asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the fact that the persons in costal towns insuring against enemy attack from air and sea are invariably persons who have suffered pecuniary loss through the War by the accident of their geographical situation, he will consider anew the propriety of providing for such insurances out of Imperial resources?

Arrangements are being made for a Conference between representatives of the Government and of the deputation recently received by the Prime Minister on this subject, in order that a decision may be reached without delay.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the treatment of seamen survivors of submarined ships; if he is aware of the refusal to compensate them for their losses, and that they have to pay for the clothes which are supplied when rescued; if he is aware that from the moment their ship is lost their wages cease; who is responsible for this treatment; and if the Government propose to take any action on behalf of these men?

This question is at present being considered by me in consultation with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. If the hon. Member will put down this question again before the Recess, I hope that I may be in a position to answer it.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the authority of the Commissioners of Income Tax for requiring dividends earned during the financial year 1916–17 but not paid until after the 5th April, 1917, and in some cases not paid for some time after, to be included in a claim for return of Income Tax for the financial year the 6th April, 1916, to the 5th April, 1917, inclusive; and whether the amount of tax to be dealt with should be in respect of dividends actually received during the said financial year as in the case of super-tax?

For purposes of assessment to Super-tax the computation of income from dividends is regulated by a special provision contained in Section 66 (2) ( d ) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, which adopts as the criterion the dividends receivable in the previous year. This provision does not apply to claims for the repayment of Income Tax. These depend on the year of charge within which the dividends, or the profits out of which they were paid, were assessable.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a copy of a resolution of the County Dublin Food Production Advisory Committee, which has been adopted by the Dublin Cowkeepers and Dairymen's Association, respecting the feeding of milch cows during the coming winter and spring; and whether special arrangements will be made to meet this requirement?

I have received a copy of the resolution, and the matter is receiving the attention of the Department of Agriculture.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when compensation will be paid to James Smith, who was wounded in the Rebellion in Ireland; if he is aware that this man has been left totally unfit to earn his living; and if he is aware that there are a number of cases which were considered by the Rebellion Victims Committee twelve months ago and not settled yet?

The consideration of this claim was delayed owing to the necessity of an X-Ray examination of the applicant. The Report of the Rebellion Victims Committee on the case has now been received, and there will be no delay in coming to a decision. As regards last part of the question, I would refer to the answer I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for the College Green Division of Dublin.

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?

This man appeared on both the occasions mentioned in my hon. Friend's question before the same president, who is a very capable and careful officer, and was examined and classified by the members of the board and the president. The president's explanation of the difference in the result is quite reasonable. In the earlier period of the War it was a common practice to reject any man suffering from any form of cardiac disability or with any type of cardiac murmur. At the second examination or 11th May, 1917, the board determined to classify him C1, because, though it was recognised that his heart was not perfect, and that a cardiac murmur could be heard, the compensation established by the heart and blood vessels was good. Such a case classified C1 may do well with careful training under medical observations; he will not be employed with this classification in general service. In view of the suggestion in my hon. Friend's question that he can "only work very intermittently," a special medical examination will be arranged for this man at an early date, and the evidence bearing on his case will be submitted to the Special Medical Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what it is proposed to do with the wives and families of British subjects resident in Russia who are conscripted for the Army and who prefer to serve in the British Army; and are they to be brought over to this country or will separation allowances be paid as if the wives and families were resident in this country?

Separation allowances will be paid to the wives and families of British subjects who return to this country from Russia for military service in virtue of the agreement with the Russian Government, at the appropriate rates, whether the wives and families return to this country or remain in Russia.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, in the case of soldiers who are now employed in overseas canteens and had been promised annual grants from the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department, definite arrangements will be made for the transfer of the obligation from one Department to another, keeping in view that uncertainty about promised payments leads to much hardship and inconvenience; is he aware that, in the case of Sergeant H. Pethybridge, 46, St. John's Mansions, Upper Holloway, who was granted £30 10s. a year on 17th March, 1917, to run from 18th January, 1917, payable quarterly, the Civil Liabilities Department, on behalf of the Expeditionary Force Canteens Committee, wrote to Mrs. Pethybridge recently enclosing the quarter's allowance to 30th June, 1917, but stating that it must be understood that this payment was made by the Expeditionary Force Canteens Committee exceptionally, and that they did not undertake to renew the payment for any future quarter; will he give a reason for this intimation, and say whether it is merely precautionary; and, assuming that the Government has no thought of repudiating the grant from one source or another, will he explain how Mrs. Pethybridge and others similarly situated are to meet liabilities incurred on the strength of the original promise?

