asked the Prime Minister if he will consent to add to Lord Selborne's Committee, which is considering the future of agriculture, one or more additional members who are well acquainted with the practical management of land and the practice of husbandry, including dairy farming?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the importance of increasing the food supply, he will consider the desirability of adding to Lord Selborne's Committee additional Members of the House of Commons with practical experience in agriculture and who represent agricultural constituencies?

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the fact that the dairy cattle-raising industry is not represented on the agricultural sub-committee of the Reconstruction Committee; is he aware that there is a feeling among that section of the agricultural industry that the findings of the Committee in the first part of their Report would be detrimental to it; and whether he will see that this section of the industry is represented on the Committee?

I have been in consultation with Lord Selborne on this matter, and I see no reason for making any additions to the Committee, which was so constituted as to represent all branches of the agricultural industry, including those referred to in the questions.

asked the Prime Minister whether any examination for second division Civil Service clerkships will be held this year; and whether he can state what provision will be made to afford an opportunity to enter the Civil Service to youths who have not be able to sit for examination owing either to military service or to the examinations not being held?

It is not proposed to hold an examination for clerkships in the second division of the Civil Service this year, or during the War. On the resumption of any of the several examinations for Civil Service appointments which have been suspended owing to the War it is proposed to allow candidates an extension of the ordinary limits of age so far as may be possible in proportion to the length of their naval and military service. Details of this allowance have not yet been settled; they must depend on the actual length of the War, and will have to be considered together with alternative methods of safeguarding the interests in this matter of those who are at present serving in the Navy or Army.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in considering the arrangements for the equitable distribution of newspaper paper, the Government will consider the suspension of the issue of licences for imported paper and material to any proprietors who own more than three months' stocks until their stocks are reduced to this level?

The suggestion of my right hon. Friend has been very carefully considered. The Government consider that the time has not yet-come when such action as he recommends is necessary or desirable. I would, however, strongly urge those who are provided with stocks of paper to take such voluntary action as will prevent old-established newspapers in a less fortunate position from having to cease publication through want of paper.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the present prohibition of posters exceeding in size 20 inches by 30 inches operates unfairly towards businesses making bills of a larger size; whether such discrimination is necessary; and whether the Government could obtain their legitimate object of restricting paper imports by ordering a proportionate reduction in the paper used for bills of all sizes?

Representations with regard to the effect of the Paper Restriction Order on various industries have been received by the Board of Trade, and the whole question is being carefully considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that workmen who have come from the Colonies to work on munitions of war service receive no subsistence allowance and that, although they have left their families in the country that they left, they are being charged Income Tax on their full wages here; and whether, in view of the sacrifices that these men have made, he can see his way to exempt them from Income Tax or allow them to make a substantial deduction from their income as returned for Income Tax purposes for the maintenance of their families?

In the case of Colonial workmen who have left their families in their homes in the Colonies an allowance up to 17s. 6d. per week—altogether outside their wages here—is commonly paid, under certain conditions, to their dependants, and this allowance is not included in the calculation of the liability to quarterly Income Tax assessment in respect of the workmen's earnings in this country. In these cases, as in the case of the war munition volunteer, who in certain circumstances receives a subsistence allowance of 2s. 6d. per day, no Income Tax deduction is, of course, allowable in respect of the additional cost of living away from home. Where, however, a workman, whether Colonial or British, is living away from home and receiving no such special allowance (whether paid to him personally or to his dependants) a deduction is made for Income Tax purposes in respect of the actual additional cost of living away from home up to a maximum of 2s. 6d. a day.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the Treasury decided to pay Irish national teachers a war bonus of 4s. a week on salaries up to £40 a year, 3s. a week on salaries over £40, and women half these rates; and can he explain why this arrangement has been broken and some teachers deprived of the bonus?

The conditions sanctioned by the Treasury for the payment of the war bonus to national school teachers are not correctly set forth in the question. The arrangements sanctioned, which have been duly carried out, are as follows: The bonus to be paid to men and women teachers who are in receipt of incomes not exceeding £2 a week at the rate of 4s. a week, and to men and women teachers who are in receipt of more than £2 but not more than £3 a week at the rate of 3s. a week; in the case of monastery and convent national schools paid on the capitation system a capitation Grant at the rate of 5s. per annum for each unit of the average daily attendance of pupils at such schools to be paid in respect of war bonus.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that on the 29th March in several shops in Smithfield Market there were River Plate lambs and legs which had been held up in store in Great Britain four, six, eight, and even more months; and whether he can state the result of his inquiries with the cold storage companies as to the hold-up of River Plate sheep and lambs?

I am informed that between 8,000 and 9,000 River Plate carcases were removed from cold storage last month, and that these were originally imported about six months ago. I understand that there are only about 300 River Plate carcases in cold storage at the present time. I have not yet completed my inquiries in reference to the cold storage of imported meat.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the present Regulations as to courses at meals enable hotel keepers to make undue profits; and whether he will consider making a Regulation fixing the maximum price of table d'hôte meals, allowing the hotel keeper to provide whatever he likes, not exceeding the limits fixed by the Regulation, and leaving it to competition to force the hotel keeper to give the customers value for his money?

I am not aware that the present Regulations as to courses at meals have increased the profits of hotel keepers. The proposal to fix a regulation price for table d'hôte meals has been considered, but it is not thought to be a satisfactory method of securing economy in food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the hardship inflicted upon the poor by the scarcity and high price of provisions, he will take immediate steps to arrange with the municipalities in the East End of London for a system of communal kitchens?

A certain number of communal kitchens are already in existence and steps are being taken through the National War Savings Committee to develop these institutions. Communications on this subject are also being addressed to the municipalities. It is intended further to establish a model kitchen in central London shortly, where practical demonstrations in food economy can be given.

asked under what Act the Food Controller has power to allocate 40 per cent. of arrivals of tea to a Committee formed in London who will be responsible for the purchase and payment to the importers; whether the Committee will have unlimited powers as to the persons to whom and localities in which this tea will be distributed; whether further legislation will be required to sanction these arrangements; and, if so, when it will be introduced?

Under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, the Food Controller has power to allocate all or any portion of the tea arriving in this country. In this instance, a Committee, representing various branches of the tea trade, has been formed for the purpose of controlling the distribution of the amount agreed by the importers to be available for sale at a low price. Subject to the approval of the Food Controller, this Committee will decide as to the persons to whom and the localities in which this tea will be distributed. No further legislation will be necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a fortnight's average consumption per head of the population of tea is about ¼lb. and of coffee and cocoa about 1 oz., and that large sections of the population constantly and necessarily buy and hold much more than these quantities of such articles; whether this can be described as hoarding: and if it is seriously proposed to make it a crime to hold more than a fortnight's consumption of such articles?

The statements in the first part of the question are substantially correct, although I think the right hon. Gentleman has overstated the consumption of coffee. The point raised will be borne in mind when the Order relating to hoarding is framed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, in view of the facts that Messrs. William Whiteley and other large traders quote exactly the same price for Irish-cured as for English-cured bacon, and that such firms as Kearley and Tonge quote smoked Irish bacon at a margin of 19s. per cwt. above the price paid for green Irish sides, thus repriving the consumer of any advantage resulting from the forcible reduction of the price of Irish bacon, and giving all such advantage to such firms and to the members of the Home and Foreign Produce Exchange, will he explain the reason why, in the sole interest of those firms and members and with no advantage to consumers. Irish bacon-curers, farmers, and cottagers are compelled to sell their property at a lower price than English property of the same class?

