asked the Prime Minister whether he has seen the report of the special committee of the City Corporation on questions of naturalisation and the amendment of the Companies Acts in view to the exclusion of enemy influence; and, if so, what action, if any, it is proposed to take in the directions indicated?

I have seen a copy of the resolutions passed by the committee, and their recommendations will receive careful consideration.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any steps, and, if so, of what nature, were taken to popularise the new War Loan in all parts of the British Empire other than the self-governing Dominions?

In view of the fact that local War Loans have been or are being issued in nearly all parts of the British Empire, it was not thought desirable to make any special efforts to secure subscriptions to the Imperial Loan from British Possessions outside the United Kingdom. Arrangements were, however, made to telegraph the terms of the prospectus out to most parts of the Empire, and where a local demand for such facilities appeared to exist, arrangements for receiving subscriptions have been made through Colonial Governments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the numbers of War Savings Certificates sold in England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, respectively, up to some recent date; will he explain why Scotland drags so far comparatively behind England and Wales in this matter; and are the same means taken by his Department to raise these funds?

As explained in my predecessor's answer to a question by the hon. Member on the 17th October, 1916, actual statistics are available only as regards War Savings Certificates of the denominations of £l, £12 and £25. On the basis of the proportions as between the different parts of the United Kingdom of the sales of certificates of these denominations, the figures asked for are as follows (up to 10th February, 1917, inclusive):

England and Wales	60,949,062
Scotland	4,699,383
Ireland	989,831
Total	66,638,276

It will be observed that since the 11th October, 1916, the date up to which the figures given in the previous answer were calculated, the sales have been:

England and Wales (in round thousands)	23,343,000
Scotland	2,466,000
Ireland	224,000
Total	26,033,000

According to the figures of the 1911 Census the population of Scotland was about 13.20 per cent, of the population of England and Wales, while the Scottish proportion of the sales of certificates are:

	Per cent
Total figures to 10th February, 1917	7.71
Period from 11th October, 1916, to 10th February, 1917	10.56

It will be seen that the sales in Scotland have considerably improved in the later period. The answer to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Thomas Simpson, No. 56,471, 21st Cheshires, Labour Battalion, D Company, having been discharged from the Army on medical grounds on 6th October, 1914, was arrested and fined £2 at Manchester County Police Court on 7th August, 1916; that, in spite of his appeals and protests, he was sent overseas; but that, on representations made by his relatives and friends, instructions were issued for his discharge on the ground that he was excepted from the Military Service Acts; whether Private Thomas Simpson is still in the Army; if so, when will he be released; and what compensation for his illegal arrest and for the indignity offered him will be given?

Instructions have been issued for this man to be sent home forthwith, and his discharge will be carried out on arrival in this country. In view of the fact that his case was decided by the Civil Courts, the question of compensation does not appear to arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, respecting the case of a soldier now forty years of age who has completed seventeen years' service in the Army, including active service in South Africa for which he holds two medals, who was with the Expeditionary Force at Mons, was in hospital last November with trench fever, and was afterwards classified in B 2 category for garrison duty at home or abroad, whether it is in order under Army Council instructions for him to be sent to serve with a field ambulance and kept there notwithstanding his physical condition; and, if not, how the soldier in question must proceed in order to obtain his transference to duties in accordance with his classification?

If my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars, I will have inquiry made into the case.

asked why Private A. E. Carr, No. 36,947, K Company, 10th Battalion, Special Reserve, Rugeley Camp, Staffordshire, was compulsorily transferred to his present position, he having enlisted in the Mechanical Section of the Army Service Corps?

This man was transferred to the Infantry, as his services were required more in that arm than in the Army Service Corps.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that some of the military representatives in the Metropolis are inadequately paid for duties which are frequently difficult and unpleasant; if he will have all the payments to the military representatives in the Metropolis reviewed; and if he is aware that the military representative in Bermondsey received only one-sixth of the pay which the clerk to the tribunal received, although they are both in the legal profession, and the duties of the former are of a contentious character frequently, whereas the latter's work is on much smoother lines?

