asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the whole interest in the Pera Cigarette Company is the property of Reschid Sadi Bey, an alien enemy, who was interned at the request of Lord Kitchener when Secretary of State for War, and what is the special reason why the company is not wound up?

Yes, ,Sir; Reschid Sadi Bey is the sole proprietor of the business in question. The business has not hitherto been wound up in consequence of the recommendation of the Board's Advisory Committee, who carefully considered the case. Their recommendation was, however, conditional upon further inquiry on certain points as the result of which it has now been decided to make an Order for the winding up of this business.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, having regard to the frequent recurrence of trouble between the railway companies and their workers, the rates of wages paid, and the hours of work endured, taken together with the diminishing dividends paid to railway shareholders and the increasing freight rates charged to the public, having regard to the fact that the Royal Commission appointed in 1914 failed to perform the function allotted to it and suddenly suspended its sittings on the 25th June. 1914, and having regard to the fact that bonus wages now being paid to railway workers out of Government funds amount to the sum of £25,000,000 per annum, he will arrange for a judicial inquiry into railway administration, to be held without any limiting terms of reference and at which all witnesses are to be examined and cross-examined on oath, and at which full discovery of all documents is to be made, and all claimants to a hearing may be heard?

I cannot accept the arguments in the first part of the hon. Gentleman's question as conveying a correct impression of the position. The answer to the latter portion of the question is in the negative.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will introduce legislation this Session to prevent German companies from obtaining control of metals in the United Kingdom and the Dominions after the War?

Yes, Sir; I trust the Bill dealing with the non-ferrous metal industries which I am introducing to-day will have the effect the hon. Baronet desires as far as the United Kingdom is concerned. The question of corresponding legislation in the Dominions is, of course, a matter for the Dominion Governments, but the hon. Baronet is doubtless aware of the Resolution adopted by the Imperial War Conference on the subject, of which I am sending him a copy.

asked what is the total value of dyes bought from abroad since the beginning of the War, and from what countries they were imported; what is the tonnage of prime materials exported to neutrals from this country to convert into dyes since the beginning of the War; what is the tonnage for prime materials for which a licence has been issued for transit to Switzerland since the restriction of imports and exports; and what is the amount of tonnage for export of prime materials to Switzerland for which licences have been issued or applied for in the coming six months?

I think that it would be contrary to the public interest to give the details asked for, which would convey important information to the enemy.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that the names of many chemicals formerly made by processes the patents for which have expired are registered as trade marks by alien enemies, who in this way have obtained a prolongation of the limited monopoly granted to inventors by the Statute of Monopolies and Patents Act; and whether he will take steps to see that the names referred to are made available to the public as speedily as possible?

Any person may apply to the Board of Trade under the provisions of the Trade Marks (Temporary) Rules, 1914, for the avoidance or suspension of the registration of any trade mark the proprietor whereof is a subject of any State at war with His Majesty. When any such application has been made and the Board have been satisfied that the trade mark is the only practicable name of an article manufactured under an expired patent, it has been their practice to make an Order avoiding the registration of the trade mark.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the names of patented articles become public property so soon as the patents expire under which the articles are manufactured; whether he is aware that the practice has arisen of registering as trade marks the names of patented articles, and thus preventing the free use by the public upon the expiry of the patent of the names of these articles; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

I am aware of the abuse to which the hon. Baronet refers and propose to deal with it in a Trade Marks Bill which I hope to introduce shortly.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether lie called the attention of the Blockade Ministry to the shipments of cement to Holland going forward this year as compared with the small quantities in previous years; and whether he was aware that Germany was using quantities of cement in Belgium for military purposes which might possibly lead the Blockade Ministry to prohibit our shipments to Holland if they were made aware of the extent of the shipments?

The facts of the case with regard to the export of cement to Holland have already been fully explained by the Minister of Blockade in reply to questions which have been addressed to him in the House to which I have nothing to add.

Has the right hon. Gentleman called the attention of the Minister of Blockade to the facts?

I cannot add anything to what has been said.

Are there ample supplies of cement in this country?

Yes, as far as I know.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that cement boxes bearing the names of British manufacturers have been found among the German defence works in Belgium; and whether, in view of that fact, he will now take steps to abolish or reduce the number of licences at present existing for the export of cement from this country to Holland?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give an assurance that no further cement will be exported to Holland from the United Kingdom; and whether all licences have been cancelled?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Blockade if he will state why the outstanding licence of cement to Holland was issued on the 9th October, seeing that the Order in Council came into operation the day previously, and it has not been customary in granting licences to consider the date of application, but only the date when the application is dealt with; and will he state the quantity the licence was granted for?

