asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government has agreed that in future British hospital ships shall carry a Spanish naval officer in order to prevent them being attacked by enemy submarines, and will he state if any agreement to this effect has been made with the German Government; and whether all British and Allied hospital ships are registered under the Red Cross Convention at Geneva?

asked the Prime Minister whether an agreement has been made between the Allies and Germany under which Allied hospital ships will not be torpedoed providing Spanish naval officers on board them guarantee that such ships are being used exclusively for medical service; and whether the arrangement is now in operation?

In order to remove all pretence that British hospital ships are misused, His Majesty's Government have agreed that each ship shall carry a neutral Commissioner appointed by the Spanish Government. I understand that the French Government have agreed to a similar arrangement. We hope that this may put an end to enemy attacks on these ships, though we have not yet received a definite assurance to this effect from the enemy Governments. The names of British hospital ships have in all cases been communicated to the enemy Governments before employment, as required by The Hague Convention for the adaptation of the Geneva Convention to maritime warfare, and the same is no doubt the case as regard hospital ships of Allied Powers. Moreover, in the case of British hospital ships, in addition to the names, full particulars to ensure easy identification have been supplied to the enemy Governments.

Did the suggestion arise from our Government or from the German Government?

I am afraid that I cannot say that without notice, but I rather think from ours.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make a statement concerning the proposed conference of Allies to consider war aims; whether the various inter-Ally agreements made during the War will be reconsidered and, if necessary, revised as the Russian Government desires; and at what date and in what place the conference is expected to assemble?

I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the reply returned to the hon. Member's question on the 12th of July.

In view of the importance of this subject, may we know whether, on the Adjournment, the Prime Minister intends to refer to it this afternoon?

I should hesitate to pledge myself as to what will be the contents of my right hon. Friend's speech.

May I ask whether an entirely sympathetic attitude has been taken up in our communications to the Russian Government on this question?

I am quite sure that all our communications to the Russian Government have been entirely sympathetic.

( by Private Notice )asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the desirability of circumventing the proposed labour conference with our enemies, he will invite the Governments of all the Allied Powers to join with the British Government in affording immediate facilities for an international labour and military conference in London, consisting of delegates representative of all labour organisations in this and Allied countries who shall have been elected for this purpose by a special vote, and representatives from the Allied Armies similarly elected, thus providing an opportunity for the representatives of the great majority of peoples engaged in fighting for the Allied cause to give expression to their wishes and their views?

The answer is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by taking this light and airy view of the matter he is encouraging unofficial conferences, which will eventually become a menace to our cause in this War?

The answer did not take a light and airy view, but the question did

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland (1) what representations have been made to the Paper Commission in consequence of their action in prohibiting the carrying on of the business of James Walker, Limited, of Dublin, as far as the printing, on satin, of pictures to-be enclosed in cigarette packets is concerned; can he state the result of his action in the matter; (2) whether inquiry has been made into the action of the Paper Commission in prohibiting the printing on satin of pictures to be enclosed in cigarette packets; and whether steps have now been taken to prevent any further interference of this kind with a new Irish industry which has been started since the outbreak of the War in order to take the place of a former German monopoly?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to these questions. I understand that the representations in regard to the use of satin cigarette pictures are now receiving the careful attention of the Paper Commission who, pending the result of their inquiries, have decided to postpone further action in the matter.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what power the Paper Commission has to issue instructions about printing on satin, seeing that satin comes from France, one of our Allies?

As I have endeavoured to explain before, the Paper Commission entered into negotiations with tobacco manufacturers with a view to saving cardboard, and that tobacco manufacturers should cease to issue packets of cigarettes printed on cardboard. It was felt that if satin pictures were allowed to continue it would be considered a form of unfair competition. That was the attitude taken up at the time, and the other manufacturers of tobacco entered into an arrangement whereby a saving of 800 tons of cardboard was contemplated. The Paper Commission is giving special consideration to the case mentioned by the hon. Member, and they have agreed to postpone the question of the prohibition.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of girls will be disemployed by this action, which interferes with a private and prosperous industry in Dublin?

All those considerations are receiving sympathetic attention.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that cardboard pictures are still enclosed in packets of cigarettes?

My hon. Friend is quite correct, but the manufacturers are using a supply that they have in stock. No further stocks will be printed.

I will call attention to this matter on the Adjournment.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he can arrange to grant the application of the urban district council at Hampton-on-Thames for some additional acres of land in Bushey Park for the purpose of allotments?

