asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Foreign Office has received official information that a large number of British prisoners of war have been sent to work in Russian Poland as a measure of retaliation for the treatment received by German prisoners working at British camps in France; whether favourable reports upon these camps have been received from the American Embassy in Paris; and whether the refusal by the State Department at Washington to allow them to be published prolongs the period of hardship which British prisoners are being compelled to undergo?

A large number of British prisoners of war have been sent to work in Russian territory in German occupation. With regard to the second part of the question, I regret to state that the German Government have so far refused to allow the United States Embassy at Berlin to visit these prisoners; there are, therefore, no reports to publish. A report on the camp at Rouen, where German prisoners of war are employed, was published in the Press on the 11th August. It is most unsatisfactory that the German Government have not the common fairness to allow United States inspection of British prisoners working in Poland, as we have from the beginning allowed and invited inspection of German prisoners taken by us but working in France. It is to be hoped that one result of the War will be to make them understand that ill-treatment of prisoners is disadvantageous to themselves.

How are we to make them understand?

We must wait until the end of the War.

Is there not at least one other camp to which German prisoners are sent in France, and are we going to have a report upon them?

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

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Library did not get a copy of the report published in the Press last Thursday?

I will inquire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the treatment and condition of the British prisoners of war from Kut-el-Amara, who are reported to have been removed to Angora and other places in Asia Minor?

We have received no further official information as to the prisoners' treatment and condition since my reply of the 7th August to the hon. Member for Bethnal Green was given. As stated in that reply, the United States Embassy at Constantinople send clothing, comforts and money to the prisoners as soon as their arrival at an internment camp is known. I have no doubt that they will send us further information shortly. The main cause of our uneasiness as to the treatment of our prisoners of war by the Turks is their refusal to allow them to be visited by American officials. This appears to be due to the perversity or worse of the Turkish Government. Individual Turkish officers have by all accounts generally behaved with humanity and consideration to British prisoners. As I stated in my answer on Monday last, we have heard of the arrival of a considerable number of British prisoners at various places of internment, and several private messages received from them are, I understand, of a reassuring character.

asked if the official Reports received show that the Act to deal with enemy traders in neutral countries has been a success; and will he say how many German firms have been condemned and placed on the black list in South America?

Reports received show that the objects aimed at are being gradually accomplished. There are 443 names on the Statutory Lists for South America, of which the majority are those of German firms or persons.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information as to the reported defeat of Austrian troops in Albania and Montenegro, and as to the position of affairs at present in these two countries?

I have received, and read in the Press, reports as to disturbances in Montenegro and Albania, but I have received no reliable information or confirmation regarding these incidents. As regards the second part of the question, I regret to state that it is to be feared from reports which have reached the Foreign Office that very great suffering prevails in those two countries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade how many resolutions he has received from various organisations in the different parts of the country protesting against the Board of Trade giving power to the South Wales colliery owners to increase their price of coal from 4s. to 6s. 6d. over and above the pre-war prices; if he is aware that it means increasing the price of coal from at least 4s. per ton over and above the prices paid before the extra 2s. 6d. was put on; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

About twenty resolutions have been received. I am afraid I do not follow the second part of the question, as an increase in the maximum price of 2s. 6d. should not produce an increase of 4s. in the prices charged.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the organised workers of South Wales and in this country have protested in a most emphatic manner against the action of the President of the Board of Trade, and whether he thinks if he had come to this House for permission it would have been absolutely refused?

I said that resolutions of protest have been received.

Is it not a fact that when prices are increased at the pit's mouth the merchants and the dealers put something on that price?

There has been an arrangement made between merchants in London and in the large provincial towns to prevent that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that large gas consuming corporations are to-day being charged by coal owners anything up to 4s. a ton above the standard price fixed under the Act?

Do the Government intend to keep to the price as fixed, or are they going to make any alteration? Do you think you are going to get the support of the Labour party if you exploit the consumers in this way?

asked whether any decision has been reached in regard to the application received from the coalowners of the Forest of Dean for permission to increase the price of coals; whether he is aware that the owners of this district at the time of the passing of the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act were granted the concession of charging 5s. per ton above pre-war prices, as compared with 4s. a ton to other owners; whether he is aware that some collieries in this district have made large profits in consequence; will he state on what grounds the owners now apply for a further concession, seeing that nearly the whole of the coal produced in this district is for home consumption; and what steps, if any, the Board of Trade proposes to take to ascertain the cost of production in this district since the passing of the Act?

