asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether 500 of the 2,000 interned Belgians at Lübeck Camp have died during the last three months, owing to the lack of food; and, if so, is there any channel whereby proper representations can be made to the German Government about the matter?

I have received no reports in the sense indicated. If, however, my hon. Friend will let me know the source of his information I will bring the matter to the notice of the Belgian Government, who, if they have not already done so, will, no doubt, cause representations to be made to the German Government.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the Lamport "V" boats are running between the River Plate and the United Kingdom viâ New York, and that in consequence of these boats having been compelled to sail viâ New York it lengthens the round voyage by some five or six weeks; if he is aware that if they were allowed to run direct between the River Plate and Liverpool steamers could make about five voyages in a year, but in consequence of having to run viâ New York they are only able to make about three voyages a year; and if he can give any reason why the boats in question have to sail viâ New York?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. My hon. Friend has overstated the increased length of the round voyage of these vessels viâ New York, which is only about three weeks, not five or six. Otherwise the facts are as stated in the question. If the boats were redirected as suggested by my hon. Friend the net cost of conveyance of the meat cargoes would be enormously increased owing to the special character of these boats, while the additional meat imports secured for the United Kingdom would be comparatively small. I may add, however, that the Shipping Controller is fully prepared to take the course suggested as soon as it is considered that the urgency of increased meat imports justifies a large monetary loss.

Does my hon. Friend think that the space of three weeks' time as against the suggested five or six weeks, includes demurrage for loading and unloading at New York?

Yes. As I am advised that is so.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that these boats are under Blue Book rates, consequently there can be no saving in freights so far as the shipowner is concerned, and, furthermore, he must know that the boat is not occupied from twelve to fourteen days in crossing and recrossing the Atlantic, apart from the time occupied in loading and unloading at New York?

I can only say, on the merits of the question generally, that only one consideration has actuated my right hon. Friend in directing these vessels as he has—that is the national interest. It depends not only on Blue Book rates, but on the economic use of the vessels. Owing to their peculiar character and the character of their cargo that can be carried, the facts are as stated by me in the answer I have given to my hon. Friend.

Is not the hon. Gentleman really aware that these are not correct answers, and that, as a matter of fact, this arrangement was made by the late President of the Board of Trade?

That is perfectly true, but the arrangements made by the late President of the Board of Trade have been reviewed very carefully indeed by the Shipping Controller, and, as my hon. Friend knows, he has had an opportunity of knowing how very carefully these arrangements have been considered.

May I request that this matter will be looked into again?

I can assure my hon. Friend that I personally have given the closest attention to the matter. I was at first inclined to take the view he takes, but on reconsideration I am quite convinced that this is a businesslike arrangement.

You are wrong.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether quantities of wheat purchased by his Department are now lying in Australia owing to the impossibility of obtaining freight; if so, what is the total quantity, when was it purchased, and what still remains to be shipped; whether this wheat is all paid for, and, if so, at what price; whether it is still in good condition; and if he anticipates that it will be fit for human food when ultimately brought to this country?

Purchases of 500,000 and 3,000,000 tons of Australian wheat were made on behalf of Great Britain, France and Italy, under contracts dated 3rd October, 1916, and 4th December, 1916, at the prices of 32s. and 38s. respectively, free on board.

The whole of the 500,000 tons has been paid for and shipped; of the 3,000,000 tons part only has been shipped, and, under the terms of the contract, full payment is not yet due for the whole amount.

The wheat is in good condition, and it is anticipated that it will be fit for human consumption on arrival in this country.

Can my hon. Friend say what proportion of the 3,000,000 tons have been shipped up to the present?

I do not think it would be advisable to state that.

Is any of this wheat being brought to this country by the ships that were recently purchased by the Australian Commonwealth, or is it all being sent to France?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) if, in view of the waste of bread made from 81 per cent. G. R. flour, owing to its absence of keeping qualities, he will consider the desirability of reverting to the 75 per cent. standard, which, in the experience of bakers, bears other ingredients and stands the test of age better than the present flour; (2) if, with a view to securing something like equality of standard in bread, he will consider the desirability of stopping sales of white flour to bakery firms and requiring the millers to provide a uniform mixture to all; (3) if he is aware that bread made from the present G. R. flour develops mould quickly, in addition to being subject to the rope disease; what steps are being taken to remedy this drawback; (4) if he is aware that the difficulties of bakers in making a satisfactory bread under the present Regulations are aggravated by the variations in the admixtures of maize, rye, rice, beans, and other substitutes, and the absence of information as to the nature and proportions of the ingredients; and will he endeavour to secure a nearer approach to uniformity?

In view of actual and prospective supplies, it is impossible to revert to any substantially lower degree of extraction than that now in force.

The tendency of bread to develop mould is attributed to the use of maize flour which has been imperfectly ground. This has already been remedied by improved machinery and more expert treatment. There is no evidence that admixtures increase the risk of "rope." The conditions leading to the fermentation, are warmth and excessive moisture.