I have agreed to grant 4 acres of additional land for allotments as a war measure on conditions readily accepted elsewhere, but I regret that I cannot meet the desire of the urban district council for permanent alienation of land in the Royal Parks.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state, in connection with the issue of war contracts and the receiving of supplies, how many sub-offices there are in Dublin and elsewhere in Ireland; will he say where the stores are situated and the total number of officials engaged; whether, in the interests of economy and convenience, he will arrange for a fully-equipped depot in Dublin; whether it is intended to have a temporarily centralised institution immediately arranged pending the erection of a permanent depot in Dublin; and whether he is aware that the Irish Trades Congress have passed a resolution demanding fulfilment of the promises made in this matter?

So far as ordnance stores are concerned, the position is as follows: As to' sub-offices, there is a pattern room and information bureau in Dublin which has recently been moved to premises in Westland Row. There are no other offices or sub-offices of which the main or primary object is the issue of war contracts and the receiving of supplies, but there are various ordnance depots in Ireland at which goods manufactured in Ireland are delivered for issue to troops in Ireland.

As to the number of officials engaged, there is an officer in charge of the pattern room in Dublin; but, apart from this, the number of officials cannot be definitely-stated, as it varies, from day to day. A large part of the goods manufactured in Ireland are inspected at the manufacturers' works, and the number of inspectors and viewers employed depends on the quantity of goods ready for delivery. As to the establishment of a fully-equipped depot in Dublin, I am afraid I can at present add nothing to the answer given to my hon. Friend on the 2nd instant.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a most influential meeting Was held in Cork yesterday, or the day before, and that a telegram was sent to the Prime Minister and the Secretary for War on this subject, and will it be reconsidered during the Recess, as it is causing an immense amount of dissatisfaction to everybody concerned?

I will bring the matter to the notice of the Financial Secretary, who is dealing particularly with this matter.

I will call attention to this subject on the Adjournment.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it has now been decided to issue the silver war badge to officers and men of the merchant ser-vice who are incapacitated by enemy action and unable to follow their occupation; and whether any alteration in any Royal Warrant is necessary to this end?

Arrangements are being made for the distribution of the silver war badge to officers and seamen of merchant ships who, by reason of wounds received through enemy action, or by reason of illness attributable to war service, are compelled to give up their employment in the mercantile marine. I learn on further inquiry that no alteration of any Royal Warrant is necessary.

Will that be retrospective, and apply to all men incapacitated?

I think so.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will at once take steps to alter the provisions of the Merchant Shipping Act in respect to the stoppage of pay of officers and men of the merchant service as from the date of the sinking of a vessel; and whether he will see that provision is made in future not only for these men to reach their homes without having to appeal to charitable organisations, but to supply them with the necessaries of life until they can continue to earn their living under existing conditions?

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the crews of British ships that are sunk are, when saved, paid off at the port they are landed at and that often the amount of pay they have to receive will not pay their fare to their homes, thus forcing them to rely upon charitable associations for financial assistance; and whether, seeing that the greater number of ships now sunk are sunk by enemy submarines, he will make arrangements to provide crews under these circumstances with food and tickets to their homes?

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking as regards the treatment of British crews after the sinking of their ships; and if he is willing, and in a position, to give instructions that officers and men of British merchant ships sunk through being caused by a war risk shall, after being brought to England, be sent back at the expense of the Government to their port of signing on and there paid off?

Arrangements have been made to secure that every officer or seaman of a ship lost by war risks shall be entitled, as a matter of right, to one month's wages, or wages up to the date of arrival in the United Kingdom, whichever is the greater. The machinery which already exists for forwarding seamen to their homes has worked very efficiently, and I propose to continue to avail myself of it, The cost is in most cases recovered from the owners of the ship, and arrangements have been made to prevent any financial loss falling upon private funds. There can, therefore, be no question of charity in the matter.

Does the one month's wages mean one month dating from the time at which the vessel was sunk—one month after the vessel was sunk?

Yes.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the Government's proposals for the free insurance of shipwrecked sailors; and if the scheme provides for passengers?

The arrangements made for giving compensation to officers and seamen who lose their effects through enemy action are shown in the White Paper (Cd. 8706) which has just been issued. These arrangements do not apply to passengers.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any announcement as to a decision having been arrived at with regard to a standard uniform for officers in the merchant service?

The question of a standard uniform for the merchant service is being considered by a Special Committee, which has not yet reported.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Petrol Control Board for Ireland has as yet been finally constituted; whether his attention has been called to the delay in bringing the work of such Board into operation and to the inconvenience caused to the public thereby; and will he take steps to have any necessary arrangements connected with the Board and its entry on its duties expedited?

I have appointed a Committee to advise the Petrol Controller on the distribution of motor spirit for civil and industrial needs in Ireland. The necessary arrangements have been made for the Committee to take up its duties immediately.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make arrangements in case of invalids making application with doctors' certificates that they are to receive a supply of petrol?

