asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the wives and families of interned Germans are in many cases boarded and lodged, at large expense, in the unions, where they are free from any supervision, and can go out at any hour of the day; and, if so, whether the wives and families of such interned Germans as are exchanged and repatriated will be compulsorily repatriated at the same time?

I am informed by the Local Government Board that the number of wives and children of interned aliens who are maintained in Poor Law institutions is exceedingly small, and in almost all cases they are maintained in the institution because of sickness or other special circumstances of a like nature. Aliens in Poor Law institutions are subject to the-ordinary supervision and discipline of the establishment, and are also subject to the police regulations applicable to aliens generally. Repatriation has been and will be carried out in proper cases; but the wives of many interned aliens are British-born and others have young; children who are British-born.

asked whether the possibility of an exchange of prisoners of war has been under consideration, or whether such proposal might be made through the intermediary agency of a Neutral Powers?

I am not quite clear as to what my hon. Friend refers to. Arrangements for the exchange of civilian prisoners of war over forty-five years of age have we hope been almost concluded with the German Government and further negotiations as to the exchange of -certain classes of invalid civilians under forty-five years of age are proceeding. All such negotiations are conducted through the good offices of the American Embassies.

My question referred to prisoners of war and not to civilians. I want to know whether any suggestion has been made that there might be an exchange of prisoners of war?

Such questions are continually being discussed, but I fear nothing -definite has been concluded, and we have no reason to suppose that the German Government is willing to make any such arrangement.

Has any attempt been made to ascertain through a Neutral Power? The hon. Member has completely misunderstood my question. I had better put it down again.

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs whether the arrangement made through the American Ambassador in Berlin for the exchange of British-civilian prisoners interned in Germany for German civilians interned in the British Empire is limited to the exchange of prisoners over forty-five years of age; and whether, in that case, he will request the American Ambassador in Berlin to endeavour to arrange for a similar exchange of such civilian prisoners under forty-five years of age as are unfit for military service?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, we concluded an agreement with Germany early in 1915 for the exchange of invalid civilians. A proposal has recently been made to the German Government, which we hope will result in a further number of incapacitated civilians being repatriated.

Can anything be done in the case of those civilian interned prisoners in Germany who are slowly being done to death in so-called German sanatoria—men under forty-five years of age?

That is the subject matter of a question later on the Paper.

Are we to understand that an agreement has been reached with Germany about the repatriation of civilian prisoners over forty-five or has not been reached?

The German Government has made one fresh point which I trust may be overcome. If that is overcome and no other difficulty intervenes, I trust it will take effect very shortly.

Are an equal number of Britishers to be exchanged for a similar number of Germans?

No.

Why not?

asked the Treasurer of the Household if he will now state in detail or cause to be circulated the number of British prisoners of war in Germany who have been sentenced to imprisonment of three years and upwards, stating the term of imprisonment and whether with or without solitary confinement, penal servitude, or hard labour; how many German prisoners in Great Britain have received similar sentences since the outbreak of war; and what are the reasons why His Majesty's Government decline to negotiate for a postponement of the execution of these sentences until the conclusion of hostilities?

The number of British prisoners of war in Germany sentenced to imprisonment for terms of three years and upwards is, so far as is known, thirty-four. Of these, one has received a sentence of 13 years', twenty-three of 12 years', three of 10 years', two of 8 years', one of 3 years' and 3 months', and four of 3 years' duration, respectively. We are without information as to whether any of the sentences involved solitary confinement or as to the amount of hard labour involved.

The number of German prisoners of war in Great Britain who are serving sentences of three years and upwards is seven (including two tried and sentenced outside Great Britain but serving their sentences within Great Britain). The ques- tion of the postponement of the execution of these sentences until the conclusion of hostilities has been under consideration, but the essential differences in the Military Codes of this and other countries render an agreement on the lines settled between France and Germany practically impossible.

Is there any probability whatever that any such sentence, if suspended till the end of the War, will be carried out? Is it the least likely?

I am afraid I do not quite follow the hon. Member.

Is it not extremely unlikely?

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether he can give the number of unemployed prisoners of war in this country, military and civil, including prisoners in the Isle of Man?

It is considered undesirable by the military authorities to give further information as to the employment of prisoners of war.

asked whether the War Office is prepared to allow convalescent soldiers to act as guards for prisoners of war employed in agricultural work?

It is not considered desirable that convalescent soldiers should guard prisoners of war. All the endeavours of the War Office are directed to making convalescent soldiers fit again for the ranks, and this end will not be furthered by putting them to guard prisoners of war.

asked what results have followed the steps taken by the Allies to obtain the release of the officers of the Committee of National Defence who were imprisoned by the order of King Constantine on the ground of their anti-Bulgarian sentiments?

Three officers have been released and the Greek Prime Minister has undertaken to take immediate action in the case of the remainder, a list of whom has been furnished to him.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the War Office can, with due regard to efficiency, arrange with the Commander-in-Chief that any officers and men of the original Expeditionary Force not now under medical treatment who have been through the whole campaign without getting home except for short leave, and who may apply in the usual routine through their commanding officers for a short period of Home service this winter, may have their application favourably considered?

asked whether any arrangements have yet been made to grant a furlough to every soldier who has served twelve months or more in the trenches without having had a leave of absence, and especially in the case of married men with children?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave yesterday on this subject.

