asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have come to any decision with reference to the increased Army pay; and, if so, can he state the conditions as to the amounts and when it will come into operation?

No decision has yet been reached on this matter. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that a firm who had realised a loss of £100 in comparison with their previous standard of profits for the period ending 31st December, 1914, and who realised a profit of £100 for the period ending 31st December, 1915, would be required to pay £10 Excess Profits Duty, representing the difference between the 50 per cent. duty with which they were credited for 1914 and the 60 per cent. duty with which they were debited for 1915, he can state that a firm who had paid £50 duty on an excess profit of £100 for the period ending 31st December, 1914, would conversely be entitled to a refund of £60 in the event of experiencing a loss of £100 for the period ending 31st December, 1915; and, if not, why this course is not adopted?

In the case put the whole of the duty paid would be recoverable. There can be no question of repaying tax which has not been paid, whether on the ground of a deficiency of profits or for any other reason.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will give the annual increase in Great Britain in the number of houses for the years ending March, 1914, 1915, 1916, and 1917, respectively?

The increases, as appearing in the Income Tax and House Duty Assessments, were as follows:

asked what proportion of the total number of cottages and small houses in Great Britain are owned by persons whose total means do not exceed £5,000?

The information asked for is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the average-number of years' purchase of licensed properties in Scotland for the past four years on the basis of the figures fixed by the officials of the Inland Revenue Department in valuing such properties in Scotland for Death Duty purposes?

The statistics of the Inland Revenue are not kept in such a form as to render the information readily available. I may, however, state that an endeavour is being made by the Board of Inland Revenue to collate particulars bearing on this point for the information of Lord Shaw's Commission on Liquor Control and Purchase in Scotland.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take means to arrive at a settlement of the British creditor claims in respect of the enemy prize ships, steamship "Horst Martini" and steamship "Belgia," which have been under negotiation with the Prize Claims Committee for the past three years; and is he aware that no settlement has been arrived at with respect to the "Horst Martini," and only pilotage and harbour dues have been paid in the case of the "Belgia"?

I hope that it will be possible soon to settle the claims advanced by British creditors in respect of the steamship "Horst Martini." In the case of the steamship "Belgia" no funds have yet accrued from which Grants might be made ex gratia to British creditors.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is now in a position to state the results of the consultations by the Department with the Royal Society and the War Office Contracts Department with a view to increasing the home production or facilitating the import from America of saccharin and saxin; and whether the Department is now in a position to take any steps whereby the utilisation of saccharin and saxin for sweetening beverages, etc., might effect the release of sugar for more purely nutritive purposes?

Negotiations are still proceeding with a view to increasing the production of saccharin in this country, and it is hoped that supplies will presently be available for the purposes indicated in the question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the price of motor tractors to farmers in this country is at present increased by about 30 per cent. upon the price in America owing to the high freights charged; whether this heavy charge is due to the excessive competition amongst shippers for the limited space left available for private trade on ships controlled by the Government; and whether he will consult with other Departments concerned with a view to all cargo space being taken under control and to the selection of cargo to be carried to this country?

In reply to the first part of the question, I am advised that the average increase in the price of tractors in this country over prices in America is not more than 25 per cent. The hon. Member should address the remainder of his question to the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Shipping. I may say, however, that the Board of Agriculture have already been in communication with that Department as to the possibility of arranging for the carriage at Government rates of agricultural machinery and implements required by farmers, and the Ministry of Munitions (which is the Department that deals with the importation of agricultural machinery) are at present discussing with importers proposals for controlling prices and cargoes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what progress, if any, has taken place with reference to the establishment of a receiving depot in Dublin?

I regret I can add nothing to the answer given by my hon. Friend to the hon. Member for the St. Patrick's Division of Dublin on the 2nd instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether General Sir John Steevens was removed from his post at the War Office as Director-General of Ordnance Stores in the year 1916; if so, whether, in spite of his dismissal, he still continues to hold the post in question; and whether he will state the reasons for the retention of this officer?

No, Sir; this officer was not removed, but so much of his duties as related to the Royal Army Clothing Department were entrusted to Lord Rothermere, who was specially appointed a Director-General for the purpose. These were part only of Sir John Steevens' numerous and important duties.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the Dublin factors owing to the action of the War Office in connection with the purchase of hay and straw for military purposes; that two deputations were sent to the military authorities in connection therewith; that a communication was received by the Smithfield Factors' Association from the Administration Area Office, Royal Hospital, Dublin, dated 7th July, in which it was stated that the question of paying dealers a small commission was under consideration and information was to be sent at an early date; and whether, in these circumstances, he will again reconsider the matter with a view to mitigating the loss which these men sustained?