The facts are as stated, but I am unable at present to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on the 16th July on this subject.

asked the Minister of Munitions on what grounds a permit was granted in December, 1916, to the syndicate in occupation of the Holborn Stadium to use a quantity of steel for girders and also thousands of feet of timber for the adaptation of the premises in question; whether in granting the permit an agreement was entered into to use the premises as a hostel for troops passing through London, provision being made for 500 beds for that purpose; whether this agreement has ever been adhered to; if not, have any steps been taken to hold the syndicate to the terms of the original undertaking; and what is the nature of the steps, if any, that have been taken?

An application for a licence for the work referred to was first refused, but was subsequently granted at the request of the Y. M. C. A. supported by the War Office, on the understanding that the Y. M. C. A. should have the use of the building at any time for providing sleeping accommodation for soldiers, and that the building should only be used for boxing with their consent. The expenditure approved was £4,000, not £10,000, and I am informed that no constructional steel was used. The alterations were necessary to make the building suitable for the use of soldiers. I was not aware that its use by them had been discontinued, and I am inquiring into the matter; but I would draw the hon. Member's attention to the reply given on Monday by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the volunteer munition workers who came to this country from South Africa have been supplied with the badges that were promised them; and, if not, will he give instructions that badges be given them forthwith?

War service badges were originally supplied to munitions workers who came to this country from South Africa. No further badges have been issued since the date when they ceased to afford protection from military service. A certain number of badges already issued have not been withdrawn. If my hon. Friend has any information to show that any general desire for badges exists amongst South African munitions workers who have not hitherto received them, I shall be glad if he will communicate with me

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware of the insanitary state of the lower part of the building in Northumberland Street occupied by the women employed on the staff of the Health and Welfare Department; if he is aware that defective drains make that part of the building insanitary and offensive, and that the men occupy the upper floors, which are not so affected; and if he will take prompt steps to ensure that the women of the Health and Welfare Department are not subjected to unhealthy conditions in their employment?

The Office of Works have recently tested the drains in these buildings. Some slight defects were remedied, and the present condition is satisfactory.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions if men engaged on construction work at His Majesty's factory in Gretna have been given notice of an official holiday to date from 2nd August to 8th August; and, if no vouchers entitling workers to travel to their homes in various parts of the country at cheap rates will be issued, will this matter be immediately reconsidered?

The facts are as stated in the first part of the question. In regard to the second part, my right hon. Friend has had placed at his disposal for the period in question an increased but still limited number of the week-end vouchers which are available for married men employed in controlled establishments to enable them to visit their homes. It has further been arranged that these tickets will be available for a period of ten days so as to cover the August holiday period. If any surplus is available after the claims of the married men have been satisfied, it will be distributed among other classes of workers in controlled establishments.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether first-class railway warrants are issued to the members of the Liquor Control Board when they are travelling from town to town; and what expenses are allowed per day for such members when away from London?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by Dr. Addison to the hon. Member for Nottingham East on 26th June, 1916.

asked the Minister of Munitions if he is aware that Messrs. Holloway Brothers, the main contractors for the erection of houses at Rosyth, are employing a number of Army Reserve munition workers; that although the hours of the district are nine per day the firm is trying to compel these men to work ten, and refuse to pay overtime for the extra hour worked; that the Labour Exchange officials on the works have informed the men that if they do not comply with the firm's instructions they will be suspended for insubordination and drafted into the Army; and whether, seeing that this is a violation of the conditions under which these men enrolled as Army Reserve munition workers, he will compel the firm to observe the conditions under which they enrolled?

I am having inquiry made into the matter.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he will make representations to the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) as to the advisability of taking measures to secure that the supply of beer now available shall be sold at fixed prices representing a fair margin of profit in order that the workers in great industrial centres may obtain their refreshment at prices similar to those prevailing in other parts of the country?

I have been asked to reply. The cost of the manufacture and sale of beer varies so considerably in different districts that it is not thought practicable to fix a uniform price throughout the country.

asked the President of the Board of Education if it is intended to appoint under the proposed Ministry of Reconstruction a Special Committee on Education to review the recommendations of the several Committees already appointed; and whether such Committee, if appointed, will be empowered to deal with educational questions outside the references to those Committees?

I have no knowledge of such an intention. I shall certainly welcome any assistance which the Ministry of Reconstruction can give me.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the fact that newspapers in the vernacular were published in German East Africa prior to the War and were much appreciated by the natives, he will take into consideration the advisability of issuing a weekly paper in the territories in our occupation?

