"That Mr. Speaker do issue his warrant to the Clerk of the Crown in Ireland to make out a New Writ for the election of a Member to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Kilkenny in the room of Patrick O'Brien, Esquire, deceased."

The hon. Member for North Westmeath has a Motion on the Paper to move for a New Writ for Kilkenny City, but I have received an intimation that a New Writ will be moved on Monday by a member of the party to which the deceased member belonged.

I beg to move now.

If the hon. Member disputes that, will he raise it at the end of Questions?

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many Egyptians have been executed for political offences since August, 1914; whether the tribunal that sentenced them was military or civil; whether Egyptian or British; whether open or secret; how many have been transported or otherwise banished from Egypt; and where these now are?

I have asked his Majesty's High Commissioner in Egypt for a report, which has not yet reached me.

asked whether the United States, Serbia, Roumania, and Greece will be each separately represented at the forthcoming Paris Conference on Balkan affairs; if not, which of these Powers and what other Powers will be so represented; and if the United States will not be represented what reasons can be given for such absence?

The Conference will be composed of representatives of France, Great Britain, Italy, and Russia. Representatives of the United States, Serbia, Roumania, and Greece have also been invited to attend.

Have they accepted the invitation or not?

May I ask whether there is any truth in the statement made in some of the papers that this Conference is going to make a fresh statement of the War aims in reply to the German Chancellor?

I do not see how that arises out of the question.

May I ask this question on the ground that it becomes a matter of great importance whether the United States is represented or not?

May I press for an answer as to whether the United States and other States have accepted the invitation which has been extended to them?

I am not in a position to give any further information.

Does that mean that the right hon. Gentleman does not know what the answer is or that he is unwilling to tell us? May I ask for an answer to this categorical question?

The hon. Member's question does not arise out of the question on the Paper.

I respectfuly beg to draw your attention, Mr. Speaker, to the fact that my question is whether the United States will be represented, not whether they have been asked to attend, and that has not been answered.

That is obviously a question entirely for the United States, and the hon. Member ought to see that these questions are not in the public interest.

asked whether, as the corrected death rate amongst contracted labourers in San Thomé is now stated to be 10 per cent., this result is considered satisfactory; whether the Government desire British cocoa manufacturers to purchase cocoa grown under these conditions; and whether it is proposed to take any further action with a view to bringing about a reduction in the death rate?

The attention of Consul General Hall Hall has been called to the corrected death rate and he reports that even allowing for this correction he considers that as the planters have made great efforts to improve the conditions under which labour is done on the plantations including the provision of new and hygienic living accommodation and a new and well equipped hospital, it would not be fair to condemn them on the strength of this figure alone. The answer to the second part of the question is therefore in the affirmative, and to the last part that the conditions on the island will be carefully watched for the future. In the meantime the attention of the Portuguese authorities will be called to the high figure of the death rate.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, seeing that prisoners who fought equally with those executed in Ireland in May, 1916, have since been released and that no such reparation can be made in the cases of those executed, the Government, recognising how refusal to allow the remains to be transferred to consecrated ground is regarded in Ireland and abroad, will now make this concession to Christian and human feeling?

I am unable to add anything to the answer given to the hon. Member on 22nd June.

Do the Government still adhere to their decision to refuse a Christian burial to those men who were murdered by Maxwell?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer which was previously given.

Does the Government expect that this will create a favourable atmosphere for the Irish Convention?

asked the Chief Secretary if he can see his way to induce the Treasury to give grants to local authorities to carry out those schemes under the Labourers Acts which have been for some years on the shelf, and thus give a chance to those poor people who live in hovels to live in some kind of decency and comfort?

The hon. Member is no doubt aware that owing to the necessity for the curtailment of capital expenditure by local authorities during the War, the issue of loans for the purpose of financing new schemes under the Labourers Acts has been wholly suspended. The Treasury restrictions in this respect are as necessary now as at the outbreak of war, and owing to the present high prices of building materials it would be imprudent for local bodies to embark on building operations. The cost of the cottages would be prohibitive.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a handbill issued by order of the executive of the Irish volunteers is being widely distributed in certain parts of Ireland; whether he is aware that the order defines the objects for which the Irish volunteers have been formed as those of Easter, 1916, and for which many have suffered the tyranny of England's penal prisons, and that it is the duty of every Irishman to train, arm, and equip himself for service in the army of Ireland; and will he say whether under a recent Regulation, unauthorised arming and drilling has been forbidden in the United Kingdom?

A handbill such as is referred to in the question has been distributed in some places in Ireland and any person against whom there is evidence of responsibility for the distribution will be prosecuted. As to the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Order made by my right hon. Friend on the 28th November last under Regulation 9 E of the Defence of the Realm Regulations and to Orders made by the Competent Military Authority in Ireland, under Regulations 30 and 33a of the same Regulations.

