asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state the number of the staff of the National War Savings committee at th end of March and at the end of July, respectively; if he can give the cost per week of the work of the Committee; if his figure includes the payments made to speakers acting on behalf of the Committee; and if he can give the number of towns with a population of over50,000 who have established war savings committee of their own?

The number of staff of the National War Savings Committee (excluding voluntary workers and officers lent by other Departments) was thirteen at the end of March and 108 at the end of July. The total expenditure of the Committee from its formation on 9th February till 29th July has been £11,953, or an average of £419 a week, excluding expenditure on printing, stationery, and advertising (for which no separate figures are readily available), and on accommodation (for which the figure is at present about £48 a week). This figure includes payments to speakers of £521 for travelling and out-of-pocket expenses, and £23 12s. 6d. for loss of time. Ninety-four places with a population of over 50,000 have established War Savings Committees:

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state the proposals for the aid of old age pensioners; and when they are to come into operation?

It is proposed to present a statement on this subject to Parliament. I hope it will be available tomorrow.

asked whether a man over eighty years of age who earns 17s. a week in a mill is eligible for an old age pension under the instructions recently issued to pensions officers?

Generally speaking, no question for the reduction or revocation of pension would be raised in the case of an old age pensioner earning 17s. a week.

asked whether any arrangements have been made or are being made with the Italian Government for the compelling of British subjects resident in Italy to return to the United Kingdom to serve in the Army; if so, what opportunity will be afforded them of appealing to tribunals; will separation and other allowances be payable to their dependants in Italy; has any guarantee been received from the Italian Government as to the protection of their property during their absence; and what provision will be made with regard to British subjects who speak only Italian and not English?

I stated on the 18th July, in answer to the lion. Member for North Somerset, that no communication had been addressed to the Italian Government with reference to the possibility of obtaining the services for military purposes of British subjects resident in Italy. That is still the position, and the remaining parts of this question do not, consequently, arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any limit of age after which non-commissioned officers and men are not liable for service at the front?

The answer is in the negative. The whole question depends on a man's fitness for general service.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether ex-soldiers who enlisted at the outbreak of war for service at home in answer to Lord Kitchener's appeal for Army instructors, and who are over the age of forty-five, are now liable for service abroad under the Military Service Act, whereas men with previous service, and over the age of forty-one, who did not come forward in answer to Lord Kitchener's appeal are not liable to any form of service under the Military Service Act?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private W. H. Steam, of the Suffolk Yeomanry, was sent overseas on 31st May; that he had not then attained the age of eighteen; that application has been made on his behalf and an intimation received that he is being employed at the back of the firing line; that the boy's parents wish him sent home immediately; and will he say why the boy is being detained?

An application on this man's behalf was received on the 19th ultimo and was immediately forwarded to the Officer in Charge, Territorial Force Records, at. Warley, for the necessary action in accordance with the instructions given. If the boy is under eighteen years of age he will, if willing, be sent home and transferred to Class W Reserve. If he is now eighteen he will be employed somewhere behind the firing line until he is nineteen, in accordance with the rules now in force.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that the out-patient departments of certain civilian hospitals, factory inspection, school medical work, and various dispensaries are being wholly or in part closed down, and that the munition making and industrial activity of the population is now being carried on under severe stress, he will take steps, as representing the health authority, to issue regulations supplementary to those of the last Military Service Act which shall place a limit to the depletion of medical aid for the civilian population by restricting the continued demand for an excessive enrolment of doctors for service in the Royal Army Medical Corps?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on 12th January and 29th February last on this subject by my right hon. Friend the present Secretary for Scotland. The Public Committees referred to give the most careful consideration in every case to the medical needs of the civil population in each area, and I am assured that every care is taken to choose the doctors in such a way as will meet the pressing needs of His Majesty's Forces with the least possible detriment to the various medical services, private and public, of the civil population.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that two brothers, named Harry, who worked at the Bynea steel werks, Llanelly, and who were conscientious objectors, have been forced into the Army although they worked in a starred industry and were therefore engaged on work of national importance; and will he inquire why such treatment was accorded to these men at a time when 150 soldier workmen are being employed at the Llanelly steel works and the inadequate production of steel is hampering the making of munitions?

