asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any particulars as to the numbers of British, Allied, and neutral shipping arrested or attacked by German vessels in neutral territorial waters since the beginning of the year, especially in regard to Spanish waters; and what action the Allies propose to take?

As far as my information goes, the number of such incidents, believed on evidence furnished by masters and crews to have taken place in Spanish territorial waters, is upwards of twenty, and all these have occurred since 1st April. I do not know that any cases have been actually established as regards the territorial waters of other countries.

The most serious representations have been addressed to the Spanish Government, who assure us that they will do all in their power to prevent the violation of their territorial waters. They have formally proclaimed the exclusion of submarines from territorial waters and from harbours.

With regard to Holland, is the Noble Lord aware that a long time ago I directed attention to the estuary of the Ems River, and to paragraphs in the Dutch Press suggesting that Germany has repeatedly violated Dutch territorial waters in the Ems River?

The matter has not been lost sight of.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the enemy trade in enemy and neutral shipping that passes along Danish and Dutch territorial waters, some of it under armed convoy; and whether the Allied Governments propose to use. their naval superiority to bring this trade to an end?

My hon. and gallant Friend will no doubt see that this question is not one which can be discussed by question and answer.

I give notice that I will raise this and other naval questions on the Vote of Credit.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, with a view to associate both Russia and the United States in vital decisions affecting the campaign in the Balkans, he will take steps, consistent with treaties involving the co-operation of Greece with the Allies, to secure that the Greek people may choose their own form of government, even to the exclusion of a king bound in ties of close relationship to the Kaiser?

Any proposal for the future government of Greece should, in my opinion, come from the Greek Government and people, and not from His Majesty's Government.

Are not the Allies concerned in this matter, as being guarantors of the Greek nation and of the constitutional action of the King?

Are we to take it that Great Britain is the only monarchy amongst the Allies that is seeking to retain Greece as a monarchy?

No; the hon. Member must not take anything of the kind.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give information concerning the present position in Greece; whether Allied troops are to be withdrawn; whether Corfu is to be handed over to the Greek Government completely; whether M. Jonnart is still the Commissioner for the Allies and in Greece; and whether an early Conference of the Allies will be held as suggested by the Russian Government?

Greece is at present in process of settling down to a constitutional regime after the abnormal events of the last two years. I do not think anything would be gained by discussing points of detail during this period of transition.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the influence of diplomacy in the course of the War, he will reconsider his decision to postpone reforms in the Diplomatic Service till after the War; and whether, in regard to the higher positions of the Service, and with particular reference to the changed state of affairs in Russia, he will open the way to the talents of men alive to new ideas and imbued with the aspirations for liberty that now animate Europe?

The consideration of reforms in the Diplomatic Service is being proceeded with, but it is obvious that, speaking generally, candidates will not be available till the end of the War. As to the last part of the question the highest posts in the Diplomatic Service have always been open to those best qualified for them, whether members of that service or not. As far as Russia is concerned we are fortunate in having a representative of conspicuous open-mindedness, ability and courage.

Has not the Secretary of State himself made a break with happy results in this matter, and should not that example be widened and followed elsewhere?

I do not think there is anything novel in the appointment I have already indicated in the answer of people outside the Diplomatic Service to the highest posts in the Diplomatic Service.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any official information showing that the monarchist rising in China was fomented by German money.

We have various reports that the Manchu restoration was financed by the Germans but they have never been properly substantiated.

Will the Noble Lord probe into the matter, because it is of some importance for future guidance?

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Ernest Richard Bowyer, No. 290739, l/7th Battalion Welsh Regiment, belonging to North Salford, but now stationed at Marton Hall, Yorkshire, has lately been punished by being confined to barracks without pay for one month and given field punishment No. 1, which means being handcuffed and tied to a tree for two hours each day; whether he is aware that this young soldier is only sixteen years of age and three months, and has served a year with the Colours, and that his offence was that he overstayed his first leave; and whether he will take steps to prevent punishments of these kinds to lads of sixteen years of age?

I am sorry that I have not yet been able to complete the inquiries which have been instituted into this case. There are several points needing investigation. I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as I can.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is able to give information concerning the Knock-aloe Internment Camp; who is the commandant; what salary does he receive; whether any and, if so, how many British medical officers are employed to attend on the prisoners or interned persons; and: what total annual emoluments do these doctors receive?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this. The commandant receives the pay of his rank in the Army with extra duty pay. The post is at present vacant. The total pay of the late commandant, Lieutenant-Colonel Panzera, was £511 per annum. There are seven whole-time and four part-time British medical officers. The total of their salaries is approximately £4,350. In addition the whole-time officers receive free quarters and free messing and the part-time officers travelling expenses.