I have not yet been furnished with definite particulars of working costs in this case. As I informed the hon. Member on the 24th July, the application was made by the Forest of Dean Joint Minimum Wage Board on behalf of the miners as well as the owners, and it is largely based on wages considerations. The increase of the standard amount to 5s. was granted in order to avoid a reduction of wages, and only operates for a portion of the year, and I have no reason to think that large profits have been made in consequence of this increase.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the transfer of linen duck woven from List C to List B of prohibited imports has caused uncertainty in the linen trade as to the particular class of goods affected by the prohibition, with the result that goods are being held up from shipment and the stoppage of looms and the throwing out of employment of many workers is threatened; and if he will take steps to have the prohibitions affecting linen stated in a more comprehensive form?

As stated in the reply given by my hon. Friend the Member for Oswestry to the question put by the hon. Baronet on the 9th instant, I am in communication with the War Trade Department on this subject. I hope to be in a position to deal with the whole question at an early date.

asked if any petrol has been allotted to alien enemies in this country; and if he is aware that Germans are taking joy-rides in the parks whilst munition firms on urgent war work cannot obtain the necessary supply?

Alien enemies are prohibited under the Aliens Restriction Orders from being in possession of any motor car or motor cycle, without the permission of the registration officer of their district, and I understand that the prohibition is strictly enforced. Everything possible is being done to assist munition firms in the matter of licences for petrol.

If I bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend the name of an alien who drives a motor car about London will he immediately take steps to deprive him of petrol?

I shall be glad to consider that suggestion.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will ascertain the period during which the prohibition of the export of petrol and benzine from Roumania was effective, and whether or not there has been any prohibition of export from Roumania of kerosine, lubricating and fuel oils, or of any other of the various petroleum products which are necessities of war?

I will have inquiry made.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the Shell Transport and Trading Company have no information as to the business of the Astra Romana Company, i.e., as to the quantities of petrol, benzine, kerosene, and other petroleum products which have been sold or delivered by that company to enemy countries during the War, or as to the value of the products so supplied to enemy countries, or as to the amount of profits derived therefrom, he can request the Shell Company to obtain such information from their partners, the Bataafsche Company, which, having paid dividends in respect of the profits made by their subsidiary companies in the years 1914 and 1915, are presumably in possession of the information or, if not, can easily obtain it, seeing that there is free postal communication between Holland and Roumania?

I do not at present propose to have further inquiries made into the business of the Astra Romana Company, which is incorporated in Roumania and is not under the control of any British company.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the members of the Sheffield Tribunal have threatened to resign their office on account of the failure of the military authorities to allow the attendance before the tribunal of a man whose certificate of exemption the tribunal had decided to review on the application of the military representative; whether he is aware that the chairman stated that the man had been passed into the Army wrong fully, having been given exemption for three months and the period not having expired; and whether he will arrange with the War Office that all men under their control whose cases are to be heard before the tribunals shall be given an opportunity to be present at the hearing?

I am in communication with the War Office respecting this matter.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if, in the circular issued by him for the information of the military service tribunals, giving particulars of some fifty cases which have been decided by the Central Tribunal, there is no instance of two common types of cases which the tribunals have to decide, namely, what constitutes a moral conscientious objection as distinct from a religious or political objection, and there is no decision on the point as to whether the work of a professional school teacher is work of national importance and if such work might, in connection with a conscientious objection to military service, be regarded as fulfilling the conditions of the Act; and will he, therefore, have two cases of these classes submitted to the Central Tribunal for their determination?

It is for the Central Tribunal to decide cases which come before them in the ordinary course. They also determine of which of their decisions it is desirable to circulate particulars. I understand that a decision will shortly be circulated with regard to a claim for exemption on conscientious objection based on moral grounds. It is for the tribunal granting an exemption to determine on what work of national importance a man shall be engaged as a condition of exemption.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the conditions under which prisoners are confined in the detention cells at Great Scotland Yard, where, on a recent occasion, some conscientious objectors were detained all night in a cell about 20 ft. by 10 ft., in which about twenty persons were assembled; that there were no sanitary arrangements beyond an open pail for these twenty persons; and will he take immediate steps to have such a state of things altered?

As a result of the inquiries made up to the present in regard to this matter, it has not been found possible to obtain confirmation of the facts as stated in the question. I should be obliged if the hon. Member would furnish me with further particulars as to the date of the occurrence he mentions, and as to the names of any men who were concerned.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Chester and West Cheshire Appeal Tribunal, on the 8th instant, refused the appeal of Mr. George Beardsworth, of Birkenhead, on the ground that his objection to military service was political and not conscientious, although Mr. Beardsworth called witnesses to prove that he had a moral objection to war previous to August, 1914, and that from the attitude of the members of the tribunal it was clear that they were influenced against Mr. Beardsworth by the fact that he is a Socialist and that he has taken part in the opposition to Conscription; whether he will instruct the tribunal that a moral objection to war, apart from a religious objection, is recognised as a ground for exemption by the Act; and what action he proposes to take in this particular case?