I am not acquainted with the facts of these cases, but if application for exemption was made on the ground of conscientious objection only, the tribunal had to decide the application on this ground.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will inquire into the conduct of the Norwich local tribunal who granted certificates of exemption from combatant service to Ernest J. Cornwell and John J. Cornwell, of 54, Spencer Street, Norwich, such certificates being dated 7th July, whereas the postmark shows that these certificates were not sent to the applicants until 18th July, and as these two men were arrested by the military on 2nd June and bad been in prison for about six weeks for refusing to obey military orders as combatant soldiers when their certificates of exemption were received, he will ascertain who is responsible for this dereliction of duty on the part of the tribunal or its officials?

I am making inquiries respecting the cases.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will advise the Brentford Tribunal to rehear the claim for exemption from the Military Service Act made by P. Daly, employed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in view of the following facts: that he is about forty years of age; that the director, instructed by the Board of Agriculture, has certified that Daly is an excellent workman, very steady and conscientious; that the foreman would be sorry to lose his services, especially at the present time; and that the Board are of opinion that he would be very usefully employed in work of national value if allowed to remain in his present situation; and that Lieutenant-Colonel Prismal, while regarding Daly's views as foolish, has certified that he has known Daly to hold his views against military service for twelve years?

Mr. Daly made application for exemption on the ground of a conscientious objection, and his application was, therefore, decided on this ground. I do not think that the facts warrant my intervention. Any application for a rehearing should be made to the Appeal Tribunal which finally decided the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state what is the present position of Frederic Shackleton, a member of the Non-Combatant Corps, who was sent under protest from Felixtowe to France in the month of May, and sent, after the promulgation of his sentence by court-martial, to the military prison at Rouen, on or about the 23rd July, 1916?

I have no information on this subject, but will make inquiry.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he has given his personal consideration to the request made to him in a memorial, dated 25th July, from Evan Parker, of Aberdare, a motor-garage keeper and motor-vehicle repairer, pointing out that his son is absolutely indispensable to his business, and asking for a rehearing of his son's appeal for exemption; and whether he has recommended the tribunal to rehear the case?

The representations made by Mr. Evan Parker were carefully considered and it was felt that sufficient grounds were not disclosed for my intervention. Mr. Parker was informed that any application for a rehearing of the case should be addressed to the tribunal which finally decided it.

asked the Secretary of State for War who is responsible for the appointment of official photographers at the front; which Department bears the expenses entailed; who is responsible for the distribution of official photographs to the Press; to what fund is allocated the receipts from copyright fees paid by newspaper owners and others; and whether, before making any future appointments, recommendations will be invited from the Press Photographers' Association, which is an organisation of working Press photographers?

The official photographers at the front have been appointed by the War Office. The expenses entailed are being met out of the proceeds of sale of the photographs, which are distributed by the Press Bureau to the Press through seven photographic agencies in rotation. The net profits are put to a fund to be used for the support of military charities which are selected by the Army Council. No further appointments are likely to be made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Messrs. Davis, of Enniscorthy, and other millers throughout Ireland, have to buy large quantities of first-crop hay for their horses to enable them to deliver flour and feeding-stuffs to their customers; that so far they have been unable to buy hay by reason of the War Office Regulations; and, in view of the small quantity of Irish hay required by the Government, if he will take steps to enable Irish millers and traders generally to procure their customary hay supplies with as little delay as possible?

All prime first-crop hay is required for overseas shipment and will therefore not be available for home consumption, but the Department has been busily engaged for the past three weeks in releasing upland and other meadow hay for civil use, and large quantities are now available in county Wexford.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for escort duty, for mentally affected soldiers, which often necessitate the absence of the non-commissioned officers and men forming the escorts from their units for two or more days, being undertaken by the Volunteers or by troops detailed for Home service, thereby releasing from this duty men of draft-providing units who are being prepared for service overseas according to a syllabus in which every hour of training is of importance?

