asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the omission to make Six per Cent. Exchequer Bonds Trustee securities is preventing considerable sums being placed therein; and whether he is prepared to take any action in the matter?

I think there is some misapprehension in this matter. I am advised that these bonds, like the Five per Cent. Bonds, are securities in which, under the general provisions of the Statutes authorising investments for trustees, a trustee may invest, unless expressly forbidden by the instrument creating the trust.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that many people would subscribe to Government funds if assisted to start doing so; whether he would favourably consider a scheme under which, say, 25 per cent. of all wages over £l became payable in small Exchequer Bonds maturing with interest in, say, five years—that is to say 3s. l0d. or other appropriate sum becoming 5s. in the five years, and larger sums in proportion; and, if all employers could obtain such bonds at a post office, whilst the employed persons who did not desire to keep same could cash them at once without interest, the effect would be that there would be a considerable residue left uncashed in the shape of accumulated savings?

Very considerable success has been achieved in encouraging small investors to take up War Savings Certificates and the opportunities of using War Savings Cards or of investing by instalments through War Savings Associations have been freely availed of. In these circumstances I doubt the desir- ability of introducing the further scheme suggested in the question, which, I would observe, would involve many difficulties.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in calculating the rate of interest or statutory percentage for the purpose of the Excess Profits Duty payable by commercial undertakings the rate of interest allowed on capital brought in after the War ought to be the rate in force at such past-war dates and not the pre-war rate, which is in many cases less than one-half; and whether he will consider the propriety of issuing instructions to this effect to the Board of Referees?

The hon. Member misapprehends the functions of the Board of Referees in considering me entitled to issue an instruction to them upon this subject.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can see his way to extending the war bonus to the senior men of the abstractor class in receipt of salaries of £150 to £200 per annum, in view of the increasing cost of living, and who have had no rise of any kind for a number of years?

I fear that it would not be practicable to give exceptional treatment, as suggested, to one particular category of employés in the Civil Service.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that a number of farmers, traders, and other respectable people have been proceeded against for-being present at a cock-fight on 11th July at Chapel Farm, Kilcullen, county Kildare, whether he is aware that in all previous summonses for cock-fighting in other parts of Ireland the cases had been dealt with summarily, but in this case an indictable offence was made out and the defendants returned for trial at the Assizes; whether he is aware that this procedure necessitates attendance at the Winter Assizes held outside Kildare county, adding considerably to expenses; will he explains why this course was adopted; whether he is aware that of those returned for trial some have near relatives who distinguished themselves at the front; and whether, in view of the fact that South Kildare has been one of the best recruiting districts in Ireland, he will allay the indignation and irritation caused by the departure in this instance from the practice followed in other parts of Ireland in similar cases by having steps taken to prevent further estrangement between the people and those responsible for the government of the country?

The action of the accused parties in this case was organised and deliberate, as it appears that they assembled for this unlawful purpose at four o'clock in the morning, and to the number of over 1,000. Meetings for the same unlawful purpose and under similar conditions have recently been held in other parts of Ireland under circumstances that indicate that they are controlled by a central organisation, which run these cruel exhibitions for betting purposes. The Attorney-General, therefore, in the exercise of his discretion, determined, with a view to put an end to this practice, to have the parties prosecuted for unlawful assembly. They have been returned for trial to the next Assizes, but released on bail. It is not proposed to try them at the Winter Assizes.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if any steps are to be taken to produce more wheat, oats, potatoes, turnips, mangels, and beetroot in the year 1617 than were produced in the year 1915–16; will he state whether there was any decrease in the production of such crops this year as compared with last year, and, if so, what were the amounts of such decrease and the corresponding acreage thrown out of cultivation; and, if any, can he state the cause of such decrease?

