asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a Swedish company has erected a wireless station on the island of Spitzbergen and that a Norwegian company has erected a similar station on Bear Island; whether he is aware that these two stations, if in hostile hands, might be a source of danger to the shipping of this country; whether, seeing that Spitzbergen was annexed by Great Britain in the time of James I. and effectively occupied for a long series of years, he will consider the desirability, on commercial as well as national grounds, of renewing effective possession at the earliest possible moment; and, if so, what steps it is proposed to take?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; the answer to the second part of the question is in the negative; with regard to the third part, I understand that the station the Swedes have in Spitzbergen is a low-power station not capable of communicating with the mainland. As to the last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer returned to a similar question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Maidstone in November last year.

Has the Noble Lord any information regarding the report of concessions to Germans to work the coal mines there?

If my hon. Friend wants an answer, he had, perhaps, better put a question down.

The hon. Member's question is quite a different topic.

If Spitzbergen was annexed in the time of James I., when was it given up?

That is a question for a professor of history.

Are these installations of the German Telefunken system; if so, does it not militate against us, seeing, too, that there is no Marconi system there?

I am afraid that is another question that I must ask my hon. and gallant Friend to give notice of.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a statement made by M. Ribot recently in which he declared, on behalf of the French Government, not to receive any proposal for peace without communicating it at once to our Allies; and whether His Majesty's Government adopt the same course?

The reply to both parts of the question is in the affirmative.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask whether, in this matter of what is called secret diplomacy, any offers made through any secret channels, in the event of their reaching my Noble Friend's hands, are also submitted?

Any offer of the kind will be submitted to all of our Allies.

Is that the practice of the whole of the Allies?

I have no reason to suppose that any of the Allies differ from us, and are less anxious than we are to fulfil the obligations of the Alliance.

My question was: Is it, an understood thing amongst the Allies that if any one of them received any peace overtures the fact would be communicated to all the other Allies?

It is an understood thing amongst all the Allies that the material facts of the War should be communicated to one another.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any newspaper correspondent is permitted to accompany the forces operating in East Africa the same as in Mesopotamia; and, if not, whether there is any objection to one being permitted to go there now?

There is an accredited correspondent accompanying the forces operating in East Africa.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether in some districts the practice has been introduced of withdrawing from commanding officers of battalions the control of the allowance for messing money and feeding of the men and of placing the food supply in the hands of a central committee; and, if so, can he state what amount of money has been saved by the new arrangement?

Control, of the messing money has not been withdrawn from commanding officers, but, with a view to maintaining the highest possible standard of messing for the troops during the present difficult conditions of food supply central control of the soldiers' messing by experts has been introduced at certain home stations. Committees are formed of commanding officers' representatives. This system has proved very satisfactory so far, and it is being gradually extended. The saving in cash effected where the system has been in operation has been approximately £7 per 1,000 rations issued over the period of one month. These savings must not be considered as a permanent feature of the system, as the constantly-rising prices of foodstuffs required will materially affect them, and, further, the improved feeding of the troops is the object aimed at rather than cash savings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in all the camps where the change has taken place a substantial dietary is provided; also that in most cases the portions given to the men are in excess of what is laid down in the military manual relating to feeding in the Army?

I am aware of those facts; only this morning I have received a report from—I think it was the Western Command—from a very distinguished officer, saying that in thirty years' experience he has never found better treatment of troops.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of medical students volunteered for service in the early days of the War; and if, in view of the sacrifices made by them and the services rendered, they will be entitled to recognition as well as combatant officers?

I can only refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to him on the 23rd instant, and to the hon. and gallant Member fox Stirlingshire on the 19th instant, to which I have nothing to add.

Are we to understand from that answer that these very officers, who were amongst the first to volunteer, are to receive no consideration at all?

No; I do not think my hon. Friend can assume that at all from the answers I gave. What I said then was that all these cases were very carefully considered, and that different regulations were being issued which, I hope, will include men of this type.

asked whether it is intended to withdraw from the Army all medical students serving in non-combatant posts in order to relieve the shortage of doctors at home?

The whole question of the conditions of military service as it affects medical students is under consideration by the Ministry of National Service. I am informed that representations on the subject will shortly be laid by the Minister before the Army Council.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether in the regulations for general hospitals of the Territorial Force it is laid down that for each 520 beds there shall be, in addition to medical officers engaged in administrative duties, four lieutenant-colonels and eight majors selected from distinguished members of the medical profession; and will he give a detailed return showing how many beds there are at the present time in each of the five London general hospitals and how many lieutenant-colonels and majors selected from distinguished members of the civil medical profession are actually engaged at the present time in clinical duties at each of these hospitals?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, but only half of these numbers are to be on duty at one time, and the employment of the mobilised staff is subject to such modification as the General Officer Commanding of the Command may think necessary. I am circulating the details asked for with the OFFICIAL REPORT.— [ See Written Answers. ]

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will make inquiries into the conscripting of a young Irishman, a victim of unemployment in Ireland, who was compelled to seek employment in Manchester, and when there for four weeks was arrested and forced into the Army, and is now known as Private M. Clinton, No. 53602, D Company, 50th Training Reserve Battalion, Hut 4, Camp 5, Prees Heath, Whitchurch, Salop; and if he will order his discharge?