I think the dissatisfaction to which my hon. Friend refers arises on War Department purchases within the Dublin area in respect of which the factors render no service. Their claim to any interest upon such transactions cannot be considered. I understand that the deputations were so informed. In regard to the latter half of the question, it is not contemplated that the War Department will purchase much hay within the Dublin carting area in the next few months, and the factors are entitled to a commission not exceeding 5s. per ton on any hay that passes through their hands.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will issue instructions for the payment of a 30s. wage to labourers at Dollymount Camp, Dublin; if he is aware that the wages paid are 25s. and 6d. per week tramway fare, although the tramway fare for six days is 2s.; and when these men will be paid an increased wage and if tramway tickets for the full journey will be issued to them?

From inquriy instituted in accordance with the promise made to the hon. Member on the 5th July last, I gather that his reference is to the fatigue men employed at the School of Musketry. These men receive in addition a quarterly allowance for clothing and maintenance, bringing their weekly receipts up to 27s. This would appear to compare satisfactorily with the local rate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if a man belonging to the St. John Ambulance Corps, who enlisted in the Home Hospital Service for the duration of the War, signed the active service slip on 5th February, 1916 (a copy of which slip is attached to his attestation papers), and has been transferred against his will to an Infantry regiment, is entitled to be transferred back to the Royal Army Medical Corps, as is the case with respect to St. John's Ambulance men who enlisted in the Territorial Force?

Instructions have been sent that no soldier serving an the Royal Army Medical Corps who voluntarily enlisted in that corps from the Home Hospitals Reserve and volunteered for service overseas with the Royal Army Medical Corps is to be transferred to Infantry against his will. If any such man has been so transferred he will be re-transferred to the Royal Army Medical Corps, if he so desires, and makes application through his commanding officer.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware of the discontent about the management of Army canteens and the prices that are charged for the various kinds of foodstuffs; and if he will have inquiry made into the matter?

I am not aware that there is discontent regarding the management of Army canteens, but if my hon. Friend will state the articles the price of which have been complained of I will have inquiry made.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that on the 2nd January, 1917, the Director-General of Military Railways at the War Office authorised in his M.R. 2 C the issue of posters in connection with recruiting of men for road service in France; that on the 4th January the county surveyor of Pembrokeshire acknowledged this letter, and added that he was having an advertisement inserted in a local paper, and also having posters put up; that when the accounts for this expenditure were submitted to the Director-General of Movements and Railways he, in his M.R. 2 C (Roads), B/90/4695, repudiated all financial responsibility in the matter, stating that there is no Army fund out of which accounts of this nature can be paid, and returning the accounts; whether he will take such action as may be necessary, in the first case, to prevent War Office officials authorising expenditure for which no Army funds are available, and in the second, if such authority is given, to prevent the repudiation of such action; and whether he will issue instructions that these accounts, if in order, shall forthwith be paid?

The matter is being inquired into, and I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to the case of Private A. Modesto, 19th Training Reserve Battalion, who joined the Colours on 6th March last and forthwith made an allotment to his mother; whether he is aware that repeated application has been made for an allowance, but that nothing has as yet been paid; and, as the mother is a widow with a family to support and urgently in need of money, will he see that the case is immediately dealt with?

Payment of this claim, including all arrears, was made on the 13th instant.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is yet in a position to say what provisions are about to be made for the future of the man Mates, late Connaught Rangers; if he is aware that this man has been rendered incapable of following his former trade and is at present under medical treatment; that he has been for the past two years practically supported by charity and the sale of his household effects; that he has been recently awarded £20 under the provisions of the new Royal Warrant although his debts alone amounted to upwards of £100; if this man, who has been subjected to exceptionally bad treatment owing to his discharge having taken place from a different regiment to that from which he contracted his illness, has requested a special inquiry into the circumstances surrounding such procedure on the part of those concerned; and if immediate steps will be taken to have him re-examined by an unprejudiced military board in order to have his appeal set right?

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member on the 5th July, which was that this man was invalided after 242 days' service on the grounds of age, and that if he feels aggrieved because he has not been awarded a pension it is open to him to put his case before the new Appeals Tribunal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the Government is aware that the artificial legs made by the Belgian Hospital at La Panne are not only a better type but also the cost of manufacturing is much less, also that the Belgian authorities have announced their willingness to instruct British workmen in their manufacture; and, if so, will the Government take steps to avail themselves of their offer?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Artificial limbs made at La Panne have been seen by the Advisory Committee and are not considered of better type, design, or workmanship than limbs at present being issued by the Ministry. I understand the majority of the workmen employed are on an Army-pay basis, and if the relative difference in the cost of labour (which is a very large item in the cost of manufacture of a limb) as paid at La Panne, and the wages the workmen receive in this country is taken into account, together with the quality of the materials used, it will be found the British built limb will bear favourable comparison as regards cost of manufacture. Action is at present being taken to obtain details of a new process known as "Dr. De Page's system for making artificial limbs," which has recently been adopted at La Panne, and when full particulars are to hand, which are expected shortly, the matter will be considered as to whether it is advisable to apply the process to the manufacture of limbs in this country, and take advantage of Dr. De Page's and the Belgian authorities' very kind offer to train disabled soldiers in the process of manufacture.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether his attention has been directed to the case of George Hendry, an inspector of shells in a munitions factory who, within the last few days, had been fined £8 for being drunk and incapable, and who was again brought before the magistrate at Glasgow Southern Police Court on the 10th instant, when he pleaded guilty to being drunk and incapable, and was fined 40s. and ordered to be imprisoned for fourteen days; and whether he proposes to take any steps to protect the employés in munition factories and our soldiers from the danger to which they may be exposed as a result of this official becoming again incapacitated through drink for the proper performance of his duties?