In normal times the price of Irish green bacon was invariably quoted lower than English. Prices of both Irish and English bacon at the beginning of the year were inflated, and were both proportionately reduced. The current prices were fixed after careful inquiry from representatives of all the parties concerned. They were not fixed in the interests of particular firms. These prices will come periodically under revision.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the firms of Messrs. Denny, Government brokers for the purchase of Army supplies, and Messrs. Denny, bacon curers, are composed of the same persons, and thus able to give preferential treatment to themselves; if he will state the rate and weekly amount of the commission paid to them as Government agents; whether this commission enabled them, without loss to themselves as bacon curers, to inflict loss on their competitors by agreeing to the reduction of the price of Irish bacon to 140s., while no competitor could, without loss, take less than 145s. per cwt.; and, seeing that the forced reduction in the price of Irish bacon, effected at the expense of bacon curers and pig raisers and by the expenditure of public money, does not reach consumers, but is absorbed by Messrs. Denny as buyers and Messrs. Kearley and Tonge as traders, whether the reduction made, in effect, for the benefit of those and similar firms will be withdrawn forthwith and Irish producers be paid for their produce on the scale on which consumers are charged for it?

As regards the first part of the question, Messrs. E. M. Denny and Company, of London, are the agents employed by the War Office for the supply of bacon to the Army. This firm is distinct from the firm of Henry Denny and Sons. Limited, bacon curers, of Cork, though the partners of the first firm have an interest in the second. It is the rule that the agents shall not buy from Messrs. H. Denny and Sons, except in so far as the quantities required for the Army are not obtainable from other sources and the amount thus bought does not exceed 2½ per cent. of the total purchases. As regards the second part of the question, the rate of commission is three-quarters of 1 per cent., with an annual maximum of £25,000, which includes the firm's expenses. In the year 1915–1916 this worked out at two-fifths of 1 per cent. on the total value of the purchases made. The arrangement with Messrs. E. M. Denny and Company has been considered on three occasions by the Advisory Committee on Army Contracts, and it has on each occasion been confirmed as the best practicable method of securing the supplies required. I am not sure that I follow the argument in the third part of the question, but it follows from the above figures that the commission on bacon at 140s. per cwt. would amount only to about 7d. per cwt. and would not compensate for a reduction in price of 5s. per cwt. The fourth part of the question does not, therefore, appear to arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether Messrs. Kearley and Tonge quote Irish leanest sides; if so, what was the quotation for the same in mid-March; and is this bacon in competition with Canadian leanest sides?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The quotation referred to was 159s. per cwt. at the date named. All classes of bacon are, in the usual course of business, in general competition with each other.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller has allowed English bacon-curers to quote special wet English sides at 14s. per cwt. over ordinary English sides; whether Irish curers are entitled to the same privilege; and, if not, why they are denied it?

The "wet special sides" quoted in the list of maximum prices at 14s. above the ordinary English maximum price, are a special cut and are not made in Ireland. I may add that they are not complete sides and are boneless.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that, since the Order was made for not allowing the sale of sugar and other foodstuffs to be conditional upon the purchaser buying other foodstuffs, some shopkeepers now refuse to sell sugar because they say that a person is not their customer; and if he intends taking any action to prevent such a practice?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for East Somerset on the 23rd March. For the reasons that I stated it seems impossible to require a grocer to sell sugar to any person demanding it. As my hon. Friend is aware, the condition of sugar distribution is now the subject of an inquiry by a Departmental Committee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been directed to the case of shopkeepers in Ireland who cannot procure any sugar for the accommodation of their customers; is he aware that James Holland, White Gate, county Galway, has been carrying on business since 1916, has a considerable number of customers in a rural district, but, owing to the fact that he was carrying out improvements in his business establishment in the year 1915, is now precluded from getting any sugar; and whether steps will be taken to reasonably provide for the wants of such traders before they are compelled to close down?

The case referred to in this question was recently brought to the notice of the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply, who made immediate inquiries. The case presents difficulties, because it appears that Mr. Holland purchased a business from a man whose whereabouts are unknown, and he cannot state how much sugar his predecessor used to receive or from whom it was obtained. The Royal Commission are doing their best to settle the difficulty.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if any complaints have been received from Mr. Stephenson, Adamstown, South Wexford, relative to firms that contracted to give him a certain supply of sugar but who refused to give him the quantity to which he is entitled; and, as the country for several miles around where he lives is depending on him for sugar, will he see that the proper percentage of the supply contracted for is forthcoming?

I am informed by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply that a difference has arisen between Mr. Stephenson and the firm from which he is entitled to draw his supplies as to the precise amount of sugar to which he is entitled, and that the information at present before the Sugar Commission does not enable them to settle the difference. Further inquiries will be made.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that retailers in Dover are almost completely without supplies of sugar and that none therefore is procurable by many people in the town; and whether he can take any measures to enable supplies of sugar to be sent to Dover?

The Food Controller has already had occasion to inquire into the position of Dover with regard to its sugar supply. As a result he is not satisfied that there is any net increase in the civilian population of the town since 1915, or other cause likely to create any serious shortage of sugar. He is, however. sending an inspector to the district to make further inquiry into the position to report upon the difficulties which the hon. Member has mentioned.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that while the working classes and others are reduced to potatoless days, the German prisoners of war at Handforth, Cheshire, whether at work or play, are getting their full ration of potatoes; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

In view of the diminishing supplies of popatoes, the Food Controller is conferring with the War Office with a view to the substitution of some other article or articles for the potato ration allowed to prisoners of war.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Henry William Frith, greengrocer, who was at Ipswich fined £10 for selling a small quantity of potatoes at a price beyond the maximum fixed; whether he has made inquiries in the case of a certain firm of potato growers, particulars of which have been sent to him, offering to sell potatoes at £4 per ton beyond the maximum price and whether he has taken steps with a view to prosecution in that case?

I understand that Mr. Henry William Frith, of Bram-ford Road, Ipswich, has been convicted on two charges relating to different dates, and fined £5 in each case for contravening the Potatoes, 1916, Main Crop (Prices) Order (No. 2) 1917, by selling potatoes at a price exceeding that permitted by the Order. I regret that I am unable to trace the specific complaint referred to in the second part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the co-operative societies of Salehead, Sinclairtown, Dysart, and Burntisland, representing over 8,000 households, have been without a supply of potatoes for over four weeks; and whether, in view of the fact that they can only make purchases from farmers at from £12 to 14 per ton and that this is believed to be above the price authorised by the Food Controller, he will state what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the right hon. Gentleman's question, but it is doubtless the case that many potato dealers and retailers have recently been unable to obtain supplies of potatoes. If definite evidence is furnished that farmers have sold or offered to sell potatoes at a price exceeding that permitted by the Food Controller's Orders, action will be taken.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the Blackpool and District Association of Bakers, which practically supplies the whole of the bread used in Blackpool, has recently fixed the price locally at Is. 2d. per 4·lb. loaf (3½d. per lb.); if he can state the reason why the price of bread varies in the different towns; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Blackpool and District Association of Bakers have been asked to state the grounds upon which they can justify their advance of price. As I have already informed the House, the Food Controller has appointed a Committee to examine the price of bread with a view to its regulation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the fact that bread is being retailed at 9½d. per loaf in various parts of the country as against 1s. elsewhere; whether this is due to a better organisation of the manufacture and distribution of bread; and, if so, whether the Food Controller will take steps to bring about a similar state of affairs in those parts of the country where bread is being retailed at a much higher price?

Certain Cooperative Societies are selling bread at 9½d. per 4·lb. loaf. I understand that this price is admittedly below the cost to the societies, and is not necessarily the outcome of any superior organisation. The third part of the question does not, therefore, arise; but I may refer the hon. Member to the answer just given to the hon. Member for South-West Ham.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what, in the opinion of the Ministry, constitutes the principal food essentials for the working class?

