asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Ernest Richard Bowyer, No. 290739, 1/7th Battalion Welsh Regiment, belonging to North Sal-ford, 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 have not been able to complete my inquiries into this case, as it is proving very difficult to arrive at the facts. There appears to be ground for believing that Bowyer was incorrectly registered as being eighteen when he was under that age.

Is that kind of thing possible even for a boy of eighteen?

Do I understand that this savage punishment of boys is necessary to maintain discipline in the Army?

I can only remind my hon. Friend of what I have said in my answer. We are making careful inquiries into the whole case.

Is it possible that this takes place with boys of eighteen? If the hon. Gentleman does not care to reply, I will raise the matter on the Vote of Credit.

Has it not been said that field punishment No. 1 is never given in this country; will, therefore, the hon. Gentleman inquire why it has been done when the War Office have stated that it was never done?

I have myself stated in the House that this punishment was not used in this country; consequently I am taking great pains to inquire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the British guns captured by the Turks at Kut-el-Amara and recaptured by General Sir Stanley Maude at Bagdad, were employed by the enemy against our troops or were rendered useless by General Townshend's Force before the Kut garrison surrendered?

The guns in Kut at the time of the surrender, thirty-five in number, were rendered useless by the garrison and thrown into the river. They were salved by the Turks, and have all been recaptured by Sir Stanley Maude.

Were the guns useless for offensive purposes when the Turks got them out of the river?

Yes; I think that is so.

asked the Under - Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Lionel May, of Bath (enrolment No. B 2/27,806), who offered to join the Army in the early days of the War and was rejected three times, was called up on 17th November, 1916, was again rejected from active service and was sent back for substitution; that this man was, on 24th January, 1917, sent to Avonmouth, that owing to exposure to cold and damp he fell ill, after three weeks returned to Avonmouth, and was then sent to Northwich, where he again fell ill, and was discharged as unfit and suffering from valvular disease; and, seeing that this man still has £2 12s. 6d. owing to him as subsistence money which he has been unable to obtain, that he has not had any reply to letters he has addressed to the War Office, and that he is still under the doctor's care and has only 10s. per week State insurance money to live on, will he say what action he proposes to take?

If Mr. Lionel May, of Bath, actually served in the Army and was discharged therefrom as no longer physically fit for service, the award of a pension or gratuity would be dealt with in my Department, and if the hon. Member will inform me as to Mr. May's former unit and regimental number I will have the matter inquired into and will let him know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if his atten- tion has been drawn to the case of Private. J. E. Bottomley, No. 291, 3rd Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Duke of Wellington's, Regiment, North Shields, a weakling from birth, rejected four times as being totally unfit for the Army, called up a little over two months ago and passed into class A, broke down almost immediately. is now in Class C2, and is serving in the regiment in a menial position; and whether, in view of his father being a contractor and able to put him to Work of national importance that would not be beyond his strength, he can see his way to secure his release?

This man is reported to be of a marked neurotic nature and suffering from neurasthenia. He was brought before the first available travelling medical board after joining his unit and his category was lowered from A to C2. The correspondence has now been passed to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief for his information with a view to the man being brought forward for discharge. Further inquiries are being made as to the Board which passed him A.

asked whether at the present time qualified dispensers employed as such are serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps as privates, or is it the custom to advance them in rank when so serving?

There are qualified dispensers serving in the Army as privates, and they have the same opportunities for promotion as other men in the corps.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to an incident in York Station on the 16th instant, when about 11 p.m. an officer seized a mug of hot coffee from a soldier's hand, and, without any warning or provocation, poured the contents over the man's bare head and down his neck; and what steps have been taken to deal with this officer?

As I informed my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham yesterday, inquiries are being made into this matter, but I am not yet in a position to answer.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that I gave him a week's notice, so that he would be prepared with an answer—when shall I put the question down again?

I hope my hon. Friend will give me four or five days; it is not my fault.

I shall put it down this day week.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the insults and in some cases attempts at injury to soldiers in uniform, which have become frequent in Ireland and which are perpetrated with impunity, have been under the attention of the Army Council; and will he say whether adequate steps have been taken and orders issued by the Irish Command, in conjunction with the Irish Government, to defend isolated parties of unarmed soldiers from the risk of molestation?

I called for a report yesterday from the local military authorities, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

When will that be— next week?

