asked the First Lord of the Admiralty for what reason was Captain Nunn's report detailing the great part played by the naval forces in the capture of Bagdad, although dated 21st March, 1917, not published until 22nd September, 1917?

There are practical difficulties which stand in the way of rapid publication of official dispatches, and in the case of this dispatch it was decided, after consultation with the War Office, to postpone its publication.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can give the House the assurance that British mercantile tonnage is being completed at a more rapid rate than it is being destroyed by hostile activity?

No, Sir. But in the course of the statement which my right hon. Friend the First Lord hopes to make within the next few days, he will deal with the whole question of the unrestricted use of the U-boat, the replacement of tonnage lost thereby, and the interdependent problems connected therewith.

Can I have an answer as to whether British mercantile tonnage is being completed as fast as it is being destroyed? That is a perfectly definite question.

I gave a perfectly definite answer. The answer is, No. The First Lord will give the reasons.

Was the number of steamers reported sunk last Monday as great as, if not greater than, the number on any day during the War?

I cannot tell that.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the hardship inflicted upon the inhabitants of Beachley by eviction from their homes through the place being commandeered for the building of docks; whether he is aware that the villagers were given only eleven days' notice; that it has been found impossible to find other homes; that amongst the villagers are a widow with eight children, the wife of a soldier serving in France, and the widow of a soldier who has died in Mesopotamia; whether it was decided to evict these people without first making arrangements for their transference elsewhere; and whether, in view of the plight of these people and the fact that a large area of best arable land devoted to the production of food has also been commandeered, he will have close and careful inquiries made as to the necessity for the action taken and take steps for the housing of the ejected people?

The establishment of national shipyards was decided to be essential in the national interests, and the site at Beachley was chosen after the most exhaustive consideration of all the circumstances. The tenants were given a fortnight's formal notice to quit, but there was never any intention of executing the notice until they had been afforded an opportunity of finding fresh quarters. Every possible consideration was shown to the tenants, and the local officers cooperated with the Vicar of Chepstow in doing all they could to make conditions as easy as possible for these people. All the evidence goes to show that the officer responsible for the arrangements carried out his duties sympathetically and with the utmost consideration for the interests of the tenants. If my hon. Friend will give me the details of the cases of hardship referred to in the fourth part of his question, I will have inquiry made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Ukrainian Rada has been recognised by the Russian Provisional Government; whether the Ukrainian population of the Dual Monarchy and Roumania will be encouraged or allowed to fulfil their desire for union with the Russian Ukraine; and how it is proposed in this case to give effect to the principle that nationalities should decide their own sovereignty?

Nothing would be gained by answering a question which deals with the internal arrangements of Allied countries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any information about the position in China; whether China is allied with this country in the War; and, if so, what belligerent action is being taken by China?

I do not fully understand what the first part of this question means. As regards the second, China is a co-belligerent with us, and in that sense an Ally, and is taking such belligerent action in our support as seems possible to the Chinese Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state whether the constitutional position in China is normal, and such as will give no ground for apprehension of difficulty?

I do not propose to discuss the constitutional position in China.

Has an official message of welcome such as is customary in other cases been sent to China, and if not to whom was it sent?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information about the condition of Morocco; whether any arrangements have been made or are contemplated to modify the Moroccan Agreement of 1912; and whether the native population of Morocco will be allowed to decide the sovereignty under which they are to live?

His Majesty's Government are not aware that any modification is contemplated in the agreements signed in 1912.

asked whether there are any British subjects still resident in Syria and Palestine; and, if so, whether any Report has been received of their treatment and condition?

There are a considerable number of British subjects in Syria. We have little information as to their treatment and condition, but the United States Consular officers have endeavoured to assist them in the past, and the Netherland Consul-General at Beirut was especially requested to report on the subject before he left this country on his way to his post.

asked whether during August and September quantities of cement were loaded into Dutch ships in the Port of London and despatched to Holland; and, if so, what quantities were so exported?

I am unable to give the figures for the export of cement from the Port of London to Holland in Dutch ships during August and September last, but the total exports to Holland from all ports in the United Kingdom during these two months were 18,404 tons, all of which was consigned to the Netherlands Oversea Trust under guarantees against re-export.

The last Dutch official returns show that during the first half of this year not only have there been no exports whatever of cement from Holland to either Germany or Belgium, but that during this period Holland has received from Germany about 90,000 tons of cement or about seven times as much as she obtained from the United Kingdom.

At the present time the export of cement to Holland is prohibited under the Royal Proclamation of the 29th September and no licences are now being issued.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the amount of cement that has been exported from the port of London?

I think that the question was rather about the amount exported in Dutch ships. There might be some difficulty in getting these figures, but I expect that the amount exported from London could be obtained.