The principal elements in the diet of the working classes, in normal times, are in the order stated: Bread and cereal flour, meat (including bacon), sugar, potatoes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is the method employed by his Department to check food hoarding; and what action, if any, is it permissible or advisable for a private individual to take who is subjected to, or has knowledge of, an overcharge made by tradesmen or others in contravention of the rules and regulations laid down by the Ministry of Food?

No Order relating to hoarding has yet been issued. Any person having knowledge of a clear case of overcharge in contravention of an Order should report it to the Food Controller, with as full information as possible, with a view to proceedings being taken.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of farmers and cottiers in the Loughrea Union are without potato and oat seed to plant their land this season; and what steps does he propose to take to assist them in the matter?

The Loughrea Rural District Council did not adopt the seed loan scheme, and difficulties may have resulted. The Department of Agriculture are not in a position to undertake the supply of seeds and manures.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of fanners living in the district of Marble Hill, Loughrea, are anxious to assist the Government in raising more food this year; whether he is aware that certain large areas of land are to be found in the district where the owners are making no reasonable attempt to cultivate their proper share this year; and will he make inquiries and compel such people either to cultivate the land themselves or let it to the farmers, who are willing to answer the appeal of the State, at a live and let live rent?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I have no knowledge as to any large areas of land in the district of which the owners are making no reasonable attempt to cultivate their proper share. The Defence of the Realm Regulations will be enforced in cases of default.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Captain Sir Gerald Burke, Marble Hill, Woodford, offered all the land he occupies outside of his demesne to a deputation that waited upon him some time ago for tillage this year; whether he is aware that the farmers accepted the offer, and made arrangements accordingly to procure machinery and seed for the planting of such crops as they contemplated; whether he is aware that this land has since been refused to them; and will he take steps to see that these farmers are afforded facilities to assist the Government, in answer to the appeal made to them, to raise extra food in the present year?

I am informed that a dispute has arisen as regards the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question. Some farmers did make arrangements to procure machinery and seed. The Department of Agriculture have the matter under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the fact that over considerable areas of the arable land of the midlands and south-east of Ireland barley produces in normal years in or about twenty barrels to the acre, I.P.M., that is 320 stones weight, wheat on these lands producing in or about ten barrels to the acre, I.P.M., that is 200 stones weight; whether he is aware that wheat yields 80 per cent. and barley 60 per cent. of flour, consequently an Irish acre of barley grown on the land mentioned will give for food 192 stone of flour and wheat 160 stone;; and whether, with a view to having the land used for the greatest production of human food, steps will be immediately taken to safeguard and encourage the growing of barley on the lands more suitable for the production of this crop than other grain?

The Department of Agriculture are fully aware of the value of barley as a food crop and that certain districts in Ireland are particularly suitable for growing it. They have advised farmers to grow it on good barley soils in preference to oats, but on land where oats give the best return the Department consider it advisable to grow this crop instead of barley.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he is aware that discontent is being caused in Cavan by the fact that Mr. R. H. Johnston, Bawnboy House, Bawnboy, county Cavan, who holds large areas of land in Galway as well as near the village of Swanlinbar, county Cavan, has not tilled any of his Cavan lands and refuses to set any of it in tillage; is he aware that many of the villagers in Swanlinbar, who have relations at the front, cannot get any conacre for potatoes owing to Mr. Johnston's action; and will any steps be taken?

This is a case in which the owner holds land in two counties, and it is open to him, if he so desires, to carry out on one holding the total area of tillage required under the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what provision has been made on the island of Inniskea South, county Mayo, for increasing the area of tillage; and if the common land of about 40 acres will be distributed amongst the small holders for this purpose?

The Department of Agriculture are making inquiries in the matter.

asked what steps have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to distribute, drain, and fence the holdings on the Mrs. J. A. Atkinson estate, Glencastle, Erris, county Mayo; and what facilities have been afforded to tenants on the estate for increased tillage this spring?

The estate of Mrs. J. A. Atkinson is not yet vested in the Congested Districts Board. There is no untenanted arable land on the estate to be distributed, the untenanted land being mountain and bog used for grazing and turbary. The Board have expended nearly £400 on works of improvement which could be carried out prior to the vesting of the estate, including accommodation roads, the opening of a limestone quarry, etc. Very little rearrangement of the holdings on this estate is necessary or possible and the work will not be proceeded with before the estate is vested. In order that the tenants who are in occupation of the arable land on the estate might be free to cultivate as much of it as possible the Board suspended improvement works on the estate to release labourers for cultivation of the land.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the names of the persons composing the deputation who waited on the Board of Trade on or about 15th February to request them to hold back the supplies of Australasian beef and mutton, and by whom were they introduced?

I have to refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on 22nd March to questions on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Merthyr Tydvil.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, in view of the fact that fishing permits are issued in Ireland to persons recommended by the Department of Agriculture and that the Admiralty know nothing of the case of Mr. Maurice O'Connell, of Cahirciveen, whether he will now state the grounds upon which the Department withholds its recommendation in this case, thus depriving Mr. O'Connell of his means of living by the lawful industry of fishing with his boat the "St. Fiacra," in which his money and industry are invested; and whether the necessary document will now be issued for the opening fishing season?

After renewed inquiry I have nothing to add to my previous answers.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state why James M'Kean, of Samagh, Aghnacliffe, has been refused the 2s. 6d. increase to his pension; whether he is aware that he is living with a nephew who has only two acres of land and has five in family to support; and will he have inquiry made into this man's case and the 2s. 6d. which Parliament voted for such cases granted?

This matter has been twice investigated by the Local Government Board. They report to me that the pensioner is not eligible for the increase.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Mrs. Boles, No. 124 on the pension officer's register, Blacklion, county Cavan, an old ago pensioner, receiving 5s. a week, is supported by her son-in-law, Thomas Walmsley, who has to support a delicate wife, three children, and a deformed brother, on a wage from all sources of 12s. a week; and whether he will take steps to obtain reconsideration of this case and to grant Mrs. Boles an extra 2s. 6d.?

The Local Government Board report to me that upon investigation of this case they were satisfied the means of the pensioner exceeded 12s. 6d. a week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the old age pension claim of John Timony, Ballyduffy, Lahardane, Crossmolina, county Mayo, has been disallowed; and if he is aware that his claim has been thrice sanctioned by the local pensions committee as being fully qualified for the pension?

The local pension committee passed the claim of John Timony, Crossmolina, county Mayo, on three occa- sions. It has been disallowed by the Local Government Board on appeal on the ground that the claimant's means exceeded the statutory limit.

asked on what grounds the increased old age pension claim of Patrick O'Hora, Ballytigue, Glenhest, county Mayo, has been disallowed by the Local Government Board, although the claim has been sanctioned as deserving by the Newport Pensions Committee?

Patrick O'Hora's claim for the additional allowance was disallowed by the Local Government Board on the ground that the means of the pensioner and his wife, including 5s. a week old age pension, exceeded 19s. 6d. a week.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the grounds upon which the pension claim (old age) of Mrs. Margaret Dyra, Glenhest, in the Newport, county Mayo, sub-pension area, has been disallowed; if he is aware that the small holding which she formerly owned has been sold in payment of debt; that she is now dependent on relatives not legally responsible for her maintenance and is over eighty years of age; and that her claim to pension has been sanctioned by the local pensions committee?

