asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the claim is maintained by this country, or instructions have been given to naval commanders, that neutral vessels on voyage between two neutral countries may be stopped and searched with a view to the removal of British subjects, or the subjects of Allied countries, and to be followed by the conveying persons so taken under custody to this country?

Neutral vessels are stopped and searched in accordance with the belligerent rights of visit and search. If in course of such search in territorial waters British subjects, or subjects of Allied Powers, are found on board who there is reason to suppose have committed an offence against our laws, it is manifestly within the rights of the Navy to remove such persons with a view to their being prosecuted for such offence.

Can my right hon. Friend point to any place in the Manual of Military Law where this right is recognised?

No; I accept it on the advice of my advisers.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that international lawyers very much question this right?

No; I am not aware of that.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether Russian subjects have been removed from a Danish ship on voyage from Norway to the United States; if so, how many; whether such action has been taken on instructions issued from the Home Office, the Foreign Office, or from the Russian Government; and whether any charges of a criminal character have been made against persons so apprehended?

Four Russian subjects were removed from a Danish ship on their way from Sweden to the United States in possession of papers which authorised them to leave England for the purpose of returning to Russia. As their papers were obtained by false statements, they were consequently arrested in order to be charged with an offence under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether steps have yet been taken to distribute the proceeds from the exhibition of submarine U C 5; and, if so, what institutions have received grants?

The number of persons who paid for admission to view the submarine at Temple Pier and at Chatham was 320,041. The total receipts amounted to £3,945 8s. 1½d., and the total expenses to £307 3s. 8d., thus leaving available for distribution a net amount of £3,638 4s. 5½d. An amount of £504 17s. 8d. was received from the Director-General of Voluntary Organisations, representing a contribution from the Government Servants' One Day's Pay Fund, Colombo, for distribution to Naval charities. It was decided that this amount might properly be added, for the purpose of distribution, to the receipts from the exhibition of the submarine, thus bringing the grand total to £4,143 2s. 1½d. Of this amount the sum of £143 2s. 11d. has been handed over to the Metropolitan and City Police Orphanage, in recognition of the services rendered by the police in connection with the exhibition. The sum of £2,000 has been handed over to the Board of Trade for distribution among institutions established for the benefit of the mercantile marine. The remaining £2,000 has been distributed in the form of grants to the following institutions:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will ask the Australian Government to publish as soon as possible the actual numbers of soldiers voting for and against Conscription?

No, Sir; this is entirely a matter for the discretion of the Commonwealth Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that G. D. Roberts, who was examined at Wrexham on the 10th September last, and whose card is marked "Rejected," and therefore excepted from military service, is again called up for medical examination; and will he say on what authority this is permissible?

Inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. P. Basden, Adjutant to the 19th Kensington Battalion, County of London Volunteer Regiment, who has recently been dismissedfrom the firm of Messrs. W. Walkerdine and Company; whether he is aware that a director of the firm, Mr. Walkerdine, junior, told Mr. Basden that he would either have to give up the volunteers or leave; whether he is aware that Mr. Basden stated he could not give up the volunteers if he wished to and would not if he could; and whether, following this answer, the manager of the firm was directed to pay Mr. Basden off; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I am having inquiry made as to the facts of his case, but I cannot make any statement to-day.

asked whether a clerk in the employ of Messrs. Walker dine and Company named Cowper, who had been passed initially for duty abroad, obtained, at the request of Mr. Walker dine, junior, a three months' exemption as a measuring surveyor for the Dover contract; whether Cowper is registered as a builder's clerk; whether in effect he has been near the Connaught Barracks, Dover, and, if so, when; whether, on being called up at the end of his three months' exemption, a medical board rejected him as medically unfit for the Army; what were the grounds for this rejection; and whether, in the view of the War Office, the original exemption for this man was obtained under false pretences?

This man was passed in March as fit for Home service only, and his calling up was postponed in view of the fact that he was at work on quantity surveying, etc., on the contract for the Connaught Barracks, and on other Government work. The time had not arrived when it was necessary to do any actual measuring at the Connaught Barracks. In October he was called up for service, and on examination by a medical board was rejected. The postponement of this man's service was not obtained under false pretences, since he was on essential work in connection with Government contracts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that numerous complaints are still being received of articles of value being stolen from officers and men on the field or in transit to hospital, after they have been either killed or wounded; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The Commander-in-Chief has given his close personal attention to this matter, and I hope that we shall receive fewer complaints in future.

As this matter is very unsatisfactory, I beg to give notice that I shall draw attention to it on the Adjournment of the House on Friday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of a conscientious objector, named A. E. Dightain, who has been allocated to the 3rd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, and who was sentenced to two years' hard labour by court-martial, to be served in a civil prison, for alleged refusal to obey an order to appear on parade; and whether, having regard to the fact that, apart from Dightain's lifelong objection to the carrying of arms and to military service in any form, he is not physically fit for service he will be released and granted complete exemption under the terms of the Military Service Act providing for such cases as that of Dightain's?

