asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have given any consideration to the position of people, such as blind persons, cripples, etc., who are not in receipt of wages, and therefore cannot participate in any war bonus; and whether anything can be done to assist these people to meet the increased cost of living?

I am aware that a number of persons in the position described by my right hon. Friend must be suffering hardship consequent on the increase in the cost of living, but I am afraid I cannot say more than that their cases ought to make a special appeal to the generosity of the public.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the resolutions of Irish public bodies pointing out the want of proper transit facilities from the Leinster coalfields, which prevents the proper distribution all over Ireland of cheap coal available there, and asking for financial assistance from the Government for the construction of a light railway from the coalfields to some point on the Great Southern and Western Railway system; and whether he will appoint an early date to-receive a deputation from the Irish public-bodies and those interested in the coalfields in reference to this matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his previous question upon this subject by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary on 12th October last. In the circumstances I think no useful purpose would be served by my receiving such a deputation as he suggests

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the case of a rubber company which has-already paid an Excess Profits Tax, the shareholders are liable for Excess Profits. Tax on the dividends derived from the company?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many of the 40 per cent. of vacancies in the first division establishment of the Inland Revenue are due to promotion from that class to the non-filling vacancies and to absences on military service, respectively; will he state whether any attempt has been made to fill these vacancies by promotion from the second division; and will he say, with regard to the Estate Duty Office, how many hours overtime per week per man have been worked by the 104 intermediate clerks under twenty-six years of age during the past six months?

The 40 per cent. mentioned in my answer of the 19th October to my hon. Friend represented a deficiency of ten men due to six vacancies and the absence of two men on military service and two men on loan to other public Departments. The vacancies have not been filled by examination, promotion, or otherwise. The system of paid overtime is not applicable to intermediate clerks of the Estate Duty Office, and the considerable number of extra hours worked have been put in voluntarily by those officers.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in Customs and Excise collectors' offices surveyors trained entirely in the outdoor branch of the Customs and Excise work are employed on indoor duties of which they have little knowledge; that they have taken the place of, and are put in authority over, principal clerks who qualified for their promotion to the supervising grade by passing a departmental examination sixteen years ago, and who have efficiently performed all the higher duties of the office for upwards of twelve years; that the appointment of outdoor surveyors to collectors' offices necessitates the employment of principal clerks on inferior work, though they are entitled to higher grade salaries, and that a saving of more than £250 per annum would be effected in each office by the return of surveyors to the outdoor branch and the restoration of principal clerks to the surveying grade; and whether, in view of the need for economy in all public departments, he will cause the surveyors to be returned to the outdoor branch, in which there is a demand for experienced men, and will utilise the training and experience of the reduced principal clerks by restoring them to the surveyor grade in collectors' offices?

The class of former Excise principal clerk second class (£280–320) referred to in this question were definitely assigned by the Amalgamation Committee in 1911 to the new officer grade (£80–300) in the amalgamated Customs and Excise service, and as a concession were allowed to rise to a special maximum of £400. Appointments to the surveyor grade (£320–450) in the amalgamated service, including both outdoor and indoor posts, are made by competitive examinations at which these former principal clerks in common with other officers are eligible to compete. The points raised in the question were carefully considered by the Committee of 1911, and the suggestion that the clerks in question should be excused from examination for promotion would not only be contrary to the amalgamation settlement, but would also be unfair to the rest of the officer class who are entitled to compete for the higher posts.

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury what provision it is intended to make for remunerating pensions officers and clerks of local pensions committees and for meeting the expenses of pensions committees in connection with the additional work thrown upon them by the proposed inquiry into the present economic position of old age pensioners?

As regards the clerks I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for East Donegal on the 7th instant. The question of granting extra remuneration to pension officers is under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government promised and have given guarantees to the board of director of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company of Ireland that any financial loss to the company, due to the advance in wages recently conceded to their workshop employés at Inchicore, would be provided for by the Government?

I have no knowledge of any such guarantees.

asked the Chief Secretary if the Government intend to take any steps to control food prices and supplies in Ireland; and if he is aware that almost all kinds of foodstuffs have increased 100 per cent. since the outbreak of war, whilst wages have in many cases not been increased by more than 10 per cent., especially in Government Departments?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to a question asked by him on 26th October, to which I am unable to add.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can arrange to accelerate the speed which now obtains in giving promotion to continuous service engine-room artificers to chief rating?

Advancements are made to maintain the required proportion of chief engine-room artificers, and I can hold out no hope that this proportion will be increased.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the percentage of deaths amongst the lower deck of a monitor has reached 50 per cent. of the total original complement; whether he is aware of the time which has elapsed since any men of the crew have been given leave; whether illness is rapidly on the increase; and whether, in the circumstances, the Board of Admiralty will see fit to relieve the vessel forthwith?

I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for informing me personally of the vessel to which he refers. As the total number of deaths since the commissioning of this vessel only amounts to five, and as only one of these deaths was due to climatic causes, the percentage referred to in the first part of the question is clearly impossible. Details as to when leave was last given are not available, but the vessel will very shortly undergo refit. There is no evidence of rapid increase of illness in the medical reports received up to date. The latest report shows no abnormally high sick rate.

asked whether an order has been issued to recruiting officers that all men are to be accepted for service except those in categories C 3 and B 3?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many men classed as C 2 are now under canvas and what is the proportion admitted to hospital from these men compared with those from billets and hutments; and whether, with a view to conserving the man-power of the nation, he will take steps to house these soldiers rather than to keep them under canvas in November?

I am afraid that I am not in a position to give detailed figures, but I may say the intention is to withdraw troops from canvas as quickly as circumstances admit and that this is being done.

asked whether any order has been issued exempting from military service special constables who are over thirty-five years of age and married and who have been placed in Categories C 1, C 2, and C 3?

Yes, Sir; the present position is as stated, subject to a man continuing to carry out his duties satisfactorily; but as from 1st January next the exemptions from being called up will be withdrawn as respects men medically classified in C 1.

asked whether men of thirty-eight to forty years of age who have recently been called up are compelled to go on long route marches with men of twenty years, with the result that many have to fall out; and. if so, whether some other arrangement will be made?

