asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can state the number of times within the last four years that there has been a violation of the constitutional practice by which the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs deals with all communications by letter or telegraph directed from representatives of foreign countries to this country in cases where these communications are of a nature to affect the international policy of this country?

So far as I know, there has been no such violation.

Has the Noble Lord looked into the question?

Yes, certainly!

asked whether there is any record in the Foreign Office of any correspondence in the days preceding the War between the King on the one hand and the Kaiser or Prince Henry of Prussia on the other; and, if so, whether it will be submitted to the consideration of Parliament?

I would refer the hon. Member to page 538 of Command Paper 7,860, of 1915.

As I have not all those papers at my finger-ends for the moment, may I ask if in these matters the King has a foreign policy of his own, and if he has ever pursued that foreign policy without direct reference to the Foreign Office?

That raises a very different question.

asked the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the attacks in the "Morning Post" newspaper upon the Russian Council of Workmen's and Soldiers' Delegates and upon the representatives of that body who have recently been in this country, and will shortly return, in which the impression is sought to be conveyed that they are responsible for the retreat of the Russian Armies in the East; and, in view of the embarrassment such attacks are calculated to cause to the Russian Government, will he take action to prohibit the foreign circulation of the "Morning Post," as in the case of the "Nation"?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; to the second in the negative.

Would the right hon. Gentleman at least inform the Provisional Government that the leader writer of this paper is himself a man of military age, that the paper is owned by an old lady, and they are not belligerents themselves?

Does the Government not think it possible to allow the foreign circulation of the "Nation," so that it may be an antidote to this mischievous stuff?

Is the reason why no notice is being taken that this paper is beneath contempt?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any reason why the Censor has allowed these violent attacks to be made on the Russian Government?

I have only had my attention called to one article, and it did not appear to me to contain any attack on the Russian Government.

Is it not a fact that the loyalty of this paper and its determination to pursue the War to a conclusive peace is a very good example to other papers?

That is a matter on which I would rather not express an opinion.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will give the Defence of the Realm Regulation which empowers a local authority to enter on the lands of an individual and divide them in permanent lettings for the purpose of tillage?

No Regulation has been made under the Defence of the Realm Act empowering a local authority to act in the manner mentioned in the question.

Can the local authority take over any lands for the purposes of tillage?

I think not.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the circumstances under which a parcel of land on the sea coast at Doon West, Bally-bunion, county Kerry, the property of Richard Huggard, has been seized by the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) and divided by the local authority by lot among some twenty-five of their supporters; whether this land, which is of poor tillage value, possesses a considerable building value owing to its position overlooking the sea, and he is aware that the owner had made plans to develop it for this purpose; whether he is aware that the owner endeavoured to comply with the Department's order to till the land, but that the horses and men he sent were boycotted and compelled to withdraw by the other parties, who were anxious to get the land for themselves; and will he now state the exact terms on which the land has been seized and divided up by the local authority, and what prospect has the owner of ultimately recovering possession of his property?

The Listowel Rural District Council reported to the Department of Agriculture that the land referred to had been derelict for years owing to a question of title, and asked to be empowered to arrange for its cultivation under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. The Department received a report from one of their inspectors that the land was suitable for cultivation, and that he was satisfied from local inquiries the land was derelict and was used as commonage. As a result of further inquiries, however, Mr. William Huggard, of the Estate Office, Tralee. claimed that the land was not commonage; that Mr. Richard Huggard, of 5, Rostrevor Terrace, Rathgar, was the person liable to be rated for Poor Rate; and that arrangements for the cultivation of the land were being made. Before taking action the Department wrote to Mr. Huggard asking for an assurance that the provisions of the Tillage Regulations would be complied with, and this assurance was given. Up to the 28th March no portion of the land had been placed under cultivation, and in the meantime the Listowel Rural District Council claimed that Mr. William Huggard had completely ignored liability for the Poor Rate for this land in the past.

Mr. Huggard sent a man and horses to plough the land, but the ploughman returned without doing any work as it appeared he could not get accommodation in Ballybunion. The Department considered that it was a case in which they should exercise their powers under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, and the Listowel Rural District Council were formally delegated to arrange for the cultivation of the land in con-acre for the current season. I am told the site is suitable for building purposes, but no houses have been erected there during the past twenty years, and land suitable for building is not as such exempted from the provisions of the Regulations as regards tillage.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Listowel Rural District Council are Sinn Feiners to a man?

I have not the least idea, but I know that in this case they took care to see that the tillage instructions were carried out.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the arrangements, if any, that have been taken to secure the coming winter's supply of milk and coal for the Irish people; if he will state the Government's proposals for cattle-feeding; and if he is aware that the shortage of milk is due to the Government's restrictions on cattle foodstuffs?