I am not acquainted with the facts of this case; but I have no reason to think that the Appeal Tribunal are not aware that exemption may be granted in respect of a conscientious objection based on moral grounds, and I do not see sufficient reason for my intervention. I propose to send to the tribunal a copy of the hon. Member's question and of my reply.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Salford Hundred Appeal Tribunal, on the 8th instant, refused the appeal of Mr. Charles Dukes, East Lancashire organiser of the Gas Workers and General Labourers' Union, although his anti-militarist views have beer, well known in the district for years; and what action he proposes to take?

I am aware of the decision of the Appeal Tribunal and do not see any reason for my intervention. The appeal was made on conscientious grounds and the Appeal Tribunal are obviously in a much better position than I am to judge of the merits of the case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a wagon builder by the name of W. Hallsworth, who worked for the Gittis Wagon Building Company, Penistone, Yorkshire, for many years, was discharged on 20th July for trade union activity; if he is aware that the management allowed some one to write on the man's discharge note, "Wanted for military"; whether he exceeded his duty by to doing; whether he is aware that the man started work at Oammel, Lairds, Penistone, on 1st August, breaking shell; is he aware that on 3rd August, at 5.50 p.m., he received a military note to appear before the military authority at Barnsley on 4th August at 9.30; if he is aware that Major Skinner, of Barnsley, and the manager of the wagon works of Penistone, are personal friends; if BO, does it look like collusion between the two persons to get the man into the Army; whether wagon building is a reserved occupation; whether the man in question was entitled to at least fourteen days' notice before being called up; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I am having inquiry made about this man's case, and when the necessary information is received it will be communicated to my hon. Friend, with his permission, by letter.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will order the immediate transfer to a non-combatant corps of Private G. R. E. Murray, No. 4033, C Company, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, now stationed at Bedford, seeing that this man has a certificate of exemption from combatant service granted to him by the Urms-ton local tribunal; and seeing that this man has been illegally and deliberately attached to a combatant unit notwithstanding his protests, will suitable punishment be inflicted upon the military authorities responsible for this outrage?

I have made inquiries into this case and I am informed by the Officer Commanding 2/5th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, that it was first brought to his notice on the 3rd August, when he found on investigation that Private Murray held an exemption certificate from combatant service. So far as the evidence available shows it was the man's own fault for not stating earlier that he held a non-combatant certificate. Steps were at once taken by the Commanding Officer for the transfer of Private Murray to the Non-Combatant Corps, and the matter is being dealt with accordingly.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government still adhere to the declaration that the National Registration Act should not be made the ground on which to enforce compulsory military service; whether he is aware that the fact of registration is being taken as sufficient evidence of ordinary residence in Great Britain in the case of Irishmen whose names appear upon the register and that migratory labourers who filled registration forms in Great Britain last year are being served with notices to join the Colours under the Military Service Act and are being treated as deserters if they fail to appear; and what steps it is proposed to take in the matter?

When the question of National Registration was before Parliament, the Government had not come to a decision to introduce compulsory military service, but my hon. Friend will clearly realise that after Parliament has passed Acts enforcing compulsory military service the information provided by the National Register must be used for purposes connected with the administration of these Acts. As my hon. Friend is aware, under the Military Service Acts the question whether a man is ordinarily resident in Great Britain can only be decided in case of dispute by the Civil Courts. Irish labourers who come over to Great Britain as temporary harvest labourers and who do not remain in Great Britain after the harvest period do not come within the provisions of the Military Service Acts, and if such a man gets a notice calling him up he has only to see the recruiting officer upon the matter and satisfy him that he is a temporary harvest labourer.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that numbers of these men who are excepted from the Act and who are undoubtedly entitled to exemption according to law have been arrested within the past few days in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, denied the opportunity of getting food or putting on their clothes, and have been marched down handcuffed through the streets in many cases; and whether I drew attention to the matter a fortnight ago, and that up to the present nothing whatever seems to have beep done?

May I supplement my hon. Friend's question by asking the hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that labour is very deficient, not only in agriculture, but in other industries in this country; whether, at this very moment, some of the manufacturers of munitions are making a serious effort to supplement the deficiency of the staffs at their disposal by importing Irish labour; and whether proceedings like this are calculated to encourage the efforts to bring Irish labour to this country?

I am afraid I cannot carry the matter very much further. I will consult with my Noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State to see what steps can be taken. I hope some satisfactory steps will be taken.

Will the hon. Gentleman at the same time consider whether the Government ought not to apply the Military Service Act to Ireland?

Will the hon. Gentleman also consider whether the best solution of this matter is not to repeal the Military Service Act in this country and give us the same freedom as the Irish have?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the new position assumed by the authorities at Motherwell is that after twenty-eight days' residence there Irish immigrants are officially regarded as ordinarily resident in Great Britain; and will he take steps to see that the law is carried out in this respect?

