asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give the House any information about the recent Conference in Paris on the, Balkan questions; whether the future of Constantinople was there discussed; if so, whether any decision was agreed to; and whether the results of the Conference have been, or will be, submitted to the United States Government with a request for their adhesion?

I have nothing to add to the official report of the Conference, which has been published.

In view of the fact that this is our War, cannot we have any information about it?

I have already stated that the information has been given in the public Press?

As no information was given in the official statement in the Press about the United States, will the last part of the question on the Paper be answered and some attempt be made to give us a little information?

We are in full communication with the United States on all matters in which both Governments are interested.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received and acknowledged an intimation from our Brazilian Ally that her Navy has undertaken the work of patrolling the American coast from the Guianas to Rio Grande do Sul; and, if so, whether he is prepared to make any statement on the subject?

An intimation to this effect has been received, and due acknowledgment has been made to our Brazilian Ally.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his technical Committee has yet completed their estimate of the present cost of growing a quarter of wheat; and, if so, whether he will give it to the House, so that it may be compared with the figure of 67s. 6d. which he has given for two East Anglican farms?

The President proposes to furnish the estimate in question, with other figures, before the Report stage of the Corn Production Bill.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Controller of Import Restrictions has received representations in favour of permitting the importation of apples shipped in space not required for other essential commodities; and whether he is in a position to make a statement on this subject?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. and gallant Member, for the Enfield Division of Middlesex last Friday, of which I am sending him a copy.

Has not the hon. Gentleman received any representations since then?

Since Friday?

Yes.

Not to my knowledge, but I will inquire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 23rd June, 1917, a colliery company offered to supply a local merchant at Alton, Hants, with anthracite coal de-livered at Aldershot for 29s. 8d. per ton, subject to any restrictions which the Government might impose; that on 3rd July the coal merchant accepted the offer for five trucks, but the colliery company wrote regretting that owing to a new Order made by the Coal Controller they could not supply the coal at less than 35s. per ton; if he can state the reason why the Coal Controller ordered the price of the coal to be raised to 35s. from the quoted price of 29s. 8d.; and under what power, statutory or otherwise, does the Controller act in fixing prices?

The case which the hon. Member mentions probably arises out of the operation of Part I. of the Directions as to the Sale of Coal issued by the Controller of Coal Mines on the 28th June last under Regulation 9 G of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. These directions contain no provision affecting the right of consumers in the United Kingdom to purchase anthracite at prices in accordance with the Price of Coal (Limitation) Act, but in order to avoid fluctations in price under abnormal market conditions they provide that the prices to which colliers are entitled under the Act shall in all cases be maintained.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Coal Controller has informed colliery companies who usually supply coal mer- chants at Alton that the bulk of their output must be delivered to London merchants within fifteen miles of Charing Cross, and that consequently they cannot supply coal to Alton; that the London coal merchants are sending coal to Alton to the former customers of the local merchants; and under what Act the Coal Controller is empowered to further the interests of the London coal merchants and to prohibit country merchants from dealing in coal?

The only instructions of the Controller of Coal Mines which seem to have any bearing on this case are those issued at the end of March requiring collieries in the districts normally supplying London to send to London the same quantities day by day as were sent last year If the hon. Member will send the Controller particulars of this complaint it will receive his attention.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that there are a number of officers of the merchant service who have been released on parole by the Germans and who, being consequently debarred from employment at sea under existing conditions, are unable to find employment; whether both the Board of Trade and the Home Office have recently made temporary appointments which could have been filled by these officers; whether, as a matter of fact, any of these officers have been placed in a suitable position by his Department; and whether he will at once see that effective steps are taken to deal with the question?

I understand, to my regret, that some officers of the merchant service who have been released on parole have found difficulty in obtaining suitable employment. As stated in answer to previous questions, anything that is possible is being and will be done to help these men to obtain suitable employment; but the Board of Trade cannot itself take the responsibility of guaranteeing employment even in deserving cases like these. The recent temporary Board of Trade appointments to which the hon. Member refers were given to ex-master mariners who, in the opinion of the local principal officer, were best suited for the work in hand.

Has the hon. Gentleman, consulted, or will he consult, with the Admiralty as to shore jobs which these men are well able to perform and in which the Admiralty may be able to assist the Board of Trade in finding the necessary employment?

Yes, I will do that. We are very desirous of assisting these men.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will now treat collisions at sea due to steaming without lights as due to warlike operations in respect of gratuities and pensions for injury or death; and whether this decision will be retrospective in effect?

The principle that collisions directly due to steaming without lights should be regarded as due to war perils for the purposes of the Government Officers' and Seamen's Compensation Scheme has been acted on for some time. The decision is retrospective.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether Section 13, paragraph 6, of the Board of Trade Regulations with regard to life-saving appliances. (Cd. 7342) provides that where more boats than one are served by the same set of davits arrangements shall be made to prevent the falls fouling when they are recovered, and that an approved appliance for lowering the boats in turn, and rapidly, shall be provided; and whether the Board of Trade have adopted or propose adopting any method or appliance to avoid danger from this cause, and give effect to the Regulation?

Various methods have been, and are being, adopted to prevent fouling, such as the fitting of non-toppling blocks, the use of single wire falls, etc. Appliances have also been approved for lowering boats in turn and rapidly, and others are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary-Secretary to the Board of Trade if he will recommend to the Railway Commissioners the desirability of revising the fares on school children's treats excursions which take place daily in poor districts of the East End of London to Epping Forest?

I am making inquiries into this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Gentleman shortly.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether any exception has been taken recently to the constitution of the board of trustees of the Tate Gallery?

A memorial taking exception to the constitution of the board was addressed to the Treasury on behalf of British art institutions, its terms have been published in the daily Press.