I am not sure that this will be practicable in present circumstances, but I will consult the Administrator.

asked the Home Secretary if an Order has been issued for the deportation of Mr. Brocard to be returned to France; if so, by what authority has this been done; and whether, in view of the intention of Mr. Brocard's solicitor to contest the legality of the Home Office action, the execution of the deportation order will be suspended until the matter can be decided in the law Courts?

I have made a deportation order in this case under the powers-conferred on me by Article 12 of the Aliens Restriction Order. The legality of this course has already been declared in the law Courts. I see no reason for suspending the execution of the order.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the difficulty-experienced by manufacturers of bee-hive frames and fittings in getting released the soft yellow timber used for these with the result that the industry of bee-keeping is suffering the loss of hundreds of tons of honey; and, having regard to the value of bees not only for honey production but for fertilising fruit, whether he is able to give such manufacturers assistance in obtaining permits of release for this yellow timber or small ends?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Controller of Timber Supplies fully appreciates the importance of the bee-keeping industry, and has been granting permit for reasonable demands for timber for the purpose of making hives, frames, etc. Moreover, timber up to £5 in value may be purchased without a permit, and small makers should thus have no difficulty in obtaining their requirements.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will state the acreage of the land in the United Kingdom on which wheat was produced and the total amounts that would have been realised by the growers upon 15 per cent. of that acreage had they been paid in respect of each acre four times the average market prices per quarter for each of the years 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, and 1914; whether he will state the acreage on which oats were produced and the total amounts that would have been realised by the growers upon 80 per cent. of that acreage had they been paid in respect of each acre five times the average prices per quarter for each of the years 1909 to 1914, inclusive; what will be the total sums of money paid to the growers of wheat upon 15 per cent. of the average number of acres for the six years 1909 to 1914 at the prices of £12 per acre in 1917, of £11 per acre in 1918 and 1919, and of £9 per acre in 1920, 1921, and 1922; what will be the total sums of money paid to the growers of oats upon 80 per cent. of the average number of acres for the six years 1909 to 1914 at the prices of £9 12s. 6d. per acre in 1917, of £8 per acre in 1918 and 1919, and of £6 per acre in 1920, 1921, and 1922?

The following figures, taken with those given in reply to his similar question on the 30th July, will give the hon. Member what he asks for:

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if he is aware that the British prisoners in Germany are in danger of having the supply of parcels from Switzerland cut off owing to the increasing shortage of food in that, country; and can any other arrangement be arrived at to replace this one?

I understand that arrangements have been made with the Wheat Commission for the supply of flour to the British section of the Red Cross Society at Berne. These arrangements should prevent any danger of the supplies from Switzerland to our prisoners of war in Germany running short. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that these supplies from Switzerland of bread or biscuits are only supplementary to the regular food parcels sent direct from this country.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will circulate a Paper giving full details of the proposed distribution of the Supplementary Grant for Irish elementary education and the changes in the Regulations of the National Board resulting therefrom?

I am not yet in a position; to circulate particulars of these details, but I will do so as soon as I am able.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he is aware that the Government in Australia are expending £12,000 on a serum institute; and whether he will state what measures, if any, are being taken in Ireland regarding serum treatment and experiments?

The Department have no information as to the expenditure by the Government of Australia on a serum institute. As regards the rest of the question, I would refer to the answer given to the hon. Member on the 2nd July.

asked the Home Secretary if he will reconsider the position of a number of Metropolitan police constables who attended meetings of the National Union of Police and Prison Officers last November and were reduced in wages sums varying from 3s. to 8s. per week with a view to reducing these severe fines, having regard to the long service of many of the men, some of whom have served with credit in the Army, but who find it almost impossible at the present time to support their families on these diminished wages?

I regret that I cannot accede to the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, whether he is aware that there is still no provision for the treatment of tuberculosis in the county of Pembroke; whether this is due to the fact that the Pembrokeshire County Council has refused to affiliate with a Welsh philanthropic scheme and that a scheme pro- posed by the county council has not received the approval of the county insurance committee, which is a non-elected and unrepresentative body; and whether he can take steps to have an inquiry into the whole matter with a view to the adoption of the county council's scheme in the interests of the health of the people of the county?

The Pembrokeshire Insurance Committee have made arrangements for the treatment of insured persons in the county suffering from tuberculosis, but no comprehensive scheme for the community as a whole is yet in operation. The Welsh Insurance Commissioners are inquiring into the matter, with the hope of securing the adoption of a combined scheme which shall include both insured and uninsured persons throughout the county.