I will have such inquiries as are necessary made, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether all the men of the London Ambulance Column have been exempted from military service in order to continue in their employment as ambulance drivers; whether it has been decided that women are not to be employed in this work in England, although numbers of English women as well as French are driving ambulances in France; and whether he will reconsider this decision and take steps to employ women as ambulance drivers so as to set free for combatant service the men now so employed?

The men who are fit for general service have been gradually withdrawn, and the process will be completed in the case of the few remaining in the course of the next few weeks.

Does that mean that women will be employed?

I cannot say. All I can say is that men who are fit for active service will no longer be employed in ambulance work.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of employing women and thus freeing men for active service?

I will lay that proposal before the proper authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of utilising the services of older men in the military police and so release the number of younger men now being employed in military police work for active service?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Under-Secretary for War, whether he is aware of the desire of many of His Majesty's coloured subjects throughout the Empire to take their place in the fighting line along with white soldiers; and whether arrangements will be made to enable them to do so forthwith?

I am aware that the fighting spirit has been roused amongst many of the coloured races of the Empire, and serious consideration, as my hon. Friend knows, has been given to the right method of turning it to the best advantage, but difficult considerations arise and premature action which would ignore these considerations would not necessarily achieve the object aimed at.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that it is now over two years since I first called the attention of the War Office to this important question, and in view of the great drain upon the white men of the Empire, will he not urge the authorities to take immediate steps with regard to these men?

I am aware that the hon. Gentleman has pressed this subject from the beginning of the War. I will endeavour to press the subject before the proper authorities.

asked what proportion or percentage of coloured men formed part of General Mangin's troops in the recent advance from Verdun?

No, Sir, I am unable to state whether any proportion of General Mangin's troops were coloured troops.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that this brilliant French General, the hero of Verdun, is a great believer in the fighting qualities of the French coloured troops I Have we not equally good fighting material in the British Empire?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked whether the War Office will arrange that a company of coloured troops under white officers will be attached to every white battalion in the British Army?

No, Sir, I can only undertake that any coloured troops raised will be employed in the places best suited for their employment, regard being had to climatic and other considerations.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that Thomas Boyle, son of Patrick Boyle, of Blanch-fieldstown, Dunbell, county Kilkenny, is being retained as a soldier either in the Hussars of the line or the Northumberland Yeomanry, although a birth certificate has been sent to the authorities concerned showing him to be only fifteen years and three months of age; can he say by what authority this boy is being detained against the consent of his father, who is doing everything possible to obtain his release; and whether steps will be taken to send this boy back to his home?

Inquiries are being made, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

By what legal authority is this boy retained?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Is it not a fact that I have Supplied the hon. Gentleman with the birth certificates of several boys showing that they are tinder sixteen years of age?

I believe it is true that my hon. Friend sent me the birth certificate in two cases when I was in an unofficial capacity. I will have inquiries made into this particular case.

Is there any power to retain these boys under sixteen? Is there any legal authority? I must press for an answer.

I must have notice of that.

If inquiry should show that the facts alleged are borne out will this boy be released at once?

I must have notice of that.

Did I not send birth certificates to the hon. Gentleman in regard to these boys showing that they were under sixteen years? Why are these boys retained? Is it legal to retain them?

Is it not the case that the War Office have issued an Order which begins to affect boys only at seventeen years, and that therefore they have no right to retain any boys below that age?

I must know the circumstances of each individual case. I believe it is true that the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Devlin) did send me the birth certificates in certain cases. I know that the law once was that if a boy of fifteen years of age had his birth certificate sent to the officer in charge of any regiment to which he was attached, in that case the boy would be released; but since then I understand the recruiting authorities have varied that Order.

May I ask whether the military authorities, by their own act, can supersede the law of the land?

Is it not the fact that the War Office have misused the King's press damnably?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Patrick Noble, No. 54283, I Company, 3rd Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, an Irish migratory labourer, who was forced to join the Army in England, has suffered from a diseased hip during the past seven years and is permanently lamed; if he will state how long Noble has been confined to hospital since his compulsory enlistment; whether he has been passed for active military service abroad; and whether it is proposed to retain him in the Army?

As the hon. Member has already been informed, this man was not forced to join the Army, but presented himself for enlistment. Inquiries are being made as to his being in hospital, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result in due course.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that John Bennett, of Blackburn, was given a non-combatant certificate by the local tribunal, which was afterwards withdrawn by the Appeal Tribunal; that he was arrested and taken to Preston, thence to Plymouth, court-martialled, sentenced to 112 days' imprisonment with hard labour, which was served at Mutley civil prison; and that he afterwards appeared before the Central Tribunal, and was returned to Gilford Camp, Plymouth, at the expiration of his sentence; whether he has been deemed not genuine by the Central Tribunal; whether he was again court-martialled and sentenced to one year's imprisonment with hard labour; and, if so, will he say on what grounds?