Is it not a fact that only consideration was promised by the War Office? Cannot such consideration be accelerated?

The promise went further than that. Something is being done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases officers who have been out since July, 1915, have had no leave whatever, while other officers have been back three or four times?

Yes. I have heard of a good many cases of that kind. In some of those cases I have made investigations, and I have found that there were special reasons why they should be retained in France.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the same thing applies to the men?

Yes; I meant officers and men. It is quite true. I get letters constantly from people about cases of that kind. There is generally some reason why the officers and the men who have been in France for a long time are kept there and no leave given—special circumstances. After all, the question of leave must be decided by the Commander-in-Chief; the War Office cannot take that out of his hands. I am perfectly certain that he will show every consideration for the men who have borne the heat and burden of the day. He has that well in mind. It is a very serious thing for the War Office to lay down any rule in the face of an urgent military situation, which the Commander-in-Chief must take into account.

Has the right hon. Gentleman not noticed in my question that I ask him to confer with the Commander-in-Chief? I do not suggest that the War Office should take the matter out of his hands.

He was over last week, and we had a talk upon this very subject.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the French Government arrange systematic leave, so that every soldier is on the same footing as his comrades? Why cannot we have the same?

I think my right hon. Friend will find that the Commander-in-Chief is doing his very best—[SIB H. DALZIEL:"I am sure of that!"]—to arrange that there shall be absolute equality of treatment, but complete equality is almost impossible because there are certain duties which naturally bear a larger share of the burden, and there are many considerations which must be present to the mind of everybody why it is very difficult to give complete equality of treatment in all cases.

Will every consideration be given—

Any further questions must be put on the Paper.

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been drawn to the complaints and grievances of soldiers in the Old Army and the New Army raised on the volunteer principle; if he is aware that promotion is given more rapidly to men who were called up under the Military Service Acts, whilst promotion is denied to men of the old Regular Army; if he is aware that there are many cases of soldiers at the front since the outbreak of war who have not yet received leave; if he will take steps to see that soldiers of the old Army or those who joined voluntarily where eligible will receive preference for promotion; if he will see that soldiers who have not yet received leave will obtain it; and if he will see that time-expired soldiers shall be retained for Home service only?

No, Sir, I am not aware that the elements of which the Army is composed have complaints and grievances as against each other, and I regret that such a suggestion should ever have been made. Promotion is given to the best qualified man available, irrespective of the terms of his service. As the House has often been informed, leave is a question which rests with the General Officer Commanding-in-field in the field,, and depends upon the exigencies of the military situation. Time-expired men, like other soldiers, will naturally wish that their services may be used where they are of most value, and it is not proposed to run counter to their wishes.

Can the right hon. Gentleman arrange that time-expired soldiers, when they have done their bit at the front, should be allowed to stay at home for Home service?

I think that is much too serious a decision to come to. Men must be utilised where their services are most valuable to the State, and naturally those who are the most experienced are the men whose services are of the most value to the State in a most difficult position.

Is it not a reasonable request that these men when they have done their bit should be allowed to remain at home and take the places of other soldiers who have found soft jobs?

We need them all. If there are any men who have found soft jobs and have not done their share, they will be found out.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to revise the hours worked by the clerks in general headquarters offices in France; and whether the present hours, from 7.30 a.m. to 12 p.m., will be so adjusted as to give more than one hour's exercise in the interests of the staff?

I am aware that both officers and clerks in the general headquarters offices in France work long hours, but I do not think that the period stated in my hon. Friend's question represents the normal. Anyhow, it is a matter which I am sure my hon. Friend will, on reflection, admit is one for those who know the facts, i.e., the heads of the offices concerned, to adjust as may from time to time be necessary and desirable.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am not asking for fewer hours, but that these men who are working these long hours should have a little more time for exercise?

I think the whole case depends upon the pressure. If there is a great struggle on, no doubt the pressure is abnormal, but when times are more quiet it is very probable that there will be a good deal of opportunity for making any necessary adjustment.

asked the 'Secretary of State for War whether the Under-Secretary of State for War has been consulted with regard to the calling up for medical re-examination of all attested men who have been rejected by medical boards since 14th August, 1915, and to whom the Army Council has not, before 1st September, 1&16, sent a notice calling them up for re-examination; and whether he has sanctioned this breach of the pledge given to the attested men that if they volunteered under the Derby scheme they would not be placed in a less favourable position than those who refused to volunteer, and who now in such circumstances, have their medical rejection regarded as final?

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave the hon. Member on 21st November. To call an attested man up for examination after the examination of unattested men is surely more to his advantage than calling him up before the unattested men.

Has Lord Derby been consulted with regard to this breach of the pledge which was given to the men who have volunteered?

Yes.

Is it not admitted that men who volunteered under Lord Derby's scheme were promised that they would not be placed in a less favourable position than men who had refused to volunteer and have waited for compulsion?

