see that it must be impossible to make any statement on this matter which shall not be open to exception in exceptional cases. As between men recovered from their wounds who might be in this country and men in the base depots in France it would obviously be natural to take the latter first, especially in any emergency suddenly arising, but all men waiting as reserves at the base in the base depots would, of course, be equally available for drafting to the front, and if more men were wanted than were in the depot all those present would doubtless be taken, but if the numbers present were greater than the draft required some selection would have to be made, and this would doubtless be made upon the principle of selecting the fittest and most suitable men.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state what proposals, if any, will be made to enable old age pensioners to meet the increase in the cost of living; and if he will cause the proposals to be made for Great Britain to be extended to Ireland?

As I stated in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Durham (Houghton-le-Spring) on Thursday last, I hope to circulate this week a statement describing certain administrative measures which the Government have taken in connection with old age pensioners. These measures apply to old age pensioners in Ireland in the same way as to those in other parts of the United Kingdom.

In what form does the right hon. Gentleman propose to circulate that statement?

You will see it.

asked the Prime Minister if, when the Government is considering what adequate pension or allowance shall be given out of public funds for the benefit of the widow and children of the late Captain Fryatt, he will consult with his colleagues in the Cabinet as to the propriety of giving pensions and allowances on the fullest scale to the widows and children of those British soldiers who were negligently killed in a troop train in India; and if, in these cases, he will take the necessary steps to have these widows and children treated as though their husbands and fathers had been killed in action?

I do not think the case of these Territorial drafts in India has any connection with the case of Captain Fryatt. My hon. and learned Friend will remember that on the 1st August I dealt somewhat fully with the case of the Territorials. In accordance with that the widows and children of those of the soldiers referred to who belonged to the Territorial Force will, under rule, be granted the same rates of pension as they would have received had the soldiers been killed in action. The widows and children of those who did not belong to the Territorial Force are not entitled under rule to these pensions, but I have asked the concurrence of the Army Council to a proposal that all should be treated alike.

asked the Prime Minister whether thy body of gentlemen who are at present engaged in the compulsory purchase of houses of refreshment, public offices, political clubs, and other places out of public funds and converting the same into State-owned public-houses are responsible for their activities to any Government Department; and, if so, will it be possible to discuss these activities on any public Vote before the Adjournment of the House?

The conditions under which the Central Control Board work are laid down in the Defence of the Realm (Amendment) (No. 3) Act, 1915, and the Defence of the Realm (Liquor Control) Regulations of 10th June, 1915. I would also refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to three questions on this subject on Thursday last. If the hon. Member desires to discuss the question of the Central Control Board, it would probably be convenient to do so on the Vote for the Ministry of Munitions.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is his intention to proceed further with the Time (Ireland) Bill?

This Bill cannot proceed if it proves to be controversial, and I regret to find that Notices on the Order Paper indicate that it meets with opposition.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that every chamber of commerce and every mercantile association in Ireland, regardless of politics, has asked for this Bill?

I am aware of that, and stated it on the First Reading, and, although public opinion in Ireland is, I believe, generally favourable to this Bill— [HON. MEMBERS: "NO!"]—apparently it meets with some opposition, and the right hon. and learned Gentleman will, of course, be well aware that a Bill of this character can hardly proceed. I am most anxious to pass it if possible.

May I take it that that will apply to all other Bills, and not merely to a Time Bill for Ireland?

I cannot answer for all Bills

As the right hon Gentleman has consulted the hon and and learned Member for Waterford before bringing m the Bill, could he not invite the hon and learned Gentleman to use his great authority with those opposing it?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Corporation of Limerick and other public bodies have passed resolutions against this Bill because it will mean that working people will have to go to work in the dark?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what are the objections to English post offices paying one at the face value of a Scottish bank note?

As the notes are not legal tender in England any such notes cashed by an English Post Office would have to be transmitted to Scotland for collection, and the proceeds would in most cases have to be remitted back to England.

What is the difficulty in a simple arrangement of that kind; if it is a convenience to Scottish soldiers in England?

It is an expense to the Post Office.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), if he is aware that in view of the proposed after-the-war policy of the Government as regards the question of food products, etc., various committees have been appointed by the Board of Agriculture and other Government Departments in this country; and will he state if the Irish Department of Agriculture have set up, or propose to set up, any similar committees in Ireland to see that, when the proper time comes to deal with this all-important question, Ireland's economic interests will not be neglected?

There is in each Irish county a Statutory Committee of Agriculture whose duty it is to develop and foster agricultural production. A large number of instructors and overseers are employed by these bodies. Each county in Ireland strikes a rate which, with Department's funds, finance a great variety of schemes. The Irish Department are fully alive to the importance of increased production, and there has in the past year been a considerable increase, both as regards crops and livestock. It is fully expected that the figures for 1915–16 will show a further improvement on the previous years.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), the prices paid for hay last year in Ireland as compared with England; why a bigger price was allowed for hay on this side; and will he take steps to see that such a thing will not occur this season?

This is a matter for the War Office to deal with.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many soldiers are employed at the Llanelly Steel Works; whether for the first three days these soldiers were paraded at the drill hall and marched to and from the works; whether this practice is still kept up; whether the men are paraded on Sundays; what wages are paid; and whether he can give an assurance that the amounts received by the men are not less than would be paid to them if they were similarly employed as civilians?