As was stated in the House last Wednesday, it is impossible, owing to difficulties of transport, to obtain regular distribution throughout the country of the various grains used for purposes of admixture. It is, therefore, necessary, within prescribed limits, that each centre shall use such grains as can conveniently be supplied. It was further stated on Tuesday, 3rd July, that the supply of imported white flour is under the control of the Wheat Commission, and that its admixture with flour produced in this country has been regulated and defined.

I may add that, as the result of scientific investigation, combined with the co-operation of millers and bakers throughout the country, there seems an excellent prospect that the troubles complained of will not recur.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the charge is made against West End bakeries of obtaining the best white flour and mixing it with Government flour and supplying their West End customers with a better quality of bread than is supplied to people in the East End of London?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state what ingredients are sanctioned for use in the G. R. flour now issued to bakers; whether he is aware that the quality has deteriorated very seriously recently so that it is impossible to bake wholesome bread from what is distributed in many places; whether he is aware that the keeping properties of this bread are extremely bad, so that the Regulation that it shall not be used for some time after baking greatly increases the difficulties of the baker and the danger to the consumer; and whether the quantity and quality of the wheat now in the country will enable him to improve the situation?

The permitted ingredients were stated in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Chertsey last Tuesday. As regards the quality of war bread, I cannot usefully add anything to the numerous answers already given.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the inmates of the Abbeyleix Union Workhouse, numbering 116 people, have been without sugar for several weeks past; if he is aware that the contractor for the supply of sugar supplied during 1915 42cwts., and in 1916 34½cwts., and during the present year to 1st June 8½ cwts.; at present the amount received is only 7 lbs. weekly, and that under the Food Controller's Regulations the guardians would be entitled to receive an average of 58 lbs. weekly; and if he will immediately issue an Order so that the guardians may be enabled to receive the full amount to which they are entitled?

No complaint from the Abbeyleix Union Workhouse regarding their supplies of sugar can be traced either by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply or by the Ministry of Food. As, however, it would appear from the particulars given by the hon. Member that the guardians are not receiving from their wholesale suppliers the quantity of sugar to which they are entitled, inquiry will be made in the matter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can state how the bodies have been selected to distribute the sugar for jam making; is he aware that there is much dissatisfaction in many places with the way in which the sugar is being distributed; and can he say what check there will be of the distribution and also as to the use of the sugar for jam making?

The distribution of the special supplies of sugar for the preservation of home-grown fruit is being made through the ordinary trade channels. Some complaints have been received, chiefly from persons who did not comply with the specified conditions, but I am not aware that there is any real cause for dissatisfaction with the method of distribution. A record is kept of the names of the persons to whom the sugar is supplied and the quantity and dates of supply, and this record is open to the inspection of the responsible authorities. The use of this sugar for any purpose other than that for which it was issued is a penal offence.

Am I to understand that the sugar is being distributed through ordinary traders and not by ladies, who have been put on to do this work?

If the hon. Gentleman will kindly send me that question I will forward it to the Food Controller.

Do we understand the hon. Gentleman to say that though thousands of people complain that they complied with the terms of the advertisement and yet had no answer, that they are all mistaken, and will he state on what principle the distribution was made?

I have already admitted mistakes have been made and some complaints have been received, and what the Food Controller says is that he is not aware there is any real cause for general dissatisfaction with the method of distribution.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that jam makers in the West of Ireland who applied have not got any sugar, and, in consequence, a quantity of fruit is going to waste and becoming rotten?

The same principle has been adopted in Ireland as in England.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is the intention of the Food Controller, previous to fixing maximum meat prices, to consult meat traders in the retail business as well as breeders; and whether he can arrange controlled prices sooner than the 1st September?

Representatives of the retail trade have been and are being consulted with reference to the proposed fixing of meat prices. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that season tickets are not issued from the New Cross (South-Eastern) Station to stations that side of Farringdon Street, although they can be obtained from the New Cross (Brighton line) Station; and whether he will communicate with the Railway Executive Committee with a view to the removal of this anomaly by the issuing of season tickets from the New Cross (South-Eastern) Station to any station on the Underground Railway?

I am aware of the facts mentioned, and I understand that, in view of the availability of South-Eastern and Chatham Railway season tickets to the City at Cannon Street Station, it would be contrary to usual practice for the managing committee of that line to issue such tickets to stations on the East London Railway. I propose, however, to confer with the Railway Executive Committee on the subject.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any licences for the export of horse hides have been issued since the 18th January, 1917; and, if so, on what dates were they issued?

I am informed by the War Trade Department that twelve licences have been issued for the export of horse hides since the 18th January, 1917, the first on 13th February and the last on 29th May.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will insist that all persons making application for petrol shall be required to produce the registration of their cars and the receipt for the annual duty?

An applicant for a petrol licence is already required to state on a prescribed form the registration number of his car and the amount of tax he has paid.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade whether his attention has been directed to the application of the Dublin and Blessington Railway Company to the Petrol Supply Committee for an adequate supply of petrol for the purposes of the railway and to the refusal of the Committee to grant such supply or any supply except a supply less than half that which is necessary for the working of the line; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government has taken over the control of this line, the Board of Trade will intervene and ask that a sufficient supply shall be allowed?

