asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state which members of the Government are in receipt of salaries, with the office held and the amount of the salary in each case; and which members of the Government receive no salary and what office is held by each?

I shall arrange for the information asked for by the hon. Member to be circulated as soon as possible.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the exceptional circumstances caused by the high prices of the necessaries of life in Ireland, the additional 2s. 6d. will be granted to all those in receipt of old age pensions and also to those who will receive the same at least during the continuance of the War?

I regret that I can add nothing to my previous answers on this subject.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state the number of barrels of beer manufactured in Great Britain and Ireland respectively for each of the years 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916, and the exports from and imports to each of the countries during the same periods, including those between the two countries?

supplied the following figures:

Year.			Great Britain.	Ireland.
1913	…	…	31,711,595	4,239,752
1914	…	…	30,552,919	4,197,345
1915	…	…	25,909,660	3,766,189
1916	…	…	23,894,753	3,577,328

Direct exports of home-made beer to foreign countries and British Possessions:

Year.			From Great Britain.	From Ireland.
			Barrels.	Barrels.
1913	…	…	648,565	6,896
1914	…	…	526,569	12,700
1915	…	…	529,683	3,680
1916	…	…	704,532	—

The number of barrels of beer sent into Ireland from Great Britain and into Great Britain from Ireland cannot be given.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the quantity of spirits distilled in England,Home-made spirits removed duty paid from:

——			1913.	1914.	1915.	1916.
			Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.
England to Scotland	…	…	56,894	53,563	62,772	45,530
England to Ireland	…	…	28,319	28,171	27,439	31,516
Scotland to England	…	…	5,279,104	5,211,113	6,308,158	5,594,693
Scotland to Ireland	…	…	31,875	34,336	49,656	48,428
Ireland to England	…	…	2,186,271	2,147,544	1,942,992	1,160,811
Ireland to Scotland	…	…	390,297	359,460	200,382	121,509

Home-made spirits removed under bond from:

——		1913.	1914.	1915.	1916.
		Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.
*Great Britain to Ireland	…	212,391	174,388	361,554	†
Ireland to Great Britain	…	4,830,521	4,575,211	4,708,327	†
* The removals under bond between England and Scotland are not available.
† Figures not yet ascertained.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why sows which were being turned in for fattening purposes before the Order of the Department of Agriculture as to the slaughter of breeding sows was issued, and many of whom, are four and five hundredweight, are not allowed to be killed for home consumption or sold

issued the following tables:

Year.		England.	Scotland.	Ireland.
		Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.
1913	…	13,323,007	27,016,885	10,076,839
1914	…	13,381,480	28,266,927	10,286,222
1915	…	12,027,953	26,118,131	9,844,341
1916	…	11,031,133	28,614,074	12,766,481

Direct exports of home-made spirits to foreign countries and British Possessions:

Year.		From England.	From Scotland.	From Ireland.
		Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.	Pf. galls.
1913	…	3,705,349	6,376,678	8,910
1914	…	3,860,260	6,197,504	45,332
1915	…	2,951,411	5,945,432	15,907
1916	…	2,685,688	6,876,915	1,135

to the bacon curers; is he aware that a great number of poor people cannot afford to comply with the Department's Order as to the purchase of a young sow before the old one can be killed because of the cost of keep; and whether steps will be taken to avoid the hardship inflicted particularly on the poor in case they cannot afford to purchase a young sow?

The Order prohibiting the slaughter of breeding sows save under licence issued by the Department of Agriculture came into operation on 15th December last, and is a special war measure carried out under the provisions of the Maintenance of Live Stock Act, 1915. The making of the Order became necessary owing to the fact that breeding stock were being fattened with the object of disposing of them for slaughter, and the Department are not prepared to encourage depletion of the stock of swine in this manner. Licences are granted m cases where the Department receive satisfactory evidence as to the desirability of the slaughter of sows, and provided that each sow has, before the granting of a licence, been replaced by another breeding sow. The Department cannot see their way to alter this procedure, except in cases where a breeding sow is duly certified to be no longer fit for breeding purposes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government has taken into consideration the possibility of a bad harvest; if so, how are prices for damaged wheat and oats to be arranged; what method of procedure will be adopted as regards the selection of first, second, and third class oats and wheat; will depots be set up in every county controlled by proper and experienced seedsmen, to whom samples may be sent; and will every care be taken that food produce will not be purchased on the same lines and by the same class of inexperienced people on behalf of the Government as those who purchased hay during the past two seasons?

The details of the intended arrangements will, I am told, be decided in the Department of the Food Controller. The Irish Executive will give any help in their power to secure satisfactory arrangements for Irish growers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is compulsory on labourers and small holders to take the Government seeds and manure supplied under the recent tillage Order when they can procure the seeds and manure they prefer cheaper elsewhere?