Gentlemen appointed to act as military representatives at local tribunals do not draw pay as such. Civilian military representatives carry out responsible, and in many cases very onerous, duties purely for patriotic reasons, and the question of remuneration does not enter into the matter. The clerks are paid by the tribunals at their discretion from funds at their disposal, and I have no information as to the remuneration received by the clerk to the Bermondsey Tribunal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of their long services, volunteers who are also members of the special constabulary are to be allowed to choose which of the two forces they will continue to serve in should the claims on their time as volunteers render it impossible for them to disharge both sets of duties?

If a volunteer, who is also a special constable, finds that he is unable to discharge both sets of duties satisfactorily, it is open to him (unless he has joined Sections A or B of the Volunteer Force) to quit his corps on giving fourteen days' notice. I have no information as to the conditions under which a special constable may be relieved of his engagement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to provide our Volunteer Training Corps with rifles; what is done with the old scrapped or captured enemy rifles, and whether they are stored or put to use; and is he aware that many Volunteer Training. Corps possess no rifles at present, and therefore cannot efficiently perform their drill?

Rifles will be supplied to the Volunteers when other more pressing requirements have been, met. I think that the situation is understood by the volunteers. The bulk of captured rifles are received in a condition unfit for use owing to the loss of some essential part.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is able to say whether, in the event of volunteers being called up for active service under the terms of the Volunteer Act, 1916, and the Regulations issued thereunder, there will, be any discrimination or priority of call as between the three classes A, B, and C?

This matter is under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention had been called to the regulations for patients in the convalescent home for officers, Great Central Hotel, N.W.; whether officers are prohibited from leaving the hospital any day before 1 p.m. unless by application in writing; whether they are warned not to attend theatre matinees except by permission; whether these officers, wounded and convalescent, are compelled to attend military lectures for two hours every morning; what department of the War Office is responsible for these regulations; and whether he will have them revised?

Officers at the military convalescent hospital referred to are prohibited from leaving the hospital before 1 p.m., and from going to matinees without permission. These rules are applicable to all military hospitals. Only such officers as are considered fit by the commandant are required to attend lectures, and this attendance is usually on every alternate morning or afternoon.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Medical Department is aware that the Medical Act of 1858 applies only to persons falsely styling themselves physicians, doctors of medicine or surgery, or surgeons; whether the Department is also aware that experts in manipulative treatment do not come within any of those descriptions, do not so style themselves, and have never asked to be so employed; and whether he can state what section of the Act can, under those circumstances, be construed as preventing the Department from using the services of these experts?

No, Sir. I am not aware that my hon. Friend's interpretation of the Medical Act is correct. I think if he refers to the Act he will find that it prohibits the appointment of any person as a medical officer, unless he is registered. Every branch of medicine and surgery pursued by lawfully qualified medical men is represented amongst those employed by us.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Medical Department has now seen the statement by the sister of the late Earl Kitchener, Mrs. Parker, with reference to the case of W. H. Townley, a soldier in the West Kent Regiment; and whether he can state the present occupation of Townley?

No, Sir; I have not seen the statement referred to.

asked whether the Army Medical Department is yet in a position to say whether the British Medical Committee (Balneological Section) has reported on the use of manipulative treatment in France; and whether the Army Medical Department in this country proposes also to make use of every possible aid for wounded soldiers?

Yes, Sir. They have reported on certain methods of treatment, all of which are in use in this country.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that manipulative treatment is recognised in every State of the United States of America as a profession; that many practitioners here hold the highest American diplomas; and whether the Army Medical Department objects to recognise these degree?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Members of this House have had experience of the benefit of manipulative treatment, and whether offers of free service to the troops by an expert or experts in this treatment were made at the early part of the War; and whether, in view of the favourable opinions of this treatment by Members of this House, the War Office will allow soldiers to receive this treatment when the medical practitioners can do nothing for them?

Any professional degree recognised by the law of the land is recognised by the Army Medical Service. The so-called manipulative treatment is in full swing in the Army under well-known authorities on the subject.

asked whether the War Office has received any representations from General Count Gleichen on the subject of manipulative treatment; and, if so, what was the tenor of his Report?

