asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any progress has been made with the Bill to amend British Patent Law, which was in preparation in January last; when it is proposed to introduce this Bill; and whether he will see that it is introduced at such a date as will enable it to be passed into law before the House adjourns for the Summer Recess?

My right hon. Friend hopes to be able to introduce the Patents and Designs Bill at an early date.

May I ask whether that means that it is intended to pass the Bill before the House adjourns for the Summer Recess?

Obviously that is a question I cannot answer, and it ought to be addressed to the Leader of the House.

asked the President of the Board of Trade, in regard to the twelve licences to export horse hides which have been issued since January last, if he will state the name of the firm to which each licence was issued and the quantity of hides?

A statement showing the names of the firms to which each licence was issued and the quantity of hides in each case will be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the statement above referred to:— The twelve licences to export horse hides, which have been issued since January last, were issued upon the recommendation of the Department of the War Office, to which the applications were referred.

The names of the firms to which each licence was issued and the quantity of hides in each case are as follows:—

In each case the hides were destined for the United States of America.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can inform the House of the number of acres of soft woods, namely, Scots pine, spruce, and larch, that have been felled in the country since the War began, giving separately the quantity for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales; and can he state approximately what proportion the acreage cut down bears to the acreage of timber standing before the War?

The Department is not in possession of figures giving the number of acres of soft woods felled since the War began, and it is therefore impossible to state what proportion this acreage bears to that of standing timber before the War. To obtain from estate owners and merchants the information asked for would throw such a large volume of work upon an already over-worked Department that I do not think that the public interest would be served by such a course.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Advisory Committee to the Board of Trade Timber Supply Department has recently been increased by three more members, all of whom represent the homegrown timber trade of England; whether, notwithstanding the fact that the operations of the Timber Supply Department in Ireland are solely concerned with native timber, not a single Irish-grown timber merchant sits on the Committee, and that that section of the timber trade is the only one not well represented; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter?

Three additional representatives have been added to the Advisory Committee of Home Grown Timber Merchants of Great Britain at the instance of the Timber Trade Federation. This Committee does not contain any members of the Irish trade, which is, however, represented by advisory committees of the Chambers of Commerce of Dublin, Belfast, and Cork and by two members of an advisory committee of imported timber merchants.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) why salvage has not yet been paid to the persons who salved and delivered to the receiver of wrecks, Bantry, county Cork, a large quantity of acetone and lubricating oil; and whether he will see that the proper salvage is paid to those people without further delay; (2) why salvage on a bag of mails rescued from the sea and delivered to the receiver of wrecks at Baltimore, county Cork, on the 11th May, and on a case of rifles delivered to the receiver of wrecks at Baltimore on 26th May has not yet been paid; and whether he will see that the proper salvage on those wrecked goods is paid to the person concerned forthwith?

I am making inquiries into the matters referred to in these questions, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, in consequence of the possibility of air raids in London, the wholesale business of dealing with carcases of meat is conducted much earlier in the morning than has hitherto been the case; is he aware that the butchers leave the market with their purchases about 8.30; and, as the West of England meat only arrives at the market about this time and is not available until next day, will he arrange with the railway companies for earlier delivery, so as to meet the change?

I am not aware whether the circumstances are as stated by the hon. Member, but if I am supplied with information showing that an alteration in the present railway arrangements is necessary I shall be happy to look into the matter.

Will the hon. Gentleman communicate with the wholesale dealers at the Central Meat Market, London, and does he not realise that the keeping of the meat until the next day is a matter of great importance?

I will inquire into it, and I shall be glad to receive any further information the hon. Member is prepared to give.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) if he is aware that the managers of the American Beef Trust meet every day and fix meat selling prices and in con- sequence all other meat prices are fixed by the prices of the American Beef Trust; is he aware that if the selling price of meat is lowered the meat trust keep meat from the market for one or two days, which forces the prices of meat up again from ½d. to 1d. per lb., or 30s. to £3 10s. per body of beef according to the weight of it; is he aware that the American Meat Trust jobs English and Irish beef, which also forces up the price of meat about ½d. per lb.; seeing that if the meat trust was not allowed to job in meat on Smithfield Market it would be the means of keeping down the selling price of meat, will he take action in the matter; (2) if he is aware that measures are to be enforced upon the British cattle-dealers and all those who are interested in the Home meat trade; will he say if the same measures apply to the American and Argentine Meat Trusts; if he is aware that the meat trusts in question continue their methods of profiteering, and continue to corner and raise or lower the price of meat to suit their own interests; whether he has had advice from the great meat salesmen at Smithfield Meat Market as to the best possible means to eliminate the middleman's profit and thereby lower the meat prices; and if he will take action in the matter?

Lord Rhondda is aware that, under present arrangements, American and Argentine firms act, and are at liberty to act, as salesmen in the meat market, and conduct operations in that market like other firms. Under the control scheme now being prepared by Lord Rhondda, however, which will come into operation on 1st September, maximum prices will be fixed, and the operations in this country of all firms, both British and American, will be controlled. Lord Rhondda has received, and hopes to continue to receive, advice from the meat salesmen at Smithfield on matters connected with the trade.

Why has the Food Controller not reduced the price of meat retail before 1st September?

I am not empowered at the moment to vary the announcement which my Noble Friend has already made.

Why are jobbers necessary in this meat market at all? Why have jobbers? Why not deal direct with the public?

Everything is being done to eliminate unnecessary intermediaries with respect to this supply of food.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller, whether he is aware that the line of Lamport and Holt's boats permitted to trade between Buenos Ayres and New York carried in 1915, 120,000 sheep, 127,000 lambs, and 484,000 quarters of beef, or about one-seventh of the total meat output of South America, and that in 1916 the figures were 107,000 sheep, 133,000 lambs, and 202,000 quarters of beef, and having regard to these figures, will he explain how this diversion of the Argentine output does not affect meat prices in this country; is he aware that this meat is often held up in New York in the premises of the National Cold Storage Company and other companies and afterwards shipped to England with the brand U.S.A. on it and sold as Yankee-American by firms like the Morris Beef Company and others; and if he will take action in the matter?

