asked the Secretary of State for India why the new rules issued in August last regarding the pay and allowances to sick and wounded officers of the Indian Army should be dependent upon the War Office or the Treasury as to the date of their application, which was fixed for the 17th February, 1917; and whether, considering that it is the duty of the India Office and the Government of India to provide for the sick and wounded officers of the Indian Army, he will now arrange to pay the increased charges on account of these allowances from Indian revenues, with effect from the date of the commencement of the War?

The consent of the War Office and the Treasury was necessitated by the fact that under the Parliamentary Resolutions of 16th September and 96th November, 1914 which determined the liability of Indian revenues in respect of the charges of Expeditionary Forces dispatched from India, the additional allowances sanctioned under the new rules fall to be borne by Imperial revenues.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will not take into consideration the fact that the Indian Army are under the care of the India Office and the Government of India and will he do anything to put those officers, sick and wounded officers, on a proper footing?

Under the arrangement made between the Secretary of State for India and the Army Council it was settled that the net cost to be borne by the War Office should equal the actual cost incurred by us—the cost that would have been incurred if the troops had remained in England. It follows from that, as the hon. and gallant Member will appreciate, that the full cost of all officers and men on sick leave falls upon the War Office.

I am sorry to say I do not appreciate that at all. I ask if he will give this allowance from the India Office dating from the commencement of the War?

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that British officers in the Indian Army and British men in the Indian Army do not suffer owing to some red-tape procedure between the War Office and the India Office?

asked the Secretary of State for India under what circumstances the reimposition of Indian Income Tax on the pay of officers of the Indian Army serving in Persia has been sanctioned; and whether, considering that the levy of Indian Income Tax from the pay of civil officers serving in Persia was abandoned in 1910 as being illegal, he will take steps to put a stop to the imposition of Income Tax on the pay of officers of the Indian Army now serving in Persia?

I am not aware that Indian Income Tax is being recovered from officers of the Indian Army serving in Persia. Such a course would be contrary to the practice of the Government of India in recent years. If the hon. and gallant Member will furnish me with any instances in which tax is being recovered, I will have inquiry made.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to inquire from the Government of India if it is so?

Can the right hon. Gentleman point out whether this is imposed by virtue of powers of the Indian Legislature or whether it is a mere executive order of some sort?

I am not aware that this tax has been imposed.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty who is advising his Department in the establishment of new national shipyards; and whether the House can have the estimate of cost prepared for the War Cabinet?

A large number of practical shipbuilders are at present in the service of the Admiralty and are acting as advisers in carrying out the details of the Cabinet policy of establishing national yards.

The names of the principal of these are:

Major J. W. Hamilton, chairman of Messrs. W. Hamilton and Company.

Lieutenant-Colonel J. Lithgow, senior partner of Messrs. Russell and Company, director of Robert Duncan and Company, and director of Messrs. Napier and Millar.

Mr. Noel E. Peck, director of Messrs. Barclay, Curle and Company, Limited, director of Messrs. Swan, Hunter and Wigham Richardson, Limited, vice-president of the Shipbuilding Employers' Federation, chairman of the Clyde Shipbuilders' Association.

Mr. W. Rowan Thomson, senior partner of Messrs. David Rowan and Company, chairman of North-West Engineers' Association.

Major Maurice Denny, partner of Messrs. Denny Brothers, of Dumbarton.

Lieutenant-Colonel J. Mitchell Moncrieff, R.E., M.Inst.C.E., an eminent civil engineer, experienced in the construction of shipyards and public works generally.

As regards the last part of the question, I am afraid I can do no more than to refer. my right hon. Friend to the reply I gave to him yesterday to an unstarred question,

Vol. 99.

May we take it that any estimate of the cost has been prepared at all?

They are in course of preparation. If the right hon. Gentleman will look at my reply to an unstarred question he will see what I stated there on the subject. When prepared, they will be submitted to the Treasury.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us more detailed information about these shipyards?

I am afraid I can add nothing to what I have said.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed to increase the number of engineers and fitters in order to man the new national shipyards, or whether skilled men will be withdrawn from present yards or works?

There is no intention of calling upon private yards to provide any labour for the new national shipyards, though we may by agreement secure the services of a limited number of foremen from the private yards, and, indeed, from our own Royal dockyards. Labour for the national shipyards will have to be drawn from sources other than privately owned yards.

May we take it that labour will not be diverted to these national shipyards until the present shipyards are fully utilised?

That is so except that we may get a few foremen by agreement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these shipyards will be spread fairly over the various Kingdoms, and that each will have its share?

They will be placed in the localities best suited to serve the interests of the country.

Are these yards to be permanent shipbuilding yards or merely temporary yards to meet the present emergency

They will be to some extent, at any rate, permanent national shipyards, though whether on the scale to which they may develop for war. purposes I cannot say.