There has been no report, but I believe an informal letter on the subject was written by Count Gleichen, of which there is now no trace.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Bernard Tuite, No. 1980, A Company, 57th Battalion, Australian Infantry Forces, a native of Oldcastle, county Meath, who was many years in Australia before he joined in January, 1916, and who has since been in Egypt and England, and has been on active service in France since October last, will be allowed leave of absence to visit his aged mother in Oldcastle?

As hon. Members have often been informed, leave is a question for the Commander-in-Chief in France, and the War Office cannot interfere with his discretion.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information showing that there is excessive drinking amongst Officer Cadet Battalions; and, if so, what steps have been taken to prevent such conduct?

Yes, Sir. I have seen a letter in the public Press suggesting that there is excessive drinking among Cadet Corps, by which I take the writer to mean Officer Cadet Battalions. This suggestion is wholly without foundation, and I am glad to have this opportunity of repudiating it in public. The discipline in Officer Cadet Battalions is very good, and drinking is practically non-existent. I desire to reprobate strongly the practice of making allegations of this character in the Press, without producing proof, as they occasion widespread anxiety without any justification. I am glad that my hon. Friend has given me the opportunity of making this statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men of military age who are serving as officers in junior contingents, Officers' Training Corps, have been prevented from going on active service though they have repeatedly expressed the wish to go; and whether it is the policy of the War Office to keep these men at home?

The junior contingents of the Officers' Training Corps supply a number of cadets for the military colleges and for officer cadet units, thus fulfilling the purpose with which the corps was formed in 1908. It is of great importance that these youths should receive a sound preliminary training in military subjects before they leave school, in order that they should be fitted for the more advanced training which they have to undergo as cadets. The staffs of the schools have been seriously depleted, and a sufficient number of masters must remain to carry on the scholastic work, which is, from the military point of view, just as important as military training. For these reasons many officers of the Junior Contingents Officers' Training Corps have been informed that their applications to transfer to combatant units cannot be sanctioned, since the efficient training of their contingents cannot be wholly carried out by officers over military age or medically unfit. These gentlemen have rendered invaluable assistance in the training of potential officers and have given up time, usually devoted to private pursuits and at considerable financial sacrifice to themselves, to unpaid work in the Officers' Training Corps. The policy of the War Office in such cases is unaltered and it is felt that the interests of the country are best served by maintaining the efficiency of the Junior Contingents Officers' Training Corps and the ordinary education of future officers in the various branches of the Service. It is to be observed that in accordance with, the regulations of the Officers' Training Corps the services of all these officers are at the disposal of the Army Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that discontent exists among the temporary women clerks employed in the War Office, and that this feeling is due to the impression prevalent, especially in certain Departments, that promotion is made dependent rather upon influence and favouritism than upon merit, efficiency, and length of service; and, since a feeling is not conducive to the best work, whether any steps will be taken in the matter?

No, Sir; I am not aware that there is any discontent of the kind suggested, and I can assure the hon. Member that each case of promotion is carefully considered and dealt with on its merits.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an organising trade union meeting convened by the National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen, and Clerks, in Glasgow on Friday, the 9th February, was raided by twenty policemen; whether this was done under instructions from the military authorities, and, if so, for what reason it was done; whether any arrests were made; and, in view of the statements made locally that the raid was effected by collusion between the employers and the military authorities, whether inquiry will be made?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Members for the Elland Division and the Tradeston Division of Glasgow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state when the Vote for the Army Medical Service will be taken?

asked whether the Army Estimates will be introduced in such a form that a direct vote may be taken on the question of manipulative treatment without complicating that issue with the Army Estimates as a whole?

asked on what date it is proposed to discuss the Army Estimates; and whether an early opportunity will be given for the discussion of the Vote for the Army Medical Department?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the widespread interest taken in the subject of manipulative treatment, he will give an early date for the discussion of the Army Medical Vote?

I am afraid that the approved form of the Army Estimates cannot be altered as suggested by my hon. Friend the Member for Peterborough. My hon. Friends who take an interest in the subject of manipulative treatment may rest assured that facilities for discussion will be afforded at an early date on the introduction of the Army Estimates.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the recent report alleging that there is still continued waste of food in military camps; and what steps are being taken to prevent it?