Are there not some German medical officers actually interned who might be used to attend upon their compatriots and so set free our medical men?

Will the hon. Member please give notice?

asked (1) the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that men with full medical qualifications are kept as prisoners of war in their camp; whether he will so reorganise the medical service of prisoners' camps that enemy alien doctors may attend on enemy alien prisoners, thus setting free British, doctors for other needed service; (2) the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a number of alien enemies with full medical qualifications are interned; and whether he will-use these men to attend on their compatriots among prisoners, thus liberating. British doctors for attendance on British, civilians or soldiers?

I understand that these doctors have been employed to a certain extent, but not with very satisfactory results. It is not considered desirable to reorganise the medical service as suggested.

I suppose that means they have been partially satisfactory. Could" not they be given a further trial, under-possibly improved conditions, thus setting-free quite a number of our own doctors?

Is it not generally the case that medical duties at these camps are performed by local medical men, who come in for the purpose, without any expense to the State?

Yes.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will release for publication the favourable Report made on the Royal Welsh? Fusiliers in the recent fighting, seeing-that the Report is already known to some?

:I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to his question-on the same subject on the 10th instant. It has always been left to the local Commander-in-Chief to use his own judgment: as to what units should be specially mentioned.

:Is there any reason why the bravery of the Welsh troops cannot be made public in the House of Commons, as in the ease of the Scottish and London regiments?

I understand in this case permission was given to the local" commanding officer to publish the fact locally, but not to publish it throughout the country-. Unfortunately, it got into the local Press. [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh!"] I am only asserting the general principle-that it has been left to the Commander-in- Chief to use his own judgment as to what troops should be specially mentioned and what particular battalions of a regiment.

What possible loss would it be to the national interest to publish an account of the conduct of a certain regiment? It has already been made known in the locality, Cannot it be given. to the local Press and the newspapers of the country?

Is this a local or a national war?

The principle must remain the same. It must be left to the local Commander-in-Chief to say which battalion should be mentioned.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. John Anwyl, of Preston Hall Farm, near Shrewsbury, who bought a horse at an open sale on 15th March for £111 6s., and which was commandeered on 12th May for £80, and when Mr. Anwyl put his case before the War Office he was unable to get any help towards the loss of £31; and, if so, can he now give consideration to the appeal?

Mr. Anwyl's solicitors have served the Treasury solicitor with a notice of application under the Army Act for 18th July, when the County Court judge, at Welsh-pool, will decide the case.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, on the occasion of the last raid by German aeroplanes over London, an estimate was made by the help of range-finders of the height of any of the aeroplanes; and, if so, what were the maximum and minimum heights?

Yes; but by height-finders, not range-finders. The heights recorded were from 12,500 to 15,000 feet.

Is it not a fact that the majority of the English pilots who viewed this from the ground assert that the height was less than 6,000 feet?

No; it is not.

Has the hon. Gentleman given the minimum height in those figures?

12,500 feet.

Where does the hon. Gentleman get those figures from? Is it from the people who were criminally negligent in the defence of London or from unbiassed observers?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can state from the information of officers present the height from which Lieutenant W. G. Salmon, Royal Flying Corps, fell when attacking the German air squadron over Dartford?

There is no information from eye-witnesses, but it is probable that the fight took place at over 12,000 feet.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the officers of this corps who were present assert that he fell from 2,000 feet, and, if so, on what ground did they give that information to the coroner?

As I have said, the information which we have at the Foreign Office is that it is probable that a fight took place at over 12,000 feet.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he has collected the information necessary to enable him to give the number of casualties, fatal and otherwise, caused by our own shell-fire on the occasion of the recent air raid; and whether, in the event of any disclosure not being in the public interest, he would furnish the same to hon. Members for their private information?

My hon. friend has asked me to reply to this question. I shall have no objection to showing the figures to hon. Members if they desire to see them. I may say that the casualties caused by our own gun-fire are not so numerous as has been suggested in some quarters, but they were sufficiently serious to emphasise the great importance of taking cover when the anti-aircraft guns are in action.