If my hon. Friend will put down the question for Wednesday of next week, I will try and give an answer.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether an Army Council Order was issued on 20th December, 1916, instructing commanding officers, in consultation with their unit medical officers, to raise the categories of soldiers in suitable cases; whether, in view of the relative positions of commanding officers and medical officers, this Order in practice left this decision frequently in the hands of a layman; whether he is aware that under this Order men have been passed for drafts whose physical condition had previously resulted in their being placed in low categories or totally rejected; and whether this Order will be rescinded in view of the need of safeguarding the soldiers' health?

I think that my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension as to the operation of the Instructions to which he refers, as practically no complaints as to the physical condition of drafts are being received.

As the Instruction is stated in the question, does, the hon. Gentleman think it suitable that the authorities should leave it to a layman to decide whether or not a man is fit?

I do not understand that the authority is left to a layman. The Instruction clearly points out, as I understand, that the authority should be in the hands of the medical officer.

Will the hon. Gentleman publish the Instruction in the OFFICIAL REPORT, and in addition to the answer?

I will certainly consider it.

asked, the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there are eminent medical men, some of them having special recommendations for surgery by the Scottish War Emergency Committee of the War Office, stationed at Salonika, in convalescent depots, and other such places in Greece, where their skill is quite unutilised and where medical men of one or two years' standing could quite satisfactorily accomplish the work falling to these eminent doctors; and, if so, can his Department see their way to the utilisation of this skill to greater advantage by transferring it to France or some other active front?

The authorities concerned are always informed of any special qualifications possessed by medical officers proceeding abroad, and it rests with the General Officer Commanding to employ them where and how they may consider them of most benefit to the service. It is necessary to have such men as are referred to in the question available in a theatre of war, where at any moment serious fighting may break out with severe casualties as the result.

Does not my hon. Friend think that it would be good management to have this skill in the best places for the nation?

I think I have fully answered that point in the question. It may be that at certain times, at any given time, eminent doctors are at work at convalescent hospitals; but they are at the nearest available spot to where there may be serious casualties.

asked the Understated in the question, does the hon. James Blackman, No. 38745, Labour Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment, a conscientious objector, was sent to France; whether he has yet been returned to this country; and can it be stated where he is now?

James Blackman is the fifth man referred to in the answer which I gave my hon. Friend on the 14th June. I have no information that there is any change in his situation as I described it.

asked whether any steps have yet been taken in regard to the number of shirkers who have crossed to Ireland to evade military service; and whether Irishmen of military age openly say it is no inducement to enlist while these shirkers are left to step into their places?

Full instructions tightening up former procedure were issued in May last as to the procedure to be adopted for dealing with absentees under the Military Service Acts, 1916 and 1917, who had proceeded to Ireland for the purpose of evading their obligations under the Military Service Acts, and a copy of the Instructions, Army Council Instruction No. 817 of the 19th May, 1917, may be seen in the Library. Action has been taken under the Instruction, and in several cases men who had proceeded to Ireland have been brought to this country, and, having been dealt with by a Court of Summary Jurisdiction, have been handed over to the military authorities.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are hundreds to be seen in Dublin cinemas every night, and cannot he get more than a few back?

I am informed that of those who could be brought back substantially all have been brought back, and, as I have stated in my answer to the right hon. Gentleman's question, they have been handed over to the military authorities.

What length of residence in Ireland gives exemption—two years, or what?

I think the test is whether any Irishman has been ordinarily resident in this country. If an Irish-man has been over here for many years the Civil Court, I think quite properly, find him an ordinary resident in this country.

Supposing an Englishman has been resident in Ireland for two years, would he be liable?

I cannot answer that question because it is purely a question for a Civil Court of Summary Jurisdiction.

asked whether there is an inadequate number of soldiers at Shrewsbury to supply the help being asked for by farmers for harvest work in the district; and, if so, will he take steps to remedy this state of things as soon as possible?

Representations were received from the Agricultural Executive Committee for Salop that the number of soldiers sent to Shrewsbury to assist with the hay harvest was insufficient to meet the demands being received from farmers, and arrangements were made for 150 more men to be moved to Shrewsbury. These have now arrived. An additional 175 soldiers are arriving at Shrewsbury during this week.

Can the hon. Gentleman say if these men have a knowledge of agriculture?