Some evidence of the need for special instructions on this matter was disclosed, and instructions were accordingly issued which will have the effect of preventing any undue pressure or strain. Obviously it is a vital military interest that the physical well-being of all men under training shall be fully maintained.

asked the Secretary of State for War if clerical work in banking establishments entitles men of military age from eighteen and upwards to be exempt from military service and to be badged on War service; and if he can state the number of men of military age employed at Cox's Bank, Charing Cross, and branches so badged?

No, Sir; the clerical staff in banks are not entitled to badges and, as in other businesses, the men of military age are being called to the Colours unless in possession of certificates of exemption. In the particular case of Messrs. Cox and Company, who as Army Agents, conduct a large amount of business in direct connection with Army pay and allowances, an arrangement was made with the Army Council for the gradual release of such proportion of their staff as are not essential to the efficient conduct of the enormously increased business as Army agents. The release of men fit for general service by Messrs. Cox continues and will continue as fast as the needs of the Army allows.

asked whether it is proposed after 1st January, 1917, to take for military service only those men employed in agriculture who are passed as fit for general service?

This is a question which cannot be answered now. Every possible step, consistent with the obtaining of men for the maintenance of our Armies in the field, will be taken to retain men on work of national importance such as agriculture.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the operation of Army Council Instruction No. 897 in its application to the forces which have come into being since the commencement of the War, and particularly since the Military Service Acts; whether, having regard to the fact that these forces are for the most part enrolled for the duration of the War, and are not therefore in the same category as the professional or permanent forces of the Crown, he will advise a modification of the instruction; and whether he will make a statement on the subject at an early date?

Army Council Instruction 897 merely called attention to the existing law and Regulations on the subject of complaints as laid down in Sections 42 and 46 of the Army Act and paragraphs 439 and 461 of the King's Regulations. In view of the fact that the right of the officer or soldier of obtaining redress if he considers himself wronged is BO carefully protected by Act of Parliament, I am not prepared to initiate any change in legislation in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statement by Colonel Lawson, the military representative at the Chertsey Tribunal, that men of forty-one, placed on Reserve because of the age limit, are liable to be taken as substitutes in industrial employment, and to the statement at the House of Commons Appeal Tribunal by Captain Anstey in respect of a man over forty-one, and classified B 3, that he came under the substitution scheme; and whether he can state what powers exist under the Military Service Act to call up a man for purposes of industrial employment?

Attention has not been called to any statements made by Colonel Lawson or Captain Anstey. No powers exist under the Military Service Act to call up a man for purposes of industrial employment, nor has it, so far as is known, ever been suggested that such powers did exist.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has read the statement of Captain Fisher at a meeting of the Shoreditch Tribunal that the scheme of substitution was to put men of lower medical categories in place of fitter men combed out from industry; that these substituted unfit men would be sent to the Labour Exchanges, and that if a man refused to go and take up such industrial employment an orderly or constable would be sent with him; and whether he can state under what powers such an action will be taken?

If any such statement has been made there has evidently been some misapprehension. It has not been suggested that physical compulsion should be used to enforce the tribunal's requirements as to registration at an Employment Exchange. If, however, a man does not comply with the tribunal's requirements in this respect the result may probably be that he will ultimately fail to obtain exemption from military service. The unfit men may be given exemption from military service by the tribunals on the condition that they find employment on work of national importance which will release another man for military service, and they may be required to register at an Employment Exchange, partly in order that they may have the assistance of the Exchange in finding suitable employment and partly in order that the Exchange may have the opportunity of offering to them the employment to which labour should in the national interests be diverted. The men are not precluded from attempting to obtain employment on their own account, but if they do not register at the Exchange they will obviously reduce very considerably their chances of obtaining work which will satisfy the tribunal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any further steps have been taken to secure for service young English and Scottish men of military age who have crossed over and are living in Ireland in order to evade military service; is he aware that all such men are known to the police at Dublin, Belfast, and other centres where they reside; will he say why the authorities do not take action against them; is he aware that many of them have false exemption cards, whilst others profess to lay claim to be Russian subjects; and, in view of the attitude taken up by the Irish Executive in relation to Irishmen who lived in England for a short period, and who claim exemption, will steps be taken to compel the Irish authorities to do their duty in the same manner towards Englishmen evading service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave him on the 24th October. The hon. Member may remember I asked him on that date to give me any information he may possess. I have so far received no further communication from him.

asked what measures are being taken in respect of men who are reported to be evading military service and are known to have gone to Ireland,?

Yes, Sir; steps are being taken, and if the hon. Member will forward me any information he may have, it will be inquired into.

asked the Secretary of State for War, if his attention has been called to the fact that a number of men who have not received the written notice asking them to present themselves for further medical examination under Section 3 (2) of the Military Service Act, (Session 2), have now received a call-up notice to present themselves for service, and that recruiting officers have refused to cancel such call-up notices when men claim to be exempt through not having received the pink form before the date mentioned in the Section referred to; and whether instructions will be issued on the subject?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division on 26th October.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many young men of military age have been appointed surveyors of taxes during the past twelve months; and how many of them are now marked indispensable?

The number of appointments of men of military age to posts as surveyors and assistant-surveyors of taxes during the period mentioned comprises 194 previously in the employment of the Board of Inland Revenue, 84 previously in the employment of other public departments, and 73 selected from outside sources who were considered specially suitable by reason of their previous experience, e.g., in law or accountancy. The average age of these men was just on thirty. These appointments were rendered necessary by the vast addition to the work of the Department arising out of the War Budgets approved by this House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many men of military age employed by the Board of Inland Revenue have asked permission to join the Army or Navy; and how many have received it?

Approximately 2,000 men have received the permission of the Board of Inland Revenue to join His Majesty's Forces. The number of applications for permission has been very large, though exact figures cannot be given and would not, in any event, represent the number who were desirous of undertaking military service.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if the two sons of the naturalised managing director of the British Mannesmann Tube Company still hold the Admiralty badge, which exempts them from being called up under the Military Service Act; and if he will state on what grounds these young men, who were only brought into the business since the outbreak of war, are considered entitled to exemption?

Badging arrangements are now in the hands of the Ministry of Munitions, The debadging of the persons referred to by my hon. Friend was recommended to that Department by the Admiralty on 3rd November, and I understand the firm has been so notified.

asked the Secretary of State for India if there is any military or other reason why the Military Service Act should not be applied to all Europeans and Anglo-Indians in India?