I am not in a position to verify the figures given in the first part of the question, and as regards the latter part I think my hon. Friend must be under a misapprehension. Since the spring of 1916 the whole of the meat loaded on these steamers in the Plate has been carried to the United Kingdom, and none of it has been landed or transhipped at New York. Therefore, whatever may have happened in the somewhat remote past, the practice described in the question is now impossible.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that dissatisfaction is being expressed by dairy farmers at the inferior and costly cattle foods they are only able to obtain; and whether cheaper and better cattle foods can be made available to avert a greatly contracted supply of milk?

The supply of cattle foods is limited in quantity and quality by the shortage of shipping, and by the necessity of diverting certain articles which were formerly used for cattle food to direct human consumption. The ques- tion of reducing prices is, I understand, receiving the close attention of the Food Controller.

May I ask what does the President propose to do to avert an almost certain milk famine in the coming months?

The Department realise the importance of this matter.

Why are millionaire producers not limited in their prices of selling?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether care will be taken in supplying men for the coming harvest to ensure that such men shall have at least some acquaintance with the industry; and whether the nation's money and the farmers' patience can be saved by not sending bookbinders, mechanical toy makers, and the like to do-harvest work?

Every effort is being: made to provide skilled labour, but when, as must sometimes be the case, a sufficiency of such labour is not obtainable, farmers should endeavour to utilise-to the best advantage that which can be obtained.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the guardians and officials of Enniskillen workhouse have not been able to procure sugar for the inmates and patients there; and will he have an Order issued that the guardians may get the necessary supplies henceforth?

No complaint from the guardians of the Enniskillen workhouse can be traced either by the Ministry of Food or by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply. If the guardians, will communicate with the Royal Commission furnishing particulars as to the quantity of sugar obtained in 1915, the sources of their supply, and the number of inmates to be provided for, and will give similar particulars for this year, the matter will receive attention.

Will the hon. Gentleman make an Order that these people secure a supply of sugar?

The people referred to in the question will be treated by the Commission like all other people if the particulars are furnished.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the nuisance complained of by the Dartford Rural Council of the refuse matter sent to the railway siding at Swanley Junction from the borough of Southwark; is he aware that the report of the medical officer of health of the Dartford Council states that during the first three weeks in June, of the refuse consigned from the Walworth dust siding several railway trucks, apparently loaded with manure and ashes, were found to contain, with other contents, rabbits, tinned meat, Oxo preparations, cheese, forty to fifty tons, in a semi-liquid state, and vegetable garbage such as onions, lemons, etc.; and will he have an inquiry held as to where all this wasted food came from and take such action to prevent such waste of food in the future?

Inquiries have been made into this matter, and it appears that part, at any rate, of the wasted provisions consisted of supplies which reached this country in a state unfit for human food. The precise incident, therefore, appears to have been unavoidable, but steps are being taken to prevent any avoidable waste through transport delays in future.

May I ask whether an inquiry is being made as to the person responsible for allowing this large amount of food to go bad and then sending it out, and whether anyone is to be punished for that?

I cannot say without notice being given what steps are being taken with regard to this particular incident, but steps are being taken to prevent any avoidable waste in the future.

Will the Board take some immediate action to see who is responsible for all this food going bad and being sent to Swanley Junction?

As I have said, steps are being taken with regard to the future, and if my hon. Friend wishes this matter to be gone into further I will see that the matter is dealt with.

Will the hon. Gentleman have an inquiry as to who is responsible for this food being wasted? That will prevent possibly anything like this in the future.

I have no power to determine the question as to an inquiry, but my hon. Friend can put down a question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is intended to permit the making of bread from pure wheat flour, and to allow it to be sold to certain persons who produce doctors' certificates that it will be beneficial for them; and, if so, seeing that such a suggestion will lead to abuses, and that there are other foods delicate persons can eat, will he consider the advisability of withdrawing this permit?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Monmouth Boroughs on 12th July. Exemption is only granted in cases of real urgency.

Is this preparation of bread from absolutely white flour to be allowed in certain cases?

Yes. As announced in answer to a previous question, on the supply of the doctor's certificate the Ministry of Food may consider and determine the question whether the particular kind of flour can be supplied or not.

Can the hon. Gentleman say, in view of the fact that the Director of National Economy has retired, after giving us bread we cannot eat, whether somebody is going to be appointed to give us bread we can eat?

asked the Parliamentary-Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is considering the suggestion that now the supplies of potatoes are likely to be abundant, he could decrease the rations of bread but improve its quality, and thus at the same time improve the health of delicate persons and encourage the consumption of potatoes instead of bread?

It is hoped that the abundance of potatoes will have the effect of decreasing the consumption of bread; but it is not practicable to make any substantial variations in its permitted ingredients.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the foodstuffs purchased by the Government are sold at such prices as will, on the average, avoid loss on any kind of foodstuffs so purchased, or whether a policy has now been adopted or is now contemplated of selling foodstuffs at a loss and making good the deficiency by drawing upon the Exchequer?

The general policy of the Government is as stated in the first part of the question. In the special case of bread, the loss incurred in selling bread at the price now determined upon will be borne by the Exchequer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if his attention has been called to the fact that the guardians and officials of Loughrea Union have not been able to procure supplies of sugar for the patients in hospital and other inmates of Loughrea Workhouse; and will he have steps taken to enable the guardians to obtain the necessary supplies forthwith?