I do not think they are skilled in agriculture.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his Attention has been called to the case of Mrs. Wilson, the widowed mother of Private F G. Wilson, No. G163,611, 13th Company Royal Fusiliers, and of the late A. E. Wilson, killed in action in July, 1915, both of whom allotted 3s. 6d. to their mother; whether he is aware that Mrs. Wilson is receiving a weekly pension of 3s. 6d. on account of her dead son and 2s. 5d. dependant's allowance on account of her son, Private F. G. Wilson; whether he is aware that Mrs. Wilson appealed against the assessment late in December, 1916, or early in January, 1917, was summoned before the London Pensions Committee in March, 1917, and has not yet heard the result of the appeal made seven months ago; whether he can say why no answer has been sent to the letters addressed to the Departments concerned by the London local war pensions committee; and whether, having regard to this delay, the case will now be at once dealt with?

This case had to be referred to the Appeals Committee, presided over by my right hon. Friend the Member for St. Pancras North, and proved to require a somewhat lengthly investigation. That Committee has now given its award, and an allowance of 5s. will be paid immediately with effect from the date of appeal.

asked whether, in the case of a number of men who have been invalided out of the Navy and Army for tuberculosis, it has been decided that the disease was neither caused by nor aggravated by service and that in consequence these men have received no pensions but only gratuities under the new Royal Warrant; if so, whether he is prepared to have these cases reviewed in order to ascertain whether there was at least aggravation; and if he can state what is the present policy of the Department in tuberculous cases?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, in any case in which it can be shown that there was aggravation the award will be reviewed. As regards the third part, the policy of the Department is now to treat tuberculosis as in the majority of cases attributable to or aggravated by war service, and there is no doubt that many of such cases which were ruled out for pension earlier in the War will be accepted on review.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be able to reconsider the cases of the dependants of the men who have died from this disease?

I should say that they would Certainly be eligible for re-examination for pension or some other form of relief.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say, in the case of men who are suffering from tuberculosis and are discharged from the Army and the Navy, seeing that they were accepted as fit, what has been the cause of the disease from which they are now suffering?

I am not a doctor or the son of a doctor, and I cannot say.

My right hon. Friend is the Minister of Pensions, and I am asking him how he as Pensions Minister makes up his mind as to how a man contracted the disease of tuberculosis seeing that he was accepted for the Army or Navy as fit? Where does the right hon. Gentleman think he got the disease?

I believe the assumption was, up to recently, that a man could neither get or have this disease aggravated in the War, and that consumption could not be attributable to nor even aggravated by war service. The assumption now is quite the contrary, and if a man is found to be suffering from phthisis the assumption is that if he has served a few months, say three or four months, that his consumption is attributable to or was aggravated by war service.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the Distinguished Service Order was established for recognition of distinguished service in the field of war; if so, has the Order been given during the present War to officers who have not been in any of the war areas but have remained in staff appointments at. Home or in India; and whether it is now the intention of the War Office to give this Order for other reasons than actual service in the field?

The Distinguished Service Order was established for the purpose of rewarding individual instances of meritorious or distinguished service in the field, or before the enemy, and there is no intention to award this distinction for any other reasons. It has only been awarded for service in the United Kingdom during actual hostilities.

Has the Order been awarded for service in this country; and not abroad?

I do not think so. I think my answer clearly covers both those points; it has been awarded abroad and in this country.

If in this country, how can it be awarded for fighting?

There have been cases where the military authorities thought it should be awarded here—when this country was being attacked.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that one of the cases where the award was given was that of a gentle man in France who had only served in the Post Office there?

No. I am not aware of that, but if my hon. Friend will give me the the case I shall certainly inquire into it.

Will the hon. Gentleman, say how this country has been attacked?

As a matter of fact: do not men get the D.S.O. who have never seen a shot fired?

That may be so.

It is so.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he will give the number of officer prisoners at present in residence at Donington Hall and also of their servants; and what number of men of the Royal Defence Corps are detailed for duty to act as guard?

I am informed that there are 389 officer prisoners of war at present at Donington Hall, and 115 prisoners of war as servants. The strength of the guard is 173 all ranks.

Would it be possible to strengthen the guard, seeing they are elderly men?

No, there is one in five, and that is generally regarded as a sufficient allowance.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the standard of guards for the prisoners' camps is much higher and more numerous than in other belligerant countries—that is so?

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the Court of Inquiry into the recent escape of enemy officers from Donington Hall has sat and reported; and, if so, can he give its findings?

I am informed that the Report has not yet been received.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the evidence given at the coroner's inquest at Dartford on Lieutenant Salmon, who was killed in the air raid on 7th July, reference was made to an airman who was shot in the neck and killed at the previous air raid; can he say how it occurred and where; and is there any reason why this man's name should not be known?