The Military Service Acts do not apply to any of His Majesty's subjects outside Great Britain, and I see no reason for making a special exception in the case of those resident in India.

asked the Home Secretary whether the conscientious objectors engaged on the road between Lewes, Newhaven, and Seaford are housed in huts, billets, or under canvas; and will he say what is the cost of their food, what pay they get, and how many hours they work per day and per week?

The men employed on this road are all housed in huts. The average cost of their food is 2s. 0½d. per man per day. They are paid by the Committee 8d. a day, a deduction up to a maximum of 6d. being made in every case in which a separation allowance is paid by the Committee to the man's dependants. The hours of work are 8½ hours daily, with a limit of 48 hours weekly.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has been asked to receive a deputation on the subject of resolutions passed by a private conference of representatives of local and appeal tribunals in Northumberland and Durnam; whether he is aware that these tribunals ask to be empowered to send medically rejected men to such industrial or agricultural work as they may be medically fit for; and whether he can state the attitude of his Department toward this suggestion?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The subject to which the question refers is receiving careful consideration in connection with the scheme of substitution.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to recent decisions of the Holborn Tribunal in granting Messrs. Falk, Stadelman and Company, a firm of German origin, conditional exemption for thirteen men out of sixteen who were appealed against, whilst a purely British rival firm in the same trade, Messrs. J. and B. Smith, were granted no exemptions out of nine men appealed against; whether he is aware that the chairman of the advisory committee, as well as the members of that body, resigned in consequence of the tribunal's partiality for the firm of German origin; and whether, in view of the dissatisfaction in the borough with the tribunal's decisions, he will take steps to secure that Holborn shall be furnished with a tribunal which will command popular confidence?

The cases referred to were decided so far back as July and August last, and I had some inquiries made into the matter at the time. My hon. Friend does not appear to be correctly informed of the facts. The tribunal is a good one. There is no reason to think that it does not command public confidence, or that the cases in question were not fully and fairly considered from the point of view of national interest; I am informed that the military representative agrees with the decision of the tribunal, and that the first-named firm has supplied a large number of men for the Army. If my hon. Friend would care to call at my office, he could see the papers relating to the case.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the refusal of the local tribunal at Largs to grant exemption on the ground that serious hardship would ensue it a man were called up for Army service owing to the fact that the man is the sole proprietor of a business on which the support of his family exclusively or mainly depends, and that it is impossible for him to make arrangements for the carrying on of the business in his absence; and whether he has taken steps to call the attention of the tribunal to the terms of the Act and of the instructions to tribunals?

I am informed that the local tribunal have considered and decided each case of the kind referred to on its merits with special regard to the ground mentioned by my hon. Friend and to the terms of the Acts and Regulations which were before them in ordinary course.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Education Department has entrusted to the local inspectors of schools the duty of selecting the headmasters and other teachers in Scottish schools who can be released for military service; and whether in so doing instructions are given, as far as possible, not to prejudice the future of higher education in rural areas?

On the application of a school board it is within the competence of the Scottish Education Department to recommend on public grounds the postponement of military service of any of their teachers. Before such a recommendation is made or withdrawn, the case is investigated by the inspector for the district under the direction of the chief inspector, and their reports are always carefully reviewed by the Department. The importance of the consideration referred to in the last part of the question is fully recognised, and due weight is given to it, as well as to other relevant considerations.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private D. G. Reich, 1st Field Survey Company, No. A. P. M., 1st Army Headquarters, British Expeditionary Force, France, was sentenced to fifty-six days' field punishment No. 1, otherwise "crucifixion," for reporting late after first leave home for twenty months; that he has already undergone eighteen days of the punishment; will he take steps to remit the remainder of the sentence, if, after inquiry, the facts are as stated; and will he state why the code of punishments cannot be recast in accordance with humane ideas'?

Inquiries are being made.

asked whether a well-known English lady of title has been discovered to have been in communication with an Attache to the German Legation at Sofia through an address in Holland; and, if so, what steps, if any, have been taken in the matter?

My right hon. Friend may be assured that this correspondence is innocent.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the condition of affairs at Pennington Camp, S.E.; that the men stationed there are still under canvas; that there are many cases of severe illness-arising from the damp and wet; and whether, during the winter months, he will consider the advisability of putting the-men in huts or billets?

All the men at Pennington Camp are now in huts or buildings. No troops there are under canvas.

asked what was the cost to the Government per pound weight of baked bread served to the troops in this country on the 1st November or. if the information be not available for that date, what was the cost on the latest date, or during the latest period, for which such information is available?

Calculated on the cost of Army flour and of baking by contract, the bread costs about 2d. per pound. When it is baked in the field bakeries the cost is slightly less.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers are painting ships in the dry docks at Poplar and Millwall whilst at the same time there are a number of ships' painters out of employment; and whether, in view of the agreement arrived at between the War Office and the various trade Organisations in connection with using soldiers for doing civilian work, he intends taking any action?

The War Office is not in possession of any information on this point. If the hon. Member will furnish me with any particulars I will consider them.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the house of W. Hampton, a well-known resident at Hurst Road, Erith, was raided on 25th October; if the police and military authorities failed to find any publications other than those which were lying openly on the tables; whether he is aware that a quantity of goods were taken away; and if he will say how soon they will be examined and returned?

This house was raided as stated, and certain documents were removed for examination. If any of these contravene the Defence of the Realm Regulations they will be detained; the remainder will be returned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that many widows and old people unable to earn anything for themselves, who before their sons entered the Army were dependent on their earnings for subsistence, find the sum now allowed them as separation allowance inadequate to maintain life; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the question with a view to increasing the sum allowed by the State?

I can assure my Noble Friend that this has not been overlooked, but I cannot do more at present than refer him to my reply to the hon. Member for the Bridgeton Division of Glasgow on the 2nd November.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the case of Thomas Martin Allen, a soldier discharged as no longer fit for war service after serving one year and 201 days with the Colours, who was in France from 4th January, 1915, to 17th January, 1916, and whose certificate of discharge states he has done his duty well; is he aware that Allen has a wife and seven children whose ages range from fifteen years to two years, and has been compelled to apply for and been granted outdoor relief; and is he aware that the Rochdale Guardians passed a resolution that the attention of the War Office should be drawn to the case of Thomas Martin Allen, a permanently disabled discharged soldier with a pension of 4s. 8d. per week, who has been compelled to apply to this board for relief, and that this board desired to urge upon the War Office the desirability of immediate reform, in the scale of pensions with a view to making them sufficiently adequate to save permanently disabled soldiers and sailors from pauperism?