The question appears to relate to the case of a pensioner whose name is given to me as Bridget Dyra. This pensioner assigned a farm of 107 acres of land with turbary to her sons. There is no evidence of any sale to pay debts.

asked why the old age pension claim of Michael Murphy, Driminaffrin, Bangor, Erris, county Mayo, has been disallowed by the Local Government Board; and if any independent inquiry had been made by the Board before their decision was arrived at?

The old age pension claim of Mr. Michael Murphy, of Driminaffrin, was disallowed on the ground of means. The claimant had assigned two farms to an unmarried son in February, 1912, the return from which would have brought his means over the statutory limit.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Maria Gilligan, of Ross, was awarded an old age pension of 5s. by the Manorhamilton sub-committee in February, 1914, and on appeal by the pension officer it was reduced to 3s.; and whether, having regard to the fact that she has no other means of living, the full amount will be now allowed and all arrears paid?

It appears that the pensioner wishes her case reconsidered with a view to her pension of 3s. a week being increased, and it is open to her to get the local pension officer to raise a question with that object.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) whether he has received communications in reference to the increased cost of living in Ireland showing that 7s. 6d. per week is under the minimum for which any old age pensioner can live; and whether, in view of this, he will take steps for making the increase of 2s. 6d. per week automatic in all cases?

I have received a statement through the hon. Member to this effect. As regards the last part of the question, I may refer to the numerous replies which I have given recently. I may point out that any pensioner is already eligible for an additional allowance of 2s. 6d. a week, if the pension committee consider that the circumstances of his case justify it, provided that it does not raise his total means (including the old age pension) above 13s. a week, or in the case of a married couple 20s. a week.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what reply has been given to the applications of a number of farmers in Temple-more district for the use of the military horses at present in the Temple-more military barracks for the purpose of cultivating their farms?

Persons applying for the use of military horses are furnished in suitable cases with a provisional agreement setting forth the conditions under which these horses are lent. There were twenty - eight such applicants in the Templemore and neighbouring districts. In only five cases were agreements signed. Three applications were withdrawn, and in the remaining cases no further communication has been received by the Department of Agriculture.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the tribunal of Dunblane, Perthshire, has refused exemption to a man named David Sands, of Middleton Farm, Braco, although he is the only man working on that eighty-five-acre farm, doing all the work, including milking, ploughing, and sowing the seed; and, if so, will he instruct his representatives in that district to delay calling up this man for 5th April as at present commanded, so that the food of the people may be attended to?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I am in possession of the necessary information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will make inquiry into the refusal of the application made for the temporary release of Private W. Brown, No. 3509, of the 4th Battalion (Reserve) Royal Scots, by William John Oliver, farmer, at Denholm Mill, in the county of Roxburgh, of a farm of SO arable acres, eight horses, including three stallions, fifteen cattle, including cows, twenty pigs, and fifteen lambing sheep, as well as other stock, who petitions for Mr. Brown's services during the stallion season, beginning 1st April next, on the ground that he is a most useful man in all farm work, and also specially experienced in the work of moving one of the stallions to places over a distance of 110 miles, the other stallion travelling with Mr. Oliver himself, and the third staying on the farm; whether he is aware that Mr. Oliver was informed by the National Service Department at Ellerslie, Melrose, by letter of the 19th March last, that owing to the time taken and correspondence necessary before men can be released from the Army, it has been decided that all applications remain in abeyance meantime; and whether, to save the interests of agriculture, he will see that emergent applications receive more alacrity?

A report has been called for as regards the first part of my hon. Friend's question, but has not yet been received. I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible. The latter part of the question appears to be a matter for the National Service Depart- ment, and on this part I observe ray hon. Friend is also addressing a separate question to my right hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if he will inquire into the case of a man who has been called up for service, leaving his father aged sixty-seven and quite unable to work the farm; and, in view of the fact that this man has been sent south to work on a farm, will he see that adequate labour is supplied for the working of the farm that he has left or else that he be returned there until his services for military purposes are required?

I have not yet received a reply to the inquiries which have been instituted, but I hope to be in a position to communicate the result to my hon. Friend very shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why a person who was granted exemption by both local and appeal tribunals on the ground that he was doing important national service has now been called up and the affairs of an important firm under contract to supply the Royal Navy with meat prejudiced?

I find that the particulars recently furnished by my hon. Friend are not sufficient to enable me to make proper inquiry, but if he will let me know the man's address I will take the matter up without further delay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why a gardener who had been declared unfit for service abroad more than once was recently called up for Home service and sent off to Bristol to work as a bricklayer's labourer; whether he is aware that this gardener was unable to stand the hard unaccustomed labour; and if he will say if he has now been permitted to return to his own trade?

Inquiries have been made of the recruiting officer, but no answer has yet been received. I hope shortly to be able to reply to my hon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Private Hugh Gwilym Hughes, No. 24500; whether he is aware that he joined the 63rd Training Reserve Battalion on the 13th February, 1917, being subsequently transferred to the King's Liverpool Regiment; whether he has already been sent overseas, although he will not be nineteen years of age until 6th September next; and whether, in view of the Parliamentary pledge that those under nineteen should not be sent overseas for active service, steps will be taken for his transfer to this country, upon the usual evidence as to age being submitted?

I am not aware of the circumstances of this case. A report has been called for and if it is found that this lad has been sent overseas in error before attaining the age of nineteen years, instructions will be issued for his immediate recall to this country.

asked if the promise of the War Office that boys under nineteen should not be sent abroad still holds good; and, if so, why has Private Frank Peake, No. 63146, 6th Company, 10th Labour Battalion, King's Liverpool Regiment, been sent to France three weeks after he was called to the Colours?

There is no intention of departing from the promise of the War Office that boys under nineteen years of age will not knowingly be sent overseas. A report has been called for in connection with the allegation that Private Peake has been sent abroad before attaining the age of nineteen years, and orders have been issued for his immediate recall to this country if the statement is proved to be correct.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will ascertain why Private F. Pearson, No. 276, 6th Company, 3rd Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment, has been sent on foreign service at the age of eighteen years seven months, notwithstanding the assurance given to the hon. Member for West Bradford on 21st November last in reply to a question in this House.

If this lad has been sent overseas, it is contrary to the instructions issued by the War Office. A full report has been called for, and an order has been given that the lad should be recalled, if he has proceeded overseas.

asked what is the present practice of the War Office in regard to the calling up of theological and medical students?

The arrangements at present in force with regard to all students, including medical and theological, are that students are not in ordinary circumstances called to the Colours if, being under the age of thirty-one, they are classified lower that B l, or if they are thirty-one or over and classified lower than A. Any student falling under this arrangement is, unless in possession of a tribunal exemption, required to join an Officers' Training Corps. In view, however, of the requirements of the Royal Army Medical Corps, medical students who are within twenty-four months of taking their medical degree or licence, are not called up if they join an Officers' Training Corps, and similarly, on the recommendation of the Army Chaplain's Department, calling up will be postponed in the case of specified theological students whose ordination or call is required by their denomination for the purpose of enabling them to supply the requisite number of Army chaplains.

asked if the military representative at Bridlington has instructions, as he alleges, to appeal against every decision granting exemption to a general service man; and, if not, can some veto be imposed on his power to appeal, which he appears to exercise indiscriminately?

No special instructions have been issued by the War Office to the military representative at Bridlington as to the exercise of the right of appeal, but military representatives have generally been informed that they should exercise the right of appeal in all suitable cases.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board if the Local Government Board approve the wife of the military representative being a member of the tribunal before which her husband regularly appears, and to which she was appointed before her husband was made military representative?

