asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that the postal censor has been retaining securities arriving from abroad without giving any intimation to the persons to whom they are addressed that they are retained pending the receipt of information as to ownership since the outbreak of War, the Director of Military Intelligence merely stating that correspondence on the subject should be addressed to the Parliamentary Counsel to the Treasury, Whitehall, S.W., and, to save unnecessary correspondence and delays, will he consider the desirability of accompanying the first intimation of their retention with an explanation of its object; will an exception to the practice of retaining securities be made in those instances, mostly small in amount, where it is clear, even to those who are not financial experts, that, the securities represent dividends paid in shares of stock which if distributed in cash would be allowed to pass unchallenged; and, in view of the trouble and time involved in requiring from the foreign issuing companies, mostly in America, declarations in each case stating that the certificates are not, and have not since the outbreak of War been, the property of any enemy, enemy subject, or any person on the statutory list, will he accept the official covering letters explaining that they represent dividends recently declared as a sufficient authority to the Censor to release the certificates?

The suggestion contained in the first part of the question has already been made to the Censor, and it will be carried out. The proposal made in the second and third parts would involve a weakening of the control exercised by the Treasury in conjunction with the postal censorship in respect of securities coming from abroad. Moreover it would not effect any substantial saving of time since the delay in the delivery of securities arriving from abroad in cases where a satisfactory explanation is forthwith furnished to the Treasury by the addressee is inconsiderable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the Irish Drapers' Assistants' Association are desirous to have the Early Closing Order extended to Ireland; whether he is aware that a memorial was forwarded to His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant and that the employers' organisations in Dublin and Belfast joined in the appeal, and that a large section of the traders have voluntarily agreed to close at nine o'clock on Saturday night; and whether, as the circumstances are practically alike in both countries, he will have the refusal reconsidered?

I understand that the association are anxious to have an Order made for the early closing of shops in Ireland, but I have not seen any formal memorial. Many of the large shops close early at present. As the early closing of small shops would cause inconvenience, it was decided, after careful consideration, not to make an Order last winter. As the object of an Early Closing Order such as was in view in this case was economy of fuel and light, the question does not arise during the summer months.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds an old age pension has been refused to John Sullivan, Lettermoniel, Sneem, county Kerry; and whether, in view of the fact that his son, then a clerk in London, volunteered and joined the Army, and that a separation allowance became payable to his father, he can say under what statute or regulation this amount is taken into account when the claim to an old age pension is being considered?

The claim was disallowed on the ground that the applicant's means exceeded the statutory limit. He has a farm of 76 acres, while his wife is in receipt of a separation allowance of 9s. 2d. a week in addition to some help from children in America. The separation allowance is taken into account in estimating the means in pursuance of the terms of Sec. 2 of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the reluctance displayed by certain officers in high command to take risks which, though justifiable, might involve the loss of certain battleships, is to be attributed to the fear of occasioning reports that might be sensational purely on account of the popular sentiment associated with the names of these vessels; and whether, under these circumstances, he will consider the advisability during the duration of the War of substituting numbers for names in all Admiralty papers and announcements?

My right hon. Friend is not aware of, nor does he believe in, the existence of any such reluctance; and there is, therefore, no necessity for the substitution suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that, when ships of war put into port for repairs and alterations and it is possible and convenient for the sailors to obtain leave of sufficient duration to proceed to their own homes, they can only visit their families at home if they can afford and are willing to pay their own railway fares; and whether, having regard to the fact that it is far better for men to spend their free time in such cases with their own relatives and friends rather than seek new acquaintances in seaport towns, he will arrange for free railway warrants to be given to the men when they wish to visit their own homes and it is convenient for them to be allowed to do so.

When the exigencies of the Service admit of leave being granted, officers and men of the Royal Navy serving in His Majesty's ships of the sea-going fleets are entitled to free railway warrants to and from their homes on two occasions every twelve months. If leave is granted on more than two occasions in the year, they are entitled to travel at one-half the ordinary fare without the 50 per cent. increase, i.e., in reality one-third of the fare now charged to the public.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what arrangements have been made for the curing of mackerel; whether such arrangements will take effect in the West of Ireland; and, if so, whether communications have been sent to the fish merchants and curers in Cahirciveen and Valentia, which are the headquarters of the industry which has been established for a number of years on the coast of South Kerry?