Inquiries are being made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that wives' and dependants' separation allowances are frequently reduced, the only explanation offered being a mere statement that the reduction has been made to refund an over-issue; whether he is aware that many of the recipients are not aware of any over-issue having occurred; and whether he will try to secure that in such cases when a reduction is made the nature of the over-issue will be explained?

The intention of the Regulations is that explanation shall be made in such cases, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars of any cases of failure, I will endeavour to secure any necessary improvement.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the wife of a sailor gets a smaller separation allowance than the wife of a soldier; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to remove this grievance?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I do not think the term "grievance" can be properly applied. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the White Paper issued on 22nd September, 1914, which describes fully the reasons why it has been deemed equitable that the scale of separation -allowances for the wife and children of the seaman should differ from that adopted for the wife and children of the soldier.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Private W. Spencer, No. 1258, 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment, whether the mother of this soldier, who is now reported missing, is only entitled to the usual allowance for thirty weeks after he is notified as missing; and whether, at the end of thirty weeks, she can receive no more than 4s. 6d. a week pension?

. As regards the allowance, the reply is in the affirmative. I am inquiring into the pension, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Sergeant Blakeley, No. 6982, of the 8th Lancashire Fusiliers, transferred on 4th August, 1916, to the Border Regiment, whether he is aware that since mobilisation Blakeley has had 1s. 6d. stopped out of his pay, and his wife has received only 1s. 4d. of this, and that, in spite of repeated applications, the Territorial authorities has ignored her claim to the additional 2d. a day, amounting now to about £3 8s.; and will he say by what authority this has been done?

Inquiry is being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Private J. Price, No. 10472, 15th Lancashire Fusiliers, of 24, North James Henry Street, Salford, whether ho is aware that on coming out of hospital at the end of October last Price was informed by the paymaster that he was £6 13s. 2d. in credit; that £4 was then sent to the soldier to Chapel Street, Leigh, instead of Chapel Street, Salford; and, seeing that on the error being pointed out the soldier was informed that he was only £3 15s. in credit, he will say who is responsible for these mistakes and what has become of the difference, namely, £2 18s. 2d.?

Inquiries into this case are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is now in a position to state what action the Government intends to take about increasing the amount of separation allowance?

No decision has yet been reached

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the amount of separation allowance which is to be paid to Mrs. Manus O'Donnell, mother of Private John Gallagher, No. 412, military headquarters picket, Arklow; and if he will explain the delay in dealing with the claim, seeing that this soldier enlisted as long ago as the 5th May, 1915?

Inquiries will be made and my hon. Friend informed of the result in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, at a recent gathering in London, a disclosure was made of the total of the British forces in the field and a proportionate estimate given of the Russian forces in the field; and can he say whether this information was supplied by the War Office to Lord Northcliffe?

I have consulted the Army Council, and I am in a position to say that whatever information was disclosed at the gathering referred to was not given by the War Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the risk of fire has been increased in many localities as the result of Zeppelin raids; and, seeing that expert firemen not engaged in certified occupations are now being called up, whether he will consider the advisability of exempting a sufficient number of expert firemen in those towns and villages which have no regular brigade and are in the direct track of Zeppelin raids?

That a new cause of risk of fire has arisen by the dropping of explosives from Zeppelin airships has not passed unobserved by either the military or civil authorities concerned. These authorities have discussed the question, and arrangements have been made in the direction suggested by the hon. Member.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiry into the way in which the doctors at the military camp at Bexhill-on-Sea are alleged to be passing unfit men for service abroad, men being passed at the rate of about 100 in five minutes without any individual examination?

Inquiries are being made.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the approximate cost of the removal of the 4th Training Reserve Brigade from hutments at Seaford to billets at Northampton; and was there any and, if so, what reason for incurring such expenditure?

This brigade was moved from Seaford to make room for Canadian troops, who are not accommodated in billets. I fear that figures for the cost of the move are not available without considerable labour.

asked whether the funds of officers' messes and sergeants' messes are, as to the greater or some part thereof, provided by officers and sergeants out of their private moneys; and, if so, by what authority was Army Order 214 of 1916 issued, such order providing that on the disbandment of a battalion the balances standing to the credit of the officers' mess and the sergeants' mess are to be remitted to the Paymaster for credit to the public?

The Army Order applies only to temporary units. The grants to such units from public funds are considerable. It is quite possible that a portion of the credit balance of some of these units when they cease to exist may have been contributed by members of the mess, but it would be impracticable to attempt to allot their share of the balance to such contributors.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the men employed at the Gunwharf, Portsmouth, and in the employ of the War Office, and who are doing exactly the same work as the men in the employ of the Admiralty, are to be paid the 3s. advance in wages recently granted to men in the employ of the Admialty.

Yes, Sir; and instructions have already been issued.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Colonel Joseph Sunderland, J.P., of Ravensden Grange, near Bedford, who appeared with a double-barrelled gun to Private Arthur Horne, who was carrying a small terrier dog, the regimental mascot, and accused it of chasing his rabbits; if he is aware that the colonel in question tried to throw the soldier, and thus made him put the dog down, whereupon the colonel shot the dog dead; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I have no other information than that which is contained in the newspaper reports. As the case has been dealt with by the Courts, the last part of the question would not appear to arise. Colonel Sunderland's name does not appear in any Army list.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can now state the policy of the military authorities as regards the Western and Eastern fronts?

No, Sir; I regret I cannot do this.

asked whether private dentists are still being employed to provide dental treatment for soldiers; whether expenditure is being incurred for railway travelling expenses of soldiers to be treated; and whether there is a staff of military dentists sufficient to cope with the work?

Civilian dentists are employed at stations where there are not sufficient troops to occupy a whole-time dentist. Travelling expenses are being incurred in places where there is no dentist available. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to dental personnel and equipment, whether, instead of waiting for demands which the people on the spot may not know that they are entitled to make, he will wire to the General Officers Commanding in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Salonika and inquire if they are personally satisfied with the amount of the dental personnel and equipment?

I do not think that the action proposed is necessary, as General Officers Commanding are well aware that they will be supplied with any dental treatment that may be necessary. I may also say that the General Officer Commanding in Mesopotamia has specifically informed the Army Council that his requirements in dental personnel and equipment have been fully met.

asked whether at the Olympia depot of the Royal Army Clothing Factory, Pimlico, goods coming inward and going outward are still being conveyed by carts and motors from stations four or five miles distant, or is use now being made of the railway and railway sidings which abut on the building?