Is it not a fact that an eminent artist declined to serve on the board of trustees, and can the hon. Gentleman give the reason?

I do not know.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he applied to the College of Science of Dublin to learn if it had the necessary facilities for giving instruction in nickel and brass casting before he transferred men from Ireland to Sheffield; and whether, in addition to the facilities provided at the College of Science in Dublin for instruction, work of this kind is actually being executed for the Government by a Dublin firm?

In reply to the first part of the question, I am informed that the facilities provided at Sheffield University, which specialises in the particular work for which the men were required to be trained, are unrivalled in the country, and that there are no equivalent facilities in Ireland. I am not aware that this particular metal has been supplied to the Ministry of Munitions by any Dublin firm.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Minister of Munitions did inquire of the College of Science, Dublin, whether or not it had facilities for giving this instruction?

The answer I have given shows that we were satisfied that no such facilities did exist in Ireland.

Where did he get the information from; did the hon. Gentleman apply to the College of Science, which itself is a Government Department?

I found that the Department had full information of such facilities as were available in Ireland.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether it is the practice of his Department to have a Civil servant at the head of every branch; and whether, therefore, there are Civil servants from the Post Office and other branches of the Civil Service to look after the ordering of munitions of various kinds?

The answer to the first part of the question is that there is no such practice. A number of Civil servants have been seconded for service in the Ministry. The decisions on the technical questions involved in the placing of contracts are taken by technical men.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he will take the necessary steps to put a stop to the waste of public money as well as metal and labour in the continued production of the metal clips and cotton bandoliers which are still being supplied to the Machine Gun Corps at the front, although these clips and bandoliers are purely an Infantry equipment for soldiers using a rifle and are not required at all for machine-gun work; and if he is aware that at the present time, as in the past, with the exception of a minimum quantity which are picked up and returned, nearly all these clips and bandoliers issued to Machine Gun Corps are thrown away as useless impedimenta, and that, as at the present time more than half of the small-arm cartridges used at the front are issued to machine gunners, he would be enabled to effect a saving of at least a £1,000,000 per war-year if this issue to the Machine Gun Corps was cancelled and the metal of which these clips is composed utilised for other purposes for which it is so urgently required?

My right hon. Friend is in communication with the Army Council upon this subject.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in view of the recommendations of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the industrial unrest, it is proposed to take immediate steps to set up in the munitions centres representative committees of employers and trade unionists; what methods it is proposed to adopt in order to secure committees which will command general confidence; what powers it is proposed to entrust to the committees; and whether in order to give the new machinery adequate scope and to ensure the decentralisation of control recommended by the Commissioners, he will consider the expediency of basing the proposed committees on the existing enlistment complaints committees?

My right hon. Friend is considering this matter, but I am not in a position to make any statement at the moment.

asked the Minister of Munitions under what conditions permits for the purchase or importing of machinery necessary for the fulfilment of their contracts are granted or withheld from manufacturers of munitions; whether he has had occasion to refuse such permits; and, if so, on what grounds?

In considering applications for leave to purchase machinery, whether of British or foreign origin, it is the practice of the Ministry to take into account— The object of these conditions is to assist output, and permits are refused where they are not satisfied.

asked the Minister of Munitions what qualifications are required for directors of the Trench Warfare Department of the Ministry of Munitions entrusted with the responsibility for safety conditions in national and other explosives-filling stations and factories; and whether the appointments to such posts are made by the Ministry of Munitions or by any other Department of State?

The responsibility for inspecting and reporting upon safety conditions in factories handling explosives under the Trench Warfare Supply Department of the Ministry rests, not with the Directors of the Department, but, so far as national factories are concerned, with the Safety of Factories Branch of the Explosives Supply Department of the Ministry, and, as far as trade factories are concerned, with the Home Office. The Director of the Safety of Factories Branch is an officer of the Ministry. The inspectors of the Home Office are appointed by the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if an English lady who is appointed by the London Committee of the French Red Cross and is engaged at a hospital in France, and was not resident in England in consequence during the year 1916–17, has lost her right to claim a return of Income Tax to which she would otherwise be entitled; whether she can be said to come within the provisions of Section 71 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, and if she can be said to be resident abroad within the meaning of the Act; and if the Treasury can give directions to meet similar cases of hardship?

I will gladly have inquiry made if my hon. Friend will furnish me with details of the case he has in mind.

It is not a question of any lady who is in France as a hospital assistant nurse. Are they being treated as residents abroad or residents in this country? Somerset House officials claim that they are resident abroad. It is suggested that hospital nurses are not resident abroad under the Act. It is a general question.

If my hon. Friend can give me a specific case, I will investigate it and give a satisfactory answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will supply the complete figures of those killed and injured in hostile air raids and in street accidents in the London Metropolitan area from the commencement of the War to date?

The figures are as follows:—

asked the Home Secretary whether, on the occasion of last. Sunday's air raid on the East Coast towns, the warning that enemy aeroplanes were about was not given at Ipswich or Felix-stowe until the bombardment was all over; and, if so, whether he will make inquiries as to who is responsible for this neglect?

I understand from the police that at Felixstowe the usual warning to the public could not be given before the bombardment took place owing to the shortness of the interval after the enemy were first sighted. As to Ipswich, I am making inquiries.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether in view of the importance of our airmen getting up in the air as speedily as possible on the approach of enemy machines, they are constantly kept below waiting for orders from a distant authority; and, if so, whether he will at once give instructions for the officers at the various aerodromes when a raid is in progress to act on their own initiative?

The answer to both parts of my right hon. Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the-Under-Secretary of State for War whether a number of German prisoners were recently employed in work at the Hendon aeroplane acceptance park; whether, in the course of their employment, they were allowed to approach within a short distance of aeroplanes situated there; and whether he will take steps to see that, in view of the danger of any such arrangement, German prisoners shall not be employed at aerodromes, or air-sheds, or aeroplane works, or anywhere near them?