As I explained, every case is considered on its merits, and that indicated by the hon. Gentleman is sympathetically considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that Mr. Nobbs, acting on behalf of the Farmers' Union in Norfolk and Suffolk, is using motor vans for the purpose of supplying farmers with men to act as strike breakers, and also using the same motor vans to supply bedding, chairs, and tables for the housing of these men at Honington and Euston, in the Fakenham district, in Suffolk; and cm he state whether petrol supplies have been issued for this purpose; and, if so, will he take steps to cancel the licence for such supplies of petrol?

I am not aware of the circumstances mentioned in the first part of the question; no petrol supplies have been issued specifically for the purposes mentioned, but Mr. Nobbs, of the Station Hotel, Attleborough, holds a petrol licence in respect of two cars which he lets out for hire.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can state whether an alteration can be made in the form of motor spirit licence at present being issued so as to provide for the issue of a larger quantity of second-grade motor spirit in place of the limited quantity of first-grade motor spirit now allowed where the applicant may be prepared to use the second-grade spirit instead?

An alteration in the form of motor spirit licence at present in use would involve considerable administrative difficulties; the question of the encouragement and distribution to commercial users of home-produced second-grade motor spirit is now being considered by a Special Committee.

When was the Committee set up and when may we expect its Report?

I think my reply indicated that the Committee has only just been set up.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any steps have been taken to bring about a settlement of the railway station cab-toll dispute; and, if so, can he state the result?

I would refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given on this subject yesterday to the hon. Member for West Newington.

asked the President of the Board of Trade why the Pera Cigarette Company, whose sole proprietor is Reshid Sadi Bey, an interned Turk, has not been wound up and sold as an enemy concern; if he can say who has been endeavouring to secure the release of this man from internment; and is he still a director of the Turkish Tobacco Export Company?

As to the first point, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which was given to the hon. Member for Plymouth on the 25th July last. As to the second point, I have no information. The question of internment is one for the Home Office to deal with. I understand that Reschid Sadi Bey is still a director of the Turkish Tobacco Export Company.

May I ask why, if he is an interned enemy alien, he is allowed to be a director?

As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, the procedure adopted is that the Board of Trade set up an advisory committee, and it is on their representation that this result has been adopted.

asked whether Szarvasy is an enemy alien and still at large; if so, why is he allowed to be the managing director of the British, Foreign, and Colonial Corporation; and whether he is able to obtain the consent of the New Issues Committee, while British-born financiers are unable to obtain any facilities whatever?

The person referred to is a Hungarian who has been resident in this country for twenty-two years, and has been exempted from internment on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee. The matters referred to in the last two parts of the question concern the Board of Trade and the Treasury.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the results to British trade from the import from the Continent of silk veilings and nets, which are delivered at lower prices than it would cost to buy the silk in the United Kingdom, whereby manufacturers and operatives in this class of textile business are suffering something approaching extinction; and when an embargo will be placed on the import of such goods?

I have at present no information on the subject, but I shall be happy to institute inquiries if the hon. Member will furnish me with particulars of the cases referred to; the import of these goods is restricted to 50 per cent. of normal imports.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he has received complaints from country districts, including the Hemel Hempsted district, with regard to the shortage of matches; whether the Home supply of matches is adequate to meet requirements; and, if not, whether the Board of Trade are considering the adoption of any measures and, if so, what measures for increasing the supply; and whether the prohibition of the import of matches can be relaxed?

Representations Rave been received from traders and others in several districts to the effect that the supply of matches is not so great as the demand. This I readily admit is doubtless the case in many places, but it is hoped that the home supply can be adjusted to meet requirements without serious hardship, thus avoiding the sacrifice of freight for the import of additional supplies.

What is going to be done to supply those people who cannot get matches?

We are endeavouring to adjust and reorganise the supply.

Does the hon. Gentleman not recollect that it was pointed out that this would happen, and has the Board of Trade taken any steps to meet the situation which was anticipated?

I acknowledge that my hon. Friend directed my attention to it, and I have kept the matter constantly under review.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the fact that munition workers who visited their homes in Bradford last week, and who had received vouchers entitling them to cheap fares, with which they had obtained return tickets, were refused permission to use the return halves of their tickets at the Midland Railway station at Bradford and told that they must book again and apply for a refund; if his attention has also been called to the fact that some of the munition workers concerned were compelled, in consequence of this action on the part of the Midland Railway Company, to remain in Bradford until they could get the money to pay the unexpected charge and lost a day's work in consequence; and whether he will recoup the munition workers who were thus deprived of their earnings for the loss they have sustained?