I understand that the quantity of petrol licensed for the use of the Dublin and Blessington Railway Company was reduced on 1st June from 1,100 gallons per month to 734 gallons per month. This is a reduction of one-third, and all ordinary commercial users of petrol have, in view of the urgent need for further restriction of petrol consumption, been subjected to the same treatment. As a result, however, of representations made by and on behalf of the Dublin and Blessington Railway Company, their allowance was reconsidered and increased on the 4th July to 890 gallons of petrol per month.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade if he is aware that there are numbers of high-powered motor cars used for shopping in London and great numbers making joy rides to Brighton and elsewhere, and that other persons cannot get petrol in the least; and if he will insist that the instructions of the Petrol Committee be strictly carried out?

It is probable that there is still a certain amount of motoring for pleasure carried on by owners of cars who are using up stocks of petrol in respect of which licences have been issued in the past. There is no penalty for such motoring, but licences for petrol are now issued only to persons who use their cars for public or business purposes.

What is there to hinder my hon. Friend arranging for some patrol of the main roads of this country to hold up those cars which cannot give evidence that they are travelling for business reasons?

My hon. Friend will gather from the reply I nave given that our opinion is that if such cars are used for pleasure purposes they must be running on petrol secured prior to the restrictions being imposed. We are now controlling at the source. They have to make a declaration that the cars they are using are used exclusively for public or business purposes.

Cannot my hon. Friend or his Department arrange to check some of these journeys on some of the main roads?

I believe that is done. They are subject to very severe penalties if they are found to have made any false declaration.

In the interests of economy cannot arrangements be made prohibiting the use of large, high-power cars?

I do not know how far one could regulate that, if you restrict the amount of petrol that is sufficient.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, owing to pressure, the steamship "St. Ola," conveying mails between Orkney and the mainland, has been unable to be surveyed, and the public are threatened with loss of communication on the one hand and loss of life on the other; and if, under the circumstances, he will endeavour to obtain from the Shipping Control Board another vessel to take the place of the "St. Ola," so that she can be surveyed as required?

The survey of this vessel for a passenger steamer certificate has been completed, apart from survey in dry dock, and a passenger certificate was issued on the 11th July. On the 9th July the Board of Trade and Customs Officers concerned were informed by telegram that the vessel might be allowed to carry passengers pending the issue of the passenger certificate. In these circumstances the question of obtaining a replace vessel does not at present arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade if the Board of Trade have concluded an agreement with the Railway Executive Committee by which British officers and men belonging to the Merchant Service will be able to obtain the same concession as that allowed to naval and military officers and men, by which the Merchant Service will be able to obtain railway fares on the basis of those in operation before the 50 per cent. increase?

The Board of Trade are in sympathy with the view that some concession should be made to officers and men of the Mercantile Marine in the matter of railway travelling and are in communication with the Railway Executive Committee on the subject. I hope a satisfactory arrangement will be reached, but the matter is one of some difficulty.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to have a conclusion reached promptly?

I will endeavour to expedite the matter.

Seeing that these men are performing national service cannot the hon. Gentleman arrange that they shall be put on the same terms as naval and military officers?

My hon. Friend will see from my answer that that is what we are endeavouring to do.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to furnish a statement as to what territorial concessions it was proposed to make to Germany when Sir Edward Grey was Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; what concessions it was suggested that Germany should make to the British Empire in exchange; and whether the proposal emanated from the British or the German Foreign Office?

I know nothing more about the informal conversations to which this question presumably refers than what I have already stated in answer to my hon. and gallant Friend's question of the 11th July.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, as a result of research and experimental work which has been carried on by glass manufacturers, a glass has now been produced of as good quality as Jena glass; and, if so, whether he will give an undertaking that no more orders will be given by the Government to Messrs. Falck, Stadelmann and Company, a firm of German origin?

A special fire-resisting glass can now be made in this country, but as the firms who have facilities for its manufacture are engaged on more important work for War Departments, it is not practicable to place orders with them for this glass in chimney form. In the circumstances, effect cannot be given to the suggestion in the last part of the question without harm to the public service.

Has the Department given any intimation that it will do its best to avoid these contracts in future?

I will inform my right hon. Friend of what my hon. and gallant Friend says.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether arrangements have now been completed to make use of the existing stocks of bonded spirits for the manufacture of munitions so as to free the tonnage hitherto employed for the importation of molasses and spirits for that purpose and to release the grain and other food materials used in the production of alcohol for munitions and commercial purposes?

The answer to the question is in the negative, as the alcohol required for munitions and commercial purposes is for the present being obtained from the distilleries producing yeast, and from molasses, the importation of which does not occupy tonnage required for food materials.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Air Board made any large purchases of mahogany; if so, whether they have applied to the Controller of Shipping to afford shipping facilities for this timber; whether the application was refused; and, if so, for what reason?

Large purchases of mahogany have been made for aeronautical purposes. The Controller of Shipping continues to give every assistance in affording shipping facilities, and satisfactory quantities are imported.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not the Ministry of Munitions has stopped the Air Board from getting mahogany which is wanted, and, in view of the urgent need of the output of aeroplanes, will he give priority to the wood required for the building of them?