I regret that I am not able to trace this man. If the hon. Member will give me his number and regiment, and, if possible, the date of the court-martial, I will have inquiries made, and will communicate the result to my hon. Friend.

asked whether any soldiers have been or are being transferred to Class W of the Reserve; and, if so, whether the effect of such transfer is to impose upon such men liability to be called up again at any time, and also to deprive them and their dependants of any pay and allowances and to postpone indefinitely any claims they may have for pensions or gratuities?

A man in Class W receives no Army pay or other Army emoluments. Men who have a claim to pension are not passed to Class W, but to Class P (unless discharged), in which case they are paid as pensioners. If a man has wrongly been transferred to Class W, he should apply for his case to be reconsidered.

Is it the fact that a man transferred to Class W is retained by the Army, and he may be ill but he gets no pay, no pension, and no separation allowance?

That is the present rule. I am having the question gone into. My hon. Friend called my attention to a case in which a man had fallen sick on account of wounds. Owing to his having been placed in Class W he was unable to get treatment in hospital or separation allowance for his wife. I am having the question carefully reviewed. I think that in those circumstances we ought to restore the man's status either by calling him up or by some other means, so that he may receive hospital treatment and separation allowance can be made.

In view of this answer, I will raise this question, if possible, between now and the Adjournment.

Have any men been transferred to Class W under paragraph 392 of the King's Regulations?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why, when volunteers for nursing orderlies for hospital work are called for abroad, men from the Regular Army are always preferred to men from the Territorial Force?

There is no question of men volunteeing for service abroad. When the forces overseas demand men, men of the Regular Army are sent to units of the Regular Army, and of the Territorial Force to units of that force.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a Return was asked in June or July last from field ambulances of how many men in these were qualified as dental mechanics, with the view of transferring these to the Dental Corps; if so, will he say why the men so returned have not been transferred; and when it is proposed to do so?

A Return of dental mechanics serving in combatant corps who were willing to transfer to the Royal Army Medical Corps was called for last summer. Requirements have been fully met by the transfer of men selected from those who volunteered.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has considered the possibility of raising extra revenue from India by increased taxation, seeing that the greater number of authorities are of the view that this could be easily and expeditiously done without imposing undue burdens on the people of India?

Additional taxation, estimated to yield £3,650,000, was introduced this year. This was expected to provide for this year's needs and to leave a reasonable surplus. My hon. Friend will not expect me now to discuss next year's Budget.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any knowledge of an enemy alien by the name of Stumm, living at Caterham, originally an agent for the firm of Krupps in this country; whether he is naturalised; and, if not, why he is not interned?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The person to whom the hon. and gallant Member apparently refers is a naturalised British subject, whose correct name is Stamm. He was naturalised more than twenty-one years ago, and is not known to be otherwise than perfectly loyal

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in October, 1915, the district purchasing officer for Queen's County requisitioned a quantity of hay from Mr. John Kennedy, of Ballyreilly, Ballybrophy, at a contract price of £4 per ton with a promise to pay an extra allowance of 5s. per ton per month during the period the hay remained on Mr. Kennedy's premises; that the hay was not removed until the 24th January, 1916, when a claim was made by the vendor for the extra 5s. per ton, which was refused; that according to the contract note Mr. Kennedy was to receive an advance of £60 on account in October, 1915, but no payment was made until 24th March, 1916; and, as Mr. Kennedy has suffered financial loss, both as regards the non-payment of the extra 5s. per ton and the withholding of the purchase money for five months, whether inquiries will be made with a view to granting him adequate compensation?

Full inquiries have been made into this case, and I am informed that Mr. Kennedy has been paid everything to which he was entitled under the contract referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many officer prisoners were lately removed from Donington Hall en route for a neutral country; were there amongst them the captains of the "Emden" and the "Blucher," and a German officer who was on Zeppelin L 15 which was brought down in the Thames Estuary; can he say who in the Foreign Office is responsible for these exchanges; and what officers did we get in exchange for those released?

Twenty-one officers, among whom were the captain of the "Blucher" and an officer of L 15, but not the captain of the "Emden," were recently removed from Donington Hall for transfer to Switzerland. We have received the names of twenty officers who have reached Switzerland from Germany within the past few days, and I have just heard that others have arrived, but I do not yet know their names. The responsibility for these selec- tions in either country rests, under an agreement effected with the German Government, with a commission composed of Swiss and British or German medical officers, respectively.

Were the German officers sent from this country unwounded, and were the officers sent from Germany unwounded too?

In neither case are these officers fit for service. In both cases they are examined by this medical commission, which reports them as being, by reason of their disability, suitable for internment in Switzerland.

Were the Admiralty and War Office consulted before this arrangement was made; and, further, were the prisoners returned by us of the same or greater value than the prisoners returned by Germany?