Maintained and controlled by the State?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty, with reference to the new national dockyards, if he will say what arrangements have been made as to acquiring land both for dockyards and housing and as to recovering the betterment in land values likely to arise in adjoining areas?

In the one case in which matters have proceeded so far as to raise the questions to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, all the land which has been and may be required for the new national shipyard will be taken possession of under the Defence of the Realm Regulations. Such part of that land and of any adjoining land as is required for the permanent purposes of the shipyard will be purchased under the Defence of the Realm (Acquisition of Land) Act. As regards housing, my hon. and gallant Friend knows the obligations under which we are placed in the matter of providing temporary accommodation under Standing Order of the House of Commons No. 184A. As regards permanent housing, here, as elsewhere, we shall certainly make ourselves responsible for seeing that in any national institution under our direction sufficient housing accommodation is provided.

Can the right hon Gentleman say where this particular land that has been acquired is situated?

Oh, yes, at Beasley.

Will the right hon. Gentleman deal with the last part of the question as to recovering the betterment in land values likely to arise in adjoining areas?

We are proceeding under the Defence of the Realm Regulations and the Acquisition of Land Act. As to whether under these Statutes we can acquire land for the purpose of securing betterment in connection with these operations, I do not feel myself called upon to give an interpretation: that is a matter for the Law Officers.

In view of the great importance of this question, is not the Government looking further ahead than the application of the Defence of the Realm Act, and is the cost of borrowing in the surrounding areas to be higher owing to the increased land values going into the pockets of private, owners?

If my hon. Friend will look at the Acquisition of Land Act, I think he will find that his question is partly answered.

Is one of these four dockyards to be in Scotland?

I am afraid I cannot say that.

What is the area that has been acquired, and the number of ships that the dockyards are capable of turning out?

I do not know whether I can answer that. But the hon. Gentleman might put a question down. I cannot state it now, because I do not know it.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the fact that the information cannot benefit the enemy, whether he will give figures which will include all British Empire mercantile vessels of over 1,600 tons and all such posted as missing and are still missing for the first six months of this year under the following heads: British mercantile tonnage of over 1,600 tons where the loss is due to enemy action, whether by raiders, mines, or submarines; loss due to other causes; and, finally, for shipping of over 1,600 tons the tonnage damaged by mines and submarines which managed to reach port and is not therefore included in the tables published of ships sunk from week to week?

My hon. and gallant Friend bases his question on an incorrect assumption; it is considered that such information can benefit the enemy. It is, therefore, not considered desirable in the public interest to give the tonnage figures asked for.

May we take it that the Admiralty recognise that the First Lord's figures are necessarily incomplete unless the ships posted in Lloyd's as missing are included, and also ships damaged by mines or submarines and which have to go to shipyards for long repairs?

I should like notice of that question. Damaged ships are not included in the figures.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the officers and men serving on destroyers and patrol boats in the recent convoy affair in the North Sea, who lost their clothing and kit owing to enemy action or in providing for the pressing wants of survivors rescued by them, have been provided with other clothing and kit at the public cost, or whether they have to pay one-third the value of such clothing; and, if so, under what Regulation is this stoppage of pay made?

Officers of the Royal Navy and branches of the Reserves receive compensation in respect of the loss of articles of uniform and appointments due to a casualty of the Service to enable them fully to re-equip for further service. Men in similar circumstances are re-kitted from Service stocks without any expense to themselves. Reasonable compensation is also given to officers and men who provide articles of clothing to meet the immediate necessities of survivors from action, etc. In the cases of men, the awards are limited to two-thirds of the full value of the articles when new, this proportion being considered sufficient, having regard to the fact that generally the clothing supplied would be partly worn. The claims of officers are dealt with on similar principles on their merits.

Am I right in assuming that if a man loses, say, a boat cloak, when he is provided with a new boat cloak to replace the one lost in action the State charges him one-third of the cost of the cloak?

No, Sir, that is not so. The answer shows that if he loses his kit in action it is replaced. If he gives some of his kit to some other survivor, in that case he gets two-thirds of its original cost.

In this particular case if a sailor helps other sailors who have been rescued from the sea and to save them from death gives them his kit he has to pay one-third of that and is, therefore, penalised by his action?

That is so.

Does that apply also to the men of the Royal Naval Air Service?

It is general in the Service to all, but I should like to have an opportunity of confirming the point as regards the Royal Naval Air Service.

Will my right hon. Friend see whether he cannot alter this Regulation under which our sailors suffer great pecuniary loss through their humanitarian action of saving the lives of our own sailors at sea?

I anticipated my hon. and gallant Friend's comment by putting that very aspect of it to the naval authorities, and they replied that they thought it quite equitable to pay for an old suit two-thirds of its new value. However, I will put the point again.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the importance and the public interest of the documents which reveal the intrigues of ex-King Constantine and his Queen, he will now reconsider a previous decision and publish them in a Blue Book?