The selection of men for escorts is subject to any orders by the brigade commander, in the hands of the commanding officer, who will naturally detail men who can best be spared, e.g., men who are not training for drafts. It is not practicable to call out Volunteers for this purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Private J. Rourty, No. 16,977, D Company, 14th Royal Scots, lately stationed at South Queen's Ferry, has been ordered on active service; and, if so, whether he has been specially examined medically with a view to ascertaining whether he is completely cured of his recent wounds and in no danger of complications setting in to which his previous wounds endangered him?

Yes, Sir. He proceeded to France on 5th August. He was passed fit by a Travelling Medical Board on 1st August, having been wounded on 28th September, 1915.

asked the (Financial Secretary to the War Office whether Mr. J. Wesley Allison has been operating in New York for the War Office; and, if so, in what capacity and to what extent has he purchased picric acid?

I cannot find that this gentleman has been acting for the War Office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it has been decided to pay separation allowance to Mary King, wife of Private A. King, 4th battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, 19 Base Camp, 36th Division, Le Havre, who was married on 20th June, 1916?

Inquiry will be made and my hon. Friend informed as soon as possible.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the present position of Private Robert Dawson, of Knottingley, No. 2980, of the 5th battalion King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry; why his pension has been stopped; and if he is aware that his left eye was blown out by a shell at Ypres and a portion of his face shattered on 5th September, 1915?

I am having inquiry made into this case, and will in due course let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state how many appointments have been and are intended to be made under Section 1 of the Naval and Military War Pensions Act, 1915; at what salary or remuneration; and whether it will be possible in future to appoint only past or present members of His Majesty's Forces to the posts?

Only one permanent appointment has at present been made by the Statutory Committee, namely, that of Accountant, at a salary of £400 a year. The rest of the staff is temporary and consists of about sixty persons, and includes about twenty persons who are acting as volunteers, or whose services have been temporarily lent by Government Departments. I cannot say what further appointments will be made, as the permanent arrangements are at present under consideration, and will require the consent of the Treasury. They must also be dependent on the extent of the work of the Committee which as yet can only be surmised. The Statutory Committee are desirous of appointing past and present Members of His Majesty's Forces, so far as the posts to be filled are suitable for them. My hon. Friend will realise that as regards some of them, namely, the typists, women are better suited than men.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether friendly society benefits are taken into account in determining the amount of any pension?

I presume the hon. Member refers to supplementary pensions to be awarded by the Statutory Committee. Under the Regulations only permanent income is to be taken into account in determining the amount of a supplementary pension, and thus benefits from the friendly societies would only be considered in so far as they partake of this character.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he is aware that Mrs. Ongley, of 134, Rain-ham Road, Chatham, lost her husband in July, 1914, that Mrs. Ongley carried on her husband's small greengrocery business with the assistance of a son, who has since had to be removed to an asylum, and that Mrs. Ongley had shortly after to give up the business; that Mrs. Ongley's sole support is Private Leonard Ongley, No. 33849, 9th Lancers, now in France; that Private Ongley allots his mother 3s 6d. a week, but that no separation allowance has been granted; that on the 2nd of May last the case was fully represented to the Statutory Committee, who, beyond a post- card, have made no reply; that at some date after the 2nd of May Mrs. Ongley was requested to attend a committee of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association at Chatham; that the only relief offered was advice, namely, to give up her house and take a room and go out washing; is he aware that Mrs. Ongley has a lad at home to support; and will he at once arrange with the Statutory Committee or the War Office that separation allowance with arrears be granted to Mrs. Ongley.

I understand that Mrs. Ongley made an application to the Statutory Committee. The question of a separation allowanee in the case is one for the War Office, and the Committee are in communication with that Department with regard to it. I may, however, state that Mrs. Ongley's difficulties do not appear to have arisen out of the War. Her husband, who apparently was not in the Army, died befors the War began. Her soldier son, as I am informed, has been in the Army for about five years, and, presumably, there was no pre-war dependence. The Statutory Committee requested the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association, who are acting in Kent until the local committee are ready to take over the work, to investigate the case. The report of the association was to the effect that Mrs. Ongley appeared to be quite able to support herself.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been called to the case of Violet Kent, a munition worker, of Reidhaven Road, Plumstead, employed by Messrs. Greenwood and Batley, of Westminster; whether he is aware that this girl whilst working in the munition factory noticed that the cover-plate over the crank of another girl's machine had shifted and, believing that a cartridge might fall into the machinery and cause an explosion, tried to replace the plate, with the result that her thumb was caught in the machinery and partly amputated; whether he is aware that it has been decided in Court that the firm are not legally liable for compensation; and whether, in view of the fact that the girl risked her hands in order to preserve, as she believed, the safety of the factory, he will recommend to this controlled firm that something should be done on her behalf?