This arrangement was made a long time ago—before I was concerned with this question—and I cannot answer the first part; but the whole root idea of the arrangement is that they are prisoners who for the rest of the War will have no further fighting value.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War the names of all the persons convicted by field general court-martial in Dublin last May for complicity in the insurrection in whose cases the convictions were obtained on the evidence of only one witness for the prosecution, and state the sentences in those cases; and whether he is aware that, while in this country a person charged is a competent witness in his own defence, Section 2 of the Defence of the Realm Amendment Act, 1915, expressly deprives persons charged in Ireland of that advantage?

No, Sir; I am unable to give the information asked for in the first part of the question. The latter part of the question is perhaps rather for the Law Officers than for me to answer, but I understand that the rules of evidence in Ireland under the Defence of the Realm (Amendment) Act comply with the ordinary rules of evidence in Ireland.

Will the hon. Gentleman say why he is not able to give this information, and when and where it may be obtained; also whether convictions and sentences obtained by this process will be reviewed at an early date?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put the last part of the question to the Attorney-General.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will ascertain and state whom Sir John Maxwell consulted last May, if any person, on the legality of trying persons not subject to military law by field general courts-martial, held in camera, in capital cases, and on the legality of having some such persons executed and others sent to penal servitude in pursuance of sentences of such courts; whether he was, or is, aware that this procedure is unprecedented; whether he was, or is, aware that there is no law authorising it; and if he will specify the law on which Sir John Maxwell was acting?

Obviously I have not been able to consult Sir John Maxwell since the hon. Member put this question yesterday, nor, in view of the statements which have already been made and in particular of that made by the late Home Secretary on 3rd July, can I think that the hon. Member is really ignorant of the course which was followed as regards consultation of legal authorities?

Having regard to the comment made by the Leader of the House yesterday, I beg to ask now whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that the law expressly requires trial by field general court-martial to be held in open Court; whether he is aware that execution not in accordance with the law is murder; and whether a public servant, if he has illegally executed fifteen men and illegally sentenced 130 to penal servinude, is not to be asked under what law he is supposed to be acting?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

I would point out that this question, under one form or another, has been running on the Paper since last July, and I would respectfully ask you, Sir, to observe that it involves the charge of murder against a public servant.

I will consider that when I see it in writing.

asked the Home Secretary whether women enduring penal servitude by sentences of Irish courts-martial are receiving the same concessions as have been announced for men; and under what authority are such sentences being enforced in England?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part of the question, the authority is Sections 58, 59, and 62 of the Army Act, 1881, as applied by Section 1 (4) of the Defence of the Realm Consolidation Act, 1914.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that there are two Irish ladies interned in Aylesbury; that they are without trial and have been there eight months; will he consider their case and allow their release before Christmas?

That question does not arise.

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask why questions are being refused in regard to these two ladies, who are interned without trial?

I am not refusing any questions.

The reason the questions are refused is because the hon. Member has asked the same question, I will not say a hundred times, but getting on that way.

I have asked the question thirteen times, and as that is considered an unlucky number, perhaps you will allow me to put it the fourteenth?

The hon. Member is convicting himself.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it was by his direction the camp authorities at Frongoch recently prevented the transmission of a telegram from Thomas Daly, an untried Irish prisoner there, whose wife had just died in Dublin, asking his brother to look after his home and children; and what is the official reason for this treatment of an untried man?

I am informed that a telegram signed "Daly" was offered for transmission by another prisoner, and that he was told to inform Daly that he must himself hand in any telegram he wished to send. The Secretary of State had given no direction in the matter, and I am inquiring into it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of letters and telegrams have been sent during the last three or four days to prisoners, dealing with the sickness or death of various persons, and that the prisoners have not been allowed to reply to them?

That is a matter which will be taken into consideration in the Home Office inquiry into the whole matter.

The right hon. Gentleman has not told us by whose instructions Daly's telegram was returned.

I assume by the commandant. But that, again, will be one of the subjects of the inquiry I am making.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire why any communication that the commandant desired to make to him was not made to him through the usual channel recognised for all other purposes?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the name of the medical officer at Frongoch Camp who refused to give the necessary professional attendance to one of the untried Irish prisoners there whose knee was dislocated by a fall on snow, except under a condition having no relevance to the injury or to the medical officer; whether this doctor is being retained in the public service; and whether his conduct has been or will be reported to the British Medical Association?

I am informed that there has been no such case. One man injured his knee; and he, although refusing to give his name and number, was admitted to hospital, treated, and cured.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is now in a position to say how many of the untried Irish prisoners at Frongoch are to be released before Christmas; whether they will comprise all who suffer from lung trouble or other infectious disease contracted there, and all youths under twenty years of age; whether any of the Irish political prisoners sentenced to penal servitude by secret court-martial will be released on this occasion; whether all of them still retained will be given any amelioration of their condition; and whether those of them accustomed to literary work will be left wholly free to pursue such work having no relation to politics, and allowed to receive such books and material as they may require for their purposes?