Can the hon. Gentleman give a return showing the amount of cement that has been exported from this country to Holland during the last three years?

That question should be addressed to the Board of Trade.

asked whether any action has been taken with regard to the escape of the German U-boats interned in Spain; and, if not, what action is intended?

The question speaks of U-boats in the plural, but only one German submarine has escaped from internment in a Spanish port. His Majesty's Government have expressed to the Spanish Government the concern which the incident had caused them. I feel confident that the measures taken by the Spanish authorities in the case of the other interned submarine will prevent any repetition of it.

Has any suggestion been made to the Spanish Government to intern German merchant ships, which might very easily be taken over by the Spanish Government with compensation?

I cannot see any question more remote from the internment of U-boats than the internment of merchant ships.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether only those land concessions are valid in Southern Rhodesia which have been submitted for the approval of His Majesty's Secretary of State; and whether any land concessions have been approved by or submitted to His Majesty's Government which, under the signature of Mashonaland chiefs, purport to surrender ownership titles to native lands in Mashonaland situated outside a radius of sixty miles from Buluwayo?

No concession can be regarded as valid which has not been approved by the Secretary of State. I am not aware of any concessions such as are referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state what is the total number of natives of Southern Rhodesia occupying, respectively, the 5,000,000 acres of land which it is proposed to add to the reserves; and what is the number of natives occupying the 6,000,000 acres of land by which it is proposed to reduce the native reserves?

No; I have not yet had a reply from the High Commissioner.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the ex-Tsar of Russia holds any honorary rank in the British Army; and, if so, whether the Army Council will consider the propriety of conferring the same or some similar rank or position on M. Kerensky?

In answer to the first part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question put to me by the hon. Member for West Clare on the 9th July last. It is not proposed at present to recommend any additional appointments of foreigners to honorary rank in the Army.

In view of the very exceptional services of M. Kerensky to the Allies, will the Army Council consider making an exception in his case?

I can add nothing to the answer which I have given.

Is it not a fact that the ex-Tzar is still an honorary officer of the British Army, and is not the holding of such a position by a dethroned monarch calculated to give umbrage to an Allied people?

I answered these particular points which were put to me by my hon. Friend on 9th July.

Is this the truckling of royal relatives?

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether, considering that recommendations for good service made by General Northey in his dispatches of 10th March, 1917, for operations in East Africa have been published, he can now see his way to publish the similar recommendations made by Generals Aiken, Wapshawe, Tighe, and others for operations in the early stage of the East African campaign?

All the recommendations brought to notice for operations in East Africa have been published, with the exception of three, which it is proposed to gazette shortly.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he received a letter, dated 16th August, 1917, from the hon. Member for North-West Staffordshire, respecting a miner named J. Rowley, of Ball Green, near Stoke-on-Trent; whether he is aware that Rowley was brought before the magstrates at the Stoke-on-Trent Police Court on 12th July, 1917, charged by the military authorities with malingering, when the evidence showed that Rowley had been injured in his back and spine by an accident while employed as a loader at the Whitfield collieries in June, 1914, that he was still in receipt of compensation for the injuries under the Workmen's Compensation Act at the time the case was being tried (12th July, 1917), and that his injuries were such that he could not stand nor walk without the aid of a stiff jacket and walking-stick; whether he is aware that the recruiting medical board, in their examination of Rowley, took away the stiff jacket and walking-stick and put him to stand unsupported in the middle of the room, when he fell down; that one of the board, when Rowley was leaning on his stick, flicked the stick from under him, when Rowley fell on the floor again; whether he is aware that after this treatment Rowley was so ill and exhausted that he kept his bed, being unable to rise at all for some days, and that other doctors gave evidence showing that Rowley was not a malingerer; whether he has inquired into the matter; and whether some satisfactory solatium will be offered to Rowley for the physical and mental suffering and expense caused to him by the treatment referred to?

I received my hon. Friend's letter of the 16th August last, and immediately called for a full report of the case. It was subsequently decided that Rowley should be re-examined by a special medical board, which necessitated delay, and he was then finally rejected. I have only just become aware of this decision, and was about to communicate with my hon. Friend when he put his question down. I will write him fully on the case in a day or two, but I may say that the report I have received does not bear out the ill-treatment to which Rowley is alleged to have been subjected by the recruiting medical board.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether John Baxter, Archibald M'C. L. Baxter, Alexander Baxter, William Little, Daniel Maguire, Mark Briggs, Fred Adin, L. Penwright, Harry Paton, Albert E. Sanderson, Garth C. Ballantyne, David R. Gray, L. J. Kirwan, and Thomas P. Harland, conscientious objectors, of New Zealand, who were embarked by force at Wellington, New Zealand, about the commencement of July, are now closely confined at Sling Camp. Salisbury, where they have been kept in irons; and whether it is proposed to send them to France or to have them court-martialled under the instructions which apply to men called up in Great Britain for military service?

