asked the Secretary of State for India whether, considering that the status of Royal Indian Marine officers is senior to officers of the Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve of equivalent relative rank, and that the officers of the last two Services receive commissions bearing the King's Royal Sign Manual, commissions bearing the King's Royal Sign Manual may now be similarly granted to officers of the Royal Indian Marine?

I am in communication with the Admiralty on this subject and can in the meantime make no statement.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the lapse of time, whether he can state if a court-martial was held as to the loss of the battleship His Majesty's ship "Cornwallis" on the Mediterranean station; and, if so, what was the verdict?

A court-martial was held on the 16th January last for the trial of the captain and the surviving officers and crew. The Court found that no blame attached to any of them.

Was the question gone into as to the order which the "Cornwallis" received to proceed to a certain square in the Mediterranean without escort, and that there she was met by German submarines?

I cannot answer that question without notice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can state the cost of the coast watch patrol per mile per day; and whether those in charge of stretches of coast line are mainly drawn from the retired list of the Navy?

The approximate cost of the coast watch patrol—which it will, of course, be understood is a land patrol, and must not be confused with the work of patrolling the coast sea-wise—is at the present time about 2s. per mile per day. It is made up of officers' pay and allowances, coastguard ratings pay, civilian watchers' pay, rent and fuel of watch huts, and the cost of overcoats and boots. With four exceptions, the officers in charge of stretches of the coast line are drawn from the retired list of the Navy.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the failure to hold courts-martial in the case of such questionable losses of warships as the three of the "Cressy" class, the "Formidable," the "Hampshire," with Lord Kitchener on board, and of certain ships which blew up suddenly, whether he will now restore the rule invariably followed for several centuries up to the year 1907 of bringing the survivors to a court-martial whenever a warship is lost?

I can only repeat the answer given on 10th November, 1915, to my hon. and gallant Friend by the present Foreign Secretary, then First Lord of the Admiralty, to the effect that the tradition of the Navy is that whenever a ship is lost a court-martial should be held on the survivors, and that we desire to adhere to the spirit of that tradition as far as public interests and the conditions of modern naval warfare will allow.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that since that answer was given there have been many cases of lost ships like the "Hampshire" in which no court-martial has been held; and does the Admiralty propose to hold courts-martial in those cases at some future dates?

The last part of the question I cannot answer, and I cannot go beyond the reply I have already given.

I beg to give notice that either to-day, or by arrangement on the Adjournment for the Whitsuntide holiday, I will draw attention to this subject.

Why was it only an inquiry into the case of the "Hampshire" and not a court-martial; and was the evidence at the inquiry not taken on oath?

The evidence was not taken on oath. The reason why it was not a court-martial was given at the time, and also the results of the inquiry.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the officers responsible for the policy which delayed a sustained naval and air offensive at Zeebrugge are the same who were responsible for directing the recent bombardment of that enemy base?

The hon. Member appears to be endeavouring to develop, in the form of a question, an argument based upon an entirely erroneous premise. It is incorrect to assume that there has been any change in the policy.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to answer my question in so far as it refers to whether there has been a change in the command that has affected the Naval Air Service operations abroad?

It is incorrect to assume, as the hon. Member now does again, that there has been any change in policy.

I did not say "policy"—in the command?

Not so far as I know.

Is the Vice-Admiral the same?

I said that there has been no change so far as I know. If the hon. Gentleman wants the matter further elaborated, he must give me notice.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the late First Lord of the Admiralty stated in this House that he refused to make a naval bombardment of Zeebrugge?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will consider the immediate construction of a number of armed seaplanes, specially designed for flying in rough weather at a slow speed and low altitude, for the purpose of meeting in-coming food ships within a given radius and convoying them into British ports?

We have already seaplanes which are capable of undertaking the work which my hon. and gallant Friend suggests, and, in point of fact, have undertaken it as opportunity has arisen.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of having regular trade routes for these particular machines to meet these boats, and not leave it to chance?

I think the hon. Member may well leave this to those who have the work in hand.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information as to the fate of Captain Ball, D.S.O., Royal Flying Corps; and will he say what type of machine he was flying at the time he was reported missing?

I am sorry to say that the War Office has no further information about the fate of this gallant officer. It is not considered desirable to mention the type of machine which he was using.