There appears to be some misapprehension regarding the objects of the recent Order in Council which made it obligatory to obtain licences for the export to Scandinavia and Holland of certain commodities which previously could be exported without licence. This Order, which came into force on October 8th, did not preclude the granting of licences for export where that could be done with due regard to the interests of the Allied Governments.

In fact, only one licence for cement for Holland has been issued, the quantity licensed being 3,110 tons, and, in pursuance of the general commercial policy of the Allies, no further licences are now being granted.

As, however, there is no ground for thinking that any of the cement exported from this country has been, or is likely to be, directly or indirectly of service to our enemies, it is not intended to revoke the licence already granted or to stop any ships which may be loaded under it.

With regard to the inquiry as to whether any cement boxes bearing the names of British manufacturers have been found among the German defence works in Belgium, inquiries already made into the matter by the military authorities have not resulted in a confirmation of the information in question, but further investigations are being made.

At the same time I shall be most grateful to the hon. and gallant Member for Montgomeryshire it he can furnish me with any facts which he may have bearing on the subject.

Bearing in mind the fact, hitherto suggested, that more cement was being imported into Holland from Germany than was exported from England to Holland, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether that is borne out by the fact that information has recently come from the front showing that there is a great shortage of cement in the German Army, to which orders are being given for greater economy in the use of cement?

I would like notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the disorderly mobs which assemble outside the principal clubs and public buildings in Madras and other cities in India without any interruption by the authorities and police; and if the Government have ascertained the source of the funds used to support the agitation, which has for its object the weakening of the Government and of British rule?

The information at my disposal does not bear out the suggestion that the cities of India are disturbed by disorderly mobs, though in connection with the recent Mohurram celebrations there have been isolated Instances of riots in the rural districts. As regards the second part of the hon. Member's question, I fear that I am unable to enlighten him.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these assemblages in front of clubs in Madras have been described in accounts in the Press?

I am not aware.

If more strength is not shown by the Government in India, is it not likely to lead to trouble in future?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has ascertained the channel by which Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein, now an officer in the German Army, communicates with his relatives in this country; whether any other soldier in the fighting forces of Germany has the like facility of communicating with friends here; and, if not, will he say why Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein enjoys special privileges?

A letter from Prince Albert of Schleswig-Holstein recently reached this country through the intermediary of the Swiss Government, who have charge of German interests in this country, and who duly communicated the letter to the Foreign Office. It was submitted to the Censor in the ordinary way. Whichever may be the channels through which letters from Germany reach this country, they are all, so far as I know, controlled by the Censor, who treats all letters on their merits, without regard to the position of the correspondents.

Is it usual, even subject to the control of the Censor, for enemies, in the ranks of the Kaiser's Army, to hold communication with people in this country, even though they may feel in honour bound to fight against this country?

I confess that I do not admire the taste of the hon. Member in dealing with communications in reference to the death of a parent in the manner which he has seen fit to adopt. Perfectly adequate methods of censorship are maintained and I do not think that any abuse is likely to occur.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can publish any information regarding the food economy policy and campaign in the United States, with a view to stimulating food economy in this country?

Copies have been received of various measures adopted in the United States for conserving and stimulating the production of foodstuffs. The Food Controller is aware of these measures, and full reports have, I believe, appeared in the Press in this country. I do not think, therefore, that any useful purpose would be served by any further publication by the Foreign Office.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in daily telegraphic communication with the British Ambassador in Petrograd, and whether he has information as to the political situation there?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any information he can give the House regarding events that have taken place in Petrograd?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and as regards the second part I can at present furnish no other information than that which has appeared in the public Press.

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the statement that the British Ambassador was leaving Petrograd?

No; our Ambassador remains at Petrograd. He is there at this moment.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether at the time his attention was called to an article which appeared in the "Morning Post" newspaper from its Petrograd correspondent on the occasion of the reconstruction of the Kerensky Government in which some of its members were stigmatised as convicts; and, if so, did he take any steps to remove the impression conveyed to the Russian public?

I have not seen the article to which the hon. Member refers.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will have shown to him the article characterising members of an Allied Government as "gaol birds," and will he then prosecute, as was done in the case of Mr. Arnold Lupton for a very mild censure of the Government?