Labourers and small occupiers who prefer to obtain seeds and manure locally are free to do so on such terms as may be arranged between them and the vendors. In such cases the district councils will not be responsible for payment for the purchases.

asked the Vice President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether, in view of the importance of utilising to the utmost the wheat supplies of the country, he has considered means of encouraging the milling of native grown whole or wheat meal; if so, what are they; and will he make representations to the Irish Railways Committee to secure that farmers who grow wheat and send it by rail to be milled will get a substantial reduction, at least in freights, on the meal when returned to them?

The assistance given by the Department of Agriculture for repairing or equipping small corn mills was dealt with in detail in my reply to the hon. member for East Limerick on the 15th November last. The suggestion in the concluding portion of the question will receive consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he had received a memorial is reference to the lands of Croghan Hill, King's County, signed by the representatives and clergymen of the district, praying that action be taken to make these lands, which have been purchased by the people, available for food production this year by restricting the veto of the landlord's agent; and whether he has taken any action in the matter?

I have received the memorial referred to by the hon. Member. I learn, however, that the Land Commission Court have decided, in pursuance of Section 1 (6) of the Land Law (Ireland) Act, 1881, that the grounds on which the landlord had refused to accept the proposed, purchasers as tenants are reasonable, and it is not in my power to take any action in the matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the success or failure of the food-production scheme in Ireland will largely, if not wholly, depend on the supply of labour available; whether he is aware that labour in agricultural districts in Ireland is very scarce; if he will explain why the English Government Departments are every day weeding Ireland of those who are absolutely essential for the coming season if extra food is to be produced by inducing them to come over to munition and other works outside Ireland; and will immediate steps be taken to make representations to the heads of Government Departments hero to the effect that Ireland needs her own labour to work in her own munition factories, which are the corn and potato fields, as if the present exodus continues it will mean that crops will be put into the ground only to rot there?

Considerable numbers of labourers have left Ireland for munition work in Great Britain, but there is still a fair supply of agricultural labour. The Department of Agriculture have made investigations as regards available migratory labourers, and they inform me that in the districts from which migration of labour usually takes place there are about 5,000 general agricultural labourers and some hundreds of ploughmen who are prepared to take up employment in other parts of Ireland immediately if offered wages considered satisfactory.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the English Department of Agriculture got a Treasury Grant to purchase motor tractors; if so, what was the amount; was a similar Grant applied for and granted to the Irish Department; and, if so, what amount; and how many motor tractors have been secured so far by the English, Scottish, and Irish Departments respectively?

The amount placed at the disposal of the Department of Agriculture in connection with the Food Production scheme for the period ending 31st prox., in respect of loans for the purchase of farm implements and machinery, including motor tractors and ploughs, is £70,000. About sixty motor tractors and ploughs are at present at work in Ireland, while orders for 200 more have been, placed. For information as regards England and Scotland, I must refer the hon. Member to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Secretary for Scotland.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, in allocating the untenanted land on the Stewart estate, county Donegal, one of the successful applicants is an ex-policeman who already held eleven acres of land and has sub-let a portion of his new holding, and that almost all the other successful applicants are persons without means: of farming or labouring the land; and what means have the Commissioners taken to ensure that these persons will be able to till their holdings and so add to the available food stocks of the country?

An ex-policeman is the occupier of a small farm on the property. The Estates Commissioners have no information as regards the allegation that he has sub-let portion of his allotment. The allottees comprise the former herd, six occupiers of small holdings, and the son of the occupier of a small farm on the property. The latter is a wounded soldier, who has been discharged on pension from the Army, and his relatives will assist in the working of his land.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) what was the quantity and value of sugar imported into the United Kingdom from Germany and Austria in 1890, 1900, and 1913, respectively; and (2) what was the quantity and value of sugar imported into the United Kingdom from British Possessions in 1890, 1900, and 1913?

Prior to 1904 no records are available with regard to the imports consigned from any particular country, imports being recorded generally according to the country from which the goods were shipped. In the following statement, therefore, particulars are given for all three years of the direct shipments of sugar from ports in the countries specified to the United Kingdom, figures being also added as regards the actual consignments of sugar from such countries in 1913.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the justification for the Order of the Controller prohibiting, under penalties for an offence under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, negotiations for the sale or purchase of or other dealing in any sugar outside the United Kingdom; and is it contended that a British subject should not be concerned, even as agent for an American vendor, in the sale of sugar to Russia without a licence of the Food Controller except at the risk of being guilty of an offence against Regulations framed under a Statute passed for a wholly different purpose?