The situation is unusual and I think undesirable, but I have no reason at present to think that the intervention of the Local Government Board is necessary.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will inquire why the commanding officer of the 30th Training Reserve Battalion, Dover, Colonel Suliva, refused permission to Mr. S. G. Taylor, who requested to be allowed to visit W. E. Hancock, a conscientious objector waiting court-martial. in order to assist in the preparation of his defence, which he was entitled to do under Rule 13 in "Rules of Procedure for Court-martial"?

I am not aware of this case, but if the facts are as stated and it appears from the proceedings of the court-martial that Private Hancock has been prejudiced in the preparation of his defence, the necessary steps will betaken to consider the quashing of the proceedings.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state-the number of conscientious objectors serving their first. second, third, and fourth sentences in prison or detention barracks, respectively, and the length of sentence in each case and whether with or without hard labour?

I regret that statistics of this nature are not kept in the War Office, and the preparation of this information would involve an amount of clerical work which the War Office cannot undertake.

asked the Home Secretary whether W. II. Roberts, of Pwllheli, Carnarvon, a conscientious objector employed on work of national importance in Carmarthenshire, was arrested on 3rd January last for overstaying his leave for two or three days; whether he has been imprisoned without trial ever since and is now in Cardiff gaol; and by what authority this man has been deprived of his liberty?

This man was returned to prison on the recommendation of the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors on account of repeated and serious breaches of the conditions on which he was released, his overstaying his leave after giving his word of honour not to do so was only the last of the series. He is now undergoing the sentence of imprisonment passed on him by court-martial on 20th June last.

asked whether one Garstang, of Ashton-on-Ribble. a conscientious objector to war, is now in hospital at Wandsworth prison after being three weeks on hunger strike at Ipswich and forcibly fed 38 times; whether his health is suffering from this treatment; and why this conscientious objector is denied the protection of the Military Service Act?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. This man applied to the Central Tribunal and was allowed work under civil control in lieu of military service. Having refused to take up this work in November last he had to go back to the Army and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for disobeying a lawful command. During the month of January he refused food and had to be forcibly fed, but he was discharged from hospital on 29th January upon his promising to behave normally, and his conduct has since been quite satisfactory.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the resentment felt by the residents of Princetown and neighbourhood at the demonstrations of some of the conscientious objectors recently placed there; if he will take steps to prohibit processions of these men carrying red flags, singing red-flag songs, and distributing unpatriotic literature, and so avoid irritation and endangering the public peace; and will he see that means are provided to secure that all conscientious objectors at Princetown perform a reasonable amount of work and consider the desirability of these men being in their quarters earlier than 9.30 p.m.?

I have seen newspaper extracts and correspondence showing that the presence of these men at Princetown is resented by some of the inhabitants, but I have no evidence that any such processions as are suggested by the hon. Member have taken place. The Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors have made a rule forbidding public propaganda of any kind, and this rule is strictly enforced. The only instance known to the Committee of the distribution of literature is that a pamphlet has been found which appears to have been thrown from the train at Yelverton, some miles from Princetown. Any man who does not perform a reasonable amount of work renders himself liable to be sent back to prison or, if his sentence is expired, to the Army. The question of the hour for returning to quarters will be considered.

asked if an Army Regulation has been issued that no man who belongs to category C is to have promotion or extra corps pay, and that leave will only be given to these men once in nine months?

Acting promotion only is given at home, but I know of no regulation preventing a man in category C getting this promotion or his share of leave. I am not clear as to what the hon. Member refers as extra corps pay; but it is possible that he refers to certain additional pay given to men employed temporarily on clerical work, which was stopped in the case of C 3 men permanently employed as clerks.

asked the Postmaster-General if six officials of the Post Office engineering department were transferred from Great Britain to Ireland in 1915, one of them to the post of superintending engineer; whether all these men at the time of their transfer to Ireland were of military age; if they are still of military age, why were they not called up for service as was done in the case of Irishmen who returned from Great Britain; whether there are men in the Irish service fully competent to fill these positions; if so, why are men of military age brought over from Great Britain to fill them; and if he is aware that over 50 per cent. of the executive engineering staff in Ireland are Irishmen?

Seven officers of the engineering department were transferred from Great Britain to Ireland in 1915—one of them to fill the position of superintending engineer. Four of the seven were of military age at the time of transfer, but it was not possible to release them. There are no officers in the engineering department in Ireland competent to fill the positions of these seven men. The staff of the engineering department is interchangeable throughout the United Kingdom, and no information is available as to the number who are Irishmen.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will say why at Kempton Park a number of men classed A have been retained at 6s. per day in this country and have not been sent to the front, some of whom have come from ironworks and offices, and, if not required for the front, would be suitable for substitution in important home work; under what circumstances mechanics who have been called up from employment at high wages are now retained at Kemp-ton Park and receiving Is. 2d. per day, whereas Germans in large numbers employed on similar work receive 4d. to 5d. per hour; and, seeing that this differential treatment in wages is not conducive to the active energies of the soldiers employed at low wages, will he state what action he proposes to take'

The total number of men drawing 6s. a day at Kempton Park depot is twenty-one, of whom four are noncommissioned officers. They are all specially selected and skilled tradesmen engaged on important work. I am not aware what Germans my hon. Friend has in mind, but the figures given are misleading, as they omit on the one hand various emoluments of the soldier and on the other the deduction from the pay of a civilian alien who is charged for his keep.

asked whether military service tribunals may grant rehearings to unattested men under the circumstances stated in Regulation 86, Part III., paragraph 2?

This Regulation has been amended by a provision that a case shall not be reheard by the tribunal after a notice has been sent to a man calling him up for service with the Colours except with the consent of the Army Council.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that men who were called up at Bradford for military service on the 20th instant were first sent to Halifax to be allocated to their respective units, and, on arriving there and being allocated to their units, were ordered to return home to Bradford and report themselves again at Halifax on the following day without being given free railway warrants or money for their fares; and if he will have the train fares paid by the men in question, in the circumstances mentioned, refunded?

I am having inquiries made, and will let my hon. Friend know the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that two sergeants of the Manchester City Police who have completed more than fifteen years' service will be called up for the Army at the end of May, when they will have to resign their positions in the force and thus lose all claim to the pensions they have already earned should they be medically unfit when the time comes for them to resume their police duties; and whether he will take steps to protect the pensions earned by these men and other policemen in a similar position?

A police constable with less than twenty-five years' service has no absolute right to a pension on retirement. What the Statutes give him after fifteen years' service is a right to a pension if he is compelled to retire from the police by mental or bodily infirmity. If the two sergeants referred to in the question return to their police duties they will have this right. Should they, on the other hand, be unfit to resume police duty, the police authority are empowered to supplement from police funds any pension granted them from military funds, and, I am informed, that the Manchester police authority will be prepared to exercise this power. I do not think there is any need for further legislation on the subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether under the existing system of promotion officers of the Territorial battalions who volunteered and were accepted at the beginning of the War for active service and sent to bad climates or ordered to campaigns have in many cases been superseded in substantive rank of lieutenant or captain by officers of the same battalion who did not so volunteer, and who are kept on its cadre without being seconded, although employed in other battalions or appointments on the Staff; and whether he will institute inquiry into such cases?

I understand my hon. Friend to refer to temporary promotion to complete the establishment of the Home service unit. This system of expansion by temporary promotion was the only possible solution in the earlier stages of the War, but such promotion did not involve supersession. It has now become possible to establish a system of permanent promotion, and the Instructions issued last December make it clear that officers, available for Home service only, shall not block promotion.

asked whether it is intended to include the promotion of officers in the Indian Army in the scope of the Committee which is to be set up to inquire into the questions relating to the promotion of officers in the New Armies and Territorials?