I have no knowledge of difficulty in obtaining mahogany. Mahogany is obtained by the Ministry of Munitions, and I have no information of any deficiency.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many boys of under sixteen years of age and how many girls of between sixteen and eighteen years of age are employed on night work at the present time in the national and controlled factories?

As a general rule boys and girls of this age are not employed Such employment may, however, be allowed subject in each case to the approval of the superintending inspector of factories, under the General Order issued by the Home Office. But every effort is made to confine night employment within the narrowest limits possible. Considerable labour will be involved in obtaining the figures for which my Noble Friend asks, but I will endeavour to obtain them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why other firms working under exactly similar conditions can get on very well without night employment of boys and girls, and why it is allowed in the case of these other firms?

Perhaps it will be best to get a Return.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether his experts have made any examination or borings at the lead mines, Ballycorus, south county Dublin; and, if not, when is it expected to commence operations?

The mines were visited on behalf of the Ministry in May last. Active mining operations ceased about the year 1846. The mine was never a large producer, and the information before the Ministry does not lead us to think that reopening the mines would be justified.

asked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the method of dealing with the whole question of the establishment of a receiving depot and pattern room in Ireland is unsatisfactory to Irish manufacturers and all interested in the question; and will he obtain a Report from the officer, Major Downie, whom he appointed, when he was Minister of Munitions, to co-operate with the All Ireland Committee in connection with munitions?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what progress has been made regarding the acquisition of premises in Dublin to be temporarily utilised as an examining and receiving depot until a fully-equipped suitable building is provided; whether he will state when it will be commenced and where it is to be situated; and whether he is aware that resolutions were recently passed by divisional meetings in St. Patrick's, and a public protest against further delay has been summoned for next Wedenseday evening?

I am informed that this question was fully discussed last week by the Irish Command with the Lord Mayor of Dublin and a deputation representing the All Ireland Munitions and Government Supplies Committee. I am informed that it was agreed that the provision of a temporary receiving depot was considered unnecessary in view of present arrangements, but that the deputation pressed strongly for the immediate construction of a permanent receiving depot. I have referred in answer to previous questions to the difficulties of building under present conditions, but the matter is being further considered.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that the work is to be commenced as soon as possible, and when may we expect that it will be begun?

I am afraid I cannot say, or whether it is possible to do it at all.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that there is any amount of unemployment in Dublin, and plenty of material, and, in view of the huge taxation of Ireland for this War, are we not entitled in that country to get some of the money back?

I am very anxious that something should be done, but there are many drawbacks about this question.

The advantage is on the English side.

Why not follow the London example, and acquire hotels?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is now in a position to make public the recommendations of the Committee appointed to inquire into the arrangements for securing the health of the cadets at Osborne; and can he state what steps the Admiralty are taking to give effect to those recommendations?

I am afraid I can add nothing to the answer to the unstarred question which my hon. Friend put on the 9th July, to the effect that a Report has been received, and that the recommendations of the Committee are under consideration.

Is there any prospect of the Report being issued shortly in view of the fact that many parents will be sending their boys to Osborne next term, and it is very urgent that they should know whether their health will be properly looked after?

I can make no statement as to the publication of the Report, but such action will be taken upon it as is approved by the Board.

When will these steps be made public so parents may know what steps are being taken?

I will bear in mind what the hon. Member says.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the local surgeons and agents of the Admiralty are receiving only 2s. 6d. per patient for professional attendance and supplying medicine to the Coastguards and men of the Royal Navy and 1s. per mile one way for locomotion expenses; whether applications have been received from any of these officers requesting an increase of these rates of pay; and whether, having regard to the increased cost of living and the cost of drugs and petrol, he will see his way to recommend an advance of fees and allowances so as to ensure that surgeons and agents may, without loss to themselves, do justice to their patients and receive fair remuneration for their services?

The rates of remuneration are, with a few exceptions in which higher rates are warranted by the circumstances of the case, 2s. 6d. per each visit to, or consultation with, each patient (and not, as the question may perhaps imply, 2s. 6d. per case), with mileage allowance as stated. Only one application for increased remuneration has been received during the past year, although there are some 580 surgeons and agents. In the circumstances, a case for a general increase of fees and allowances has not been established.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that surgeons' and agents' fees and advances for subsistence are always almost three months overdue before they are fully paid; and whether he will see that these officers are more promptly paid, and advances be made to surgeons and agents out of which to pay subsistence and quartering allowances to the men, as under the present system many surgeons and agents have to advance large sums out of their own pockets and are out of their money for an unreasonable time?