Complaint was received by the Royal Commission on the Sugar Supply regarding the Loughrea Union on the 23rd April last, and on the 2nd May the contractor to the union was given instructions that he should supply the union with 50 per cent. of the quantity of sugar supplied to the institution in 1915. Since that date no communication either from the guardians of the union or from the contractor has been received, and it was presumed that the supply was being duly received. In view of the statement now made by the hon. Member, the Royal Commission will again communicate with the officials of the union on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has obtained any particulars of Mrs. Besant's political activities which he considers dangerous; is he aware that the Governor as well as the High Court of Madras accepts without question Mrs. Besant's loyalty to the Crown and her desire for the permanence of India's connection with the Empire; is he aware that Mrs. Besant has times without number denounced every act of lawlessness and violence on the part of Anarchists and agitators as criminal; is he aware that the only political activities undertaken by Mrs. Besant are such as have been endorsed by the reform programme of the Indian National Congress; is he aware that the Viceroy and Governor of Madras have declared themselves not opposed to the ideal of self-government as enunciated by the Indian National Congress and submitted by nineteen members of the Viceroy's Council, and have declared that they had no intention to put down by administrative action educative propaganda provided that ideal was lawfully carried out; is he aware that by describing Mrs. Besant's political activities as dangerous he is condemning the educative and propaganda work of the Indian Congress and the Moslem League as at present conducted, and conducted for over a generation with the approval of previous Secretaries of State; and is he aware that his condemnation of the constitutional agitation for reform encourages anarchy and violence; and will he take steps immediately to override the action of the Governor of Madras in persecuting Mrs. Besant and her friends?

Judgment of this case must be based not merely on the professions made by Mrs. Besant or the views ascribed to other persons, but on her actions. The High Court of Madras, when considering her application to set aside the order of forfeiture of security, held that she had published articles tending to bring the Government into hatred and contempt or to excite disaffection. In her subsequent writings she has misrepresened the acts and intentions of Government. It is such activities as these, and not the ideals professed in their justification, that have led to the action taken against her. The Secreary of State has telegraphed to India for a full dispatch by mail on the circumstances of the case.

May I ask whether under the tenure of the new Secretary of State Wednesday will be the day for Indian questions?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, prior to the European crisis of 1914, the Indian Government was informed that the Imperial Government had entered into military engagements with France and consequently with Russia which, in case of war between these two countries and Germany, would entail upon the Indian Government the sending of forces to aid in putting Russia in possession of Constantinople?

The Secretary of State is not aware of any military engagements made prior to the War entailing the consequences mentioned in the latter part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give an assurance that Lord Hardinge will not be sent in any capacity to the Conference in Paris on the Balkan policy, especially in view of Lord Hardinge's letter of 16th July, 1916, in which he expressed certain opinions on persons and politics in the Balkans?

It is not the usual practice to ask the Permanent Under-Secretary to represent the Government in Foreign Conferences, and I see no reason to suppose that the usual practice will be departed from. But the letter to which the hon. Member refers will not affect, one way or the other, any decision that may be come to on the subject.

Does the Noble Lord observe that I say, will Lord Hardinge go in any capacity; and would it not be discreet and kindly towards our Allies to withhold his presence from this Conference?

I do not think I have anything to add to the answer which I have given.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received any request from Lord Hardinge for the privilege of a trial by a special tribunal; and, if so, why was the same not granted?

I answered this question on Friday, and it was circulated.

This question was postponed until to-day. I did not ask it.

I know nothing about the postponement. I did not answer it. The usual course was taken in such cases, and the answer was, I believe, circulated.

Can a question be postponed before it is asked?

I do not know what steps the hon. Member took to postpone his question.

I wrote to the Clerk at the Table, and it was postponed.

If there has been a mistake it is one for which I am not responsible. I received no notice of the question being postponed, and the ordinary practice in such cases was adopted.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the responsibility for the protection of Allied shipping between the western ports of the United States of America and the coasts of the Republic of Brazil has been undertaken by the battle fleet of the Republic; and, if so, has this definite entry of the Republic into the sphere of active naval operations on the side of the Allies been recognised by the Government of the United Kingdom?

I am not aware that Brazil has undertaken any such responsibility?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Serbian Government has established its headquarters at Salonika; and, if so, who is the British diplomatic representative accredited to that Government?

I understand that the Serbian Government is about to move to Salonika. The British Minister accredited to the Serbian Government is Sir C. des Graz.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in connection with an imminent reduction in the available amount of agricultural produce from a farm in the occupation of Mr. W. Reddiough, at Lower Heights, Culling-worth, Yorks, he will say if up to last September the farm in question was worked by the aforesaid Mr. W. Reddiough, his two sons, aged nineteen and sixteen respectively, and a young man who enlisted last September, since when the eldest of Mr. Reddiough's sons has been called up for the Army and is now serving as Gunner Reddiough, No. 240,649, 3rd Reserve Battery Royal Field Artillery, at Newcastle, the dairy farm being worked at present by Mr. Reddiough, who is unable to milk owing to a crippled hand, a son aged seventeen, and a substitute from the Army who is unaccustomed to dairy farming, the substitute costing the State £2 19s. 6d. a week, therefore a partially disabled farmer, a youth, and an inexperienced soldier substitute constitute at present the sole available staff for a farm of 73 acres with thirty milking cows, three heifers, forty-five sheep and lambs, three horses, six pigs, and 300 head of poultry, from which farm, for the last twenty years, 60 gallons of milk a day has been sent into Bradford; and, if so, if he is satisfied that Mr. Reddiough will be obliged under present conditions to sell off some of his cows and thereby reduce the supply of milk, will he make representations to the military authorities with the object of obtaining the release of Gunner Reddiough from the Army and removing the substitute provided in his place to some other work for which he is better fitted?

The War Agricultural Executive Committee for the West Riding of Yorkshire are making inquiries into the facts of the case. The Board will make representations to the War Office should the circumstances justify that course. I will inform the hon. Member of the decision when it is reached.

asked the Home Secretary if D. A. King, a conscientious objector, lately in the Settlement at Princetown, has been returned to the Army; if so, for what reason; whether he has disobeyed any Regulation contained in the agreement under which he accepted, the Home Office scheme; whether his offence is a letter written by him, dated 2nd July, addressed to the Committee on the Employment of Conscientious Objectors in which he declined to accept the limitation upon his right to express his pacifist opinions; and, if this is so, by what authority the Home Office have re-turned this man to the Army?