I have not been able to find the article to which the hon. Member refers.

If I send it to the right hon. Gentleman, will he take action?

If the hon. Member sends me a copy I will read it and consider it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not take some action, short of a public prosecution, in order to convey to the proprietors and editors of these newspapers the harm they have done to the cause of the Allies by their remarks on the Russian Government?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of the proprietors of these papers is going to be rewarded by being made a member of the Government?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the effect of attacks on the late Government of Russia, particularly by papers under the control of Lord Northcliffe and by the "Morning Post" newspaper, and of their support of the counter-revolution of Korniloff, upon the relations between this country and revolutionary Russia; and if he will state whether the Government intends to take any action to counteract the effects of this propaganda, which has aided the endeavours of the German Government to alienate the sympathies of the Russian people and armies from the cause of the Allies?

The answer to both parts of the hon. Member's question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when attacks are made on the Russian Government in these newspapers, he is not aware of them, but that when any attack or criticism is made by any other organ, the Public Prosecutor takes action?

No, Sir; I am not aware of that.

Are we then to take it that the Government are desirous of seeing these attacks continued for the purpose of restoring the Tsar and of destroying the revolution?

No, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the amount of our advances in money and material to Russia during the War?

It would be quite unwise to give the amounts asked for.

Have the Government received any assurances from the Russian Government that they will meet their obligations?

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether difficulty is being experienced in securing adequate supplies of English ash timber for aeronautical purposes; whether a certain league has been entrusted by the Air Board with the work of obtaining through voluntary workers particulars as to the number and position of suitable ash trees throughout the country; and, if so, why the existing machinery of the Board of Agriculture is not being utilised for this purpose?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Special efforts are being made to increase supplies of home-grown timber, including ash, and the Aerial League of the British Empire is rendering voluntary assistance in obtaining information, arrangements to this end having been made by the Controller of Aeronautical Supplies, with the concurrence of the Controller of Timber Supplies, in whom is now vested the machinery of the late Home-grown Timber Committee of the Board of Agriculture.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether a decision has yet been reached regarding the complete material of the twenty-five locomotive engines which have been lying on the premises of Messrs. Beyer, Peacock, and Company, Limited, of Manchester, since 1914?

A conference on this subject between representatives of the Ministry of Munitions and other parties interested is to be held early this week. It is anticipated that a satisfactory arrangement for the completion of the twenty-five locomotive engines referred to in the question will be arrived at.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) have settled any claims in respect of licensed premises taken over by the Board without such claims having been submitted to the Liquor Losses Commission; and, if so, whether he can state the number of claims so settled; the total amounts claimed; the total amounts paid; and the procedure adopted to secure that such claims were closely scrutinised before payment?

Since the date of Mr. Justice Younger's judgment in the Cannon Brewery case the number of claims for compensation in respect of licensed premises taken over, for which the compensation has been agreed, as the result of negotiations, and the claim paid, is twenty, the total sum thus paid being between £16,000 and £17,000.

asked the secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Hugo Wiskemann, of the Wool Exchange, London, and of Stonebridge Park, the son of a German lawyer of Kemfungen, Hesse Cassel, still had the use of a telephone, two numbers, City 3813 and Willesden 1376; and if the use of the telephone is permitted to alien enemies?

Under Article 22 ( a ) of the Aliens Restriction Order an alien enemy may not have a telephone without the special permission of the police, which is very rarely given. I am informed that permission to have a telephone was given by the police to this man, who has been thirty-seven years in England, is married to an English wife, and is carrying on, under supervision, a business which is considered to be useful to this country. I propose, however, to reconsider the whole question of granting these permits to alien enemies.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider a little more information about the pro-German views of these gentlemen, and put it before the Advisory Committee in regard to the interned men?

Any information of that character will receive consideration.

Has this gentleman applied for naturalisation in these thirty-seven years?

I cannot say; I would like notice.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in every instance, the cases of those persons interned under Regulation 14 B of the Defence of the Realm Act have been before the Advisory Committee, even where interned persons have not availed themselves of the opportunity to appear before the Committee themselves?