German prisoners were employed on returfing and road building, under a guard, at Hendon on the occasion mentioned. No prisoner was less than 300 yards from the nearest aeroplane. As I explained in answer to the hon. Member for Hertford on the 20th instant, the employment of German prisoners on work of this character and on the construction of aerodromes and sheds or enlargement of existing establishments has been found necessary incases where civil labour is scarce or difficult to procure, in order not to delay the completion of urgent services, but I am assured that proper precautions are taken to prevent their approaching aeroplanes or working sheds.

Did this work on which the German prisoners were employed take place shortly before the air raid on London on 7th July?

As I have stated in my answer, these men were employed on returning and road building on the occasion mentioned.

On what date?

On the date mentioned.

I did not mention any date. When were these men employed at the place mentioned in my question?

I think I am safe in saying that they were employed some time during this month.

I am perfectly satisfied, if the hon. Gentleman gives me an answer, to take it as decisive. Does he know?

I cannot exactly say. The answer which I have given says "on the occasion mentioned" I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the occasion when the air raid took place.

Is not that really toying with the question and playing with the House? I said "recently employed" in the question.

I may answer my hon. Friend by saying that they were employed recently.

asked the Home Secretary how many police in plain clothes were brought into the precincts of this House on 25th July; how many of these were of military age; and whether he will say on how many days last week plain-clothes policemen were on duty in this House?

Police protection was afforded at the request of Mr. Speaker. All police dispositions are necessarily confidential, and unless the House so desires I do not propose to call for this information.

asked the Home Secretary if he can ascertain and give the nationality of a chiropodist, trading as J. Mock, of 1 and 3, Warwick Street, Regent Street; whether this person is of military age; and if he can say why he is not either serving if he is British or interned if he is an enemy alien?

J. Mock is an Austrian subject, aged forty-one, who has been nineteen years in this country and has a British-born wife. He was exempted from internment in 1915 on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee.

I made fresh inquiries about him early in the present year, but found no reason for thinking it desirable to cancel his exemption.

asked the Home Secretary if he is aware of the close commercial connection between Arthur Levi, an enemy alien, now trading under the name of Stacey, at 78, Great Russell Street, and the old enemy firm known as the Berlin Photographic Company, of 149, New Bond Street; if he is aware that the business of the Berlin Photographic Company was sold by order of the Public Trustee, and that the manager of the company, Arthur Levi, was a considerable purchaser of the stock, and that enemy traders such as Levi are now maintaining and building up businesses in this country to the disadvantage and loss of the British trade, the owners, managers, and staff of which have been placed at a disadvantage owing to the majority of their number having joined the fighting forces of their country; and, if so, will he take action to prevent the continuation of such trading?

The questions raised are mainly for the Board of Trade, and I am calling the attention of the board to the matter. But I may add that Mr. Arthur Levi has signed a form offering to undertake work of national importance, and the National Service Department is being asked to find him such work.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the successful efforts of enemy aliens to carry on the interests of enemy firms which have been supposed to have been abolished and sold up by orders of the Public Trustee; if he is aware, for instance, that the German trade in the cheaper kinds of reproductions of pictures, prints, and engravings is still being fostered for future expansion after the War; whether he knows that such firms as Haufstaengl, formerly trading in a large way at Pall Mall East, were in the habit of concealing their real profits in this country from the Inland Revenue authorities by the device of invoicing goods which had only cost a few pence to produce in Germany and to deliver in this country at sums far in excess of their cost and value, so that a reproduction, for instance, which had cost, say, 5d. to reproduce would by being invoiced over here at 4s. 11d. show only the meagre profit on the books in London of 1d. if sold at 5s.; if he is aware that, although the firm mentioned, Haufstaengl, has been closed by order of the Public Trustee, the apparent manager is still carrying on the same kind of business at premises known as the Little Art Rooms, Adelphi; if he knows that the apparent owner of this business was the former representative of Haufstaengl; that his name was H. E. A. Furst; and that he now calls himself Furst, without the German distinction over the second letter of his name; and if, in the interests of British trade, he will take steps to intern this man and all other enemy-born traders like him, naturalised or unnaturalised?

I know nothing about the business of Hanfstaengl, except that it has been wound up by order of the Board of Trade and no alien enemy would be allowed to carry it on. Mr. Furst is a naturalised British subject. Careful inquiry was made into his case at the beginning of 1916, and the Advisory Committee were then of opinion that there were no grounds for interning him or imposing restrictions on him under Article 14B of the Defence of the Realm Regulations. He has done nothing since that time which would justify me in asking the Committee to reconsider the case.

asked the Home Secretary whether in view of the fact that Louis Ferdinand Kehrhan was interned in Brixton Prison on account of his escape from an internment camp, he will now state what is to be the length of such detention; and what the authorities intend to do with the prisoner on the expiry of the period?