This man wrote a letter to the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors, stating that he refused to obey the rule which forbids propaganda by men released for employment under the Committee. As obedience to the rules of the Committee was one of the conditions on which he was released and excused from military service, the Committee had no choice but to recommend to the Army Council to recall him to his unit.

I asked the right hon. Gentleman whether this man actually committed any breach of the Regulations, and, secondly, will he reply to the last part of the question: by what authority was this man returned to the Army?

I have said that he would not obey the rules or a particular rule. He expressed his intention of disregarding the rule, and, as a matter of fact, he did not comply with the Regulations. As to the latter part of the question, the man, having completed his term of imprisonment and his service under the Committee having come to an end, there was: no option but to send him back into the Army.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the question by what authority was this man sent back into the Army?

The Military Service Act.

Not at all.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the son of Councillor Godbold was granted con- ditional exemption by the West Ham local tribunal, that the miltary 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 understand that this case is now again before the Appeal Tribunal, and as it is sub judice it is not desirable that I should comment on it. I will inform the hon. Member of the Appeal Tribunal's decision.

I will put it down again.

asked the President of the Board of Education (1) how many, if any, conscientious objectors of military age are now engaged as teachers in the national schools within the London County Council area; if none are so engaged whether any have been employed since the outbreak of hostilities; and whether any have been suspended and when the suspension took place; (2) whether any person engaged as a teacher in the London County Council schools has been taken away from the schools and given employment at the Education Office; if so, will he explain why this course was taken; whether any person taken from teaching and given employment at the Education Office has been suspended and yet retained in the service on full pay; and, if so, will he say how long it is proposed to continue this waste of public money?

I have no information on this matter beyond what has appeared in the Press. I gather that it is still under consideration by the London County Council, who are competent to deal with it.

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean that he has no knowledge whether or not these people have been employed by the Education Office and have been suspended?

I must remind the hon. Member that the appointment of teachers is not a matter for the Board of Education, but for the local education authorities.

Does not the appointment of a man in his own office rest with the right hon. Gentleman and not with the London County Council?

It is not a case of employment at the Board of Education. It is a case of appointment at the office of the London County Council. I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has received reports from the Employment Exchanges throughout the Kingdom as to the difficulty of obtaining employment for disabled men who have been discharged from the Army or Navy?

The reports received from Employment Exchanges do not indicate that there is any general difficulty in placing discharged disabled men in suitable employment. Individual cases do, of course, occasionally present special difficulties, and where it is found impossible for the Employment Exchanges to place the men in question almost at once in satisfactory work, particulars of the cases are forwarded to the appropriate local war pensions committees for special action. The Minister of Labour has, in consultation with the Minister of Pensions, formed a number of national trade advisory committees, consisting of representative employers and workpeople in each of the trades concerned, to give expert advice with regard to the training and employment of disabled men in industry. The advice of these committees is being placed at the disposal of the local war pensions committees, and will, I hope, be of considerable assistance to them in the preparation of plans for the training and re-employment of disabled men.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that at many places men are refused employment on account of the medical examination, which does not tally with the Pensions examination?

I am afraid I do not follow what the hon. Gentleman means.

The man is found unfit by the Pensions Board, and fit by the medical examination.

That is a question for the Pensions Board itself.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the preparation of the Local Government Board Circular R 138, giving to military service tribunals the decision of the Central Tribunal case, No. 80, relating to exemption of the owners of one-man businesses, care was taken to accurately set forth the precise terms of the Central Tribunal's decision; and whether he can explain why the words foregoing, namely, this being so, the Act is imperative; and it is the duty of the tribunal to grant a certificate of exemption, have been omitted from the official circular, and tribunals therefore prevented from knowing that this right to exemption is absolute if the facts of the cases are such as to bring them within the ruling of the Central Tribunal?

The terms of case No. 80, as circulated to tribunals, were drafted by the Central Tribunal. It was worded in the way which it was considered would best convey the intentions of the Central Tribunal having regard to the importance of the principle involved and the possibility of misconception as to the effect of the decision.

asked (1) the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the case of James Brightmore, who, after serving a term of imprisonment as a conscientious objector to military service, was returned to his unit at Cleethorpes Camp, refused court-martial, and awarded detention, not in detention barracks but in a pit dug in the camp, in which he was kept for eleven days and nights exposed to the rain and without change of clothes, and during four days of that time was obliged to stand ankle deep in mud and water; whether any redress has been given to Mr. Brightmore; if not, whether steps will be taken to give him the absolute exemption from military service which was provided for in the Military Service Acts but refused by the tribunals; and (2) the Under-Secretary of State for War whether James Brightmore, at present awaiting court-martial in Cleethorpes Camp, was not allowed free private communication with Mr. E. Robinson, of Lincoln, who attended as his court-martial friend, the adjutant, Captain Tidy, insisting on being present during the whole time: and whether this is in accordance with the King's Regulations and contrary to the general practice of the Army in allowing all prisoners full and free facilities to prepare their defence?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the officers responsible for the ill-treatment of Private Brightmore at Cleethorpes still retain their commands and position; and if so, whether he will consider removing them?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if in view of the sufferings undergone by Mr. Brightmore, he will order his release as an act of mercy?

I think that the House will wish to hear a full statement on the cases of Brightmore and Gray. Hon. Members will recollect that on the 18th July, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Lanark, I indicated the steps which the War Office immediately took to cause a cessation of the irregularities alleged. The irregularities arose wholly owing to the fact that the contents of a. War Office letter of the 19th September, 1916, had not been brought to the notice of the officers concerned owing to changes in staff and command. The War Office letter to which I refer I will circulate, and I think hon. Members will agree that if the terms of that letter are observed, irregularities of the nature brought to notice would be impossible.