The question of the production and distribution of milk in the United Kingdom is under consideration of a Committee appointed by the Food Controller, and steps are being taken by the Coal Controller as regards the supply of winter coal for the poor. Owing to the restrictions on the manufacture of beer and spirits there has been a reduction in the quantity of grains available for the feeding of cattle, and the question of millers' offal suitable for the feeding of dairy cows is at present engaging the attention of the authorities concerned, with whom the Department of Agriculture are in communication with a view to securing an adequate supply for the purpose.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, while 2,500,000 lbs. of Java tea have already been imported into Canada between 1st January and 30th June, 1917, very heavy shipments are expected in the current half-year; and whether, in view of this fact, he will reconsider his decision not to ask the Canadian Government to consider the propriety of forbidding the import of Java tea, as the Australian Government has done, in order that the British Empire may exhibit a commercial as well as a military solidarity of front during the present crisis?

I have no later figures than 31st March, and I am not able to say what shipments are in prospect. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by approaching the Canadian Government on the subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware of the dissatisfaction in Ireland caused by the prices fixed for cattle for the Army; if the scale of prices fixed will cause a meat famine next spring; if the prices are fixed without any regard to the Irish trade; and if he will appoint a Committee of Experts to go into this matter and revise the scale?

Lord Rhondda regrets that there should be any dissatisfaction expressed in Ireland with regard to the prices fixed for cattle for the Army, which were arranged after consultation with the Irish Department of Agriculture. He is not of opinion that the prices as fixed will cause a meat famine next spring, and, as at present advised, is unable to accept the suggestion that a Committee of Experts should be appointed for the purpose indicated by the hon. Member.

Is the present decision final or is it capable of revision?

I am not able at present to say.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at the price of 60s. per cwt. fixed for January it is not possible to grow meat except at a loss?

All the relevant facts in the possession of the Department were borne in mind in fixing the scale.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what steps he proposes to take to instruct the allotment holders as to the best means of storing potatoes?

The Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture has prepared and is about to issue a leaflet advising small growers as to the best means to be adopted for conserving their potato stocks.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is proposed to convert any surplus potato crop into potato flour?

The Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture are investigating the question as to whether any and, if any, what quantity of the crop can be utilised in the form of potato flour. They are further engaged in testing methods of conserving any surplus in dried form. It is impossible to come to any decision on the matter until it is known how great the supply of potatoes will be.

If they are going to manufacture potato flour, will my hon. Friend see that they get proper machinery as soon as possible, because it is rather difficult to get?

I will represent that point of view in the proper quarter.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food how many applications for permission to have supplies of white flour have been received and how many permits have been granted; and if the doctors' certificates give any indication of the class of persons who are making these applications and the part of the country from which they come?

Down to the 31st July 1,238 applications for permission to have supplies of white flour were received, and 764 permits were granted. The medical certificate, which in all cases is required and should be specific, invariably states the district in which the applicant resides; it is usually accompanied by a covering letter, from which an indication of the financial circumstances of the applicant can be inferred.

Is it possible for these certificates or the letters which accompany them to ascertain whether these people are in a position of life to purchase healthy substitutes on which they can live?

The hon. Member may observe from the figures I have given that a mere formal application is not sufficient to secure white flour, and many claims are rejected.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what has been done with the supplies of white flour discovered in the East End of London; have they been confiscated and the flour used to improve the grade of the standard flour; and have the sellers of the white flour been prosecuted?

Steps are being taken to secure the observance in the East End of London of the Regulation that white flour may only be used as an admixture of 20 per cent. with Government Regulation flour.

What has been done with the large stocks that were found?

It is not illegal to possess large stocks, but the law requires the admixture which I have stated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if the quality of the standard Government flour will be lowered in proportion to the number of permits issued for the supply of white flour; and whether he is aware that dissatisfaction may be expected to arise when the effect of the granting of these permits is appreciated?

It is obvious that the granting of permits for the supply of white flour to invalids on any considerable scale would lower the proportion available for the remainder of the population. Every endeavour is, therefore made to limit the number of grants and to reduce the period for which they are allowed. Care is, however, taken to protect invalids, particularly those whose financial circumstances make it difficult for them to procure invalid foods as substitutes for white flour.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is the intention of his Department to still further reduce the importation of dried fruit such as raisins and muscatels; whether supplies have already been reduced by 70 per cent. on importations from Spain; and whether, in respect of the fruit still imported, any effort will be made to reduce a freightage of 19s. per case on oranges from Spain to London as compared with 1s. per case before the War?

The importation of dried fruit necessarily depends on the amount of tonnage available, but it is not in contemplation further to restrict the importation of raisins and muscatels. The suggestion made in the last part of the question will be borne in mind.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any arrangements have been made by the Department for the supply of bottles for preserving fruit without sugar: and, if so, what number of bottles has been actually delivered in Scotland under the arrangement?