Does that mean that the Government do not intend to publish the full number of casualties, and that they Can only be ascertained if we wish to see them privately?

These casualties will not be published, but if the hon. Member cares to see them I will show them to him.

If the casualties have taken place, what is the objection to our knowing how many of our own people have been killed by our own guns?

Can the hon. Gentleman say if the list of casualties given in the statement issued by the Press Bureau is not therefore correct, and that we cannot ascertain whether it is correct unless we see privately the figures which the hon. Gentleman has got?

The hon. Member must take my answer as I have given it. If he cares to see the numbers of these particular cases I will show them to him or to any other hon. Member.

Is this not one of those occasions in which the complete facts will have the best effect on public opinion?

I will consult my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary again. Perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question.

Is it not a fact that the inquests themselves are greater in number than the officially reported casualties?

No.

asked whether any military inquiry has been held into the reasons which permitted the enemy air squadrons raiding this country to return unchallenged and unchecked on Saturday, 7th July?

The enemy aircraft did not return after the raid on 7th July "unchallenged and unchecked," and details of the number of hostile machines which were brought down have been already announced. No military Court of inquiry has been held into the circumstances of the raid but as is always the case the preparations to meet it and the action taken have been carefully investigated with a view to improving the defence arrangements.

In view of the fact that this is not the Report of a Commission, but that it is an ocular demonstration of inefficiency for every citizen of London to-witness, can the hon. Gentleman see his-way clear to institute some Court of inquiry to ascertain who is responsible for-this utter lack of defence?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the machines brought down in the North Sea by the Royal Naval airmen were part of the fleet of German machines that reached London?

I must have-notice of that question.

My hon. Friend refers to-the machines that were brought down; is it true that only one was brought down?

I am answering a question on that point later.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give the country the assurances that our air defences, both, as regards air-craft guns, efficiency of gunners, and air squadrons have been reorganised and improved since the occasion of the last enemy air-raid over England?

The answer is in the affirmative.

In view of the fact that this answer is a condemnation of past administration, will the right hon. Gentleman make some inquiry into the matter?

That is argumentative.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether all the five conscientious objectors, Garland, Middle-ton, Price, Keighley, and Davies, have been returned to England?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary for Scotland, with regard to the three Glasgow conscientious objectors,. James McLeish, James Greig, and George Campbell, who, after undergoing a sentence of twenty-eight days' detention at Perth for not complying with orders, were tried by court-martial at Craigmillar Camp, Duddington, on 1st May, and sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour, whether he is aware that these men are willing to undertake work under the scheme of the Brace Committee; and whether these men. have yet been given any opportunity of appearing before the Central Tribunal?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The recommendations of the Central Tribunal in the cases of Greig and Campbell were received by the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors on the 9th instant; both have accepted the employment offered them, and both will be sent to Princetown on the 19th instant. The recommendation of the tribunal in the case of McLeish was received this morning. Inquiry is being made whether he will accept employment under the Committee; and if he accepts he will be sent to work within the next few days.

Can the hon. Gentleman give any explanation of the delay of ten weeks in the sending on of information of this kind?

I cannot.

Is that delay regarded as proper? Has anybody been censured for it?

It all depends upon the circumstances.

Arising out of that—

The hon. Member is abusing his right.

Is there any remedy when a Minister abuses his position by giving evasive answers?

An hon. Member can put the question down again.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can say whether Councillor W. R. Hughes pleaded before the Ilford Tribunal that he was a conscientious objector and was ordered to undertake work of national importance; whether he refused; whether he has since been given work to look after the dependants of alien enemies; and, if so, will he say if this is regarded as work of national importance and what control the Government retain over his work?

So far as I have been able to ascertain, no such application has been made to the Ilford Local Tribunal.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the son of Councillor Godbold was granted conditional exemption by the West Ham Local Tribunal, that the military representative appealed to the Essex Appeal Tribunal, and that Godbold was again-granted conditional exemption, this time because the chairman of the Essex Appeal Tribunal stated that the man's father was doing work of national importance by being a member of the tribunal; whether he is aware that the military representative brought the case again before the West Ham Local Tribunal, urging that it had excited much public feeling, that on this occasion, owing to the advocacy of Alderman Davis, a member of the Independent Labour Party and a delegate to the Leeds Convention, Godbold was again granted conditional exemption, and that he is now employed as manager of printing works for his father's firm, which prints bills for the local volunteers; whether he is aware that this man pleaded on each occasion conscientious objection to military service; and if he will explain why he has been given preferential treatment over the sons of printers who have undertaken military service?