[The following is the letter above referred to:

War Office, S.W.

19th September, 1916.

"Sir,—I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that it appears from reports which have been received in this Department that in certain instances attempts have been made by Commanding Officers to compel conscientious objectors to perform their military duties by ignoring acts of grave insubordination and ensuring compliance by physical means.

I am, therefore, to request that you will be good enough to take steps to ensure that such a procedure, if it is taking place, immediately ceases, and that Commanding Officers be informed that acts of insubordination committed by conscientious objectors should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. The men concerned should immediately be placed in arrest and remanded for trial by court-martial, unless a minor punishment is awarded, or the soldier concerned elects to accept the award of his Commanding Officer.

It has also been reported that Commanding Officers have been awarding sentences of detention without giving the soldier concerned the opportunity of exercising his right to be tried by a court-martial under the provisions of Section 46 (8) of the Army Act. If this should prove to have been the case, the Army Council will seriously consider whether the officer concerned, who has been guilty of a grave dereliction of duty and disregard of the law, can be permitted to retain his command.

It should be clearly pointed out to all concerned that the treatment of the conscientious objector who is resisting lawful military commands should be exactly similar to that accorded to any other soldier who is guilty of acts of insubordination, that it is entirely subversive of discipline if a soldier who commits an act of insubordination is not immediately placed in close confinement, that any special treatment in the way of coercion other than by the methods of punishment laid down in the Army Act and King's Regulations is strictly prohibited, and that very serious notice will be taken of any irregularities in this respect which may come to light.

I am, Sir,

Your obedient servant,"]

The investigations which were made show that the whole trouble in the case of Private Brightmore arose from the fact that when awarded detention he was not committed to a regular detention barrack to undergo his sentence. The officer responsible for this omission is very dangerously ill, and I will therefore make no further allusion at present to his very serious mistake. Instead of being sent to a detention barrack Private Brightmore was sent to South Sea Lane Camp, and the reports before me state that he was isolated from the remainder of the men at about 150 yards from the camp. He was given his rations and fuel with which to cook them. There was a pit about a little over 5 feet deep, which he was told to occupy, but as he would not obey any military command it was not insisted upon and no force of any description was used. He spent very little time in this pit and principally employed himself in cooking his meals. He had a tent in which he was informed he could sleep, but refused. He was visited by the orderly officer and asked whether he had any complaints and always replied no. Strict instructions were given that he was not to be molested or in any way ill-treated.

I here take the opportunity of observing that the Army Council in no way defend or desire to defend the highly irregular action which was taken as shown in the Report which I have just read, but I feel it my duty that the House should be in possession of the statement made by the officer commanding the battalion as well as the statement which has been made in the Parliamentary questions which have been put to me.

In regard to the case of Private Gray, a Court of inquiry was immediately held at which Private Gray gave evidence, and it was clearly established that coercive measures had been used to make him submit to military authority. The Court of inquiry is a very lengthy one, and for that reason I am unable to read it to the House, but if any hon. Member would care to be made aware of its contents the Director of Personal Services will be happy to make them known if hon. Members will communicate with him. Hon. Members, however, would like to hear an extract from the statement Private Gray made at the Court of inquiry. After having been ducked in the pond he accepted military service, and in his own words he says,

"from that date I obeyed all the military orders. I have received every kindness since on all hands. I am training for overseas, and my attitude is that, having accepted military service and duty, my future in the Army will follow the usual course of a soldier inevitably."

The Brigadier-General who interviewed Private Gray states that Private Gray informed him that though he had not changed his convictions he intended to soldier. He said he had received no ill-treatment since the episode in the evidence and that he was contented and happy. Hon. Members will realise it must rest with Private Gray as to whether or not he intends to perform his duties as a soldier, but, in the event of his taking a different decision, hon. Members will, I think, agree that there is no possibility of his disposal not being carried out as required by law and as emphasised in the War Office letter to which I have referred.

In regard the case of Private Bright-more, who is now awaiting trial by court-martial, I find that he has already appeared before the Central Tribunal whilst undergoing a previous sentence of imprisonment, and was wholly rejected by that body as being unable to establish his conscientious objection to military service. Under those circumstances his release is impossible. I have called for a special report as to the state of his health, however, and if it should transpire that he has suffered in consequence of his treatment, special steps will be taken to make sure of his recovery before he is brought to trial by court-martial. In conclusion, I would add that the officers responsible have been relieved of their appointments and will receive no further employment.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the case of one Rupp, who twelve months ago claimed exemption from military service on the ground that his parents were German, and that he could not conscientiously fight against his own flesh and blood; whether he was then moved from the Central Telegraph Office to a most important office in Threadneedle Street, in the heart of the City; and, if so, will he say why, after three years of war, public Departments are still employing men whose sympathy is with our enemies?

asked the Postmaster-General whether an able-bodied telegraphist named Rupp, the son of a German father and a German mother, is employed in the Threadneedle Street post office; whether, although of military age, he has been given an exemption certificate by the Post Office; whether he has stated that he could not conscientiously bear arms against his own flesh and blood; and whether it is in the public interest to still retain this man in the Government service?

It is necessary for the proper performance of the Civil telegraph work to retain a certain number of men of military age on telegraph duties in London. Mr. Rupp's retention enables another man to be released for telegraph work in the Signal Section of the Royal Engineers, for which he himself is not eligible on account of his parentage. If released, he could only be enlisted in a labour battalion, and he is of more service to the country in his present capacity.

Does not the light hon. Gentleman realise that the country will not tolerate men of German birth and sympathies being employed by our public Departments at the public expense, and will he get rid of this man straight away?

It is perfectly true that this man is a naturalised British subject, and, as such, he has the rights of a British subject. In the present state of the law, it would be illegal to dismiss him merely on the ground of his parentage.