My hon. Friend has called my attention to a complaint which he has received to this effect. I am making inquiries into the matter and will let him know the result.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will inform the House before it rises what action the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic), of its own motion or under direction of the Government proposes to take, or what action the Government proposes to take, in order to provide more beer for consumption by munition workers and others; whether the increase sanctioned for the hot weather will be extended; and whether further barrelage of light beer will be sanctioned?

The Government are aware of the existing shortage of beer, and the whole matter is now under consideration.

Would the hon. Gentleman mind stating, in order to remove a popular misconception, that the action of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) has nothing to do with the recent restrictions?

I think that idea has originated through a popular misconception of the duties of the Control Board.

asked the Minister of Munitions what are the conclusions of the advisory committees appointed by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to consider the effects on health and industrial efficiency produced by the consumption of drinks of various alcoholic strengths; and whether any, and, if so, what, action has been, or will be, taken on such conclusions?

The Advisory Committee appointed by the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) to consider the effects on health and industrial efficiency produced by the consumption of drinks of various alcoholic strengths is conducting investigations relative to this question, and has not yet formulated its conclusions. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Are they proceeding by way of experiment?

Will the Report be published?

Certainly.

asked the Minister of Munitions when the further figures regarding the regulation of the drink traffic in the various munition areas of Great Britain, which on the 17th July were in course of preparation with a view to publication, will be published?

It is hoped to publish these figures shortly.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he has received claims for damage done to industrial property due to the explosion at Ashton-under-Lyne; and whether he will expedite the examination of such claims and the payment thereof?

A number of such claims have been received. The Ministry's assessors are dealing as rapidly as possible with them and over one-third have already been paid. As my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, the Ministry is not legally liable for these claims, but it has assumed responsibility to make good any deficiency, and negotiations are pending with those primarily liable.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has now had an opportunity of considering the speech recently delivered in St. John's Primitive Church, Bridlington, by Mr. J. D. Fenby, a member of the Bridlington Local Tribunal; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has not received Mr. Fenby's observations with regard to the matter in question. He is again communicating with him.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the Central Tribunal has issued any Regulations as to its procedure; in what relation does it stand to the Committee on Work of National Importance; are there any Regulations governing the relations between the two bodies; and whether the Central Tribunal has power to delegate any of its functions or duties to the Committee on Work of National Importance, such as the power to impose conditions on which exemption from military service shall be granted?

I am not aware that the Central Tribunal have issued any Regulations as to their procedure. The Committee on Work of National Importance is an advisory body to assist tribunals, and it is open to the tribunal to refer any case which they think fit to the Committee. It is for the tribunal to decide on what conditions exemption shall be given, and it is open to them in suitable cases to provide that exemption shall be conditional on the undertaking of work under the direction of the Committee on Work of National Importance.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the case of Mr. H. L. Prentice, of 9, Lilac Road, Hale, who was granted work of national importance by the Stockport and East Cheshire Appeal Tribunal with Messrs. Clibrans, of Hale, Altrincham, at £l a week; whether the firm are now willing to pay him 26s. a week, but the tribunal will not allow this; and whether, in view of the fact that he has a widowed mother and four sisters largely dependent on him, and that the other conscientious objectors on the firm are being paid 26s. a week, representations will be made to the tribunal to reconsider their decision?

My right hon. Friend is making inquiry of the tribunal respecting the case, and I will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received a letter from the Blackpool Trades and Labour Council about the case of a conscientious objector named W. Pickles, detained in Shrewsbury Prison, in which it is pointed out that his health has been seriously undermined on account of the insufficiency and nature of the food supplied to him; and what action has been taken in the matter?

I have received the letter referred to, and I find, on inquiry, that, in the opinion of the medical officer, this prisoner's health is not impaired. He cannot be released for employment under the Home Office scheme because the Central Tribunal, after hearing him, were unable to report that he had a conscientious objection to military service.

In view of the very large number of complaints of a character similar to this of insufficiency of food given to prisoners in a great many prisons, will the Home Secretary have special inquiries made into the question?

No, Sir; I have not received complaints, and the Food Controller's scale is observed.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War 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, for what reason is this treatment being inflicted; and will a report on Devlin's physical condition be immediately called for?

I am making inquiries, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state to which Department recruiting is to be transferred and who is to be head of the new Department; and whether the whole duties in connection with recruiting will be performed by this Department?

The announcement of the name of Mr. Neville Chamberlain's successor will be made shortly. As regards the other parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Loughborough on the 7th August.

I beg to give the right hon. Gentleman notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment and expose the inexcusable and hopeless delay of the "do-it-now" Government?