The Order of the Food Controller prohibiting, under penalties for an offence under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, negotiations for the sale or purchase of or other dealing in any sugar outside the United Kingdom, was made with the object of stopping speculative dealings in sugar which had interfered with the opertaions of the Sugar Commission to the detriment of the public. The effect has been to place sugar in the same category as war material under Regulation 31a of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Individual cases such as that suggested in the second half of the question cannot be entirely excluded from the scope of the Order, and are properly dealt with by way of licence, the obtaining of which does not impose any serious hardship on legitimate trade.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he can see his way to set up a separate Sugar Commission for Ireland so as to deal with the Irish situation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to take this question. I regret that I am not in a position to add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member for county Meath on 12th February

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can state the number of horses of all ages that are being used for pleasure and sport in the United Kingdom which are living on the best food of the land, and if it is the intention of the Government to put them upon a restricted supply of forage on similar lines to what the Food Controller is suggesting for the people of this country; and if he intends taking any action in having such horses used for productive purposes?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. There are no complete returns of the number of horses other than those on farms. The subject of the consumption of valuable food by horses used for pleasure or sport has been brought to the notice of the Food Controller, who hopes that owners of such horses will curtail very considerably the consumption of oats and other grain by such animals. If this is not done voluntarily, it will be necessary to adopt other methods.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, whether a right is claimed by him to interfere with and prohibit the sale, or negotiation for the sale, without a licence from the Food Controller, of articles of food which are neither within the United Kingdom or any of the British Dominions, nor intended to come within such areas, but are grown in neutral countries, and are intended for the consumption by the subjects of an allied country; what is the authority for such claim against a British subject taking part as an intermediary in such a transaction; and of which of the Defence of the Realm Regulations is it suggested it is alleged to be a breach?

The Food Controller's powers enable him to regulate the supply of food in such manner as he thinks best for maintaining a supply of food in the United Kingdom. The proper exercise of these powers may in certain cases involve prohibiting British subjects from dealing in articles of food which are grown in neutral countries. It is obviously impossible to decide the question of destination without specific information, and where an Order has been made prohibiting dealings in articles of food which are outside the United Kingdom, a licence can be issued authorising unobjectionable dealings. The authority under which the Food Controller acts is to be found in the New Ministries and Secretaries Act, 1916, and in Regulations 2F to 2J, inclusive, of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. A breach of an Order made by the Food Controller is a summary offence under those Regulations.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that during the past two years a considerable increase has occurred in the cultivation of oats and wheat in that part of the West Donegal Parliamentary Division which is served by the Lough Swilly Railway Company (Letterkenny and Burtonport Extension); that small farmers in this district are now in the habit of sending small lots of grain to be milled in Letterkenny for domestic consumption; that such farmers are obliged to pay full rates each way on grain and meal, respectively, in addition to expenses of carting, whereas traders can have similar goods carried on the return journey at half rate; and whether having regard to the declared intention of the Government to encourage the maintenance and increase of tillage, the Board of Works will, when settling the terms of a new working agreement in respct of the Letterkenny Railway, insist upon the insertion of provisions placing the occupiers of land in the districts indicated in a more favourable position than heretofore in respect of the carriage of grain, meal, and other farm produce or, in the alternative, of placing the control of this line in the hands of another railway company?

I am having inquiries made in Ireland with regard to the several matters mentioned in the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will lay upon the Table the correspondence between the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland and the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company with reference to the proposals for a renewal of the working agreement of the Letterkenny Railway?

I think it is undesirable to lay correspondence on the Table while negotiations are still proceeding.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps the Government propose to take with reference to a war bonus to teachers in the Irish national schools whose salaries amount to more than £3 per week, and also to teachers in receipt of pensions; and whether, as the salaries paid to Irish national teachers average about two-thirds of the salaries paid to English and Scottish teachers, the salaries of Irish teachers will be raised to the same level as that of English and Scottish?

The Government has put school teachers in Ireland on the same footing as Civil servants in respect of war bonus, and is not able to do more.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to the fact that 217 men, national school teachers, who were promoted in the period 1909–12, inclusive, have not received the increase of salary due to them during that period; and whether, in view of the fact that only about £6,000 is required to pay these arrears, he will represent to the Treasury the desirability of making provision for redressing this grievance?

I see no prospect of being able to make the increase of pay retrospective to any greater extent than is already sanctioned.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what was the total number of milch cows and springers exported from Ireland, under separate heads, during the years 1913, 1914, 1915, and 1916?

The following are the figures asked for:—

			Milch Cows.	Springers.
1913	…	…	40,805	29,074
1914	…	…	27,710	17,796
1915	…	…	44,500	16,266
1916	…	…	51,105	26

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will arrange for a referendum of the Irish people to decide whether it is with their consent or at their desire that a state of military rule has been imposed in that country?