Every case has been before the Advisory Committee with the exception of four cases, in which no appeal against the Order was lodged. When there is no appeal the Committee have no jurisdiction under the Regulation.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether certificates of naturalisation have to be registered at the Home Office after the oath of allegiance has been taken by the applicants; whether such certificates can be regarded as final and complete until after such oath has been taken; and whether an oath of allegiance falsely taken or subsequently violated should be regarded as a misrepresentation as to the loyalty of the applicant for naturalisation which would entitle the Secretary of State to revoke the certificate of naturalisation under the powers contained in the Act of 1914?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A certificate does not take effect until the oath of allegiance has been taken. As to the last part of the question, I think that it must, under the existing law, be answered in the negative, but the matter will no doubt be dealt with in the legislation now proposed.

In view of the unsatisfactory state of the law, will the right hon. Gentleman bring in legislation?

I have just referred to the fact that before legislation can be introduced we must have the assent of the Dominions, who have an interest in this matter.

Could not the revocation of our own certificates of naturalisation in this country be dealt with, and can he not deal with that generally?

My hon. and learned Friend is aware, I presume, that under the Act of 1914 what is done in this country takes effect throughout the Dominions, and vice versâ, and therefore we must consult the Dominions.

Did you not communicate with the Dominions nearly four months ago, and has there not been ample time to get an answer?

We are endeavouring to get an answer as soon as possible.

Stir them up!

Is the communication with the Dominions themselves or through their representatives here?

It is a matter which has to be referred to the Dominions themselves.

asked the Prime Minister when he can give a day for the discussion of the Resolution on the subject of Alien Enemies standing in the names of the Member for Brentford and others? ["That this House is of opinion (I) that, on the completion of the third year of the War, a more definite policy should be adopted by the Government for the internment of alien enemies, and, in particular, that no man should be allowed to remain uninterned except for definitely national as opposed to personal reasons; (2) that women and children of enemy origin should, where possible, be repatriated unless there are exceptional reasons to the contrary; (3) that the Government should forthwith introduce the promised Bill giving the Secretary of State for the Home Department power to deal with naturalisation certificates in the case of men who would otherwise be alien enemies; (4) that, in any case, when a naturalised alien enemy has been convicted of offences against the Realm power should be given to the Secretary of State for the Home Department in the said Act that such naturalisation should be reviewed by the Secretary of State for the Home Department with a view to its withdrawal; (5) that under no circumstances should any further certificates of naturalisation be issued to alien enemies during the War."]

This subject was fully dealt with on the Vote of Credit, and I hope that the House will not consider that any further discussion is necessary.

Owing to the fact that the policy on this subject was not very definitely dealt with on the Vote of Credit, and the very strong feeling both inside and outside the House, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that there should be a discussion?

I have said that I hope the House will not consider that further discussion is necessary. I heard the discussion in the House on the Vote of Credit. There certainly would have been no difficulty in lengthening it if hon. Members had closen to discuss the matter then. In any case, an opportunity, if desired, can be found without taking a special day for it—that is, if the House desires that the Session should end at a reasonable time.

the Secretary of State for the Home Depart- ment whether he is aware that while during air raids lights in trains and windows are forbidden, tugs, on the Thames drawing a train of barges are brilliantly lighted; and whether, as this, illumination adds to the danger of those living on the river banks, he will issue an order to compel such river traffic either to cease or to put out their lights during the period of the raid?

Under the Lights Order all lights on vessels navigating the river, except navigation lights, have to be obscured after the hour when the Order takes effect. There are not now many vessels on the river at night, and the Commissioner of Police is advised by the military authorities that the presence of this inconsiderable number of navigation lights will not be prejudicial to the safety of residents in riverside districts.

Has any inquiry been made into this particular case, and has any evidence been sent to the right hon. Gentleman relating to that matter?

My answer is the result of the inquiry.

Who is responsible for control of the lighting of the whole country?

There are Orders in Council affecting the whole country.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the military disregard these Orders, and that there are frequent and constant complaints about them?

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the conscientious objectors' periodical the "News Sheet," several numbers of which were circulated before its suppression, bore no printers' imprint; whether the omission is contrary to law; what proceedings, if any, have been taken against the parties responsible for the offence; and, if none have been taken, will he explain why, an exception was made?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; but there appears to be some doubt whether a prosecution would be successful, and as the paper has been suppressed it does not appear to be worth while to take proceedings.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there were sixteen numbers issued at different periods, covering a long time; and why is it that proceedings were not taken during the whole of that time?