Is it not a fact that this officer requested continually not to be forced to cross the line on this particular type and design of machine, and that the forty-two German machines he brought down were in nearly every case with a privately-designed machine, and the first time he was sent over on this other type he was lost?

I can scarcely believe that could be true. I know that this gallant officer never questioned any orders that were given.

Is there any ground for hope that he is still alive?

We hope he is still alive.

Will the hon. Gentleman make inquiries into the allegations made by the hon. Member (Mr. Billing)?

Because this gallant officer would not refuse to obey any orders, should we not be the more careful not to give him bad orders?

I understand that no complaint has ever been received of him ever having had bad orders.

That is the allegation.

The hon. Member (Mr. Billing) has made a complaint.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is proposed to include in the new Air Committee, formed to consider the development of our Air Services for mail and commercial purposes after the War, representatives from recognised aeronautical and commercial institutions; and, if so, what steps are being taken to this end?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The composition of this Committee, which will be announced at an early date, will, I think, be found to be fully representative for the purpose of considering, in all their aspects, the questions involved in the reference.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now state what are the better rates of pay to be granted to officers of the Indian Army wounded or on sick leave from field service; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay?

I am awaiting a reply to proposals made to the War Office, and until I receive it can make no statement.

Is there any prospect of a reply within a reasonable time?

I am unable to say. I must be responsible for only my own Department.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the military authorities gave any instructions that the finger-prints of Mr. Coult, a conscientious objector who was tried at Pontefract Police-court and handed over to the military, should be taken?

I have no information as to this case, and there are hardly sufficient details at present to enable me to inquire. If my hon. Friend will give me more particulars and the date I will call for a report.

Will the hon. Member inform the House whether finger-prints of Members of the present Government have yet been taken?

Am I to understand that finger-prints have been taken in this case and that this practice is being carried out?

I am not sure that it is being carried out, but I will make inquiries and tell the hon. Gentleman later on.

asked the Prime Minister whether some Government employés, much against their wishes, are compelled to work in the same room as conscientious objectors; and, if so, whether he will have this arrangement altered?

There are three cases in which Civil servants sit as supervisors in rooms occupied by conscientious objectors, and no complaint has been received from any of these officers. I am not aware of any other cases.

asked the Home Secretary whether Mr. A. Chappell and Mr. Ernest Rudman, conscientious objectors, have been moved from Mutley Prison, Plymouth, to Exeter Prison, handcuffed and in chains; and, if so, will he explain why this treatment is applied to conscientious objectors?

As eight prisoners, including these two, were being removed at the same time, the light chains, which are worn to prevent escape, were used.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to a cable from Petrograd saying that one of the reasons why the Russian democracy is turning against this country is — [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"]

Order, order!

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, whether he can now state the result of his inquiries into the case of Gunner Charles Sim, No. 193261, Royal Field Artillery?

A report has just been received, but I have not yet had an opportunity of looking into it. I will do so as soon as possible and communicate with my hon. Friend on the matter.

Will my hon. Friend answer this question in the House next Wednesday?

I may be able to answer it to-morrow.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in the case of a man who voluntarily submits himself for medical examination before the expiration of the year, provided for in Section 1 (4) of the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act, and is found to be unfit for military service, he will forthwith receive discharge from liability for service under this Act?

Owing to the present very great pressure on the medical boards it is impossible to set up at present a system of anticipatory medical examinations in connection with the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act. It is hoped, however, as soon as may be, to afford facilities for men who desire to be medically examined in advance of the date on which, under the Act, they would be liable to be called up for re-examination, and where under such authorised anticipatory medical examination, a man is found to be permanently and totally disabled for military service, he will receive a final discharge in accordance with provisions of the Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the West Riding War Agricultural Committee have drawn the attention of the War Office to the case of Frank Taylor Hind and Fred Vincent Hind, farmers, of Selby, who have been called up for military service; and whether, in view of the importance of food production for national safety, he will take steps for the release of these men?