My attention has not previously been called to this case, but I am causing inquiries to be made into it.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether an Order has been issued under Section 6 of the Munitions of War (Amendment) Act, 1916, prescribing wages for women and girls on munition work not recognised as men's work; whether this Order is to be applied forthwith to controlled firms in the main munition areas engaged in the production of armaments, ammunition, and ordnance, and in all branches of mechanical engineering and shipbuilding; if so, whether he will state to which areas the Order applies, and in particular whether it includes Wolverhampton and the Black Country; the reason for excluding other areas; why controlled firms engaged in electrical engineering, rubber, miscellaneous metal goods, and the other trades coming within the scope of the National Insurance (Part II.) (Munition Workers) Act have not been dealt with under this Order; and whether and, if so, when he proposes to extend the Order so as to cover all women and girl engaged on munitions work?

The answer to the first two parts of this question is in the affirmative. The Order applies practically to the whole of the United Kingdom (including Wolverhampton and the Black Country), with the exception of a limited number of small towns and country districts, the case of which is being specially considered having regard to the special conditions of these districts. The reason why the Order has not been applied forthwith to certain classes of munition work is that it is desired to consider the applicability of the Order to these classes of work more closely. The position of all these classes of work is under careful consideration at the moment, and the application of the Order is being pressed forward. I propose to issue a statement in the course of a few days indicating the occupations to which the Order has been extended and to make certain additions to it.

asked what action is being taken in regard to scheduling as a restricted area parts of Nottinghamshire which have not already been scheduled; and what further restrictions the Central Control (Liquor) Board proposes to introduce?

I am informed by the Central Control Board that a local inquiry into this question has been held, and that the matter is still under consideration.

asked at what cost to the taxpayer the Carlisle Old Brewery Company and twenty-three licensed houses have been acquired in Carlisle?

As indicated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Rutland on the 26th June, the amount cannot be stated in advance of its determination by the Defence of the Realm (Losses) Commission, which will adjudicate upon the claims.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Messrs. Ross T. Smyth and Company, Liverpool, who have been acting as brokers for the purchase of grain for the Government, stated some time ago that they had given up all their usual business; whether they, shortly after their appointment as Government brokers, formed or subsidised a firm named Rathbone Brothers to trade in all classes of grain, flour, etc.; whether Mr. Rathbone, who is principal partner in Ross T. Smyth and Company is also principal partner in Rathbone Brothers; how the Government dealings in grain during the year 1915 turned out; whether they showed a profit or loss; whether the figures of such profit or loss are available; whether the books and accounts of Ross T. Smyth and Company have been inspected by a public auditor; whether Ross T. Smyth and Company previous to August, 1914, were largely interested in flour mills in Austria, Hungary, or Germany; and whether they still hold an interest in any flour mill in any enemy country?

Messrs. Ross T. Smyth and Company are engaged as agents for the purchase of wheat, flour and maize for the British and Allied Governments and from the date of their appointment have, at their own request, gone entirely out of business on their own account. They arranged to transfer a certain part of their business to the firm of Rathbone Brothers, which has been in existence for about 200 years. Neither Mr. H. R. Rathbone nor any other partner in the firm of Ross T. Smyth and Company is a partner in Rathbone Brothers. The purchase of wheat for the British Government was made for the purpose of ensuring a reserve stock in the country as an insurance against the risk of interruption of overseas supplies, and the fall in the price of wheat during 1915, together with the cost of storage, necessarily involved a loss on the transaction. All the operations of Messrs. Ross T. Smyth and Company are under the direction of a Committee on which the Treasury is represented, and the accounts of the firm are closely supervised and checked by a special staff under the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and are subject to audit by the Auditor-General. A full report and accounts will be laid before Parliament in due course. Messrs. Ross T. Smyth and Company have not, and have never had, any interest in flour mills in Austria-Hungary 6r Germany or in any enemy country. I think that the hon. Member will find that his unfounded aspersions upon a firm of extremely high standing will not be approved by members of the corn trade.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the shortage of sugar in the hands of grocers in the West of Scotland and the impossibility of getting their stocks replaced; will he say whether this is due to the action of his Department; and, if so, what is the object to be attained by this method of keeping the public short of supplies in view of the stocks of sugar held by the refiners in Greenock?