Arising out of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is aware that the Committee actually went to the trouble of bringing in a special Report in order that something should be done before the Adjournment, that the Government gave this Committee because of the injustice done to these men, and does he think it right that the nomination of civilian men should be made in the Recess?

The hon. Member had better put that question down.

I will raise it on the Adjournment.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now make a statement as to the intentions of the Government with reference to the recommendations on the Special Report of the Select Committee on the Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act?

These are under consideration, and an early decision is anticipated.

Will any decision be made before the House adjourns?

I think not.

I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-day.

Can we have an assurance from the Prime Minister or the Leader of the House as to this; that the men who are concerned in. re-examination now shall not be called up for re-examination until the new civilian boards are set up?

I can make no statement beyond that which I have given in my answer.

Have instructions been issued to the military authorities, following upon this Report, so as to make it impossible that these things should recur?

Can my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House say whether the secret instructions issued by General Keogh have now been cancelled, or are they now in operation?

The hon. Member must give notice of that.

I cannot.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether F. A. Martin and F. W. Wright, employed in the Finance Department of the Ministry of Munitions, who have served overseas and have been discharged from the Army as medically unfit, have been ordered by the Ministry to submit to medical re-examination on threat of instant dismissal; if so, whether this is in accordance with the concession granted to discharged men by the Undersecretary for War?

Arrangements are being made for members of the staff of the Ministry to whom the provisions of the Military Service (Review of Exemptions) Act, 1917, and the Army Council Instruction No. 643 of 1917 apply to undergo a medical re-examination. The officer of the Ministry who requested Messrs. Martin and Wright to submit themselves for re-examination was unaware of the concession to men who have served overseas recently announced in the House of Commons by the Under-Secretary of State for War. The request has now been withdrawn, and steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such an incident. There was no threat of instant dismissal if the men did not undergo re-examination.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury has received a recommendation from the Board of Inland Revenue that financial allowances should be granted to assessors and collectors of taxes called up for service with His Majesty's forces; and, if so, will he state the reasons which have induced the Treasury to decline to sanction such financial allowances while authorising similar payment to all other grades of Civil servants?

I would refer to the replies which I gave on this subject on the 15th instant and the 24th ultimo. With reference to the latter part of the question I would point out that the large majority of assessors and collectors of taxes are appointed by local bodies of Commissioners of Taxes throughout the country; that under statutory conditions they are appointed for one year only; and that the majority of them are part-time servants, concentrating their duties within a few months of the year, and generally combining them with other business. For these reasons they are not comparable with whole-time officers in the direct employment of the State, for whom circular terms were designed.

asked if the practice of the Board of Customs and Excise now being carried out in regard to the release of men for military service is to release men according to age, if in categories A and B 1, irrespective of the fact that they are volunteers, attested, or un-attested; and whether he will explain why this course is adopted in view of the promise given in General Order 25/17 that, if possible, priority of release should be given to men who had responded to the call for volunteers?

The principle of release according to age was followed by the Board of Customs and Excise in accordance with the wishes of the Government.

That is to say it is a violation of the General Order referred to in the question?

I cannot admit that. The circumstances were different at the time that Order was issued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War with regard to the case of Private J. E. Tipping, No. 205,325, 5th Lancashire Fusiliers, stationed at Race Course camp, Scarborough, son of Mrs. Tipping, of 23, Gavin Street, Cross Lane, Salford, whether Tipping was rejected three times for consumption; whether he has been under treatment at Drinkwater Hospital within the last two or three years for consumption; whether he has quite recently been under treatment in the imbecile ward at Hope Hospital, Pendleton, and was called up from there to the local tribunal eight or nine weeks ago and was passed Class A; whether he has been weak and ill since he joined up and has been sentenced to twenty-one days in Derby Prison; whether he is considered to be the kind of man who is likely to make a useful soldier; and whether he can be re-examined with a view to a different classification?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, when a soldier has been detained for a month in a civilian lunatic asylum, an intimation is sent by the War Office to the manager and committee of the asylum to the effect that the patient has been discharged from the Army and is no longer under military control; whether, in the following cases such intimation has been sent to the asylum authorities, namely: Private Herbert A. Shorley, admitted to West Riding Asylum, Wakefield, 28th February, 1917; Private A. E. Statton, admitted to West Riding Asylum, Wakefield, 30th March, 1917; Private J. Frost, admitted to Bucks County Asylum, Aylesbury, 30th March, 1917; Private Aneurin Morgan, admitted to Rainhill Asylum, Liverpool, 1st February, 1917; Private F. P. Parrish, admitted to Long Grove Asylum, Epsom, 3rd March, 1917, and said to have been transferred to Severalls Asylum, Colchester, 25th July, 1917; and Private Frank Piper, admitted to Hanwell Asylum, 5th July, 1917; and, in the event of no such intimation having yet reached the asylum authorities, will steps be taken to acquaint them that in all analogous cases the soldier, after the lapse of a month's detention, has returned to the status of an ordinary civilian?