Full inquiry was made into these cases before the men were called up for service. The report received was to the following effect: Frank Taylor Hind was joint tenant along with two brothers, William and Sydney, of Moss Farm, extending to 102 acres, although in his application for exemption he stated that he was sole tenant of 51 acres of the farm. Frederick Vincent Hind was joint owner along with two brothers, Frank and Sydney, of Thorpe Lane Farm, extending to 55 acres, although in support of his application for exemption he stated that he was the sole owner of the farm. In both cases the applications for exemption were dismissed by the local tribunal, and their decisions were affirmed by the Appeal Tribunal. The tribunals, which are mainly composed of practical agriculturists of large experience, were satisfied that after calling these men to the Colours there would be sufficient supervision and labour on the farms, and the agricultural representative on the Leeds Appeal Tribunal issued a written note to that effect.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have recently appointed a number of barristers and solicitors over military age to commissions for special duties as military representatives; and whether the pay granted in these cases is £250 per annum and 15s. per day allowances, whereas the pay of the ordinary military recruiting officers as captains in the Army is £205 per annum and 4s. 9d. a day allowances?

It is frequently necessary to appoint civilians to temporary commissions for recruiting duties. They are usually given the rank of lieutenant. Some of these officers have been detailed to act as military representatives, but they receive no extra emoluments in respect of this duty. The total pay and allowances of a lieutenant amount to £233 per annum, of a captain to £310. I do not know of any cases of pay at the rate quoted in my hon. Friend's question.

Are we to take it that the pay is just the same whether they are permanent officers or not?

Yes; it depends on the rank they hold.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will have full investigation made into the case of William Anderson, of 41, Well Lane, Sheffield; whether he is aware that this soldier was discharged as medically unfit for further service, on 30th July, 1903, from the 3rd Coldstream Guards, after serving two years and 351 days; that on the outbreak of war he offered his services on six different occasions and was refused each time on medical grounds; that he voluntarily attested on 19th January, 1916, and, on being examined, was found to be totally unfit for any category of military-service; that he was recalled for medical examination on 19th January, 1917, and passed B 3; and that he received his calling-up papers for 2nd February and was compelled to leave his work, although he was actually at the time on the panel and had his doctor's letter stating him to be unfit; whether he is aware that this man was placed on the substitution scheme and was sent home again as they refused to enrol him; that he reported again in a month's time and again was refused for substitution work; and that, although he asked to be put back into his medical category, this was refused, so that he was unable to do soldiers' work and unable to get his discharge papers so as to be perfectly free to take up light industrial employment; whether he can state what financial provision was made for the man, his wife, his mother, and his three children during this time; and what action has now been taken concerning him?

My hon. Friend has been in communication with my Noble Friend the Secretary of State about this man. The latest information in the War Office is that he was working with Messrs. A. Anderson and Sons. Before I can give any further answer it will be necessary to make further inquiries, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state why Private E. H. Moore, No. T.R.5/45,314, A Company, 81st Training Reserve Battalion, Low Fell, Gates-head-on-Tyne, who enlisted on a motor transport, Army Service Corps, but was compulsorily transferred to another service, has not been permitted to join his own Territorial Regiment, the 12th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, stationed at Finner Camp, Ireland, although his application has been before the War Office since 6th April; and why this man is obliged to wear a conscript badge, seeing that he enlisted voluntarily in Ireland?

I am making inquiries about this case, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible. I am not quite clear to what the reference is in the last part of the question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a report has been called for from the Scottish Members of the Advisory Committee to the Director of Timber Supplies on the effect upon the output of Home Timber of calling up men employed as engine men, saw millers and hauliers, and if not, whether such a report will be called for and temporary exemption granted until the report has been received and considered?

I understand that no special report has so far been called for from the Scottish Advisory Committee, but the one member of that Committee who is specially concerned with the production of home-grown timber has been in consultation with the Department of Timber Supplies on the subject of recruitment. With regard to the last part I am hoping that I may be in a position to give my hon. and gallant Friend further information to-morrow.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the timber trade are firmly convinced that if these requirements are made upon them they will be wholly incapable of meeting the extraordinary demands for timber that are now made upon them for military purposes?

As my hon. Friend knows, the War Cabinet decided that all men under a certain age should be called up, and as he knows, too, a further concession was made to the timber trade in Scotland that no man over twenty-three should be called up. As I stated to my hon. and gallant Friend, Colonel Stirling, the whole matter is being reconsidered, and I hope to be in a position to make a further reply tomorrow.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the War Cabinet also decided to save tonnage by increasing the cutting of home-grown timber, and has the War Cabinet ever tried to reconcile those two decisions?