It is very doubtful if proceedings would succeed.

asked the Minister of National Service whether general instructions have been issued to call up for military service all ministers and clergymen, including Anglican clergy and Roman Catholic clergy, who have been ordained subsequently to the appointed day under the Military Service Acts; and, if not, why exceptions have been made in the case of certain regularly ordained Nonconformist ministers in Wales?

No general instructions have been issued to call up for military service all men in Holy Orders or all regular ministers of a religious denomination who have been ordained subsequently to the appointed date upon which they became liable to military service under the Military Service Acts, 1916, and in this connection I must refer the hon. Member to the very full answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War to the hon. Member for East Denbighshire on the 19th July, 1917. While it is not proposed to call up for military service all men who have been ordained or admitted to the ministry after they became subject to the provisions of the Military Service Acts, 1916, it is considered that men who have been ordained or admitted to the ministry immediately after being refused exemption by the tribunals, or while an application for the withdrawal of their certificates of exemption was pending before a tribunal are in a different position, and that in such cases the decision of the tribunal, making the man in question available for service, should be given effect to. In dealing with cases of this nature no differentiation has been made between the members of the various denominations, and the hon. Member is in error in suggesting that certain regularly ordained Nonconformist ministers in Wales have been singled out for exceptional treatment.

asked the Home Secretary whether the firm of August Reichwald, Limited, of Finsbury Pavement House, E.C., are Government contractors; whether this firm are or were Krupp's London agents; whether any members of the firm were arrested on the outbreak of war, and, if so, on what grounds they were released; whether he is aware that one of the Reichwald family. served in France as an officer of our Indian Army; that he left France at the request of the French authorities, and thereupon changed his name to Blaker; and whether under that name he is now employed in our Intelligence Department or in any other Government Department?

I understand that this firm are not Government contractors, and that prior to the War they were Krupp's London agents for goods other than war material. The senior member of the firm, who became a British subject in 1893 and is now over seventy years of age, was placed under arrest for a short time at the beginning of the War while inquiries were made, about him, but as nothing was found to suggest disloyalty he was released almost at once. The rest of the question relates to matters which do not concern my Department.

asked the HOMO Secretary whether he has received a statement describing the irregularities which took place at the counting of votes at the East Islington bye-election; if so, whether he will now say whether it is proposed to hold an inquiry; and, if not, will he give his reasons for refusing such inquiry?

The answer to the first paragraph of the question is in the affirmative. I have no jurisdiction in the matter. An inquiry can only be held by a Court of law in the manner prescribed by the Acts relating to Parliamentary elections.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that German-born financiers control the bulk of the output of the Rand gold mines, and that some of them are resident in this country; and if he will say if any, and, if so, how many of these financiers have been interned?

If the hon. Member will give me the names of the persons to whom he refers, I will make inquiry.

In the question which I drafted I said that the statement of the Under-Secretary was "as reported in the ' Western Mail.'"

My attention had not been drawn to this matter, but I have made inquiries, and I find that the proceedings at this meeting were stopped by the authorities of the chapel in which it was held on the ground that they had been deceived, and that the chapel, which had been lent to the promoters for a religious meeting, was, in fact, being used for pacifist propaganda. My right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State, in his subsequent speech in the same town, did not express gratification that the earlier meeting had been broken up, and a contradiction of this statement has already appeared in the paper concerned. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the meeting arranged for the Parliamentary Secretary was counter-attacked by the forces inside?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention had been called to the fact that when the magistrate sentenced the late secretary of the Anti-German League for fraud he pointed out that certain titled people had received large sums for permitting their names to be used as promotors of the league; and, in view of the magistrate's condemnation, will he give the names of these people?

I understand that the late Common Serjeant, when passing sentence in this case in July, 1916, expressed his disapproval of the acceptance by certain members of the executive committee of the league of remuneration for acting in that capacity. I do not know who were the persons referred to, and as a considerable time has elapsed since the occurrence mentioned, and no offence against the law is suggested, I see no reason for making inquiry.

As the executive of this league received large sums of money under circumstances which led to the condemnation by the Common Serjeant, when the right hon. Gentleman is making inquiries into various leagues will he let us know who are the people so condemned?

I do not think it is worth while, and the secretary has been prosecuted.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of cases that came before the sheriff principal in the shires of Caithness, Orkney and Shetland in the year 1915 was two, and that the salary paid to the sheriff-principal for deciding such two cases was £775; and whether any consolidation is proposed to be brought about in order to cheapen in war-time the administration of justice?