I am afraid that I am not able to inquire into the cases brought to notice by the hon. Member without knowing the numbers and units of the men concerned. If the hon. Member will furnish me with these details I will inquire. In regard to the first and last parts of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given him on the 9th instant.

Is it not possible, when the present whereabouts of these men is known, for inquiries to be made without a great deal of red tape?

Inquiries with the information at my disposal would be extremely difficult.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War with regard to the case of Sergeant Frank B. Green, No. 10815, 18th Manchester Regiment, whether he was on 23rd April this year given the acting duty and rank of sergeant-major; whether he continued to act as sergeant-major till 25th July, when he was wounded; and why it is he has not received the pay of sergeant-major during that period?

I will inquire into this case, and inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Private Thomas Nash, of the 1st Labour Battalion, of Park Hall Camp, Oswestry, whether papers had been sent through for him to work in a colliery; whether the papers were in April last lost in the post; and whether fresh papers will be prepared in view of the fact that various collieries in Pendleton and area are willing to employ him?

Inquiries are being made, and my hon. Friend will be informed of the result.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War what steps are being taken to give effect to the undertaking of His Majesty's Government that men otherwise time-expired who are retained with the Colours under the Military Service Act shall have a month's leave and a gratuity?

Army Order 209 was published in 1916 laying down the conditions of the gratuity, and it is issued under it. Effect is given to the undertaking about leave in Instructions issued by the Army Council in 1916.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to establish a new civilian' recruiting office for the county of Somerset with fifteen head officials and 100 clerks under them; and whether it is considered that adequate employment can be found for this staff?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend had better put down his question again when the new Department for dealing with recruiting has been established.

May I ask when that will be?

I think my hon. and gallant Friend must put that question to the Leader of the House.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether Mr. Howard D'Egville, secretary to the United Kingdom branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association, is of military age; whether he attested under the Derby scheme; in what category is he classified; whether he has been exempted from military service; and, if so, on what grounds?

Inquiries are being made, but they would be facilitated if Mr. D'Egville's registered address could be furnished by my Eon. Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether the Agricultural Details Company in Suffolk, which body is under military control, is supplying soldiers to the farmers to act where required to defeat the men in their efforts to secure fair remuneration for harvest work; (2) whether the farmers in some districts of Suffolk are threatening to introduce soldiers to take the places of farm workers if the workmen concerned do not accept the remuneration for harvest work offered by the farmers; whether the use of such statements is creating considerable feeling; and will he give a definite denial to any such use being made of the labour of soldiers?

There is no intention of using soldiers to replace civilian farm workers. If my hon. Friend has any case in mind, I shall be happy to inquire if he will give me particulars. Soldiers are only sent to work on the land at the request of the county agricultural executive committees, when civilian labour is unobtainable.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether any decision has been arrived at by the Civil Liabilities Relief Committee as to awarding relief in cases where a sum is claimed to meet the rent of premises used for business purposes held on lease by a soldier at the date of his enlistment; and, if so, what course will be adopted by the Committee in such cases?

Grants have been made by the Civil Liabilities Committee in respect of the rent of business premises in a considerable number of cases. The decision in any case must depend on the particular circumstances, but I am informed that generally the Committee are prepared to grant assistance where they are satisfied that the surrender of premises would involve loss to the applicant.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that a large proportion of the men belonging to B Company, 80th Training Reserve Battalion, stationed at Gosforth, Newcastle-on-Tyne, are of the C3 class, and that they carry rifles, go on route marches, and are put through physical drills; and whether, having regard to the fact that men of this class have been understood to be fit for sedentary work only, he will say if it is in accordance with Army Council instructions that men of C3 class are being subjected to this form of training?

Recruits of this category are put through special graduated courses at the discretion of the commanding officer in consultation with the medical officer of the unit. If they are unable to perform these modified courses, duties are rearranged under the instructions of the medical officer to suit individual cases.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that many men in these categories are put to these duties simply by a sergeant-major without any reference to the commanding officer?

No; I am not aware of that.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that there are many complaints that that is being done?

My hon. Friend has not given me any complaints.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that during the War the limit of earnings permitted to old age pensioners has been relaxed, but that no (similar concession has been allowed in the case of new applicants otherwise qualified to receive the old age pension; and whether he will consider if it is possible to make some concession during the War to new applicants in respect of their earnings?

I regret that I am unable to make the concession which my hon. Friend suggests.