With regard to the release of the Irish prisoners at Frongoch, I refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 15th December to the hon. Member for Dublin Harbour. No lung trouble or other infectious diseases have been contracted at the camp. With regard to the Irish prisoners sentenced to penal servitude, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my predecessor on the 14th November in answer to a question by the hon. Member for North Galway. Prisoners in perial servitude accustomed to literary work will be supplied with note books and will be permitted to receive any books of a non-political character which they may require, subject, of course, to their good conduct in prison.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what amelioration as to punishment is to be extended to the Countess Markievicz for Christmas, in view of the fact that there are two Irish ladies interned there with whom she would associate, but there are no other women except thieves and prostitutes?

I am afraid that I cannot accept the last statement. I have already answered other questions as to this, and I cannot add to any statement I have made.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of J. Wilson, tried by field general court-martial held in camera in Dublin on 4th May, 1916, on the two charges of taking part in the insurrection and of attempting to cause disaffection; whether the prisoner was acquitted on the second charge, and convicted on the first charge and sentenced to two year's imprisonment with hard labour, but recommended to mercy on account of his youth; whether he is aware that the prisoner was then only seventeen year of age; whether he is aware that General Maxwell confirmed the sentence, ignoring the recommendation to mercy; if he will state under which Sections of the Defence of the Realm Regulations the two charges were laid in this case; and whether the remainder of the sentence will now be commuted?

Inquiries are being made in this case.

In view of the fact that this man has been seven months in prison, why do the inquiries take so long? I will repeat this question to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the evidence at a recent court-martial on untried Irish prisoners at Frongoch; that the commandant declared that if he had nothing in the camp but dead bodies he would maintain discipline there, and to the evidence that what the commandant means by discipline is that untried prisoners must betray their comrades; whether the Government sanctions this discipline and this method of enforcing it on untried prisoners; and, if not, what action is to be taken in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question, and I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for the Harbour Division on 14th December. My inquiries into the conditions at Frongoch are not yet completed, and I hope I may be allowed to postpone my full answer to this question until they are complete.

asked the Prime Minister (1) when the Report of the evidence given at the Commission of Inquiry into the murders at the Portobello Barracks will be issued; and (2) when the proceedings of the Dublin courts-martial will be issued?

I am making inquiries with regard to these matters.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he is aware that a number of beds in our military hospitals are occupied by men who in the case of a civil hospital would be regarded as outside patients; and will he consider the advisability, in view of the demand on the beds in military hospitals and on the time of the doctors, of dealing with minor ailments among men in the Army in a different way to the existing system?

I can assure my hon. Friend that the importance of diminishing by any legitimate method the demand on the beds in military hospitals is fully realised.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is not my own view, but the view of medical men?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in some commands at home it is understood that only 10 per cent. of the men serving in each regiment are allowed to proceed on leave during the Christmas holidays; and will be issue an Order making it clear that only 10 per cent. Of the men of home-serving regiments may go on leave at one time, but that these may be followed by another 10 per cent. when the first return to duty, and so on?

I am afraid Christmas leave must be limited to the Christmas period. The answer to the latter part of the question is therefore in the negative.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether all week-end leave will be stopped after this? Will men be allowed any leave after Christimas?

I have already stated that I am afraid week-end leave must be stopped.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware that soldiers on active service in France are complaining of unfairness in regard to the granting of leave in the letters they send home because officers are being granted leave far more often than other soldiers, many officers being allowed leave three or four times in the course of twleve months whilst other soldiers cannot get so much as one leave in twelve months; if he will make inquiries with a view to sharing the opportunities for visiting their homes more fairly as between officers and other soldiers; and (2) if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among those soldiers now on active service in France who have been there more than twelve months since they had their last leave, on account of the fact that soldiers who have only been in France four, five, or six months altogether are being given their first leave before their turn comes as compared with soldiers who have had no leave for twelve months; and if he will make inquiries with a view to removing the cause of this dissatisfaction?

I am prepared to admit—what must obviously be the case—that there may be inequalities, or what appear inequalities, in the grant of the privilege of leave in different cases. It is obviously impossible to place 1,500,000 men on a roster and to observe mathematical precision in following such a roster. I can only again repeat that it is the desire of the Commander-in-Chief to give all the leave that can possibly be given. As is known the facilities have been increased. I am sorry that my hon. Friend raised the question of the amount of leave given to officers and men respectively. I can assure him that the interests of officers and men in this matter are both of equal concern to the military authorities.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a scheme for associating a field ambulance service with the Volunteers has been prepared by the War Office; and, if so, when it is likely that it will be published?

I am sorry that I am not yet in a position to make any statement on this subject.

asked whether before lists of soldiers considered suitable substitutes for farm labourers liable for military service are prepared and sent to substitution officers, any steps are taken to ascertain that the families of such proposed substitutes are still living in the districts where the men enlisted?