Inquiries are being made, and I will communicate with the hon. Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Will the hon. Gentleman issue some proper instructions to the recruiting authorities not to interfere with these Irishmen, who have been engaged, to do work of national importance?

I think my hon. Friend must address that question to the Director of National Service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many Russian and Polish aliens have applied to be shipped to their native country; how many have actually been sent; has the Russian Government intimated that it regards the sending of further shiploads as undesirable; and has it made adequate arrangements for the payment of separation allowances to the wives and dependants of those who have left for Russia?

Although an opportunity to return to Russia has been afforded to all applicants, of the Russian subjects who applied in the prescribed manner to return, only about four-sevenths, or slightly more than half the total number, availed themselves of the opportunity offered to them. The men who failed to return to Russia are now available for service in the British Army, and there is no question of sending further shiploads of Russian subjects to Russia. With reference to the payment of separation allowances to the wives and dependants of those who have left for Russia, I must refer my bon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Attercliffe on the 24th October.

Do I understand that slightly more than half the total number of Russian subjects have actually been shipped to Russia?

That is what I said in my answer.

My hon. Friend says those men are available for the British Army; does he rally mean they are to be taken?

Yes.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can give any details as to the progress made with the enrolling of Russian and Polish aliens under the recent Convention; how many have voluntarily offered themselves for enlistment before the appointed date for joining up; how many have appealed for exemption; what progress is being made with the hearing of such appeals; and in what period of time is it estimated that all such appeals will have been disposed of.

With reference to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, I must refer him to the answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for North Somerset on 16th October. I am unable to supply the information asked for in the second part of the question, as in order to obtain this information, it would be necessary to apply to some 18,000 tribunals.

Is it not a fact that there are over 10,000 claims for exemption already?

I cannot add anything to my answer.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take into consideration the attempts that are being made by a portion of the Russian aliens of military age to escape military service; and whether, having regard to the impossibility of shipping thousands of these men to Russia, he will request the Russian Government to give this country a free hand to hold, without further exception or favour, all Russian subjects as liable to military service in the British Army or to be employed on such work as may be deemed of national importance?

All Russian subjects who applied in the prescribed manner to return to Russia have been given an opportunity to return and those who failed to avail themselves of the opportunity offered to them to return to Russia are being called up for service in the British Army. As a result of the Russian Military Service Convention and the Military Service (Convention with Allied States) Act, 1917, Russian subjects of military age who are resident in Great Britain come within the operation of the Military Service Acts, 1916 and 1917, and it is therefore not necessary to make any representations to Russia.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Russian Government have made use of the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act against British subjects with great freedom, and that all Britishers in Russia have either been sent back or made to serve in the Russian army?

That is a matter for the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make any statement as to the health of Thomas Darling Matchett, a schoolmaster of Bath, confined to Dorchester prison as a conscientious objector; whether his wife has been sent for as the man is not expected to live owing to hæmorrhage of the lungs; and can it be stated what circumstances brought about this condition?

This man who had not previously been in bad health had on the 12th October a severe hæmorrhage from the lungs probably arising from latent tuberculosis, and his wife was sent for. He is now much improved, and is no longer considered in immediate danger. If his friends can arrange for his reception in a sanatorium, I shall be prepared to exercise my power of release under Section 17 of the Criminal Justice Administration Act, 1914.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the necessity for maintaining the strength of the armies in France and elsewhere by providing trained drafts as required, legislation will be introduced with a view of making it compulsory for all single men fit for general service up to the age of twenty-one to become liable for military service, with no exemptions?

Suggestions similar to that contained in the question have been most carefully considered by the Government and have been rejected as impracticable.

Is there any intention on the part of the Government to reconsider the subject?