I am informed that the Board of Agriculture for Scotland have made arrangements with the Ministry of Munitions for the supply of these bottles, and that 37,000 have been delivered in Scotland up to date.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to expedite the delivery of bottles for the preservation of fruit in Scotland?

I have already taken steps to secure the utmost expedition.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the quantity of vegetable foodstuffs now being grown by small holders and small farmers which cannot be consumed by the growers or in the immediate neighbourhood, and for the marketing of which there are no practicable facilities, he will arrange with local committees for the collection of such surplus and other farm and garden products, and for their carriage by motor or other means of conveyance for marketing or distribution?

I am not aware that small growers are experiencing unusual difficulty in marketing their foodstuffs, or that there-is any reason to set up special distributing machinery for this purpose. The point raised by the hon. Member will, however, be borne in mind.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are still rings which rob both the producer and the consumer?

I think it may be said that the more we go into the question of food control the more we discover that there are obstacles of that kind.

What is being done to put an end to it?

Many announcements have sought to deal with this question, but an adequate reply cannot be furnished through the medium of a Parliamentary answer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, owing to Regulations or customs affecting the wholesale sale of fish, quantities of fish are allowed to become unfit for human consumption; whether he will endeavour to come to some arrangement by which such waste shall be avoided in future; whether full advantage is taken of existing cold storage capacity, and, if not, will he take such powers as may be necessary by which existing cold storage may be used to its full capacity; and, if possible, will he take means to cause an increase in the extent of such means of preserving perishable foodstuffs?

I am not aware of any Regulations or customs of the character indicated in the question. Full advantage appears to be taken of existing cold storage, and every effort will be made to increase the accommodation available.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) what rate of agent's commission per ton is proposed to be paid to Mr. T. H. Hodge in respect of the Scottish crop of raspberries in so far as they are not delivered through associations; what is the estimated amount of the crop grown by Mr. Hodge: whether he will be entitled to any and, if so. what agent's commission per ton on his own crop in addition to the price of £35 per ton: (2) what is the maximum period over which Mr. T. H. Hodge's work as agent for the Scottish raspberry crop will extend; what is the probable number of persons that he will have to employ in that agency work; what is the amount that will probably have to be expended on it; and what is the estimated aggregate amount of the commission that will be paid to him?

I have already informed the hon. Member that the commission payable to Mr. Hodge in respect of the Scottish crop of raspberries will in no case exceed the authorised rate of £l per ton. I have written to ask Mr. Hodge what estimate he forms of his own crop and for the various details of his agency work which the hon. Member desires to know, and I will forward the information so soon as I receive it. Mr. Hodge will receive agent's commission at such rate as may be agreed upon in respect of his own crop. But until the total amount of the whole crop has been ascertained no estimate of any value can be formed as to the aggregate commission payable.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether Mr. Hodge will receive commission in respect of his own crop at the same rate as in respect of the crop which does not come from associations?

My answer implies that it may not be at the same rate, because the amount will have to be the subject of agreement.

Why pay any commission at all on his own crop?

I have given the reasons in previous answers.

Was the commission fixed without any estimate being made by the Department of the amount payable?

Estimates have had to be made as the Department has proceeded to deal with the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received a communication from the secretary of the Dock, Wharf, Riverside, and General Workers' Union urging upon his consideration the danger of cutting short the working man's beer, and of selling other than sound, wholesome liquor; and, if so, what answer has been, or will be, given to such communication?

I am informed that the communication referred to was received and, having been acknowledged, was forwarded to the Food Controller for his consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is an unfortunate impression that the Government have given undue consideraion towards teetotal enthusiasts?

I have seen evidence of an impression that the Government gives too much consideration to the other side.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will give an opportunity to discuss the recent Orders of the Food Ministry relative to the prices of corn and cattle?

I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Edgbaston Division of Birmingham yesterday.

This question is of very great importance, and I will raise it on the Adjournment to-night.

( by Private Notice )asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the political character of the Food Controller's proposal, giving large powers of fixing prices and distributing commodities to local authorities, he does not think that such far-reaching changes should not be made by Order under the Defence of the Realm Acts, and whether he will not reconsider his decision declining to give an opportunity of discussion to the House, and, in order that this may be done, postpone some of the earlier dates suggested in the Order, so that all necessary papers may be laid, and the whole matter considered when the House resumes for the Autumn sittings?

It is quite impossible for me to say anything more than I said yesterday in answer to a similar question.

( ( later ): On account of the answer I have received I desire to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, "The proposal of the Gov- eminent to empower local authorities to undertake large duties in connection with the distribution of commodities and the fixing of prices, without giving this House any opportunity of considering the proposal."

The pleasure of the House not having been signified, Mr. SPEAKER called on those Members who supported the Motion to rise in their places, and, less than forty but more than ten Members having accordingly risen—

Divide the House!