The state of military rule to which the hon. Member refers is, I assume, the enforcement of the Defence of the Realm Acts and Regulations. No referendum is provided for in the Acts, and I do not propose to ask for any modification of them in this respect.

asked the Chief Secreatry for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that every train between Dublin and Belfast on week-days and Sundays is provided either with a refreshment car or sleeping accommodation, and that restaurant cars are run on five Irish railways, whereas none are now run on the Great Western Railway, London and North-Western Railway, or Great Northern Railway, and only two are run on any trains travelling in Scotland; and whether he can take any steps to see that the same economy is practised on Irish railways as has been enforced in England?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I will obtain the observations of the Irish Railway Executive Committee on the suggestion made, and will thereafter communicate with the hon. Gentleman.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Board can see their way to publish some of the dispatches from admirals which have for long remained secret, especially from those on foreign stations, having in view the public interest in the matter and the encouragement public approval gives to men performing arduous duties?

The answer to this question depends on what my hon. and gallant Friend means by "dispatches." Dispatches dealing with the major naval operations of the War are published from time to time, but it would not be in the public interests to treat in the same manner secret letters which are sent by the Commanders-in-Chief to the Admiralty, as they necessarily contain information which would be of much value to the enemy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to release Corporal Anstee, No. 2338, 1st Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Yeomanry, from further service with the Colours, in order that he may return for the relief of his father, who is an invalid, in the management of Castle Farm, Chippenham, 270 acres, and Stanton Farm, Chippenham, 400 acres; and whether he is aware that, in the event of his being unable to do so, there will be no alternative but to sell the stock and give up one of the farms?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to this question printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT of last Thursday, column 813. Perhaps my hon. Friend would give mc any further particulars he may have.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to withhold the privilege of immediate discharge from the Army or exemption from service under the Military Service Act from men who, although concerned in the Irish rebellion, were fortunate enough to escape imprisonment or internment?

It is considered that there is a distinction between men concerned in the Irish rebellion who have suffered imprisonment or internment for participation in the rebellion and those men who have not been so dealt with. The case of the future enlistment under the provisions of the Military Service Acts of any man who has been concerned in the Irish rebellion but who has not been imprisoned or interned, will be specially considered and decided by the War Office, if particulars of the case are sent to that Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether men who were imprisoned or interned in consequence of having been concerned in the Irish rebellion are to be permitted to reside in Great Britain while exempt from the provisions of the Military Service Act?

So far as I can see, no permission is necessary, but my hon. and gallant Friend might address a question to the Home Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the Regulation under which men now serving in the Army who were imprisoned or interned in consequence of having been concerned in the Irish rebellion are to be discharged from the Service; under what conditions will discharges be granted; whether men so discharged will be entitled to the same privileges as other ex-soldiers; and whether they will be permitted to resume residence in Great Britain in defiance of the Military Service Act, or be sent back to Ireland, or be interned as alien enemies?

The decision to discharge from the Army men who were imprisoned or interned in consequence of having been concerned in the Irish rebellion, if they are unwilling to serve and did not join the Army voluntarily, is not based upon any particular regulation, but was a decision on general policy. There are obvious objections to the association with loyal soldiers of men who have actually suffered imprisonment or internment as rebels against the Crown. Such men will be discharged (unless, of course, they now regret their disloyalty and expressly wish to remain), because their services are no longer required and they will be entitled to the same privileges as other ex-soldiers. It is not proposed at present to apply the provisions of the Military Service Acts to such men or to intern them as alien enemies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War by what authority a calling-up notice has been sent to D. F. Griffiths, of Llanelly, who has been placed in category C3, and is a certificated teacher and therefore additionally exempt by Army Council Instruction 1,398?

In reply to the hon. Member's question, Daniel Griffiths' case was heard by the local, Appeal, and Central Tribunals, with the result that he was granted exemption from combatant service and also from non-combatant service provided that he undertook work of national important approved by the Central Tribunal, and this he failed to do. I would remind the hon. Member that it was only after the decision of the Central Tribunal that Mr. Griffiths consented to be medically examined and claimed to come within the arrangement by which teachers unfit for general service are not called to the Colours at present; and the fact that a man comes within the terms of an arrangement of this kind does not in itself constitute an exemption from military service. The instructions to which the hon. Member refers merely states that teachers unfit for general service are not to be called up without reference to the War Office and were never intended to override the decisions of tribunals set up under the Military Service Acts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can give an assurance that no officers on the active list ace appointed as military representatives on local or appeal tribunals unless they are of senior rank or have already been on active service?

The policy of this Department is only to employ officers who are either over military age or unfit for general service. When tribunals were first set up it was necessary for the military authorities to be represented by officers with legal training at Appeal Tribunals, and as these military representatives had to be found immediately, a certain number of Territorial officers with legal training were taken. A number of these are now being replaced.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Michael Francis Leahy, son of Mrs. Bridget Leahy, Kilkee, is now serving as a soldier in the 5th Royal Munster Fusiliers, and that Michael Leahy's mother has forwarded to the authorities a birth certificate showing that he was born on 30th May, 1901, and that consequently he is not sixteen years of age; and will he say whether, in spite of the requests of his mother, it is intended to keep this boy in the Army?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will grant facilities for American newspaper correspondents in this country to interview wounded Americans in this country who are serving with His Majesty's Forces?