I have nothing to add at present to the answer which I gave on the 22nd to my hon. Friend the Member for Blackburn.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that six sons of Mr. Hill, of Avonmouth, are serving in His Majesty's Army; that their parents are aged and have requested that the oldest, aged thirty-six, should be released to assist them in cultivating their land; and that such request has been refused; and will he reconsider this decision with a view to releasing this man?

I have been in communication with my hon. Friend in regard to this case. This soldier is at present a B1 man and may be placed in a higher category at his next board. His father does not conduct a farm in the ordinary sense of the term; the house is in an acre and a quarter of land. Apart from the land on which the house stands there is a yard, a small orchard and one quarter of an acre garden. There are no live stock and no labour is employed. Under the circumstances I regret this soldier cannot be discharged or transferred to the Reserve.

Does the hon. Gentleman consider it in accordance with the spirit of the Military Service Act that the eldest of six sons should be taken?

I have no doubt all the facts were before the tribunal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Private Simmons, who has been wounded and lost a foot and is awaiting his discharge from the Army, has been arrested for addressing political meetings and expressing his views on what are the necessary conditions of a permanent peace; whether he is aware that Private Simmons is voicing the opinions of large numbers of soldiers who, as enfranchised citizens, claim the right to have their opinions expressed so that the country may know them; whether officers have been allowed to take part in political contests and be elected to this House; and whether he will state what Private Simmons' present position is?

Private Simmons, who is a serving soldier, was on furlough pending admission to Roehampton Convalescent Hospital for the provision of an artificial foot. During his furlough he contravened the King's Regulations by speaking in public at political meetings. Orders were issued that he should be taken to Roehampton Hospital at once under escort. It is true that officers standing for Parliament have at Various times taken part in political contests, but such cases do not appear to have any bearing on Private Simmons' case. Private Simmons has been satisfactorily fitted with an artificial limb, and will, in the course of a few days, be sent to King George's Hospital for discharge from the Army.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the officer commanding the 9th Battalion Northamptonshire Regiment now stationed in Norfolk has raised, improperly, the medical categories of about forty soldiers under him, raising the categories, on his own responsibility and against the decision of the doctors, from B2 and B3 and C2 and O3 to B1 and C1; if so, whether he has been in communication with the officer commanding; and, if so, with what result?

The officer commanding this battalion failed to appreciate the fact that B1, B2, and B3, etc., were distinct categories, and not sub-divisions of the same category, and raised the categories of about forty soldiers on his own responsibility. Inquiry was made as soon as this became known, and it was reported on the 12th instant that the orders had been cancelled.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will cause inquiries to be made into the case of John Swift, an Irishman, a victim of unemployment in Dublin, who was sent from Dublin to perform work of national importance in Great Britain; if he is aware that this man left Dublin on 2nd June, 1917, for employment in a London lead works, and, owing to the refusal of the firm to allow him off on Sunday to attend church service and his persistence to do so, he Was dismissed and subsequently found employment in an aeroplane works, where he was arrested as an absentee and handed over to the military, court-martialled at Winchester, and sentenced to two years; and if he will order the immediate discharge of this man, who has been only five months in Great Britain?

I have received a letter from the hon. Member relating to this case. Enquiries are being made into the circumstances in which this man was called up for service, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the man signed a form, and is that to be used as a weapon to prevent his attending the church service?

I have not had time to look into the particulars of the case, and I am loath to accept my hen. Friend's statement of the facts.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange to transfer sick and wounded soldiers on their arrival in this country, as far as the necessity of special treatment may permit, to hospitals in the area of the men's homes; and whether he is aware that such an arrangement would be much appreciated by both the soldiers and their relations?

Every effort is made to send men in trains going to destinations as near their homes as possible, but I am afraid it is not always possible to arrange it. The subject was very fully dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary on 27th January of last year, in answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for the Blackfriars Division of Glasgow, and I would refer my Noble Friend to that answer.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware that the facilities for Catholic soldiers attending their religious duties at East Church, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, are un- satisfactory; and will he see that adequate provisions are made or, otherwise, that all Catholics are transferred to some other station?

No complaints on this subject have reached the War Office, but I am making inquiries and will let my hon. Friend know as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the number of young second-lieutenants who are constantly passing out from officers' training corps, he can state if there is any age limit before a second-lieutenant is sent to the front or the firingline; and, if not, whether it is possible to arrange that no one under nineteen years of age shall be sent abroad?

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. No officer is sent to the front under nineteen years of age.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he has made inquiries into the case of Private John MacKinlay, No. M/Z 153,021, Canadian Army Service Corps; and, if so, with what result?