Are not the facts in this question true?

If the man has the rights of a naturalised British subject, has he not also the duties of a naturalised British subject, and how is it he is exempt from military service?

It really does not follow because a man feels a very natural distaste to killing his own relatives that his sympathies are with the country to which they have the misfortune to belong.

Is he naturalised, or is he not, and, if so, why is he not fighting?

He is naturalised.

Then why is he not fighting?

If my hon. Friends would like any more information I will be pleased to get it.

Why cannot you tell the House of Commons?

If this man is unfitted for fighting is he not also unfitted for employment by the Post Office, and ought he not to be in a labour battalion rather than in a select position in the Post Office?

I can only say that the advisers of the Postmaster-General consider that this man is a perfectly loyal subject of the Crown.

Why does the Post Office defend the employment of Germans not only in the Cable Department, but in many other important positions of great secrecy?

Is my hon. Friend aware that by answers of this kind he is causing the greatest distrust of this Government?

Have we adopted the German system of naturalisation subject to large reservations?

Hon. Members had better put down any further questions.

I will call attention to the matter.

Would it be in order to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will dismiss this man?

The hon. Member had better put the question on the Paper. It does not rest with the Assistant Postmaster-General to dismiss him.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if Private J. Draper, No. 9,760, 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, has been sent to France although certified unfit for military service on three occasions owing to defective vision; if on two occasions eye specialists certified him unfit for other than Home service, and that regardless of these certificates he has been sent to France; who is responsible; and will he order this man to be re-examined?

I am not able to answer this question without making inquiry. I have called for a report, and will inform the hon. Member of the result.

asked the Minister of Munitions (1) whether, having regard to the fact that ample quantities of satisfactory fireclay can be procured in Scotland at 11s. per ton the Director will withdraw his notice to the trade of 30th April last that the maximum price is 22s. per ton and fix the price at 11s. per ton; (2) whether, before he fixed the maximum price of ground fireclay on 30th April last, the Director of Steel Production procured any statistics showing the pre-war and current selling prices of that commodity; and, if so, will he submit these statistics for examination in order that if a mistake has been made it may be rectified; (3) what were the circumstances in some areas in Scotland which necessitated the fixing of a maximum price of 22s. per ton for ground fireclay, in view of the fact that one of the largest producers of ground fireclay has offered to supply it at 11s. per ton; (4) whether, in placing contracts, the Ministry of Munitions allocates to the firms the different works or factories from which they are to procure the necessary goods and materials; whether, in these circumstances, the Ministry expects that the works and factories so allocated will sell at less than the maximum price fixed; and whether, after the Ministry has fixed a maximum price of 22s. per ton for ground fireclay, all consumers are at liberty to purchase from the firm which offers at 11s. per ton?

I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. Friend on 4th July last, except to say that careful consideration has been and will continue to be given to any facts including the cost of production affecting the general body of producers, and that as at present advised I am not prepared to withdraw the notice to the trade of 30th April last.

Can the hon. Gentleman state distinctly without reference to any previous question why he persists in paying 22s. for what he can get at 11s.?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the previous answer he will see that we do not persist in paying 22s. which is a maximum and, in fact, purchasers can buy and are buying at a lower figure.

Can the hon. Gentleman say at what figure they are buying?

They are buying at a lower figure.

Is it higher than 11s.?

I understand that is not the exact figure. It is not up to the maximum.

asked (1) the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that Messrs. Warne, rubber manufacturers, at Barking, who are doing war work, are only paying the girls and women of the age of nineteen and upwards wages ranging from 11s. per week of fifty-seven hours; if he is aware that this is a violation of the circulars that have been issued from the various Departments in connection with the wages and hours of girls over the age of eighteen, and is also a violation of the Fair Wage Resolution of the House of Commons; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter; (2) the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that there is discontent among all the employés working at Messrs. Warne, rubber manufacturers, Barking, who are Government contractors, in consequence of the low wages paid to the women workers and others; if he is aware that all the employés are members of the National Union of General Workers; if he is aware that the employés are asking permission from the union to tender notices because the firm have refused to submit their case for an advance of wages to arbitration; and if he intends taking any action in the matter; and (3) the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Messrs. Warne, rubber manufacturers, at Barking, who are doing war work, are only paying the girls and women of the age of nineteen and upwards wages ranging from 11s. per week of fifty-seven hours; and, seeing that this is a violation of the circulars that have been issued from the various Departments in connection with the wages and hours of girls over the age of eighteen and is also a violation of the Fair Wage Resolution of the House of Commons, what action he proposes to take?

Messrs. Warne, rubber manufacturers, Barking, are Government contractors, but are not controlled. A conciliation meeting between the representatives of the firm and the National Union of General Workers is being held to-day, Monday, in the Chief Industrial Commissioner's Department, and I shall be pleased to inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the complaints that are being made against the management of the training ship "Mount Edgcumbe," Salt-ash, Cornwall; if he is aware that a committee appointed by the West Ham Board of Guardians visited the ship in question and made a report against the officers of the ship in connection with the food, harsh treatment, and cases of ill-treatment; if he is aware that some of the boys have died on the ship through the neglect and bad treatment by those responsible for looking after the boys; and, in consequence of the charges made, whether he is prepared to appoint one or two of his officers from the Home Department to meet the committee of the West Ham Board of Guardians who paid a visit to the ship on 20th February and subsequent dates?

A copy of the report made by the representatives of the West Ham Guardians after their visit to the ship was sent to me, and I arranged for a thorough inquiry to be made. While this inquiry—which included a medical examination of every boy on the ship—made it clear that there is no foundation for the suggestion that there has been neglect or ill-treatment, it showed the need for certain improvements. I have sent to the guardians a full and detailed communication as to the results of the inquiry, and I shall be pleased to arrange for representatives of the Department to discuss with them any questions which they wish to raise.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will present to the House the amended Instructions issued to the Boundary Commissioners after the recent Debate, in order that the public may be fully informed of the changes which were then made?