This matter is still under consideration with the railway company, and I am awaiting a report.

asked whether there are a large number of bakers now at Havre who were non-commissioned officers in this country and who have all served for about eighteen months or more, and who have been reduced to the rank of private; and whether this is a local order, or is it sanctioned by and the calculated policy of the War Office?

I understand that the men in question had acting rank only. The hon. and gallant Member will be aware that the holders of acting rank are liable to revert. The possibility, however, of absorbing these men into permanent vacancies will be considered.

asked whether the Volunteer Force is being developed in such a way as to enable it to play the largest possible part in a scheme of Home defence, thus releasing: the maximum numbers for service overseas?

Yes, Sir, and it is. hoped that very shortly the full scheme will be made public.

asked whether there is a uniform rate of pay for all medical practitioners now holding commissions of equal rank in the Royal Army Medical Corps; and whether those doctors coming within the Military Service Act receive less than those who come within the enrolment scheme?

There are two forms of temporary commission in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Before the Military Service Act came into operation medical men joined the Army either under a special contract or through the Special Reserve. Since the Act came into force all medical men who have not enrolled with the Central Medical War Committee and are compelled to serve are taken into the Special Reserve. The pay of the Special Reserve is lower than that received under the contract, but when the gratuities given on cessation of employment are taken into-consideration there is little difference in the emoluments.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will send a wire to the General Officer Commanding in Mesopotamia asking if all the units under his command have a sufficient supply of water packhals and water carts, and of transport animals for the same; and if the chlorinating plant and raw material is sufficient?

I think that the distinguished officer in command in Mesopotamia may be trusted to ask for anything which he considered deficient in the respects mentioned. That is what he is there for, and that is what I am certain he will do.

asked how many nurses there now are in Mesopotamia and where they are stationed?

There are 168 nurses in Mesopotamia, who are stationed partly at Basra and partly at Amara.

asked whether a number of cases of scurvy have occurred amongst the troops in Mesopotamia; and whether on one hospital ship no less than 90 per cent. of the sick sent to Bombay were suffering from this preventable disease?

There has been scurvy, but it has been confined to the Indian troops in Mesopotamia. The medical authorities in Mesopotamia have, however, taken the necessary measures to deal with it.

asked why British newspapers are forbidden to publish pictures of the famous tanks, in view of the fact that photographs of these engines of warfare have already appeared in the "New York Times," the "New York Tribune," the "New York World," and other Canadian and American newspapers?

The question of releasing for publication representations of these engines of warfare is now under the consideration of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief British Armies in France.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Court of Inquiry set up under the Army Act (Amendment) Act has arrived at any conclusion on the subject which it was directed to investigate; and, if so, will he state what its opinion is and the decision thereon of the Army Council?

The Report has not yet been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the reason for the arrest of Mr. Arthur Griffiths; how long he has been in detention; whether any charge has been preferred against him, or whether it is intended to prefer a charge against him; whether he is aware that Mr. Griffiths took no part whatever in the Dublin rebellion; and whether, in view of the effect on public opinion in Ireland, he will take steps to secure the immediate release of Mr. Griffiths?

I am making inquiries.

asked whether Captain Coulthurst has been dismissed from the Army; and, if so, on what date the dismissal took effect?

:,Captain Coulthurst was removed from the Army as insane under Article 537 of the Royal Warrant.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the proportion of leave granted to the men of the Royal Naval Division; whether he is aware that there are many cases in which men of this division have not had home leave since they left for Gallipoli at the beginning of March, 1914; and whether he will endeavour to secure some mitigation of this hardship both to officers and men as soon as the exigencies of the Service allow?

The Army Council do not receive returns of the leave granted to the different divisions which are in the field, but the circumstances of each division in this respect are, of course, known to the Commander-in-Chief, with whom the discretion of granting or withholding leave must necessarily rest, as he alone can be acquainted with the requirements of the military situation so far as they bear upon this matter at any particular moment. It is hoped the number of men going on leave may be increased.

asked if provision will be made for disabled soldiers who need such boots being supplied with an additional part of surgical boots, so that it will not be necessary for a man to lose work during the time a pair are being repaired?

Yes, Sir; after the lapse of a few months they can obtain another pair by applying to Chelsea, so that they are not forced to remain idle while the original pair are being repaired.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he proposes to publish the Report of the Committee which he appointed to investigate the cases of men of military age employed in the Ministry of Munitions?

I am arranging for the Report to be published.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether representations are being made to him that bonâ fide skilled workmen in munition factories who have been engaged at their trade since before the outbreak of war are being interfered with by the military authorities and forced into the Army despite the admitted shortage of skilled labour; and whether, in view of the feeling that is being aroused, he proposes taking any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The principles on which the Ministry is acting are those set forth by the Prime Minister in his interview with the trades unions deputation on 28th Septem- ber. If the hon. Member is aware of any cases in which these principles are not being applied, I shall be glad if he will forward particulars of them, so that inquiry may be made.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the shortage of suitable housing accommodation in Barrow-in-Furness for the munition workers; whether, in view of the influx of women workers into the town, he will consider what steps can be taken to provide adequate housing accommodation.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware of the shortage of housing accommodation at Barrow-in-Furness owing to the influx of fresh workers into the town; whether he is aware that numbers of workpeople are still arriving, thus accentuating the present difficulty; and whether he proposes to take such action as will relieve the present pressure by undertaking the building of housing accommodation on such a scale as is commensurate with the continuous development in the town's population?

I have had this matter under consideration. Under an arrangement between the Ministry and Messrs. Vickers, a number of permanent houses are being built. The Ministry has also taken steps to adapt some existing buildings to provide further accommodation for women workers. Some of this accommodation should shortly be ready. The Ministry is making a further local investigation into the problem, and I am also having inquiries made into allegations that the rents charged for lodgings in Barrow are excessive in many cases.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a married man named Goldsmith, with two children, employed at the Royal Small Arms Factory for two years, was last week debadged for military service, while a. single man under twenty-five years of age working alongside of him and of less experience was to be continued at munition work; and will he state the reason for the course adopted?