The suggestion that the surgeons' and agents' claims are always almost three months overdue before they are fully paid is not borne out by the facts. For instance, of 228 received in April and May for the period ended 31st March last, between 84 and 85 per cent. were finally paid in less than two months from date of receipt, 70 per cent. being settled in less than six weeks. Arrangements have, moreover, been in force since an early date in the War by which payments on account amounting to two-thirds of any claim exceeding £10 or thereabouts are made immediately upon their receipt.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the reports received from His Majesty's ships in which warrant writers are borne and are doing duties which in the ordinary course of events would have been performed by assistant paymasters Royal Navy show these duties to be satisfactorily performed by warrant writers; whether it is proposed to promote a further number of warrant writers so as to release active service assistant paymasters for the purpose of filling important posts for which they are required, some of which are now filled by assistant paymasters Royal Naval Reserve, and which necessitate the appointment being held by active service officers of experience; whether, having in view the continued entry of assistant paymasters Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, a shortage of accountant officers Royal Navy still exists; and, if so, seeing that business experience on shore is of little value where naval clerical and accountant work is concerned and seeing that there are nearly 300 naval writers of experience and recommended waiting promotion, will he say if the shortage will be met by the promotion of writers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the remainder of the question, the requirements of accountant officers, both permanent and temporary, are considered from time to time, and the promotion of chief writers to warrant rank is decided with due regard to such requirements. The needs of the Naval Service, both as regards accountant officers Royal Navy and temporary assistant paymasters, are being met, and it is not anticipated that they will fail to be met in future. Should it be necessary to promote further writers to warrant rank, such promotions will undoubtedly be made. My hon. Friend will be interested to know that whereas at the beginning of the War there were on the list fifteen warrant writers, there are now five assistant paymasters promoted from commissioned writer and warrant writer, five commissioned writers and forty-two warrant writers.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if an application has been made for leave for Stoker Whiteley, H.M. transport "Moose," on account of the dangerous illness of his child; if such application for leave has been refused; and whether, in view of the fact that this man has had no leave for three years, the application for special leave now will be reconsidered?

No application from this man can be traced at the Admiralty, but in the ordinary course the application would have been made to and dealt with by his commanding officer. It must be recognised that the grant of leave, especially to men abroad, is often quite impracticable. Endeavours are being made to relieve all men who have been abroad for long periods, but this can only be done gradually.

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman says there is no trace of any application having been made, will he look into the matter again?

Have I been written to about it?

Yes.

They told me there was no letter. If they were wrong I am sorry, but I will look into it again.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is prepared to reconsider the Clause in the new Royal Warrant for pensions to officers and nurses which regulate the grants for the education of officers' children and to allow an education grant to the children of the widows of officers on the same scale as to the children of disabled officers; and if he will explain the reasons for the discrepancy between the two scales as embodied in the Warrant as it stands?

Officers' widows receive children's allowances, in most cases at the rate of £24 a year, as shown in the Second Schedule to the Draft Warrant, and may be granted education allowances in addition. There is, therefore, not the same reason for increasing in their favour the maximum limit of the education allowance, as is proposed in the case of the disabled officer.

Is it not the case that the subsistence allowance is something entirely different, and that the education allowance is something over and above that? Why should there be any difference between one case and the other?

That is quite true. There is a difference. In the case of an officer there is no subsistence allowance. In the case of widows there is. Therefore it was not considered necessary to increase the education allowance in the case of widows to the same extent as in the case of officers.

Is it not the case that in the first draft the allowance for education was made uniform and has since been cut down?

I cannot say anything about the first draft.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of the hardship caused to dependants of soldiers in London by the delay in the investigation of their claims for separation allowance by the Board of Customs and Excise; whether he is aware that in hundreds of cases in London the delay extends to three or four months; whether the delay is due to the inadequate staff employed by the Board; and, if so, whether he will give instructions for the immediate appointment of additional women investigators?

My attention has been called to this matter. In many of these cases the investigation is necessarily prolonged, and the situation is complicated by the fluctuating nature of the work, and recently by an exceptional temporary increase in its volume. In normal times the special pressure would have been met by the diversion of staff from other duties, but this has become increasingly difficult owing to the reduction in the male staff of the Department and the difficulty of obtaining suitable female substitutes to deal with a temporary emergency. Arrangements have now been made which, it is hoped, will expedite the investigation of claims.

Has my right hon. Friend considered the advisability of the local pensions committees doing this work?

I am afraid that is not practicable. They have already all the work they can do.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has invited a woman to sit on either the Committee appointed to deal with the institutional treatment of the disabled soldier or on the Committee appointed to deal with his training and employment?

There is no woman member on the Joint Institutional Committee, which deals only with the provision of institutions for disabled men, and acts on the advice of four medical experts. On the Training and Employment Section of the Special Disablement Sub-Committee of the Statutory Committee there are three women members.

asked how many officers have been invalided out of the Army during the last twelve months for neurasthenia or shell shock; what arrangements have been made for their medical treatment in institutions or otherwise; and whether all officers have the same statutory right to re-enter military hospitals as the discharged soldier?

I am unable to give the precise figures for officers who have been invalided out of the Army on account of neurasthenia or shell shock during the last twelve months. Since the commencement of the War, however, 222 Army officers and sixty Navy officers have been invalided for nervous diseases contracted through War service, and in these numbers shell shock and neurasthenia cases are included. Institutional treatment has not been provided by the Statutory Committee in these cases, but applications for assistance while resting in the country or undergoing treatment from their own doctors have been dealt with by the Committee. In this connection I would refer my Noble Friend to Article 6 of the Draft Warrant, in which specific provision is made for the treatment of disabled officers. Retired officers are, in the same way as soldiers, received for treatment in military hospitals when accommodation is available for them.