In view of the extreme importance of this question, I beg leave to move the Adjournment of the House, and to carry the Motion to a Division.

What about the workers' ninepenny loaf?

Question, "That leave be given to move 'That this House do now adjourn,'" put, and negatived.

asked the Chief Secretary if he will have inquiries made into the refusal to grant the old age pension to Mr. J. M. Barclay, 4, Fitzwilliam Terrace. Rathmines, Dublin; if he will say whether living with his son-in-law in decent, comfortable surroundings is sufficient reason to debar him from a right which he is entitled to; and if he will say whether the fact of being provided with the necessaries of life by friends or relations debars a person aged seventy with no income from receiving the pension?

The case of Mr. J. M Barclay has not been before the Local Government Board, who have no functions in the matter unless an appeal is made to them within the prescribed period. As regards the latter part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 2 (1) ( d ) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1911, which provides that the yearly value of any benefit or privilege enjoyed by a person is to be reckoned as part of such person's means.

asked the Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the additional allowances recently granted to old age pensioners are permanent or temporary in character and limited to the period of the War; and what is the recent extension of the old age pension scheme which, together with the additional allowances, brings up the total extra cost to 5½ to 6 millions a year?

The additional allowances are temporary in character and limited to the period of the War. The recent extension of the scheme under which they are granted provides that as from the 10th instant, inclusive, all old age pensioners who are entitled under the Old Age Pensions Acts to pensions, whether at the 5s. or lower rate, will receive the additional 2s. 6d. a week; whereas under the original scheme only some 62 per cent. of pensioners received additional allowances. It is this extension of the scheme which has raised the estimated cost of the additional allowances to a total amount of between 5½ and 6 millions a year.

Does not the hon. Gentleman think this is about the best expenditure of money the nation has indulged in during the War?

The hon. Member can form his own judgment on that.

asked the Chief Secretary (1) whether he is aware that a new industry was started in Dublin after the outbreak of war to replace a German monopoly which consisted in printing, on satin, pictures illustrative of various designs such as regimental badges; whether he is aware that instructions have now been given to cigarette manufacturers to cease issuing those satin-printed pictures; whether, seeing that the output of the Dublin firm has increased from £2,000 in 1914 to £26,000 in the course of the last six months, and that the firm has large orders in hand, steps will be taken to prevent the closing down of an industry destined effectually to replace a German monopoly; (2) whether his attention has been called to the action of the Paper Commission in prohibiting the issue of pictures enclosed in packages of cigarettes; whether he is aware that the Dublin firm of James Walker, Limited, has, since the outbreak of war, been able to supply the satin-printed pictures for this purpose formerly made in Germany; and whether directions will be given to the effect that the prohibition of satin-printed pictures is not within the scope of the powers of the Paper Commission, and that an Irish industry which gives employment to a number of hands will not be closed down as a consequence of this new Order?

No such prohibition has been imposed, but I understand that in view of the grave shortage of paper for essential purposes a provisional agreement has been come to between the Royal Commission on Paper and the tobacco manufacturers for the discontinuance in present circumstances of the practice of enclosing pictures in packets of cigarettes. I understand, however, that one firm which uses the pictures referred to in the questions has raised objection to the arrangement being applied to pictures of this description, and that these representations are now under the consideration of the Paper Commission.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how it is that when an application was made by the managing director personally on the 30th of July by letter to the Paper Commission no answer of any kind was given?

I was not aware of that particular fact, but I do know, and I have been given an assurance, that the matter is now under the consideration of the Paper Commission.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what the Paper Commission has got to do with satin, and what right have they to interfere at all?

It was a general prohibition or consideration of a prohibition against the enclosure of pictures in cigarette packets.

What right have the Commission to interfere in a matter which has nothing to do with paper? Are they not going beyond their terms of reference?

It is a question which refers to a class of printing and the Commission concluded that it came under their purview. At any rate the matter is under consideration.

Can we have an assurance that nothing further will be done in this matter until it has been thoroughly and carefully considered?

I will give an assurance that I will do my best to expedite the consideration of this matter.

Will the Law Officers of the Crown be consulted as to whether there is any legal right to interfere in this matter?

The hon. Member must give notice.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Government have decided to withdraw their restrictions on the Press attending the Convention?

No alteration in the Regulations is proposed.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if there is a shortage of artisans' houses in Belfast; that the output of the shipyards and munition works in the city is consequently restricted; that if suitable additional dwellings could be provided several thousands more workers could be employed; if the labour and building materials requisite for the erection of these is available in Belfast; and if he is prepared to take any steps to remedy this state of things?