Are these orders being enforced? Are these Irish Volunteers being allowed to drill and organise openly?

No doubt they are being enforced.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that under the Corn Production Bill it is now suggested that in the event of the average price falling under the guaranteed price the farmers' claim per acre shall be in the case of wheat four times the difference per quarter, of oats five times; is he aware that the average produce per acre of wheat in Ireland for the years 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916 was 4.7 quarters, of oats 6.3 quarters; and whether he will take steps to ensure that the Irish farmer shall have his claim based on the Irish production?

My right hon. Friend informs me that the figures are substantially as stated by the hon. Member, but if the suggestion with regard to Irish average production were adopted it would be necessary to take the Irish average price as well, and this would involve a reduction in the minimum price for Ireland.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he has now considered the possibility of revising the Order requiring the prepayment of freight by the consignors of fish in England and Wales; and whether he will place such consignors on the same terms as those granted to Scottish and Irish fish merchants?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to the question asked yesterday on this subject by the hon. Baronet the Member for Lowestoft.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been drawn to the enormous quantities of fish destroyed at Billingsgate last week, and does he not think, if the same facilities were given in England as are given in Scotland and Ireland, that it might do something to prevent this destruction of fish at a time when food is so much needed?

My attention has not been drawn to any quantity of fish being destroyed.

There was an enormous quantity.

But any fact brought to my notice will be inquired into. As regards the latter point, the Railway Executive appointed a small Committee to go into the question, and they have reported to me that they have succeeded in removing all cause of complaint.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade when the announcement as promised will be made to the provision trade in regard to the sale of Government cheese?

Six hundred and twenty-five thousand circulars have been issued to the various sections of the trade setting forth the General Regulations applicable to the sale of Government controlled cheese. Supplementary Regulations dealing with special cases are now being printed, and will be issued without delay.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what the Government cheese is and why it is so disagreeable?

I cannot answer that question.

Have you ever tasted it?

I cannot say.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how the London and Provincial Produce Exchange is constituted; if he will give the names and addresses of those who act upon it as well as the interests they represent; at what date was the fixing of standard prices for butter entrusted to them, and how many meetings of this body have been held since, giving the date of each meeting; will he say what were the standard prices laid down at such meetings for Danish, Irish, and Colonial butter, giving each separately; whether, during some weeks, the Irish and Danish butter was fixed at the same price, and for what reason was this discontinued and a supposed neutral State which supplied butter to Germany allowed 17s. per cwt. more than Ireland, which contributes largely to the Imperial Exchequer; is the Danish and Colonial butter industry being subsidised at the expense of the Irish farmer, and, if so, why is this course adopted, as subsidies should, if essential, be granted out of State funds; and will steps be taken to ensure that the Irish farmer, who gives all his butter to England, is placed on a similar plane with the Danish farmer, who has since the outbreak of War been supplying the Germans, and have his butter prices fixed in an equitable fashion?

The detailed information required in this question exceeds the limits of an ordinary reply, but I have had prepared and am sending to the hon. Member a list of the seventy-nine delegates who constitute the London and Provincial Produce Exchange. I have added a table of butter prices fixed at all meetings from the first on the 9th March down to the last on 20th July. He will see from this table that from 27th April until 24th May the same prices were fixed for Irish and for Danish butter, while since the 25th May the price for Danish butter has been higher. The price in each case must naturally be fixed with some reference to its effect upon supplies. It would clearly be useless and harmful to fix for Danish butter a price that would result to all such butter going to other markets. I do not understand the suggestion that this involves in any way giving a subsidy to Danish farmers at the expense of Irish farmers.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the control of the meat market that has been established by the American firm of Swift, Morris, Armour, and Archer; is he aware that shops and businesses in the meat trade, though nominally owned by Britishers, are actually owned by one member or other of this ring; is he aware that they will only do business with the public through certain jobbers, and that unless these jobbers offer the price agreed on by the ring available supplies of meat are held off the market; and will he say what steps his Department will take to break a combination which is endeavouring to force up the price of meat against the public?

Under the control scheme now being prepared by Lord Rhondda, 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.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food who was responsible for the wasted food which was sent to Swanley siding; and, if not, will the Minister of Food have a thorough inquiry made with a view to the punishment of those persons responsible for the waste of food?

I am making further inquiries into this matter and will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as the report of the inquiry has been received.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food, if he will give a complete list of the articles of human food for which maximum retail prices have been fixed, together with such prices?

I will arrange to have the list required published in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the special flour to be supplied for the manufacture of bread on doctors' certificates is to be supplied by chemists or by bakers; if the latter, are all bakers to be supplied with stocks of this special flour; and, having regard to the abuses which will arise under such conditions, will the whole matter be reconsidered?