There is nothing to show that the shortage of sugar in the West of Scotland is any greater than in other parts of the United Kingdom. I would add that the unsold stocks of sugar in the hands of refiners in Greenock, on 5th August, were equivalent to about half a day's output.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the licences issued by the Petrol Control Committee to veterinary surgeons in Ireland do not in all cases give them the full amount of their demands up to a maximum of 50 gallons per month, and that some veterinary surgeons whose normal requirements for professional purposes alone at this time of the year are 50 gallons per week are being restricted to 30 gallons per month; and if veterinary surgeons who have been limited to a quantity below the maximum of 50 gallons per month will be entitled to receive additional licences to enable them to obtain the maximum allowed to their class?

If the hon. Baronet will furnish me with particulars of any cases which he may have in mind I will see that they are considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that clergymen in rural parishes in Great Britain and Ireland who use motor cycles for their parochial work are experiencing much difficulty in obtaining an adequate supply of petrol; and whether he will direct that special consideration be given to the applications of clergymen and doctors?

It has been necessary to restrict generally the supply of petrol, and I fear that it would not be practicable to give preferential treatment to clergymen. The special position of doctors has been recognised and licences for a larger allowance are given to them than to other classes.

asked whether any restrictions are now being placed on the use of petrol for oil engines by agriculturists and also for lighting purposes by the public; and, if so, to what extent?

It is found necessary at present to restrict licences for supplies in these cases to 60 per cent, of the requirements.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the shareholders in the London and Northern Steamship Company are being asked by their directors to agree to the sale of their whole fleet for £1,250,000, and this with other liquid assets will give £2,000,000 for distribution, and that, after paying the directors £2,000 each and Messrs. Pyman £250,000 for loss of management, the residue will allow of 30s. being paid for each £l preference share and about £50 for the £10 (£7 paid up) ordinary shares, which recently changed hands at about £20; and, seeing that the Excess Profits Tax has made little impression upon the increment in the value of this and other shipping companies due to the War, whether he will at once take steps to acquire the mercantile shipping fleets at a reasonable price based upon their normal value and work them in the interests of the country?

My attention has been called to the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I do not see my way to adopt the course he suggests.

asked the hon. Member for Oswestry, as representing the War Trade Department, if he is aware that the addition of linen duck woven to Class B of prohibited imports has given rise to uncertainty as to the particular class of goods which is intended to be affected by the prohibition, and that, consequently, quantities of goods ready for export to which it is believed the prohibition is not intended to apply are held up from shipment, and the trade is threatened with the stoppage of looms and the throwing out of employment of many workers; and if he will give a more explicit definition of the class of goods to which the prohibition is intended to apply?

The prohibition upon the export of ducks woven was originally to certain countries in Europe only, List C, and I am informed by the Board of Trade, as the Department in charge of these Orders, that the transfer of ducks woven from List C to List B by the Order of Council of the 7th of June was made at the instance of the Ministry of Munitions. I am aware that it is difficult to state with certainty what particular class of goods is affected by this prohibition, and a letter was addressed by the War Trade Department on the 21st July to the Board of Trade drawing their attention to the matter and asking them that steps might be taken to state the prohibitions affecting linen in a more comprehen- sive form. A reply to this letter has now been received asking for further information, which will be given as speedily as possible. I am not aware that quantities of goods ready for export are being held up from shipment, but I will make inquiries with a view to minimise any difficulty which may have arisen.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the difficulty in importing bulbs from Holland for the ordinary purposes of the English market; will he state to what this difficulty is due; and whether there is any likelihood in future of licences for importation being more readily granted?