I will see that that point is very carefully considered. Speaking off-hand, I cannot imagine that a residence of twenty-eight days only can be taken as bringing a man within the Act.

In view of the unsatisfactory notice of the reply and the great need of clearing up the whole question so that we may know where we are, I beg to give notice that I shall ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House.

asked the President of the Local Government Board how many prosecutions there have been under the Act prohibiting increases in ordinary rants during the War; and whether his reports up to the present show that the Act has answered its purpose?

The Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915, does not authorise prosecutions, but any increase in the standard rent or standard rate of interest is made irrecoverable. I have no administrative authority under the Act, and no reports are required to be made to me respecting it, but I have no reason to suppose that speaking generally it is not serving its purpose.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Civil Liabilities Committee are prepared to consider the case of indentured apprentices who have had to break their indentures on being called up for service?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As at present advised, I doubt whether a case of this kind would be covered by the Regulations.

Supposing a lad who had paid a considerable amount of money were called up compulsorily and his employers refused to meet him, could not he apply to the Civil Liabilities Committee?

My hon. Friend knows the Regulations as well as I do, and, as I have said, it is doubtful whether the case he mentions is covered by them.

Will my right hon. Friend consider the advisability of making a supplementary Regulation dealing with this matter?

That is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether he has yet been able to arrange the promised conference between representatives of the mayors and provosts and the representatives of the Statutory Committee?

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool had an interview with the Vice-Chairman of the Statutory Committee and myself last week, and suggested a date in September as probably the most convenient for the conference with representatives of the mayors and provosts. The matter was left in his hands to arrange.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the date of the conference has been fixed so late as 26th September?

The date was provisionally fixed for 26th September because the Lord Mayor of Liverpool did not think that he could get a committee together before, but if he finds that he can get a committee together before that date we shall be very glad.

asked the Prime Minister whether there is at present an almost complete absence of co-ordination in respect of the payment and administration of pensions, separation allowances, and civil liabilities of soldiers and sailors and their dependants: whether the work is divided between such institutions and committees as the War Office, the Admiralty, Greenwich Hospital, the Chelsea Commissioners, the Statut6ry Committee, the Civil Liabilities Committee, the Appeals Committee, and the National Relief Committee; whether this frequently involves much uncertainty, overlapping, and delay and inequality of treatment; and whether he will consider the question of obtaining greater uniformity of treatment and efficiency of administration by placing the treatment of all soldiers, sailors, and those dependent on them under a Department directly responsible to this House?

I can assure my hon. Friend that his suggestion will have the sympathetic consideration of the Government, though I am happy to think he somewhat exaggerates the defects of the present arrangements.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the number of soldiers who have been discharged to their homes, still suffering or not thoroughly recovered from injuries to their nervous system caused either by wounds or shell shock, who, from want of an institution where they can get expert diagnosis and skilful treatment, suffer a relapse and eventually become certifiably insane; and whether he will direct the Statutory Committee to give attention to the need for such an institution?

asked the Minister of Munitions what provision is made for the care and medical treatment of discharged soldiers and sailors in the rank and file who have become disabled for service by reason of nervous shock; and specially whether any facilities exist except such as are under lunacy control?

This question should have been addressed to me as representing the Statutory Committee. Perhaps I may be allowed to answer at the same time Question No. 29, addressed to the Minister of Munitions by the hon. Member for the Chertsey Division. The Statutory Committee are giving very careful consideration to the question of institutions or some alternative treatment for uncertifiable nerve-shaken soldiers. I am informed that under the arrangements made by the War Office such men are retained in military hospitals as long as they require specialist medical in-patient treatment.

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed that my question is directed to men who have been discharged and who, therefore, are men over whom the War Office has no jurisdiction?

I have already informed my hon. Friend that the Statutory Committee are giving very careful consideration to alternative methods of treating these cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Press Bureau, in a statement issued to the Press at 6.30 p.m. on 9th August, placed at the disposal of the newspapers an official defence of the War Pensions Statutory Committee, its work and methods, and emphasising the fact that the supplementary Grants are not given as a right but merely to meet hardship in exceptional cases, and that the Press were advised that if they made use of the statement, serial number C 2,355, nothing should he published to indicate its origin; and will he explain why the Press were forbidden to disclose the official source of the information and upon what grounds the Press Bureau claims to impose such restrictions in respect of matters that have nothing to do with naval or military operations or national defence?