I will make inquiries, and acquaint the hon. Member with the result.

asked the Under-Secretary for War if his attention has been called to the case of a C3 man holding a certificate from a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons to the effect that he had, as a result of an operation, a gap of over 2 ins. in diameter in the abdominal wall and was quite unfit for marching or heavy work, who, on the 15th June, was at Liverpool passed as fit for general service; will he say if this man was so classified by the medical officers who examined him or by the president of the board who had not examined him; and, in any case, will he take steps to have the man re-examined and reported on by independent civilian doctors?

I am inquiring, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can now state the method to be adopted by men in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Territorial Force, who enlisted in the earlier stages of the War for this service only on the ground that it was the one form of military service which they could conscientiously undertake, to have their case placed before the military authorities with a view to their retention in this service instead of being transferred to Infantry regiments?

These cases are being dealt with individually and, as I promised, are receiving sympathetic treatment.

asked (1) whether, in view of the climatic conditions involved, which involve strain and wastage even amongst men classed as A by Army medical boards and in view of the essential importance of an efficient medical service, as shown in the Mesopotamia inquiry, instructions will be issued that Class A men in the Royal Army Medical Corps depot at Blackpool and elsewhere who have recently been selected for drafting into Infantry regiments shall be retained for Royal Army Medical Corps service in the Mediterranean and other branches of the Expeditionary Force, where there is need for trained men of tried physique; (2) whether the Army authorities are satisfied that field ambulance work can be undertaken with entirely satisfactory results by men of a lower category than class A. especially in the Eastern theatre of war; whether considerable numbers of men of lower category who have been drafted to the East for Royal Army Medical Corps work have had to be returned as unfit; and, if so, whether steps will be taken to secure that, as far as possible, only men of Class A are sent to the East for this service?

Only men of category A are employed in field ambulances with the exception of batmen, who may be category B. There has been no increase in the numbers of men of the Royal Army Medical Corps invalided from the Eastern theatres of war recently, and it is not considered necessary to adopt the measures suggested by my hon. Friend.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that, while of the 1,154 Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) men at Blackpool about to be transferred to the Infantry 92 have been wounded abroad, about 75 per cent. have been sent home from the front as either sick or wounded; and whether regard will be paid to this before any final decision is taken to transfer such men against their will from the branch of the Service for which they enlisted and for which they have special training and qualifications?

Instructions have been issued to meet the point raised by my hon. Friend so far as is compatible with the interests of the nation in the successful prosecution of the War and in making the best use of its available resources of man-power.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he can state the terms of the decision of the Central Tribunal with regard to Councillor Dollan, of Glasgow; by whom was the condition imposed that the work of public importance in which he was engaged must be in a district at least 50 miles from Glasgow; and whether this particular condition is one which can properly be imposed as a condition of exemption from military service, or ought only to be imposed by some properly authorised authority under the Defence of the Realm Act without reference to exemption from military service?

I am informed by the Central Tribunal that the terms of their decision were: "The Central Tribunal grant exemption from combatant service only subject to the proviso that if, within twenty-one days, he undertakes, under the direction of the Committee on Work of National Importance, work which is of national importance and under conditions approved by the tribunal, he shall be exempt from non-combatant service also, so long as he continues to carry out the work under such conditions. The work proposed to be reported to the tribunal for approval. Power is reserved to the tribunal to extend the period of twenty-one days, or to vary the order, if the appellant establishes to their satisfaction that he has done his best but has failed to comply with the conditions." The Central Tribunal intimated that they would not be repared to approve of work in a district less than fifty miles from Glasgow. As regards the last part of the question, I refer my hon. and learned Friend to the reply which I gave to him on Tuesday.

Was the condition that the place in which lie should work must be at least fifty miles from Glasgow one of the conditions of exemption?

Yes. The Central Tribunal made that intimation to him in exercise of the powers which they have.

Did they made that intimation after granting the exemption or as one of the conditions on which the exemption was granted?

It was one of the conditions of exemption.

What was the object of imposing this condition? Was it because it was considered dangerous for this person to be at large in Glasgow?

As I said to my hon. Friend on Tuesday, that is a question for the tribunal to decide and not for me.