The prohibition on the importation of bulbs from Holland was established with the sole object of saving tonnage. No licences are being granted and I am not prepared to authorise the issue of any in the immediate future.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether all necessary steps have been taken to notify shipowners of the prohibition of the import of hops; whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to why freights were lowered on hops from Atlantic ports to England from 4.50 dollars to 3.10 dollars per 100 lbs. on 7th June; and will he state the latest date of any shipment at Atlantic ports?

The Prohibition of Import (No. 6) Proclamation which prohibits the importation of hops among other articles, was brought to the notice of the public in the same manner as all other prohibitions of import. I see no sufficient reason for making the inquiries suggested in the second part of the question, and with regard to the last part I have no sources of information other than those which are open to the hon. and gallant Gentleman.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, with regard to the first batch of cases in the county of Roxburgh, under the Lighting Order No. 1, for failing to obscure sufficiently the lights on the premises of the persons charged, in which Sheriff-substitute Baillie sentenced Mr. Mathew Carstairs Noble to pay a fine of £7 10s. and Mrs. Noble, his wife, to pay a fine of £7 10s.,, whether any previous conviction or any atrocious or aggravating circumstance was charged, proved, or admitted in either case; whether the learned judge found that Mr. Noble was not at home at the time but in some other place in the burgh of Jedburgh, and that the guilt of Mrs. Noble consisted in negligence; and whether, as no appeal is allowed by the law to a higher judicial tribunal, and as excessive fines are denounced in the Bill and Declaration of Rights for England, and exorbitant and extraordinary fines are denounced in the Declaration of the Estates of the Kingdom of Scotland, containing the Claim of Right and the offer of the Crown to their Majesties King William and Queen Mary, dated 11th April, 1689, he will make inquiry into all the circumstances of these cases to ascertain whether the amounts of these fines should be reduced?

Full inquiry was made into these cases by my right hon. Friend who preceded me as Secretary for Scotland, with the result that he found no reason for his interference, and I do not propose to reopen them.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Irish prison warders and wardresses have yet received the increase in pay promised some time ago; and if he will say the amount of increase recommended?

It was only yesterday that the General Prisons Board forwarded to the Irish Government their proposals in this matter, which will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the number of exemption declarations made under the Vaccination Act, 1907, for the year 1915?

Owing to reduction of staff the compilation of statistics has had to be postponed, and I am not at present in a position to supply the figure desired.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to a letter signed by a person named T. Wilson, from the union office, Kingston-on-Thames, to wives of absentee soldiers who have obtained the exemption of their children from vaccination, stating that a declaration by the mother will not relieve the father from penalties if he would otherwise have been liable to them, and therefore the penalties will be enforced unless the father makes the declaration; will he say whether a declaration by a mother instead of a father is accepted; and what steps he proposes to take to prevent such terrorism of the soldiers' wives by threats against their husbands?

The hon. Member has been good enough to send me the communication referred to in the question. I am making inquiries into the matter, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners (1) whether his attention has been called to the recommendation passed by the National Insurance Acts Committee of the British Medical Association to the effect that no insured person should, because he is suffering from venereal disease, be refused sickness benefit if, in the opinion of his medical attendant, he cannot be efficiently treated without enforced rest; whether he pro- poses to take any action; and (2) whether his attention has been called to the rule generally adopted by approved societies which precludes any person suffering from illness due to his own fault from receiving sickness benefit; whether he is aware that the Koyal Commission on Venereal Diseases has reported that the effect of this rule is to prevent persons suffering from the primary stages of venereal disease from subjecting themselves to a proper course of treatment which would involve cessation from work for a period; whether he is aware that in its primary stages this disease is very amenable to curative treatment, while in its later stages it has disastrous effects upon the patient himself and upon future generations; whether it has been represented to him that in the long run the funds of the approved societies would benefit by encouraging patients to subject themselves to proper treatment in the early stages; and whether he proposes to take any action?

I beg to refer my hon. Friend, in reply to the two questions which he has addressed to me on the Papers for to-day, to the answers given by me to the hon. Member for Oldham on the 31st July and to the hon. Member for the Thornbury Division of Gloucester on the 2nd August.