Special flour, when authorised, is supplied not by chemists or by bakers, but by millers, to whom a licence for a specified supply is forwarded in each case. I am not aware that any abuses have arisen or are likely to arise under this system, and I see no reason to vary it.

Arising out of that unsatisfactory reply, may I ask how this special flour is to be obtained from the millers and if it is to be available for girls who chiefly live on bread and butter, or only to dyspeptics who bring doctors' certificates?

As I have explained in previous answers, applicants apply in the usual way, supplying a medical certificate, to the Food Controller, and then an authorisation is sent to a particular miller to forward the quantity required.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider whether he is not courting difficulties in the method of proceeding to be adopted?

I will represent to the Food Controller the views of the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that during 1916 flat rates were fixed for the sale of large quantities of sulphate of ammonia to farmers at prices considerably lower than those on the open market; that these prices made it a very attractive purchase to farmers, from which they have in general derived considerable benefit; that during two and a-half months in the spring of that year export was suspended so that the supply for agricultural purposes might be ample; that the prohibition of export was finally withdrawn only because congestion at makers' works threatened to interfere with the supply of necessary materials for munitions; and that the rates fixed by the late Government were accepted by their successors as being fair and attractive to farmers; and whether the information in his possession tends to show that a great deal of the increased use of sulphate of ammonia during the present season has been due to the efforts made in 1915 and 1916 to popularise and increase the use of this fertiliser?

The reply to the first four parts of the question is in the affirmative. The rates fixed by the late Government were used as the basis for subsequent negotiations with makers, but the altered system of distribution arranged in February last helped to stimulate the demand, and during the four months February to May, 1917, the quantity sold for agricultural purposes was 99,875 tons, as compared with 35,128 tons in the same period of the preceding year.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will at the earliest possible date state what hay and straw, if any, will be commandeered and what corn will be available for stock-feeding purposes during next winter, in order that the number of head of stock can be arranged accordingly?

All hay or oat or wheat straw now standing in bulk in Great Britain and Ireland and the Isle of Man, or as and when harvested, is taken possession of by the Army Council, excepting such hay or straw of the 1916 or earlier crop as has been released by sale licence, but farmers and stock breeders are authorised to use a reasonable quantity of hay or oat or wheat straw in their possession for consumption by stock in their possession or control. I regret I am not yet in a position to say what proportion of the corn crop can be liberated for stock feeding, a matter which is under discussion with the Food Controller.

Is the farmer to judge as to what is a reasonable amount to retain for his own requirements?

Yes; I think in most cases he would be. The number of stock which he has on the farm affords a very good guide as to the amount of feeding stuffs required.

Has he to obtain anybody's leave before he retains a reasonable amount for his own requirements?

So far as I know he has not. So long as he satisfies the Army Council authorities that he has a certain amount of stock he should be allowed to keep the amount required to feed that stock.

asked whether it is proposed to grant any return to Ireland for the increased services rendered by food production this year; if he will see that the brewery and distillery industries will reap a little of the benefit of the increased labours of the Irish farmers; if he is aware of the number of men who have lost their employment as a result of the restrictions; if he is aware that the restrictions have inflicted more hardship on Irish workers than on English workers; if he is aware that English workers when dismissed from breweries went directly into munition factories, whilst Irish workers and their families were left to starve; and if he will see that the Irish brewers will be allowed to brew increased supplies without destroying the quality by reducing the gravity?

As regards unemployment caused by the brewing and distilling restrictions, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary to a question on the 12th July; and as regards the reduction of gravity of beer and stout, to the answers given by the Ministry of Food to questions on the 16th and 19th July.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the portion of my question whether the Irish brewers will gain any of the benefits from increased food production in Ireland?

I believe that point is answered in the reply to which I have referred, but if not it should be addressed to the Ministry of Food.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) if he will state the lowest rate of wages his Department is paying to their employés in Ireland; and if he will state the wages paid in the forestry centre of Dundrum and Avondale?

The lowest general rate of wages paid by the Irish Department of Agriculture is 18s. a week. At the Dun-drum forestry centre the wages are paid as follows: Engine driver, 25s. per week; sawyer, 24s. per week; second sawyer, 20s. per week; foreman, 21s. per week. The unskilled labourers are paid 18s. per week. At the Avondale forestry centre the foreman receives 30s. per week and the labourer is paid 15s. per week and was given a bonus of £5 at the end of last year.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that 15s. and 18s. a week are wages on which these people should feel content?

That is a question of which notice should be given to the Chief Secretary.