Lord Derby takes the view, and I share it, that they are not placed in a more unfavourable position.

Will the hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Secretary of State to induce him to be present when the matter is discussed to-morrow evening on the Adjournment?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private R. Addison, No. 222,588, Motor Transport Army Service Corps, was previous to his joining up a tenant farmer occupying about 600 acres, of which 400 acres were arable land, and that he was his own foreman, working on the farm himself; whether he is aware that he had 850 sheep, 90 beasts, and 16 horses at the time of his joining up; and, having regard to the national importance of such a farm as a food-producing element, whether he will immediately issue orders for him to be allowed to return to his farm?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that one Peter Costello, late of 65, Easterhill Street, Folcross, Scotland, was recently conscripted and is now serving as private, No. 34,547, B Company, Royal Scots, at Glencora, Edinburgh; whether he has produced and shown to his commanding officer his certificate of birth, indicating that he was born on the 26th May, 1867, being now over forty-nine years of age; whether he is aware that Costello has a wife and seven children depending on him; and will he, under the circumstance that Costello is over military age, and has been unfairly treated in being wrongly called on to serve, order his discharge?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will have inquiry made at once into the circumstances connected with the taking into the Army of Private H. Ansell, No. 6976, C Company 2/4th County of London Royal Fusiliers, who was passed as fit for service in October last, though it was known that he had not long ago spent six months in a tuberculosis sanatorium and since his discharge been frequently ill from this cause, and that his condition was known to the doctors who passed him into the Army; and (2) if William Brook Morton, a conscientious objector, is now in the Northern General Hospital, Armstrong College, Newcastle-on-Tyne; if he is being forcibly fed; and if it is intended to let this man die rather than give him the exemption from military service to which he is legally entitled?

In each case it is necessary to make inquiries, which have been instituted, and the result in each case will be sent to the hon. Members interested.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that certain Scottish doctors have been paid, for medically examining recruits, at the rate of 2s. 6d. each for the first sixteen recruits with a limit of £2 for any one day, resulting, in some cases, in an average rate of less than 6d. per recruit, while other medical men have been paid at the rate of 2s. 6d. per head without any limit; whether this discrimination has been justified by the War Office on the ground that the higher rate has been paid through the inadvertence of recruiting officers who, in some cases, did not receive notice of the £2 limit, and consequently engaged doctors at wrong rates, though this does not apply to the Scottish Command; and whether, considering the inadequacy of the rates actually paid in Scotland for the professional services rendered, he will now authorise the payment to such Scottish doctors of such sums as may be necessary to place them upon an equal footing with their colleagues in the Eastern Command?

£2 is considered a fair maximum for a full day's work in the medical examination of recruits. Authority has been given to exceed this maximum in certain exceptional cases in which a rate per head was promised without limitation as to total, but it is not considered that a simlar arrangement in other cases could be justified.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair treatment of medical men, who in some cases were not told until their work was done what the conditions of remuneration would be?

I have looked carefully into the whole of this question, and I cannot came to any other conclusion than I have come to.

Has the hon. Gentleman recovered from doctors any of the money that has been paid for passing into the Army men who were medically unfit?

Yes. I think, speaking, from memory, that a certain amount has been recovered. If the hon. Gentleman wishes, he can have particulars.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Lloyd Howard Fox, who is connected with manufacturing puttees and holds contracts with the War Office, came before the local tribunal at Wellington, and appealed for absolute exemption on the ground of conscientious objection to join the Army or to engage in the production of material the object of which was-the taking of human life; and that the miliary representative intimated to the-tribunal that he had orders from the War Office to assent to the appeal on production of a certificate; will he say whether this man was exempted from combatant service and, if so, on what grounds; will he also say what certificate was referred to by the military representative; and whether the War Office gave any and, if so, what orders in respect to that certificate?

Mr. Lloyd Howard Fox,. who is stated to be a member of the-Society of Friends, applied on 14th March last to the Wellington local tribunal, and was granted a certificate of exemption from combatant service on the grounds that he was a member of the Friends Ambulance Unit. He produced a certificate of his membership of the unit signed by the chairman, and the military representative thereupon assented to the exemption from combatant service pursuant to general instructions given by the Army Council relating to members of the-Friends' Ambulance Unit. Messrs. Fox Brothers, Limited, of Wellington, hold contracts for puttees, but this gentleman is not one of the directors.

Is it not a fact that the man admits that he is not a-member of the Society of Friends, but that he has only an objection to fighting?

That he is a member of the Friends' Ambulance Unit.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this man is not a member of the Society of Friends?

I had forgotten that.

Does he derive any profit from the contract?

My information is that he is not a director.

"Order!"]

We cannot debate these matters in question and answer when we have such a large number of questions.

asked whether Hubert Wild, of Mottram, Manchester, was court martialled at Colchester on the 23rd September and sentenced to six months' detention for refusing, as a conscientious objector, to obey military orders; and whether he has been, or will be, sent to a civil prison in accordance with Army Order 10?