I do not know to what my hon. Friend refers, but I can assure him that every possible effort has been, and is being, made to prevent waste of foodstuffs throughout the Army. The importance of so doing has been impressed on all ranks by every available means. If my hon. Friend wishes to have detailed information as to the steps taken, and the results achieved, I shall be glad to give it to him.

asked whether the question of giving separation allowances to the wives of junior officers during the War is still under consideration; and, if so, when a decision is likely to be reached?

I have nothing to add to what I said on this subject on the 19th instant to the hon. and gallant Members for Christchurch and Ludlow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can give the names of the representatives or agents for the various command areas appointed by the Army Canteen Committee or by the War Office to act along with the committee, their trade or occupation, and the salaries paid them?

The area managers are fifteen in number and have all had direct experience of the canteen or general grocery business. I will furnish to my hon. and learned Friend a list of names and salaries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the nature of the objects to which the funds accumulated by the present Army Canteen Committee are being applied, and the amounts respectively set apart for each separate object?

The information for which my hon. and learned Friend asks is contained in Army Council Instructions, issued on l3th July, 1916, and 17th February, 1917, copies of which I will send to him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can state the nature of the objects to which the funds of the various regimental institutes are applied and the benefits accruing therefrom to the troops who are stationed in camp, or barracks in this country?

I assume that my hon. and learned Friend refers to the regimental funds which a unit accumulates mainly by rebate on the sale of goods in its regimental institute. It is not possible to give a list of the objects to which these funds may be applied, but a commanding officer has a general discretion to use them for the benefit of his troops, and the objects of expenditure naturally vary according to the needs and circumstances of the particular unit.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office, why it is that the Government are so slow about the purchasing of hay in Ireland; and what amount of last year's crop has been purchased and the amount paid for the same in England, Scotland, and Ireland?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking the purchase of hay in Ireland has been slow; we purchased the quantity of the class required, which we had estimated to be obtainable, by the end of October last, and have since bought 25 per cent, more, which was found to be necessary. I am afraid that the figures asked for in the last part of the question are not available without a great deal of research.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what compensation it is proposed to make to Lieutenant Barret for the injustice and injury caused him under the circumstances described in the Report of the War Office Court of Inquiry, in addition to the payment of his legal and medical expenses?

If my hon. Friend refers to pecuniary compensation, it is not considered that any payment of the kind would be appropriate.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the total amount of write-offs against the public for the period from 1st January, 1916, to 31st December, 1916, which have passed through the several branches of the local auditors' accounts for each of the following commands: Scottish Command, Western Command, Eastern Command, Southern Command, Northern Command, Aldershot Command, Irish Command, and London District Command.

I regret that it is not possible to give this information without special research, but if my hon. Friend has any specific point which merits inquiry perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked what the total cost of the services of the officers and staffs of the Forage Department is; and what are the duties now performed by the fifty-one district purchasing officers in the United Kingdom which could not be performed by the War Agricultural Committees?

I have no figures immediately available in regard to the first part of the question, but the total cost of the Forage Department is, from the latest returns, 5.68 per cent, on the total cost to destination of the purchases handled. I think the best method by which my hon. and gallant Friend could gain an insight into the duties of the district purchasing officers would be for him to accompany one of them; and I shall be happy to arrange for this, if he so desires.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the present policy of transferring the trained men from the Army Pay Corps to combatant units and substituting new men in Category B is impairing the efficiency of the Department; and can he give an assurance that thorough medical examination is made to establish the correct category prior to transfer?

Yes, Sir. I am aware that the pay offices, like other concerns, have to make sacrifices to feed the fighting line, but they still maintain an adequate standard of efficiency. I believe the-medical examination to be thorough, and cases are re-examined, as may be necessary, by a travelling Medical Board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the time at which Colonel M'Cammond reported himself sick in Dublin last April and withdrew from duty, and the time at which he returned to duty?

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

asked whether any of the petrol supplied to the Royal Flying Corps has been found below standard; and, if so, by which firms was it supplied?