Kehrhan is interned because after careful consideration by the Advisory Committee and by successive Home Secretaries it is deemed necessary in the interests of public safety and the defence of the realm that he should not be at large. He will not be detained longer than those interests demand, but no further statement with regard to his release can be made at the present time.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that George Butt, of Knowle, Braunton, North Devon, managing single-handed a 4-acre fruit farm and market garden for a soldier on active service, was granted work of national importance on the land by the Hampstead local tribunal in May, 1916; that at Easter of the same year he was accused of distributing seditious leaflets but was able to satisfy the police of his innocence; that, as a result of this, however, his exemption was reviewed and cancelled by the Barn-staple local and appeal tribunals; and whether, in view of the fact that he is a whole-time agricultural worker, this is a violation of the arrangement between the Director of Recruiting and the Association of War Agricultural Committees in April last?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to his question. I understand that the exemption held on conscientious grounds by George Butt was withdrawn by the Hampstead Local Tribunal, and that he did not appeal to the London Appeal Tribunal, but made a subsequent application to the Barnstaple Local Tribunal, and later appealed to the Devon Appeal Tribunal, who refused exemption. The only question before the tribunals was whether exemption should be given on the ground of conscientious objection, and they had to confine their decision to this matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the naval authorities at Invergordon intimated on 26th March of this year that they would not oppose Miss Dora Merrens, nineteen years of age, coming to Invergordon to manage the watchmaker and jeweller's business of her brother while he was serving in the British Army, and that it is the Scottish Command headquarters in Edinburgh that are preventing the continuation of this soldier's business while he is at the War; and, if so, will he see that his Department does not treat thus soldiers who are offering their lives for their country?

The naval authorities intimated on 26th March that they would not oppose an application for Miss Merrens to visit Invergordon, and I understand that she was permitted to visit Invergordon for a month for the purpose of straightening out her business. It is not considered desirable that she should be allowed to remain there permanently. I am informed that the Invergordon business is not the sole support of the family and that they have two shops elsewhere.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this lady is resident in the College Division, which is represented by my hon. Friend (Mr. Watt), and that her brother is fighting at the front, and will he state why is it that the girl cannot carry on her brother's business while he is fighting with the British Army?

I am told that her brother is in a labour battalion in the neighbourhood of Calais. The senior naval authority at Invergordon has opposed the granting of any further extension of leave to Miss Merrens.

Do I understand the reason for the refusal to allow this girl to carry on her brother's business to be that he is serving in a labour battalion, which is one form of service on behalf of the Crown?

My hon. Friend must not understand that. It is in accordance with the opinion formed by the competent military authority.

Is this woman's loyalty suspected?

No; I do not think that this woman's loyalty is suspected.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether Emanuel Ribeiro, a conscientious objector at Lord Derby's hospital at Winnick, near Warrington, is still being forcibly fed; if so, will he say if this has been going on since January; has he now been placed on the lunatic side of the hospital, although he is perfectly sane; and, seeing that by suffering in this way for his principles for so many months he has proved the genuine character of his conscientious objection, whether he will be released forthwith?

It is necessary to make local inquiries before this question can be answered. I have called for a report, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as I can. Meanwhile I do not hold out any prospect of this man's release.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War the number of conscientious objectors who have refused to go before the Central Tribunal and the number deemed by the Central Tribunal as not genuine?

I have been asked to answer this question. I am informed that the number of men who have refused to accept the conditions of the inquiry into their cases by the Central Tribunal is 505; and, in addition, 158 men who have been examined have not been offered work under the Home Office Committee in consequence of the reports by the Central Tribunal.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if G. F. Dutch, 32nd Training Reserve Battalion, Longhill Camp, Dover, was court-martialled for the fourth time on 8th June at Dover; if a month later, 5th July, his sentence was promulgated; if this sentence of three years' penal servitude was commuted to two years' hard labour; if Dutch is still in the detention cells at Longhill Camp; and, if so, why he has not been removed to a civil prison?

I have called for a report on this matter, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware that, contrary to Army Council Instructions, the Officer Commanding the 71st Division has recently issued an order to the officers commanding companies that furlough should not be granted, except in circumstances that call for very special consideration, to any non-commissioned officer or man who refuses to be inoculated or vaccinated; whether he will have such an order withdrawn and prevent such non-commissioned officers and men from being penalised for acting on the faith of the Army Council's own instructions; (2) whether he is aware that Gunner G. E. Smith, of 396th Battery, Royal Field Artillery, Westbere Camp, was repeatedly paraded for inoculation, and on exercising his legal right of refusal was each time placed under open arrest, charged, and remanded, but not brought to trial; that under this persecution his consent was obtained against his will and convictions; whether any reprimand has been or will be issued to the officer responsible for this violation of the soldier's rights; and whether the same kind of pressure is to be used to compel him to accept vaccination?

I am making inquiries into the matters raised by my hon. Friend in these questions, and will inform him of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private Stubbs, of the 13th North Staffordshire Regiment, is now in No. 1, C Ward, of the Military Hospital, Canterbury, suffering from pneumonia following inoculation and vaccination; that after these he had to undergo long marches with heavy packs; that this man, who only joined up some six or seven weeks ago, was then in perfect health; that he was inoculated on one arm and vaccinated on the other soon after joining his regiment; that the vaccination caused two large sores to develop on his arm; and that the supervening illness was so serious that his relatives were sent for from Staffordshire; and whether the practice of vaccinating between the two inoculations will be stopped and the men allowed to recover from the effects of these operations before being subjected to work and conditions which in the disturbed state of their health may have serious effects?

I have called for a report, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of married men in Classes C 2 and C 3 have received calling-up papers to report themselves for military service on 3rd August; and will he consider the advisability of postponing this call until after the Bank Holiday, so that these men can spend the Bank Holiday with their families?

I regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion made by my hon. Friend. The necessities of the Service make it impossible to interfere with the arrangements made for the provision of recruits, and I do not think that it would be fair, even if it were possible, to discriminate between different classes.

As these men will not reach their depots until Saturday afternoon or Saturday night, what possible use will they be before Monday?

I am afraid that I cannot usefully add anything to the answer which I have given. If I made any such promise as my hon. Friend suggests it would be an unfairness to the other classes of recruits.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that ex-Private W. Cahill, No. 4558, 4th Seaforth Highlanders, who was discharged from hospital and from the Army in November last suffering from shell-shock, and is still in such a condition that his limbs are continually shaking, has been informed that he may have institutional treatment on condition that he sacrifices 1s. a day from his pension whilst he is in residence during treatment; and whether, under the circumstances, he will arrange to remit this charge?