Will the Commission appointed to consider industrial unrest be allowed to go over to Ireland to investigate the cases where you pay married men 15s. and 18s.?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

They ought to be ashamed of themselves.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the decision of the Admiralty and the Board of Trade given on 8th May allocating the transmission of parcels of food and clothes to masters and officers of the merchant service who are prisoners of war was arrived at without consulting the wishes of their representative bodies; if the Mercantile Marine Service Association, the senior representative body of British shipmasters and officers, has been regularly supplying the needs of these prisoners during the past two years; and if he will now instruct the Central Prisoners of War Committee to consult the wishes of the Mercantile Marine Service Association before adopting any arbitrary action?

The Central Prisoners of War Committee recognise various associations and committees for the purpose of packing and dispatching parcels to prisoners of war, with the object of ensuring that no prisoners of war are not provided for. The Committee allocate individual prisoners of war to one of the recognised associations or committees. The Board of Trade and the Admiralty have recognised the Central Prisoners of War Committee as entitled to deal with the associations and committees which provide for officers and seamen of the mercantile marine in the same way as they deal with the associations and committees which provide for military, naval, and civilian prisoners of war. I am, therefore, transmitting copy of this question and answer to the Committee, and I would suggest that the Mercantile Marine Service Association should put themselves into communication with that body.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether quantities of silk nets are being imported into the United Kingdom without apparently being subject to the limitations imposed upon imports of cotton lace; whether the lace trade, and those accustomed to work for it, are thereby prejudiced; and whether he will consider if silk nets should not be placed upon the same footing as cotton lace in respect of limitation imposed upon the amount of which import is permitted?

Both silk manufactures and cotton lace are admitted under licences granted on the basis of a fixed proportion of the previous imports of these goods. No specially favourable treatment is extended to silk as compared with cotton lace.

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this question, might I ask whether the First Lord of the Admiralty was still a Member of the House when the question was first put upon the Paper, because he is personally concerned, and, if he is still a Member of the House, he ought to be here to answer it?

So far as is known at the Admiralty, every statement made in this question is without foundation.

Has independent inquiry been made of the Belfast business men referred to in this question?

I have made the closest inquiry in the office, but I cannot pretend to take up the time of hard-worked officials by following up all these suggestions of the hon. Member.

They are not suggestions. They are positive facts, and if the question on the Paper were pursued it would lead to their confirmation.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statement of alleged grievances of the men of the Fleet recently circulated; and whether he has any statement to make on the points raised?

Yes, Sir; I have seen the statement to which my hon. Friend refers. Certain of the matters set forth in it have been under our consideration for some time, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement, if suitable opportunity offers, within the next few days.

Will it be made in the course of the Debate on the Consolidated Fund Bill?

Yes, if the opportunity arises.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether Mr. Frank Tiarks, a partner in the German firm of John H. Schroder and Company, of which Baron Bruno Schroder is the head, has been appointed to a post at the Admiralty; and, if so, what is the nature of his duties; and whether, although born in this country, he is the son of a German and is married to a Hamburg lady?

Mr. Tiarks, who was formerly an officer in the Royal Navy, has rejoined the Service as a temporary lieutenant, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and is at present employed at the Admiralty. Mr. Tiarks is a nautral-born British subject or he would not have been eligible for entry in the Royal Navy. He entered His Majesty's Ship "Britannia" as a cadet in 1887, became a midshipman in 1890, and acting sub-lieutenant 1894. He resigned at his own request the same year. His parents also were natural-born British subjects. His wife was born in Germany.

asked the Home Secretary whether Thomas Henry Williams, of Cwmavon, a conscientious objector confined to Shrewsbury civil prison, is being forcibly fed; whether the operation has resulted in physical injuries to Williams, including development of goitre in the neck; and whether steps will be taken to discontinue this treatment?

This prisoner has not been forcibly fed during his present sentence. During a previous sentence he refused his food at Wormwood Scrubs Prison, and it became necessary to feed him forcibly on one occasion, after which he resumed taking his food in the natural way. He has a small goitre, which in the opinion of the medical officer has been there for some years.

asked the Prime Minister whether Councillor W. R. Hughes, of the town council, West Ham, after obtaining exemption as a conscientious objector, was allowed by a Committee acting on behalf of the Government to consider his work of looking after the dependents of alien enemies as work of national importance; what control the Government retain over work of this kind; whether Councillor Hughes is the editor of the "Mansfield House Magazine" and a leader in that settlement; and will he take such steps as may be necessary to have the case reconsidered?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The Committee referred to by the hon. Member did recommend that Mr. Hughes be allowed to continue his employment with the Emergency Committee for the assistance of Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians in distress, but the ultimate decision rested with the tribunal. The Committee are aware that Mr. Hughes had been on the staff of the Mansfield House University Settlement, but they have no knowledge whether he was the editor of the "Mansfield House Magazine."

Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider this question if I ask him another question?