No; not on that point. We definitely came to the conclusion that nothing could be worse for the Army than to adopt a plan which would possibly leave them without the essential munitions.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether an attested man who holds a certificate of exemption from military service by reason of being employed on munition work, and who was so employed before the 15th August, 1915, is, on the withdrawal of such certificate of exemption, entitled to the two months' grace provided for by Section 6 of the second Military Service Act?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply that the provisions of the Military Service Acts do not apply to attested men. An attested man who has held a certificate of exemption from a tribunal has the right to apply for renewal under the Instructions to Tribunals not later than seven days after a calling-up notice is sent to him.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will have an immediate inquiry made into the case of Driver F. A. Buxton, No. 78381, 7th Reserve Battalion, Royal Field Artillery, Fulwood Barracks, Preston, who is or was recently confined in the guardroom on a charge of malingering, and who is under orders to be sent with a draft to France; will he inquire why a soldier who has been wounded twice during the present War, and who is suffering from a badly injured leg due to wounds should have received such treatment from the medical military authorities; and will be ascertain if a fortnight ago, when placed on a draft, he was marked unfit for overseas, although his condition was then not so bad as it is at the present time?

I have called for a Report, and will let my hon. Friend know as soon as possible.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether Lieutenant-General Sir Archibald Murray has been appointed to the Aldershot Command; if so, what is the number of different units comprised in the Aldershot Command; and whether this appointment is to be considered in the light of a promotion for Sir Archibald Murray's services on the Egyptian front?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In the public interest the information asked for in the second part cannot be given. In regard to the third part, the question of promotion does not arise.

Has Sir Archibald Murray been sent to Aldershot in order to teach other British officers to lose battles?

If I may say so, I strongly deprecate that question. Sir Archibald Murray is a most distinguished General Officer Commanding-in-Chief. My advisers believe that he will do exceedingly well at Aldershot.

Can my hon. Friend say whether it is desirable to promote a gentleman of this kind to this post, in view of the fact that the dispatches of the Gaza fight—which was a defeat—have never been published in this country?

I cannot accept the statement that has been made by my hon. Friend. I have already stated that Sir Archibald Murray has been sent to Aldershot by the military authorities, with the full knowledge that he will perform the duties there exceedingly well.

Has the hon. Gentleman ever admitted that any member of his Department ever did badly?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a soldier while on furlough from France or the East, who is taken ill so that he has to spend the remainder of his furlough in a military hospital, is sent straight back to duty when fit to be discharged from hospital and is not permitted to complete his furlough before being sent back to the front, and that this is so even in cases where the illness is through no fault of his own and where the soldier may not have had furlough for a year or eighteen months; and, if so, whether he will take steps to have this practice changed?

The answer to the first part of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. It is not proposed to alter the practice at present, though I sympathise with the unfortunate cases referred to. If, however, the practice were changed, it would, I fear, be at the expense of other soldiers waiting their turn for leave.

asked whether the provision of arms and equipment will be granted when obtainable to Territorial Cadet units who have been organised by the War Office before Cadet formations of more recent origin are supplied?

No discrimination in this matter in favour of newly formed as against other Cadet units will be exercised.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the wearing of uniform and assumption of military rank by clergymen and members of the theatrical profession on the ground of command of or association with various Cadet Corps in London and the Home counties; and will he state the Regulations which govern the granting of commissioned rank and the wearing of uniform in a Cadet Corps which is recognised by or affiliated to any Territorial Force association?

Cadet commissions are issued on behalf of His Majesty the King by Lords Lieutenant of counties. Uniform worn by officers may be ordinary regulation pattern service dress, with the letter C on the fronts of the collar and below the badges of rank when the latter are worn on the shoulder strap.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the first part of my question?

I think I have covered that part in the answer I have just given.

Then do I understand that any officer in any Cadet Corps may wear uniform at all times, every day, and all day, or when only on duty?

I believe it is only when on duty.

Does that apply to sham officers wearing uniform in this House?

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he can give any information as to the work of the Central Association of Volunteer Regiments in raising Cadet battalions in various parts of the country; are the battalions so raised under any supervision from the War Office or from a Territorial Force Association similar to that exercised in the case of county Territorial Cadets; and what Regulations govern battalions so raised in the appointing to commissioned rank and the wearing of uniform?

The Central Association of Volunteer Regiments have undertaken to assist Territorial Force Associations in raising additional Cadet, units, both by the provision of speakers and other means. Any units so raised will be organised and administered on precisely the same lines as other "recognised" Cadet units, as provided for by the Cadet Regulations.

Will these Cadet units be under the control of the Territorial Association or the Independent Territorial Forces Association?

I do not believe that this question is at present settled, but I understand they will be under the control of the Territorial Forces Association.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if it is an offence for soldiers and officers to make criticisms, suggestions, or complaints to Members of Parliament; and, if so, what Regulation deals with the matter and what is the object of such Regulation?

It is an infraction of the King's Regulations, paragraphs 439 and 453, for an officer or soldier to act in the manner suggested by my hon. Friend. I think I may say that the object of the Regulations is to safeguard the discipline of His Majesty's Forces.

May I ask whether there are any cases in which soldiers have been punished for sending such complaints to Members of Parliament?