Is there any reason why officers should not have exactly the same right as a man who has been invalided out of the Army to go back to a military hospital?

They have the same right.

Not a Statutory right. It is only when there is room for them.

It is exactly the same with the men. The men can only be taken back into military hospitals when there is room for them.

asked whether the Scottish Board of Agriculture intervened in favour of a conscientious objector before the military tribunal; and, if so, on what grounds the board favoured a man who would not fight for his country or work for it except as he pleased?

I have ascertained that in the case of an applicant to an appeal tribunal the Board of Agriculture intervened to the extent of stating by letter that the Board attached importance to the applicant's work in organising camps in connection with forestry operations from the middle of July till the end of September. The Board at the time the letter was written had no knowledge that the applicant was a conscientious objector, and he is not, and never has been, in the employment of the Board.

asked what action has been taken about the assault which was committed upon a number of men employed under the Home Office scheme at Brockenhurst who, on the 9th instant, were attacked by New Zealand soldiers, stoned, beaten with sticks, kicked, thrown into the river, and some very seriously injured, their baggage being opened, the contents thrown into the river, and their money and watches stolen; whether any protection was provided by the Home Office and what action it is proposed to take to protect these men from further assaults; and whether any arrests have been made of the men who committed the assaults?

I have made inquiry into this matter, and find that a party of men proceeding to work under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors were attacked at Brockenhurst on the 9th July by a crowd, some of whom were New Zealand soldiers. The men were pelted with turf, and two of them were thrown into the river, but none seriously hurt. Some of their baggage, much of which was Government property, was thrown into the river, but the greater part has been recovered. I have no information that any property was stolen. I understand that military police were present, but were not in sufficient force to take effective action. Some officers from a military hospital intervened to quiet the crowd. It is not anticipated that further disturbances will occur, or that any special precautions will be necessary, but I am in communication with the police and military authorities in the matter. No arrests were made, and it is understood that the men attacked decline to give evidence in the matter, or to identify any of their assailants.

asked what is the total number of men of military age now employed in Government service?

I presume the question does not relate to men in the naval and military service of the Crown, or to men employed in a civilian capacity in dockyards, munition factories, and the like. As regards the Civil Service proper, the total numbers of men of military age cannot be given, but those in Great Britain, excluding Ireland, classified A and B 1, appear to be about 9,000, excluding certain Post Office telegraphists and engineering workmen and a certain number, about 7,000, who had not received a recent medical classification.

Bearing in mind the enormous number of applications for work by men who are too old to fight, will the right hon. Gentleman once more have inquiries made into the matter?

It was inquired into a few weeks ago by the Cabinet.

How many men of military age are in the Government?

I do not know that; nor do I know how many are Members of the House of Commons.

asked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether only one airman was available to take part in resisting the recent air raid at a certain aerodrome; and, if so, will he give the reasons that made it necessary to denude this station of its effective personnel?

Of the three day-flying machines at the aerodrome which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, two went up. The other machines at this station are night-flying aeroplanes.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether a complete change has been made since the last air raid in the defences of this country? Has it been reorganised?

I cannot say that a complete change has been made, but I can assure my hon. Friend that everything possible has been done to make the system of defence as perfect as possible.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give information as to the system it is proposed to adopt to warn London of pending air raids; and whether, in the event of fire stations being employed, he will see that this allocation of extra work to the firemen in no way interferes with their being available for duty at fires which may originate owing to enemy raids?

Considerable progress has been made in this matter. What is required is, first, that we should have reliable information when enemy aircraft are actually approaching London, and, secondly, that we should have efficient means of warning the public of their approach. As to the first point, the military authorities have promised their co-operation, and machinery for obtaining the necessary information is therefore now available and will, I understand, be improved. As to the second point, certain sirens have been tested and others will be tried to-morrow. The local authorities have been asked to suggest sites for the sirens and otherwise to assist in the arrangements for the public warning. As soon as these arrangements are completed, a public announcement will be made describing the system adopted and containing instructions for securing the public safety in the event of a raid. In the meantime, the Commissioner of Police has made certain temporary arrangements, notice of which has been issued. Nothing will be done to interfere with the proper work of the fire brigade.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the warning on Saturday was purely a rehearsal or a genuine air-raid warning, seeing that the warning was given at twenty-seven minutes past seven and the "all clear" warning one minute later?

No public warning should have been issued on Saturday. The usual preliminary notice of a possible air raid was received and circulated through the police stations as usual. At a few of the stations the officer in charge misunderstood his instructions, and, instead of waiting for the second or "take cover" warning, allowed the police at once to go out with the warning. There was no question of any rehearsal.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the method at present employed gives warning to some but it does not give the "all clear" warning to others, because when people are in basements and other places they do not know whether all is clear or not?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion made in the newspapers that the engineers of the various generating stations should be made acquainted with the fact of an impending air raid, so that all lights in London can be switched on during the time of the anticipated raid and switched off when all the danger has gone by?