Has the tribunal power to impose any condition whatsoever with regard to exemption, no matter how irrelevant that condition may be to the "purpose for which the tribunal was constituted?

Again, as I told my hon. Friend on Tuesday, that question has not arisen up to the present. The condition happens to be of a reasonable nature. When the case to which my hon. Friend alludes arises it can be dealt with.

It has arisen, and I have asked the question.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the case of William Scott, of Bedlington, a practical watch and clock maker, passed for C1, with a wife and two children, who, if called to the Colours, would lose his business and goodwill whether he is aware that this man applied to the local tribunal and obtained three months' exemption with leave to appeal again, but, on the application of the military representative, the case was taken to the Appeal Court, who decided that the man must serve and refused leave to allow further appeal to the Central Tribunal; and whether, in view of the number of cases similar to this, he will consider the advisability of establishing an arbitration or some other Court, so as to prevent the hardship which now arises owing to the conflicting views of the local and the appeal tribunals?

The only information I have about this case is that with which the hon. Member has furnished me. Appeal tribunals were established with the express object of enabling decisions of local tribunals in doubtful cases to be brought under review and securing more uniformity, and I am unable to accept the hon. Member's suggestion that hardship necessarily arises where the decision of the Appeal Tribunal differs from that of the local tribunal.

asked the number of Volunteers who have received commissions since March last; also, the number who have applied for but have not yet received their commission?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to commissions in the Volunteers. Since 1st March 2,673 candidates for commissions in the Volunteers have been gazetted. There are 177 cases outstanding, most of which are for commissions in the Motor Volunteer Corps. These are suspended pending the issue of the new scheme for the reorganisation of this corps.

asked the Undersecretary for War whether 3s. 2d. a day is the half-pay of a second lieutenant of field artillery on being invalided out of the service after serving at Mons, in Serbia, and at Salonika; and whether, seeing that 10s. a day is his full pay when serving, he will explain why 5s. a day is not given as half-pay?

As no doubt my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, half-pay rates for the different ranks in the Army bear no uniform proportion to full pay rates. The amount of retired pay or pension awarded to an officer invalided out of the service depends upon the circumstances of the case.

Is it not a fact that after being invalided out of the Service they only have 3s. 2d. a day?

It does not follow. If the officer concerned has been invalided out of the Service owing to wounds or disability due to service, it comes within the provisions of the new Warrant.

Does the new Warrant mean that he will get 3s. 2d. a day or more?

It depends, of course, on the degree of permanent injury which the officer has suffered. If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will make himself familiar with the terms of the new Warrant he will see what it does.

asked the Undersecretary for War how many noncommissioned officers and men of the Royal Flying Corps have been trained as pilots since the outbreak of war; and, if it is not in the interests of the country to give the exact figures, will he say what proportion of the pilots of the Royal Flying Corps so trained are men of noncommissioned rank?

The total number of non-commissioned officers and men from the ranks is 271. The total Royal Flying Corps cadets who have become pilots is 536. About 20 per cent. of the noncommissioned officers and men have received commissions. All the cadets have received commissions.

Are we to understand that these 271 are non-commissioned officers who have received commissions or are they non-commissioned officers flying as non-commissioned officers; and will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of promoting non-commissioned officers, even if they are not fit to qualify socially, as pilots, so that their services may be utilised for the defence of the country?

There is no question of social distinctions, and I am sure that the first branch of the Service will resent such a suggestion, as well as the Air Service itself. Every man is given a commission upon his merits.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, in the event of a pilot being killed in practice flying in France, he is reported in the casualty list as killed on active service; whether a pilot killed engaging the enemy aircraft, either Zeppelins or aeroplanes, by day or by night, over London, if killed or injured, is reported in the usual casualty list as killed or wounded on active service; and, if not, will he say why this distinction is made?

If a Royal Flying Corps pilot is killed in France otherwise than in action his name appears in the published casualty list as "accidentally killed." If one is killed or injured in action with the enemy in England his-name appears in the published list as killed (which means killed in action) or as wounded.

Are we to understand that the results of coroners' inquests are necessary before it can be ascertained whether one of our pilots has been killed in action or died accidentally in engaging; the enemy over this country?

The hon. Member is to understand no such thing. As he knows very well, the law requires that if any man is found killed or has died in unknown circumstances the reason of his death has to be investigated. As I pointed out the other night to my hon. Friend, the War Office always take care that if a Royal Flying Corps man or any other soldier is killed in the service of his country in this country the fact is duly reported to the coroner.