I know of no cases, and I may say that when any complaints or letters from soldiers sent to Members of Parliament have come to me the soldiers who sent them have been immune from disciplinary action.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether something will be done to improve the remuneration of the men attached to the Army Pay Corps, especially those soldiers who do not live in barracks or draw Army rations, but who are placed on the lodging list and have to provide their own food and lodging on a very inadequate allowance?

I fear that no increase can be made in the lodging and ration allowances, but those not on special rates of pay will, of course, be eligible for the concessions with regard to pay recently announced for the Army generally.

asked the Pensions Minister what provision has been made for the medical treatment and training of discharged soldiers in Wales and Monmouthshire; how many institutions have been established; and whether it is proposed to open new centres of treatment and training of disabled men?

Some 176 institutions, including military, auxiliary, and civil hospitals and convalescent homes are in use and open to the treatment of discharged disabled men in Wales and Monmouthshire, and the Joint (Disablement) Committees set up by local War Pensions Committees, and the Ministry have been invited to submit proposals for meeting any deficiencies in this respect. Schemes for establishing an after-care colony with training for tuberculosis, and for at least one centre for orthopædic, treatment are now under consideration. With regard to training, schemes have been sanctioned for cinema operating at, Cardiff, cabinet-making and toy-making at Trefnant, and horticulture and market gardening at Wrexham Garden Village. Diamond-cutting and polishing will, it is hoped, be shortly established at Wrexham, and it is proposed to start a number of courses in various subjects at Cardiff.

Can the hon. and gallant Gentleman say how much money the Treasury has given for the creation of those centres?

I could not possibly say that without notice.

asked the Pensions Minister why Mr. J. O'Donnell, late of the Leinster Regiment, has had his pension reduced to 1s. 8d. for himself and four children, for whom he is unable to earn anything in consequence of total disablement due to rheumatism contracted on war service; and whether, in view of the present prices of food, etc., he will grant an immediate increase in this case?

The medical board, by whom Mr. O'Donnell was examined in July last, reported that he was then disabled to the extent of one-fifth and his pension was fixed on this basis. In view, however, of the representation as to total disablement due to rheumatism contained in the question, I am having arrangements made for a re-examination.

asked the Pensions Minister why the parents of Private M. Dunne, No. 52215, 3rd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers, have only received the sum of 5s. 3d. per week separation allow- ance, all of which he left them out of his own pay; why some increment cannot be made, as in such cases; and will he have the case inquired into and an increase granted?

Inquiry will be made if my hon. Friend will furnish further particulars, as the soldier cannot be traced in the Royal Irish Fusiliers under the number given.

asked the total number of persons employed in the Ministry of Snipping; the number of Departments; the number of directors, exclusive of Sir Joseph Maclay, the Controller; the number of persons who receive a salary of £300 a year and upwards, or the equivalent thereof; and the total amount of wages paid in connection with this Ministry per month?

The total number of persons employed in the Ministry of Shipping on the 26th October, 1917, was 1,219. This number includes 151 Civil servants lent by other Public Departments and naval and military officers passed for light duty by medical boards. The number of Departments is eleven. In addition to the Director of Transports and Shipping there are eight posts held by persons officially designated directors, of whom three are unpaid and four lent by other Government Departments. The number receiving £300 and over is 115, of whom 70 are Civil servants on loan from other Public Departments. The total charge on the funds of the Ministry for salaries and wages is £12,000 a month, excluding payments made by other Departments to officers lent by them and still borne on their books.

Can the hon. Gentleman state, approximately, the amount that is represented in payments by other Departments.

I should want notice of that. I should think, about £1,500, in addition to the figures given.

Can the hon. Gentleman state, in a few words, what the 1,200 employés do?

I cannot give that answer in a few words.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Shipping (1) the number of standard ships which have been built, completed, and entered on service up to the 25th October instant, together with their respective gross register tonnage; and how many of these vessels have been lost; and (2) whether he can state, with reasonable accuracy, the number of standard ships which will toe completed and enter on service between 25th October and 31st December next, and their respective gross register tonnage?

The total number of standard ships completed and entered on service up to 25th October was five. The tonnage approximately is 5,200 tons gross each. One of these steamers has been lost. The number of standard ships expected to be completed between 25th October and 31st December is eighteen, of which sixteen will be of approximately 5,200 gross tons each, one of 3,000 tons gross, and one of 2,000 tons gross. As I pointed out in reply to a similar question recently, such figures give only a partial and therefore misleading view of the subject, and further information will be given in the First Lord's statement on Thursday next.

Can the hon. Gentleman, say whether the "War Shamrock," as well as the "War Clover," has been lost?

That, according to my knowledge, has not been, lost.

Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall deal with these matters in Debate either to-day or to-morrow, as opportunity offers.

asked the number of British merchant ships and their gross register tonnage which were built and completed during the first six months and second six months of the years 1913, 1914, 1915 and 1916, respectively, and during the first six months of this present year in Great Britain and abroad, respectively?

The information sought is not readily available in the exact form indicated in the question, but a statement has been prepared which will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy this, afternoon.

The following is the statement above referred to: —

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has concurred in and sanctioned the various price limits for meat and other agricultural products fixed by the Food Controller; and whether attention has been given to the possible deterrent in production of essential food products?

Orders under Regulation 2F of the Defence of the Realm Act, "providing for the fixing of minimum and maximum prices" for agricultural produce are issued by the Food Controller. Neither the concurrence nor the sanction of the Board of Agriculture is necessary to their validity; but the Board concurred with the prices fixed for corn and milk and with the amended price for beef (live weight). The Board is consulted by the Food Controller as to the possible effects which proposed prices may produce upon food supplies.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Government bought 12,500 tons of 1916 crop potatoes in Holland during the spring; whether considerable delay occurred in bringing, this stock into the country, so that they were nearly all condemned as unfit for human food; what was the total price paid for these potatoes and at what sum he estimates the loss to the country over the transaction; whether the Government made a further purchase of new crop potatoes in Holland; and what was the result of that transaction?

The quantity of Dutch 1916 crop potatoes purchased by His Majesty's Government in the spring of this year was not 12,500 tons, but 1,757 tons, in addition to which 33,000 tons of the 1917 crop were acquired.

Owing to circumstances over which His Majesty's Government had no control, considerable, delay occurred in the shipments to this country, with the result that large quantities of the potatoes were condemned on arrival as unfit for human food.

The expenditure involved in the purchase amounted to £440,000. The accounts have not yet been completed and the loss cannot, therefore, be stated. It will unquestionably be considerable; but I must point out that the purchase was not entered upon as a commercial transaction, but as a blockade measure, and as such must be considered to have achieved its object.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how such a large sum as £440,000 could be paid for quantities reduced to less than 200,000 tons of potatoes?

My right hon. Friend did not hear my answer. I said 1,757 tons of this year's and 33,000 tons of the 1917 crop.

How could those few potatoes cost nearly half a million? Will the right hon. Gentleman undertake that if he does anything of this kind again it will be done through the ordinary business channels?

It was done on the advice of business men. I am sorry we did not get my right hon. Friend's advice, and perhaps he will be good enough to give it to us.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to state how the Government propose to give effect to their guarantee as to the price of potatoes since the 16th of September; and whether growers who have been compelled to sell at lower prices since that date will receive compensation?

In accordance with the promise given by me, this subject was considered by the Cabinet on the following day. It is complicated and difficult; but the Food Controller is preparing a scheme to deal with it which I hope it will be possible to announce in a day or two.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can arrange for the publication in the Welsh language in the local newspapers in Wales of all orders made by his Department?

The Food Controller is considering what can be done to meet the suggestion, of my hon. Friend.

asked (1) what course should be adopted by householders who, having filled up their sugar card in one district, will have removed all or part of their household by the end of the year to some other and perhaps distant part of the Kingdom; whether their sugar supplies will have to follow them by post or whether facilities will be offered for transferring their orders from one district to another; (2) what steps will have to be taken in January by householders who have changed the personnel of their household since registering in October; and whether there will be any system by which a servant or other person passing from one household to another may carry with them their claim to sugar?

facilities will be afforded for meeting both the requirements specified as part of the removals arrangements which are in course of preparation. These arrangements will be announced shortly.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether owing to the impossibility of obtaining tea, people are using burnt bread or dried herbs to make by infusion a subtsitute for tea; whether the use of bread for this purpose is permitted; and whether he will indicate any suitable and wholesome substitutes for tea?

No information has reached the Ministry of Food that burnt bread and dried herbs are being used as substitutes for tea. There is no prohibition, on the use of toasted bread for this purpose. Coffee and cocoa afford suitable substitutes for tea, and it is believed that a cheap and wholesome substitute can be made from cocoa shells and cocoa shell, powder.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller made any and, if so, what, statement to a deputation, from the Irish farmers' co-operative societies which he received last July with reference to utilising these societies as agents for the Government in connection, with the scheme for the purchase of grain for the Army; whether any of these societies have been so appointed; and, if not, why this has not been done?

The answer to this, question was printed in yesterday's OFFICIAL REPORT. It was that the statement made to the deputation was that the matter would be considered. It subsequently appeared that these societies had no considerable experience of dealings in oats and could only offer very limited warehouse accommodation. It was not, therefore, found possible to utilise their services as buying agents.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that certain farmers' cooperative societies have incurred considerable expense in erecting the storage facilities for grain and potatoes, and, if I bring to his notice a case of that kind, will he reconsider the matter?