I have been asked by the Minister of Pensions to reply for him. Under Article 6 of the new Royal Warrant special allowances equivalent to pension for the highest degree of disablement are payable during a period of treatment or training, and when such treatment is given in an institution a deduction from the allowance is authorised to be made towards the cost of the man's maintenance. This deduction has been fixed at the uniform rate of 1s. a day whatever the actual cost of the man's maintenance and treatment may amount to. It leaves the man if a private 20s. 6d. a week for himself, and, in addition, allowances are paid to his wife for herself and the children or to dependants This appears to me to be a generous provision, and I am not, on the facts presented by the hon. Member, prepared to increase it.

May I ask whether in many of these cases, the allowance is not paid to the wife, but only for the children?

I am answering the question only for my right hon. Friend, and I am not in a position to reply to supplementary questions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if no sea experience is necessary previous to obtaining a commission in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, while before being commissioned in the Royal Naval Reserve a candidate must have been at sea for at least one year or, alternatively, he must have served for two years on His Majesty's ship "Worcester" or His Majesty's ship "Conway"; and what is the daily pay of a midshipman in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Naval Reserve?

I assume from the wording of this question that it is intended to relate to young officers entered as midshipmen in the Royal Naval Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve respectively. The service required for midshipmen, Royal Naval Reserve, is as stated in the question, but if a candidate has served nearly a year at sea he is generally accepted if his next voyage would more than complete a year. A small number only of midshipmen, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, has been entered. No previous sea experience is required in their case, but those who have had any are given preference. As regards the last part of the question, the pay of a midshipman, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, is 5s. a day; the pay of a midshipman, Royal Naval Reserve, is 3s. a day, under two years' seniority, and 4s. after two years' seniority, with messing allowance of 1s. a day in both cases. I may point out that a midshipman, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, on entry is older than a midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Does not the difference in pay between the two seem a little unfair? The more experienced man seems to get less pay than the inexperienced.

I am afraid I cannot argue the matter at this juncture, but I will look into it again without giving any undertaking.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the recent award of the Committee on Production in the arbitration between the federated shipbuilding and federated engineering employers and the trade unions representing the workmen employed by the federated firms; and whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to apply the further war increases of 3s. a week for men and 1s. 6d. a week for boys, youths, and apprentices under eighteen years of age, as embodied in the award, to the workpeople in the Royal dockyards from the same date as it is to apply in the private shipbuilding and engineering firms, namely, the 1st August?

Yes, Sir, to both parts of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will give the number of petty officers and men who, since the outbreak of war to the 30th June last, have completed twenty-two years' service and are thereby entitled to pensions varying from £18 to £60 per annum; whether he will say on what ground these pensions have been withheld and in lieu thereof the men given 2d. a day; whether men who have completed twenty-two years' service before 2nd August, 1914, are given their pensions as well as their pay; if not, will he say on what principle of equity the Admiralty justify the breaking of a contract in this way; will he give the matter reconsideration so that petty officers and men who have completed twenty-two years' service, whether before or after the outbreak of war, may be placed on the same footing as regards pay and pensions; (2) whether he is aware that irritation exists in the Navy with regard to the continued entry of civilians in ranks and higher ratings for which they have no special qualification, the classes referred to being sub-lieutenants and lieutenants in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, wireless telegraphists as chief petty officers and warrant officers, physical training instructors as chief petty officers Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, auxiliary sick-berth reserve ratings entered in higher ratings and paid at higher rates in all ratings than active service men, assistant paymasters Royal Naval Reserve and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, and police constables as ships' corporals, without giving opportunities to active service men to serve in these positions when vacancies Occur; and that it often happens that petty officers, in addition to serving under: civilians, are called upon to instruct and train them in their duties; will he undertake to see that these disabilities are removed, seeing that they mitigate against the efficiency of the Navy and are detrimental to the legitimate aims and aspirations of lower-deck ratings; (3) whether he is aware of the hardships arising in many cases owing to the system of hospital stoppages in the Royal Navy; will he state on what ground the Admiralty justify deductions of 45 per cent. to 60 per cent. from the pay of men and boys in the Royal Navy if kept in a home hospital for treatment of disease, unless possessing what is known as a hurt certificate, for a period of sixty days, and if remaining over ninety days stopping their pay altogether; is it realised by the Admiralty that if a man without a hurt certificate remains in hospital for over ninety days, supposing that man to be married, his wife and family have to subsist on half his pay, and if he remains over the ninety days the entire means of livelihood for himself and his family are taken away; (4) whether he is aware that, in order to obtain men for the Navy, among the advantages set out is that medical attendance and medicine are given free of charge, that treatment in naval hospital is allowed, full pay being allowed for three months with a reduction after the first seventy days, unless previously invalided from the Service; that this promise is a myth, seeing that in cases of ordinary disease and serious illness not directly attributable to service, although possibly contracted in the Service, after thirty days in hospital deductions are made, and after ninety days pay ceases; what action will be taken to ensure the promised advantages being given; (5) whether, in the matter of hospital stoppages, aggravation by service is taken into account; if not, will he press this reform with a view of at any rate placing these stoppages on an equality with eligibility for pensions under the new Warrant; and (6) whether he is aware that the present system of hospital stoppages acts not only injuriously to the men themselves, but places the medical authorities in a difficult position, seeing that cases of incipient tuberculosis, appendicitis, hernia, etc., often brought on or aggravated by expo- sure while on service, are seldom cured in thirty days, consequently to avoid deductions a man often begs to be sent out of hospital, and the medical officer, sympathising with him and knowing what deductions in pay mean to his family, frequently allows him out before he is really fit, thus it happens that these stoppages act prejudicially to the man himself as well as to the efficiency of the Navy; and will he take these matters into consideration when reconsidering the question?