This question has recently been the subject of investigation, and I am afraid that I am not at present in a position to answer my hon. Friend, but I will communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a new interpretation has recently been imposed upon a command order issued by the Southern Command whereby soldiers are unable to visit clubs after 9 p.m.; whether he is aware that at Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon a number of soldiers are engaged upon their duties until 8 p.m. or even later, and are thus in effect debarred from any recreation at a club; and whether there is any valid reason for such an interpretation as above which has the effect of excluding soldiers from a club and its recreations after a long day's work?

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

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a university or other student called to the Colours can get a separation allowance in any way for his parents if, as is usually the case, he has not been contributing to the home?

Under Regulation 9 (b) of Part 2 of the Regulations the Statutory Committee is empowered to give a special separation allowance to the parents of men who were students or apprentices when they were called to the Colours and were not contributing to the home.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can make any statement as to official recognition of liability in connection with the explosion in East London?

As my right hon. Friend has already stated, His Majesty's Government, while not admitting any liability, is prepared to deal with and pay all reasonable claims arising out of the explosion.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he is aware that a large number of discharged soldiers have become epileptic since they entered the Army, that the statutory committees find difficulty in obtaining employment for these men, and that the hopes of cure and bringing such men back at an early day to work of national usefulness are frustrated by the lack of any proper scheme for treating epileptic men; and what action he proposes to take?

My right hon. Friend has no precise information as to the number of persons who have become epileptic subsequent to enlistment, but I am advised that it is not large. The treatment and training of epileptics is, however, being carefully considered. A scheme has been approved by the Statutory Committee for building additions to the accommodation at the Chalfont Colony, and a special Joint Committee on institutional treatment, who have secured the services of an expert medical man, are considering the further steps to be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Crown Colonies will be specially represented at the coming Imperial War Conference; and, if so, whether the representative will be chosen outside official circles in Whitehall.

I will myself attend to the interests of the Crown Colonies in this connection.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, as that portion of the food production scheme, Ireland, dealing with labourers and small holders, has not been a success, and as there is very little time left to make arrangements, whether he will transfer the working of that portion of the scheme to the Local Government Board and the local district councils?

The councils of 162 rural districts have intimated their adoption of the scheme of the Department of Agriculture for the provision of seed and manure for occupiers of labourers' cottages and of small holdings not exceeding £10 valuation. In these circumstances it is not correct to state that the scheme has not been a success. Any definite proposal of a district council will receive careful consideration by both the Department of Agriculture and the Local Government Board

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if a Committee has been set up to fix prices and arrange for the distribution of artificial manures and phosphates throughout the United Kingdom; and, if so, how has it been constituted, and has Ireland any representative on it?

A Committee was appointed by the Food Controller on the 12th January last to make such arrangements as may be necessary for the increase of supplies of fertilisers in the United Kingdom, and for controlling their output and distribution. It includes representatives of each of the three agricultural departments. Ireland is represented on it by Mr. J. R. Campbell, Assistant Secretary to the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction. Owing to the fact that the Ministry of Munitions is interested in nearly all the substances which enter into the production of such fertilisers, it has been arranged, with the approval of the three Departments of Agriculture, to transfer the work of this Committee to that Department. Agricultural interests will continue to be represented upon the body, which will deal with this matter in future.

asked the Parlimentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that in spite of the prohibition of the import of hops no less than 6,058 cwts. were imported in January, of which 1,081 cwts. came from the United States; whether he is aware that the bulk of the remainder came from Australia; and whether the Food Controller will absolutely stop these importations of hops, which increased in the first week in February?