Does the hon. Gentleman realise the great sense of injustice that the new applicant feels with regard to this matter when he realises that his neighbour three or four years older and doing exactly the same kind of work and drawing the same amount is receiving his pension?

The original injustice was committed by the Treasury in straining the law with regard to old applicants, but we find the strain with regard to the new brings us to the breaking point.

asked the Paymaster-General, as representing the Charity Commissioners, if the governors of the late Dr. Lees' rest houses, Anlaby Road, Hull, also the governors of Lister's Rooms, Fountain Road, Hull, are reducing the sum usually paid to the recipients by 2s. 6d. per week, thus diverting the recent concession to old pensioners made by the Government to other interests than those intended by Parliament, which intention was to assist the aged poor to better bear the abnormal conditions of War; and, if so, will he say what steps are proposed to prevent such diversion of public help from those for whom it is intended?

The Charity Commissioners have no knowledge of any such reduction but are making inquiries on the subject, and the result of such inquiries will be communicated to the hon. Member. If it should prove that in the case of either charity the trustees are exceeding their powers or are treating the additional 2s. 6d. per week as properly secured income for the purpose of calculating the amount payable as stipend or pension the Commissioners will take such steps as may be in their power to protect the interests of the recipients. The policy of the Commissioners is to secure, wherever possible, that the stipends of almspeople and pensioners shall be of sufficient amount to enable the recipients to live in comfort.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether old age pension inquiry officers have instructions that in cases when a pensioner is ill and a relative pays the necessary doctor's bill that such a payment is to be treated as part income of the pensioner; whether he is aware that in a recent case in South London the old age pension was stopped because such a payment was made; and whether, in view of the hardship of such a decision, he will issue instructions to inquiry officers that such special payments are not to be treated as regular or fixed income of a pensioner?

Pension officers have no instructions of the nature suggested; whether or not payment for medical attendance on a pensioner could be held to be means for pension purposes would depend upon the circumstances of the case, and the determination of this would rest not with the pension officer, but with the local pension committee, subject to appeal to the Local Government Board. Without further particulars, I cannot distinguish the case referred to.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will make further inquiries as to the existence of vacant cargo spaces in ships leaving ports whence apples are exported, in order that no possible opportunity may be lost of facilitating the import of a fruit so valuable from the point of view of public health?

I am afraid that I have nothing to add to the reply I gave to ques- tions on this subject asked by the hon. Members for the Bridgeton and College Divisions of Glasgow on 6th August. This subject, however, is continuing to receive the careful attention of the Government.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if his attention has been drawn to complaints from retail grocers as to the slow and infrequent delivery of sugar supplies; what is the practice of the Sugar Commission as regards deliveries of sugar to retailers; whether only one delivery a month is made; and, if so, will he, in order to supply regular deliveries to all consumers, provide in future that retailers should be supplied with the quantity they are allowed every week?

The Sugar Commission does not as a rule deal direct with retail grocers, and has no knowledge of any complaint of this kind from them. The ordinary retailer deals with a wholesale trader who makes the best arrangement he can for delivery. There is no rule as to the frequency with which deliveries are made, but whenever possible delivery is made in original packages, to avoid the necessity for breaking bulk and repacking, which is expensive and wasteful of time and labour. If, therefore, a retailer's supplies amounted to ½ cwt. per week he would get one bag of 2 cwts. per month. It is not considered practicable to insist that retailers should be supplied weekly in all cases.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the 9d. loaf will be on sale in the Isle of Man; and whether the Imperial Government have decided to bear the cost or whether this matter is to be left to the Legislature of the island?

The Food Controller is not directly concerned with the regulation of food supplies in the Isle of Man; but he will be glad to co-operate, so far as possible, with the authorities in that island for the purpose of effecting a reduction in the price of bread should those authorities desire to bring about this reduction.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any Scottish firms of jam-makers, besides Messrs. Keiller, of Dundee, and Messrs. Robertson, of Paisley, are participating in the original allotment of the Scottish raspberry crop; and whether the others will have to depend on the proportion that may be allotted to them after the quantity required by the Government has been secured?

The two firms mentioned are the only Scottish jam-makers supplying the Navy and Army contracts, and they shared with other Government contractors the first 2,000 tons of Scottish raspberries which were reserved for such contracts. Thirty-nine other Scottish jam-makers are sharing in the surplus for the purpose of their private trade.

Do I understand that preference was given to these two particular firms over other firms in the trade?

No; that should not be understood from the numerous answers given on this subject.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that some of the Scottish jam manufacturers grow their own fruit; and whether, where that is the case with raspberries, steps will be taken to prevent their own crops being sent to other and competing manufacturers without any substituted supply being provided for them?