This man was employed as an examiner of shells (not as an inspector) up to the 16th June, when he was dismissed from the service of the Ministry.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the regulation of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) prohibiting the sale or consumption of spirits in the Argyllshire area has been withdrawn; and, if so, on what grounds this decision was arrived at?

The answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. The decision was arrived at on a consideration of representations of the Naval authorities (at whose instance the regulation was made in March last) that its continuance was no longer necessary in the interests of Naval efficiency

asked the Minister of Munitions if he can state the total amount of capital expenditure of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) since its institution, and the gross annual profits earned and the annual expenditure incurred in connection with its operations in Great Britain?

So far as the Gretna and Invergordon districts are concerned, I would refer the hon. Member to the balance-sheets and profit and loss accounts which have already been published (Cd.8635). It is not at present possible to publish similar statements of accounts for the whole of the districts in Great Britain in which a system of direct control has been established, owing to the impossibility, for reasons which I have previously explained, of compiling a statement of accounts for Carlisle, which is by far the largest of these districts. I have already stated that the Control Board are desirous of publishing such a statement as soon as practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether particulars have yet been received from India as to the reasons for the action recently taken by the Governor of Madras against Mrs. Besant and two others; and, if so, whether the practicability of laying Papers on the subject upon the Table of the House has been considered as promised by his predecessor; and whether Papers will be laid?

I am considering the matter. There has not yet been time for all the particulars for which I have asked to reach me.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he can state the number of times that recommendations have been made by the Director of Medical Service, India, during the last ten years to introduce into India the system of military station hospitals?

I have no information on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether a joint committee of members of the Royal Army Medical Corps and the Indian Medical Service made proposals in 1912–13 to introduce the system of military station hospitals; whether the recommendations were carried out; and, if not, what were the reasons for not carrying out the recommendations?

The hon. and gallant Member presumably refers to the Committee under the presidency of Sir P. Lukis which prepared a detailed scheme for the introduction of the station hospital system for Indian troops. The outbreak of War prevented effect being given to their recommendations. It has now been definitely decided to introduce the station hospital system for Indian troops at the earliest possible moment. For British troops in India the system has been in existence for many years.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that numbers of Russian Jews have from time to time migrated from Russia to avoid pogroms or other religious persecution and have become domiciled in Belgium for the purposes of expatriating themselves as Russian subjects, whilst consequent on the difficulties presented by Belgian law to the acquisition of Belgian nationality they are and continue to be countryless or without present nationality; and whether His Majesty's Government will recognise the acquisition of domicile in Belgium by men of Russian birth who migrated from Russia as children, and many of whom possess no knowledge of the Russian language, as sufficient evidence of expatriation?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 13th August to the hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division. I am unable to adopt the suggestion in the last paragraph of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that, on the outbreak of the present War, large numbers of domiciled Belgians who had migrated from Russia came to this country in response to the invitation of the late Government; if he will state the number of applications to the Home Office received from men of Russian birth domiciled in Belgium for passports to enable them to proceed to the United States; and whether such passports were refused on representations made by the Belgian Government as to the inexpediency of expatriating such men from Belgium, inasmuch that their return to Belgium after the War would be necessary to re-establish economic conditions?

I am aware that a certain number of Russian subjects living in Belgium came to this country at the outbreak of war among the refugees from Belgium. It would be impossible to give the number asked for in the second part of the question without much waste of time and labour. I know nothing of any such representations as are mentioned in the third part of the question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that certain women are organising peace parades and peace pickets for the purpose of discouraging the people and the soldiers from continuing the War till a complete victory is gained; that one of them, Mrs. Nellie Best, of 39, Doughty Street, W.C., was sentenced on the 26th of February, 1916, to six months' imprisonment for distributing leaflets against recruiting in Trafalgar Square: and, seeing that these attempts to bring about an inconclusive peace are a breach of the Defence of the Realm Act, will he take action in the matter?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the police are prepared to take action whenever a breach of the Defence of the Realm Regulations is brought to their notice.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction and unrest among the agency staff of the Prudential Assurance Company, Limited, owing to the refusal of the company to accept arbitration in regard to certain grievances of the employés, especially in the matter of war bonus; and, in view of the fact that a development of the present situation will affect adversely the administration of Part I. of the National Insurance Act, what action he proposes to take?