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) if he is aware that over 40,000 cwts. of foreign hops have been imported since the announcement by the Government that all imports of hops had been prohibited; whether he is aware that the conditions on which alone it was announced that licences would be given for imports notwithstanding the prohibition have never arisen; if he will say whether, notwithstanding this circumstance, licences for import have been granted; if so, for what quantities and for what reason; and if he will say when it is proposed to begin fulfilment of the pledge given by the Government in this matter in June, 1916; (2) whether any licences have been granted for the import of foreign hops which have not yet been unloaded in this country; if so, will he say for what quantities such licences have been granted and from what port or ports the hops will be shipped; and whether it is the intention of the Government to grant any further licences for the import of hops; (3) whether he is aware that 2,107 cwts. of foreign hops were imported in the week ending 10th February; if he will say where these hops were grown; by what ship or ships were they brought to this country; were they brought under licence; and, if so, for what reason was such licence granted and to whom was it granted; and if he will say who were the consignors and consignees, respectively; (4) whether he is aware that the stocks of home-grown hops in the country are sufficient to supply all needs for two years even if no restriction of brewing had been enforced, and that under existing circumstances these stocks will last a much longer time; whether he is aware that the brewing trade has expressed no desire for modification of the Order prohibiting the import of foreign hops or for licences to be granted for such imports; and if he will say why licences for the import of foreign hops have been granted in these circumstances, in view of the pledge given that licences would only be granted in case of a shortage of supplies or of excessive prices for home-grown hops; and (5) if he is aware that business in the hop trade has been conducted for the last seven months on the understanding that the pledge of the Government would be fulfilled that no import of foreign hops would be permitted, and that contracts have been made and hops purchased on the same understanding; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the non-fulfilment of the Government's pledge, persons engaged in the trade have suffered loss; and whether, in view of the injury to the trade caused by the present uncertainty as to the intentions of the Government, he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Board of Trade have not deviated in a single case from their general policy, which has several times been explained in this House. With the exception of small quantities of hops grown within the British Empire or in that part of Belgium which is not in enemy occupation, the only consignments of hops which have been admitted have been those which were bonâ fide en route to British consignees or actually paid for before the dates on which the prohibition was announced to the public. I may add that it has now been decided to grant no more licences for the import of hops grown within the Empire or in that part of Belgium which is not in enemy occupation.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether a customer who, when war began, had an account with a bank in Germany can sue such bank, obtain judgment in this country for the amount to his credit, and enforce his decree against assets of such bank in this country, when it has a branch here and someone authorised to accept service in its behalf; and, if not, whether arrange- ments are being, or will be, made for the distribution of the assets in the United Kingdom of German banks among approved English creditors, whether their accounts were held by such German banks in Germany or in this country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The first part of the question is a legal question to be decided by the Courts, and is, I understand, before the Courts at the present moment. Until the first part of the question is decided, the second part of the question does not arise.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Government proposes to take over the control of the timber trade in Ireland; and, if so, whether Irishmen will be nominated to look after Irish interests?

The limited control f the timber trade, assumed by the Army Council by their Order of the 4th February, applies equally to all parts of the United Kingdom, including Ireland. It is intended that the Director of Timber Supplies shall be assisted by an Advisory Committee, and it is proposed to nominate a representative of Irish interests as a member of this Committee.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the difficulties of the tonnage situation, he will consider the advisability of arranging for the frozen beef for the Army purposes of the Allies, which is now imported in quarters, being boned before freezing and shipped in boxes or packages, whereby a saving of 50 per cent, would be effected in the cubic space occupied on board ship and any increase in the cost would be fully compensated by the more economic transport, storage, and handling of the beef from the docks right up to the hands of the Army cooks?

I am advised that this proposal is not free from difficulties especially in the matter of inspection, but I am making inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Gentleman later as to the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the fact that numbers of the pilots of this Kingdom who are doing work for the Government are penalised, without receiving any corresponding advantage, by the excess fares charged on the railways when the pilots, owing to exigencies of war service, have to proceed beyond their pilotage limits and are landed at ports far distant from their homes, and are not paid for any extra distance they may have to go on any of those ships which they have been piloting; and whether favourable consideration will be given to the claim of those pilots for a reduction in the railway fares to what those fares were before the War?

The claims of pilots for exemption from the recent increase in railway fares have already been put before the Board of Trade and together with those advanced on behalf of numerous other classes affected have been carefully considered. I regret that it has not been found practicable, in present circumstances, to make concessions in favour of particular classes or individuals.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a certain railway fare for patients travelling to convalescent homes from Nottingham, which before the War was 4s., has, since the Government took over the railways, been raised first to 12s. and then to 18s.; and, having regard to the fact that the Government has taken over the management of the railways, whether he will state why an increase of 450 per cent, has been made, and whether any concession can be granted?