These questions deal with detained pay to men detained for service during the War period, with the direct entry during hostilities of civilians to higher ratings and ranks, and with hospital stoppages. It would, I think, be more satisfactory if they were dealt with in the Debate which I understand will immediately follow on the Motion for the Third Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that the War Cabinet is becoming more and more remote from the House of Commons, he will make arrangements, even if involving legislation, whereby it will be possible for all members of the War Cabinet and also Secretaries of State who may have seats in the House of Lords to answer questions from time to time in this House and also to address this House periodically either in open or in Secret Session?

The answer is in the negative.

As these members of the Cabinet do not come here we are forced to judge them by results. Is not that prejudicial to their reputation?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Report of the Commissioners of Inquiry into Industrial Unrest has been received; and whether it will be published at once for the general public?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Reports have, as already stated, been received and are now in the Press. It is hoped that copies will be placed on sale in the course of the next few days.

asked the Home Secretary if he will take steps to investigate the wholesale complaints of the insufficiency of the food allowed to prisoners of war in Alexandra Palace, and also the allegations of the poor quality of the food; and will he say if prisoners are not allowed to receive food from friends outside?

I am informed that nothing is known of any wholesale complaints as to the insufficiency or poor quality of the food issued to the interned civilian prisoners of war at Alexandra Palace. Prisoners are allowed to receive food from friends outside in the United Kingdom, but such food must not contain meat, sugar, or flour in any form. There is no restriction in any way as regards receipt of parcels from overseas.

Are they also allowed parcels from friends in this country?

I have said so, but they must not contain meat, sugar, or flour.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if he can state whether Turkey has yet consented to allow representatives of the Geneva Red Cross to visit and, if so, which prisoners' camps in Turkey; when the representatives will start; what are their names; and how soon does he expect that their Report will be received?

I regret to state that the International Committee of the Red Cross Society at Geneva have not yet secured permission to visit camps in Turkey where British prisoners of war are interned.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) the names of those who constitute the International Red Cross Committee in Constantinople; who is now the chairman; and what is the method adopted to ensure that the money and clothes distributed by the committee to British, Colonial, and Indian prisoners in Turkey in fact reach the prisoners' hands?

There is no International Red Cross Committee at Constantinople. I presume that what my hon. Friend has in mind is the Ottoman Red Crescent Society. The fullest account possessed by His Majesty's Government of this body and of its present activities is contained in the report of the Swiss Red. Cross delegates on their visit to Turkey, copies of which may be obtained from the British Red Cross Society.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the progress made with the Finance and other Bills, and especially with the Corn Production Bill, and also in view of the general spirit of accommodation shown by the House, he will consider the possibility of disposing of all outstanding emergent Parliamentary business by the middle of August next so as to enable the Ministers, as far as possible, and Members of Parliament generally, to obtain a reasonable degree of rest and recreation before encountering the burdens of the Autumn Session?

I need not say that I share the hope expressed in my hon. Friend's question that the date of the adjournment should be hastened as much as possible, and that the Government will do their best to expedite it.

asked on what date it is expected this House will rise for the Autumn Recess, and what work it is intended the Government will insist on this House accomplishing before that day?

I hope to be able to make a statement on this subject on Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to articles in a London financial paper to the effect that a man of very high position in this country has been for three years systematically playing the traitor; and, if so, will he take action under the Defence of the Realm Act to summon the editor of such paper before the military authorities so that he may put his information at their service, in view of the fact that such action was satisfactorily taken in a Scottish case where similar statements had been made by a man holding the responsible positions of county councillor and justice of the peace?

If the hon. Member will give me details of the specific case to which he refers I shall have inquiry made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is an open secret that the "Financial News," rightly or wrongly, three or four days a week, has articles of the most extraordinary character which, if true, ought to have been answered long ago, and, if false, ought to have been proved false?

It may be an open secret, but it is the first time I have heard of it. If the hon. Gentleman will give me dates, I will look into it.

Are we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman requires someone to read the papers for him, and that nobody has told him about this?

I read a great many papers, but the "Financial News" is not one of them.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether the Memorandum on the purchase of the liquor traffic by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) was originally drawn up and agreed to without any intention of its being published but only for the guidance of the Cabinet; whether subsequently the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) were consulted as to its publication; whether eventually the Memorandum was published without the Board's knowledge and consent; (2) in view of the experience gained and lapse of time passed since the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) agreed on its Memorandum on the purchase of the liquor traffic he will again refer the Memorandum to the Board with a request that it may be either confirmed or corrected in the light of recent developments?

I understand that in drawing up this Memorandum the Board had clearly in mind the possibility that the Government might desire to publish it. The decision to publish was taken by the Government on their own discretion. I do not think it necessary to refer the matter back to the Board at the present time.

Is it not a fact that the Board were asked if they were willing for the Memorandum to be published, and they decline to give that promise, and yet in spite of that refusal of the Board the Prime Minister published it?

I believe that is not a fact, and that they were not expressly asked.

Did the Cabinet ask the Board of Control to draw up a Memorandum on State purchase?

I think not. I think it was drawn up on their own initiative.

I will raise the question later.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr. Snowden) is a member of this Board and can speak with first-hand knowledge, of which the right hon. Gentleman cannot?

If he says it was put to the Board and they declined, we ought to be aware of it. I was not aware of it, but I will make inquiries.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will have the weekly returns of shipping lost through the action of submarines so amended as to show the number of ships entering and leaving British ports from or to places abroad, excluding cross-channel traffic, and also the total tonnage of the ships sunk?