On the adoption by the House of the Resolution of the 18th June, I wrote a letter to Mr. Speaker as chairman of the Boundary Commissioners, enclosing a copy of the Resolution and requesting that the Commissioners, in making their determination, should act on their original Instructions as amended by the provisos to the Resolution. As the Resolution is on record, the hon. Baronet will probably think it unnecessary that I should circulate a copy of my letter.

Has the right hon. Gentleman had it brought to his notice that some of these new Instructions are not at all known outside, and this particular Instruction says that you are to deal with the electorate rather than population. People know nothing about it. They are sending in schemes which entirely ignore the instruction and only cause trouble?

I thought both the Resolution of the House and the Debate were very fully reported, but if the hon. Baronet would prefer to have the letter circulated I shall be very happy to do it.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Constable Ernest Harrison, No. 255, of the Metropolitan Police, went through the whole of the South African War and was discharged with an excellent record; that he volunteered for service in August, 1914, but was refused leave to enlist; and that, through joining the policemen's union, he has been victimised and is now suffering six months' detention; where Constable Harrison now is; whether it is the object of the Commissioners of Police to break the union; and whether he will grant an inquiry into these allegations?

Ex-Police-Constable Harrison served in the Army from 1898 to 1904, his conduct as recorded being "very good." He did not volunteer for military service in 1914, when he would have been allowed to go, but he did volunteer in August, 1915, at a time when, owing to the depletion of the force, permission to enlist was not being granted to constables. He was dismissed the police service in February last for repeated acts of disobedience. On leaving the force, as he was of military age, he was called up, and, on refusing to obey orders, he was sentenced by court-martial to imprisonment. With regard to the last paragraph of the question, I have nothing to add to previous replies on this subject.

Are not all the acts of so-called disobedience alleged against Harrison acts in connection with the union of which he was a member, and which it is the object of the Home Office to break?

Yes, Sir; the acts of disobedience occurred in the union. I understand he was warned once, and undertook not to offend again. He did offend again, and was sentenced as stated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable amount of deep-seated feeling in the force in regard to this question, and can he see his way clear to reconsider his decision as to receiving any deputation or any representations?

No, Sir; I cannot depart from the decision which I have announced two or three times.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the latter part of the question. I shall put it down again.

asked the Home Secretary whether it is proposed to make arrangements to warn the inhabitants of other towns, besides London, of the approach of hostile aircraft?

The warning of the inhabitants elsewhere than in London is a matter for the local authority. I understand that arrangements for giving such warnings have already been made by the local authorities in a number of places.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in large cities containing munitions factories, in spite of and contrary to the wishes of the local authorities, the munitions authorities have forbidden the use of hooters and so on, and can he not take any steps in connection with the matter or will he put me in the way of discovering who can?

That inquiry should be addressed to the Ministry of Munitions.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of putting someone in supreme charge of the whole of the warnings in England, so that there may be some sort of ordered system?

I cannot do that; I really have no authority outside London.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Prime Minister whether his. attention has been called to the distress and confusion occasioned in London yesterday morning by the erratic explosion of 233 bombs as a warning of air-raid danger, and whether, in these circum- stances, he will have this method discontinued and an intelligent system of air-raid warnings introduced without delay?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have no doubt that the warning given yesterday caused inconvenience, but my information is that the inconvenience was cheerfully borne and that there was nothing which could be called confusion. I think that in future the warning should certainly be delayed until the enemy aircraft come nearer to London than they came yesterday, and that the number of signals to be given might well be reduced; but, subject to these two points, which will be considered at once, I believe that the system of warning by sound-bombs has proved effective, and should be continued.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the noise made by these sound-bombs is absolutely identical with that of an ordinary air raid, and that many old ladies and nervous people who suffered from shock— [Laughter.] Loud laughter! There are thousands of people in London who suffered great nervous shock through this method. There are much simpler and more effective methods, and will not the right hon. Gentleman consider them?

That is a statement.

asked whether his announcement to the deputation of mayors with regard to the Government accepting the principle of making good any losses sustained by enemy air raids or bombardments takes the place of the schemes of insurance which have been in operation; and, if so, whether premiums on policies which have been taken out in advance will be repaid as from this date?

I can for the moment add nothing to the reply I gave on the 18th instant to the hon. Member for East Finsbury.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has any information concerning the nationality of the present tenant of Englemere Cottage, Ascot; whether the cottage is almost opposite the aerodrome at Ascot; and can he say who is the owner of the cottage and for how long he has let it?

The house to which the hon. Member, I think, refers is Engle mere Wood Lodge, Ascot. I am informed that it is near the aerodrome and that the present tenant of it is a person of German origin who was naturalised as a British subject in Australia in 1900. Inquiries were made by the police regarding him soon after the beginning of the War, and it was ascertained that his loyalty was well vouched for. The owner of the house is Mr. Victor Wellesley, and the house is let for another two years.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it quite right, in view of the public opinion on the subject, that a naturalised German should be so near to an aerodrome?

I can do nothing unless I intern him, and he has given no reason for that.

Would it not be much better to remove him from the locality of an aerodrome?

asked the Parliamentary Representative of the Air Board whether the Air Board exercises any control over the construction of aircraft; and whether any members of the Board are contractors for aircraft or component parts?

The Board exercises control over the construction of aircraft in that it is responsible for design. Contracts, however, for supply are placed by the Ministry of Munitions. Sir William Weir, a member of the Air Board, is managing director of G. and J. Weir, Limited, who are contractors for aeronautical supplies. He is not personally a contractor. Mr. Martin, another member, is managing director of Daimler Company and Birmingham Small Arms Company, both of which are contractors for aeronautical supplies. He is not personally a contractor.

Is it not a very dangerous precedent to establish that Government contractors or designers should be in a position to determine who of their rivals should be allowed to design or contract?