Names of men available for substitution are sent, not to the area where a man enlisted, but to the area where he was formerly employed. If the man's family are no longer there, his name can be sent to the area to which they have removed.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how the families for substitutes are to be provided with housing accommodation in the places where the substitutes will be working, seeing that in many cases the families of farm labourers who have joined up are allowed to remain in occupation of their cottages?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that many farmers in the north-east of the country are not ploughing their lea land on account of the uncertainty which exists as to the amount of labour which will be available for sowing operations next year, thus decreasing the acreage hitherto under cultivation; and whether he can bold out any hope that a sufficient number of farm workers will be left to enable farmers to put their land to the fullest and best use?

The Board are aware of the general position both in the North - Eastern counties and elsewhere in regard to agricultural labour, and they hope to make such arrangements with the War Office and in other directions as will give to agriculture as many labourers for next year's work as in the present prevailing conditions is possible.

When will the matter be settled and cleared up?

It is a matter for the War Office as well.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that farmers are being continually harassed by their men being called up and time after time getting short exemptions, and that farming under such conditions is impossible; and if he will take into consideration the expediency of giving farmers the opportunity of stating to the Board of Agriculture the number of men they have and the number required, so that the Board of Agriculture could state their case before the tribunals and not throw on farmers the stigma of want of patriotism?

I can assure the hon. Member that the Board are fully aware of the conditions referred to. An announcement on the subject of agricultural labour is being made by the President to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the demand for insurance of increased value on maize is such that the rates at Lloyd's have advanced to 10 per cent. on steamers and 20 per cent. on sailing vessels, although the original rate for the insurance of this food stuff when put afloat was only 1 per cent. under the Government insurance scheme; and whether he will consider the more equitable basis of requisitioning all maize lying in British ports, and to arrive at the price stated on the importers' original invoice, plus landing charges and rent, and a profit of 2 per cent. to the present owner?

I am aware that the rate in the open market for the insurance of increased value has risen, but increased value as such can be insured at the War Risks Office at the Government rate prior to the sailing of the vessel, and there is no hardship in leaving the increased value which accrues after the sailing of the vessel to be insured in the open market. It does not materially affect the selling price of the commodity. The second part of the question should be addressed to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, whether, in view of the dissatisfaction felt with the arrangements for the distribution of sugar in Ireland, of the fact that the office in London dealing with this matter is undermanned, and that Irish merchants and others who have complaints to make in person have to cross to London, he will appoint a resident sugar controller for the whole of Ireland?

As was stated yesterday in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Limerick, the Food Controller is in touch with the Royal Commission on sugar supplies in regard to the general distribution of sugar, and my hon. Friend's suggestion will certainly be considered.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has taken any steps to ensure that during the continuance of the War grazing in all deer forests shall be available for cattle and sheep?

The Board of Agriculture for Scotland is issuing a circular to landowners in which the importance of making the suitable parts of deer forests available for the grazing of stock is emphasised.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether his attention has been called to the amount of maize and other foodstuffs given to raise pheasants and other wild birds; whether he is aware that hay and other feeding-stuffs are often given to deer, some of which are in a wild state; and whether steps will be taken to prevent extravagance of this kind?

The first part of the hon. Member's question was answered on 18th December. As regards the latter part, I understand that already voluntary action on the part of owners has resulted in the diminution of their herds of deer. Probably further reduction will have to be made.

Where the landowners and great peers have not reduced their herds, and have still herds of thousands of animals, is nothing going to be done?

I think we can safely trust this matter to the Food Controller, who will take any action necessary.

asked the hon. Member for Wilton, as representing the Food Controller, whether he can indicate the nature of the powers to be sought in respect of the restriction of game preservation, and particularly whether it is intended to abrogate the right of property in game or to make illegal the feeding of game birds with grain; and, if the latter, whether the prohibition will extend to domestic poultry?

The Food Controller is taking power to specify in regard to any article of commerce certain uses to which it may not be put. Under this an Order will be made, prohibiting the feeding of grain to game birds. There is no ground for extending this prohibition to domestic poultry.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer definitely the part of my question which asks whether there is any intention of abrogating the right of property in game, or only dealing with the question of feeding; and is he not aware that you can produce greater results from poultry when in a semi-wild state than when poultry is penned up?

Before my hon. Friend answers this question, may I ask whether he is aware that there is no right of property, strictly speaking, in wild game?

I am very much obliged to my hon. friend for improving my knowledge. My hon. Friend the Member for Devizes (Mr. Peto) had better put his question again to my hon. Friend the Member for Wilton.

asked who is in command of the British forces in Mesopotamia; and whether these are now thoroughly fitted out for all eventualities?

Major-General (temporary lieutenant-general) F. S. Maude, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., is in command of the Mesopotamian Expeditionary-Force. No effort has been spared to equip this force in a satisfactory manner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say in how many cases the Victoria Cross has been conferred on officers or men for services in Mesopotamia; and in how many cases has service there been rewarded by the following honours, Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, Distinguished Conduct Medal, or other decorations?