I can only refer the hon. Member to previous replies on this question.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to a current Treasury prosecution for fraudulent evasion of Income Tax and Excess Profits Duty involving alleged loss to other taxpayers of tens of thousands of pounds; whether he can give, with or without disclosing names, any particulars of the number of firms and the amount of money involved in such prosecutions of this kind as the Treasury has authorised since the Excess Profits Duty was established; what is the maximum penalty which has been enforced in any one of these cases; and whether the penalties provided by law for fraudulent evasion of Excess Profits Duty include imprisonment without the option of a fine or any alternative money payment?

Proceedings in the type of case which my hon. Friend appears to have in mind were not taken under any provisions of the Revenue Code, but were criminal proceedings instituted at the instance of the Board of Inland Revenue for offences such as perjury, conspiracy, etc., committed with a view to defraud the Crown. The sentences inflicted for criminal offences committed in connection with Excess Profits Duty have ranged up to twelve months' imprisonment; but I may remind my hon. Friend that the liability to assessment of these offenders is not affected by the conviction on the criminal charge.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he has got all the criminals involved in this question?

I am not sure, but the Board of Inland Revenue have got as many as they could.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what stoppages in pay, if any, are made in the cases of naval officers sent to hospital for ordinary sickness or disease; and, if none are made, will he explain why a similar course is not pursued in the case of the men of the lower deck, more especially seeing that Army men's pay in similar circumstances is not stopped?

The full pay of naval officers sent to hospital in ordinary cases ceases after the lapse of forty-two days or supersession in appointment, unless specially extended up to a maxi- mum of ninety-one days. The latter half of the question does not, therefore, arise, but in any case the reference to Army practice is not correct.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he has any information to give the House in regard to the mine which sunk the Peninsular and Oriental liner "Mongolia"; whether the mine was laid by a neutral steamer; if so, whether the steamer has been caught; and how many mines did she have on board?

The "Mongolia" was sunk at noon on the 24th June last, near Bombay, by a mine which is believed to have formed part of a minefield laid by the German raider "Wolf." It is not considered that the mine was laid by a neutral steamer, and the last two parts of the question do not therefore arise.

Was any neutral steamer captured with bombs on board?

I cannot say. I will inquire.

Has the right hon. Gentleman disposed of the "Wolf" yet.

I must have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Education the composition of the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the status and salaries of teachers and the terms of reference to the Committee?

I presume that the hon. Member refers to the Committee which I propose to set up to inquire into the principles which should determine the fixing of salaries for teachers in secondary and technical schools, schools of art, training colleges, and other public institutions for higher education (other than university institutions), due regard being had to such differentiation in respect to locality, duties, qualifications, sex, and other relevant considerations as is consistent with or necessary for the organisation of the teaching service throughout the country on a system conducive to the efficiency of national education. The Committee will be at liberty to illustrate any system which they recommend by such specific sums of money as they think fit; but they are not asked to consider the question of the amounts by which existing salaries should be improved in particular areas or schools, or the scources from which the amounts required for that purpose should be provided. The constitution of this Committee has not yet been settled.

If the right hon. Gentleman cannot tell us the constitution of the Committee, am I right in supposing that the teachers are to have some representation on the Committee?

Yes, Sir.

Will the uncertificated teachers have representation on the Committee?

The case of the uncertificated teachers does not arise. This is a Committee dealing with secondary education and higher forms of education.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is proposed to issue an Order under the Defence of the Realm Acts authorising the shooting of grouse and blackgame from the beginning of the month of August onwards, having regard to the addition to the national food supply which may be obtained from this source and to the difficulty in securing these game birds later on in the season?

In view of the shortage of sporting ammunition which accentuates the difficulty of preventing injury to crops at a later period of the year, I am prepared to consider an Order accelerating the opening of the grouse and blackgame season. Having regard, however, to the opposition with which a similar proposal was met in this House in 1915, I should welcome any expression of views from those interested within the next day or two.

asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the statement of the Chairman of the Award Committee that the amount of the award of the Committee has been misinterpreted by the Postmaster-General; is he aware that the award has been paid up in full to one section, but not to all; and whether, under these circumstances, he is prepared to receive a deputation of the temporary postal employés for the purpose of having their case heard and this matter settled?

The Chairman of the Board informs me that no such statement has been made by him. If any doubt arises as to the interpretation of the award, the matter should, under Clause (8) be referred to the Board for decision.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland why the claim of Mr. Edward O'Neill, of 34, Eden Quay, Dublin, of £318 14s. for damage done to his premises by the military authorities cannot be entertained, having regard to the fact that he has already been paid by the Property Losses Committee a sum of £205 for stock taken away and furniture injured by the military authorities, when the authorities were satisfied by the Dublin Metropolitan Police that the said Edward O'Neill had no connection whatever with the parties concerned in the insurrection of Easter week; and if it is on the ground of the Transport Workers' Union being the ground landlord of O'Neill's premises that the claim is rejected?

I am making inquiries as to this matter.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when it is expected that the awards will be made in the Rebellion victims' cases which are now in the hands of the Treasury for consideration; if he is aware that many of the dependants of the persons killed have have been for the past fifteen months in a destitute condition and dependent on friends or charitable funds for their subsistence; and if he will see that the awards are issued at the earliest possible moment?

I cannot fix a date, but the awards will be issued as soon as possible.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will state how the 8d. per day working pay now payable to trades warders in the Irish prisons service in substitution of their old pensionable allowance of £10 per annum will in the year amount to over £12, seeing that trades warders do not work, and consequently are not paid working pay for, the fifty-two Sundays, eleven prison holidays, and twelve days' annual leave each year; if the amount will be really less by 6s. 8d. per annum than the old allowance of £10; will he say how he arrives at the sum of £6 per annum in the case of trades warders hitherto in receipt of £5 per annum but now receiving working pay at the rate of 4d. per day, seeing that, in their case also, he must deduct in Sundays, holidays, and annual leave seventy-five days from the year; if the annual rate of working pay in their case will be 3s. 4d. less than their old allowance of £5; why are the old allowances of £20, £15, and £10 pensionable and counting for salary in the case of warders occupying special posts who were promoted to Class II., while in the case of Class III. warders, holding similar posts, such allowances are entirely forfeited both as regards salary and pension; why in some prisons trades warders are, when detailed for Saturday evening duty, precluded from earning working pay on that day also; and if he will give the name of the official directly responsible for supplying him with the information on which the figures given above were based?