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty what ratings are included in the official estimate that the average weekly allotment of the men of the Fleet amounts to about 12s. 6d.; if he will give the maximum allotment possible to each of the main ratings; and whether the way in which the men endeavour to meet their domestic obligations is held by the Admiralty to constitute in itself a reply to the request for increased pay?

The answer to the first part of the question is that the 12s. 6d. a week was based upon the amount of allotment made by those making allotments through the Admiralty in all the ratings from boy, ordinary seaman, and stoker up to the highest grade of chief petty officer. The men making provision for their dependants by other means than the weekly allotment are not included in the calculation. Neither are the warrant officers.

As regards the second part of the question, the maximum amount that a man in any particular rating may allot depends on the actual amount of pay that he receives in that rating, but the following are typical scales:—

asked the Pensions Minister whether he can now give any information as to the date on which the Appeal Tribunal for men claiming pensions instead of gratuities will be set up and as to is composition?

I cannot yet say definitely when the proposed tribunal will be set up, nor has it been possible to decide who will preside over it, but I hope to obtain for this purpose the services of a retired judge. The Admiralty and War Office and the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians have each nominated a member, and these, with a representative of labour, will constitute the personnel of the Court.

Is not this far too elaborate an Appeal Tribunal to which soldiers, who are working men, will have to take their cases?

That is a matter of opinion.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Regulations of his Department forbid any Civil servant or judge under his control from adding to his income by holding paid directorships of commercial or other companies either at home or in India?

Officers of the Indian Services may not without special sanction take part in the management of any company. Officials of the India Office establishment are under the same rules as other branches of the Home Civil Service.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any of the Civil servants or judges under the control of his Department are permitted to add to their income by holding paid directorships of commercial or other companies?

All salaried public officers are prohibited from directly or indirectly being connected with any company which might bring their private interests into real or apparent conflict with their public duties, or in any way influence them in the discharge of their duties. In all cases of doubt as to the application of this regulation a public officer is required to submit the case for the Governor's decision.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether no wet canteens are permitted by the Department of Militia in training and other camps in Canada; and if he can state whether it is the Department of Militia in Canada or the War Office who are responsible for the introduction of wet canteens into the camps occupied by Canadian troops in this country?

I have received a report on the matter, and I am informed that the Department of Militia and Defence, under the direction of Lieutenant-General Sir Sam Hughes, discontinued the wet canteens in the Militia Training Camps in Canada, but wet canteens were permitted in the permanent corps barracks. In view of the general adoption of prohibition in practically all the Canadian Provinces, I am told it is presumed that wet canteens will not be re-established. With regard to the second part of the question, it would appear from the records in charge of the Headquarters, Overseas Military Forces of Canada, that the wet canteens were first introduced in the camps occupied by the Canadian troops at Salisbury with the approval of the British Army Council, on the request of Major-General Alderson, then commanding the Canadian troops, and not at the request of the Canadian Government. I understand that this change was made in the interests of discipline.

May I ask if the introduction of these wet canteens has contributed to the physique and general morale of the men?

Have any representations been received from Canada on this subject?

I believe not.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received communications from a number of the members of the Co-operative Boot Managers' Association asking that a number of 10-lb. to 12-lb. leather bends should be released so that they may be able to cope with the demands of their customers to have their boots repaired; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

Such a communication has been received and is under consideration. I hope that a decision will be announced shortly.

May I ask that not only the position as to this particular request but the general problem of leather for repairs, particularly amongst the artisan classes, should be considered at the same time?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state definitely that no sailor or soldier in receipt of a pension for wounds incurred through service has been, or will be, called up for re-examination under the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act; and will he state what class of pensioned men have been, or will be, called up for re-examination under that Act?

The Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act, 1917, expressly defines the limits within which notices requiring re-examination are sent to discharged soldiers or sailors. In order to avoid error, the form of notice bears on the face of it a statement that it does not apply to any officer or man who has left or been discharged from the naval or military service of the Crown in consequence of disablement if the disablement has been certified under the authority of the Admiralty or the Army Council to be the result of wounds (including injury from poisonous gas) received in battle or in any engagement with the enemy or otherwise from the enemy, or in consequence of neurasthenia or allied functional nerve disease if so certified by a special medical board to be the result of naval or military service in the present War. For a man who considers that he falls within this exclusion, a form of claim is printed on the back of the notice which is to be returned to the recruiting officer in order that inquiries may be made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that discharged men are being called up before the statutory period allowed has elapsed?