The answer is in the negative, as this is a matter resting entirely with the India Office.

asked whether the officers of the Territorial Force are represented upon the Commission recently appointed to inquire into the question of promotion in the Army; and, if so, in what way?

Yes, Sir. Colonel Lord Burnham, Bucks Yeomanry, is a member of the Committee.

asked whether a draft of the Royal Sussex Regiment, who were proceeding from India to Mesopotamia were called upon to provide themselves with spine protectors and other articles of field service clothing for tropical countries at their own expense?

No, Sir. I am in receipt of a report from the military authorities in India from which it appears that there is not the slightest foundation for such a statement.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have any influence in the question of leave for young soldiers; is he aware that in the North Salford Division three lads out of one poor street enlisted voluntarily at the beginning of the War, all under nineteen years of age, and have been thirty months in the Army without any leave at all; and whether steps will be taken to enable these lads to visit their mothers?

As has been often explained, the privilege of leave rests with the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief of the force concerned. All that is possible is done to grant it, but the privilege is dependent on the military exigencies of the moment and upon the availability of transport.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received from Lieutenant Patrick Barrett an application to be allowed on grounds of ill-health to resign his commission, accompanied by a medical certificate showing that this officer is suffering from pronounced nervous exhaustion requiring careful and prolonged treatment with freedom from mental worry, and stating that it is essential to his recovery that he should sever his connection with the Army; whether permission has yet been given to Lieutenant Barrett to relinquish his commission; whether, in face of the statements contained in the medical certificate, he still adheres to the view that Lieutenant Barrett has a long and useful career in the Army in prospect; and whether, having regard to the fact that Lieutenant Barrett's state of health is the result of the circumstances recently inquired into, he will reconsider the question of pecuniary compensation to this officer in order to offer him the prospect of a fresh start in life?

As soon as Lieutenant Barrett submits his applica- to resign it will be considered. A notification to that effect has been made to the lawyers who appear to be representing his interests.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what proportion of the twenty-one brigadier-generals stated to have been promoted from the Territorial Forces served in the Artillery, Yeomanry, Infantry, or other branches of that service, respectively; and how many of them were so serving at the outbreak of the War?

The total of twenty-one is made up of eight from the Yeomanry and thirteen from the Infantry. All these appointments have been made since the beginning of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the number of mules and other transport animals with the British Salonika force is considerably in excess of establishment; and, if so, whether, in view of the existing shortness of tonnage and the number of ships required to maintain the supply of forage at Salonika, the number of transport animals there will be reduced?

The number of animals at Salonika surplus to establishment is not more than is required to provide an adequate reserve.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of appointing courts of inquiry in Switzerland, composed of officers unfit for active service, without delay, to acquit our prisoners of unjustifiable surrender; and whether he is aware that Hindu soldiers dying, while interned, often of wounds received on service, are grieved that their surrender, inevitable, unconscious, or unwilling, as the case may be, has not been officially found to be justifiable?

I am afraid that this proposal is not practicable. The prescribed inquiries would necessitate the presence of military witnesses, who cannot be spared, and who could not be taken into a neutral country. It has also to be remembered that if this course were adopted it would give preferential treatment to prisoners who are interned in a neutral country over their comrades still in enemy countries.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what was the standard of vision laid down for all arms of the Service for the duration of the War in September, 1915; whether this standard varied from that previously obtaining; whether any variations in the standard of vision have been made since 1915; and, if so, how many; and what is the standard now required?

I am sending my hon. Friend copies of the instructions which give the standard of vision required in September, 1915, and the present standard. The former standard varied from that previously obtaining, and there has been one variation since, namely, the standard now required.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many officers and soldiers have on the average been stationed at Ardhallow Fort, Firth of Clyde, during the last twelve months; has there, during all that time, been a chaplain and a doctor to minister to the wants of these few men; if so, what is the rate of pay for such chaplain and such doctor; is he aware that there are in the neighbourhood clergymen and medical men able and willing to undertake the work; and will he take action in the matter in view of economy and scarcity elsewhere?

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

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of civilians above military age are employed as temporary clerks in the Royal Garrison Artillery Records Office at Dover Castle, working fifty-one hours per week at 33s. per week, and that no war bonus is being paid to these men; whether, under Army Council Instructions, 1901, of 5th October, 1916, and 2103, of 8th November, 1916, these temporary clerks are entitled to the bonus of 4s. per week as from July, 1916; and. if not, seeing that civilian clerks in the pay office and others in employment similar in all respects to that of the clerks in the Records Office are receiving the bonus, will he have an Instruction issued which will entitle these men to the bonus, and see that they receive it accordingly?

No, Sir. Under Army Council Instruction 2103, the rate of 33s. is inclusive of bonus. The rate originally covered sixty hours' work, but the normal office hours have been reduced to forty-eight, with liability to work overtime upon occasion without extra pay. Clerks entitled to overtime after forty-eight hours receive 31s., inclusive of the 4s. bonus.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the arrears of pay due to the clerks in the Records Office of the Royal Garrison Artillery at Dover have yet been paid; and, if not, whether he can make any statement before the Adjournment of the House for Easter?

I am not aware of any arrears of pay. If my answer to the previous question does not cover this, perhaps the hon. Member will let me have particulars.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a letter sent on 15th March by Lieutenant-Colonel J. W. Reeks to Messrs. John Crowley and Company, Limited, Meadow Hall Iron Works, Wincobank, Sheffield, informing them of the transfer to their employment under the substitution scheme of Private Thomas Brown, No. 4319, 5th Sherwood Foresters, and further informing them that they will not be required to pay the man any civil emolument whatever during the first seven days of his civil employment; and if he can state by whom and at whose expense such an arrangement is made?

Men entering a factory under the substitution scheme are kept on full Army pay and allowances for the first week. This arrangement has been in operation since November last, at the expense of the public.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can now give any answer to the inquiry regarding Mrs. Guy to which he promised attention; and if he can now give any reply to the hon. Member for the Isle of Wight's inquiry on 4th December last regarding certain reductions; in rank in the Army?

I have already informed my hon. and gallant Friend as to the first part of the question. As regards the second part, I invited my hon. and gallant Friend on the 4th of December to give me details of the case he had in mind, but I do not trace their receipt. I may say, however, that a man with the acting rank of sergeant is liable to revert to his substantive rank, if he becomes surplus to the establishment. The substantive rank of a lance-corporal is private, and I do not understand how a man so situated came to rejoin as sergeant.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a soldier billeted at home receives less in respect of ration allowance than a soldier billeted elsewhere; if so, can he state the reason for this differentiation and the amount actually allowed; and whether he will consider the possibility of increasing the allowance in view of the present prices?

A soldier who is billeted receives certain specified meals, for provision of which the householder is paid 2s. a day. A soldier at his own home is not billeted, but his wife receives a special rate of family allowance depending on the number of children. I will send my right hon. Friend a table of these allowances, and I think he will see that they are not inadequate.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether officers who have been invalided out of the Service during the present War and are now recalled from civil life under the terms of the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Bill will receive an outfit allowance on being recommissioned?

This question is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if the attention of the authorities has been called to the threatened shortage of butter, eggs, and fish boxes in Ireland; whether the stocks of foreign timber suitable for the making of such boxes is now very low; whether home-grown timber is being sent out of Ireland in considerable quantities in the form of sleepers, etc.; and whether steps will be taken without delay to see that box mills in Ireland are not left without timber for the purposes indicated?