The facts are as stated by the hon. Member. In view of the fact that the Court sentenced Private Wild to detention and not to imprisonment, his appearance before the tribunal was expedited, but he refused to comply with the conditions in regard to undertaking work under the Brace Committee offered to him. Under these circumstances there was no alternative but for him to complete his sentence; and in regard to the hon. Member's question as to whether he will be sent to a civil prison, it has been frequently stated in this House that a sentence of detention cannot be served in a civil prison.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private S. Turner, of the 10th Reserve Battalion, 5th London Regiment, stationed at Teignmouth, Devon, a conscientious objector to military service, has been sentenced to a second term of imprisonment for disobeying orders; whether he is aware that Private Turner is now in a detention barracks; and whether he will secure this soldier being sent to a civil prison, in accordance with Army Order 10.

If the soldier is situated as the hon. Member describes he will be committed to a civil prison.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiry into the treatment meted out to Harry Brewer, a conscientious objector, attached to 43rd Loyal North Lancashire, C Company, at Aisne Barracks, near Farnborough, who, after being sentenced to fifty-six days' imprisonment by court-martial, instead of being sent to a civil prison was kept at the barracks and brutally treated by non-commissioned officers and compelled to do certain work; and why he was not immediately sent to a civil prison after sentence, and where he is at present?

This case had previously been brought to the notice of the War Office by the hon. Member for Stockport, when inquiries were instituted, and it was ascertained that the man was tried by court-martial on the 10th November, sen-enced to fifty-six days' imprisonment with hard labour, and committed to Wormwood Scrubs on the 13th. I would take the opportunity of informing the hon. Member that the period which elapsed between the date of his conviction and his committal to civil prison was considerably less than that which usually obtains. Inquiry established the fact that he was not brutally treated.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Thomas Sidney Overbury, a conscientious objector, was handed over to the military on 2nd October, 1916, court-martialled on 9th October, and sentenced to twenty-eight days' imprisonment, which he served in Wormwood Scrubs; that on the expiration of his sentence on 6th November he was sent to Fulham Military Hospital, and will he say if he is still in that hospital; if he has been on hunger-strike practically the whole time since his arrest; if he has been forcibly fed; and if it is intended to let the man die rather than give him the exemption from military service to which the Central Tribunal has decided he is entitled as a genuine conscientious objector?

This man has been discharged under paragraph 392 XVI., King's Regulations.

asked whether a man who has been given his discharge in this country from the Canadian Army is liable to be called up for further military service in the British Army, while men who returned to Canada to take their discharge there are considered to be exempt from further military service?

It is not intended to call up for service with the British Army a man who is in possession of a discharge certificate from the Canadian military authorities on the ground of ill-health or disablement from the Canadian forces.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will stop the practice of the recruiting officer at Kingston-on-Thames of advertising the names and addresses of alleged absentees from military service of men whose present whereabouts are well known to him and of men who are known by him to have certificates of exemption?

If the hon. Member will quote specific instances, in which the recruiting officer concerned advertised the names of alleged absentees, well knowing the whereabouts of the men, or that they held certificates of exemption, inquiries will be made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he? can now announce his decision about billeting rates?

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement very shortly.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the case of Andrew Torrance, the sole proprietor of a business on which the support of his family exclusively depends, and for the carrying on of which in his absence it is impossible for him to make arrangements; whether he is aware that his appeal for exemption was rejected by the Lanarkshire Appeal Triunal, not on the ground that he had failed to prove that serious hardship would ensue on account of the above circumstances, if he were called up, but on the ground that, in the opinion of the sheriff, the business, that of credit draper, was not of national importance, and all the goods could be bought in shops; whether he is aware that a decision on such grounds is contrary to the instructions with regard to the sole proprietors of businesses issued to the tribunals; whether he can state what has been the result of the appeal to the Central Tribunal; and whether he proposes to take any action to secure the carrying out of the instructions?

My attention has been called to the case referred to by my hon. Friend, and, after inquiry, I see no ground to suppose that the Lanarkshire Tribunal did not act in accordance with the instructions. The grounds of the Appeal Tribunal's decision were not as stated in the question, but were that the tribunal were not satisfied that a case of serious hardship, owing to business or financial obligations or domestic position had been established, or that the carrying on of the business of credit draper by the appellant was of national importance. I am informed that the Central Tribunal has sustained the decision of the Appeal Tribunal and dismissed Mr. Torrance's appeal, and in the circumstances I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

When a man makes an appeal on one statutory ground of business hardship and domestic hardship, is it competent for the tribunal to reject his appeal because he does not conform with another statutory ground?

No; I do not think it would be; but my hon. Friend is misinformed as to what the Appeal Tribunal did actually do. This is the actual position in the case. The Appeal Tribunal gave the man temporary exemption from 1st September, and gave him leave to apply for exemption again. That application was not entertained, but a recommendation was made that he should be exempted until 30th November, that was three months further. That went before the Central Tribunal, which did not grant the exemption, but recommended that the man should not be called up till the end of the year, so that he has not been treated very hardly.

asked the Prime Minister whether arrangements will be made to make service in the Army compulsory on white British subjects of military age in India, Egypt, Ceylon, and the Crown. Colonies?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. I am advised that there is no reason to think that the adoption of this suggestion would add any appreciable number of men to the Army, and I am, therefore, not prepared to recommend the necessary legislation to the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of compulsory service for British subjects in France and elsewhere where they are shirking, and give so bad an impression to our Allies?