Subject to the ordinary hospital rules, there is nothing to prevent an individual going to see a wounded soldier in hospital; and provided that the latter does not disclose any military information the War Office has no desire to prevent him from recounting his adventures.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state, as bearing upon the man-power issue, what is the of the probable wastage in the forces in the field for the current year?

I am afraid that this question cannot conveniently be dealt with by way of question and answer. In any case, it cannot be discussed in public without giving information to the enemy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulties of finding officers, the possibility of increasing the establishment of warrant officers to take the places of junior commissioned officers has been or will be considered?

This question has-been frequently considered and is at present receiving further consideration. There is difficulty now in finding suitable warrant officers for the fighting line, and an increase in establishment of warrant officers would, therefore, not lessen the difficulty of obtaining suitable subordinate leaders in the field.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the continued use in this country of large Service motor cars by junior officers; and if he will state what steps are being taken to ensure that these cars are exclusively used on Government service?

I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement made last Thursday on this subject by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State in another place.

asked whether the Good Conduct Medal can be given to men who have served sixteen to seventeen years of continuous service, but who, having been wounded in the War, have been discharged from the Army, and are, therefore, unable to complete the eighteen years' service.

No, Sir. I am afraid that they would not be qualified.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a man who had joined the Army Service Corps for two years with the Colours and ten years in the Reserve in 1904, and whose time had expired in January, 1916, but who, being on active service, had to serve another twelve months, and who then claimed his discharge, which he was told could not be granted to him, and who then claimed one month's leave of absence, which was also refused, is entitled at least to a leave of absence for one month; and will he say whether in such cases, where owing to the War a soldier cannot get his discharge, the leave will be granted?

No man is entitled to claim a leave of absence. Every endeavour is made, however, to grant to N.C.O's. and men, situated as in the case which my hon. Friend quotes, a, month's leave. This leave is dependent on the exigencies of the Service, and is of course more easily given in France than in the more distant theatres of war.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the action of the Standard Life Assurance Company, Edinburgh, in refusing to pay over to his widow the amount due under a policy of ^assurance on the life of the late Corporal Andrew Burton, No. 8082, 1st Battalion Royal Highlanders, on presentation of the intimation received from the Perth Infantry Record Office that the Army Council had been constrained to conclude that he was dead and that his death took place on 11th November, 1914, and on an indemnity being granted that the moneys should be refunded should Corporal Burton ever turn up again; whether he is aware that the Prudential Assurance Company and the Scottish Temperance Life Assurance Company, with which companies deceased was also insured, have paid over the amount due under their policies to the widow on presentation of the Army Council notice and on an indemnity being granted; and whether, looking to the hardship which Mrs. Burton is called upon to suffer in consequence of the Standard Life Assurance Company's action, he is prepared to take steps to secure that the sum is paid over to her without further delay?

My attention has previously been drawn to this case by my hon. and learned Friend, and I have informed him that the assurance company state that they are prepared to lodge the policy moneys with a bank to be held in the joint names of the company and the widow. The Army Council have no powers to enforce the payment of the sum, even if they considered it desirable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that old soldiers who have been recalled and placed in recruit battalions, although in some cases only a few months have elapsed since they left the Service and the drills have not materially altered, lose their proficiency pay when they are called up, and that long intervals elapse before they receive the bounty, some of them being warned and fitted out for a draft before obtaining it; and, as these men were given to understand that they would be reinstated at the old rate, will he endeavour to accelerate the payment of the bounty and the restoration of proficiency pay, and so remove any distrust and dissatisfaction caused by the delays?

Previous service counts for proficiency pay, and if a man were drawing it on discharge ho would resume it on being called up Special instructions have been issued that claims for bounty should be rendered promptly, and if my hon. Friend is aware of any instances to the contrary, I shall be glad to have details in order that they may be investigated.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that about 130 officers and clerks are engaged in their duties as censors from 8.30 a.m. until 10.30 p.m. in the Cable Censor's office of the Intelligence Department of the War Office at the Central Telegraph Office, Newgate Street, in a room about 60 ft. long and 30 ft. wide, with only two windows facing south, such windows opening into a well down which all the latrine pipes from the building descend, which well is covered over at the top at 6.0 p.m. with a tarpaulin, there being practically no fresh air and no ventilation obtainable in the overcrowded room; whether such room had been condemned some three years back by the Government surveyor as being unfit for human habitation; whether there are other rooms separated only by partitions with no ventilation in the same building in which some fifty women are engaged under similar conditions and circumstances which have existed for over two years; and whether he will take immediate steps to ameliorate the conditions under which they are working?