I am making inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a Native Affairs Commission, appointed by Sir William Milton in Rhodesia as recently as 1910, reported in 1911 that there was a conflict of evidence upon the adequacy of reserves; that the Surveyor-General and others held the view that they were excessive, whereas the testimony of the Native Department officials is substantially against him; that they point out that in certain reserves a large portion of the soil is poor, that water is deficient, that certain localities are wholly unsuitable for human occupation, and that, as the assignment has been formally effected by the company and approved by the administration, it is questionable whether it can be materially varied as regards extent; and whether His Majesty's Government will take into full consideration the Report of this Commission on account of the value of the evidence of the Native Affairs Department?

A Committee of Inquiry appointed by the Administrator of Southern Rhodesia reported in 1911 to the effect indicated; but they also pointed out that the areas of many of the reserves proved on survey to be vastly greater than had been estimated by the officials of the Native Department. The High Commissioner's Commission, which reported recently, took evidence from many officials of the Native Department and gave full weight to their views. The Report, as already promised, will be published shortly.

asked the Postmaster-General whether men who have served with the Post Office Rifles and returned home wounded or in a lower medical category have been transferred to the Postal Section of the Royal Engineers; whether they perform similar work to the Royal Engineers without special allowance and are they forced to perform duties every Sunday; and if these men are entitled to draw ordinary Infantrymen's pay and to be treated as members of the Infantry and allowed their Sundays after church parade?

These men are attached, while unfit for service abroad, to the Royal Engineers Postal Section. They are eligible while so attached to working pay at the game rate as Engineer pay in addition to their Infantry pay. Their conditions of work are those applicable to the Royal Engineers to whom they are attached.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Mr. A. Bezalel is to be deported; if so, whether this deportation is the result of his agitation to secure facilities for the return to Russia of the women and children whose husbands are to be con-scribed under the Convention; whether the Government's concession that the Convention should lie upon the Table for thirty days was granted in order that the practical application of the Convention should be discussed; whether Mr. Bezalel was committing any illegality in voicing the opinions of those Russians affected; and whether a stay of execution will be granted pending further inquiries into his case?

Bezalel was arrested with a view to deportation on the ground that he was conspiring to defeat the operation of the Military Service Acts as regards certain Russian subjects in London. Since his arrest these Russian subjects have taken a more reasonable view of their obligations and Bezalel has applied to be released on certain undertakings as to his future conduct. I am considering this application, and he will not be sent out of the country pending my decision.

asked the Home Secretary whether he receives reports of meetings and speeches denouncing the imposal of military service or deportation to the country of birth on the alien population of East London; is he aware of the nature of these speeches and of the feeling they create among the non-pacifist and British-born population; and are means being taken to warn those whom it concerns that the Government intend to rigorously enforce the Regulations that have been enacted as to military service or immediate deportation for non-British subjects?

I am aware that there has been a certain amount of agitation of the nature described in the question, but it is incorrect to speak of deportation in this connection. Russian subjects in the United Kingdom are at liberty either to return to their own country for service, on making proper application within the time allowed, or to remain in this country and fulfil their military obligations in the British Forces. These obligations will be strictly enforced.

Suppose an alien goes back to Russia and does not serve in the Army there, will he be allowed back to this country?

That is a hypothetical question.

asked the Home Secretary whether any man who has been in the Army and is now detained in a lunatic asylum can be discharged by direction of his next-of-kin, under Section 72 of the Lunacy Act, 1890, provided that the manager of the institution does not give a barring certificate in terms of Section 74?

The answer is in the affirmative as regards all men classified as Service patients.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a man who has been drafted from the Army to a lunatic asylum re-enters the status of a civilian, according to the King's Regulations, at the expiration of a month passed in the asylum, and is no longer under military control; and whether, in accordance with the same Regulations, his friends can claim him on giving the undertaking required by Section 79 of the Lunacy Act, provided that the superintendent of the asylum does not certify under Section 74 that the man is dangerous and unfit to be at large?

A soldier who has been one month in a civil lunatic asylum, if not previously discharged from the Army, is brought forward for discharge. Military control, of course, ceases with his discharge. In regard to the last part of the question I must refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.

asked the Home Secretary whether the provisions of the Military Service Acts apply equally to the Isle of Man as to the rest of the United Kingdom; and whether provisions, regulations and rules affecting conscientious objectors are of equal application in the island as in other parts of Great Britain?

Under the powers of the Isle of Man (War Legislation) Act, 1914, the Military Service Acts and the Regulations made under them have been extended to the Isle of Man, subject to the necessary adaptations. Conscientious objectors in the Isle of Man are in the same position as in the United Kingdom.

asked the Home Secretary whether S. F. Fowler, of Kingston, a conscientious objector undergoing a sentence of two years' imprisonment in Wormwood Scrubs, is in a weak state of health, owing to continued solitary confinement and insufficient food: whether Fowler has made application to undertake work under the Home Office Committee: and whether steps can be taken to facilitate his being given such work?