I have no knowledge of any particular case, but if the hon. Gentleman supplies me with particulars I will inquire.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why he has avoided any reply to the question as to the number of men in receipt of pensions who have been called up?

That is not asked.

It is asked.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is yet in a position to state whether the Government intend to purchase Irish hay this season for the Army requirements?

Until the crop is known I am afraid it is not possible to state definitely what action the Department will take, but, as I have already informed the hon. Member, it will probably be necessary to purchase Irish hay this season.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there will be different arrangements as regards hay, both in Ireland and Scotland, than those which prevailed last year, because owing to the conditions which prevailed last year farmers are refusing to produce hay?

I think the general scheme will remain the same. I hope there may be some improvements in detail.

Has the hon. Gentleman not received representations from Scotland showing what I have stated to be correct?

I have received representations from Scotland, but I have not received representations to show that the action which farmers are taking is so widespread as the hon. Member seems to think.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he will say what steps are being taken by the Home Grown Timber Committee to measure timber as and when purchased prior to passing through the saw mill and being used or sold; and what is the reason of the recent resignations and changes of personnel?

The Home Grown Timber Committee has ceased to exist. But most of its staff remains in the employment of the War Office, and, so far, no changes of importance have been made in the procedure which the Committee followed in estimating quantities and fixing values of standing timber. The general rule is that quantities are settled not by measurement but by estimation, although in some cases timber has been purchased on terms which leave payments to be determined by actual measurements taken after felling. The amount of timber purchased is checked by comparison with the out-turn of the mill in which it is converted. The recent changes of personnel affect two officers only of those who were on the staff of the Home Grown Timber Committee.

Under what Department is the Home Grown Timber Committee now?

The Home Grown Timber Committee has been dissolved. The business which was done by that Committee has been transferred to the Director of Timber Supplies, a member of the War Office.

Has the Director of Timber Supplies powers in relation to the transport of timber, say, pit props and mining timber?

No, Sir. That is a matter of arrangement between the Timber Supplies Department and the other Departments concerned.

Is it not a fact that a leading railway official who was a member of the Home Grown Timber Committee resigned as he was dissatisfied with the way they carried on their business?

I have no knowledge of that.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether, seeing that the stock of foreign imported timber in this country will soon be exhausted, and that at least a limited supply of the same is absolutely essential, he will give instructions for the withdrawal of the embargo on the importation of soft timber from Norway and Sweden, provided such be carried on neutral bottoms?

The War Cabinet has authorised the Board of Trade, in communication with the Army Council, to licence the importation of timber from the countries of Scandinavia in neutral vessels when the timber so imported will not displace cargoes of foodstuffs or certain other commodities.

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. O'Reilly was requested by Mr. Strominger to transfer his services from the Metropolitan Munitions Committee to the National Health Insurance Commission (England) and was not told that he would have to supervise the work of conscientious objectors; and, if so, whether he will reconsider his decision as to refusing to offer Mr. O'Reilly other employment?

On the recommendation of the India Office Information Bureau, Mr. O'Reilly, who was then understood to be unemployed, was interviewed with a view to appointment in a temporary clerical post under the Insurance Commissioners. When it was found that he was already employed by the Metropolitan Munitions Committee he was informed that he could not be transferred without the consent of that committee. He was not requested to transfer, but voluntarily applied to be released by that committee in order to take up this employment at a higher rate of remuneration. Conscientious objectors were not at that time engaged on National Insurance duties, and no question of checking their work, therefore, arose. For the reasons I have already given, in reply to previous questions by the hon. and gallant Member, it is not proposed to offer Mr. O'Reilly other employment.

Is it not a fact that Mr. O'Reilly was asked by Mr. Strominger, an official, to transfer because the Government wished him, and is it considered just that a man who transfers his services for the benefit of the Government should be punished, turned out of his employment and refused other work because he refuses to supervise conscientious objectors when his own people are in the Army and the Navy?

The information I have given to my hon. Friend in my answer is not according to the statement he has made. My information is as I have given it.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the question whether Mr. Strominger, an official, was the gentleman that asked Mr. O Reilly to transfer his services?

That is exactly the answer I have given.

Is Mr. O'Reilly under military age or under fifty? Cannot he solve the problem by volunteering?