Further inquiries have been made, and it has been ascertained that MacKinlay was serving on an Imperial attestation.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to correspondence which has taken place between the Southwark Town Council and his Department relative to the case of S. G. Weaver, a member of the local tribunal; whether he is aware that this labour representative is a working picture-frame maker with his own workshop; that although his attendance at the sittings of the tribunal has caused him financial loss in consequence of absence from his workshop, his claim for expenses has been disallowed on the ground that he does not suffer any loss of wages; whether, in view of the fact that it can be easily proved that the member in question does suffer financial loss by attendance at the tribunal, he will have the matter reconsidered; and whether he will receive a deputation from the Southwark Trades Council, who nominated the member and who feel some responsibility in the matter?

I have seen some correspondence which took place over twelve months ago, since when the matter appears to have dropped. I think the question should have been addressed to my right hon. Friend the Minister of National Service.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the War Executive Committee will be given the power to exempt from military service men who, having holdings of their own or helping a widowed mother to cultivate a small holding, are now working, or undertake to work, on other farms, on the same principle as is applied to crofter districts under Army Council Instructions 1175 of 1917?

In England and Wales vouchers exempting men from being posted for service with the Colours are issued by county agricultural executive committees to men who were employed whole time on a farm on farm work of national importance on the 1st June. In the crofter districts of Scotland the Board of Agriculture for Scotland may, if the Army Council so decide, issue a voucher to a crofter who, having been on the 1st June, 1917, employed part time on farm work, subsequently becomes whole time employed on farm work by cultivating an adjacent croft or crofts. Recruiting officers were instructed to report in each case whether the arrangement would render another man available for military service. This principle has not been applied to small holders in England and Wales who were only employed part time on farm work on the 1st June. Their cases are dealt with by the statutory tribunals in the ordinary course.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, in consequence of the large number of these men being called out, small holdings are going out of cultivation; and does he not consider it in the national interest to extend to England and Wales the same power as is given in regard to the crofters?

No evidence has come to me of small holdings going out of cultivation.

They are.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any system, and, if so, what, exists in the Royal Defence Corps for the promotion of officers; whether the practice of transferring individual senior and other officers of the Royal Defence Corps from one company to another unfairly militates against the promotion of the company officers to which such transfers are sent who in many instances, have served for two and a half years in the same company in their present rank; whether in the formation of Home Service battalions from companies of the Royal Defence Corps a nucleus company of the original garrison battalion is retained with the commanding officer of the battalion and his staff and other senior officers; whether this practice tends to block the promotion of officers of the Royal Defence Corps; and, if so, whether any alteration will be made in the Regulations to secure a fair chance of promotion to officers in the Royal Defence Corps?

The system is based on the principle of promotion by seniority within commands, subject to the recommendation of the officer commanding. I do not think that transfer from one company to another within a command militates unfairly against the promotion of company officers. In the formation of Royal Defence Corps battalions the services were retained of the commanding officers, the second in command, adjutant, and quartermaster, and also company officers in proportion to the personnel retained from the old Home Service Garrison battalions. This has retarded for the time promotion in the Royal Defence Corps to the positions of commanding officer and second in command, but I would remind my hon. Friend that there were formerly no such appointments, as the Royal Defence Corps was only organised in companies.

Is it not the fact that there has been practically no promotion in the Royal Defence Corps except in the case of sub-lieutenants for three years, and is there any other branch where this stagnation in promotion appears?

I think that would follow naturally from the answer I have given.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether any special recognition has been, or is intended to be given, to the men in charge of the anti-aircraft defences of London for the manner in which they worked their guns during the recent air raids?

The question of recommendation for reward rests with the Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, Home Forces, and such recommendations as may be initiated by him will receive due consideration.

Is it not the fact that these airmen have done the most gallant acts against enemy aircraft, and that up to the present time they have received no reward?

I have no knowledge of that. My knowledge is the contrary. I think the House knows that in several cases men who have acted gallantly in defence of this country have been rewarded.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the highest rate of pay per hour, in addition to board and lodging, given to German prisoners engaged in road making; and what is the highest rate of pay per hour, in addition to board and lodging, given to Class A privates in the British Army?

German prisoners of War get the usual working pay under the Pay Warrant. British soldiers working direct for the War Department get the same working pay in addition to their ordinary pay; the actual rate of working pay issued varies with the skill required. It. is not possible to say without inquiry what is the actual maximum rate per hour at present being paid.

Is it correct to take 7½d. per hour as about the average paid to German prisoners?

It is nearer 2d.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he can make any further statement regarding the question of separation allowances for junior officers?

I am afraid that I can add nothing at present to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Melton on the 18th instant.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the urgency of this matter?