These two gentlemen have given their services at great sacrifice to themselves personally and to their interests, and they have rendered incalculable services to the Air Board. It would be a great misfortune to lose them.

Is not Mr. Martin, managing director of the Daimler Company, one of the best engineers in the country?

Nobody who knows anything about it has the slightest doubt that we could not possibly get two better men.

Is it not likely to cause designers to believe that they do not get fair treatment when it is known that their designs compete with those of members of the Air Board itself?

Are these two Gentlemen still drawing their directors' fees or have they resigned their directorships?

I do not know whether they are drawing fees as directors, but I know that they are not drawing any salaries from the Government.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that Mr. Tarr, employed by the West Ham Education Committee as an after-care officer, namely, the looking after the placing of children in employment on leaving school, an office which for some time past has been a sinecure owing to the demand by employers for boys and girls, was allowed to remain in his position on the advice of the Pelham Committee; whether such work as this man is required to do can be equally well performed by a woman; whether, after asking the chairman of the education committee if he joined the Royal Army Medical Corps he would receive full pay, and, being informed in the negative, Tarr appeared before the West Ham local tribunal and pleaded conscientious objection; whether on that ground he was exempted and was ordered by the Essex Appeal Tribunal to undertake work of national importance; whether his wife is replacing a soldier teacher; whether Mr. and Mrs. Tarr are both drawing salaries from the State, notwithstanding the fact the Tarr is of military age and other men similarly placed to himself are doing their duty at the front for Is. a day; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

I have made inquiry of the Committee on Work of National Importance, and am informed to the following effect. This case came before the Committee in October, 1916, and, after a personal interview and very careful consideration, and after ascertaining the views of the West Ham education authority, and considering the evidence of character submitted to the Committee, the Pelham Committee recommended to the Essex Appeal Tribunal that Mr. Tarr should continue in his employment because he possessed special qualifications. In the opinion of the Committee the work could not have been efficiently performed by a woman, and is now of the most onerous character and is still of distinctly national importance. So far as the Committee can ascertain, Mr. Tarr did not discuss joining the Royal Army Medical Corps, but did discuss the question of joining the Friends' Ambulance Unit. Mrs. Tarr has not replaced a soldier teacher, but is replacing another woman teacher who has undertaken hospital work. The Committee add that had Mr. Tarr accepted military service his pay and allowances would, in accordance with the practice of the West Ham Education Committee, have exceeded the salary he now receives.

asked the Parliamentary (Secretary to the Ministry of National Service whether, seeing that the scheme of national service as laid down by the Director is involving clerical labour with corresponding expense but without corresponding results so far as men are concerned, he will consider the advisability of re-casting the scheme so as to release the unnecessary male and female labour now engaged in compiling lists of male volunteers between forty-one and sixty-one years of age, half of whom are already engaged in work of national importance; and will he consider the advisability of ascertaining beforehand what positions are vacant or likely to be vacant by the calling up of men for the Army and issuing of advertisements for filling these posts, thereby saving much duplication of labour and leaving applicants from the irritating conditions which lead in so many cases to no practical results?

The classification of male National Service volunteers has been long completed. There is, therefore, no unnecessary labour being employed in doing this work, although certain revisions are necessary from time to time. The procedure indicated in the second part of the question is that approved by the Director-General of National Service and is being followed by the Department as closely as possible. As from the 1st May, when the allocation of volunteers was taken over by the Department, all substitution officers have received strict instructions not to call up volunteers for service until there are specific vacancies for them.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division), how many officer prisoners there are in the Schwarmstedt Camp; whether there is any playground or any amenities of any kind; and what prospects there are of any improvement before the winter?

I regret that I am unable at present to answer the first and second parts of the question. The Netherland Legation at Berlin have, however, been requested by telegraph to furnish a list of the British officers at Schwarmstedt and a Report on the conditions prevailing at this camp. Until the Report has been received, it will not be possible to say what improvements are required.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to publish the Final Report on Forestry, which was presented by the Sub-Committee of the Reconstruction Committee in May?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for. Down, South, on the 2nd July.

asked the Prime Minister if the expenses of the recent labour delegation to Russia, consisting of the hon. Member for East Leeds, the hon. Member for West Ham, South, and Mr. W. S. Sanders, have been or are to be paid from public funds; if so, from what Vote will the expenses be defrayed; and what is the total sum paid on account of such expenses?

The expenses of the party referred to will be borne on the Vote for the Diplomatic and Consular Services. The accounts are under examination, but it is not anticipated that the expenditure will exceed £450.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Minister for Reconstruction will be paid a salary; if so, how much; whether this salary will be placed on the Estimates and when a Supplementary Estimate will be presented; whether the Minister for Reconstruction will answer questions in this House; and whether, now that a Minister for Reconstruction has been appointed, some opportunity will be afforded him to describe the scope and results of the various Reconstruction Committees?

asked whether the appointment of a Minister of Reconstruction will involve legislation establishing a Ministry of Reconstruction; if not, what will be the relation of the new Department to the House of Commons; and upon what Vote will its expenses be borne?

A salary of £2,000 a year will be attached to the post of Minister of Reconstruction, and a Supplementary Estimate will be presented in due course. The Minister will answer questions in the House, and will have the usual opportunities of describing the work of his Department. A Bill will shortly be introduced establishing the Ministry.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say if an Under-Secretary will also have to be appointed?

That has not yet been decided.

In view of the fact that this Minister is receiving a new appointment ought he not to go to his constituents at once?

I do not think that that applies to a Minister who is already in office, but a Bill is going to be introduced.

Does this mean that one more salary is to be added to the number paid by the Government?

I understand that the right hon. Gentleman (Dr. Addison) is no longer Minister of Munitions, and he cannot be in receipt of a salary until it is put down on the Vote. Therefore he is in receipt of £400 a year as an ordinary Member, and if he gets this salary under the Bill is he not receiving a profitable position under the Crown and ought he not to seek re-election?