The Department, through their agricultural inspectors and instructors, are already doing all in their power to get farmers to produce more food for man and beast. As stated in a reply given on 1st instant to the hon. Member for West Meath, the total decrease in the tillage area in Ireland this season, as compared with last year is less than ·2 per cent.; but it must be borne in mind that last year (1915) there was an increase of 3·3 per cent. as compared with the year 1914. The high price of cattle and risks of a fall in the prices of crops are the main causes why the area under tillage did not advance upon the increase shown in 1915. The Department are not in a position at present to state what will be the total production during the present year of the crops mentioned in the question. The areas under these crops in the years 1915 and 1916 are as follows:

Crop.	1915.	1916	Decrease.
	Acres.	Acres.
Wheat	86,530	76,438	10,092
Oats	1,088,654	1,071,593	17,071
Potatoes	594,467	586,308	8,159
Turnips	265,122	262,814	2,308
Star Mangels and Beetroot*	82,728	80,464	2,264
* Returns are not obtained separately for Beetroot.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether third writers have been entered for the period of hostilities from the same class of men as the temporary assistant paymasters; whether the third writers and temporary assistant paymasters have to pass any qualifying examination on entry, and their relative rank and rates of pay; and whether, in view of the decision of the Army Council that all applicants for commissions must pass through the ranks, the same procedure will be followed in meeting future requirements for temporary naval accountant officers instead of training these men after entry as commissioned officers as at present?

It is quite possible that some men entered as writers are drawn from the same class of men as temporary assistant paymasters. As regards the second part of the question, third writers have to pass a qualifying examination on entry, and, with the exception of a few officers entered from pursers for service in auxiliaries, and some entered for special service, temporary assistant paymasters pass a qualifying examination after going through a course of instruction. The rates of pay are:

• Temporary assistant paymaster, Royal Naval Reserve, 10s. per day, plus 2s. per day messing allowance.
• Temporary assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, 7s. 6d. per day.

Third writers, 2s. per day.As regards the last part of the question, the requirements for assistant paymasters are now few, and, as a general rule, candidates are only being accepted who are unfit for general military service. There are still, however, candidates on the list whose names were placed on the list more than a year ago, and consideration is being given to their claims as vacancies arise.

also asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the number of commissions as temporary assistant paymaster in the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, respectively, conferred on civilians with no previous experience since 1st January, 1916, and the number of these men who were fit for military service, the number of experienced and long-service naval writer ranks and ratings promoted to commissioned lank and warrant rank, respectively, since 1st January, 1916, and the number of chief writers, Royal Navy, with upwards of fifteen years' service now recommended for promotion by their superior officers?

The numbers of commissions as temporary assistant paymaster conferred on civilians with no previous experience since 1st January, 1916, are:

• One hundred and twenty-five in Royal Naval Reserve.
• Thirty-nine in Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve.

As the physical test standard for these officers is not so rigid as that required for general service in the Army, it is not possible to say how many are fit for general military service, but sixty-five have been pronounced definitely unfit or are over military age.The numbers promoted in the writer branch since 1st January last are:

To commissioned warrant rank	2
To warrant rank	14
To temporary warrant rank	1

As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for North Kerry on the 20th July last.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that previous to September, 1914, first and second-class certificates for signal boatswains could be obtained by examination, but that at a second trial only second-class certificates could be given even though a man obtained first-class marks, while now, since September, 1914, a man who obtains a second-class certificate is allowed to sit again, and if he qualifies is given a first-class certificate; and if he will extend this new privilege to the half-dozen or so officers who obtained second-class certificates prior to 1914 if they should qualify for first-class certificates?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, the decision referred to was arrived at after careful consideration and with a full knowledge of the merits of the officers referred to, and no reason is seen for altering the previous decision.

asked the Secretary of State for War if Messrs. Tighe, of 7, St. Andrew's Street, Dublin, are doing War Office work; whether he is aware that this firm are employing women at wages varying from 4s. to 8s. per week, and that overtime is paid at the rate of 2d. per hour in some cases and 1d. per hour in others, with tea and a bun extra; whether frequent representations have been made by the women for increases of wages, and these representations have been abortive except that war bonuses of 2s. and 1s. a week have been paid since August last; and whether he proposes to do anything to end this condition of things?

The firm referred to is engaged on War Office work. The attention of the War Office was drawn last month to this matter and immediate inquiries were made which go to show that the earnings of some of the younger employés are as stated. Nothing is known by the War Office of the war bonus referred to. As the Irish Women Workers' Union has now given twenty-one days' notice to the firm of its intention to call out the workers on strike the matter has been referred to the Chief Industrial Commissioner, according to the usual practice in such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the state of dissatisfaction amongst the men of the Royal Defence Corps at the Pattishall Camp, Towcester, owing to what they consider unreasonably hard treatment; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view to remove grievances?