The question refers to the Crown Colonies and British Possessions.

May I inquire whether Ceylon has not already introduced a Compulsory Service Act?

Compulsory service has been in operation in, I think, two Crown Colonies.

Cannot the authorities give every encouragement to those of military age in the service of the Crown Colonies to join, and not prevent them when they are anxious to do so?

We have, if anything, made the other mistake of allowing too many who wished to go to leave, with the result that the Service in some cases, to my own knowledge, is somewhat disorganised.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the Empire is of more importance than the government of a Crown Colony?

Yes, indeed I do; but I think it is absolutely necessary that the government of the Crown Colonies should be carried on.

Could the work not be done by older men? In some of the Crown Colonies has not leave been refused to the men who were anxious to join?

To individuals?

Yes.

Certainly, because the men could not be spared; for no other reason.

Were not other men available?

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that, according to the "London Gazette" of the 14th instant, Lieutenant-Colonel B. C. Fairfax, Reserve of Officers, has been appointed to command what is described as a Chinese labour corps; and whether he will inform the House where this corps is to be employed, when it was recruited, and what are the wages, hours, and conditions applicable to the men, and whether the corps is under military discipline?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend on 23rd November to the hon. Member for Hanley.

asked the Prime Minister the decision of the Government with regard to the employment of coloured labour in this country and the conditions of such employment; and whether the House of Commons will be given an opportunity of expressing an opinion on the subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is that no decision has yet been reached. With regard to the second part of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave on this subject last Tuesday.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the supply of suitable accountants ineligible or unfit for military service became exhausted some months ago; and, if so, whether he is aware that highly qualified accountants over military age are at present employed as junior clerks in certain Government offices; and whether, in view of a recent official statement that the Ministry of Munitions are still appointing accountants of military age, he will invite applications from accountants employed in Government work of a less important character who are over military age?

The answer to the first part of the question is, I believe, in the affirmative. As to the second, I have no information. Wherever suitable accountants not qualified for military service are available, the Ministry of Munitions is only too glad to appoint them; but, having regard to the immense importance of the work, it is absolutely essential that only those men who are thoroughly efficient and well qualified should be appointed.

asked the Minister of Munitions if it is by his instructions that men finally rejected for the Army and men who have been discharged from the Army are being dismissed from the works of Loders and Nucoline, Albert Mills, Hammersmith, and their places taken by women at a lower wage; and if, this being a controlled establishment, he will put a stop to this practice?

My right hon. Friend has issued general instructions to controlled establishments that wherever the nature of the work permits female labour should be substituted for male labour in order to leave the latter available for work of a class which cannot be performed by women. In this case, eleven men and nine boys were released and twenty-five women employed to do the same work. I understand that four of these men had been rejected for military service, and for these employment can be found by the Ministry of Munitions. None of the men concerned appears to have been discharged from the Army. The wages paid to the women taken on are in excess of those prescribed in Circular L2, which regulates the wages of women on munitions work of a class customarily done by men, and the aggregate of the wages paid to the women is greater than that paid to the men for whom they have been substituted.

asked the Secretary for War if, in the event of new increased separation allowances to soldiers' dependants, he will see that their dependants in the Dublin Metropolitan area will be placed on the same scale as is paid to dependants in the London Metropolitan area?

Dependants are not paid upon a fixed scale, but on the basis of the contribution they actually made to their families, whether in Dublin or elsewhere.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, considering the number of hard cases now arising of dependants on those joining as officers or on men after enlistment, he will consider the advisability of granting the same scale of pension or allowance as in pre-war enlistment cases?

This is a matter which will, no doubt, engage the early attention of the Pensions Minister.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a question which brooks no delay? A great many widows, having spent all their money on the education of their sons, who have been killed, have now no means whatever?

Yes. I hope that there will be no delay.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is the duty of the Statutory Committee, and that therefore it does not depend on whether a Pensions Board is set up or not?

What I have said is that I hope that this will engage the attention of the new Pensions Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the hardships existing among dependants of soldiers who were either unable or unwilling to establish pre-war dependence on such soldiers; and whether, in the circumstances, he can see his way to relax the rigid rule which obtains, with the exception of post-war dependence, in regard to change of circumstances in considering separation allowances?

The War Department is bound by the rule of pre-war dependence set up by the Select Committee of this House. In recognition of the hardship which such rules may occasion in particular eases, the Statutory Committee has since been set up to deal with them on discretionary lines.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if, and when, the Statutory Committee are going to deal with the change of circumstances in regard to these payments?

The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that I am responsible for a good many things, but I am not responsible for the Statutory Committee.

The hon. Gentleman knows that it is very important that this matter should be dealt with?

Yes, Sir.

Is not this a reason for bringing the Statutory Committee under a Pensions Minister?