This man has been before the Central Tribunal, who reported that he could not be said to have any real conscientious objection to military service. The Committee on Employment of Conscientious Objectors are therefore unable to offer him employment. He is at present confined in Wandsworth Prison. The Prison Commissioners are making inquiry as to his health, and I will inform the hon. Member of the result of their inquiries.

asked the Home Secretary if James E. Devlin, a conscientious objector now in prison at Gosport, has been on bread and water for three months; if he is in solitary confinement; if he is allowed only half an hour's exercise a week; if so, will he say for what reason is this treatment being inflicted; and will a report on Devlin's physical condition be immediately called for?

The Prison Commissioners inform me that this man is not in their custody. There is a military prison at Gosport, and if this man is confined there, the hon. Member should address his question to the War Office.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if Private Frank James Winham, No. 29,617, 3rd Hampshire Regiment, has recently been court-martialled as a conscientious objector at Cambridge Barracks, Portsmouth, and if a sentence of eighteen months' detention at a detention barracks has been promulgated; and, if so, why this man has been sentenced to detention and not to confinement in a civil prison in accordance with Army Council Instructions?

I have no information as to the first and second parts of the question, but I will make inquiries. As regards the last part, I think my hon. Friend is aware that courts-martial have the power to award detention.

asked if correspondence has been received from the Eccles labour party about an incident in connection with the imprisonment of Mr. J. H. Hudson, a conscientious objector released from Wandsworth Prison on the 17th March last; and, if so, why the War Office does not give its attention to the matters complained of?

I am afraid that I am not able to identify this incident without further particulars, but if my hon. Friend will give me Hudson's regiment and number and any other details be may have, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in the case of North of England miners, owing to pits working short time, seeking to supplement their income by harvesting or other work at the docks, etc., yet by arrangement holding themselves free for immediate return to the mines when needed, they will still be regarded as on work of national importance; and, if so, will he arrange with the military authorities that no interference takes place as has happened in several instances?

The exemption of miners is arranged for by the Home Office acting through the colliery recruiting Courts. The settlement of the terms of their exemption is not therefore a matter in which the War Office is directly concerned administratively. If their exemption is expressly conditional upon the men being actively engaged in coal-mining, it would obviously lapse if the men ceased to be engaged in coal-mining and became engaged in the occupation, for example, of shipbuilding. This would not necessarily preclude them from being exempted as shipbuilders, but it would be obviously improper to exempt such men as coal miners.

Would that apply to men who are unemployed in the mines for two or three days in the week, and who engage in temporary work to make up the deficiency in wages owing to want of transit in the district in which they work?

I understand that the Courts deal specially with those cases.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that the men serving in the 148th Labour Company, British Expeditionary Force, are paid so irregularly that they are frequently compelled to send home for money in order to enable then: to make sundry necessary purchases; that during a recent period of six weeks nothing but stew was supplied for dinner; and that more often than not neither milk nor sugar is supplied with the tea; and, if so, whether he will take any action to improve such a state of affairs, which is causing dissatisfaction among the men; (2) whether he is aware that the men of the 381st Home Service Labour Company work frequently on Sundays and receive no working pay for such work, the pay having been stopped since the beginning of this year; whether he is aware that the rations are poor in quality and quantity; and, having regard to the dissatisfaction thus caused, will steps be taken to remedy this grievance?

I have no information as to the matters mentioned by my hon. Friend in this and the next question, but I will inquire and communicate with him as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the result of his inquiries into the conscripting of Private Thomas Lynam, No. 20850 3rd Royal Dublin Fusiliers, transferred from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders; if he is aware that this man, who was temporarily resident in Great Britain engaged on work of national importance, was conscripted on 18th May in Glasgow, although he had been three times rejected, twice in Glasgow and once in Dublin, and that as a result of being rejected in Dublin he proceeded to Glasgow to obtain employment; if he is aware that since this man's transfer to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers his father has been informed by the War Office by a letter, dated 30th July, that Lynam had deserted, and on the father proceeding to Cork to investigate the War Office letter he was informed that there was no truth in the statement that his son had deserted; and if he will say whether, having regard to the mistakes made in this case, he will now order Lynam's discharge?

From inquiries made since the hon. Member's previous question, to which I replied on the 29th June last, it appears that Lynam, who was transferred at his own request from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to the Royal Dublin Fusiliers, was reported to have deserted en route to join the latter regiment. This report was erroneous, and was due to his having been confused with another man—named Lynagh—who had deserted from that regiment. With reference to the statement that Lynam was medically rejected twice in Glasgow and once in Dublin, he has been asked to produce documents with regard to his exami- nation in Dublin, but has not done so. He was not rejected on either of the occasions on which he was examined in Glasgow. As I stated in my previous answer, although Lynam reported at the recruiting office in Glasgow three times, he did not on any of these occasions claim to be excepted from military service as an Irishman who was not ordinarily resident in Great Britain or state that he had been formerly rejected in Dublin. The officer commanding the battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders to which Lynam was originally posted was instructed to inquire whether he desired to make any complaint as to his position, and that officer has reported that on the matter being brought before Lynam he stated that he did not wish to make any complaint. In these circumstances it does not appear to me that any further action is required.

asked the Joint Financial Secretary to the Treasury what amount the Treasury have estimated should be utilised after the War for the housing of the workers in the United Kingdom; and the amount which will be allotted to Ireland other than by loan in addition to the resources of local authorities?