The threatened shortage of these boxes and the lowness of stocks in Ireland have been brought to the attention of the Department and are the subjects of anxious consideration. A certain amount of Home-grown timber in the form of sleepers, etc., has been, and is being, sent out of Ireland, but the quantities are comparatively small. Every effort will be made to ensure that box mills in Ireland are not left unsupplied.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware of the increase of 5s. per week just granted to the workmen in the Admiralty dockyards; and whether he will have a similar advance extended to all employés of the War Office at the Portsmouth Gun-wharf?

Yes, Sir; so far as it is applicable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a soldier on foreign service who has made a will before leaving this country may cancel it and give different directions for the disposal of his effects; and, if so, what procedure he should adopt to accomplish his object?

A soldier serving abroad can always make a fresh will, revoking or altering an earlier will. A special form can be obtained from the commanding officer and all formalities are reduced to a minimum. The soldier can also have the new will deposited with the military authorities at home, or the fact that he has made one recorded, y applying to his commanding officer.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any steps are to be taken by the Director of Timber Supplies to obtain a substantial reduction of the timber employed in the United Kingdom by encouraging the use of such substitutes as concrete and reinforced concrete in the construction of temporary buildings used for war purposes; and whether any similar steps will be taken to encourage a more general use of reinforced concrete for tgraph poles, fence posts, railway sleepers, and pit props, etc., by circulating particulars of the satisfactory experience obtained in the United States and several Continental countries?

The use of concrete and ferro-concrete as a substitute for timber in the construction of buildings, and for railway and colliery purposes, has been receiving careful attention for some time past. I will consider the suggestion made in the last part of the question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can see his way to notify the various spending Departments of His Majesty's Government of the advantages of utilising wherever possible concrete, comprising local aggregates with home-made binding materials, in lieu of timber, which has to be largely carried by sea or rail; whether he is aware that the life of concrete is naturally longer than that of timber; that the cost of maintenance of temporary buildings constructed of concrete is a negligible item, whilst the cost of maintaining timber structures is often heavy; and that concrete fence posts, telegraph posts, and similar accessories are to-day cheaper than timber fence posts, telegraph posts, etc.; and whether he can see his way to set up a small technical committee to advise the spending Departments, the railway companies, the factory owners, and the public generally how best to effect substantial economies by using local aggregates and home-made binding materials, whereby money would be kept in the country and a substantial amount of tonnage, railway freight, and cartage released for purposes of national importance?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The various Departments of His Majesty's Government concerned in the erection of permanent or temporary buildings are well aware of the advantages of concrete, both as regards initial expense and the subsequent charges for maintenance. A Cabinet Instruction has already been issued as to the necessity of avoiding the use of timber wherever possible. In view of the fact that all building operations are now restricted to those sanctioned by a Government Department and that all the Departments concerned are alive to the necessity for utilising substitutes for timber in the cases mentioned, I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by the appointment of a technical advisory committee such as is suggested.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can see his way to take steps to employ, to a greater extent than heretofore, concrete and reinforced concrete for the numerous buildings which are being erected by his Department for war purposes, so that a substantial economy may be effected in the amount of timber utilised; and whether he is aware that concrete hollow blocks, concrete, and reinforced concrete are non-proprietary products, comprising to the extent of about two-thirds of their bulk local aggregate, such as gravel, ballast, or stone, and that a material economy in transportation would be effected by a more general use of such materials in lieu of timber?

My Department has for many years past resorted to the use of reinforced concrete for buildings erected under its supervision, and since the War has used not only that method of construction, but also concrete slabs and brickwork for constructional purposes in suitable instances in lieu of timber, and from inquiries which I have made I am satisfied that no further substantial economy can be effected in this direction The reply to the latter part of the question is still being continued?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that, except in municipalities Devaney, S.T.H., to Mrs. Mary Anne Fogarty, Bank Street, Templemore, county Tipperary, has been stopped for over four months; whether her second son, William Devaney, was under age when he enlisted in the 6th Royal Irish Regiment over twelve months ago; and whether she has been paid any separation allowance since he enlisted?

Inquiries will be made and I will inform the hon. Member of the result in due course.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that Private Thomas Bingham, No. 11650, Royal Innis-killing Fusiliers, who was killed in Gallipoli on the 17th of August, 1915, had made an allotment for his mother as dependant, but that, while allowance was paid to her up to the 2nd of December, 1915, nothing by way of pension or grant has been paid since the latter date; and whether, under the circumstances mentioned, Private Bingham's mother is entitled to any and, if so, what pension, allowance, or gratuity?

Mrs. Bingham received an allotment of pay from her son, but was not eligible for separation allowance in respect of him as her husband was serving, and no pension was, therefore, admissible under the Regulations hitherto in force. Under the new Pension Warrant, however, Mrs. Bingham has been awarded a pension of 6s. weekly, which will have effect from the 4th instant.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Riots Damages Ordinance (1915), of Ceylon, authorises the Government to exempt any class from its operation; whether the Ceylon Government has exempetd all classes of inhabitants except the Sinhalese; where the liability was imposed on all Sinhalese whether resident in a riot area or not; what is the total amount already recovered from the Sinhalese people under this Ordinance; and whether action under this Ordinance is still being continued?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that, except in municipalities which are covered by separate provisions of the Ordinance, ail classes except the Sinhalese have been exempted from the payment of compensation. The liability is imposed by the Ordinance on all persons resident or owning property in a riot area. Particulars of the total assessment of compensation are given in the correspondence presented to Parliament, but I have no complete figures of the amount actually collected, since in some few areas collection is still in progress.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that every morning some hundreds of German prisoners of war come into Dorchester for work at small workshops in the town; whether he is aware that at one small cabinet-maker's workshop five Germans are employed at cabinet-making for a small pittance to the detriment of the wages and employment of British workmen; whether he is aware that two British soldiers remain at this small cabinet-maker's workshop all day guarding the prisoners; and whether, having regard to the circumstances stated, employment on the land or on road-making will be found for these prisoners?

Practically all the German prisoners of war at Dorchester who are available for employment have already been allocated for work of national importance, but the necessary accommodation for them is not yet ready. In the meantime, the Commandant has been authorised to allow them, at his discretion, to work for local employers by the week only.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he will encourage local education authorities to make arrangements for prolonging school holidays in order that the services of school children and teachers may be available for agriculture at times of special pressure; and, in particular, whether he will consider the relaxation of Article 45 of the Code, which requires every public elementary school or department to meet not less than 400 times in the school year?

I hold a strong view that in general it is contrary to public policy to withdraw children from the elementary schools in order that they may undertake agricultural or industrial work, and that child labour should only be resorted to in grave emergencies and when every other source of supply has been exhausted. I have, however, after consultation with the President of the Board of Agriculture, been convinced that in view of the present emergency I ought to facilitate very elastic arrangements for school holidays in the case of schools or departments which include boys over the age of twelve years. I am, therefore, prepared, in respect of such schools or departments, to give favourable consideration to proposals from local education authorities in rural areas for extended or additional holidays, provided that not less than 320 meetings are held. I hope it may not be necessary in most cases to ask for so low a figure, and I rely on the authorities who adopt this arrangement to restrict as far as possible the number of children individually excused from school attendance. As, however, it is obvious that the services of the younger boys will be of no value for agriculture, I think I ought to stipulate that the authority makes a liberal use of its powers under Section 13 of the Administrative Provisions Act, 1907, to provide vacation schools and classes during the extended holidays; and I think I may rely on those teachers who are not themselves able to help in agriculture to take part in the work of conducting such schools and classes as a form of National Service.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board (1) whether his attention has been directed to the action of the Lambeth Board of Guardians in passing a resolution depriving the Poor Law children under their charge of a hot-cross bun on Good Friday; whether the same board has already deprived these children of their accustomed Christmas eggs in order to impress upon them the fact that the nation is at war and that sacrifices are necessary; and whether he will inform the board that this method of imposing useless sacrifices upon poor children is not in the national interest; (2) whether the Lambeth Board of Guardians who have passed a resolution depriving the Poor Law children under their care of hot-cross buns on Good Friday, on patriotic grounds, have passed any resolution depriving themselves of refreshments on the occasions of the meetings of the board or of sub-committees; and whether he will encourage the board to take any further action in this direction?