Beyond saying that the amount of the salary and the number of appeal cases for 1915 are correctly given in the question, I have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to my hon. and learned Friend on the 8th of this month regarding another sheriffdom.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that nobody seriously takes his allegation that the sheriff-principal has other duties than judicial duties to perform?

I think it would just be as unsafe to measure the activities of the sheriff-principal by the number of appeals he hears as to measure the political activities of my hon. Friend by the number of questions he puts.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the urgency and importance of proper provision for the medical treatment of discharged soldiers, he will take steps that will enable the local pensions committees to furnish him with a Return setting forth the total number of men discharged from the Army in Wales and Monmouthshire, the number of those who have received special treatment, and the number who have been recommended for special training to fit them for a new employment?

In reply to a similar question put by the hon. Member on the 24th October, I expressed the hope that he would not press for this information to be furnished by local war pension committees at the present time. The work of administering allowances to the wives and dependants of sailors and soldiers and of providing for the medical treatment and training of disabled men is very heavy, and a detailed Return of the nature proposed would not, in my opinion, be commensurate in value with the labour involved in preparing it. I am at frequent intervals making inquiry of the representatives of the Ministry in the provinces as to whether any difficulty is experienced in obtaining the necessary institutional accommodation or facilities for treatment or training, and the information thus obtained will enable me to meet such deficiencies as are found to exist.

Can my right hon. Friend say if one-tenth of the men who ought are now getting this training?

My difficulty is to get the men to accept the training, but as a consequence of meeting disabled soldiers and sailors in hospitals as well as in public meetings that difficulty is being overcome.

Am I right, therefore, in saying that the Ministry of Pensions is doing practically nothing with regard to the training of men?

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that a London telephone operator named E. J. Colling joined the Royal Field Artillery in April, 1915, went to France in the following December, and was battery telephonist until July, 1916, when his health broke down on the Somme; that he was invalided out of the Army in April, 1917, after being in hospital for nearly nine months, and received a total gratuity of £30; and, seeing that this man has had his health ruined in the service of his country, whether he will have the whole matter reopened with the view to granting an adequate pension to this ex-soldier?

This man was discharged from the Army for neurasthenia caused by his military service and the gratuity of £30 was awarded by the special medical board, who considered that a gratuity would be more to the man's advantage than a pension. I am consulting the President of the Board as to the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion that the case should be dealt with by way of pension.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think a gratuity of £30 to a soldier who has been wounded and has been in hospital nine months is a reasonable allowance to be paid?

I cannot say without seeing the man's papers, but on principle I am rather opposed to the principle of gratuities.

Was the man asked whether he would take a gratuity or a pension?

I expect that the man himself wanted the gratuity.

Is it not the case that the man can appeal to the Special Appeals Tribunal against the award without asking even the permission of the Minister of Pensions?

That is absolutely so. The man has the right of appeal.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that there is considerable delay in receiving replies to communications to his Department; and whether, considering that such letters often contain inquiries for important information regarding pensions to soldiers and sailors, he will give instructions for an improvement in the machinery in his Department in order that delays of such long duration may not continue in the future?

I am aware that there is frequently delay in answering correspondence. But hon. Members will, I think, agree that during recent months there has been a speeding up in this connection, and we are sparing no efforts to remedy the defects that undoubtedly exist. I am at the present moment arranging with Sir Woodburn Kirby, one of the greatest of organisers, who has placed his services at my disposal, for a thorough reorganisation of Chelsea. The hon. Member will, however, realise some of the difficulties from the fact that an average of 33,000 letters, etc., are dispatched every day, and that out of a staff of over 4,500, mainly women, who deal with pensions and other grants and with the treatment and training of disabled men, less than 2 per cent. had any previous Civil Service experience. I do not fear criticism, but I want the criticism to be helpful to the Department.

As the right hon. Gentleman is desirous that criticism should be helpful, is he aware that only this morning I received a reply to a communication addressed to the Ministry of Pensions in the middle of August?

Is it the fact that things are so bad at Chelsea that the Pensions Minister has agreed to shut it down for a week at Christmas, in order to try and put it right?

That is so, and that is one of the reasons why I have asked Sir Woodburn Kirby, who will, I think, make as good a job at Chelsea as he did at Baker Street.

Is not the Department established now nearly twelve months?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is mow in a position to make any statement with regard to the separation allow ances to wives of warrant officers on promotion; and will he say whether the extra cost entailed in respect of uniform is still required to be paid by the men who are promoted?