I understand that the War Pensions Committee thought it would be useful to draw public attention to certain considerations relating to War pensions, with a view to removing misapprehensions, but did not think it necessary to put forward these considerations in official form. The Press Bureau acted as the means of communicating the statement to the Press. The statement was not a defence of the War Pensions Committee: it merely drew attention to certain points in connection with their statutory duties which had been overlooked; and it was in order to avoid giving it an appearance of official authority that the newspapers were asked not to treat it as a Press Bureau communiqué.

Are we to understand that the various Government Departments are to issue statements to the Press, not dealing with naval or military matters but with matters of domestic controversy, and to instruct the Press at the same time that they are not to print or disclose the source from which these statements come? Does the right hon. Gentleman not think that is a very grave departure, and can be carried a very considerable distance with regard to Government statements?

I must say I do not think that the practice is desirable.

Is it not the case that the statement issued by the Press Bureau referred to the Debate in the House of Commons and dealt with the question whether or not the Grants made by the Statutory Committee are superimposed upon the flat rate, which is a very debatable point; and are we to understand that Members who deal with subjects in this House by way of debate are to be answered by what appear to be spontaneous statements in the Press, but which really emanate from Government sources?

For the contents of the communiqué I must refer my hon. Friend to the Department concerned. The Press Bureau was merely the vehicle.

Will the right hon. Gentleman allow his Department to be made the vehicle of any Ministerial statement which ought to be given in the House of Commons?

Will ordinary Members have the advantage of this vehicle for making their views known?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state how many messengers and porters, temporary and permanent, serving in Government Departments are in receipt of salaries of less that 40s. per week; whether none of these Civil servants have received a war bonus; and whether, in view of the increase in the cost of living, the Treasury will reconsider the question of granting a war bonus to the lower-paid classes in the Civil Service?

The information asked for in the first part of the question could not be obtained without an undue expenditure of time and labour. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. The question of granting a war bonus to the lower-paid classes in the Civil Service is under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether Treasury notes are accepted as legal tender in Scotland by post offices; and, if so, why Scottish bank notes are not accepted except at a discount in England?

Under the provisions of the Currency and Bank Notes Act, 1914, currency notes issued by the Treasury are legal tender throughout the United Kingdom. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave him on the 7th instant.

Why cannot my right hon. Friend make that rule applicable to Scottish notes in England?

That is quite impossible; Scottish notes were not legal tender before the War; they were only made-legal tender in Scotland for the time being.

Is it the case that Scottish notes were not legal tender before the War?

No, Sir.

You said so just now.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make a provisional arrangement for the duration of the War whereby men in uniform can receive full value for Scottish bank notes at any post office?

As regards the question of the encashment of Scottish notes at English post offices, I fear I cannot add anything to my previous replies on this subject, but I will communicate with the War Office and ascertain whether in the case of Scottish soldiers any further facilities for cashing Scottish notes in other parts of the United Kingdom can be given through Army paymasters.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that if you present an English note in such a condition that the number appears on it you can get 20s. for it, whereas it you present a Scottish note which is defaced you do not get full value for it? Why have English notes this preference?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether an unmarried workman, and the sole support of other members of the family under sixteen years of age, is entitled to a rebate on his Income Tax; and, if so, to what extent?

An unmarried workman is entitled, for Income Tax purposes, to the ordinary statutory allowances, e.g., for exemption, abatement, life insurance premiums, etc. The Income Tax Acts do not authorise any allowance in respect of the support of relations other than children.

asked the Postmaster-General if persons of enemy origin are allowed to send telegrams mentioning a Member of this House by name in an abusive manner; and whether, in the case of an unsigned telegram of this character, he will reveal the name and address given by the sender or at least state whether the original document indicates a similarity to German handwriting?

Telegrams containing grossly offensive matter are not allowed to be transmitted. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any offensive telegram which has been sent forward, I will endeavour to trace it. The contents of a telegram cannot be made public except on subpoena, but a telegram is usually shown to an addressee or his authorised agent, on application.

Are we to understand from that reply that any of these Germans who are knocking about with this freedom can go to any telegraph office and send abusive telegrams mentioning Members of Parliament by name; and have we no redress?

If they are offensive they will not be allowed to be transmitted. If they are inoffensive they are bound to be accepted.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that unsigned telegrams referring to a Member of this House by name and saying that amazing charges will be brought against him, that he is a desperate character, and so on—does he consider that his Department is the proper vehicle for the transmission of that without disclosing who is the offender?

Of course I cannot say who is the individual referred to, and so I cannot say whether those terms might be offensive or otherwise. But if the hon. Member will only send me particulars of any cases I will investigate them at once.

Is it not the rule that in the case of telegrams unsigned on the face, the name and address of the sender have to be written on the back?

That is so.

Will the right hon. Gentleman disclose the name of the sender if he thinks the circumstances warrant it, in order that proceedings may be taken to stop it?