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Lambeth Board of Guardians, for the purpose of impressing upon the children in their charge that the country is at war and that sacrifices must be made, have decided on what was described as patriotic grounds to deprive the children of a hot-cross bun on Good Friday; and whether he will make representations to the board to reconsider a decision which does not represent any saving or economy?

I am informed that the resolution referred to was passed partly on grounds of economy and partly on the ground that many children who are not supported by the rates would this year be deprived of their buns. However, the necessary money to provide the buns has now been subscribed by the Guardians' officers and other friends of the children. I may add that the refreshments supplied to the guardians are paid for by the guardians themselves, and are not a charge upon the rates.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that the Unemployment Insurance Claims and Record Office has been recently established at Kew and that a number of temporary male clerks, some of whom have families, and girl clerks, many of whom live with their parents or friends, are employed there; and whether, having regard to the distance of Kew from the residence of most of these clerks, whose circumstances preclude their moving, he will endeavour to arrange with the Railway Executive Committee for the issue of season tickets to the staff at Kew at specially cheap rates?

The railway stations convenient to the Kew Claims and Record Office are outside the London zone within which railway tickets are obtainable at the old rates. The season ticket rates are not affected by the 50 per cent. increase of ordinary fares, but I will consider the question of an application to the Railway Executive Committee with a view to the issue of season tickets at specially reduced rates to clerks employed at the Kew Office. I may add that every effort is made to obtain suitable temporary clerks locally.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that tonnage is urgently needed for 3,000 tons of coffee grown on British estates with British labour and capital, which the producers are under contract to deliver at South West Indian ports and steamers are under contract to bring to London; and, if so, whether he will take steps to ensure that these operations will not be impeded, to the ruin of the British coffee planters concerned and the inconvenience of those who count upon the produce of their estates?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I regret that it is not possible to provide tonnage for the purpose indicated by my hon. Friend. After careful consideration, the importation of coffee into the United Kingdom has been prohibited in order to make room for essential articles, and it is the fact that we are unable to provide sufficient space for the shipment of all the essential Indian cargoes which are offering.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that trade and commerce are being hold up in Ireland owing to the shortage of railway wagons, especially on the Great Northern line; and whether, having regard to the necessity of facilitating farmers with supplies of seeds, immediate steps will be taken to supply the usual rolling stock?

The points raised by the hon. Gentleman have been put before the Irish Railway Executive Committee, and are receiving their attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether steps have been taken to inform the Board's representatives in Ireland as to the concessions which have been promised for the importation of the necessary amount of altar wine for religious purposes; and, if so, whether steps will be taken immediately to issue the necessary licences to those firms in Ireland who are regular importers of altar wine?

Steps have been taken which, it is hoped, will avoid prejudice to the supply of altar wine, and applicants have been informed as to the conditions under which this wine will, if necessary, be admitted in excess of the proportion of wine generally which will be allowed to each importer.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what, if any, provision is made in the case of those captains, officers, and men serving on merchant ships who die or are incapacitated through sickness or disease which may reasonably be attributed to the physical and mental strain caused by the War?

If the death or illness can reasonably be attributed to war risks, compensation is paid under the Government compensation scheme for the merchant service. Each case is considered on its merits, and the scheme is administered in a generous spirit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as regards those merchant captains, officers, and men who may be released from internment, he will give what assistance is possible in respect to their procuring suitable employment ashore for the period of the War, more especially as regards appointments under the Admiralty and Board of Trade, where their profssional seafaring experience would be of value?

Any application that may be made to the Board of Trade will be sympathetically considered, and such assistance as is possible will be given in the way of procuring suitable employment. I am communicating with the Employment Exchanges on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is now in a position to furnish the names of the Special Committee appointed for the purpose of deciding on the form of a standard uniform for the officers of the merchant service?

The Committee on standard uniforms for the merchant service has just been apointed, and I am sending the hon. Gentleman the names of the members.

asked what provision, if any, is made in the case of those captains, officers, and men of merchant ships who, after being taken captive, are released and are required to give their parole, and are thus prevented from following their career at sea during the period of the War?

It has not so far been found necessary to make any special provision to meet the cases to which the hon. Gentleman refers. The Board of Trade have no information that officers and seamen of the mercantile marine, who have been released by the enemy on parole, have experienced difficulty in obtaining suitable employment, but if the hon. Member has any information to this effect perhaps he will communicate with me.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the London General Omnibus Company have recently reduced the number of omnibuses running in London and for this reason have dispensed with the services of, or put on short time, drivers above military age whilst retaining on full time drivers of military age; and, if so, whether this practice has the sanction of the Board?

I am aware that the London General Omnibus Company are reducing their services and the whole question of how any sulplus of labour thus arising is to be dealt with is, I understand, engaging the attention of the Department of National Service.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the loss which would fall upon many of the small health resorts in Ireland through carrying out the decision of the Irish Railway Executive to abolish cheap booking this year to such health resorts, he will take steps for the assistance of these resorts in which numbers of struggling people make their livelihood by catering for visitors; and whether he can see his way to have the privilege of cheap booking continued in Ireland, more especially as the railway accommodation is ample for the purpose?

I am afraid I cannot add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary for Ireland to the question on this subject which was asked on Thursday last by the hon. and gallant Member for East Wicklow.

asked the hon. Member for Worcestershire (Bewdley Division) when the promised volume of additional emergency legislation is to be published; and whether, in view of the inconvenience caused by the delay in issuing the bound volume of the Statutes for last year, he will take steps to have its issue expedited?

A new edition of the Defence of the Realm Manual, on which the editor has been engaged for the last two months, will be published in a week's time. The large additions to and changes in the legislation have involved such heavy work on the editor as to delay the completion by him of other special manuals dealing with Munitions of War and Trading With the Enemy, which are now in an advanced condition. As was stated by my predecessor in answer to a question put by the hon. Member for York on the 29th November last, these special manuals are given precedence over the general manual of Emergency Legislation. The bound volume of the Statutes will be issued soon after Easter.

asked the right hon. Member for Barnard Castle, as representing the Ministry of National Service, whether any decision has been arrived at regarding the distribution of evening newspapers in the Metropolitan area by one organisation?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The whole question of the organisation of the distributing agencies is under the consideration of the National Service Department, but no practicable scheme has up to the present been devised.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the post of veterinary sugeon under the Contagious Diseases of Animals Act in Bantry (county Cork) district has been vacant for more than nine months; and is the delay due to the Cork County Council being unable to find a candidate qualified for the post or some other reason?

The appointment referred to, which rests with the county council, subject to the approval of the Department of Agriculture, has been vacant for nearly eight months. Proposals made for amalgamating the district with that of another veterinary inspector did not meet with approval, and the county council do not appear to have reached a final decision as to further proposals; but they have arranged that an inspector will be employed to visit any cases of disease that may be reported in the meantime.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that on the Wynne estate, Ballaghameehan, county Leitrim, which has been sold to the tenants, there are a number of tenants still deprived of the benefits of purchase; and whether, before this estate is vested, the Estates Commissioners will consider the claims of those tenants?