I have no competence to reconsider the matter. This Committee was set up. It is purely advisory in character. The ultimate responsibility rests with the Tribunal.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Hughes is largely co-operating in a work which means the visiting and assisting of British women who, through no fault of their own, have been married to German men?

I do not think that the women in question would agree that it was through no fault of theirs.

Are they not entitled to some assistance, care and support at this time? That is the point.

I do not think I can usefully add anything to my answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether any persons claiming to be conscientious objectors have been granted exemption on the ground that the supervising of boys and the managing boys' clubs is work of national importance; and whether he will take such steps as are necessary to see that no person granted exemption on the ground of conscientious objection is allowed to continue work in connection with the training of young persons?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question. The Committee on Work of National Importance, which is advisory only, have, in the case of three men with special qualifications, recommended to the tribunal that work of the nature mentioned by my hon. Friend might be regarded as of national importance. I may mention that the ultimate decision as to the acceptance of the Committee's recommendation rests with the tribunal.

To whom should I address a question with regard to that tribunal?

My hon. Friend can repeat the question to the Board of Trade.

Does the hon. Gentleman think it a good thing at the present time that British boys should be inoculated with the views of conscientious objectors?

That is a matter of opinion which it is not for me to determine.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received the report on Private Grey, alleged to have been put in a sack and ducked in a pond?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the full statement which I made on the 23rd instant about this man and Brightmore.

asked where the statutory conscientious objector Paul L. Gillan now is; what punishment is he undergoing; how many terms of punishment has he undergone; and what the reason is for punishing him for refusing, in accordance with his legal right, to engage in war?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Gillan was not exempted from military service by the competent tribunal under the Military Service Acts, and the hon. Member is therefore mistaken in suggesting that he has a legal right to refuse to engage in war. He was sentenced by court-martial on 5th September, 1916, to two years' hard labour. On 7th October, 1916, he was released from prison for employment under the Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors. He remained in employment under the Committee until 22nd June, when, as he declined to obey the Committee's rules or to conform to discipline, he was sent back to prison to complete his sentence. He is at present in Plymouth Prison.

On what evidence does the Home Secretary say that this man is not a conscientious objector?

I have not said so. He was not exempted by the tribunal on the ground of his being a conscientious objector.

Why not?

I do not know whether he applied.

Did not the Central Tribunal say that he was a conscientious objector?

They said that he was fit to be employed under the Home Office scheme, and he was so employed.

Did not the tribunal expressly say that he was a conscientious objector?

I have not the form in my mind, but I think it is to that effect.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether it is with the knowledge of the War Council that a man named Stephen Pollard, never physically fit for military service and who does not conceal his hostility to England, is being forcibly trained in the Royal Army Medical Corps at Blackpool for foreign service; whether the Council are aware of the determination of which this man has given proof that he will never fight for England; whether the British Army has need of such a man; whether, having regard to the failure of the military authorities by repeated trials and punishments to break down similiar determination of other Irishmen, they propose to repeat their failure in this case, or will release Pollard as they ultimately released the others; and, if not, will he say what they propose to do with Pollard?

I will inquire, and inform the hon. Gentleman of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Private William McGarry, No. 302427, Army Service Corps (Mechanical Transport), Sydenham Depot, London, S.E.; if he is aware that this boy on 20th March last joined the Army at Brunswick Street recruiting office, Dublin, being then only sixteen years old; if he will see that this boy is immediately discharged; and if he will issue instructions that will prevent boys of this age being taken into the Army?

I will inquire into this case, and, if the facts are as stated, the discharge of this soldier will be carried out forthwith. Instructions have been issued to obviate occurrences of this nature.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can secure a re-examination by an independent and competent medical tribunal of Abraham Glass, 209, Great Cheetham West, Salford, on the ground of his absolute unfitness for military service, as he has flat feet, hammer toes, and has suffered from heart disease since he was twelve years old, attested by the family doctor; whether he is aware that this man was rejected at Pendleton Town Hall on 6th September, 1916; that he was re-examined at Hulme Town Hall on 11th May, 1917, when he was classified C1; that his appeal on domestic grounds was dismissed; that a second appeal, before the Appeals Tribunal, was dismissed; and that he is now to report on 31st August; and whether a man who can at best only work very intermittently is any source of strength to the Army?

I will inquire into this matter, and inform my hon. Friend as soon as I can.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that Oliver Roberts, No. 24576, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, and Henry Goldey, No. 24533, Royal Warwickshire Regiment, were with other conscientious objectors placed, under open arrest in the Albany Barracks, Parkhurst, in separate huts occupied by about thirty soldiers in each hut; that the men there were assaulted, knocked down, and dragged about; that a soldier who protested against such' treatment was ordered by a sergeant to mind his own business, as these people had got to go through it; and if he will cause inquiries to be made?