As regards the first part of the question, I am not in a position to say more than that the matter is under consideration by the Committee appointed to consider soldiers' and sailors' pay. As regards the second part of the question, warrant officers on promotion receive an outfit grant of £25, but any additional expense incurred in the provision and upkeep of their uniform is required to be borne by themselves.

asked the Prime Minister when he expects to be in a position to report the result of the reference back to the War Cabinet Sub-Committee of the request made by the Joint Committee of the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the General Federation of Trade Unions, for increases in the pay of the sailor and the soldier, particularly in respect of the able seaman, the stoker in the Navy, the private in the Marines and the private in the Army?

For reasons which I am sure the hon. Member will appreciate, the Government has not yet been able to, conclude their investigation of this question, but I hope to be able to make a statement very shortly.

Can my right hon. Friend say if, as a result of this further inquiry, the increases as from 1st October have been stopped, or are they going on?

They are all going on.

When does the right hon. Gentleman really think he will be in a position to make a definite statement, and I will repeat the question?

I would not like to say, but I hope this week. lf, however, my hon. Friend will put a question down for this day week, I am pretty sure I will be able to answer it.

I will repeat the question next Monday.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government possess, or intend to ask for from Parliament, summary power to deport and intern in a suitable spot outside the United Kingdom those held guilty of endeavouring to foment armed rebellion against the Crown?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The answer to both questions is in the negative.

Will the Government ask to obtain these powers?

No, Sir. It is not so proposed.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has any statement to make as to the labours of the Irish Convention; and has the Government decided that the enforcement of law and order can no longer be subordinated to a possible successful issue of the Convention's deliberations?

I am not in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister the official estimate of the number of children dying every week whose death is due to preventible causes; if he will state why the Government delay legislation on this matter; whether the vested interests of large insurance companies is a contributory cause of the delay; and whether he can make a statement as to any future action it is proposed to take?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. In 1916 the number of deaths of children under five years of age registered in England and Wales was 109,966. It is, of course, not possible to state exactly how many of these are due to preventable causes, but I am satisfied that if the local authorities in England and Wales were given the same powers as are now possessed by local authorities in Scotland and Ireland, and if they used them as I have reason to know that they would do, the work which they are now doing in regard to infant welfare could be developed so as to effect a great reduction in the number of deaths, and, may I add, not only of infants but of mothers. My Department has for some time been anxious to secure for local authorities this extension of powers, and local authorities have pressed for it, but, owing to opposition from insurance organisations, the legislation has hitherto been delayed.

Seeing that Lord Rhondda has stated that the number of children whose deaths might be prevented is at least 1,000 weekly, is it not the business of the Government at a time like this, despite any opposition from insurance companies, to press forward this most necessary legislation?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the figure he gives shows an increase or decrease upon the figures of former years?

I should like notice of that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the names of these men who are taking such an active part in preventing our protecting the lives of the children—can he give the names of the insurance companies?

Is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to put himself into communication with the Treasury or the Board of Education with a view of giving greater grants to local authorities for the purpose of extending the school clinics, which save the lives of the babies and the young children?

Again, I think I should like notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister (1) what provisions are operative for securing a unified Allied military command: is there an Allied General Staff; if so, is it located in France, who are its members, and does it control and direct operations in all the spheres of land and sea warfare; (2) whether, as a result of recent events and conferences, any change has been made in the methods by which the military efforts of all the Allies are unified and controlled; and whether he will indicate the person or persons who have responsibility for the supreme military command?

With a view to the better co-ordination of military action, a War Council has been constituted composed of the Prime Minister and a member of the Governments of France, Italy, and Great Britain. The Council will meet normally at Versailles not less than once a month, but may meet oftener and at other places as may from time to time be arranged. The adhesion to other Great Powers to the War Council is under discussion.

Each Power appoints one permanent military representative as an adviser to the War Council. These representatives will be independent of the General Staffs of their countries, and will have no executive functions, but will advise the War Council on all questions affecting the co-ordination of Allied strategy. The General Staffs and Military Commands of the Armies of each Power charged with the conduct of military operations remain responsible to their respective Governments. The military representatives and their Staffs will be in permanent session at Versailles. The representatives already appointed are as follows:

For Great Britain: General Sir Henry Wilson.

For France: General Foch.

For Italy: I cannot yet give the name of the Italian representative.