That suggestion has been made and is being considered, but there are certain objections. Such warning is hardly sufficient by itself, because all lights are not visible on a bright day, and, secondly, because that kind of warning does not reach the inside of a building.

Were there any enemy machines on the coast on Saturday?

I cannot say. That is for the War Department.

Is it not the fact that they were our own machines?

It is almost impossible to say.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see whether it is possible to give a fairer warning by sound than by sight, or vice versâ?

I will not pledge myself to do that. The whole matter is under consideration.

asked what percentage of the latest pattern aeroplanes are utilised amongst those machines employed in the defence of London?

Excluding night flying machines, 59 per cent. of the aeroplanes in possession of those Home Defence squadrons which can take part in the defence of London are first-class fighting machines.

Are we to understand from the hon. Gentleman's answer that our men were supplied with first-class fighting machines, and yet they did not bring down one German aeroplane? What was wrong?

Will instructions be given to the Departments concerned to retain these fighting machines for the protection of London, rather than send them across the water for exhibition purposes?

I do not know that that has been done. The whole question is being considered by a Committee of the War Cabinet, including my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and General Smuts.

asked whether the anti-aircraft artillery employed in the defence of London is of the latest pattern; whether any of the gunners have had experience at the front; and how many opportunities really exist for effective practice in this country?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As the personnel are mainly home service men, they have had practically no experience at the front. All detachments have periodical practice firing.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of drafting some of these gunners across for a few weeks' experience at the front and then bringing them back again?

asked the Prime Minister whether the present Air Board will be abolished and an Air Ministry composed of new men be set up with the distinct object not only of supplying the needs of the Army and Navy, but of creating a separate striking arm capable of becoming a decisive factor in the War?

The Government, as at present advised, are not prepared to adopt the proposal contained in this question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the appointment to the supreme command of the air defence of this country of one man who has both fighting and organising experience?

asked the Prime Minister whether he will undertake to give facilities for a full Debate in the House on our Air Service to take place before this House adjourns for the Autumn Recess?

The answer is in the negative. Several opportunities will arise in the ordinary course when this subject can be debated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that an opportunity is afforded for a full Debate on this subject, in view of the feeling of the country, and the fact that if the air raids continue there are no means of making their wishes known to the Government?

I have no means of insisting upon a particular subject being; discussed, but hon. Members will have opportunities for discussion.

asked the Prime Minister what Department any persons injured, or the relations of any persons-killed, by enemy air raids over this country are to apply for compensation or pension; and what form is such application to take?

Applications either for temporary or permanent assistance should be made to the local representative committees, which were instituted at the outbreak of war for the relief of distress caused by the War. Forms of application: can be obtained at the offices of each committee.

Does that apply to all cases since the outbreak of the War, whether the injury is from Zeppelins or aeroplanes?

It applies to the cases stated in the answer, and it will be; retrospective.

It will be retrospective?

Yes, retrospective.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the fact that failure to pay local rates disqualifies-for a municipal vote in Scotland, steps will be taken to remove that disqualification under the Representation of the People Bill, seeing that a number of soldiers will return maimed and unfitted for industrial life, and that they and a number of soldiers' wives who will be left widows will seek, on the ground of poverty, relief from paying rates; and whether a Clause will be inserted to the effect that no soldier or soldier's widow shall be deprived of a municipal vote because of failure to pay local rates?

The effect of the repealing provisions of the Bill is to remove the disqualification in question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Assistant Boundary Commissioner has refused to take evidence as to the necessity for allotting seventeen seats to Middlesex; and what steps he proposes to take to arrange that such evidence shall be taken?

I understand that the Assistant Boundary Commissioner did not refuse to take evidence on the point mentioned in the question, and accordingly no action on my part appears to be required.

Does the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the accredited representatives of Middlesex were entirely mistaken in the matter, and is he aware of the very strong feeling in the matter amongst the electors?

I do not think that any accredited representative of Middlesex would support the suggestion contained in this question.

asked (1) the Secretary for Scotland if he will have inquiry made as to the shipment of kelp for the manufacture of iodine from the North Isles and Orkney; and also as to what provision can be made for the supply of coal to the residents in view of the fact that there is no peat on the islands; (2) the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if his attention has been called to the fact that, owing to the scarcity of shipping, it has been found impossible to arrange for the shipping of kelp, a valuable product for the manufacture of iodine; that, owing to the same cause, the residents in several islands have little prospect of obtaining coal for the winter; and that, as there is no peat on the island, hardship is certain; and if he will confer with the Scottish Secretary how best the difficulty can be met?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply, and I will at the same time answer question No. 90. The attention of the Shipping Controller has been drawn to this matter, and special steps are now being taken to make tonnage available for the purposes mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Stock Farm, Porton, used by the War Office, is licensed for vivisection; if so, will he state the names of the vivi-sectors attached thereto, the nature of the experiments upon animals performed there, and whether these include gas-poisoning; and if he will allow a doctor of medicine who is also a justice of the peace to go over the whole of the premises on presentation of proper credentials and seethe work that is carried on there?