No complaints have reached the War Office on this subject. If the men have a grievance, they should approach their officers and state their case.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the troops in Mesopotamia are kept short of sugar and vegetables, while in Bombay there is abundance of these articles; and whether on at least one occasion the troops were six weeks without sugar?

According to the last report received from Mesopotamia on the 6th instant, there was over thirty days' supply of sugar available at the front, while an oven larger quantity was in reserve at the base. Fresh vegetables are being issued regularly to the troops.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the case of Thomas Mace, 8, Daysbrook Side, West Derby, Liverpool, late sub-conductor to the Bengal Ordnance Department, admitted a pensioner of 6th Dragoon Guards 5th October, 1880, eighty years of age last May, now suffering from dilated heart, old age, infirmity, and increased wants; whether he is aware that Mace's conduct was reported upon as being very good, his service in the Army having been twenty-five years and forty-six days, principally in India, and holding medals for Indian Mutiny, 1857–8, and for long service and good conduct, his last ten years being in the barrack and ordnance department as staff-sergeant and warrant officer, the last report on him being as a non-commissioned officer, character exemplary and efficient; whether he is aware that Mace has three sons, the first, after twelve years in the Navy, discharged as leading seaman, excellent character, awarded Humane Society's silver medal with diploma and watch for saving life last December; the second, Sergeant A. Mace, No. 5145, East Yorkshire Regiment, at the front since September, 1914, and twice brought to notice; the third, Quartermaster-Sergeant A. Mace, 69th Battery Royal Field Artillery, after one year and six months in France and Greece, is at present an invalid at home; and whether the War Office, having regard to this man's services, present age, infirmity, and increasing wants, will increase his pension beyond 2s. per day so as to prevent Mace from having to go to the workhouse?

The Chelsea Commissioners are not able to increase this man's pension on account of old age or any of the other circumstances mentioned in the question. They are willing to take him as an in-pensioner at Chelsea, but an offer to take him in 1911 was not answered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a sergeant who completed twenty-one years' service before the War and rejoined receives both pay and pension; whether the same is paid to a sergeant who completed twenty-two years' service after the commencement of the War; and, if there is any different treatment, will he state the reason?

A sergeant who had taken his pension and re-enlisted during the War draws pay and pension, but does not count re-enlisted service towards an increase of pension. A sergeant who completes twenty-two years' service during the War draws pay only, but will count his whole service for pension.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will ascertain why Private A. Schofield, No. 825, D company, 18th West Yorks Regiment, a soldier under eighteen years of age, was not transferred to Class W, Army Reserve, in response to the application of his mother on 18th September last and in accordance with Army Council Instruction 1186 of 1916, then in force; and if he will see that the soldier referred to is dealt with in the manner provided by the Army Council Instruction which was in force when the application was made and not in the manner provided by the new Army Council Instruction issued on 6th October last?

Orders have been issued for the transfer of this man to Class W of the Army Reserve.

asked the Secretary for India if, under the Memorandum of 24th February, 1916, dealing with officers' pay and promotion, it would be possible to make the date retrospective to the commencement of the War instead of September 1915?

The date 1st September, 1915, from which the rule regarding temporary promotion of lieutenants and captains of the Indian Army after six and sixteen years' service respectively has effect, was fixed in consultation with the War Office in order to protect officers in the Indian Army then serving from supersession by officers of the British service who by a special War Office measure were promoted from the 1st September, 1915. Before that date the justification for modifying the ordinary rules of promotion in the Indian Army had not arisen.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it has now been decided to give public warning of the approach of hostile aircraft; and, if so, will he state the nature of the arrangements that have been made?

Arrangements have been made by which theatres, music-halls, cinemas, etc., will, if desired, be warned of an apprehended air raid, in order to afford an opportunity for the audience to disperse. For reasons which have already been explained to the House, it is not proposed to give a general public warning in the London area.

asked the Home Secretary if he will take any steps to mitigate the evil of Sunday trading; and whether he is aware of the anxiety that exists amongst traders that as a result of the recent Closing Order the evil is likely to increase?