Are we to understand that it is not proposed that this Council shall meet more frequently than once a month? May I also ask whether an invitation has been sent to the other Great Powers, or whether the question is only under consideration as to whether or not they are to be invited?

I have already said, in my answer, that the Council will meet more frequently if more frequent meetings are required. As regards the last part of the question, I can add nothing to what I have said.

Will there be any representative from the United States of America?

Of course, it is hoped that the United States of America will form part of this Council. I have nothing to add on this part of the subjects except to say that it is now under discussion.

In what relation will Sir William Robertson and Sir Douglas Haig stand to Sir Henry Wilson?

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will read my answer—it is perfectly plain?

Will the right hon. Gentleman make it plain to me?

"Order, order !"

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will wait till he has read my answer?

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether naval as well as military operations will come under review—I do not think he made that quite clear?

I did not deal with it at all!

It is in the question !

But all operations connected with the War will be considered by the Council. There has, so far, been no naval council formed; it is purely military.

Is it proposed to have a naval representative on this Council?

I venture to suggest to the House that the utility of this body will not be increased by discussion in this House.

asked the Prime Minister whether American military experts have indicated to the War Office or to the War Cabinet that, in their view, the Italian retirement would not have been necessary if one supreme military authority had directed the combined operations of the Allies; and whether it is now proposed to work by means of an inter-Allied staff?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the second part, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I have given to Question No. 53 to-day by the hon. Member for North Somerset.

( by Private Notice ) asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the duties of General Sir Henry Wilson, as a member of the Supreme Political Council of the Allies for the whole of the Western Front, will be defined by Order in Council, and whether this appointment will in any degree impinge on the authority of the present Chief of the Staff, Sir William Robertson?

In answer to the first part of the question, the manner of formally constituting the position of General Wilson and his staff is under consideration. I have already answered the second part of the question in reply to a question by the hon. Member for North Somerset.

Will the right hon. Gentleman read his answer again? [Hon. MEMBERS: "No !"] Some of us did not hear it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us who will be responsible for strategy as against policy? I take it that the new Council will be responsible for policy, but who will be responsible for strategy?

That is precisely one of the points dealt with in my answer. The new Allied Staff is advisory, and the responsibility for the action of our forces will, as hitherto, leave the responsibility in our case in this country, and we shall be advised by our own Chief of the Staff.

After a decision has been arrived at will the Prime Minister make a statement to this House?

So far as I can see, there is no statement which can be made beyond the answer I have already given.

To whom will General Haig report for instructions?

Why has it taken three years before the Government took this step?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he has yet ascertained that the Deputies of the French Chamber were informed, without pledge of secrecy, by M. Briand of the peace proposals made through him by the German Government; (2) whether, in view of the public announcement that the peace terms made through M. Briand by the German Government contained an offer for the complete evacuation and restoration of Belgium, he will, in view of the importance of this subject, consider the desirability of making an authentic statement in public or private Session as to what the offer really contained?

We know nothing of the alleged communication to the French Deputies. As the hon. Gentleman is aware, the fact of peace proposals is denied in Germany; and certainly we are not aware of any peace proposals having been made by the German Government to the French Government.

How is it that no definite denial has been made as to the newspaper statements which are repeatedly made here that M. Ribot had offers through M. Briand, and that these offers were transmitted to the Allied Governments — that statement has been repeatedly made in this country and in France?

What I have said is that we are not aware of any proposals having been made by the German Government to the French Government. The question as to alleged German advances through the irregular channels of French statesmen who are not members of the French Government must be dealt with in France.

If the Germans have any peace proposals do they not know the proper channels through which to send them?

The hon. Member is perfectly right. If the Germans have any peace proposals to make there is no earthly difficulty in making them.

Are the British Government made cognizant of any unofficial peace proposals?

I have said that unofficial, or alleged unofficial, representations, through the irregular channels of French statesmen, must be dealt with in France. I do not propose to answer any such question.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can give facilities for a Bill which will make obligatory the publication of the names of subscribers and amounts subscribed to all political organisations once a year?

I am not in a position to add anything to the answer which, I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Leominster on the 8th of November.

Has that not to do with the sale of honours? Is it the opinion of the Government that nothing should be done?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will look at the answer, he will see that I said: The utility or otherwise of the course suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend would require more careful examination than the Government have at the present time to give it."— [OFFICAL REPORT, 8th November, 1917, col. 2315, Vol. XCVIII.]

Could not a small Committee of all sections of the House be set up to see if something could be done?