Are we to understand that every soldier who is killed will have a coroner's inquest?

asked how many British pilots were killed or injured, and how many British machines were smashed either by the enemy or by forced landings, or otherwise, during the air raid-throughout this country on 7th July?

Two pilots were killed in action, one pilot was wounded, one observer died of wounds. Two-aeroplanes were destroyed by the enemy; two aeroplanes crashed from other causes.

asked the Prime Minister what is the penalty in the case of German prisoners of war working in this country, enemy aliens, neutrals, and British subjects, respectively, who are proved to have tampered with air sheds or aeroplanes in this country?

I am afraid that it is not possible for me to answer this question. The punishment inflicted would, of course, depend upon the nature of the offence.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Commander-in-Chief in this country, or who, is primarily responsible for the safeguarding from treacherous tampering by persons living in this country with military air sheds and aeroplanes situated or operating here; and whether, in view of the ever-increasing importance of this branch of the Air Service, he will consider the desirability of some official or officer being forthwith appointed whose chief duty it should be to see that no possible precautions shall be omitted whereby such treachery can be guarded against?

General Officers Commanding-in-Chief Commands are responsible under the direction of Field-Marshal Commander-in-Chief, Home Forces. It is not considered necessary to make any alteration in the system such as my hon. Friend suggests.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this is a very grave and serious matter, which has caused considerable dissatisfaction, and will he at least ask the Department to give it very serious consideration?

I can assure my hon. Friend and the House that the War Cabinet and the Committee over which the Prime Minister presides will make the necessary inquiry.

May we feel assured that the Report will come in time, and not too late?

I hope so.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will forthwith take steps to provide that aerodromes and air sheds in this country, not already situated within prohibited areas, shall themselves be constituted prohibited areas within prescribed limits?

The protection afforded to aeroplanes and air sheds in this country under military arrangements exceeds that which would result from constituting the site a prohibited area under the Aliens Restriction Order. If my hon. Friend will supply particulars of any such site which appears to him to be ineffectually guarded, I shall be pleased to have the matter inquired into at once.

Are we to understand that the Committee just mentioned by the Under-Secretary for War, and which is presided over by the Prime Minister, is a Committee which will inquire into the matters mentioned in this-question, or is it the Committee already announced to the House that is to inquire into the air defences of London generally?

It is an inquiry into the defences of London, and, I understand, into such questions as are germane.

Are we to understand that enemy aliens, or even naturalised Germans, are allowed to live close to places-where there are aerodromes and aircraft sheds?

My hon. Friend knows that this is purely a question for-the Home Office.

Oh, really!

This is a question of allowing enemy aliens in this country to live in one area or another, and that is purely a matter for the Home Office and not the War Office. If my hon. Friend will put down a question to the-Home Secretary, he will give him art answer.

Are we to be bandied or battered about from one Department to another?

Is it not the fact that enemy aliens and uninterned Germans do visit these aerodromes?

Is it the fact that all Orders that individuals are not to reside in prohibited areas do not come from the Home Office, and is it not rather-the fact that the Orders come from the officer commanding the district?

I think that is so..

Then why recommend me to go to the Home Office? Why the Home-Office, when it is the officer commanding; the district who issues the Orders?

These supplementary questions are sprung upon a very hard-worked Under-Secretary, and it is quite possible that he may have overlooked the fact that the original Order comes from the officer commanding the district. If hon. Members would put down their questions they would get considered answers.

I should be the last to desire to press the hon. Gentleman unduly.

Will it be in order for the Under-Secretary to give us an assurance—[HON. MEMBERS: "Sit down!"]—that in future no enemy aliens will be allowed to visit British aerodromes?

asked the Minister of Munitions if every available factory suitable for the construction of aeroplanes and not devoted to other war work is being employed to the utmost by the Ministry of Munitions?

The answer to this question is in the affirmative.

May we understand that any firm capable of building aeroplanes, if not building them now, will receive orders at once? May we understand that?

asked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether he is aware of the danger to property and obstruction to traffic caused by the descent of a non-dirigible balloon in Holborn on the 11th instant; are the frequent patrols of flights of non-dirigible balloons over the metropolis made at the instance of the military authorities; are the machines manned by members of the Royal Flying Corps or other recognised corps of combatants; and, if not, what will be their position if met by hostile machines in the course of their flights?