In reply to my hon. Friend, I have caused inquiries to be made, and have ascertained that the man Goldsmith, who has been employed in the Royal Small Arms Factory since 5th July, 1915, received notice from the military authorities some days ago to report for military service. As he was not indispensable to the factory, he was informed that he should present himself for medical examination, and if the military authorities decided to accept him he would be released for military duty. With regard to the reference made to a single man working with him, there are two men to whom this part of the question might apply, and these men would have been released if they had had notice to report for military service. But it must be understood that neither at this factory nor elsewhere can the release of men be effected to an extent affecting output without the provision of substitutes.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that the importation of steel belt hooks for binding machinery belting is prohibited by the Board of Trade unless under licence; that fasteners knows as Alligator belt lacings are largely used in munition works, His Majesty's dockyards, and Government Departments for making joints in all kinds of machinery belting; that belts are specially made by British belting firms to suit these fasteners and, if they have to be altered, it will, in many cases, involve loss of time in the manufacture of munitions; that firms engaged in war work have represented that the demand for these fasteners for joining belts driving shell-making and other machinery is urgent; that nothing similar is made in England, and that the only means by which they can be obtained is by importation from America; that the grant of a licence to import a monthly supply of these goods has been refused to a British firm of thirty years' standing who were formerly the sole importers, and of whose customers upwards of 90 per cent. are munition works or controlled establishments; that, as little stock is in the country, the result of this refusal may be serious; that the firm are making arrangements to manufacture in England but it will take some time before they can do so to the extent required, and in the meantime work may be stopped or hindered; that the fasteners have been specified and ordered for the new caterpillars and cannot be supplied; whether, as the refusal to grant licences may delay, directly or indirectly, the output of munitions, he will take steps to provide for the admission of these fasteners, notwithstanding that they may represent a few tons a month in. shipping freight; and will he say whether any other firm has been granted a licence to import belt fasteners?

My right hon. Friend-has asked me to answer this question. So far as these belt hooks are capable of being classified as wire manufactures, they are covered by the general licence which has-been issued in respect of manufactures of wire. For the rest, the Department of Import Restrictions is now giving licences in all cases where the belt fastenings are unobtainable in this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Messrs. McKendrick, of Motherwell, a controlled establishment, were allowed to exclude Catholics from employment in their factory; and whether the Government intend to allow the local Labour Exchange to assist this firm in preventing Catholics from obtaining industrial employment?

The first part of the question is one for the Minister of Munitions, and I am in communication with him on the subject. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 26th October to the hon. Member for Bridgeton.

asked the Secretary of State for India if the German element which lately controlled the deposits of monazite-necessary for the gas-mantle industry in Travancore, South India, has now been completely eliminated; what has been done with the preference shares and 11,000 ordinary shares of the Travancore Minerals-Company formerly belonging to the Auer Company of Berlin; and if the Germans charged our mantle manufacturers £33 a ton for the sand which cost about £4 a ton?

The German element in the Travancore Minerals Company, Limited, has been eliminated. The preference and ordinary shares formerly held on behalf of the Auer Company, of Berlin, have been purchased by the Travancore Minerals Company itself from the Public Trustee. I am not aware of the prices quoted to British mantle manufacturers of monazite sand; but I understand that before the War the consumption of the raw material was restricted almost entirely to Germany. The company have now given a formal undertaking that they will be ready at all times to sell the sand direct and at a fair price to any bonò fide British firm that may desire to purchase it in reasonable quantities for the purposes of manufacture.

asked the Home Secretary if the Early Closing Order is to apply to all markets; if he is aware that at Aberdare Market on Saturday evening last, the 4th November, the police raided and took the names of stall-owners; that they had received no notice; and that these people suffered loss, being unable to sell their stock, which was perishable; are these people to be prosecuted in addition to their loss; and if he will consider the desirability of compensating such persons, many of whom have their sons in the Army?

The Order would apply to retail trade carried on in a market. I have made inquiry in regard to the case mentioned in the question, and am informed by the police that the facts are that the lessee of the market had been previously instructed that the market would have to close at nine; that police visited the market at 9.40 (there was nothing in the nature of a raid), and took the names of ten persons with a view to a caution being given, but no perishable articles were then being sold.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether be is aware that owing to the recent Early Closing Order pharmacists are informing doctors that they should see their panel patients earlier in the evening in order that the prescriptions can be dispensed the day of issue; whether any arrangement has been made to deal with prescriptions urgently required; whether it can be stated if action Was taken in respect of insured persons receiving medical treatment who are engaged on munition or other work which would prevent them, owing to the reduced shop hours, having prescriptions made up at the chemists; and whether, in these special circumstances, doctors may supply the requisite drugs and appliances?

I am not aware that the Order in question, which specifically provides for the case of the supply of medicines, etc., involves any material disturbance of the present dispensing service for insured persons. If, however, the hon. Member will inform me of any particular case of difficulty which he has in mind, I will make inquiries.

asked he Secretary for Scotland whether he has taken any steps to ascertain the views of local authorities and retail traders with regard to keeping open shops to a later hour for, say, two weeks in December and one week in January, in view of the Christmas and New Year trade; and whether any decision has been reached?

I have consulted local authorities on this point, and it will be further considered when I have received their views.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received any representations from retail shopkeepers dealing in perishable articles, such as fruit, in favour of their being allowed to keep their shops open till ten o'clock p.m. on Saturdays; whether he is aware that if they are not enabled to sell off their stock on Saturday many of them will be driven to open their shops on Sunday to escape a total loss; and whether he proposes to take any action?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I received certain representations from shopkeepers dealing in perishable articles, but I do not consider that a sufficient case has been made out for special exemption.

asked the Home Secretary if he will make an inquiry into the case of Harry Brain, who was convicted at Bristol on 26th October for having in his possession certain copies of anti-militarist leaflets and sentenced to twenty-six days' imprisonment; and, in view of the evidence at the trial and the nature of the alleged offence, will he order the man's release?