I am not aware of the facts as stated, but if the hon. and gallant Member will give me the facts he possesses I will pass them on to the Ministry of Food.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the dissatisfaction which exists with regard to the Sale of Horses Order and the fact that certain classes of horses are, on account of their age or price, not bought for agricultural work, he can so modify the Order as to dispense with or facilitate the issue of permits?

The object of the Order in question is to safeguard the supply of agricultural horses, and by purchases in counties which possess a surplus stock to make good deficiencies in other counties. At present I think that any relaxation would be unwise. In special -circumstances the county committees have discretionary powers to grant permits subject to the sanction of the Board, and that sanction is not unreasonably withheld. The Board acts in close co-operation with the Utilisation of Horses Committee of the Board of Trade.

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is to become of the grille which has been removed from the Ladies' Gallery?

Thirteen of the brass grilles removed from the Ladies' Gallery have been fixed in front of the glazed window openings facing the Central Hall. One grille has been presented to the London Museum and four are in store.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed recently at six public meetings in York calling upon the Government to introduce into the House of Commons at the earliest possible opportunity a Bill based on the recommendations contained in the Report of the Inter-departmental Committee on the Welfare of the Blind; and what action the Government propose to take in the matter?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Local Government Board have received a copy of the resolution referred to. The Committee's Report is receiving the careful consideration of His Majesty's Government, and it is hoped that it may be found possible before long to give effect to their recommendations.

asked whether, in view of the air raid last Friday week, he has further considered the question of night warnings for London and district; and can he now state definitely what warnings will be given in case of air raids after dark and what will be the all-clear signal?

Warning of an air raid impending at night is given by the constabulary, regular and special, who circulate through the streets on cycles or in cars carrying "Take Cover" placards, sounding their whistles, and calling on the people to take cover. In places at all near the danger area these warnings are supplemented by the sound of the anti-aircraft artillery, which is generally heard before the raiders reach London. These methods have proved quite effective in clearing the streets; but a demand having arisen in some quarters for a louder warning to be given, the matter has been again considered by the Cabinet.

There are strong objections to using the sound bombs (or maroons) as a night warning. These form an excellent warning by day, when the streets are congested and the roar of the London traffic drowns all other sounds. But to use them at night, when there is comparative quiet and most people are in their own houses, would cause unnecessary alarm and might lead to serious consequences. The effect of such an alarm on inmates of hospitals and persons suffering from shell-shock or weak heart, old people, and women in delicate health, might be very grave.

Further, the Government are advised that the use either of bombs or sirens as a warning at night would be likely to impel great numbers of persons, especially in the poorer districts, to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere, with the result that they would incur much greater risk of being hit by shell splinters, and that in consequence of the exposure to which the children would be subjected a heavy toll would be taken of child life. Experience shows that if a raid occurs people are safest in their own homes.

After fully considering the whole matter, the Government have come to the conclusion that the present system of night warnings should be maintained, and that it is undesirable that warning should be given by bombs or sirens at night. The "All Clear" signal is given by bugle.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in view of the experience of last night, the Government has decided in regard to the whistle alarm whether the police and others who have the whistles can be provided with a louder whistle; and, secondly, will the right hon. Gentleman consider or undertake to see that posters giving this information in a precise form will be posted on all public buildings all over London, so that the public may know what these warnings will be?

I am told that the whistles last night were very loud indeed, and that within a very short time after the warning the streets were clear. As to the latter point, I will consider it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that there are a number of by-streets in London, and unless the whistles are very loud they cannot be heard there the same as in the main streets? Will he reconsider this point?

In the event of an air raid extending over five or six hours, as the last air raid did, and un-accompanied by any gunfire or sounds, has any provision been made for renewing the warnings from hour to hour?

Yes. I answered that question the other day. The Commissioner proposes that if the "All clear" signal cannot be given within two hours after the "take cover" the warning will be repeated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman publish that for the information of the public?

Yes.

Will my right hon. Friend see that all bugle sounds are given in the same districts and neighbourhoods where the alarm is given? Last night I heard the whistle, but I did not hear the "All clear" signal, although I was working until two o'clock?

Perhaps the hon. Member was asleep.

Did my right hon. Friend not hear me say that I was working until two o'clock this morning? I was not asleep.

asked the Home Secretary if he has received a communication from the town clerk of Bradford concerning the growing practice of justices to grant orders for recovery of possession after twenty-one days against the dependants of soldiers and sailors; and, if so what action he intends to take with regard to it?

I have received the communication referred to. My Department is not responsible for the administration of the Act passed in 1915 which deals with this matter, but I will communicate with the justices and make inquiry into the statements in the question.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the nationality of Adolph Liebman, residing at The Whim, Byfleet Road, Weybridge, a house in the proximity of Brooklands aerodrome?