I am calling for a report in this matter, and will communicate again with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that men who are serving in labour battalions in France, and who are in B or C class for military service, are in some cases being re-examined with a view to their transference into combatant units by one doctor only, and not by a medical board; if he is aware that as many as eleven are alleged to have been re-classified as A1 men out of twenty who have passed before the doctor at the rate of not more than one or two minutes per examination; and if he will say whether soldiers who have been reclassified under such circumstances have the right to claim re-examination by a medical board if they believe they have not been properly examined?

It will be necessary to consult the military authorities in France before this question can be answered. I have asked for details, and will let my hon. Friend know as soon as possible.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he will grant the Return standing in the name of the hon. Member for the College Division of Glasgow, dealing with the number of Members of both Houses of Parliament who are serving with the forces?

Earlier in the War a somewhat simpler Return giving some of the information asked for now by my hon. Friend was prepared. It gave the Departments concerned an amount of trouble out of all proportion to the value of the information it contained, and, moreover, the information speedily became out of date. I am afraid, therefore, that I must ask my hon. Friend not to press me to repeat the experiment if only in the interests of a Department, which is already overwhelmed with work vital to the prosecution of the War.

Is it because the Return would not stand investigation?

Not at all. If my hon. Friend presses it—which I hope he will not do—I am quite prepared to give this information. To show that it is not because it will not stand investigation, I may point out that we have already given the same sort of Return, but it has entailed an enormous amount of trouble.

Was the previous Return of no value?

The Return was soon out of date and, so far, valueless. The positions and salaries were soon varied.

Will the hon. Gentleman give a Return of the Members of this House of military age who are not serving?

Yes, certainly, if desired.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the terms of service and the undertaking signed by women who are accepted for certain services with the Army in France?

Yes, Sir.

The following is a copy of the document above referred to:

FORM OF ENROLMENT IN THE WOMEN'S ARMY AUXILIARY CORPS.

No Name (Mrs. or Miss)

(Christian)

Surname

Questions to be put to the Woman on enrolment.

1. What is your name?

2. What is your age?

3. What is your permanent postal address?

You are hereby warned that if after enrolment it is found that you have wilfully given a false answer to any of the following questions, the Army Council or any person duly authorised by them retain the right to terminate any contract that they may have entered into with you.

4. Are both your parents British-born subjects?

5. Do you agree to be enrolled in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, and fulfil the rules, regulations and instructions laid down from time to time for this Corps?

6. Are you single, married, or a widow?

7. Have you any dependants?

8. Are you willing to be vaccinated and inoculated?

9. Are you willing to be enrolled for service ^* ( a ) at home or abroad; or ( b ) at home only?

10. Do you undertake to work wherever the Army Council may require?

11. Do you undertake to serve in the category or grade for which you are selected, or in any other † category or grade to which you may be trans-

^* NOTE.—Strike out ( a ) or ( b ).

† Insert here how selected.

Section Category

12. Do you undertake to perform any work which may be required of you by your superior officers?

13. Do you understand that if at any time in breach of this contract of service you:— ( a ) Without lawful excuse absent yourself from any work which it is your duty to perform, or from any place where it is your duty to be; or ( b ) Refuse or wilfully neglect to perform any of your duties; or ( c ) Wilfully impede or delay the due performance of any work on or in connection with which you may be employed; you will render yourself liable on conviction by a Court of summary jurisdiction to be sentenced to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a term not exceeding six months, or to a fine not exceeding £100, or to both such imprisonment and fine?

14. Do you agree that in the event of your being guilty of any act or neglect in breach of this contract or of any of the rules, regulations, or instructions laid down from time to time for this Corps, you will be liable to a fine:—

15. Do you agree that the decision of the Officer Commanding the military formation to which you may from time to time be attached, that you have rendered yourself liable to any such fine shall be final and conclusive, and shall justify the deduction thereof either in one sum or by any instalments from any wages or other sums due or which may become due to you under this contract: Subject only (in the event of your dissatisfaction with any decision of the aforesaid officer) to any appeal in writing to the Army Council which you may within seven days of the decision of the aforesaid officer hand to such officer for transmission; and that in the event of any such appeal the decision of the Army Council that you have rendered yourself liable to any such fine shall be final and conclusive and shall justify the deduction thereof as aforesaid?

16. Do you agree to serve on the terms and conditions contained in this form and in Army Council Instruction, provided His Majesty shall so long require your services, i.e., for a period of twelve months from or for the duration of the war, whichever is the greater period: Provided that your service may be terminated forthwith on ground of misconduct, or breach of conditions, on receipt of notice given by the Army Council, or, that in the event of your services being no longer required, they may be terminated by one week's notice in writing being given to you?