I am aware that the issue of cheap tickets to persons travelling to convalescent homes was restricted when, in 1915, it was found necessary to withdraw cheap facilities generally. This, I assume, made it necessary for the patients whom the hon. Baronet has in mind to take tickets at the ordinary fares, which have recently been increased 50 per cent. As stated in reply to previous questions in this House, the hardship involved in certain cases by the recent increase in fares is greatly regretted, but it has not, in present circumstances, been found practicable to make concessions in favour of any particular classes or individuals.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade if he is now in a position to make a statement on the subject of the railway fares charged by the Great Wetern Railway Company between Chippenham, Corsham, and Bath consequent on the closing of the Box Tunnel?

I am sending the hon. Gentleman a copy of a letter that I have received from the Great Western Railway Company on this subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the import of feathers has been, or will be, prohibited; and, having regard to the amount of plumage feathers of wild birds, which are entirely articles of luxury, which have recently been imported, an agreement to impose permanent restrictions on this trade, excepting ostrich feathers, will he arranged with the Governments of our Allies and Dominions?

I cannot anticipate the statement as to further restrictions of imports which the Prime Minister is to make in the House.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the conditions prevailing on the Island of Raasay; whether he is aware that the crofters went to work at the iron-ore mines at wages ranging from 20s. to 24s. per week, with a war bonus of 3s.; that some of the crofters, finding it impossible to rear their families on this income, sought to return to their crofts, but were told that they had forfeited them; that batches of German prisoners have since been brought to work at the mines; and that part of the land applied for by the crofters upon which to grow food is used by these German prisoners as a sports ground; and whether he will make full inquiries into the whole matter and take steps to see that German prisoners are not allowed to be used to beat down the wages of the islanders?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The iron-ore mines at Raasay are worked by a firm acting as agents for the Ministry of Munitions. The population of Raasay are, save for two persons, not employed in the mines themselves, but on work of a miscellaneous character, generally labouring work, on the surface. The ordinary labourers are paid 5s. a day, but those with more skill are paid at a higher rate. The Raasay men, with the exceptions stated, have declined to work in the mines, where, if they worked and became efficient, they would receive 11s. a day. The work in the mines is done by men drawn from the mainland. No person belonging to the islands has been displaced by German labour, and more of the population are now employed than was the case when the mines were taken over by the Ministry. The suggestion that the introduction of German prisoners has been used to beat down the wages of the men of the island is entirely without foundation. With regard to the statements that crofters were told that they had forfeited their rights, and that part of the land applied for by them upon which to grow food is used as a sports ground for German prisoners, I have no information, but I will have inquiries made.

asked the Postmaster-General (1) if he will state the number of sorters in the London postal service withdrawn for service with the Navy and Army; and the number of temporary assistants, male and female, respectively, employed to fill vacancies created by the withdrawals; and (2) whether he will state the number of sorters and postmen withdrawn from the London postal service for military and naval duties and the percentage of eligible men withdrawn from the respective classes; and will he say if the Post Office service in London is in danger of serious disorganisation or possible breakdown owing to the demands of the military and naval authorities?

I will answer these two questions together. The number of sorters and postmen withdrawn from the London postal service for military or naval service is about 3,400 and 6,700 respectively, representing approximately 84 per cent, and 86 per cent, of the men eligible for military service on each class. The number of temporary assistants employed on sorting duties in place of men withdrawn for service in the Forces is about 950 men and 2,200 women. The postal service cannot be maintained on the highly efficient basis which existed in peace time. A scheme is being organised for addressing letters for delivery in London which will simplify the sorting if the public will take the trouble to address their letters in the way which I am, about to suggest.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been directed to the charges made by Dr. Seton Watson against the "Morning Post" newspaper that that journal has been made the instrument of a German-Magyar intrigue to deceive English public opinion, through the medium of its Budapest correspondent, as to the feeling in Hungary on the War, and in other ways has been used for enemy objects; whether he is aware that this correspondent is accused by Dr. Seton Watson of fabricating leading articles, purporting to have appeared in Budapest newspapers, and forging speeches purporting to have been delivered in Parliament by Hungarian statesmen, with the object of misleading this country for enemy purposes; whether he is aware that the same charges have been independently made by an official organ in Paris; whether steps have been, or will be, taken under the Defence of the Realm Regulations to investigate these charges against the "Morning Post"; and whether, if it is found that the charges are true, steps will be taken to punish those responsible for these publications?