I am aware that some apprehension exists that the new Order may lead to an increase in Sunday trading. I hope this will not be the case. As my predecessor stated in answer to a question in this House in April, 1913, the Government made an attempt in 1911 to deal with the question of Sunday closing on the lines recommended by the Joint Select Committee of 1906, but the proposals encountered considerable opposition, and no solution was found which was generally acceptable. I am aware of the strong feeling in favour of some measure of Sunday closing among a large section of the traders of the country, and I should be glad if a satisfactory solution could be found, but I am afraid there is no prospect of the Government being able to take the matter up again at present.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for the German wireless news to neutrals to be posted in some room in the Palace of Westminster available to Members and for their information?

There are serious objections to this proposal, but I will consult the other Departments concerned.

asked the Home Secretary whether the building of any new asylums is in progress or in contemplation; whether it is intended to make further use of institutions under lunacy control, with a view to providing for the care and treatment of uncertifiaible cases of nerve strain while still retained in the Army; or whether he has considered the desirability of removing such cases from suspicion of the taint of lunacy?

The completion of the new Hampshire Asylum is being expedited with a view to its use by the military authorities as a hospital for sick and wounded soldiers. No work is now in progress or, so far as the Board of Control are aware, is contemplated in connection with any new asylum. There is no intention, at present of converting any more institutions which are now under the Lunacy Authorities into military hospitals for the purpose indicated in the question. The greater part of the institutions handed over to the military authorities are used for the reception of sick and wounded soldiers, and not for mental cases, but in two instances the hospitals thus provided are utilised for the care and treatment of soldiers still retained in the Army who are suffering from nerve strain but are not certifiable. As previously stated, these institutions are entirely under the control of the War Office, and are not in any way under the jurisdiction of the Board of Control for the Care of Lunatics.

asked the Home Secretary whether Commissioners appointed to deal exclusively with mental deficiency are now performing the work of Lunacy Commissioners who have undertaken the oversight and care of war hospitals both for the wounded and for transient cases of nerve-shock; and when it is intended so to arrange matters that Commissioners shall revert to their normal function or that, alternatively, some of the savings in this Department recently recommended by the Retrenchment Committee shall be carried into effect?

None of the Commissioners are appointed to deal exclusively with mental deficiency. Under the Mental Deficiency Act of 1913 the former Commissioners in Lunacy and the additional Commissioners then appointed form one Board, which deals both with lunacy and mental deficiency. The war hospitals mentioned in the question are under the control and supervision of the War Office, though the two Commissioners who carried out the transfer of the institutions still assist in the administration. These Commissioners continue to discharge so much as they can of their normal duties, and their colleagues assist with the remainder. This arrangement will continue so long as the War Office require the assistance of the Commissioners.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has made any estimate of the number of soldiers, sailors, and war workers who would be enfranchised and rendered capable of voting if the Special Register Bill, coupled with a Bill to alter the Ballot Act, became law?

The Special Register Bill restores to the register every soldier, sailor, and war worker whose qualification has lapsed during the War; and further, it provides machinery by which any man, who when he joined the forces or became engaged in war work had commenced the occupation of premises in such a way as to qualify, could be put on the register. Having regard to the fact that every soldier must have resided somewhere before enlistment, it is fair to assume, as Lord Lansdowne did yesterday, that 90 per cent. of men in the Army over twenty-one years of age would be registered under the Bill. In ordinary times some 60 per cent. of the males over twenty-one get on the register, but it is to be remembered that a very large number fail to be registered owing to their inability to complete the full period of qualification. The scheme of the Bill as above shown is far more generous, and enables the commencement of the qualification to suffice. I see that it is stated in one report that Lord Parmoor said yesterday that the Special Register Bill would disfranchise half the electorate. This is an entire misconception. In point of fact very many men, soldiers, sailors, and war workers, would be qualified under the Bill who it may be assumed could not have been registered in normal circumstances.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state how many old age pensioners have received increased allowances?