Oh, yes, fully aware, and we are endeavouring to get a decision as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an appeal was made to the regimental paymaster in respect of dependants' separation allowance upon his allotment of No. 41482, Sergeant Hadfield, King's Liverpool Regiment, on 12th April last, and that the form was reported lost; that on the 9th May, 21st May, 11th July, 18th July, and 21st July copies of the same form were sent to the same officer at his request, and that these were also reported to have been lost, and that on 21st September he stated that the forms had been sent to the inquiry officer on 24th July; and, seeing that much hardship is caused to many applicants for separation allowance owing to the supposed loss of application forms, because allowance is issued only from the date of assessment, whether he will take the necessary steps to have this condition of things remedied?

Inquiries will be made into the case, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result; but on the general question I may state that separation allowance commences from the date of the soldier's application, and not from the date of assessment.

Is that in the case of dependants?

I think so; I think I am right in saying that.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the allowance in lieu of rations was reduced in August, 1914, from 2s. a day to 1s. 9d. a day, and if any increase in this allowance has subsequently been made; and whether, in view of the increased cost of provisions of all sorts, it is intended to increase the allowance?

The rate of ration allowance has changed more than once since August, 1914. The last change was an increase from 1s. 7d. to 1s. 9d. a day, and I may remind my hon. Friend that the quantity of the ration at home has been substantially reduced since the early days of the War.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that in view of the high price of provisions this ration allowance should be increased?

No, Sir; the matter has received careful consideration, and we have come to the conclusion I have stated.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what steps have been taken by the War Office to cheapen the cost of officers' uniform and equipments?

A scheme for cheapening the cost of officers' uniforms has been drawn up, and will shortly be put into operation. Standard patterns of suitable cloths have been selected, and are being manufactured under War Office control as to quality and price from wool, supplied by the Department at the lowest rates. Prices have also been fixed at which the cloth is both bought and sold by woollen merchants. A list of merchants authorised to deal in these Government cloths is being compiled as the firms notify their acceptance of the War Department conditions. Maximum prices are being fixed governing the tailors' charges for each of the uniform service dress garments.

Does that apply to equipment of belt and other things?

I think not.

Is there any reason why it should not, equally with the other?

Many of the articles of equipment can be got from the ordnance, but I will look further into the question of the possibility of doing what the hon. and gallant Gentleman suggests.

In view of what has appeared in the Press, may it be taken that no officer will have to change his present kit in order to provide a new kit?

Is my hon. and gallant Friend referring to kit or clothes?

Clothes.

No; he can keep his own clothing.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what scale of allowances to meet the expense of the purchase of uniform, free of Income Tax, has been, arranged and allowed as additional abatement from officers' pay?

The Commissioners of Inland Revenue have been in communication with the Board of Admiralty and the Army Council and hope to receive shortly the recomendations of those Departments in this matter. As my hon. Friend will appreciate, the allowances when fixed will take effect as from the 6th April last.

I would like to know, as notice of assessment under Schedule D and E has already been sent out, whether automatically this abatement will be made by the competent Income Tax authorities?

I will consider that point.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the uniform given to invalid and convalescent soldiers is obnoxious to them; and will he take steps to enable these men to wear their own uniform with a band on their arm, as do officers in similar circumstances?

The retention of regulation hospital clothing is necessary for administrative and disciplinary reasons, and patients in hospital cannot be allowed to wear ordinary uniform. Improvements have recently been introduced in the cut and style of these garments.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any financial provision is made either by the British or Russian Government in respect of the wives and children of Polish men of military age returning to Russia from this country to take up military service in cases in which these dependants are left in this country; whether he is aware that in Lanarkshire and other places a large number of such families are beginning to suffer severe privation; and whether it is proposed to take any action in this matter?

The question of provision of separation allowances for the wives and dependants of Russian citizens who have returned to Russia for military service under the agreement of 16th July, is under consideration by the Russian Government, and meanwhile the Russian Embassy in London are taking measures to relieve any cases of immediate distress.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the temporary civilian clerical staff at the Blackhaeth Army Pay Office have been called upon to work late on Saturdays and also on Sundays, and receive no overtime pay, although females in the same employment receive extra pay for all extra time worked; whether he is aware that for these men to come to work on Sundays they are put to extra expense in travelling, there being no workmen's fares; and whether he will inquire into the matter and authorise payment of overtime for work over and above the ordinary hours?

I am glad to say that it has been found practicable to stop this Sunday work. As regards other days, the men in question are serving at an inclusive rate of pay to cover all time worked.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what British papers the German military officers who are interned in this country are allowed to read?

Commandants are authorised to permit prisoners of war to purchase, through the agency of the camp staff, copies of newspapers published in this country, and to exclude any which may be considered objectionable.