First-class Air Mechanic 25501 James Oliver Jessop, R. F. C., was killed in action during an air raid on 4th July. His name appeared as "mentioned in dispatches for gallant and distinguished service" in the "London Gazette," and was published in the Press on 18th July.

May I ask why it was that no inquest was held at the time?

I cannot say offhand, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the gunners in charge of the anti-aircraft guns in and around London on the occasion of the last air raid were provided with adequate sighting arrangements to enable them to distinguish the British from the German aeroplanes; whether an inquiry has yet been made into the circumstances surrounding the loss of the British aeroplanes; and whether he is satisfied that they were not shot down by our own guns?

Telescopes are provided for the purpose of identifying aircraft. None of our machines were shot down by our guns on 7th July.

As the result of this provision, did the War Office ascertain there were only twenty German machines on that occasion?

I cannot add anything to the answer I gave my hon. Friend before.

asked the Prime Minister upon whom the responsibility rests for ordering the transfer of a large number of our fighting machines to France during the week ending the 7th instant, thereby depriving the citizens of London of the protection which otherwise would have been available during the air raid which resulted in the sacrifice of a great many lives; and will he also state the action it is proposed to take in this matter?

I cannot add anything to the statements made on this subject in Secret Session on the 9th July.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that it is absolutely impossible to give public warning to all places threatened by enemy aircraft, he will abandon all schemes which have only the effect of giving pleasure to the enemy and satisfaction to panic-mongers?

I am fully aware of the difficulties in the way of arranging to give public warning of the approach of enemy aircraft in all places threatened with attack, but this does not appear to me to be a sufficient reason for not giving warning when that can be done. I do not think that any scheme which I have approved falls within the description in the last part of the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if the alarm which was given on Sunday had been given on a week-day, when the streets were crowded with people, it would have caused very great disaster?

I do not agree with the suggestion.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether General Northey's dispatches concerning the operations of the Rhodesia-Nyassa-land columns in German East Africa have yet come to hand; and can he give any reason for the delay, seeing that General Smuts, in a dispatch published last January, referred to the vigour and ability with which their operations had been conducted and added that the full story of them would be told in General Northey's own dispatches?

The first dispatch rendered by Brigadier-General Northey, addressed to the Governor-General, Nyas-saland, and forwarded by the latter to the Colonial Office with a covering dispatch, has just been received, and will be published in due course.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether an appointment has recently been made to a high military command in India with a view to carrying out the reform of the Indian Army; and, if so, can he state the name of the person so appointed?

No such appointment has been made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the conference between the India Office and the War Office regarding the grant of better terms of pay to sick and wounded officers of the Indian Army sent home from field service has yet met; if so, with w hat result; and when an announcement may be expected?

Yes, Sir; meetings have been held, but I am afraid no decision has yet been reached.

Can my hon. Friend say when a decision will be reached?

I am afraid I cannot say.

Is there any hope of any decision?

I hope so.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether cadetships for the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, are awarded on the results of a competitive examination; whether there were more than 400 candidates for the March examination, of whom 109 were awarded cadetships; whether sixteen of these were not even in the first 150; and whether he can give any reason why the sixteen in question were passed into Woolwich over the heads of others who had beaten them in the examination?

Admission to the Royal Military Academy is granted

May I ask whether these fifteen nominations were given to two particular schools?

I cannot say that, but I understand they were given to certain public schools which in peace time had Officers' Training Corps.

Does my hon. Friend think it is encouraging to the successful students that they should see others pass over their heads?

No; but I think I should point out—and I think the sense of the House will realise what I say is true —that you do often find that men who are very capable leaders of men are not able to pass examinations.

Were these fifteen nominated by any persons highly placed in society?

No; my hon. Friend is quite wrong in stating that. There is a nomination committee, of whom, I believe, my hon. Friend's colleague the hon. Member for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities, is a member, who look carefully into claims put forward by head masters on behalf of boys who have shown themselves not only capable in fields of sport, but in other things.

Were all head masters of public schools given this chance of nominating?

I believe all head masters of schools who in peace time had control of Officers' Training Corps were given permission to nominate candidates.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether his attention has been drawn to an appeal for money issued on behalf of recuperation hostels for sailors and soldiers invalided from His Majesty's Services with nerve strain, and signed "Frederick Milner," in which it; is stated men have been, and are being, invalided out of the Service in large numbers with no prospect before them but the workhouse or asylum, or a miserable existence as a burden to themselves and their relations; whether this statement represents the position of these men; and, if not, whether he can state what action as regards pensions, gratuities, treatment, and training have been made for men invalided owing to shell shock?