On subpoena the telegram containing the whole of the particulars will be produced in Court, and if the Court decided that the telegram should be made public it would then become public property; but otherwise I have no justification for publishing any telegram.

I quite accept that.

Has a Minister access to telegrams sent to Members of this House?

Not unless he has got the authority through the Court on a subpœna

Does the same rule apply to letters?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will say why, when the change in the King's Regulations affecting promotions to Admirals of the Fleet was promulgated on the 1st August, 1914, the Board's decisions as to qualifications were kept secret from the admirals who by their decisions were debarred from attaining the rank they would have been promoted to by the old Regulations?

It is neither usual nor necessary to publish decisions which are intended for guidance in administering Regulations. In this particular case, so far, only one officer has been selected since the Regulations were changed in 1914, and he was eligible both under the old and the new qualifications.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the first officer to whom this Regulation applies is an admiral who has been Commander-in-Chief twice, and who in his younger career was mentioned three times in dispatches, and who, if these Regulations had not been brought up, would have been Admiral of the Fleet next February or March?

I am not aware of that.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government of British Columbia has made arrangements whereby electors entitled to vote for members of the Legislative Assembly can record their votes while in England or on active service at the front; and, if so, whether he will have printed and published as a White Paper a statement describing the electoral machinery employed for this purpose?

Yes, Sir; but it has not been found possible to provide facilities for voting except in Great Britain. The arrangements for voting are set out in the Acts of the Provincial Legislature, and I will place a copy in the Library of the House as soon as copies reach me.

Is that election going on at present in this country?

I understand that it is.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Major Sir Francis Vane volunteered in August, 1914, for duty on the Staff; that he had acted in a staff capacity during the South African War under Lord Nicholson and Colonel Lambert, who reported favourably upon him; and whether, instead of being relegated to unemployment for having given information concerning the murders on 26th April in the Portobello Barracks, he will now receive some Staff appointment?

It is possible that Temporary Captain Sir Francis Vane volunteered in August, 1914, for duty on the Staff, but if he did so, he only did what hundreds of others did, including many who had had previous Staff service during the South African War. The reason suggested, in the third part of the question, for Sir Francis Vane's being now unemployed is not correct, and the answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary for State for War whether he is aware that the three officers who reported adversely on Major Sir Francis Vane were retained in command of troops for twelve months from October, 1914, and that they successfully passed the medical examination for active service in July, 1915; and whether he can give the reasons why these three officers were removed from their commands within two months of their departure for the front?

No, Sir, I see no reason why exception should be made to the standing rule against the disclosure of the reasons why officers have been removed from their command.

asked the Prime Minister whether steps can be taken to secure that the contents of private letters and telegrams examined under the censorship are not made available or used for purposes other than naval and military services and the defence of the realm?

asked the Prime Minister whether steps will be taken to secure that the contents of private letters and telegrams examined under the censorship are not made available or used for purposes other than naval and military services and the defence of the realm?

The contents of private 'letters and telegrams examined tinder the censorship are not made available or used for purposes other than naval or military services and the defence of the realm. Information likely to conduce to the successful prosecution of the War is, and must be, passed to the Government Department concerned.

asked the Prime Minister whether the arbitration between the War Office and the National Relief Fund has yet been concluded; and, if so, what amount has been agreed upon?

The arbitration has not been concluded.

When is this arbitration going to be concluded?

I do not know.

I will raise the question oh the Adjournment to-night unless it is concluded. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that £2,500,000 of money which belongs to the fund and which was raised for certain purposes is at the present moment in the hands of the War Office and, until this matter is determined, cannot be devoted to those purposes?

My hon. Friend must see that when a mattes is referred to arbitration it must be left to the arbitrator. The arbitrator is not under the control of the War Office, and it would be most improper if he were.

asked the Secretary of; State for War if many complaints are reaching this country from men serving at the front at Salonika about the shortage of rations; and if he is in a position to give a reassuring statement on the point?

I am informed by the General Officer Commanding that there is no foundation for this complaint.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that certain complaints have reached this country?

I have heard of them and have been in communication with the General Officer Commanding, who says there is no foundation for them.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Australian Government has rejected a British firm's offer of six 11,000-ton steamers on account of the price; and whether he will advise the Government to commandeer the six steamers in question at cost price for the benefit of the nation?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The statement in the first part of the question is not correct, as the Commonwealth Government do not propose to purchase additional ships. The question of commandeering therefore does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government of New Zealand have decided to commence a State line of 20,000-ton steamers of about 20 knots to run between New Zealand and Great Britain, with a view of keeping down shipping freights; and if the Government will build a number of steamers of about the same size to be used for the same purpose?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. I have seen a Press statement on this subject, but have no further information. It is not proposed to take the course suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the amount of time and labour, occupied by the Ministers and officials of the Government Departments in the preparation of answers, both oral and written, to questions to Ministers; and whether, having regard to the pressure on Ministers and officials at the present time, he will consider the advisability of limiting by Standing Order the number of questions by any individual Member to a total number not exceeding two per sitting?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, may I ask him whether he is aware that questions are now about the only means which private Members have left to them of getting any public information at all?