The appointment of a special committee to deal with this matter is being proceeded with, and until the constitution of the committee has been decided upon I am unable to state anything further.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the difference between the terms of remuneration of the untrained nursing and administrative staff of the Miltary Hospital, Endell Street, and the terms obtaining in other military hospitals; whether he is aware that the accommodation for the staff at this hospital is so inadequate that thirty-nine members of the staff are lodged outside the hospital at their own expense; whether he has received and considered applica- tions to bring the untrained nursing and administrative staff at Endell Street Hospital under the recent Orders which provide for an increase of board and washing allowances, and for the granting of six-monthly increments of £2 10s. to Voluntary Aid Detachments and probationers working in military hospitals; and whether provision will now be made for the women's staff at Endell Street Hospital in respect of adequate quarters or lodging allowances, increased board and washing allowances, and pay, as now arranged for Voluntary Aid Detachments and probationers serving in other military hospitals?

I will have inquiries made, and let my right hon. and learned Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any steps are being taken to prevent venereal disease being communicated to men sleeping in blankets that have previously been used by persons suffering from such complaint?

Yes, Sir. Under the Regulations, blankets which may have been exposed to infection are soaked in cresol solution before being washed. I have no reason to suppose that these precautions are neglected.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Army medical officers have been or will be instructed to keep a record of the condition as to vaccination and inoculation of all men suffering from cerebro-spinal meningitis, influenza, bronchitis, measles and pneumonia, with the dates showing when the vaccination or inoculation was performed, and dates when the disease commenced; and whether he will arrange for such details to be reported regularly to the chief medical officer at Whitehall?

I understand that the Army medical authorities are satisfied with the records at present kept and with the returns which are periodically rendered, and which contain all relevant information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Contracts Department will reconsider the maximum prices which have been fixed for hides and sheep and lamb skins, and which involve a financial loss to the master butchers, inasmuch as the price of fat cattle is increased 30 per cent., but no increase in the price of hides, sheep skins are reduced 1s. per skin by the Army Contracts Department for commandeered skins, and the farmer receives for the wool clip 2d. per lb. more than the butcher, equivalent together to a difference of 2s. 6d. per skin?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on Wednesday last to the hon. Member for East Nottingham.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what economies, if any, have been effected since September, 1916, through selling by public auction boots condemned as unfit for Army service instead of inviting tenders from contractors; and whether he intends to extend this system to the disposal of other condemned or surplus stores?

The method of selling condemned Army boots by auction has realised, since it was instituted, the sum of £24,000, against the sum of £14,000 which would have been realised on the same sales at the prices fixed under the old contracts. In addition, it is estimated that (under the new system by which boots are graded before being sold) about £350,000 per annum is being saved in the reissue of boots prematurely condemned. As regards the second part of the question, disposal by auction is resorted to in all suitable cases after it has been proved that better results can be realised thus than by tender. Sale by auction of discarded stores has been considerably extended since the outbreak of war.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether Government officials who joined the Army in India were guaranteed their civil pay whilst serving in the Army in India and military pay plus furlough pay if called overseas on, active service; whether he is aware that in some cases the latter arrangement results in his receiving less than his civil pay, so that the recruit receives less for going through a campaign than he would have received if he had remained in India; and whether in such cases the position will be redressed?

The conditions applying to civil officers of Government joining the Army in India are as stated by the hon. Member. It is possible that there may be cases in which military pay plus civil furlough pay may be less than the officers' full civil pay, but none have been brought, to my notice. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind, perhaps he will communicate it to me.

asked the Home Secretary why Leon Hoffman, of 15, New Road, Commercial Road, E., is detained in this country, seeing that he is a Russian subject who came to this country in March, 1915, for a temporary purpose, leaving his wife and family in Paris, where he had lived for ten years, and why, while refusing him permission to return to Paris to his family, the Home Office also refuse to allow his family to come to this country; and will the Home Office reconsider its decision in this case and either permit Hoffman to return to Paris or allow him to bring his family here?

No such decisions as are mentioned in the question have been given by the Home Office, and there is no trace of any application having been made there by Leon Hoffman. If he desires to return to France he should apply to the French authorities.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the Paper Restriction Order of 19th April, 1917, prohibiting the publication of new newspapers applies to publications not qualified for registration under the Post Office Act, 1908, and to publications so qualified but not registered by their publishers; whether he can state the number of London weekly publications registered at the Post Office and the number of London weekly periodicals not so registered; and whether he will favourably consider the suggestion that a small committee be appointed by the Paper Commission to inquire into the quantity of news-print paper now consumed by non-registerable publications, such committee to include representatives of interests concerned, including journalists?

The Order applies to all newspapers which may be registered under the Post Office Act, 1908, whether so registered or not. I am informed that 470 weekly publications issued in London are registered at the General Post Office, and that this number is rather less than two-thirds of the total number issued in London. The Paper Commission already includes representatives of newspaper proprietors and general printers, and the appointment of a Committee such as is suggested does not appear to be necessary. A system of priority certificates for supplies of paper is now in preparation.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total cost of the Employment Exchange Department as distinct from other branches of the Labour Ministry and from the Grant for unemployment, including items of expenditure charged upon other Votes, in the year 1916–17, and what is the estimated cost for 1917–18?