The danger to property and obstruction to traffic caused by the descent of a balloon in Holborn on the 11th instant are greatly regretted. The descent was due to the uncertain and erratic air currents which prevailed on that day, and caused dropping of ballast and eventually forcing the balloon to land. 'This landing was successfully made with- out casualties through the valuable assistance rendered by the police in handling the crowd. No damage was done except the breaking of five or six telephone wires, and within twenty minutes of the landing the road was clear for traffic. The answers to the second and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the only buyers of cattle for the military district of Belfast are Robert Graham and William Price, who have no experience of beef cattle, their business having been in the past in springing cattle only; and will he inquire into the results of their operations and state them in the House of Commons?

Mr. Robert Graham is the authorised buyer for the Belfast district, and is regarded as thoroughly competent for the purpose. The results of his buying are closely scrutinised, and are regarded as satisfactory.

Is it a fact that in the Belfast district there are seventeen military stations, and is it a fact that these people in Belfast supply all these stations, even those at Enniskillen and Londonderry?

Do they also buy for the Curragh of Kildare, 100 miles away?

No; the Curragh has its own organisation. If the hon. Member will give me notice of the points in his supplementary question I will inquire.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what experience Mr. Robert Graham had in the purchase of beef or cattle before he got his appointment? Is it not a fact that he was engaged in the trade of springing cattle?

The circumstances were examined by the Department of Agriculture, and it was on their recommendation that he was appointed.

Had he any experience in buying cattle? Do you know anything about it?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Messrs. Robert Graham and William Price buy cattle for the military district of Belfast at the two auctions, namely, Robsons and Calgans only, and that their method is to bid until the cattle are knocked down to them, price being no object; and will he consider the advisability of changing this system?

Out of 250 cattle recently bought within a few days for the military authorities in Ireland, seventeen were bought by auction at the places mentioned. It is not the case that these auction purchases were made without regard to their value.

Were any of these cattle slaughtered in the county Fermanagh for the use of troops in Enniskillen or even Londonderry, or any of the other camps or military places outside Belfast, or were they all slaughtered in Belfast and then sent down to these places?

I do not know. What I do know is that the allegation in the question that the cattle were bought only at these two auctions is not correct.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that there has been no inspection of cattle killed for the use of the military in the Belfast military district from December, 1916, to May, 1917, that in November, 1916, about a dozen head of cattle were found on being killed to be infected with tuberculosis, and that the inspections were then stopped; and can he state whether official inspections are now made, and was it the custom, before the present experiment was tried, to have each animal inspected for soundness, age, and quality?

The hon. Member appears to have been misinformed. All cattle from 1st January, 1917, have been inspected by the city veterinarian and three inspectors before being accepted as beef. In November, 1916, beef was supplied under contract by the pound and all beef was inspected before being taken over from the contractor. No infected animal was offered. Inspections were not stopped but have been continued without interruption. Official inspections continue to be made by corporation officials.

From what source has the hon. Gentleman the information that there was not this large number of cattle suffering from tuberculosis cast by the inspector?

. Through the ordinary channels—the authorities in Ireland.

asked what sum the military authorities pay per annum to the Belfast corporation for the use of the public abattoir for the slaughter of cattle for the use of the troops; and whether there is an additional charge connected with the present experiment?

£40 per month, and there is an additional payment of £8 per month for inspection services.

Will the hon. Gentleman take into consideration that these cattle should be bought in the military district, and give the farmers the benefit of whatever was going in the price of cattle, and thus save carriage from Belfast to all those other stations; and could he not devise some remedy and ask for tenders, as was formerly done throughout, Ireland?

The hon. Member should put down a question on that subject.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the address of Robert Graham, as given, is also the address of Cunningham, the stockbroker; and can he say whether the latter has any, and, if so, what, connection with the contracts for the supply of beef to the Belfast military district?

Since I answered the hon. Member's question on 12th July I have received further information from the General Officer Commanding, Ireland, to the effect that a mistake had been made and it now appears that the two persons mentioned have not the same address. Mr. Cunningham acts gratuitously as adviser on matters connected with the purchase of cattle for the troops and has no-connection with any Army contracts for beef.

Was not Mr. Cunningham a very prominent figure in the gun running at Larne?

That obviously has nothing to do with the matter.