I do not know as to the question of age, but I think he is considerably over fifty.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Imperial Conference has considered the question of naturalisation law; and whether he can now make a statement of the Government's intentions in regard to legislation on this subject?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and it is hoped shortly to publish a Blue Book containing the proceedings of the Conference on this and other subjects. I desire to await further communications with the Dominions before making any statement on the matter.

Will the expected communications be in reply to communications from the Government?

They are as a result of the Conference. The representatives of the Dominions were not able to take action, or to recommend action, until they consulted their own authorities.

In this case and in reference to the contemplated changes in our naturalisation laws, was it borne in mind, and will it be borne in mind, that a German spy sits in this House of Commons as a Member of. Parliament under the present system of naturalisation?

All that, as a matter of fact, was before the Conference, and will be borne in mind.

A very wise thing, too!

asked the Prime Minister if an early opportunity will be given for discussion of the changes in the Board of Admiralty?

I am afraid that I cannot give a special opportunity.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is with his knowledge and sanction that Employment Exchanges in Ireland are now being used to induce workers, skilled and unskilled, to come to this country, where, after a few weeks on Government or controlled works, they are discharged without cause or notice, and twenty-eight days later, notwithstanding exemption cards, are conscripted for the Army, the Employment Exchanges in Ireland being again used to fill their places with men to be treated in a similar manner; whether all the Irishmen thus treated will be released and allowed to return to Ireland?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The statement in the question is, so far as my information goes, absolutely unfounded.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give this House any information as to the conditions prevailing between the Russian and German troops on the Eastern Front?

There is nothing to add to the official communiqués which are issued daily by the Russian General Headquarters.

Are the Government in a position to contradict the statement in the Press that German and Russian troops are fraternising on the Eastern Front?

I have nothing to add to the answers which I have given.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a speech made by Mr. Smillie, president of the Miners' Federation, at Newcastle, on Saturday, in which he stated that the Government could be moved if the people showed themselves united, but if it would be moved why should they not do what the Russian people had done, and added that the revolution took place owing to official shortage of food; will he say whether any action has been taken against Mr. Smillie; and, if not, whether the Government will protect the public from the operations of food gamblers?

The answer to the first and third parts of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative.

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Consolidated Fund Bill to-day.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether officers and men of the mercantile marine mho are not members of the Royal Naval Reserve are eligible for the decorations of D.S.C. and D.S.M. as a reward for bravery and resource in endeavouring to save their vessels when attacked by the enemy?

Yet, Sir. Officers and men of the mercantile marine, whether they are members of the Royal Naval Reserve or not, are eligible for the naval decorations of D.S.C. and D.S.M. in recognition of their unexampled zeal and devotion to duty shown in carrying on the trade of the country during the War. A number of these decorations have already been conferred.

Can the hon. Gentleman say, in regard to these decorations, whether his Department or the Admiralty will recommend the officers to receive them?

By arrangement between the two Departments.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can undertake that the British Trade Corporation will not be allowed to begin business until its charter has received the approval of the House of Commons?

I am not in a position to give such an undertaking.

Why?

Do I understand, then, that the Corporation has already begun business before the authority of the House of Commons has been obtained?

The hon. Member will have a full chance of discussing the matter to-morrow.

If the hon. Gentleman cannot give an undertaking to the House of Commons how is it that an official or a member of the Ministry could give authority to a corporation outside the House to commence business?

I have given no authority; but the matter can be fully discussed to-morrow.

Has this corporation really begun business?

Or, if not, will it begin business between now and to-morrow?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the charter granted to the British Trade Corporation will give to it anything like a monopoly in any part of the world, or if other reputable banks or trading corporations having similar objects and complying with the same conditions will also be granted similar charters, if they so desire, either for the whole world or for this or other specified country or countries?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part of the question, any applications for Royal Charters which may be received from other banks or trading corporations will be dealt with on their merits.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the possibility of bringing under the survey of a single authority any restrictions on the horse-power and the petrol supply of persons requiring means of transit for the discharge of the duties of local government, so as to avoid the risk of their complete demobilisation by the independent action of separate authorities?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The hon. Member may rest assured that the need for maintaining, as far as possible, The necessary facilities for the discharge of the duties of local government and of other public services will not be lost sight of.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the Government are willing to deal with this question systematically by arrangement with the Association of Municipal Corporations, the County Councils, and the other local authorities, so that these may not be fettered by the inconsistent action of the different authorities, and in order that those who have local government work to do may know authoritatively that they can get the means to do it?