The information asked for by my hon. Friend is not at present available, and a special Return could not be obtained without unduly delaying the work of dealing with applications. Pension officers are at present exceedingly busy in investigating and reporting upon applications for additional allowances which have been received from old age pensioners, while pension committees are similarly busy in considering them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what has been the advance in the price of wheat since the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies issued their circular of 10th October offering to take over at the fair market price of 9th October all holdings or contracts existing at that date for the purchase of wheat or flour already arrived in the United Kingdom: or shipped for countries other than the United Kingdom; was this circular issued to all importers and millers throughout the country; did the Commission, before taking delivery of the wheat offered in response to this circular, instruct the persons from whom they purchased that they were at liberty to resell it on condition that Is. per quarter net was paid to the Government; what was the object of this circular: and has the stock of wheat in the United Kingdom increased since 10th October?

The price of wheat in exporting countries has advanced since the 10th of October by about 8s. to 10s. per quarter. The circular referred to was issued through the Corn Trade Associations to all holders of imported wheat. As it was important not to interfere with the free sale of wheat, the holders of stock taken over by the Commission were instructed to place it on the market in the usual course as agents for the Commission who guaranteed that if prices fell below those of 9th October during the ensuing month they would themselves accept all wheat unsold on 9th November. At the same time, to avoid interfering with the sale of this wheat and to avoid the possibility of having to accept unsold wheat on the 9th November, the agents of the Commission were, in the first instance, instructed not to ask less than 1s. per quarter above the prices ruling on 9th October. The main object of the circular was to avoid interference with the regular supplies to millers pending the completion of arrangements for the transfer of the whole business to the Commission.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that No. 1 Northern Manitoba wheat was sold in London on 7th October at September 72s. 6d., September-October 70s. 6d., October-November 69s. 6d., and that after his announcement of the appointment of the Wheat Commission it has risen continuously and was quoted at No. 1 Northern Manitoba landed 86s. 6d. to 87s. on 1st November; whether he can state what this rise has cost the country; whether it is due to the Government's action and the paralysis of all private sources of supply without the simultaneous substitution of any Government machinery to take its place; and if he can hold out hopes of an immediate improvement in the situation?

I am aware that the price of wheat has undergone a marked advance during the last month, but I cannot accept either my hon. Friend's figures or his deductions as to the cause of the rise in price. My hon. Friend has probably noticed that prices have fallen a little since 1st November. I hope that the position may improve further before long.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state on the latest date available the price of the 4 lb. loaf of bread, or its equivalent, in the cities of New York, Paris, Petrograd, and London respectively?

The price of 4 lbs. of household bread on the 6th November was l0d. and l0½d. in London; 7d. in Paris; 1s. 4d. in New York. The price in Petrograd of rye bread, which is the kind most commonly consumed in that city, was 4½d., and of wheaten bread 8½., taking the rate of exchange at par, or 6¾d., and 1s. 1d. at the present rate of exchange. It will be understood that these comparisons are subject to the qualification that there is no international standard quality.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will take steps to commandeer this year's crop of potatoes and thus put an end to the prices being asked for such food and prevent gambling in potatoes as to possible prices?

At present I cannot add to the reply which I gave on Thursday last to a question asked by the right hon. Member for Woolwich with reference to the supply and price of potatoes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say when he proposes to introduce a Bill dealing with food prices?

I hope to be able to introduce the Bill in the course of next week.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the total amount and value, up to 1st October, 1916, of goods of enemy origin imported into the United Kingdom since the beginning of the War; and what was the proportion and value of these goods imported under licence?

The importation of goods of enemy origin except under licence is, of course, prohibited, and licences are only issued in exceptional cases where the importation is clearly in the national interest. I regret that no statistics are available as to the quantity or value of goods which have been imported under such licences, as for statistical purposes imports into the United Kingdom are classified according to the country of consignment and not the country of origin.

NOTE.—The licences issued have in a number of cases, especially in the early days of the War, not specified particular quantities, but have been general in character. General licences have, for instance, been issued for spelter, potash. Turkish fruits, etc, etc. Very few such general licences are now in operation, but we have no record as to the imports under them. Moreover, where licences for specific quantities have been issued the licencees have frequently been unable to use them to the full.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to an increase in the freight between Liverpool and South Africa from 47s. 6d. to 85s. per ton in August as compared with July, 1916, a circular being sent out stating that the shippers forming the ring to that country had agreed to these higher freights; and whether the Board of Trade sanctions this increase, or whether it can do anything to secure the maintenance of the rates ruling to July?