The War Department Experimental Ground at Porton, which I presume is the place referred to, has, at the request of the Ministry of Munitions, been registered as a place where experiments on animals may be performed. The persons authorised to perform experiments there are Mr. J. Bar-croft, F.R.S., and Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Crossley, F.R.S. The experiments performed there are for the purpose of studying the effects of poisonous gases-and liquids. The work carried on in this place is regularly inspected by the inspectors of my Department, and I see no occasion for making any special arrangements as suggested in the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists on account of the new Order regulating brewing, distilling, and distribution; whether he is aware that a protest meeting is to be held in Phoenix Park; and whether meanwhile he will consider the advisability of modifying those Orders?

So far as I am aware, the new Order regulating brewing has been received with general satisfaction. I have learnt through the Press of the proposed meeting in Phoenix Park, but see no ground for modifying the Order.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman the source of his information that this new Order has given satisfaction in Ireland, because that statement is totally in opposition to the fact?

I am afraid I cannot say.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there was universal condemnation throughout Ireland owing to reducing the strength of the Beer Order of the Food Controller?

I have said that the Food Controller is under the impression that it had received general satisfaction.

Will the hon. Gentleman say on what grounds or for what reasons the Food Controller is under that impression?

I must have notice of that.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, if he is aware that the effect of the recent brewing Order, if adopted by Irish brewers, would be to destroy the distinctive quality and reputation of the Irish article and to adversely affect the Irish industry; if he is aware that the standard gravity of the Irish brew is 10.66 and that consequently the concession to brew 20 per cent. extra on condition that 50 per cent. of the total output is at a gravity of 10.36 is an absolute disadvantage instead of a concession as far as Irish interests are concerned; if he is aware that the adoption of the Order by Irish brewers would entail complete disorganisation of their business to comply with the terms of the Order; whether this Order has been designed for the benefit of English brewers and to fit in solely with English conditions; and whether, as there is only a short time left for brewers to express acquiescence in the Order, it is the intention of the Government to deal with the Irish case separately in accordance with the special position, requirements, and necessities of the Irish trade?

I am aware that the standard gravity of the stout brewed by Irish brewers is 10.66, so any such brewer availing himself of his rights under the new Order, would, in respect of a part of his output, be required materially to reduce the gravity of a part of his total output. At least half, however, of his output could remain at its former level, so that I do not think the results anticipated in the first part of this question would in any case occur. It is, of course, entirely free for any brewer who does not wish to avail himself of the additional facilities afforded by the new Order, to maintain his present standard of gravity on his present output. The new Order was made with a view to securing additional supplies of light beer for the needs of munition workers, at the smallest possible expenditure of foodstuffs. There is not, I think, any ground for altering the arrangements made.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that Lord Hardinge received from the German Kaiser the grand cross of the German Order of the Red Eagle and has also received the grand cross of the Austrian Order of Leopold; whether Lord Hardinge ever received permission to wear these decorations; is he still entitled to wear them; and whether he will enlarge the scope of the Titles Deprivation Bill to prevent Civil servants from receiving or wearing decorations of foreign sovereigns?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, as it is impossible for the Government to know whether the Noble Lord's name has or has not been struck off the Rolls of these Orders, I am not able to say whether he is entitled to wear them. No British subject is entitled to accept decorations from a foreign sovereign without the consent of His Majesty the King.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the practice and tradition of the Civil Service is that Peers, if Civil servants, should not take their seats in the House of Lords; that Earl Curzon of Kedleston in 1894 cited and approved this tradition in his Memorandum to a Select Committee of this House, and that this practice and tradition is recognised and the late Sir William Anson supports it in his Law of the Constitution; why this practice and tradition has been departed from in Lord Hardinge's case; and whether, the rule being once broken, Civil servants will be free to take their seats in either House of Parliament?

I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. and learned Member for Donegal South on the 12th July.

As the right hon. Gentleman has stated that there were some precedents for Civil servants sitting in the House of Lords, can he give me one? If he can, then my reading is very different from his.

I certainly do not carry any of them in my head.

Nor are there any of them in existence.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the need to avoid waste of public time and money and to prevent the removal of public servants from their posts to give evidence, and in order not to commence a lengthy series of inquiries, he will submit the following issue to the House, namely, whether it accepts generally the findings of the Commission it appointed to inquire into the Mesopotamia Expedition; and whether it resolves, while forbidding the further employment in high and independent office of the head of the Indian administration and of the head, under him, of the Indian military authorities, to leave the other military officers concerned to be tried by courts-martial at their own option or at that of their immediate superiors?

asked the Prime Minister whether an opportunity will be afforded the House to vote on the question of the proposed Commission in regard to Mesopotamia?

asked the Prime Minister what course the Government propose to take in reference to the Report of the Mesopotamia Commission; and if, as stated by the Leader of the House, they intend to set up a Statutory Commission, when the Bill will be introduced?

The Government' have found it impossible since the Debate to deal with this subject, as there are very urgent questions relating to the prosecution of the War which must be decided. If the question is put to me on Wednesday, I shall then be in a position to announce the decision of the Government.

Am I to understand that the position of the Government is exactly the same as it was on Friday as to the proposed Statutory Commission?

If the right hon. Gentleman will put a question down for Wednesday I will state what the decision of the Government is to be.