Is this the Mr. Cunningham who has the responsibility for supplying the troops at the Curragh of Kildare with their mess beef? What is the reason for going to Belfast for a man to supply beef at the Curragh in the centre of the very district that supplies the best beef in the world? Also what affinity is there between the Masonic lodges of Belfast and the Curragh of Kildare?

This Mr. Cunningham holds no contracts. He acts gratuitously as adviser on matters connected with the purchase of cattle. He advises in connection with purchases at the Curragh, just as he advises in connection with the purchase of cattle for the Belfast district. He has no responsibilities in the matter of placing contracts or anything of that kind

What competency has this doctor in Belfast to advise upon the purchase of beef?

He has a very thorough knowledge of cattle and agriculture generally.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the announcement made by the British South Africa Company that, as a result of the recommendations of a Commission, the native reserves of Rhodesia are to be reduced by over 1,000,000 acres; that an Order in Council is about to be issued extending the approval of His Majesty's Government to this action, and that such lands will be offered for disposal in the interests of the company's commercial accounts; and whether His Majesty's Government will consider the advisability of postponing the issue of such Order in Council until the Members of this House have had an opportunity of considering the Report in question?

Yes, Sir, I have seen the announcement. As I stated in reply to a question yesterday, I propose shortly to publish the Report of the Commission. The hon. Member may rest assured that there is no question of issuing an Order in Council amending the Southern Rhodesia Order in Council before the publication of the Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that two women were illegally examined on 12th April last at Holloway Prison, having been sent there from the Brentford Police Court on 17th April; whether any action has been taken against the persons who ordered this illegality or the persons who conducted the examination; whether any apology or compensation has been offered to these two women for the indignity and suffering imposed on them by police authorities; and what steps are being taken to prevent recurrences of such acts?

I have nothing to add to the answers given to questions put to my right hon. Friend on 17th May last with regard to this matter.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the special Court set up to deal with the Mesopotamia Expedition cannot render its decision before many months and yet that it is important that the Eastern field of war should be dealt with efficiently, the War Cabinet will on its own responsibility and by way of administration proceed to take the steps that seem best for the future conduct of the War, even though these steps should involve the retirement of officers of high command, highly-placed Indian officials, or members of the Government?

As I said yesterday, I hope to make a statement on this subject to-morrow.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to make a statement bearing directly on the points mentioned in the question?

I hope the statement will bear on any essential points.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the disasters due to want of forethought in the Mesopotamia campaign, the inactivity of a considerable force at Salonika which has been hampered by delay of decisions in matters vitally affecting its situation and its purposes, in view also of the expenditure of military effort and sacrifice of life on the Western front on actions which have had no effect on the essential character of the military situation, and in view of the failure to produce an adequate air fleet to be used as a separate striking arm, and considering that after three years of warfare the Germans retain their hold on all the territories they have overrun in Europe, he will dissolve the War Cabinet and establish a better system, or at least give entrance to someone capable of taking such a general view of the whole situation as to embrace and estimate relative values of the main factors, and capable also of laying down great guiding plans which from their inception shall contain the assurance of victory, and capable also of seeing that these plans are realised step by step in due order and coherence?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to give a day for a Resolution of want of confidence in the Government based upon the materials supplied in this question?

I do not think that we need a day to know that the hon. Member has a want of confidence in the Government. Of course, the Government would give a day for such a Resolution if it were generally desired.

I should like to ask the Leader of the House if he can tell us whether the statement on the Government decision in regard to Mesopotamia will be made to-morrow in reply to a question, or on a Motion for Adjournment: is it the intention of the Government to give an opportunity for discussion to-morrow if desired?

There is no intention of giving an opportunity for discussion to-morrow. The statement will be made in answer to a question.

asked the Prime Minister whether in view of the efforts being made by the farmers of the United Kingdom, in reliance on the Government promises, to increase the food production of the country, the Government will take steps to secure the passage of the Corn Production Bill through all its stages in this House before the Recess?

As I stated yesterday, I hope to make a statement on the subject to-morrow.

asked the Prime Minister why the British Dredging Company, carrying on business at Southampton House, should not be dealt with as an enemy company; whether a number of their shareholders are Germans; if this company is carrying out contracts for the Government; and if any profits arising from this work are being distributed to any of the shareholders of enemy origin?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Less than 10 per cent. of the capital of the British Dredging Company, Limited, is held by enemies, and there is no ground on which it should be dealt with as an enemy company. The dividends on the shares held by enemies are paid to the Public Trustee.