I hope that before very long the hon. Gentleman will be enabled to see what our proposals are.

asked whether in the case of a man who has been separated from his wife and who has been ordered, under the Summary Jurisdiction (Married Women) Act, 1895, to pay her a weekly allowance, the War Office, if the man has been in arrears with his payments at the time of his enlistment, refuses to pay a separation allowance to the wife, even if he has made an allotment in her favour; whether, before making any allowance, the War Office insists on receiving a declaration from the soldier that he intends to cohabit with his wife in the future and after the War; and whether the War Office will reconsider its policy in this respect and recognise the legal obligation of maintenance as expressed in the magistrate's order and refrain from insisting that persons who are legally separated shall resume cohabitation after the War?

Separation allowance is not claimable where there was no pecuniary loss to the wife by enlistment. It is, nevertheless, granted as a concession, and without always requiring formal declaration, when there is reasonably conclusive evidence of the intention to live together after the soldier's return to civil life. While there are good grounds for the general rule, I am inquiring further into the circumstances of the particular case to which the hon. Member has drawn my attention.

If the wife has a magistrate's order against the soldier for a definite weekly payment, is not that evidence that she was dependent on her husband?

It depends upon whether or not the husband was making a contribution in respect of it.

If he ignores his duty and legal liabilities, and she has a magistrate's order for payment of the money, is not that definite evidence that she was dependent upon him?.

I do not think that is the question. The question is whether or not the man was making a payment under the order?

Or, if he was avoiding it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the conditions under which persons are employed by the War Office at the Tate Gallery; whether he is aware that there are no adequate provisions for heating or ventilating that building which, having a glass roof and no windows, receives its only supply of fresh air through the open outer doors, and that these conditions have recently resulted in a large amount of sickness among the members of the staff; and whether he will take steps to have these conditions immediately remedied or, if that is impracticable, arrange for the transfer of the persons employed in the building to more suitable premises?

I am well aware of the difficulties at the Tate Gallery which arise because it has been necessary in war time to accommodate staff in a building designed for ah entirely different purpose, and to increase the staff far beyond the figures at first contemplated. I hope to be able to move the whole of this staff to some more suitable building before next summer.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it right to leave men who are serving their country in such conditions during the winter months?

I cannot accept the description of existing conditions which is on the Paper: I do not think that there is any difficulty about heating. I imagine that the real difficulty is about cooling in the summer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman visit the Tate Gallery, and see what are the conditions?

I have visited it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before the end of August, 1916, the military and political position in Eastern Europe, and especially of Roumania, was reported on by the Intelligence Department of the War Office; if so, whether such Report held out the prospect that an adequate supply of material of war was secured for the Roumanian Army, and that sufficient Allied support was forthcoming with which the Roumanian Army could meet any possible enemy attack; if so, who was the officer responsible for this Report; and what steps are being taken to restore the military position of our Roumanian Ally?

It is not advisable to give information on this point in answer to a question.

asked the Prime Minister if he will say at what date the War Council decided to give the utmost assistance possible to Roumania; and whether there are any reports or minutes, the substance of which he can give to the House, which were made by the advisers of the Government as to the policy which should be followed in support of Roumania?

It would not be in the public interest to answer the questions put by the hon. Member, but he may rest assured that every assistance possible is being given by the Allies to Roumania.

Would it not be possible to have a Secret Session in which we could get full information on this point? [HON. MEMBERS:"NO, no!" and "Hear, hear!"]

It would not be secret.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the form of punishment known as "crucifixion" is inflicted upon soldiers training in this country as well as upon soldiers on active service; (2) if he has yet obtained particulars of the circumstances under which twelve men were recently sentenced to field punishment No. 1, and one of them died in consequence of the punishment, as mentioned in a statement made by General Childs, the Director of Personal Service; for what offences these men were punished; and (3) whether he has yet obtained a report with regard to that form of field punishment which is known as "crucifixion"; and whether he will take steps, in view of its character, to have it abolished?

Complete reports have not yet been received. As I stated on 21st November, I do not think it would serve any useful purpose to-discuss the question until the replies have been received.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us when the replies are likely to-be received, and, considering the fact that this punishment does in many cases amount to torture, will he see that it is discontinued until full investigation has been made?

It is perfectly true that in certain conditions it might be. It depends entirely on how it is administered. It might be administered in such a way as to be very cruel torture. When properly administered, as it is in the vast majority of cases—I doubt if there are any exceptions I do not think that it is torture; but I am looking into the matter and I am communicating not merely with the Commander-in-Chief, but with other parties, to find out what the discipline is in similar cases in the French and Italian Armies, and it will be some time before they can reply. I can assure my hon. Friend that I am taking a personal interest in the matter, because I quite realise that you must have some method of discipline in the Army, because an army becomes a mere mob unless you have discipline, and the best method of maintaining discipline-is a question that if well worthy of attention.

Is it not a fact that the chief punishment is the ridicule, the justifiable ridicule, of the other men?

Is it not a fact that a degrading punishment loses its-usefulness?

Would not the best way of maintaining discipline be for the military authorities to provide a proper detention camp where the men can be kept?