My attention has not been called to the need for increased ventilation in these rooms. I have, however, had an investigation made from which it appears that the maximum number of officers and clerks employed at any time in the first room mentioned is thirty-one and not 130; that the room is 39ft. long, 23ft. wide and 14ft. high; that the two windows cover practically the whole of the end wall. The well referred to is 43ft. wide and 67ft. long, and the W.C. pipes, from which no gases could possibly escape, are 43ft. from the windows Tarpaulins are drawn over the well at night, to screen light, but cross ventilation is provided for in this room by six openings in the partitions forming the two sides of it. The room has not been condemned as stated, so far as I am aware. The other room referred to receives air indirectly from a large number of windows opening on to the street. In view, however, of the large increase in the number of staff to the Postal Censors' Department since the arrangements were originally made, I shall give instructions that efforts be made to improve the ventilation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will say in which arms of the Service soldiers are entitled to proficiency pay at the end of two years?

Cavalry, Artillery, Infantry, Machine-gun Corps, Corps of School of Musketry, and Army Cyclist Corps.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the pay and allowances of a captain living with his wife in Egypt and of a second lieutenant, unmarried, in Egypt are as follows: Captain, pay 2s. 6d. per day, colonial allowance 1s. per day, total 13s. 6d. per day; second lieutenant, pay 7s. 6d. per day, colonial allowance 1s. per day, field allowance 2s. 6d. per day, lodging 2s. per day, fuel and lights 7d. per day, total 13s. 7d. per day; and whether he intends to propose any increase in a captain's allowance?

The captain receives field allowance at 3s. a day, in addition to those quoted by my hon. Friend.

asked what are the pay and allowances now receivable by a married second lieutenant with two children, a married first-class warrant officer with two children, and a married sergeant with two children serving with an Infantry-battalion in the British Expeditionary Force in France?

Normally 12s. 6d., 10s. 2d. and 5s. 10d. per day, respectively.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been called to the hardship imposed upon the wives and families of young officers mobilised at present in this country in the event of the movement of the officer's unit from one part of the country to another owing to increased railway fares; and whether he can see his way to grant warrants at the old railway rates to the families of officers so compelled to move?

The wives and families of officers are not and never have been entitled to warrants on change of station in this country. Whether they should be allowed the old railway rates on necessary journeys is a question analogous to many others which are under the consideration of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the increasing difficulty of junior officers in the Army in supporting their wives and families owing to the increase in the cost of living; whether he is aware that numerous non-commissioned officers who have proved their fitness for the commissioned ranks are unable to accept nomination because such promotion would leave them poorer than they are at present; and whether he can see his way to recommend an immediate increase in the pay of junior officers in the Army?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that many wives and children of officers in the Army are now in distress, due to extreme poverty, he can say when separation allowances will be granted to them sufficient to provide them with shelter and the necessary amount of food?

I will answer these questions together. The pecuniary position of married officers of the junior ranks has been engaging our careful attention, and some increased provision appears to be necessary in certain cases. It has accordingly been arranged that the powers of the Civil Liabilities Committee should be extended so that in case of necessity a maintenance allowance for their families may be granted to officers below the rank of major, and my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board hopes, with the concurrence of the Treasury, to bring the scheme into operation at an early date.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if sergeant-majors of the Territorial Force who at the outbreak of war were serving on the permanent staff of their battalion and accepted commissions as quartermasters were discharged from the Regular Army with a non-commissioned officer's pension, often only the day prior to their appointment as quartermaster, instead of being permitted to continue their service and earning retired pay under Article 577 (1), Royal Pay Warrant; and seeing that, had they taken commissions in the Regular Army instead of standing by their unit in the hour of need, they would have become entitled to £80 per annum on the cessation of hostilities or had they gone into the New Armies as quartermasters would have come under Article 577 (1), Royal Pay Warrant, if he will consider the possibility of granting these men the retired pay which those in the New Armies will enjoy?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed. In both the Territorial Force and the New Armies, quartermasters' commissions are only temporary and do not carry retired pay under Article 577 (1) of the Pay Warrant. Sergeant-majors situated as described in the question are awarded the pensions they have earned when they take their commissions, and draw them concurrently with their pay as officers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to adopt in the Army a similar arrangement to that obtaining in the Navy, i.e., that where alcoholic drink was not required as part of the ration adequate payment be made in lieu thereof?

Rum is not issued to the troops as a regular ration, but only at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding on the recommendation of a medical officer. The question of a money allowance in lieu does not therefore arise.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that owing to a second munitions factory explosion taking place in the near neighbourhood of a recent one certain poor people, whose cottages are now damaged for a second time, are suffering serious hardship by reason of the fact that no payment has yet been made to compensate for the damage caused by the first explosion, and if he will see that compensation is paid without further delay?