As regards the first part of the question, no estimate has been or, in the nature of the circumstances, can be formed at this date of the requirements for housing in the United Kingdom after the War. In the meantime, I am not in a position to make any statement in reply to the second part of the question.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether it has yet been decided to award every man who has served, but who is not eligible for the silver badge, some other distinguishing mark of service; (2) whether it has yet been decided to give men who have served abroad any distinguishing mark or marks for such service?

The question of a distinguishing mark for men who have served for certain periods in the field is now under consideration.

That does not reply to Question 45. With regard to Question 45, is my hon. Friend aware that men cannot get the silver badge now who were able to obtain it on the same kind of discharge six or seven months ago, and will he consider, in making this further investigation, whether it would not be advisable to give some other kind of badge to these men to show that they have served?

That is part of the general question which is being considered by the Committee. I hope I shall be able to announce a decision before the House rises.

Are men who have lost their health in the service of the country entitled to wear the silver badge?

I think not. I will send my hon. and gallant Friend the complete Regulations.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving that, and is not a man who has lost his health in serving the country as much entitled to the silver badge as a man who has been incapacitated through wounds?

I will consider that.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that numbers of officers and men were given the South African ribbons before the cessation of hostilities in the Boer War, a ribbon will now be issued for the African campaign to officers and men who have been invalided and are now in this country?

It will not be possible to consider the grant of a medal or riband to those who took part in operations in Africa in connection with the present War apart from the general operations. The whole question is, however, under consideration.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether there is any chance of these men getting a ribbon in the near future to show that they have been out?

I do not think so. It may be possible for them to get a distinguishing mark.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the question of giving some mark of recognition to the original Expeditionary Force who have been out since 1914?

That is part of the larger question to which I referred. It is a temporary mark to show what period of service certain soldiers have undergone in various theatres of War.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the adoption of the French method, which is working satisfactorily?

Yes; I have that under observation.

As the ribbon was given in the South African War, what is the difficulty about giving it now?

The South African War was quite a different war from this one.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the indignation felt, not alone in the Army but throughout the country, at the punishment inflicted on officers of long service and good record for the alleged severity of their dealing with men refusing to obey a military command; have these officers been in each case given the opportunity of trial by court-martial; and, if not, on what evidence they have been condemned?

These officers were not brought before a court-martial, but were dealt with by the Army Council, according to the usual procedure, on their own statements and on the reports of the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Command.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that it was owing to pressure brought to bear by Members of this House that these officers were deprived of their commissions?

The Army Council considered the reports and the statements of the officers themselves.

Will the hon. Gentleman read his own answer the other day in reply to a similar question?

Has not Brigadier-General Elliott been very harshly treated in this matter?

Is the hon. Gentleman reconsidering the extremely hard case of Colonel Gresson?

Will the hon. Gentleman stop the practice of sending men who will not fight into the Army, where men who do want to fight during the process of trying to induce these men to obey orders are dismissed from the Service?

asked the names and rank of officers relieved of appointments in connection with the Brightmore case?

The names and ranks are Brigadier-General G. S. Elliott and Major C. Grimshaw.

Is it not a fact that this man Brightmore has now been sentenced to two years' imprisonment, and are both these officers who are unemployed useful to the Army authorities? Has the hon. Gentleman a conscientious objection to answer?

asked the Home Secretary if he will make inquiry into the complaints about the insufficiency of food provided for prisoners at Wormwood Scrubs; and if he will inquire from the medical officer as to whether there is an increase of sickness due to this cause?

Very few complaints of insufficiency of food have been made at Wormwood Scrubs Prison, and these have all been considered and where necessary the diet has been supplemented on the recommendation of the medical officer. There has been no increase of sickness at this prison since the dietary was altered to meet the requirements of the Food Controller.

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 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?

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade hopes to be in a position to make a statement on this subject very shortly.

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the pressure of Parliamentary work and the desirability of having certain measures passed before the Recess, he will see his way clear to initiate such steps as may be necessary to provide that the House shall meet at noon each day, therefore approximating the hours of labour to those of other professions and obviating, in some cases, the necessity for late sittings?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the problems of a domestic nature which will arise after the War and of the National Service work women have performed during the War, he will arrange for the inclusion of at least one woman member on the Reconstruction Committee?