Can the hon. Gentleman state which daily newspapers are at present permitted?

I cannot say.

Who decides what is objectionable—the officer or the soldier?

The local competent military authority.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that the women workers employed at the Army Clothing Depot, Swinegate, Leeds, have not received the last advance of 2s. 6d. per week that was awarded to women workers engaged on munition work in all parts of the country, and if he can give any reasons why the women workers in question have not received the advance; and if he will take action in the matter?

The advance referred to is presumably that granted under Statutory Order 781/1917 under the Munitions of War Act applying to certain establishments specified in the Schedule to the Order. It is not applicable to the clothing depot referred to, where the rates of wages are regulated in accordance with local rates generally prevailing in the district

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving this advance, in accordance with the award made by the Committee on Production, to the women in question and other Government workers of a similar character in different parts of the country?

It appears to me that the advances given under the Munitions of War Act referred to those employed by war departments.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether there is a large number of calves being slaughtered; and, if so, will he take steps to prevent this depletion of the herds of the future?

The return of calves slaughtered at public slaughterhouses during the past three months shows a considerable increase over the numbers slaughtered in the corresponding period in 1915 and 1916, when restrictions in slaughter were in force, and meat prices were high. Inquiries conducted by the Board of Agriculture do not, however, indicate that the stock of calves in the country is being appreciably reduced, but the matter is being closely watched.

asked the Prime Minister whether the new food economy campaign is intended primarily to reduce the consumption of cereals and thereby prevent the necessity of introducing a system of compulsory rationing; and whether it is intended to appeal to all classes alike and to consumers of cereals in either food or drink?

I have been asked to reply. The new food economy campaign is intended to reduce the consumption not only of cereals, but of all foodstuffs, whether solid or liquid. It will appeal to all classes alike, in the hope of securing such a degree of voluntary effort as will avert the necessity for compulsory rationing.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government intend to take to give effect to the guarantee of £6 per ton for potatoes of the 1917 crop; whether he is aware that many growers have been forced to sell under this price; if this is held by the Government as an offence under the Defence of the Realm Acts; if not, whether the Government will make good the difference to these farmers; and what machinery is to be set up for this purpose?

I have been asked to reply. The Government have given effect to the guarantee of a minimum price of £6 per ton for sound, marketable ware potatoes by the Potatoes Order, 1917, which prescribes that no sound, marketable ware potatoes shall be sold by the grower thereof in lots of 1 cwt. or more at a price less than £6 per ton, free on rail. I am not aware that growers have been forced to sell under this price; any such sale would constitute an offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations.

Will my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House, having regard to the limitations under which my hon. Friend has answered, say whether something will not be done in regard to this important matter? Potatoes are advertised in all parts of the country at a lower price, and no one knows exactly how we stand?

I quite realise the importance of that; but it is the policy of the Government to be guided by the Food Controller's Department, and surely it is right that the answer should come from the representative of that Department.

Surely it is a simple point? A guarantee was given verbally in this House by the Prime Minister, and the time has come to fulfil it. Is the Prime Minister prepared to fulfil his guarantee?

May I ask if we can be given an early opportunity of discussing this matter? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the present moment potatoes are being sold in many parts of Ireland at £3 10s. and £4 per ton? Does the Irish Government really propose to prosecute the men who are selling this food to poor people in Ireland because they will not charge £6 a ton for it?

I did not attempt to deal with this question. It seemed to me to be a purely Departmental matter. I shall look into it, and give an answer in due course.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, as representing the Sugar Commission, what is the present retail price at which sugar should be sold in London; and on what basis it is fixed?

There is at present no Order of the Food Controller fixing the retail price of sugar either in London or elsewhere.

Has it not been the custom in the past to indicate, at least roughly, the retail price of sugar from time to time, and cannot the hon. Gentleman give the present price at which it should be sold in London?

I do not know what the custom has been in the past in regard to this matter, but I will make inquiries.

May I address my question to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has, in the past, represented the Sugar Commission in this House, and made announcements on this subject?

I am sure my hon. Friend does not mean to be unreasonable, but it is quite impossible for me to follow these details.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that there is an acute shortage of basic slag, and that sulphate of ammonia supplies are uncertain; and whether supplies of manures can be reasonably assured before farmers are asked largely to extend tillage operations, the fruitfulness of which depends on fertilisers?

The output of basic Slag during the year ending 31st May, 1918, will amount to at least 500,000 tons, as compared with something under 400,000 tons in the preceding season. In addition certain accumulations of low grade slag which have not hitherto been regarded as sufficiently valuable to be used will be ground for use if required. The supply of sulphate of ammonia for agricultural purposes is likely to amount to 190,000 tons during the present season, as against 150,000 tons last year. In the case of both these fertilisers, therefore, provision has been made to meet increased demands from farmers, and all possible steps are being taken to extend the output. The importance of increasing the output of fertilisers is very fully recognised, and the Board are in constant communication with the Ministry of Munitions on the subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that low-grade slag contains only 15 to 20 per cent. of soluble phosphates, and is practically useless for agricultural purposes?