I have not yet received sufficient information on this matter, so that perhaps my hon. Friend will kindly repeat his question in a, few days' time.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the exchange value of lead is of great consequence to chemical manufacturers, and that in fixing the value of old lead at £26 more than double the usual difference between old and new sheet lead is established; and if prompt steps will be taken to ensure a return to the usual basis of exchange?

I am aware that the difference between the prices of old lead and new sheet lead has been greater since the fixing of the old lead price at £26 per ton net. It should be borne in mind that the manufacturers for the most part had stocks of material in hand for which a greater price than the price of £29 per ton net fixed by the Order had been paid. These stocks are now being absorbed and the price of sheet lead has fallen considerably during the last few days. Steps will be taken shortly to fix maximum prices for manufactured lead based on those now fixed for virgin and scrap lead.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether a decision has yet been come to on the application of Mrs. Mary Young, Corraraine, county Donegal, for a pension, about which the hon. Member for East Donegal wrote to him on the 31st December last?

I am informed that the amount of pre-war dependence in this case which had to be ascertained by the War Office for the purpose of separation allowance is still not decided, but I am endeavouring to get this decision hastened.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many of the Crown Colonics local military service for all British subjects of European origin has been made compulsory; and what arrangements are being made regarding the remaining Crown Colonies?

All Europeans of military age are required to serve in the Volunteer Forces of the Straits Settlements and the Federated Malay States. The question of introducing a similar scheme in Ceylon is under consideration. Provision for compulsory service for local defence has also been made in the British East Africa Pro- tectorate and in Fiji. As to other Colonies, I am anxiously considering the whole question, but I am not prepared to adopt any further change at present.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has yet received the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the re-introduction of so-called summer time for Greenwich time during the summer months; and whether he can state what decision has been arrived at by His Majesty's Government?

The Report has not yet reached me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will consider the propriety of recommending the grant of a war bonus to light-keepers under the Irish Lights Board who have been invalided out of the service through no fault of their own on pensions of £20 a year and under?

Light-keepers in the service of the general lighthouse authorities are entitled to pensions similar to those granted to persons in the public Civil Service under the Superannuation Acts, and any increase in such pensions would necessitate an amendment of those Acts which would be of general application. My right hon. Friend regrets that in the circumstances he does not see his way to meet the wishes of my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that over 200 houses are now inhabited in the Rosyth area, he will arrange for the establishment of a post office for the convenience of the inhabitants, who are some distance from the nearest post office at I Inverkeithing?

Authority has been given to establish a post office in the area referred to, but so far no person has been found who can act as sub-postmaster and provide suitable accommodation for post office business.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Local Government Board have yet approved the draft town-planning scheme for the Rosyth area, which was submitted to them as far back as 13th August, 1915; whether he is aware that in the absence of an approved scheme the tramway company cannot be restrained by the last Tramway Order, but may proceed to lay their line on the existing roadway, so that the advantages of the scheme, so far as it affects one of the main roads, will be lost; and whether the Board have considered that further delay in approving the scheme will prevent building development from proceeding immediately the War is over?

The town-planning scheme has not yet been approved, for the reasons stated in my reply to the hon. Member for West Fife on 22nd December. I am aware of the position in regard to the tramway company, and I understand the Local Government Board propose to call a conference of the parties interested, at an early date, with a view to reaching some agreement. No avoidable delay will occur in proceeding with the consideration of the scheme.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what steps have been taken to remedy the mismanagement of the Burtonport Extension Railway, a railway built and equipped by public moneys; whether much of the irregularity is due to the insufficiency and defects of the working company's engines; whether the Irish Railway Committee have had before them any proposals to deal with the situation so as to ensure sufficient engine-power and rolling stock; and, if so, when may the people expect an improvement in the service?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I believe that the matter has already been brought before the Irish Railway Executive Committee by the Irish Board of Works, and I am asking the Committee for a report.

The Burtonport Railway is worked, managed, and maintained by the Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway Company under an agreement with the Treasury under the Railways Act, 1896. The Commissioners have had many and serious grounds for complaint of the mismanagement of the line by the company, and in the year 1915 had to take legal proceedings against it. The Commissioners after very careful consideration came to the conclusion that the application of the powers given to them by the Act of 1896 would not satisfactorily meet the causes of complaint which seem inseparable from the present administration of the Lough Swilly Company. The present highly unsatisfactory condition of affairs on the Burtonport Railway is due to the mismanagement of the Lough Swilly Railway Company, and particularly to their neglect even before the War (1) to keep the locomotive stock in proper working order, and (2) to maintain an adequate and efficient staff. In May last the Commissioners in consequence of complaints sent their engineer to inspect the locomotive stock, and upon his report the company were called upon to put the stock into repair. Owing to the neglect of the company to keep up its supply of materials and a proper staff, it was unable to do the work itself, and engineering firms to which it applied being "under control" were unable to do the work without the consent of the Ministry of Munitions. An application, in which the Commissioners joined, was made to the Ministry without success. The Commissioners understand that the Executive Committee, who have been made acquainted with the facts, has on the urgent request of the company recommended the Ministry of Munitions to agree to the supply of a repairing staff. Till the result of this application is known it cannot be said when an improvement will take place, but meanwhile the Commissioners have taken steps with a view to securing that at any rate the line shall be kept open.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that three of the persons to whom plots were allotted by the Estates Commissioners on the estate of Sir Harry Stewart, county Donegal, have let their plots to adjoining farmers who already hold large farms; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