I am well aware of the time and labour expended by Ministers and their Departments in the preparation of answers to Parliamentary questions, and I have often pointed this out to the House. I should indeed be glad if this strain could be somewhat relieved. The daily number of questions, however, is not regulated by Standing Order, but by the custom of the House, and I should hesitate to propose a Standing Order on the somewhat stringent lines suggested, unless I were persuaded that such a proposal would meet with the universal consent of the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the general feeling of the House through the usual channels?

indicated assent.

What are the usual channels?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has taken steps to ensure the widest diffuson throughout the British Empire and neutral countries generally of the essential facts of the patriotic demonstrations in this country at the close of the second year of the War?

Yes, Sir, I am satisfied that all possible steps have been taken to make the facts referred to widely known throughout neutral countries. With regard to the British Empire, the demonstrations were organised this year, as last, by the Central Committee for National Patriotic Organisations (of which I am the hon. president), under the chairmanship of Mr. Harry Cust, to whom, together with his fellow workers, the Government and the country owe a great debt of gratitude for their unremitting services throughout the War. On both occasions meetings were held in every part of the United Kingdom and of the British Empire, and an identical resolution was passed. Many meetings were also held in the Allied countries.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, in reply to a deputation of women's suffrage societies, the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs stated that he would not assent to any alteration in the franchise, even for the purpose of giving a vote to men risking their lives in the service of the country, unless it was accompanied by enfranchisement for women; and whether this complication of a measure of justice to those serving in the Army, by stipulating that it shall be accompanied by a measure on which there is a wide divergence of opinion, has the approval of the Cabinet?

My Noble Friend informs me that the first part of the question does not give an accurate version of his speech; with regard to the second part of the question, I shall make a statement on the subject of registration this afternoon.

asked the Prime Minister if he will take immediate steps to amend the Order in Council establishing the Central Control Liquor Board so as to provide that the Orders of the Board shall be under the control of the Minister of Munitions or of some other Minister responsible to this House?

I will bring this suggestion to the notice of my colleagues.

asked the Prime Minister whether, as an alternative to setting up separate Committees to inquire into the education question, he will appoint a Minister as President of the Board of Education who has not only sympathy for better education of the people, but a wide knowledge of the subject; and whether the Government has any intention of carrying out a reform, the necessity of which is generally acknowledged, namely, the provision of day-time continuation classes for boys and girls as a supplement to elementary education?

As no vacancy in this Office has yet been announced the first part of the question does not arise; the matter mentioned in the second part is being investigated by a Departmental Committer appointed by the President of the Board of Education, and their recommendations will be carefully considered by the Government.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is in fact anybody holding the office of the President of the Board of Education?

Oh, yes, Sir. It is continued to be held for the moment by my right hon. Friend. It will be filled up in a day or two.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to put this office on full equality with other offices in the Cabinet, in view of its great importance to the nation?

Yes, Sir, I hope I shall.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether women doctors are now being employed upon foreign service under the War Office; and, if so, whether they are entitled to receive the same pay as male doctors so employed; whether they are given the same allowances for rations, foreign service, etc., as the men; and, if not, what is the reason for this differentiation?

Women doctors will receive the same pay and allowances as male doctors similarly employed.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German officers and men were found among the prisoners taken by the British in the recent fighting in Egypt?

Between the 3rd of August and the evening of 11th August the number of Germans captured was twenty-five rank and file.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the second-line Yeomanry regiments are going to be used for foreign service; and if he is aware that there is a feeling of disappointment among the officers and men owing to the way in which they have been treated?

I cannot, I fear, add anything to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for the Devizes Division on the 13th July.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether contracts for the supply of jam to the Army are open to tender, or whether they are now being confined to a small number of firms without competition; and, if they are being so confined, by what means prices are fixed?

Contracts for the supply of jam of the present season's make are confined to a selected number of manufacturers. The War Department pays the actual cost of the fruit and sugar, and the quantities apportioned to each of the selected firms have been determined by the competitive prices submitted by those firms for making the jam.

Will the hon. Gentleman give the names of these selected firms?

If the hon. Member will give notice I will consider it.

Am I to understand that anything in the nature of competition in these contracts has been absolutely done away with?

If the hon. Member reads my answer he will see that the allocation of the contract depends upon the competitive price.

Competitive price offered by whom—by a small selected ring?

By the people who are invited.