A military working party of 102 soldiers, under an officer, was supplied to the Llanelly Steel Company. These men were all strange to the neighbourhood, and for the first few days were paraded and marched from the drill hall, which was a convenient centre, to the works. The roll call is now taken at the works. On Sunday, 30th July, a special parade was held at 8 a.m. to inspect the men and their equipment. These men, like all soldiers temporarily lent by the War Office as working parties, remain in the military service of the Crown, and are under military discipline. They receive no wages, but continue in receipt of their military emoluments. The contractor to whom they are supplied is prohibited from making any payment to the men, but pays to the military authorities a sum equal to the wage of the men at the rates current in the district for civilian labour of the kind in question.

Is it not foolish for the Army to take away capable men and send soldiers who are incapable in their place?

May I ask whether it is a fact that the War Office or the Munitions Ministry charge the full rate current in the district for these men, and pay the men only a certain amount of the money, and is, in fact, making a profit out of these men's labour?

There is no question of making a profit out of the men's labour, but the Regulation of the War Office require that the wages that would be paid to the same number of civilians are paid over to the military authorities. The amount paid by the employer is still the same.

Is it not a fact that the War Office or someone in authority gets the difference between what these men get and what the employers pay to other men?

I do not know what the War Office does with the money when they get it. Perhaps the hon. Member will put a question to the War Office.

It is exploiting the soldiers' labour absolutely.

Was there not an understanding on this question that when soldiers were brought back as workmen in these establishments they would be paid not less than the standard rate of wages paid to other people?

I should like notice of that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that I, and a great many others, went down and said so on those instructions many months ago?

So far as the military authorities are concerned, they are under the Regulations of the War Office.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that soldiers are being employed in Woolwich Arsenal on work formerly done by civilians, such as unloading large shells and load trucks, without any extra pay; and whether he will make inquiries with a view to the customary extra pay being granted?

Soldier working parties are temporarily employed at Woolwich Arsenal in connection with the inspection bond and the stores department under an arrangement with the War Office for the supply of such working parties in cases of extreme urgency when civilian labour is not availaible. The conditions as to the pay of soldier working parties are laid down in Army Council Instruction 707 of 1916, and provide that in all cases where troops are lent for such work they should continue in receipt of their military emoluments, working pay, when admissible, being granted at appropriate rates according to the work performed.

What is the proper rate?

Why is it that soldiers are employed at Woolwich Arsenal when only recently some 5,000 men have been discharged? Why are you discharging men and taking on soldiers?

We wanted 20,000 in steel works and blast furnaces, and a large number of unskilled men. Many of the men referred to in Woolwich Arsenal have been drafted off in process of the dilution of labour to other work, and they were skilled workmen.

Seeing that these men are working at very laborious work, does he expect that they are going to work for military wages?

These men work under the Regulations of the War Office, and they are only supplied because in those cases the state of affairs was so bad that application had to be made to the War Office to lend working parties.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recent advances of 3s. per week given to the dockyard workers will apply to the attendants at the Royal Naval Hospital, Great Yarmouth; if he is aware that the men in question only receive 3s. per day and are on duty for not less than sixteen to seventeen hours per day; and if he in tends to take any action in the matter either to have their pay increased or their hours of labour reduced?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The total pay of these attendants now amounts to 29s. 2d. a week, and, in addition, they receive provisions and uniforms. The average working hours are 9¾ a day. The question of pay and conditions of employment have been fully considered recently, and it is not proposed at present to make any further modification.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has now approved the Regulations made by the Statutory Committee on Pensions for supplementary pensions, so as to allow the Committee to proceed to put their scheme into operation? I am aware of the letter addressed to the Committee since this question was put down, but I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman desires to make any further answer?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether the capital sum of £6,000,000 announced by him as a supplement to the flat rate of war pensions, grants, and allowances has been arrived at on the basis of a scale; if so, whether he will publish the scale or such figures and calculations as were before him when he fixed the amount; and (2) whether the Government is prepared to admit the principle that national funds should provide the whole of the amounts necessary to cover the flat rate and the supplement administered by the Statutory Committee in accordance with an approved scale, and also admit the principle that in such administration there shall neither be taken into account nor deducted gifts or allowances from employers or from unions or local or other sources?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the White Paper now issued and to the reply given by the Secretary to the Local Government Board on the 3rd August. It would, I think, be impracticable to adopt the suggestion contained in the second part of Question 78.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there will be the strongest opposition to appropriating private benefactions in relief of State obligations and that this will meet with great opposition from the committee of lord mayors and provosts and municipalities, and also from the trade unions?

There is no intention of appropriating private benefactions for the relief of State obligations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that under the Regulations that have just been issued it is quite clear that private benefactions and also trade union allowances will be taken into account and deducted from the amount of the State pensions?

Was there any intention on the part of the Government of suspending the payment of supplementary grants and pensions when the funds were exhausted?

Yes; it was always intended to pay the whole of the supplementary allowances. The £6,000,000 is merely paid on account in order to meet the charges made upon the Statutory Committee. As regards the point raised by the hon. Member for Liverpool (Mr. Rutherford), the obligations of the State are a matter which has not been definitely determined, and the question in the form in which he puts it has no possible answer except the one which I gave.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the House an opportunity of discussing the matter of principle involved in Question 78?

I understand that the Debate to-morrow will cover this question. Of course I am not the authority to determine that point.

Before we debate this matter to-morrow, will the right hon. Gentleman produce the actuarial report upon which he based his sum of £6,000,000 apart from the figures which are known to be accurate from the casualty list up to the present moment?

That is a long way from the question on the Paper.