It is not useless, but not so useful, quite true.

But can the hon. Gentleman say whether only 15 per cent. is soluble for manurial purposes?

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of the Government to fix the price of these articles?

We are trying to keep down the prices.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that 65,000,000 bushels of grain and 360,894,000 lbs. of sugar have been consumed in the manufacture of alcoholic liquor during the year ending 30th September, 1916, and that this material would be sufficient to provide the flour ration of 3 lbs. per week to the whole population of the United Kingdom for a period of seventeen weeks, as well as giving an additional 45 lbs. of sugar to every family in the United Kingdom; whether, during the last three months, any additional supplies of grain and sugar have been allocated for the production of beer or spirits; whether he can state the quantities of grain and of sugar which have been surrendered to the trade for the purpose of brewing Government ale and proprietary beers, respectively; and whether, in view of the shortage of food supplies and the necessity for the strictest economy, he will take immediate steps to eliminate private interests in the manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquor and, at the same time, prevent the further waste of foodstuffs in the production of alcohol?

The quantity of grain and sugar used in the manufacture of alcoholic liquor during the year ending 30th September, 1916, is approximately as stated in the question. The figures for grain include the grain used in distilleries for the production of non-potable spirit for munitions and industrial purposes; they further comprise malt, rice, flaked rice, rice grits, maize grits, flaked maize, and similar preparations, which could only have been used in the manufacture of flour by way of admixture with the wheaten product. Most of the sugar used was wholly unfit for domestic consumption. The quantity of beer permitted to be brewed during the current quarter entails the use of approximately the same quantity of grain and brewer's sugar as was used in the last quarter, or rather more than half that used in the corresponding quarter of 1916. No grain has been released for the distilling of potable spirit during the last three months. There are no figures available which would enable me to distinguish the ingredients used in the brewing of beers of different gravities. I cannot accept the view that the brewing of beer represents an avoidable waste of foodstuffs, nor do I see how the elimination of private interests in the manufacture and sale of alcoholic liquor would tend to promote food economy.

Has the right hon. Gentleman got similar figures for the consumption of grain and sugar in producing non-alcoholic liquor?

The hon. Gentleman had better put a question down.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the major part of the sugar used for brewing is unfit for human consumption?

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will make it optional and not obligatory for men who have been sent back to this country more than once owing to wounds or severe illness to serve actively again during this War?

I am afraid it is quite impossible to give any pledge in the direction suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend. The matter is one which depends entirely upon the number of fit men from civil life placed at the disposal of the Army authorities.

Men who have been wounded three or four times would be sent back against their will?

Everybody is conscious of the extreme gallantry of the men who have been wounded three or four times but necessity knows no law and those men may have to go under military exigency.

Does it not create a maximum of discontent and minimum of result?

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been drawn to the public censure of Major Ball by the Chairman of the Property Losses Commission; if he is aware that, as a result of the persistent efforts of Major Ball introducing in his reports the political opinions of the claimants for compensation for the purpose of influencing the Commission, the Chairman protested against his action; if he will now state the number of cases which were reported on by Major Ball; if he will state whether Major Ball reported on the claims which were made to the Committee dealing with the Irish rebellion property losses; and if he will state whether it is proposed to keep Major Ball in the position he now occupies?

My attention has been drawn to the remarks by the Chairman of the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. I am satisfied that Major Ball has not been influenced by any political opinions he may hold in any official advice he may have given or official action he may have taken. He has reported on thirty cases. He has not reported on any claim arising out of the rebellion. He retains his position under the War Department.

Can the hon. Gentleman say why he introduces politics into the claims made by the Irish people: surely politics have nothing to do with claims?

As I say to the hon. Member in my answer, I have satisfied myself that Major Ball has not allowed any political opinions of his to influence any reports he has made to his superiors at the War Office.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there are at present in Ireland a number of Irish firms who are the victims of this man's spite and vindictiveness?