I am unable to add anything to the full reply I gave on the 12th July to the hon. Member for the Leix Division of Queen's County.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that a number of the Irish prison officers male staff are not allowed every alternate Sunday off as they are in England; and whether he will take action to see that the Irish prison officers are allowed the same concessions as those in England?

The principle of granting alternate Sundays off duty or, when that is impracticable, a day in lieu thereof during the following fortnight has been adopted in the Irish prison service, and all possible means are taken to see that the officers get the advantage of it.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that under the new system of pay in Irish prisons a second-class chief warder's pay is only equivalent to a third-class chief warder's pay in England; and whether he will take steps to remedy this grievance?

There are only two classes of chief warders in the Irish prison service. The junior class in each service receive equivalent rates of pay.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is satisfied that the measures the Government have taken under the Defence of the Realm Act to prevent the arming, drilling, and organising of bodies of men for an avowed seditious purpose have proved effectual; and, if not, will he say what further steps will be taken to end this menace to the loyal inhabitants of the country?

The Government have taken, and will continue to take, the measures they deem necessary for the public safety in Ireland. I think it would not be in the public interest for me to discuss these measures by way of question and answer.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a report of the assault and beating of a soldier by an organised body of men armed with hurleys on the occasion of the presentation of the freedom of the town of Sligo to Madame Marckiewicz by the Mayor on the 23rd instant in recognition of her efforts for the independence of Ireland during the late rebellion; and what efforts are taken to warn men of the forces of the Crown that the authorities can no longer be responsible for their safety?

I am informed that no soldier was assaulted by an organised body of men, that there was no body of men armed with hurleys, and that hurleys were not carried by the crowd. A soldier who announced his intention to disperse the meeting, and was struck with a stick, was protected by the police.

asked whether the lads who join the Training Reserves on attaining the age of eighteen are entitled to four days' leave when they complete twelve weeks' service, and, if so, why the lads belonging to the 17th Training Reserve battalion, stationed at Ray Farm Camp, Parkeston, near Harwich, have not had their leave?

My right hon. Friend does not state the condition as to the grant of leave quite correctly. It is three months' training and not three months' service which is necessary. Eighty per cent. of the battalion to which he refers began training on 20th April, but the training has been interrupted by moves, and leave is not yet quite due. Twenty per cent. of the battalion joined the unit in the middle of June. These were entitled to leave, but this was withheld as a matter of discipline as a considerable number absented themselves to London, and their conduct was not up to the general standard. Leave in batches has now been arranged for and will be given from this week onwards.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction felt by the temporary commissioned officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps with the new form of contract for an indefinite term of service which they are now being asked to sign; whether, owing to such dissatisfaction, temporary commissioned officers have declined to continue their services under the new form of contract; and whether steps have been or will be taken to remove the grievance?

Renewal for the period of the present emergency applies only to those medical men who come under the provisions of the Military Ser- vice Act, and the terms of the contracts only bring them under the same conditions of service as other civilians who are liable under this Act.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has been able yet to issue instructions that Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses and workers may now obtain concession travelling warrants to enable them to travel on a return journey for a. single fare, i.e., at half the cost of prewar fares; if he is aware that this privilege is already enjoyed by all officers and by the nurses of the Canadian Expeditionary Force; and if he will now extend this practice to the Voluntary Aid Detachment nurses?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 13th instant to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Chertsey, to which I can add nothing at present. Officers and nurses of the Canadian Expeditionary Force are on the same footing as regards travelling concessions as those of the Imperial Forces.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why, when the Great Central Hotel, Marylebone, ceased to be a hotel and became a convalescent home for British officers, the services of Mr. Frick, a Swiss, formerly manager of the hotel, were retained; whether, now that the hotel has become a British military hospital, his services are still retained and for what purpose, in what capacity, at what salary, and to whom is he responsible; why, when the hotel became a convalescent home, was not a British-born subject selected to perform Mr. Frick's duties; and are any other neutrals, and how many, now employed at the said military hospital, or any naturalised Germans or Austrians or enemy aliens, and how many?

Mr. Frick, a Swiss citizen of Swiss descent for many generations, was retained, because it was felt that no one else could be found possessing the same intimate knowledge of the hotel and its personnel, of which the greater part were retained. It was considered that his services would contribute to the comfort of the patients and the advantage of the public service. He has given the greatest satisfaction, and has saved a large sum of money on the catering. His salary is £700 for the joint services of himself and his wife; he is responsible to the officer in charge of the hospital. There are no naturalised Germans or Austrians nor enemy aliens employed. There are sixteen other neutrals in addition to Mr. Frick employed in the hospital.

Why are sixteen other aliens employed?

I cannot say that. I will make inquiries.

Considering that this is a British military hospital, and that it is well known officers talk with each other, and leave their letters and papers about the room, was it not possible and advisable that a British subject and not a neutral should have been employed, and certainly not sixteen other neutrals?

The hon. Member is delivering a reasoned speech.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether soldiers or others who may be entitled to wear the gold stripe on the left arm indicating that they were wounded while serving their country are entitled to wear this distinguishing stripe if the wound they have sustained is caused by the firing of our own anti-aircraft guns?

The distinction is authorised for officers and soldiers who have been wounded by the enemy. Accidental wounds do not qualify for it.