My hon. Friend's question suggests a basis for the distribution of the honour of the Victoria Cross on which, if he will allow me to say so, it is hardly possible to act. This may not be equally true of the other distinctions mentioned, in regard to which I can say—although I cannot give him the figures for which he asks—that the consideration he has in mind is not lost sight of.

Is the scale of honours in Mesopotamia as liberal as in France, and will further consideration be given to the matter?

My impression is that the scale of honours is as liberal in Mesopotamia as it is in France. Of course, the proportion of troops is not the same.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he has issued an Order that letters to Members addressed to the House of Commons shall be opened by the Censor; if so, whether the same rule affects Members of the House of Lords or members of the Government; and whether he can give the reason for this Order?

The correspondence of Members of both Houses is liable to censorship. Members of the Government are exempt so far as their official correspondence is concerned. As regards the reasons for the censorship, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for North Islington.

Is it not a fact that letters are very often opened, and that they are not marked as having been opened?

My own impression is that the rule is being kept that if a letter is opened it is duly marked as having been opened by the Censor.

How can this rule give any protection against secrets being known through the post by the enemy?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will say why Margaret Howell, mother of the late Private James Howell, No. 19299, H Company, 3rd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, has been refused a pension or allowance, seeing that while at home in Tatnafree, Brookeboro, county Fermanagh, he gave most of his earnings to his mother, who had an allotment of 3s. 6d. per week from him until he was killed in action in France on or about 2nd November, 1915; can he state why this allowance to her was stopped immediately after his death; and will he have her application for a pension reconsidered?

No application for pension appears to have been received, but I am having inquiries made, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will say why No. 1122, Sergeant F. Carney, 5/4th Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, has been refused a pension or allowance on being discharged from the Army as no longer physically fit; is he aware that ex-Sergeant Carney is the son of a fisherman aged over sixty years who finds it impossible to support an invalid son who is unable to work, and that his only brother, No. 7830, Sergeant J. Carney, Royal Inniskillings, who contributed to the support of the home, was killed in Callipoli, having served through the African campaign and been dangerously wounded in France when he won the Russian Cross of St. George; and will he, in the circumstances, have ex-Sergeant F. Carney's application reconsidered and a pension granted to him if possible?

This man's disability, bronchitis, had existed for several years before he joined the Army, and was not aggravated by his military service (which was all at home). He is therefore not eligible for a pension. I am inquiring about the other son.

Was the man accepted as medically fit?

Presumably.

If he was accepted as medically fit, why did the War Office refuse a pension?

No one knows better than my hon. Friend the rules under which we have to administer pensions at present.

Are all those passed as medically fit refused pensions if they leave the Army medically unfit?

No. My hon. Friend is equally well aware of that.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to modify that?

That is a matter for argument afterwards.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state what steps, if any, the Government will take to provide for the widows and orphans of soldiers whose death was caused by accident whilst in the service of their country; if he is aware that in one case in Dublin a soldier's widow and children are in receipt of Poor Law relief, and that the wife, who is in a delicate state of health, has to leave her three children, all babies, in the hands of strangers in a penny nursery whilst she goes to work, where she earns from 4s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. a week; if he is aware that her husband left his employment to answer his country's call and died whilst on active service; and if he will cause instructions to be issued to provide such dependants with the necessary means of existence without the aid of Poor Law relief?

My hon. Friend has informed me that his question refers to the case of Mrs. Flatman, widow of the late Driver J. Flatman, R.F.A., as to which he has already been in correspondence with me. I have already explained to him that Driver Flatman's death was caused by his own fault, and no pension or gratuity can be paid from Army funds.

What provision is made by the War Office for the widow and children of this man whose death was due to an accident—being choked while eating a piece of meat? At the present time they are being provided for out of Poor Law relief in Dublin. Can I not have an answer to that very important question? Are the children to go hungry after that man meeting his death in the service of his country?

No. I think not. I do not think that the children ought to go hungry. I think that that is a case in which the discretionary powers of the Statutory Committee might well be exercised.

Will you make that recommendation?

asked if the inquiries as to the dependant's allowance payable to Mrs. Margaret Condron, mother of Private Michael Condron, No. 19875, Dublin Fusiliers, are yet completed; and, if so, what is the result?

I have ascertained that a claim for separation allowance has not been made by Private Condron. A form of application has been sent to him through his Commanding Officer, and payment of any allowance admissible will be made in due course with effect from date of application.

asked if Andrew Dunne, of Drymaterrel, Ballinakill, Queen's County, has yet received dependant's allowance in respect of his son, Thomas Dunne, No. 11513, Irish Guards; and whether Andrew Dunne will receive a pension of 5s. a week in respect of his deceased son Patrick, No. 3450, Irish Guards, and a further pension of 5s. per week in respect of his deceased son William, No. 4390, Irish Guards, or only one pension of 5s. per week in respect of both?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the latter part, one pension of 5s. is being paid. I would remind the hon. Member that in these cases pension depends on the degree of dependence, and not on the number of sons.

asked if the inquiries into the case of the dependants' allowances payable to the dependants of Private J. Rowan, No. 9987, Irish Guards, and Private William Rowan, No. 11476, Royal Irish Regiment, are yet completed; and, if so, what is the result?