I have been asked to answer this question. The total expenditure chargeable to the Vote for Labour Exchanges and Unemployment Insurance, Class VII. Vote 7 for the year 1916–1917 (which is the Vote on which the expenses of the Employment Department were charged), excluding the grants for unemployment but including the cost of administering unemployment insurance and the cost of special war services, is, approximately £680,407. The estimated expenditure in connection with the Department borne on other Votes for the year 1916–17 is £249,700 which also includes charges in connection with unemployment insurance. The estimated cost of the Employment Department of the Ministry of Labour for the year 1917–18 excluding the grants for unemployment but including the cost of administering unemployment insurance is £625,920. The estimated expenditure borne on other Votes for the whole of the Ministry of Labour is £274,029. Of this sum approximately £250,000 may be estimated as the amount attributable to the Employment Department.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether any and, if so, what changes have been made in the management and control of the Land Registry, Dublin, as a result of the recent cases of forgery and thefts; whether any such changes have been approved by the Treasury; and who is now the responsible head of the Department and what was his previous official status?

The offences mentioned in the question were committed by one person, who has been prosecuted and convicted. Mr. Justice Madden, the learned judge, who by Statute is entrusted with the control of the Department, is satisfied of the integrity of the staff as a body and of the efficiency of the supervision exercised by the Registrar of Titles, who is at the head of the office. I have been in communication with the learned judge, and I do not doubt that the conclusion at which he has arrived is correct. The detection and conviction of the offender in question were, in fact, due to the combined actions of the official staff and the Dublin Metropolitan Police.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state the number of men teachers who have entered the service of the National Board as assistants in the Dublin model schools since 1st April, 1900, and of these how many have been promoted to principalships of ordinary national schools, to principalships of model schools, from Grade III. to Grade II.; can he explain why the number under each heading is so small, seeing that these assistant teachers were appointed to the model schools directly by the National Board on account of their qualifications and previous records; having regard to the fact that few men of high efficiency remain assistants for so long as twelve years, will he state why in three appointments to principalships of model schools in Dublin within the past five years men outside the model school service were selected for these positions while highly-qualified assistants in model schools, having long and efficient service, were on these occasions passed over; and will he advise a relaxation of the rule governing promotion from Grade III. to Grade II. regarding these teachers, seeing that such a number have no chance of promotion either to principalships of national schools or model schools?

Since 1st April, 1900, 30 assistant masters have been appointed to model schools in Dublin, of whom four were subsequently appointed principal teachers of ordinary national schools and two principals of model schools. Two of these teachers have been promoted from Grade III. to Grade II. Appointments of teachers to ordinary national schools are made by the managers. Appointments in the model schools are made by the Commissioners of National Education, and in connection with vacancies in the principal-ships special consideration is given to candidates who are assistants in model schools. In the three cases where teachers not in the model school service were appointed to principalships in the Dublin model schools, the persons selected were exceptionally efficient principals of ordinary national schools, and the Commissioners could not agree to pass over the claims of such candidates in favour of persons who in their opinion were not so highly qualified. Assistant teachers of exceptional efficiency may receive promotion to the second grade, but the Commissioners are not prepared to grant such promotion to assistants in the model schools on more favourable conditions than are applicable to assistants in ordinary national schools.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state the total value of oil palm products exported, respectively, from the British, French, German, Belgian, and Portuguese dependencies in West Africa for the last complete year prior to the outbreak of War?

As regards the exports from British West Africa in 1913, I would refer my hon. Friend to Part II. of the Report of the Committee on Edible and Oil Producing Nuts and Seeds, laid before Parliament as Cd. 8247. The value of palm kernels, palm oil, palm kernel oil, and palm kernel cake so exported is there given as £6,336,000. Figures for exports of palm oil and kernels from French and German West Africa in 1912 will be found in the same section of the report. For any further information regarding exports from foreign possessions in West Africa I must refer the hon. Member to the Board of Trade.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether vaccination officers are to be instructed to keep records of vaccinations and re-vaccinations performed at the public expense by medical officers of health under the Public Health (Smallpox Prevention) Regulations, 1917; and, if not, will he say how such vaccinations will be publicly recorded in order that Section 8 of the Vaccination Act, 1898, may be carried out?

The Order requires medical officers of health to keep records of the vaccinations and re-vaccinations performed by them. It does not affect the duty imposed by Section 8 of the Vaccination Act, 1898, on the clerks of sanitary authorities maintaining smallpox hospitals to keep records as to the patients treated in those hospitals.