My attention has been called to articles which have appeared in the Press on this subject. As far as the Foreign Office is concerned, it is not proposed to take any action.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) whether, in estimating the incomes of old age pensioners who claim 2s. 6d. per week extra owing to increased cost of living, pension officers act in accordance with official instructions, or with regulations, when they include in such estimates of income the separation allowances to such claimants in respect of sons or other relatives serving in the Army?

The answer is in the affirmative. Paragraph 4 of the Treasury scheme of 5th October last (Cd. 8373) provides that for the purpose of these additional grants the pensioner's entire means must be taken into account.

asked if the declared object of the recent increase of old age pensions by 2s. 6d. per week was to place the aged poor in the same position as to purchase of food and other necessaries as they were in before the War; and why such increase has been refused in the case of numbers who had been granted 5s. per week before the War and who then found it barely sufficient to procure the necessaries of life?

No, Sir. The object of the existing scheme is to assist pensioners who are suffering special hardship. Subject to the limits prescribed by paragraph 3 of the scheme (Cd. 8373) the question whether an additional grant is to be made in any particular case is one for the discretion of the local pension committee.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) what is the rate of interest now being paid by the Insurance Commissioners on the accumulated funds of approved societies that have been in their hands since before the War; and whether, in view of the rise in the rate of interest and the effects of the War on the funds of these societies, the Treasury will authorise the Insurance Commissioners to pay the current rate of interest on these funds?

The rate of interest prescribed by the National Health Insurance Joint Committee, with the approval of the Treasury, on sums transferred to the Insurance Commissioner's Investment Account is 3¼ per cent. The question is at present under consideration by the Joint Committee.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has considered the advisability, instead of commandeering more hotels or constructing more temporary buildings for office purposes, of permitting the completion of the new County Hall on the south side of the river in such a way that it could provide the necessary accommodation for Government stall's till the end of the War?

This question has already been engaging my attention and will come before the Committee on Government accommodation at the earliest date.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether an assurance has been given by His Majesty's Government to the planting community in Fiji that the present system of indentured labour would be permitted to continue for another five years; and, if so, will he explain why this declaration has been made, in view of the announcement made by Lord Hardinge in March, 1916, that the early abolition of the system, which he described as a badge of helotry, had been determined upon?

I do not wish to appear to underrate the strength of Indian feeling on the subject which, as Lord Hardinge observed, educated Indians tell us they look upon as a badge of helotry. But if the hon. Member will refer to the late Viceroy's speech, in which he quoted, without adopting as his own, this forcible expression of Indian opinion, he will see that the late Viceroy said:

"The Secretary of State has informed us, in reply, that he is entirely prepared to accept the policy of eventual abolition" advocated by us, and we have his full authority to accept this Resolution. On behalf of His Majesty's Government he has asked us, however, to make it clear that the existing system of recruiting must be maintained until new conditions under which labour should be permitted in proceed to the Colonies should have been worked out in conjunction with the Colonial Office and the Crown Colonies concerned; until proper safeguards in the Colonies have been provided; and until they should have had reasonable time to adjust themselves to the change, a period which must necessarily depend on circumstances and on conditions imperfectly known at present."

A period of five years was named as the outside limit within which the change must be completed. I think there is every reason to hope that it will be accomplished earlier. In the meantime, I am glad to say that the condition of the indentured labourer has been greatly ameliorated by recent changes in Colonial laws, and I take this opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the spirit in which the Colonial Administrations have met us, and of the help I have received from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Colonies and his predecessor.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that complaints have frequently been made respecting the absence of electric light at Manchester cattle lairs; whether he is aware that, in consequence of the refusal of inspectors to inspect live stock even a short period after the specified hour, this delay often entails another long detention, which is the cause of loss and inconvenience; and whether he will make inquiry with a view to provide a remedy?

One complaint has been made to the Board, but only recently, as to the absence of electric light in the Manchester cattle lairs. The Board are now in communication with the owners of the landing place with regard to it.