I am aware of this appeal, but have ascertained that it was not seen by Sir Frederick Milner, whose signature it purports to bear. The terms of the appeal do not accurately represent the facts with regard to men invalided out of the Service on account of nerve strain. Recognising the special difficulties presented by neurasthenia and shell shock, a special medical board was empowered to deal with all such cases, and award pensions or gratuities to them. This Board has set up branch boards in Scotland and Ireland, and members of it have been visiting at intervals some fourteen towns for the purpose of examining men reported to them. Cases of neurasthenia and shell shock which were invalided out of the Service before the special Board was instituted are entitled to be re-examined by the Board at all times, and Local War Pensions Committees have been specially instructed by circular to report to the Board, with a view to re-examination, any case which in their opinion is not being suitably treated.

All cases of men invalided from shell shock are granted either pensions or, in the event of less serious cases gratuities, but in either event they are entitled to treatment or training under Article 6 of the Royal Warrant. I have given special attention to these cases. Provision has been made for their treatment in an institution with 105 beds established at Golders' Green, where training and practice in intensive culture is being provided. The Golders' Green accommodation is about to be increased by fifty beds and other suitable accommodation is being sought in the neighbourhood of London. On the 21st inst. a hospital for fifty of these cases was opened near Belfast. At Leeds 100 beds are being provided and at Leicester another 100. Men are also being sent on the recommendation of the special Board to recuperative work on farms in Essex.

I hope, by these institutions, increased to any extent that may prove necessary, to carry out with State funds the objects of the appeal to private charity referred to in the question.

Will the Government take steps to provide an institution to give either monetary assistance or to find employment to men who have fought for their country and find themselves destitute?

The Government have taken steps, and are providing pensions and payment for training or treatment in such institutions. The Government would in the last resort no doubt build institutions, but we cannot get them built just now.

Is there an institution for men who find themselves destitute where they can either ask for monetary assistance or apply for employment?

If there are men destitute then there is something wrong; their cases ought to have been dealt with, and they should not be destitute, but that is another case altogether from the case referred to.

May I ask whether men suffering from shell shock are being sent to lunatic asylums, and whether the right hon. Gentleman thinks that is the best kind of treatment?

The men suffering from shell shock in this question are being sent to places where they can be treated. If there are any mental cases or any insane men, as the result of shell shock or anything else, they are suitably provided for.

Is it not the case that they are discharged with a view that they may enter pauper lunatic asylums?

I cannot say anything about the "view" about discharge. We do not discharge them. We deal with them in institutions. These institutions happen to be lunatic asylums provided out of public funds, but these cases are treated not as pauper patients at all. Special terms are made on their behalf. They are treated as private patients without taint of pauperism. They are paid for at special rates by the Government. Payment is made for special creature comforts and allowances made to wives and families on the widow and children scale.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller (1) whether, when the rate of freight on the bills of lading is greater than the freight paid to the shipowner, the receiver of the cargo pays the bill of lading freight to the agent of the steamer; if so, who gets the difference; (2) for what reason it is the practice of the Ministry of Shipping, or those who act for it, to have bills of lading for wheat or other grain made up at rates in excess of the rates paid to the companies owning the vessels in which these cargoes are brought to the United Kingdom, firstly for Government account, and secondly for private consignees?

In the circumstances mentioned the receiver of the difference is His Majesty's Government who, in the case of cereals, to which special reference has been made in previous questions, take account of the difference in fixing the selling prices of grain, which is so adjusted as to hand the difference back to the grain consumer.

Is the higher price of the loaf attributable to profiteering by the Government?

There is no profiteering by the Government. The Government does not make a profit, but if they did it would go into the Exchequer and help to pay for the War.

If the Government actually receive a higher rate of freight than is entered on the bill of lading, in what form is it paid back to grain merchants?

The method is that the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies in rendering the account to the purchaser of the grain makes an allowance for the price which the purchaser has paid as the rate of freight.

Is it the average rate of freight that is taken in making up up the account or the particular freight for a specific ship?

The rate paid by the consumer is the average cost of the grain and the average cost of the freight.

Seeing that the rate of freight, according to the hon. Gentleman, is the actual Blue Book rate which the merchant pays for his wheat, can he explain why the loaf is so dear?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that potato-growers in Scotland are unable to procure potato-sprayers for prevention of disease in this article of food; that when the English Board is applied to they refer Scottish applicants to the Scottish Board of Agriculture; that the latter Board declare to applicants that it is not proposed to make the scheme of distribution of these applicable to Scotland; and whether he will take any action in this matter?