He is a British subject, having been naturalised in 1901.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Commander-in-Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Force at Salonika has appointed officers of all the Allied contingents now serving on the Front to be attached to the general head-quarter's staff; and what steps of a similar nature have been taken by the Government in conjunction with our Allies to ensure complete co-operation among the various units of the Salonika force?

The command of all Allied troops at Salonika is vested in one single Commander-in-Chief, namely, General Sarrail He is responsible for the issue of such orders to the various Allied Commanders as will ensure the co-operation of all towards the execution of his plans. The Commander of the British contingent has at his disposal a number of staff officers for liaison duties both with the Commander-in-Chief and with other Allied contingents. It is understood that the procedure in these contingents is similar. In addition, the Commander-in-Chief appoints such staff officers for liaison duties with the contingents under his command as he may think necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the conflicting and varied interests involved, and the number of Government Departments concerned, he will consider the advisability of setting up some form of inquiry, by Royal Commission or otherwise, into the desirability and practicability of instituting a Ministry of Health?

As I stated in my reply on the 18th instant to the hon. Member for East Mayo, there is reason to hope that substantial agreement will shortly be reached amongst those directly concerned, and as the subject has already been very carefully investigated and reported on by the Reconstruction Committee and by a Committee of Ministers, the Government do not consider that the appointment of a Royal Commission is necessary.

asked the Prime Minister whether full information can be given as to the offer of the German Government conveyed to M. Briand; whether the proposals contained an offer to restore Belgium and cede Alsace-Lorraine; and what other conditions made the proposals unacceptable?

I have no reason to suppose that any offer of the kind suggested was made. But I must point out that this is primarily a matter for the French Government, and it would not be very desirable for me to make any public statement on the subject unless they had done so.

May I ask whether all the information which comes from France to the effect that there was a Session of the Chamber of Deputies upon this question, and that it was upon it that M. Ribot fell is untrue, and whether the British Parliament is not to have the same opportunity of considering this question?

The Session to which the hon. Member refers was a Secret Session and his information therefore must be derived from unofficial sources.

Is it not the case that in several newspapers of reputation, in England there have appeared statements from France on the subject which was discussed in France, statements which have not been in any way contradicted, and, if so, are we not to have the same opportunities as the French Parliament?

I really do not know in the least what went on at the Secret Session of the French Chamber, and I cannot possibly be asked to make any admission or statement about it.

If these accounts of this sitting and the events connected with it which have been published in several papers are untrue, why were they not censored?

The hon. Member must be perfectly well aware that the censorship is not under my control, but, apart from that, he must be perfectly well aware that there has been no censorship by the Foreign Office of statements in newspapers for, I think, more than two years.

Are not all political events censored by the military censor when they have a military importance as this had?

I do not think that this can be said to have any military importance in that sense; at any rate, if the military censorship ought to have been exercised the hon. Member should address his question to the Department concerned.

May I ask whether the Foreign Office has received any communication from the French Government with regard to this alleged German offer?

I must ask for notice of that question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman or the Leader of the House if he has anything further to say; with regard to his promise to consider the advisability of issuing a White Paper giving the exact words or statements made by eminent French Ministers?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information showing what quantity of supplies of food, cotton, metals, and other essential products for the manufacture of munitions of war have been sent during the twelve months ending 30th June, 1917, from the Turkish Empire and Bulgaria to the Central Powers?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to him on this subject on the 23rd instant.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received the unanimous finding of the jury that privilege should not be claimed by the Government with respect to documents of facts concerning the death of Thomas Ashe; and whether, in face of that desire, the Government intend to insist that it is in the public interest that the evidence should not be made known?

My right hon Friend has asked me to reply. It is not within the province of a coroner's jury to determine questions of production of documents, and so far as I have seen the jury empannelled in the case of Thomas Ashe has not purported to do so. In answer to a suggestion of the jury communicated to me by the coroner, I have informed the coroner, as the fact is, that there are no documents under my control which would assist the jury in coming to a determination in the case, or which ought in the public interest to be produced.

I should like to ask whether the attention of the right hon. Gentleman has been directed to the savage and grossly unfair attacks made upon subordinate officials in the course of these proceedings, and whether, in view of those attacks, he does not consider it desirable, from motives of common justice, that all the facts should be made public?

I am aware that attacks have been made. They were made where they are not under any control from external authority. It is not for me to express any opinions about them. I believe that all the relevant facts with regard to the death of Thomas Ashe have been made public. It is quite true that in my judgment a great many irrelevant facts are being sought for and a great many unjust attacks made, but that is not limited to the case of Thomas Ashe.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it fair to leave subordinate officials at the mercy of ruthless and savage attacks of this character unjustly made?