This question should, I think, be postponed until the Ministry of Reconstruction has been set up. Perhaps the hon. Member will then address it to the Minister of Reconstruction.

Does the suggestion of having at least one woman representative on the Reconstruction Committee meet with the approval of the Government?

I have already suggested that that question should be put to the Minister of Reconstruction. There are two women already on the Committee.

asked the Prime Minister whether Lord Haldane occupies any official or semi-official position under the Government which permits him access, under any circumstances whatsoever, to Departmental facts which are not accessible to the general public or even to the House of Commons?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on Tuesday last to the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Lord Haldane is uni- versally distrusted by the people—[HON. MEMBERS: "No!"]—and that the action of the Government is looked upon as an affront to them?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is now the average remuneration of an Infantry private without dependants, and of an Infantry private with a wife and two children, under the heads of pay, clothing, board, lodging, etc.; separation allowance paid by the State, if any: and grant from the Civil Liabilities Committee; and what is the total remuneration in each case?

The weekly value of the State's expenditure on the Infantry private corresponding to the wage payable in civil life is approximately as follows:

Is the board and lodgings 30s. in one case and 20s. in the other?

No; they are both the same.

Will the hon. Gentleman circulate that in the OFFICIAL REPORT?

Certainly.

Will the hon. Gentleman at the same time say if there is a single case where the Civil Liabilities Committee has ever made any allowance at all?

I am informed there is a very large number of cases.

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind a point which is omitted from that answer, the question of supplementing the allowance from the local war pensions Committee, which takes the place in the bulk of the cases of the civil liabilities Grant?

asked the Pensions Minister what provision is made out of national funds for the treatment in hospitals other than asylums of cases of uncertifiable loss of mental balance due to nerve-strain in warfare; whether in such cases any of the pension awarded to the men is stopped; what is done with the amount stopped; whether, in the event of the man recovering his balance but being unable to earn what he earned formerly, his pension is stopped on leaving the convalescent home or hospital; and does it also cease, when similarly circumstanced, on his discharge from an asylum?

Provision is made for cases of neurasthenia requiring residential treatment both by the Ministry directly and by local war pensions committees. The Home of Recovery at Golder's Green provides accommodation for 105 cases and arrangements are in progress for the establishment of other homes of the same character. In addition, a number of men have been sent to farm camps where they are provided with work suited to their several conditions. Local war pensions committees are also empowered to provide for neurasthenic cases in convalescent homes or other suitable institutions approved by the Ministry. During treatment an allowance of an amount equivalent to the maximum rate of pension, less 1s. a day for maintenance, is payable to the men and an allowance is also provided for their wives and families. On the termination of treatment the pension, if any, originally awarded is resumed. If a man, on discharge from an institution, whether an asylum or hospital, is, though mentally or physically improved, unable to earn as much as he earned before the War, he is entitled to apply for an alternative pension under Article 3 of the new Royal Warrant.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the 100 men who have been treated are in this condition, and how many could be treated if you had the accommodation?

I am not able to give the total figure of how many are in this condition, probably 2,000 or 3,000. We are picking them up all the time and ascertaining how many there are. I dare say we have arrangements now on hand for treating 400 or 500.

Seeing that the right hon. Gentleman says there are 2,000 or 3,000 of these nerve shock cases, will he expedite arrangements whereby more of them can be accommodated in the Golder's Green Institution, instead of sending them, as many are sent, to lunatic asylums?

I can assure my hon. Friend we are expediting the arrangements as much as we possibly can. We are extremely pressed in regard to other matters as well as this; but I can assure my hon. Friend we are doing all we can to get as many of these men properly treated as it is possible to do. I would remind my hon. Friend that it is only a small proportion can be so treated institutionally at the present time.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many are on the waiting list at the Golder's Green institution?

No, I cannot say.

There are a great number.

asked the names of the members of the travelling medical boards appointed to inquire into the cases of men invalided through nerve-strain; how often do they sit; can they grant absolute exemption; have they power to compel a man back to the Army; and are they guided in their decision by reference to the opinion of any medical man acquainted with the patient's previous history?

There are fifty members of the special medical board dealing with neurasthenic cases. The board sits at Lancaster Gate daily and at numerous centres in the provinces once in three weeks or more frequently if necessary. The fact that a man's discharge has been approved by the board is an absolute exemption under the Review of Exceptions Act. The board have, of course, the power to refuse discharge, but the power is exercised sparingly. They have refused fifty cases out of 5,000. They have no power to compel a man to re-enter the Army who has been discharged, and they are always glad to have, and frequently apply for, the opinion of medical men acquainted with the patient's previous history. If the hon. Member will see me privately or write me a note, I can get the names for him. I have not, at the moment, got the names of the medical men.