My hon. and learned Friend is misinformed. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland have secured a supply of potato-sprayers, from which they have been able to meet all demands up to date. Applications for these machines should be addressed to the Board.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board are quite satisfied that they are safe in recommending the spraying of potatoes with sulphate of copper; and if he is aware that the same result could be obtained, as far as the preservation of the plant is concerned, by the use of paraffin and water at a far less cost while at the same time it would be absolutely harmless?

Sulphate of copper has been used in mixtures for spraying potatoes for many years in many different countries, with extremely beneficial results. Experiment and experience have made it certain that copper-sulphate mixtures are the best-known fungicide for the prevention of late blight in potatoes, and the Board are not prepared to recommend the use of paraffin and water instead.

asked whether, in view of the demand by farmers for tractors for the harvest and autumn ploughing and the inability of the Government tractor departments to meet this demand owing to the insufficient number of tractors available of the pattern adopted by the departments, he will give instructions that the farmers are to be permitted to purchase any machines they can get; and whether instructions will be given to the Ministry of Munitions to take advantage of the 500 tractors, complete with ploughs, which have been offered for immediate delivery by the Whiting-Bull representatives in England, and which can be ready for use in time for the harvest?

In reply to the first part of the question, the Board have consistently encouraged farmers to purchase any efficient and available tractors for their own use, and will continue to do so. As regards the Whiting-Bull tractors, the Board is informed by the Ministry of Munitions that only some twelve of these tractors have actually been delivered in this country, and as at present advised they are not prepared to purchase themselves the large numbers of these tractors which the hon. Member declares are available.

Is my hon. Friend aware that for over nine months 500 of these tractors have been lying at New York, whilst there are purchasers here for them and the Government stepped in and prevented them coming over, and can he say if their action is dominated by consideration for the Ford interest?

Is it not a fact that I called the attention of the Board of Agriculture to this matter months ago because farmers were wanting these tractors?

The information that I get from the representatives of the Food Production Department is that these tractors are not satisfactory. We have not had good reports about them.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Reports have been published, by his own Department saying that they are completely satisfactory?

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a trial of these tractors-took place as recently as 7th July at Bickley, in Kent, and that the report was satisfactory?

Perhaps the hon. Member will allow me to read a report that I have received from the representative in my own county of Northamptonshire—

"The two chief faults are—lack of power and its unfortunate design; both these tend to make it impossible to work steadily or satisfactorily on anything but the most level and moderately light ground."

Another representative in the county of Devon reports:

"The Bull tractors seem to be unworkable, and what little work they do very unsatisfactory.… The Bull tractor recently working in the parish of Ottery St. Mary has given a lot of trouble, and the farmers will not have it on their land."

If the farmers are willing to pay for them, what right have the Government to step in and prevent them?

We do not step in and prevent them. There are only twelve in this country.

The hon. Gentleman is misinformed.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, whether the building of the M.O.M. (Ford) tractor has been abandoned; how many of these tractors have been guaranteed for the harvest and autumn ploughing; whether there will be sufficient M.O.M. tractors to do the farmers' ploughing and also the Government's work; and, if not, whether instructions will be issued to farmers to purchase any machines they can get?

No, Sir, the building of the Ford tractor has not been abandoned, but, owing to the demands made upon the Ministry of Munitions for other war material, that Department has found it impossible to carry out their arrangements with the Board for the manufacture in this country of 6,000 tractors of this type. An order has consequently been placed in America for the manufacture of these tractors, delivery of which on a large scale should begin in October next. In the meantime, the Board has purchased a large number of other American tractors of certain types which have given satisfactory results and every effort is being made to hasten their delivery. In addition, practically the whole output of British-built tractors has been taken up by the Board.

Is it the case that it is the representative of the Ford Company who has to decide between all British interests in this country, and is the hon. Gentleman aware that the farmers generally are very dissatisfied that the whole question should be in the hands of an American representative?

I am afraid that I must dispute what the hon. Gentleman says about the farmers being dissatisfied. I do not think that they are dissatisfied.

Is it the fact that he was adviser to the Board of Agriculture at the time the question was brought before the Board some months ago?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Whiting-Bull Company have established works at Mespil Road, Dublin, capable of turning out immediately 2,000 tractors and 10,000 next year; that this company has a large number of tractors ready for immediate delivery; and will the Government give equal facilities, to the Whiting-Bull Company for importation and disposal of their tractors as are given to the Ford Company?