I, do solemnly declare that the above answers made by me to the above questions are true, and I hereby agree to fulfil the engagements made. I have received, read and understand Army Council Instruction which sets forth the conditions of service and rate of pay applicable to me.

Signature of the Woman.

Signature of Witness.

Medical Classification as to fitness of service on enrolment.

Classification

Date 191

Place

Signature of Medical Officer.

Certificate of Approving Officer.

I approve the enrolment of the above-named woman, and appoint her to be employed with the

Date 191

Place

Signature of Approving Officer.

STATEMENT OF THE SERVICES OF

No Name (Mrs. or Miss)

Christian

Surname

Total Service Years Months Days. Name and address of next-of-kin Relationship

asked the Home Secretary whether in the public interest he will consider the advisability of now proclaiming the vicinity of aerodromes as a prohibited area so far as German-born persons are concerned?

I am in consultation with the Admiralty and Army Council as to the desirablity of taking steps under the Aliens Restriction Order for prohibiting any alien enemy from residing in the vicinity of an aerodrome, but such a prohibition (if issued) would affect aliens only, and not British subjects of enemy origin. These persons, if they are suspect, can be removed from any area by order of the naval or military authority under Article 14 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

asked the Home Secretary whether a meeting of the so-called Workers' and Soldiers' Union is to be held at the Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, at 3 p.m. next Saturday; whether he is aware that this union sent the telegram to Moscow denouncing the hon. Member for South-West Ham (Mr. W. Thorne) and the hon. Member for East Leeds (Mr. O'Grady) as spies when they were acting as Labour delegates representing this country; whether this meeting is to be attended by a deputation of Leninites who are pro-German Russians, and one of whom (Baum) is now organising resistance to the Bill for compelling aliens of friendly nationality to enlist; and whether, in view of these facts, he will cancel the meeting?

I have at present no evidence which would justify me in prohibiting this meeting, but the police will take steps to deal with any offence against the law which may be committed in connection with it.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got a leaflet issued by this union and does he consider it safe that it should be spread broadcast all over the country?

I do not know whether I have seen the particular leaflet to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, but I am watching their proceedings.

Does the right hon. Gentleman know that I sent him one?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that four-fifths of the statements in this question are lies? [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw!"]

The hon. Member is not entitled to use that word.

I regret that I used the word, and ask leave to withdraw and substitute for it that "four-fifths of the statements in this question are not based upon facts."

On a point of Order. Is the hon. Gentleman permitted to say that the statements in the question are lies? To the best of my belief they are true, or I should not have put them in.

The hon. Member has withdrawn the word and said that they are not based upon facts.

May I ask, in view of the statements made against Mr. Baum, whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that he is a very respectable person and that there is no truth in the allegations here made against him?

I would rather say nothing about it.

asked the Home Secretary at what date Mr. Frick, a Swiss, the manager of the Great Central Hotel, Marylebone, adopted England as his home, and how long has he been employed in the said hotel and been manager of it; whether, in view of the fact that the hotel some time ago ceased to be a hotel and became a convalescent home for British officers and is now a British military hospital, he will explain why it was necessary to continue to have any hotel manager and why the post was not transferred to a British-born subject; will he say to what authority Mr. Frick is now responsible, what are his duties, and what is his annual salary; and are any other neutrals now employed at the said military hospital and how many, or any naturalised Germans or Austrians or enemy aliens and how many?

I am not in possession of the information asked for in the first paragraph of the question; but I am mating inquiries. The rest of the question appears to relate to matters not within my jurisdiction but rather within that of the military authorities.

The last time I was referred by the Secretary of State for War to the Home Office, and now the Home Office refer me to somebody else.

It was then a different question and was one within my province, but this is not.

Is it a crime to be a Swiss?

Will it cease to be within the right hon. Gentleman's jurisdiction when it ceases to be a hotel?

asked the Home Secretary whether, in regard to the publication entitled the "New Republic," he can state the grounds on which it was suppressed; and whether it is an offence against the law to use the title the "New Republic," or whether an article suggesting any kind of incapacity on the part of the Government is a sufficient cause for the suppression of a paper?

The answer to the first question is that the paper was not suppressed, but one number which was submitted to the Press Bureau was not passed because it appeared to contain matter which contravened the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The answers to the second and third questions are in the negative.

Might I ask if this will be revised by some superior authority on the ground that the cause of the suppression of the paper was its perfectly fair criticism of the Government?

It went far beyond any fair criticism of the Government, and, in my view, it was a breach of the Regulations. I am afraid that there is no superior authority at present.

I will raise this question to-day.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a meeting announced for Monday, 30th instant, in the County Buildings, Glasgow, for the purposes of hearing objections to the proposed constitution of the Parliamentary divisions of the Parliamentary burgh of Glasgow; if so, is he aware that a general desire exists that longer notice of such a meeting should be given; and will he, in view of the fact that the official map of the proposed divisions arrived only on Monday, see that a further delay for consideration and objection, if need be, is given to the citizens?