Those matters shall be taken into consideration.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the period which has elapsed since the munition and other war workers have had any holiday or change from their work; and, seeing that their health and the quality of their work will suffer if they continue to work through this summer and next winter, will he in concord with the various departments, arrange that each factory shall close for a period of ten days during July, August, or September, and arrange that the workmen and work-women will be encouraged by special trains, to be run for them alone, to take holidays at the seaside and get a change to enable them to do better work afterwards?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I would point out that, in accordance with the decision of the Government there was no interference with the Easter and corresponding spring holidays, except in the case of individual establishments whose output was urgently required. It has recently been announced that a similar course is to be adopted in regard to the forthcoming Whitsun holidays. My right hon. Friend is carefully considering the whole position, but my hon. Friend will realise that the two controlling factors are the military situation in France and the difficulties of railway transport at home.

I am sorry that the Prime Minister could not answer; but I should like to ask, does not the hon. Gentleman consider that the increased efficiency which would follow from the holiday would more than make up for the actual loss of the particular time?

I thoroughly agree with the general statement, but it is obviously bound to be controlled by the two factors I have mentioned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Admiralty have taken off the usual vessels running on the Clyde. Will he see that that is put right?

asked the Minister of Munitions whether a percussion grenade asked for by the War Office about eighteen months ago has yet been supplied to the Army; whether a percussion grenade submitted to the Munitions Inventions Department in February, 1916, has been put to the severest and most exhaustive tests by the Inventions Department since that time with most satisfactory results; whether he is aware that this grenade has been tested at two bombing schools and that the chiefs of these schools have made most satisfactory reports upon it, the report of one of them stating that its mechanism was perfect; whether he is aware that the scientific expert of the Department has declared its great superiority over any other percussion grenade and stated that it fulfils all the conditions laid down by the War Office; whether this grenade has been condemned by the Designs Department on only two tests made by a subordinate officer; whether the Designs Department recommended another percussion grenade which has proved to be a failure; and, in view of these facts and of the urgency and importance of providing a percussion grenade that will be safe to the throwers and otherwise effective, he will have the matter impartially inquired into without further delay?

It would not be in the public interest to give a detailed reply to this question, but I cannot be taken to admit the accuracy of the statements made by my hon. Friend. I may say, however, that certain defects were found in connection with the grenade referred to by my hon. Friend, but efforts are being made to remedy them. No grenade, however, can be passed for service which is not found acceptable to the Army in the field.

Is it not a fact that this invention has been highly recommended months ago by your own Investigation Department?

I have nothing to add to the answer I have given.

Will the Inventions Board ever use or accept anything practical or anything of any use?

That is what they are constantly doing.

I beg to give notice that I will raise this question again at the earliest possible opportunity.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the importance of public opinion in the settlement of labour troubles, he will direct that the utmost publicity shall be in the future given in the early stages to disputes between employers and workmen in this country during the War?

The question of publicity with regard to the various phases of the labour situation is engaging the serious attention of the Government.

Has he not dealt with the subject already?

That is precisely one of those questions in which it is impossible to lay down hard and fast rules applicable to all circumstances at all times.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the statement made by the Minister of Labour that when representatives of the strikers sought to interview him he announced that he would refuse to see them, and are these Prussian methods likely to promote harmony, as they close up the legitimate means of redressing grievances?

The hon. Gentleman is in error. What my right hon. Friend refused to do was to meet men who came to him without the authority of properly constituted trade unions.

Will the hon. Gentleman take care that Ministerial statements with regard to labour troubles in future are accurate, so as not to give the impression that Ministers take sides against the men?

I can certainly give that undertaking.

asked whether, in view of the importance of preventing any feeling of injustice in the minds of all classes of war workers, he will award the same war bonus to clerks and others employed in controlled works as that recently granted to railway clerks?