The Estates Commissioners have no information as to the allegations made in the question, but if particulars are furnished by the hon. Member, they will have inquiries made.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will state the reason why under the new prisons scheme married warders residing in Government quarters have been given and are in receipt of 1s. 6d. per week more than married men living in private houses; is he aware that since the promulgation of the new scheme married warders who have been transferred out of Government quarters are still in receipt of the higher salary; that this distinction has placed warders with short service residing in Government quarters on the same weekly pay as other warders with four or five years' more service, and that a feeling of resentment at present prevails throughout the service owing to such a distinction; and will he now authorise that in this respect the increase will be brought up to the same level all round?

I am getting reports on the working of the new scales of pay. When I receive them I will consider whether I ought to make representations to the Treasury on the subject.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has considered the memorial of the sub-town tenants at Middletown, county Armagh, that facilities may be afforded to them to purchase their holdings under the Land Purchase Acts in the same manner as has been done in other towns in Ireland; and if any decision has yet been arrived at on the subject?

Proceedings were instituted by the owners of this estate for sale to the Estates Commissioners under Secion 6 of the Irish Land Act, 1903. The estate comprised, in addition to agricultural lands, certain premises in the town of Middletown. The Estates Commissioners carefully considered the position of the occupiers of the town premises, which were mostly held by weekly or monthly sub-tenants, but the Commissioners could not see their way to make advances under the Land Purchase Acts to these sub-tenants for the purchase of the premises in their occupation. The memorial referred to by the hon. member has been forwarded to the Estates Commissioners for consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the hardship resulting from the operation of Rule 3 (3) of the Bengal and Madras Service Family Pension Fund rules in the case of officers who are members of the widows' branch of the Bombay Uncovenanted Service Family Pension Fund, such rule providing that all men in the services of the Imperial and Provincial Governments of India between the ages of eighteen and seventy whose services qualify for pension from the general revenues shall be eligible as subscribers, with the exception of, inter alia, officers who already subscribe to the Bengal, now closed to new subscribers, or Bombay Uncovenanted Service Family Pension Funds; whether he is aware that the Bombay Fund possesses no children's branch, with the result that an officer who, when the new Bengal and Madras lurid was started, had already joined the older fund to make provision for his wife, is debarred from making provision for his children by joining the new Government-supported fund; whether this is a substantial grievance, as such officer's children will get much smaller benefits for a given premium from an ordinary insurance society not enjoying Government support than from the Bengal and Madras Funds, which, in the case stated, their father cannot join; and whether Rule 3, Clause 3, will be amended so as to open the children's branch of the new fund to officers who may already be subscribers to the Bombay Uncovenanted Service Family Pension Fund (Widow's Branch), in order that every reasonable facility should be given to officers for making provision for their families?

The managing bodies of these funds are in India. I have not heard of any complaints or proposals made to or by them on the points mentioned in the question.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will explain why the postal authorities in county Longford refuse to convenience the Rev. P. Markey, parish priest, Clonbraney, by allowing his letters to be delivered viâ Coolarty instead of as at present; whether he is aware that, under the combined day and afternoon delivery now in force in this district, Father Markey's letters do not reach him till 1.30 p.m., whereas by the other delivery he could get them at 8.30 or 9 a.m.; and whether, as this will entail no extra expense on the postal service, lie will direct that the Coolarty delivery be now substituted?

Letters for the Rev. P. Markey are delivered from Edge-worthstown usually at about 12.36 p.m. To deliver them from Coolarty would involve making special arrangements, and the hon. Member is mistaken in supposing that there would be no additional expense. I should not be justified in entertaining the request in present circumstances.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can state the number of the staff employed in the department of surveyors and assistant surveyors; what duties they perform; whether the conditions which made their appointment necessary no longer exist; and whether this department can now be abolished, and thus a saving be secured without detriment to the service?

The number of surveyors is fourteen, one for each provincial district into which the Kingdom is divided. The authorised number of their staff of all ranks is 391, but in present circumstances many of the posts have been left vacant, or their holders are on military service. Surveyors are the local, administrative officers, acting under the secretary, and they direct and supervise postal telegraph and telephone work in their districts. The work which they perform is essential to the efficiency of the service, and could not be otherwise provided for. The hon. Member is no doubt correct in saying that conditions have altered since surveyors were first appointed—200 years ago.