I do not think that I can add anything to the answer that I have given.

Will the right hon. Gentleman state what the Government hope to gain by concealing the true facts? Do they hope to shelter the real culprits?

I do not think, except; the mind of the hon. Gentleman and those constituted like he is, that it is believed anywhere that I conceal any of the facts.

In all Ireland!

asked the Prime Minister whether all the Allies of Great Britain have carried out in their respective countries the Resolutions passed at the Paris Economic Conference; and the position of this country in regard to such Resolutions?

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to give effect to the Resolutions of the Paris Conference of the Allied Powers with regard to commercial relations; and what, if any, steps have been taken or are being taken to give practical effect to them?

Much has been and is being done in connection with this subject. A good deal of it, and in particular our communications with our Allies in regard to it, could not be made public, but I am having a statement prepared, and as soon as it is ready I shall consider what is the best way of communicating it to the House.

May I call the right hon. Gentleman's attention to the last part of my question, asking whether he can state definitely what steps are being taken to give practical effect to the Resolutions of the Paris Conference?

My answer dealt directly with that question. I said that a great deal had been done. I was having a statement prepared, and I should consider the best way of communicating it to the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman embody in that statement which of our Allies have already entered into and carried out the Resolutions of the Paris Conference?

I have already said that a great deal of information upon this subject cannot be made public. What I am having done is to have a statement prepared of what can be published. As soon as it is prepared, in some way or other, I shall communicate it to the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman in that statement give the views of the United States as put forward in the Pope's Note against an economic war after the War?

I do not know exactly what the hon. Member means. I I shall give as far as I can the views of His Majesty's Government, and also, when it can be done without impropriety, the action of our Allies.

Have the United States been asked to adhere to the Resolutions of this Conference and have they acceded?

I can add nothing to what I have said.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the scarcity of petrol, he will consider the advisability of prohibiting the issue of petrol to motor vans belonging to great stores running miles out of London in competition with local shops?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The question of the allowance of petrol to be granted for use in commercial vans and lorries is now under consideration, and the quantities allotted will be confined to the minimum necessary for essential trade.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give his attention to the consideration that all these motor vans can be run perfectly well by means of coal gas?

Certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government will take the necessary steps to gradually replace men who have been wounded two, three, or four times or more, and are still in the fighting line, by young and able-bodied men employed in various industries throughout the country?

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Northern Division of Cumberland on the 24th October by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War. As regards the second part, every effort is being made to obtain for the Army fit men who can be spared from necessary work at home.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether the medical boards estimate the disability of ex-soldiers invalided through nerve strain without reference to the representations of local committees or the opinion of the men's usual medical attendants?

Men who are invalided from either the Navy or Army suffering from nerve strain are medically examined by a Special Expert Board. Any representations of local committees or available opinions of medical practitioners are considered carefully when men come up for re-examination.

asked the Minister of Pensions whether five out of the eleven Scotch and Irish doctors serving on the medical boards chosen to deal with cases of nerve strain hold posts connected with lunacy; whether the presidents have been selected because one is a Lunacy Commissioner and another the head of the largest lunatic asylum in Belfast; and why these qualifications entitle them to determine the fate of ex-soldiers who are not insane, and who, not being certifiable do not belong to the province of lunacy experts?

As regards the first part of the question, there are thirteen Scottish and Irish doctors serving on the medical boards in question, and of this number three hold posts connected with lunacy. As regards the second part, the presidents were selected with a view to utilising their special administrative capacity in the organisation of the branch medical boards. As regards the third part, the functions of these boards are solely the assessment of disability for pension purposes and the recommendation of suitable cases for treatment in homes of recovery. There is, as the hon. Member is aware, a dearth of doctors from whom to select at the present time, but apart from this, I cannot consider that a special knowledge of mental disorders renders a medical man unsuitable to exercise the functions I have mentioned in the case of men who are invalided for functional nerve disorders.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware of the treatment of many of the victims who received small awards, to be paid weekly by the Rebellion Victims' Committee; that in some cases the weekly allowance was so small that some of the victims were compelled to take up light employment for small wages, with the result that the Government stopped their allowance; and if he will see that the Government will make proper allowance, or allow them to receive the awards and continue their light employment?

In the case of wage-earners injured in the Rebellion the awards are in the nature of compensation, for loss of earnings, measured on the degree of impairment of earning capacity. Where an injured person to whom such an award has been made resumes work, it has been decided that no compensation should be paid for any period in which his earnings were equal to, or more than, his earnings before the injury, but that in the event of any material change in the circumstances the case would be further considered. If an injured person, oil the resumption of work, receives less than his pre-injury earnings, only so much compensation is payable as with his wages on re-employment will not exceed his earnings prior to the injury.