Neither of these soldiers has yet made an allotment or claimed separation allowance.

asked if the inquiries into the case of Private William Foley, No. 2497, Leinster Regiment, are yet completed; and, if so, what is the result?

This man's case has again been considered by the Chelsea Commissioners, and as his disability is regarded as aggravated to some extent by his military service, they have awarded him a conditional pension of 5s. a week for a year.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in a number of cases soldiers, who previous to enlistment had disagreed with their wives and separated from them, but who have since become reconciled and are fulfilling all their duties and obliga- tions as husbands and fathers, are unable to claim full separation allowance under the Army Orders now in force, although they allot the same amount out of their pay as other soldiers do; and if, for the sake of the welfare of the families concerned, he will recommend the Army Council to amend the Army Orders so that where a soldier and his wife who were separated when the soldier enlisted are afterwards reconciled to each other separation allowance may be paid at the full rate?

It is the established practice to grant separation allowance at the full rate in cases such as those described. If the hon. Member is aware of any case in which it has been refused, perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will inquire into the case of Private Albert Fox, No. 17904, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, who died on the 8th April, 1916, as the result of inoculation; and if he is aware that this man was the main support of his mother, that she lived in the house of which he was tenant, and that since his death she has not received any allowance or pension for his loss?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that Sergeant J. Hogan, No. 19776. Army Service Corps, recently discharged for service, claims that there is a sum of £41 13s. back pay due to him; and whether he will take any action in the matter and have a full statement of accounts furnished to Sergeant Hogan and all arrears paid him without delay?

I am having inquiries made into these cases, and will let the hon. Members know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, if the inquiries into the separation allowance payable to Mrs. Elizabeth Price, of Ballylincen, Queen's County, mother of Private James Price, deceased, No. 10962, Dublin Fusiliers, are yet completed; if so, what is the result; and whether the amount of pension payable to Mrs. Price has yet been fixed?

I have ascertained that there are no arrears of separation allowance due to Mrs. Price, payment having bean made from date of application. The question of pension is not yet settled.

asked if, in view of Army Council Instruction No. 89V, of 1916, which expressly prohibits all ranks ventilating their grievances through Members of Parliament, an hon. Member can give the name and regiment of a soldier referred to in a question without subjecting the man to disciplinary action or otherwise prejudice him on account of having made a complaint through a Member of Parliament to the War Office?

Yes, Sir.

asked if the accredited agents of Foreign Allied Governments are permitted to purchase horses in Ireland which are not required by our Government and which have been rejected by our Government buyers?

Applications to export horses from the United Kingdom would be considered by the War Trade Committee on their merits; but I question whether the Allies are likely to desire to purchase horses which War Office buyers have rejected.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that they tried to buy these horses last year and would not be allowed to purchase them?

If anybody wants to buy these rejected horses and makes application the application will be considered on its merits.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether officers' allowances while serving in the field are not paid to their account until a month, and sometimes two and three months, after they have fallen due; and will he see that in future these allowances are paid to their accounts immediately they fall due?

Allowances are paid monthly in arrear under the Allowance Regulations. If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any cases where undue delay has occurred I will have inquiries made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the rate of pay that working companies or parties of soldiers receive when they are sent to work for private employers or contractors; whether a notice is posted up at the depot or on the job that the soldiers are working on showing the rate of pay that they are entitled to; and, if not, whether he will give instructions that such a notice is posted up?

The soldiers composing a working party draw from the War Office their military pay and allowances, together with any excess of the local standard rate for labour of the class concerned over 3s. 6d. a day. The contractor in all cases pays to the War Office the local standard rate. I will inquire into the desirability of posting up notices as suggested.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in the Southern Command farmers are asked to pay the military authorities the full local rate of wages for any prisoners of war they may employ, and to provide sleeping accommodation for them; and whether, seeing that this course makes such labour dearer than British labour, and that this provision is acting as a complete bar to the employment of German prisoner-of-war labour, he will see that demands for payment are more in accordance with the prospective value of the labour, taking into consideration the difficulty of language and unfamiliarity with local and other requirements?

No, Sir, I have no information to show that farmers have been required to find lodging for prisoners without payment The question of terms generally is under consideration.

Does the rule which has been made as to the rate which farmers should pay these German prisoners of war emanate from the War Office or from the Institute of Labour?

I think that that sort of thing ought to be settled in consultation. I have consulted the Labour Adviser of the Government with regard to this and I propose to consult the Board of Agriculture.