Yes, Sir. Instructions have been given to secure that the geographical position of the crops should be considered in arranging for its distribution.

asked whether, for the purposes of the commission payable to Mr. T. H. Hodge on the Scottish raspberry crop, the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society will be regarded as an association; and whether his commission on raspberries grown by them will be limited to 5s. per ton?

I understand from Mr. Hodge that, so far as he is aware, the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society grow no raspberries. The second part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Has the hon. Gentleman made particular inquiry about that?

Yes, I have.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what is to be the salary of the Food Commissioners who have just been appointed; why have these Commissioners all been taken from outside and not chosen from the officials in charge of the various districts who are carrying out the duties at present and have experience of the work; is the Food Controller aware that many of the present officials are men of great administrative and general experience, who are giving their services at very moderate salaries from National Service reasons, and that they resent being passed over in this way in favour of others who have no experience of the duties; and will the Food Controller bear in mind these experienced inspectors in connection with the further appointments which are in contemplation?

In selecting Commissioners the Food Controller has been guided solely by the need of securing the best administrative ability available for the performance of the wide and novel duties which he proposes to entrust to them. He has already taken into account any experience of food control work possessed by candidates for appointment, and this policy will be continued. Salaries varying from £600 to £800 per annum have provisionally been attached to these posts.

Does this extend to Ire land? Is it intended to appoint Commissioners in that country?

I am not aware that any appointment has yet been made in Ireland, but no distinction will be made between the two countries.

May I ask whether it is made a condition that men thus employed shall not have any share whatsoever in any food-producing society or company?

I will represent that. It seems a very desirable thing.

Are we to understand that the Food Controller takes the view that outside candidates are superior to those he has inside his Department?

I hope my hon. Friend will not draw that conclusion.

Will the hon. Gentlemen say whether those Commissioners will devote the whole of their time to the work?

That is intended.

asked the Minister of Munitions if a permit will be granted to Messrs. David Bolger and Sons, of Ferns, county Wexford, agricultural implement manufacturers, to import 500 dozen slash-hook handles from Messrs. W. L. Strock and Company, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States of America, via Liverpool-Dublin, without delay, as these handles are urgently required for agricultural purposes?

I understand that the firm have already been asked, on 23rd June, to give the Ministry the information required for the issue of the necessary permit.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Order permitting the shooting of pheasants by tenant-farmers in the districts where they are damaging crops applies to Scotland; and, if not, will he undertake, in view of the waste and destruction caused by this class of winged game, to forthwith extend the Order to that part of the United Kingdom over which he has jurisdiction?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The conditions in Scotland differ considerably from those which led to the issue of the Order relating to pheasants in England; but the situation in regard to all game birds is being carefully watched with a view to any action which the circumstances may require.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that pheasants do not injure crops in Scotland?

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain the facts in Scotland with regard to this matter?

I have already done so.

The facts are as I have stated them.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps have been taken to secure that the grazings of Scottish deer forests shall be available for sheep grazing and the production of food products; whether any security of tenure is given to a tenant stocking such grazings to the extent, it may be, with sheep valued at several thousands of pounds; and what steps are being taken to prevent such grazings as may be suitable for sheep or cultivation from reverting to deer forest at the termination of the War?

Steps have been taken, both by the issue of circulars recommending voluntary action on the part of landlords and by compulsory Orders under the Defence of the Realm Regulations, to make deer forest grazings available for sheep or cattle. With reference to the last two parts of the question, the powers of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland are necessarily conditioned by the terms of the Defence of the Realm Acts and Regulations, which are, of course, of a temporary character.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain cases in Scotland where deer forests have been offered for grazing purposes and where a suitable tenant has been found by the proprietor another tenant has been preferred by the Board of Agriculture and has been placed over his head?

I have no personal knowledge of the cases to which my hon. Friend refers, but if he will give me the particulars I will inquire.

I shall be glad to do so.

May I ask if voluntary action has been taken by proprietors in a great many cases to offer their deer forests for grazing?

Yes; certainly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the powers of the Board of Agriculture are extended so as to give greater security of tenure to the tenant?

I think the powers which exist are ample.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the waste of time and money occasioned by the lack of co-ordination and the resultant overlapping between the various invention Departments, the War Cabinet will at an early date institute an inquiry in order to discover what improvements are practicable in the present organisation and development of inventions?

This subject is at present under investigation.

asked the Prime Minister what is the present policy of the Government with regard to the malting of barley; whether any change has been made in that policy during the last three months; whether he can assure the House that no change will be made in that policy except after the House has had notice of the intention to make such change and an opportunity of discussing the matter?