I am afraid that in many cases that would be an encouragement rather than a deterrent. There are other methods in the French Army which are well worth examination as to whether they are not more effective. They are worth looking into, and that is what I am doing at the present moment.

asked whether German spies captured at the Front and prisoners in this country who grossly misconduct themselves are tried by courts-martial; and, if so, are the sentences of courts-martial subject to revision by the Judge Advocate-General; and is there a branch of the War Office which investigates alien connections and sympathies; and, if so, was this branch consulted before the recent appointment of Judge Advocate-General was made?

The hon. and gallant Member must by now, I think, regret that he ever put this question on the Paper. It is a question which cannot in any sense make for the public interest or contribute anything towards the proper prosecution of the War—an object which he presumably has at heart. Indeed, it serves no useful purpose whatever that I have been able to discover.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Gentleman was for many months in the trenches?

Yes; he volunteered although he was above military age. He was in a position of great danger for months. He did not voluntarily come back, but was sent for to do this work. He did it voluntarily for months, and he was engaged in that task at the request of Lord Kitchener. When I came to the War Office, seeing that he had been doing this work for the whole of this time, I thought, when there was this vacancy, it was the proper thing to do.

asked if discharged soldiers in receipt of temporary pensions are subject to Income Tax at the unearned income rate upon the amount of the pension; and, if not, why have the Commissioners of Taxes at Poole sent notices of assessment of Income Tax amounting to £2 15s. 6d. upon a pension of a shilling a day to H. J. Davis, of Poole, and a similar notice to F. Invett of an assessment of £3 4s. 1d. upon a pension of £28 10s. for the loss of an arm?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. No, Sir. Temporary pensions of discharged soldiers are not subject to Income Tax at the unearned income rate. The reduced rates of Income Tax for earned income are applicable to these pensions. I am having inquiry made into the cases referred to, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Mr. Bertrand Russell has now delivered the full course of lectures in Manchester which he was prohibited from delivering in Glasgow and other places owing to the Order of the Army Council; and whether he will now consider the Order made against Mr. Russell?

I am not aware, nor is it the fact, that Mr. Bertrand Russell was ever prohibited from delivering in Glasgow a course of lectures which he has now delivered in Manchester. As I explained on the 18th of October, an. Order issued on the 31st August, not by the Council, but by the competent military-authority, prohibited Mr. Russell from entering any probitited area. It is not possible to base on this fact any argument for the reconsideration of an Order-that was not made to prevent Mr. Russell lecturing on philosophy.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment.

asked whether the-recommendations for military distinctions-made by the brigadier-generals and divisional generals serving in Mesopotamia under Lieutenant-General Aylmer and subsequently under Lieutenant-General Gorringe were duly received by the Indian Government, and were forwarded to the military authorities in London; and whether steps will be taken to give effect to these recommendations?

The recommendations made by Lieutenant-General Aylmer and Lieutenant-General Gorringe have been received, but it does not follow that all recommendations made by divisional generals and brigadiers are included, as the General Officer Commanding only sends forward such names as he thinks deserving of consideration. With this reservation, the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office 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?

The investigation of this question is not yet completed, but, as I informed my hon. Friend a week ago, I hope a decision may be reached very shortly.

asked whether any potatoes were purchased in Ireland since 1st October on behalf of the War Departments of Great Britain, and, if so, how much; and what price was allowed to the agents who carried through the purchase?

Three thousand nine hundred tons of potatoes have been purchased by the War Department in Ireland since 1st October. The merchants add 14s. per ton to the declared price paid to the producer to cover the cost of collecting, storing, sorting, bagging, and other expenses and to allow a margin for profit.

Are the War Office at this moment, through their agents, purchasing potatoes in Ireland?

In view of the shortage we are not purchasing any more potatoes than we can help, and we quite understand the difficulties of the position.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to a printed statement issued by the Maypole Dairy Company as to the conditions on which small purchases of sugar can be made and as to trade with Holland; whether any Government supervision is exercised over the publication of statements of this kind; and, if so, whether the Censor or other proper authority saw this print before its issue and authorised the same?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; as regards the second part, there is, as my hon. Friend is aware, a Government censorship over statements which it is proposed to publish in the Press, and the publication in the Press of the circular in question was forbidden.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether in the limitation of the supply of sugar to the public, and to certain industries requiring sugar to carry on production, consideration has been given to the industry of rhubarb growing; and whether, having regard to the fact that such an industry is mainly carried on by growers with small capital, arrangements will be made to allow the public to purchase an extra amount of sugar where it can be shown that such is required for the treatment of grown rhubarb?

No special consideration has been asked for, or has been given, to the industry of rhubarb growing. But rhubarb would be entitled to the special treatment that is being accorded to homegrown fruit, where its preservation is carried out as a commercial industry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture when the Government williay before this House details of a well-considered scheme for so organising our home-grown food supply that the largest possible quantities may be available for consumption at the earliest possible date?