I have seen a full report of the proceedings in this case and the publications which formed the subject of the charge and find no ground for recommending any interference on behalf of the defendant. The sentence was a fine of £5, with twenty-six days' imprisonment in default of payment, and the prisoner said he preferred the imprisonment.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a leaflet, "Peace this Winter," by Mr. Charles Roden Buxton, which contains the statements that the Government are not aiming at a reasonable peace, and that we are fighting for commercial boycott, or territorial aggrandisement, or a mere knock-out; and whether he would take steps to have the author and publisher dealt with under the Defence of the Realm Act?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. This leaflet has been considered, but the Government do not propose to make expressions of opinion such as those contained in it, unfounded though they are, the subject of legal proceedings.

asked how many uninterned British civilians there are in Germany, and how many uninterned German civilians there are now in this country?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As regards the first part of the question, I understand that no definite information is available. As regards the second, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I have given to-day to the hon. Member for the Brentford Division.

asked whether Lord Milner has completed his investigations with the view to co-ordinating the work of the various Departmental Committees dealing with the coal trade; and, if so, what is the net result of his lordship's conferences with employers and men?

Lord Milner's work in supervising the operations of the several Coal Committees is not completed, but is continuous. The latter part of the question therefore does not arise.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the desirability of ascertaining the extent of waste land which could be reclaimed and cultivated, he will consider the desirability of asking the county councils to make a report on all such land within their areas?

The Board of Agriculture have already in their possession particulars of the more important stretches of waste land in the country which might be susceptible of reclamation. About a year ago they issued a circular to the War Agricultural Committees suggesting that such Committees should consider whether any steps might be taken to secure that land at present lying waste should be brought into cultivation. In this connection, my hon. Friend will, of course, realise that it is not possible at the present time to proceed with schemes of reclamation, because of the limited supply of labour available, which does not do more than permit of the land already in cultivation being kept under crops.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board what steps have been taken by the Statutory Committee to provide institutions or some alternative treatment for uncertifiable nerve-shaken soldiers, who, because of the lack of expert diagnosis and skilful treatment, may suffer a relapse and eventually become certifiably insane?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by me to a question on the same subject by the hon. and gallant Member for the Melton Division on Tuesday last.

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 male 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 President of the Board of Trade whether the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation is licensed to do business in London with or on behalf of the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank of Berlin; and, if so, for what purposes and period and for whose benefit?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. A licence was granted in May, 1916, to the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation in London to receive from the Deutsch-Asiatische Bank in Berlin remittances to provide for payment in this country of the coupons of bonds of certain Chinese Government Loans. No other business has been licensed. The purpose for which the licence was granted was to provide for the payment in this-country of the interest on the bonds. The period for which the licence was granted was until further notice. The persons for whose benefit the licence was granted were the Chinese Government, inasmuch as they were enabled to fulfil their obligations, and the holders of bonds in this country, inasmuch as they were able to receive the money due to them.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps have been taken to wind up the business of the Hamburg-America Shipping Company in this country and to sell their premises in Cockspur Street?

The business of the Hamburg-America Shipping Company in this country ceased on the outbreak of war, and it has not, therefore, been necessary to take any steps to wind up that business. I am having inquiries made as to the company' premises in Cockspur Street.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is intended to continue the prohibition on electric manufacturing companies in this country from competing in the purchase of enemy trading concerns, cable, electric, and otherwise, unless they give an undertaking that they are not members of the Cable Makers' Association; and will he say what is the intention in thus reducing the possible number of purchasers and also the price, and preventing an equal opportunity of all manufacturers to bid?

There is no such general prohibition as is suggested in the hon. Gentleman's question, but in two special eases the Board of Trade, after consultation with one of the Departments which is largely interested as a purchaser of electric cable, came to the conclusion that it was in the public interest that the competition which at present exists in the cable-making industry should be maintained.

asked whether any and, if so, how many of the liquidators of enemy firms in this country have been. finally released from their duties?

No controller of an enemy business has yet been granted his release, but, as I have previously stated, the liquidations are complete in fully half the number of cases, apart from the collection of outstanding book debts.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state to whom sixteen licences for the import of foreign hops have recently been issued; whether he is aware that such licences are valuable; and will he say upon what terms they were issued?

As I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Leominster on the 31st October, it is contrary to precedent to give the names of indivi- duals or firms to whom licences have been issued. The circumstances in which licences for hops are being granted were fully described in the answer to a question by the hon. Member for Maidstone, which appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT for the 16th August, to which I have nothing to add.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what proof he requires, in the case of imported hops purporting to be consigned from British Dominions or Colonies, that the true country of origin is not a foreign state, and, in the case of all imported hops purporting to have been paid for before the Prohibition Order of the 1st June, that such payment has bonò fide been made?

Careful inquiries are always made by the Department of Import Restrictions into all the circumstances, including country of origin and date of payment, before licences are issued. The quantities for which licences for Colonial hops have been given are so restricted that there is no inducement to Colonial exporters to import foreign hops for the purpose of their re-exportation to this country.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether home-grown pockets of hops are compelled to be marked with the name of the grower, the parish and county where grown, and the date of the year, whereas foreign imported hops are sold without any corresponding marks of identification; and if he will say what precautions have been taken since the date of the Order prohibiting hop imports to ensure that no hops grown in the United States are carried over the frontier into British territory and shipped to England as Colonial produce?

I am informed by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries that the answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The latter part of the question is covered by the answer to the preceding question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a company has been formed called the British Columbian Hop Company; if so, will he say what is the authorised and issued capital of the company; whether any, and what, proportion of the share capital is held by aliens; whether licences to import foreign hops have been applied for by the company or by any other person for the purpose of dealing with the company; and, if so, whether any such licences have been granted?

No company of the name of the British Columbian Hop Company has been registered at Somerset House. With regard to the last part of the question, I must refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Leominster on the 31S October by the President of the Board of Trade, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will say what, is the total quantity of foreign hops imported under licence, and without licence, respectively, since the prohibition Order of the 1st June, giving in each case the country of origin, the names of the consignors, consignees, and merchants or dealers through whom the imports were consigned?

The following table brings up to date the information given as to total imports in the answer to the hon. Member for Ashford, which appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 17th August, and as to licensed imports in the answer to the hon. Member for Dartford, which appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT for 26th October:

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that there has been circulated among Government officials in London an official memorandum, headed Memorandum on the Urgent Need for Strengthening the Position of Labour Exchanges, and wherein it is urged that the Government should give increased, and the necessary, legislation enacting that no employer shall engage anyone except through the medium of Labour Exchanges, and that it should be made a penal offence for anyone to engage employés in any other way; whether such circular has been issued with his sanction or knowledge; and whether it is his intention to promote such legislation?