I understand that the Boundary Commission has intimated to the Sheriff who is holding the inquiry in Glasgow that, if it is found at the end of the day appointed for the inquiry that further time is necessary for the adequate investigation of any objections or counter proposals which may be put forward, he should adjourn the inquiry for a few days.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Corporation of Glasgow has decided to take a plebiscite of the citizens on the question of prohibition during the War; and whether, in the event of its being found practicable to do this in Glasgow, he will consider the desirability of taking similar steps in other large centres of population in Scotland?

I am aware of the decision of the Corporation. As regards the second part of my hon. Friend's question, I have no authority to take steps in the direction suggested.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that they do many things in Glasgow that many other people cannot do?

Probably so.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have taken into consideration the advisability of taking over and completing the London County Council buildings on the river front, instead of utilising tradesmen in erecting new buildings of a temporary character on all the parks of London and of taking over fresh hotels and clubs?

The desirability of taking over and completing portions of the London County Council New County Hall has been under the consideration of my Department ever since the needs of the public service have been so urgent owing to the War, but the essential factor of time and the difficulties connected with the supply of labour and material have so far rendered the scheme impracticable. At a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Accommodation early this month it was decided to make a further effort to arrange for the completion of portions of the building. One of the serious difficulties is the supply of the necessary timber, as to which they are in communication with the Director of Timber Supplies.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this building is now being used for exhibition purposes and has proved quite weather-proof, and has he inspected it to see whether it could not be used as a good building instead of some of his temporary structures?

A temporary exhibition is a very different thing from providing permanent accommodation. The hon. Member, perhaps, is not aware that there is no provision whatever for heating the building, and that it would be a very large, complicated, and costly undertaking, which must be carried out before the building could be used for offices in the winter.

Could it not be heated by electricity without any great expense?

Not without great expense.

asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to introduce into Parliament the proposed Bill for the Ministry of Health before the House rises for the Recess.

It is not intended to introduce a Bill on this subject before the House adjourns.

asked the Prime Minister if he has considered the Report of the Commissioners of the north-west area, which was submitted on the 16th instant, with reference to the claims of the insurance agents which were placed before the Industrial Unrest Committee in Manchester; and if he will state the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee so far as it applies to insurance agents?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The recommendation of the Commissioners as regards insurance agents is as follows:

"We think the Government, either by legislation or moral influence, should compel an inquiry into their conditions of work, or an arbitration upon their complaints by the Industrial Commissioner."

The Minister of Labour is considering what steps can be taken to give effect to the recommendation of the Commissioners.

May I ask the Leader of the House if he has received a copy of a letter which was issued by the manager of the Prudential Company to their agents, in which they offered a reward on the condition that they raised an agitation to have the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act repealed, and will he take any steps to deal with that?

I have not seen it.

I addressed a communication to the right hon. Gentleman a week ago.

I have not seen it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the statement officially made and widely circulated that men in very large numbers were refusing to work at munitions on account of being unable to get sufficient beer, he will arrange that the findings of the Commission on Labour Unrest are as widely published and promulgated as possible so as to remove the slur that has been cast on the labouring classes of the country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Reports for each area are being separately printed, and he understands that copies will probably be placed on sale at a low price next week. He has no doubt that wide publicity will be given by the Press to the findings of the Commissioners.

Is it not a fact that this statement has caused great dissatisfaction and that the working people have a real grievance?

That is a matter of opinion. I do not quite know what statement the hon. and gallant Member means.

The statement that owing to the lack of beer these people are not working in munition factories, which was made by the Home Secretary in this House.

The Reports will be in the hands of the public in a very short time.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to prevent this state- ment going forth, because it is causing enormous dissatisfaction among the working people?

That does not rest with the Ministry of Labour.

Will the Reports be sent to Members of this House?

I understand that they will be laid on the Table of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether salaries are paid to elected Members of this House who refuse to take their seats; and, if so, whether, in view of the urgency for national economy, the Government will stop any salary being paid to such Members?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether applications for passports to Russia were made by Miss M. Bondfield, Mrs. Pethick Lawrence, Mrs. Despard, and Mrs. Philip Snowden, and that the object of the projected visit was to congratulate and confer with the Russian Council of Women; those applications having been refused, what reasons can be given for the refusal; and whether Mrs. Pankhurst, who has been allowed to go to Russia, received a request to go from any representative body of Russian women or went at his special desire?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. His Majesty's Government were unable to grant the applications as there did not seem sufficient grounds for making exceptions to the general rules on the subject. I have no information as to the last part of the question.