Our Food Department do not report well on these tractors. They prefer the other type.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware of the difficulties the bakers in all parts of London are labouring under to produce good eatable bread on account of the bad flour supplied to them by the master millers; if the present flour mixture tends to ropiness in bread, renders it unsound and difficult to keep, and is the cause of much waste; that during the hot weather quantities of bread have to be destroyed by the sanitary inspectors as being unfit for human food; if a number of bakers purchase imported flour at an enhanced price and mix it with the Government flour and so produce a better class of bread to be sold to the well-to-do people; if all the imported flour was mixed by millers with the present G.R. flour and one standard of flour obtained for all it would be the means of preventing waste, place all on an equality, and produce better keeping and eating bread; and if he will take action in the matter?

On the first three points raised by the hon. Member's question I have nothing to add to the answers already given. As regards imported flour, I am not aware that this is exclusively or mainly used for bread consumed by the wealthier classes. The demand appears to come indifferently from all parts, including the mining and large industrial districts, and the flour is impartially distributed so far as the supply extends.

As I have already explained, having regard to difficulties of supply and transport, it is impossible to secure an even distribution of all ingredients each week so as to produce a standard flour. The 9d. loaf will make it impossible for private holders of white flour to operate at a profit, and as a matter of fact the stocks of white flour in private hands are now very small. I may add that the whole question of imported flour—which is not white flour, but pure wheaten flour—is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that some bakers put much more substitutes into wheat flour for making bread than others, and that, although this is more profitable to the baker, it results in unpalatable and unwholesome bread, he will have the percentage of substitute laid down at not more than 25 per cent.?

It has already been stated in the House that the admixture of permitted cereals is effected not by the bakers, but by the millers. It follows, therefore, that the baker's profit cannot be influenced by the percentage of substitutes allowed. Only in exceptional circumstances does the admixture of substitutes amount to so much as 25 per cent.

Is it a fact that they are allowed to go up as high as 50 per cent.? Would it not be much better if matters were equalised and the millers were obliged to provide flour with not more than 25 per cent. of substitutes?

On that point I should be obliged if the hon. and gallant Gentleman would put down a question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the quantity of fruit in the Isle of Wight is always very much in excess of the quantity required for individual domestic use and that it has always been sold in the form of jam to the inhabitants of the towns in the island; if persons interested have been informed by the Ministry of Food that sugar would only be supplied for jam for domestic consumption, and that in consequence a large amount of valuable fruit will be spoilt and much pecuniary loss suffered by the growers of fruit in the island; and if he will explain the reason for this action?

The sugar allotted for the domestic preserving of fruit was in addition to, and not in substitution for, the amount supplied to manufacturers of jam. There seems no reason why fruit grown in the Isle of Wight should not reach the inhabitants in the form of jam as heretofore.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why sugar released for preserving soft fruit only reached a number of small retailers in the Isle of Wight about 10th July; and whether he is aware that most of their customers' fruit had gone rotten through being kept waiting so long for the sugar?

All arrangements for the release of sugar for preserving soft fruit were completed before the end of June. The delay referred to was probably due to the time unavoidably spent in transporting sugar to the Isle of Wight either from the refinery or from the port of landing.

Why was it that this delay was inevitable in the case of the Isle of Wight?

These delays are incidental to every war provision.

Is it not the fact that enormous quantities of soft fruit has been lost all throughout the country, and not only in the Isle of Wight, by reason of the want of sugar?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the approximate wholesale price in London of oatmeal and rolled oats is 42s. and 44s., to which 2s. per cwt. must be added for carriage to the Isle of Wight, which makes the cost to the retailer there 44s. and 46s., respectively; whether the price fixed by the Food Controller is at. the rate of 6s. 8d. per cwt., which therefore only leaves to the retailer a profit of 2s. 8d. and 6d. per cwt., respectively; and whether he will consider the desirability of fixing a price that will afford a fair living profit for the retailer?