The Memorandum referred to is, I believe, one prepared for the consideration of the Board of Trade by an association of local officers of the Employment Department. Its communication to the Press was unauthorised either by the Board or by the association, and was regrettable. An announcement, of which I have sent my hon. Friend a copy, was sent to the Press at the beginning of September last, stating that the Memorandum had no official authority and did not represent the views of the Board of Trade. I should add that a proposal is now under consideration that while the War continues certain classes of persons, in particular men of military age and women required for munitions work, should be engaged solely through the Employment Exchanges, so as to secure more effective control over the allocation of labour power for war purposes. This, however, is a wholly different proposition from that referred to in the Memorandum, and, if adopted, it would only continue for the period of the War.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the shares of the British Incandescent Mantle Works, Limited, all of which except five out of a capital of £30,000 are held by enemy aliens, will be sold by public or private treaty; and will the purchaser in either case be required to give the same statutory declaration of nationality and interest as is demanded in the case of the public sale of C. Bechstein, of Wigmore Street, London?

As it was not found practicable to deal with the British Incandescent Mantle Works, Limited, by selling the shares held by enemies, an order was made on the 31st October requiring the business to be wound up, and it will be sold in the liquidation. The same conditions as to nationality of purchasers will be imposed as in the Bechstein case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to the number of German-owned vessels lying in various ports on the West Coast of South America; and whether consideration has been given to the possibility of buying or hiring these vessels from the Chilian Government?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether there are at the present time about eighty-eight German ships lying idle, sheltering in the various ports of Chile; and, if so, in view of the shortage of shipping, whether he will arrange with the Chilian Government to hire these ships for bringing grain to this country from the West Coast of South America, California, and the Argentine?

The possibility of use being made of the ships sheltering in neutral ports has never been overlooked, and this matter will continue to receive attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a dispute is pending in the Northampton building trade because the Northampton builders and contractors have refused to make any advance in wages to the men, and have refused to meet them in conference; if he is aware that the men are about to tender notices unless a proper settlement is arrived at; and if he intends taking action to bring the parties together so as to avoid any strike taking place?

The Chief Industrial Commissioner has been in communication with the parties, and it has now been arranged that a meeting shall be held between the employers' association and the representatives of the trade unions.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government have been buying up surplus supplies of potatoes and giving as much as £32 per truck load, which is at least £10 more than the average price; if he is aware that the Newton Abbot Board of Guardians released their contractor from his contract to supply pota- toes because he was unable to fulfil it at the price quoted on account of the Government paying more per truck load of potatoes than the average price; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The difficult problems arising out of the delay in raising the potato crop and the serious injury to the crop by disease in many districts are receiving constant and anxious attention. I will inquire into the matters referred to in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the London master bakers decided to increase the price of a quartern loaf on and after 6th November from l0d. to l0½d.; if he is aware that this is an increase of 1d. per quartern loaf within the last three weeks; if he is aware that the price of bread and flour has advanced more than 1d. per pound since the commencement of the War, and that an extra universal increase of 1d. per pound upon bread and flour means that the consumers have to pay at least £1,250,000 per week more for their flour and bread; and if the Government intend taking any action in the matter with a view of bringing the price of bread down to at least 7d. per quartern loaf?

I am aware of the increase in the price of bread in London, which appears to be mainly due to the recent increases in the price of flour following on the rise in wheat prices. The reduction of the price of the quartern loaf to 7d. could only be done by subsidising bakers or millers out of the public funds. The estimate in the question of the increase in the cost to consumers of a rise of 1d. per 4 pounds of bread appears excessive as applied to a week's consumption. According to the figures in the possession of the Board of Trade, it would more closely represent the increased cost of a month's consumption.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the present prices of bread, milk, and potatoes in London and in Berlin, respectively?

It is impossible to give a comparison which would not be seriously misleading, inasmuch as Berlin prices for the articles mentioned are not market prices at which supplies can be freely bought, but officially fixed maxima, at which very limited rations are obtainable. Moreover, the bread obtainable in Berlin is "war bread," composed mainly of coarsely milled rye flour, potato preparations, and a small proportion of wheaten flour only.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in order to bring a publicity campaign to bear on the failure to clear cargoes with proper speed in certain ports, he will cause comparative figures to be made public as soon as possible; and whether he will now obtain from the Great Eastern Railway Company and state to the House the comparative figures as to the time taken to clear similar cargoes at Parkstone Quay and Tilbury, respectively, from the time a vessel is berthed to the time she is cleared of cargo?

The question of expediting the clearance of cargoes at the various ports is engaging the constant attention of the Port and Transit Executive Committee, which was specially appointed for this purpose last year, and any complaints should be addressed to that Committee. As regards the latter part of the question, I understand that Park-stone Quay has been closed to general traffic for over a year.

asked the Postmaster-General how many years have elapsed since the time allowed the mail train for the journey between Cork and Dublin was fixed; whether he is aware that since that date both engine-power and road-bed have been greatly improved; whether, before permitting the railway company an additional thirty-five minutes at Kingsbridge, he at all urged on the company the desirability of expediting the train journey; and whether, in view of the subsidy which the railway company receive for the carriage of the mails, he will take steps to have the train journey accelerated?

The present running times of the morning mail train from Kingsbridge to Cork, and of the afternoon mail train from Cork to Kingsbridge, were fixed twenty-four years ago. The Post Once has not extended the running time between Kingsbridge and Cork. It has, as pointed out in several previous answers, merely fixed a starting time at Kings-bridge corresponding with what is attainable under war conditions. These conditions inevitably retard the arrival of the mail from London. Additional outlay in respect of reduction of running time could not justifiably be incurred in present circumstances.

asked whether the time allowed to mail trains from London to important English or Scottish provincial centres has been altered since the War; and, if so, in what cases and to what extent?

The running time of the ten p.m. train from Euston to the North has been extended by sixty-four minutes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of neutrals who have visited the United Kingdom in the year ending 1st June, and the number who were prevented by our Consular officials refusing to vise their passports?

I regret that the information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks is not available.

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether his Department has officially received or has read Madame Bramson's recent Report upon the treatment and health of British prisoners of war at Gustrow, Munster, and other camps in Germany; and whether the last Reports from the American Ambassador in Berlin go to confirm or to refute this Danish lady's impressions?

We have seen a brief reference in the Press to this report, -which seems to deal mainly with the conditions formerly obtaining at Gustrow. A report on this camp has just been received from the United States Ambassador showing that the conditions at this camp are now satisfactory.