Questions are being now considered, particularly with regard to labour, between the Government Departments concerned in order to supplement and improve the various schemes now in operation, but I cannot say when it will be possible to make a statement.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Food Dictator has the power to take land that is not being used for the period of the War and six months thereafter to let to such approved persons as will cultivate it for the production of vegetables; and, if not, whether he will take steps to give him such powers?

asked whether the Food Controller will have any power to direct the cultivation of land with a view to the production of Home feeding-stuffs?

I am not in a position at present to forecast what powers will be necessary to confer upon the Food Controller in the direction indicated by the questions.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when we will have an announcement as to what are the powers of the Controller?

I am unable to answer that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he proposes to curtail the use of cream as a luxury in order to increase the production of butter and cheese?

The point raised by the hon. Member will not be overlooked.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the name of the Food Controller; and whether the latter will in any way control the home-production of food, as well as its use, distribution, and sale?

I am unable to make an announcement to-day, but I may say that the powers that will be exercised by the Food Controller will certainly be wide. The existing powers are being actively exercised in the meantime by the Board of Trade and Board of Agriculture.

Does the word "wide" include the production of food?

I have already said that I cannot make a definite announcement on that point at present.

May I ask when this appointment is going to be made?

It does not rest with me.

Will the hon. Gentleman say how many applications he has had for this post, and will he put a box in the Lobby?

I can answer that question. I have not received any.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that, owing to the wet autumn, it was impossible for farmers to get in any winter crops; whether he will state what steps the Department purposed taking to encourage more tillage; and whether they will consider the advisability of supplying seeds to small farmers or granting bonuses?

The Department of Agriculture in Ireland are aware that the sowing of wheat has been delayed by the wet season. A considerable area has, however, already been sown, and sowing is still proceeding. Catch crops were got in while the weather was favourable. The staff of instructors employed under the Department's agricultural schemes throughout the country are making special efforts to promote the increase of tillage by means of lectures, visits to farms, and Press notices. Suitable leaflets have been issued in large numbers by the Department, and advice is furnished to all inquirers. The question of general seed distribution is a measure for the relief of distress, and would come under the purview of the Local Government Board and not of the Department, who have no funds applicable to the purpose; nor have the Department funds for the granting of bonuses to farmers for increased tillage, a course which in any event the Department do not consider desirable.

May I ask whether the various Departments having charge of land in Ireland, such as the Estates Commissioners, the Congested Districts Board and the Local Government Board, are at the present time applying themselves to the question of whether more land can be brought under tillage in Ireland? I believe all those Departments are doing that. [An HON. MEMBER: "Are they working together?"]

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office how many horses have been purchased in Canada and the United States for war purposes, and the average cost per head of same when landed in Great Britain; what number of horses have been purchased in Ireland, and the average cost per head when landed in Great Britain; are purchases still being conducted overseas; whether there has been any slackening off in the purchase of horses for Army use in Ireland; and will he say from past experiences whether Irish horses are better able to stand the wear and tear of war work than foreign-bred animals?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Canterbury on 31st July. Though I cannot afford him detailed information, I am happy to be able to assure him that the Irish horse, as was only to be expected, still continues to retain its well-known reputation, and there is no slackening off in the purchases made in Ireland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the wish of the Government that Stock Exchange speculation should meantime be curtailed and of the desirability of economy in the use of paper, any steps can be taken to curtail the issue of more or less useless advertisements, and in particular of the circulais of bucket shops?

I am obliged to the hon. Member for calling attention to this matter. I fear it would not "be practicable to take steps of the kind indicated in the question. I would, however, point out that, under the Temporary Regulations for the reopening of the Stock Exchange, time bargains and dealings in options are prohibited; and the Treasury have recently again drawn public attention to the importance of observing the spirit of these Regulations in all transactions in stocks and shares, whether carried out through the Stock Exchange or through outside channels.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether a home timber-grower trading in his products, either by himself or in partnership with a merchant is liable to assessment to Excess Profits Tax?

If I understand my hon. Friend's question aright, the trader would be within the scope of the duty, but without further information I could give no definite indication of its exact application to his profits.

asked what amount has been received up to date from cooperative societies by way of Excess Profits Tax?

No information is available as to the incidence of this tax in the case of the various classes of taxpayer; and, in view of the labour involved in the preparation of detailed statistics not required for revenue purposes, I am unable under present conditions to promise that there will be such a classification as my hon. Friend appears to have in mind.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will say why, in view of the fact that Sir Ernest Cassel was born in Germany of German parent age, and has received the Order of the Crown of Prussia and the Order of the Red Eagle of Prussia, and has a controlling interest in the National Bank of Turkey, of which Sir Henry Babington Smith, one of the Commissioners, sent out to America to negotiate the Loan, is the president, he was allowed to accompany the Commission with the approval of His Majesty's Government; and why he was allowed to subscribe £1,000,000 to the loan in spite of the fact that an official announcement deprecating investments in this Loan by British subjects was issued) by the Treasury?

As regards the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on the 8th November; and as regards the second, to the replies I gave to the late Member for the Mansfield Division on the 16th November and 1st December, 1915. The hon. Member will see that Sir Arthur Markham took the opportunity on the occasion of his second question of stating that he had unwittingly done Sir Ernest Cassel an injustice.