The wholesale prices in. London yesterday of oatmeal and rolled oats averaged 40s., which, allowing 2s. for carriage, makes the cost to the retailer and in the Isle of Wight 42s. and not 44s. and 46s. as stated in the question. The retail price of 46s. 8d. fixed by the Food Controller leaves a profit of 4s. 8d. per cwt., which cannot be considered unduly small for this particular class of trade.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if controlled tea has to be sold at 2s. 4d. per 1b.; whether, seeing that the sale price in bulk is 2s. Id. per lb., that the wholesale blenders add about Id. per lb., making the cost to the grocer 2s. 2d per lb., and that the latter has to weigh it out in 2-oz. and ¼lb. lots net weight, which means a loss on every turn of the scale if he gives correct weight, all of which has to come out of the profit of 2d. per lb.; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The present scheme provides for 30 per cent. of imported tea being sold at 2s. 4d. per lb. and the prime' cost out of bond for this quality is 11d. to 1s. The wholesale merchants can purchase at Is. 11¾d. per lb. and the cost to the grocer is 2s. 1d. to 2s. 1½d. The grocer thus gets a fair margin of profit. It should be borne in mind that in the tea trade the margin of profit is invariably smallest on the lowest-priced teas.

asked the Prime Minister whether the British Government has placed a contract in America for 24,000,000 eggs and for 80,000,000 lbs. of poultry; and, if so, whether he will give the poultry industry of the United Kingdom a fair opportunity of success in their efforts to supply the British market by importing from America or elsewhere poultry food at a reasonable price?

I have been asked to reply. The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not therefore arise.

Has there been any contract for any large amount placed in America for eggs and poultry?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if Government cheese costs the retailer 1s. 2d. per lb. and must be sold by him at 1s. 4d. which leaves him 2d. per lb. profit, to gain which the cheese has to be paid for in seven days from the date of invoice; if he must run the risk of perhaps two or three pounds short weight for which there is no redress, and must bear the waste in cutting up in small pieces and the loss in weight by drying, which in new cheese is very considerable; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The question of the proper allowance be made for shrinkage of weight is now under consideration.

asked whether it is proposed to introduce a Bill to amend the Glasgow Boundaries Act in order to postpone the re-division of the wards of the city until 1920; whether he is aware that there is local opposition to this proposal, the opinion being that any postponement should not go beyond the year 1918; and whether, before definitely deciding to promote the Bill referred to, he will fully consider the reasonableness of this opposition?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland has given notice of a Bill to confirm an Order under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, which provides for such postponement. As regards the remainder of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that under the procedure applicable to such an Order opportunity is given to objectors to petition against it, and to have their case heard locally by a Commission composed of members of the two Houses. The only opposing petition having been withdrawn, the Order is now proceeding as an unopposed Order, and my right hon. Friend has no reason to suppose that there is any substantial local opposition to its provisions.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman state whether these arrangements in regard to the re-division of the words are being communicated to the Boundary Commissioners?

That will be a matter for the Boundary Commissioners. I have no doubt that they will take every opportunity afforded them of obtaining all the relevant facts connected with the proposed re-devision of the wards of the City.

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman see that they are specially communicated to the Commissioners?

I will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Secretary for Scotland on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he will introduce a Bill to prevent Germans from entering into business in this country after peace is declared?

I do not think that the time has yet come for dealing with this and similar questions.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is great public anxiety about this question, and will he not declare the attitude of the Government towards it and inaugurate a policy that will prevent these men who are working underground from beginning to start work as soon as the War ends?

I am afraid that I can say nothing more. I do not think that the time has come for stating what we are going to do after the War.

But surely some steps can be taken now—

Order, order! The hon. Member is trying to argue.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Report of the Forestry Sub-committee of the Reconstruction Committee can be published, as was the corresponding Report of the Agricultural Sub-committee?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a similar question yesterday by the hon. Member for South Kerry.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Report is to be published?

The answer was that it had not yet been considered by the Cabinet.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Scotland there is very great interest indeed in this subject, in view of the extraordinary devastation of woodlands, in many cases prematurely?

Yes, I am aware of that. My hon. Friend knows that these Sub-committees were appointed with the idea that they should be confidential, and it is only in exceptional cases that the Reports will be published. That is going to be considered by the Cabinet.

asked the Prime Minister what public reason there is that the names of members of Sub-committees appointed by the Reconstruction Committee should not be made public; why the references to the Sub-committees should also not be published; and whether, in view of the interest in local government in this country, he will now state who are the members of the Committee appointed to consider local government after the War and the references on which the Committee are acting?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for North Somerset on 16th July.

Are we to understand that the public are not to know who are considering these questions of reconstruction of local government and other matters?

So far there has been no change in the policy adopted when this Committee was set up. It was then considered that it should be confidential, and that the names, except in exceptional cases, should not be made public.

Are municipalities, London in particular, represented on this Committee?

Not as municipalities. The members are chosen for their personal qualifications.

Shall we be able to raise the question of the reconstruction schemes on this Bill when it is introduced?