No; I cannot agree with the insinuations of the hon. Member against a public servant who has done exceedingly good work in this War. My information is that Major Ball is an exceedingly capable officer, and has worked extremely well.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that at a meeting of the Association of Municipalities of Ireland, held in Limerick on the 6th of September last, a resolution was unanimously passed by that body representative of the industrial enterprise of the country, requesting the Government to confer powers upon the Lord Lieutenant in Council to deal with matters of industrial enterprise in Ireland under the Defence of the Realm Act until after the War; that copies of that resolution were sent to him, the Lord Lieutenant, and the Chief Secretary for Ireland; and what steps, if any, have been taken to confer the terms of the resolution on the Lord Lieutenant in Council in Ireland?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The resolutions referred to have been received. No steps have at present been taken in the direction suggested.

asked the Prime Minister whether use is being made of the opportunity presented by the Government control of the railways to introduce into the railway service the joint committees of representatives of employers and workpeople recommended by the Whitley Report?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The recommendations of the Whitley Report are receiving careful consideration, but I would point out that the question involved is not directly affected by the circumstances under which the railways are at present controlled by His Majesty's Government. As my hon. Friend may be aware, Conciliation Boards, on which railway companies and their employés are represented, were established several years ago.

Does not the scheme go very much further than these Conciliation Boards; is it not the fact that the Government are urging employers and trade unions to adopt this scheme, and will they not take steps to carry it out on the railways?

The whole question is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the censorship is exercised on the correspondence or cablegrams of the wife of an ex-sovereign resident in this country who by birth is a princess of a house now in arms against the Allies?

All this lady's correspondence would be subject to the same rules of censorship as that of other private persons in this country.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Department concerned with the opening of private inland correspondence is under the control of the censorship and the Home Office or of the military authorities; and whether in each individual case where a letter is opened it is done in obedience to an express warrant in writing under the hand of a Secretary of State according to law?

The Prime Minister has asked me to reply to this question Inland correspondence is not ordinarily subject to censorship. Where examination is required for any special purpose, the examination is authorised by a warrant under the hand of the Home Secretary, but it is usually carried out by the Censorship Department, which is under the control of the War Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this practice is becoming very extensive, and is repugnant to the sense of honour and decency of the people of the country, and does not what is being practised go beyond what is allowed by the Postal Act, 1908?

I know that I have signed a considerable number of warrants, and I have never signed one except I was satisfied that it was required in the interests of the safety of the country. I may add that I entirely dissent from the second and third statements in the question of the hon. Gentleman.

Is it the duty of this Department to write letters that they know will bring replies which will incur prosecution under the Defence of the Realm Act?

Certainly not. That has never been done.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state definitely the day on which the First Lord of the Admiralty will make his promised statement; and will that statement be made at an early hour in the day's proceedings?

The First Lord hopes to make his statement at the beginning of the Debate on the Second Reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill.

When will that be?

Some day next week—Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is in accordance with English constitutional custom for the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Cabinet, to telegraph congratulations and an assurance of confidence to a general commanding in the face of the enemy in the course of a battle, the issue of which is still undecided; and, if so, why this particular occasion has been selected to send the special congratulations of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet to Sir Douglas Haig, in contrast to many other occasions on which deeds of at least equal heroism and of more vital interest as regards the result of the War were performed by British generals and British troops?

The War Cabinet did not even consider the question of precedent, which, in present circumstances, does not seem important. In sending our message of congratulation we were convinced that both the House and the country would approve and welcome suitable recognition both of the leadership of Sir Douglas Haig and of the magnificent achievements of our men.

What the Leader of the House has said is not an answer to a very important part of the question, which is: Why, on previous occasions, when equally heroic action was taken, and often on more critical occasions—I refer to the first and second battles of Ypres—there was no such action, and whether, as a matter of fact, it is not the prerogative of the Crown and the constitutional custom of England that the Crown sends these telegrams and congratulations to generals in the field?

I have already given what I think is a complete answer, which is that at a time like this the Cabinet does what it believes to be right, and what it believes the House of Commons approves. I have not examined, and I do not think it worth while to examine, the precedents.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has given any support to proposals of divorcee law reform; and, if not, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Before the right hon. Gentleman replies to that question, may I ask why a Member representing an Irish constituency should wish to inflict this intolerance upon the people of this country?

I do not follow the hon. and gallant Gentleman's point.

Why do you not stick to your job?

Why do you not stick to yours?

This question has not yet been considered by the Government, and I can, therefore, make no statement about it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a number of persons in this House, including myself, have received a circular in which it is stated that it was understood that the Government was in favour of these proposals and only needed a push to make them bring them in? Is there any foundation for the use of the Government's name in this connection?

The Government is not responsible for the circular. As I have said, we have not considered it, and we cannot, therefore, express any opinion.

Therefore I understand that the Government do not give the proposals any support?

I really do not see how I can say anything more definite than I have said. It may very well be that many members of the Government are in favour of this reform, but it has not been considered by us.

Is the matter being considered by the Minister of Reconstruction? [HON. MEMBERS: Answer!]

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give an assurance that no peace negotiations will be begun without the full knowledge and assent of the representatives of the great Dominions?

His Majesty's Government would certainly not enter upon peace negotiations without prior consultation with the Dominions.