My right hon. Friend sympathises fully with the position of the clerks in controlled establishments, and since the recent general award of the Committee on Production in the Engineering and Foundry Trades, has sanctioned very many proposals to extend that award, or to make corresponding advances, to the clerical staff. But at present he has no power to order the payment of such a war bonus. The proper course for the clerical staff is to come to an agreement with their employers—as has been done generally—or failing agreement, to apply for arbitration.

asked the Minister of Munitions, inasmuch as the interests of women workers may be affected by the Munitions Act Amendment Bill now before the House, whether any woman representative of organised labour has been appointed to sit on the consultative Committee now considering the Amendments to the Bill; and, if not, whether he will take steps to, ensure the appointment of a woman representative of organised labour?

The Committee to which the reference is made by the Noble Lord was not set up by my right hon. Friend, but by the unions themselves with which he conferred last Friday on the labour situation. The members of the Committee were nominated and elected by that conference. I have already explained to the representative of the women workers that I should be willing to consider any proposals for Amendments from any representatives of women workers.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that a notice has been posted in the premises of Messrs. Strachan and Henshaw, Whitehall Ironworks, Bristol, asking whether the women are by slacking going to allow their husbands and brothers to be slaughtered for want of shell; and, seeing that the women workers resent this imputation, whether, to promote good feeling between employers and employed, he will direct the notice to be removed?

My attention has already been called to the action of this firm in posting the notice referred to in their works. I have inquired into the matter, and find that the local representative of the Ministry of Munitions has on three separate occasions remonstrated with the firm, but that they refuse to remove the notice. I have no power to compel the firm to remove the notice complained of, but I cannot too strongly deprecate action of this nature, which seems likely to give offence to women workers who are rendering most valuable service to the country at the present time.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the demands by surveyors of taxes that for purposes of Income Tax and Excess Profits Duty all stocks and stores shall be taken at cost or market value, whichever is the lowest; and, looking at the fact that many traders have been in the habit of taking their stocks and stores below cost price or market value, whether any determination has been arrived at as to dealing with the surplus values of such stocks and stores now created, looking at the fact that part of the surplus arises prior to the War, part in the period when 50 per cent. Excess Profit Duty is payable, part in the period when 60 per cent. Excess Profit Duty is payable, and part in the period when 80 per cent. Excess Profit Duty is payable; and there are also differences as regards the appropriation of values in the cases of controlled companies as respects their periods of assessments; and if he will consider a general principle that manufacturers shall be at liberty to charge against excess profits sums necessary to reinstate stocks to the pre-war level of each company?

Having regard to the variety and complexity of the circumstances affecting the valuation of traders' stocks and stores, I fear that it is impossible to deal with the questions raised by my hon. Friend within the limits of a Parliamentary reply, but if he will bring to my notice any particular case of hardship I will have inquiry made.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when the evidence taken before the committee appointed to investigate the question of financial facilities to trade will be published?

It is not proposed to publish the evidence in question.

Is it really proposed to ask the House of Commons to give a decision in this matter without any evidence whatever?

My right hon. Friend will find full evidence in the charter. I have never been previously asked for this. It is purely a question of economy that the evidence has not been published.

Is it not the case that the Government intend to ignore the House of Commons in this matter altogether?

There is no foundation for that.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Coal Controller has yet considered the steps to be taken for supplying and storing sufficient stocks of coal in London for the next winter season; and, in view of the experience of last winter, will he at once arrange a conference with the London County Council and the borough councils so as to take immediate action in order to prevent a repetition of the distress of last winter in London owing to the scarcity of coal?

The Controller of Coal Mines is considering this question fully, and proposes to communicate with the local authorities when his inquiries are further advanced. No time is being lost in the matter.

As we are in the month of May, is there any chance of anything being done in connection with the coal supply around London?

I am very confident there is a very good chance.

asked the right hon. Member for the Osgoldcross Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether he is aware that the committee of the Kitchener National Memorial Fund consisted of three persons, one of whom, the Duke of Norfolk, is now deceased, while another, the Duke of Devonshire, is now Governor-General of Canada; and whether, in these circumstances, he will consider the expediency of the committee being reconstituted and enlarged?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to the constitution of the committee of the fund referred to. The Regulations made by the Charity Commissioners, and approved by the Secretary of State, under the provisions of the War Charities Act, 1916, require that the register of every registered charity shall contain, inter alia, the names, addresses, and descriptions of the chairman and two other members of the Committee. The entry of three names only in the register does not therefore imply that the Committee consists of not more than three members. In the case of the fund referred to, the committee or council at present consists of forty-one persons.