Has the hon. Gentleman not told me that the only people who are invited to tender are a small selected ring, and that therefore there is no open competition in the tendering for these contracts?

What the hon. Member calls a small and select ring comprises the firms which have made the great bulk of the jam for years past.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any indication of the number of the firms? Is it not a very small, limited, select number of firms against whom there is no opportunity for a competitive tender by other well-established and recognised firms who have done the work in the past?

I do not think I can give the number without notice.

Is there any clause in the contract by which any portion of the plum jam served out, for instance, is to be made from plums?

asked the Secretary of State for War under whose authority soldiers have been loaned to the Llanelly Steel Company for civilian work; whether they are being employed at military rates of pay and under military control; under what Act of Parliament this has been sanctioned; and whether this is a breach of the arrangement which has been observed in all previous cases whereby men so lent have been paid full civilian wages and been entirely under civilian control during the time they are so working?

These soldiers were employed under the authority of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, acting under general instructions from the War Office. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. There is a clear distinction between such military working parties and the employment of soldiers individually released from the Army for lengthy periods for work in munition factories. I have, however, arranged that in future, when it is found necessary to lend military working parties, the pay of the men shall be based on the current local rates for similar civilian labour.

What is the period during which men who have been enlisted are allowed to be employed?

It was contemplated that it would be for a very short emergency period only. As a matter of fact, no working party can be employed for more than two months without special authority.

Is the money actually paid to the soldiers themselves, and will they be allowed to spend it in their own way?

What I contemplate is that the civilian wages will be paid to the soldier less a deduction of some 3s. 6d. a day to make up for food, lodging, clothing and so forth. The man will receive the balance in cash and can spend it as he likes.

Is this arrangement made under any Army Order or under any Act passed by this House?

I think under the Army Act.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain how the 3s. 6d. a day is calculated?

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will give me notice.

In the case of soldiers who are lent to farmers for harvest work, may they be given some extra pay? It appears that they get nothing at all.

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that seven sergeants of the 2/4th Buffs who had signed the foreign service obligation were sent to join the 3/4th Buffs at Crow-borough, and that they were then reduced to privates and the allowance to their wives and children reduced; whether he is aware- that these men had held their stripes from eighteen months to two years; and is there any special reason why these men on being transferred should be reduced?

On the information contained in the question I can only assume that the men in question were never substantive sergeants, but were acting-sergeants. It has been frequently explained that acting rank is given up when the holder no longer performs the duties of the acting rank. I think this must have happened in the case of these men.

Is it not a fact that other sergeants transferred have not been reduced in the same manner, and is not the action that has been taken causing serious discontent?

It depends whether the men are acting.

Can steps be taken to alter the Regulation under which men who have been acting-sergeants for eighteen months are reduced to the ranks?

I will have that considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any change has been made in the control of supplies for mechanical transport; if so, what has been the nature of the change and what results have attended it?

The question of the transfer of the control of supplies for mechanical transport from the War Office to the Ministry of Munitions is now under consideration, and a decision will be arrived at in the course of the next few days.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether any transfer has actually taken place?

I do not think it has been finally decided.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what is the object of the transfer?

It is to organise the mode of procedure.

asked the Secretary of State for War why the protection by anti-aircraft guns has been taken away from a certain city on the East Coast, after having been used so effectively to repel attacks by Zeppelins for several months past; whether he is aware that the removal of such guns has resulted in a serious loss of life and property on 7th August; and whether the military authorities are taking proper steps to immediately replace the guns removed by others of at least equal capacity and number, together with suitable searchlights, for the due protection of the city so that at least it may be guarded as fully as in the past?

The suggestions contained in this question are based on an entire misapprehension of the facts in regard to the defences of the particular town which I presume that the hon. Member has in mind. It would not be in the public interest to make any detailed statement on the matter. No guns have been removed except on replacement by guns of greater efficiency. The searchlights available in this town are of the approved pattern, and are effective under normal conditions, but their efficiency is inevitably diminished should there happen to be fog and mist.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the statement of last Thursday in reply to the hon. Member for East Hull (Mr. Ferens) and also the statement made to-day are quite contrary to the testimony of thousands of people who witnessed the raid, and who deny some of the statements which have been made?

I am aware that there have been statements of that kind made, but I have given the hon. Gentleman the facts, and you cannot get over them. The facts are as stated.

Is the Air Board responsible for these arrangements?

No.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman give an assurance that guns and searchlights will not again be removed except when more adequate and complete arrangements are made for repelling the enemy?

Notice should be given of that question.

May I ask whether questions on this subject are now addressed to the Air Board, and not to the War Office?

I am asked to answer these questions by my right hen. Friend.

Does the hon. and galgant Gentleman definitely state that no guns whatsoever were removed from this particular town between the last raid and the one previous to it?