The answer to the first question is in the affirmative, and in regard to the second I do not possess any power to compel the parties to this dispute to accept arbitration. The Munitions of War Act, which is the only enactment dealing with compulsory arbitration, does not apply to the Prudential Assurance Company or its agents.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour what steps, if any, he proposes to take to put into effect the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee so far as they apply to the insurance agents of Great Britain and Ireland; if he is aware that these recommendations are the introduction, if necessary, of legislation to compel the insurance companies to pay their agents an increased wage; and what steps he intends to take to prevent the insurance companies using corrupt means for the purpose of repealing the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act?

I have considered the recommendation in question. I would point out to the hon. Member that it was not recommended that legislation should be introduced to compel insurance companies to pay their agents an increased wage, but that "the Government, either by legislation or moral influence, should compel an inquiry into their conditions of work or an arbitration upon their complaints by the Industrial Commissioner." The proposal that compulsory arbitration should be applied to a particular dispute by Act of Parliament would create a precedent which might have very far-reaching consequences, and as at present advised I am not prepared to introduce legislation for this purpose. The Chief Industrial Commissioner has been in communication with the companies, but in the absence of a mutual desire for arbitration he cannot enforce it. The question of repealing or limiting the application of the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act appears to be one for the Lord Chancellor, and is not one with which the Ministry of Labour is concerned.

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that an application by workers employed in the engineering and foundry trades for an advance of 10s. per week to adults and 5s. for youths was adjudicated upon by the Committee on Production with the result that on 14th July 3s. per week was awarded and 1s. 6d. to youths; that in consequence of the small sum awarded, as compared with the increase in the cost of living, dissatisfaction exists among the workers, and that protests are being made to the head quarters of the various trade unions concerned; if he will state whether the two members of the Committee on Production who were appointed on the Labour side approve of the terms of the award; and whether he will take action in the matter?

I have to remind my hon. Friend that largely on proposals made by responsible, industrial organisations the Committee on Production was recently enlarged with a view to wider representation. The new Committee having heard and considered the application referred to and having given their decision, it rests with the parties to abide by that decision, and I do not propose to take any action in the matter.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he was consulted with regard to the Corns Order, 1917; and whether he is in harmony with those decisions?

The 1917 Crop. Restriction Order will shortly be withdrawn.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn by the executive committee of the Derbyshire War Agricultural Committee to the pollution of the River Rother and its tributaries and to the committee's suggestion that an alternative scheme be provided for the supply of water to those lands grazed by cattle through which these streams pass; and whether he will take any action in the matter?

The attention of the Department has been drawn to this matter, and to the Derbyshire War Agricultural Committee's suggestion that an alternative scheme of water supply for the lands in question should be provided. The matter is, however, one foe the. Local Government Board, with whom the Department have communicated.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any official information showing that the Turkish Government have ordered 8,000 young Serbian girls into Turkey; and whether anything can be done in the matter?

I have no official confirmation of the report alluded to by the hon. Member. I have no doubt that, if true, the Serbian Government will take whatever action is possible, and I can assure them that, if they desire it, they will receive all support from His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any official information showing that some 300,000 Greeks have been massacred in Macedonia and Thrace; and if he will take action in the matter?

We have received no official information on the subject, and I should be grateful for any reports in the possession of my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary if he has any official information about gambling at houses in May-fair; if he is aware that there are many similar houses in various parts of London; and whether he will take action in the matter?

I have at present no definite information about gambling "at homes" in Mayfair. When, as happens from time to time, reliable information reaches the police that houses are being used as gambling houses in any part of London, suitable action is at once taken.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the outbreak of typhoid in the Tumble district, Carmarthenshire, and to the unsatisfactory conditions of housing or sanitation in that area; and whether he will cause a public inquiry to be held with respect to the causes of this and other epidemics that frequently occur in the locality?

One of the medical inspectors of the Local Government Board has visited the district and spent a considerable period in closely investigating this outbreak and conferring with the parties concerned. He has reported that the outbreak was caused by infected milk, and he has advised the district council as to the action to be taken to prevent the disease recurring. The action which has been taken is, I think, likely to be more useful than a public inquiry in a case of this kind.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he can state the infantile mortality in 1914 and 1916 in the following towns: Burnley, Liverpool, St. Helens, Leeds, Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Birmingham, Coventry, and Sunderland?

I am sending my hon. Friend the figures.