My attention has been drawn to the increase in the freight on certain classes of goods between Liverpool and South Africa which took place in August. These rates are not subject to the sanction of the Board of Trade. If my right hon. Friend will communicate with me as to any particular case in which he thinks the increase is unreasonable, I will put the matter to the lines concerned.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state how many enemy alien firms have been placed under control; in how many cases have winding-up orders been made; and how many of these have been actually and finally wound up?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Brentford on the 17th October, of which I am sending him a copy. I may add that in fully half the 330 cases of firms ordered to be wound up the realisation is completed except for the collection of some outstanding book debts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the 26th October, 1915, the day following his statement with regard to the position of Arthur Wilson Peck and Company, Limited, of Sheffield and Nottingham, and Hopkinson's Successors, Limited, Leeds, to the effect that the Board of Trade were considering as to whether these businesses should now be wound up under Section 1 of the Trading With the Enemy (Amendment) Act, 1916, an advertisement was published stating that Hopkinson's Successors, Limited, was owned managed, and staffed by British only; and whether, in view of the fact that more than half of the issued capital still belongs to Edwin Bechstein, an alien enemy, this attempt to mislead the public as to the ownership of the business will be taken into consideration by the Advisory Committee when these businesses come up for consideration?

I have seen the advertisement referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, and I am bringing it to the attention of the Advisory Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade in how many cases of ships built for neutrals by our starred labour there is a clause in the contract providing that these ships can be taken over by the Government?

My information is to the effect that in the case of two of the vessels building for neutral owners provision is made in the contract for the possibility of His Majesty's Government claiming the vessels. As I have stated before, all the vessels now being built for neutral owners will either be sold to British owners or chartered to the Government for the period of the War and some months afterwards, at a rate about half the market rate. All the vessels, when completed, will be employed in the interests of this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation has been appointed official liquidator of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank's business in the Crown Colony of Hong Kong; if so, what steps are being taken; and what period has been fixed, if any, for winding up the business and excluding the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank from all future operations in the Colony?

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation has been appointed official liquidator of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank's business in Hong Kong. Arrangements were made for the sale of the bank building in the Colony some time in August, but I have no information as to whether or not the sale has taken place, nor as to the period fixed for the winding up of the business, but I will make inquiry on the subject.

asked the-Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, the total sum expended on research by the Commissioners under Section 16 of the National Insurance Act during the year 1915, out of moneys provided by Parliament; and if he will make arrangements that in future the sums expended on research by experiments on living animals shall be kept distinct from the sums expended on research by other means?

In the financial year ending 31st March, 1916, the total sum paid under the Regulations out of the moneys standing to the credit of the Medical Reseach Fund was £53,375 18s. 7d. The suggestion in the second paragraph of the question is, I am advised, intrinsically impossible to carry out, as I informed the hon. Member on the 24th October last.

asked the Comptroller whether, seeing that Regulations under which schemes for research prepared by the Medical Research Committee are required to be laid before both Houses of Parliament as soon as may be after they are made, and that every such scheme is required to contain an estimate of the expenditure necessary for carrying it out, and to specify the period within which such expenditure is to be incurred, and in view of the public interest in matters paid for by moneys provided by Parliament out of the general taxation of the country, he will arrange that all such schemes shall be published?

The Regulations referred to are laid before Parliament and published, and full Reports on the work carried out by the Committee are also presented to Parliament and published. A further Report, I may add, will be issued in a few days, covering the recent work of the Committee. These give the fullest possible information as to the schemes and the work done under them, with the names of individual workers, and the objects aimed at, together with summaries for the information of the lay public as to the chief results obtained.

asked the Comptroller of the Household what were the medical questions of immediate national urgency in the war conditions of July, 1915, for the solution of which Dr. Flack was licensed to make experiments upon living animals by immersing them in chlorine gas; whether any and, if so, what solution of these was obtained by Dr. Flack by these means, and what, if any, knowledge of any value for the civil population was thereby obtained; and whether he is aware that the effects of chlorine gas upon human beings had been demonstrated in hundreds of cases previously to such experiments?

No, Sir; it would not be in the public interest to take the course suggested in the question. The investigations made were into the effect of various poisonous gases, and were of the most urgent nature, and I am satisfied that results were certainly obtained of great value to the civil population, and, indeed, to insured persons in particular.