I cannot feel that the interest of such a publication would justify the labour and expense involved, but a copy of the Great White Book, which contains all the information desired by the hon. Member will be placed in the Library of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state by whose authority Prince Nicholas of Greece was given facilities to undertake a voyage to this country and thence to Germany on a mission dangerous to the best interests of the Allies; and whether any other persons besides Prince Nicholas and Prince George have been given similar facilities; and, if so, whether a statement will be made of the circumstances?

Prince Nicholas of Greece came to England on his way back from Russia. His visit was of a private character. He was given no special facilities, nor did he, so far as I am aware, proceed to Germany on leaving this country. The second and third parts of the question do not, therefore, arise.

I give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment to-morrow night in view of the protection extended in this House to members of that dynasty.

I said there was none.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of recent revelations which indicate the state of competence of the Diplomatic Service abroad, he will forthwith inaugurate the system under which an income of £400 a year will not be considered a higher claim to employment than talent, energy, or aptitude for public service?

While I cannot accept the lion. Member's description of the present system, I hope that it may be possible to adopt the proposals of the recent Royal Commission, though I fear this cannot be done until the end of the War, because the candidates whom we hope to enlist are at present otherwise employed.

Then, in fact, the right hon. Gentleman does not hold that talent begins with the fatidic sum of £400 a year?

I refuse to accept that part of the question in which the hon. Gentleman reflects upon the Diplomatic Service, which has done extremely good work under exceedingly difficult circumstances.

In Athens?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the objection taken by the witnesses, among others, to this qualification of £400 a year excludes nearly all the people of Scotland?

I do not take that view of the average income in Scotland any more than in the case of England or Ireland.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that the Foreign Office would be justified in paying junior clerks and attaches a commencing salary of £400 a year?

I have explained to the House that there has been a Committee sitting, and that they have made recommendations. We have not yet been able to carry out the recommendations, but hope to as soon as the War permits us. I do not know that I can answer in detail as to the evidence given before the Committee, or that the House would wish me to do so.

Is it a fact that the sum of £400 was fixed so as to prevent the possibility of corruption, and is not corruption more likely to follow by the possession of £20,000?

I am afraid it is quite beyond my powers to judge the comparative temptation to corruption between the possession of a capital sum and an income.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he intends to fulfil the promise made on 29th June, 1914, by his predecessor of presenting to the House the Papers, including the text of agreements and covering. dispatches relating to agreements, some signed and others initialled and ready for signature, made, some with Turkey and others with Germany, about the Bagdad. Railway and kindred matters, the navigation of the River Tigris, and generally about our interests in the Persian Gulf?

No, Sir; and I would. refer the hon. Member to the reply returned to him on the 15th of March, 1915,. which will explain my reason for not laying the documents in question.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the recognition by the United States that Japan has a special interest in China implies that Japan's right to concessions and commercial interests in China is superior to that of the other Allies; and, if so, whether the British Government has recognised the special interest of Japan in China?

It is not the function of His Majesty's Government to interpret what is or is not implied in agreements signed by friendly foreign Powers. With regard to the last part of the question, there has been no recent change in. the attitude taken up by His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give information concerning the agreement recently signed by China, Japan, and the United States, by which Japan and the United States reaffirm the principle of the open door in China; whether this agreement acknowledges that all nations, including Great Britain, shall have equal access to trade in China; and whether the text of the agreement, will be published?

His Majesty's Government are not aware that any agreement has been signed recently by China, Japan, and the United States. The text of the Notes recently exchanged between the American and Japanese Governments was published in the " Times " of 7th November.

Surely it is the business of the Diplomatic Staff to find these things out, is it not?

Can we know whether communications on this subject have passed between the British and Chinese Governments, and whether the Chinese Government is in entire agreement and supports the arrangement entered into between Japan and America?

To what subject does the hon. Gentleman refer?

The open door.

It is not mentioned in his question.

Yes.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether M. Ribot, as stated by M. Briand, communicated the German peace offer made through M. Briand to the British Foreign Secretary; and whether, in refusing to consider it, the Foreign Secretary consulted the other Allied Governments?

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I gave on this subject on Monday. To those I have nothing to add, but the hon. Member must not, therefore, assume that there is any foundation for the implication contained in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the ten cases of shooting without trial after the Ceylon riots which are dealt with in Sir John Anderson's dispatch of 26th May are cases taken from a single district of the island and are only a small proportion of the outrages that in fact occurred; and whether, in the interests of justice, he will direct that a general inquiry should now be held, so that adequate reparation may be made to the widows and relatives of those who have suffered?

I am aware that all the cases of shooting investigated by the local Commission of Inquiry took place in one area. But many other allegations of illegal shooting have been examined by the Governor, who has furnished Reports to the Secretary of State; and these ten cases were picked out by my predecessor as alone demanding further inquiry, since he was satisfied that in the other cases the facts were not as alleged by the petitioners, and that the firing that took place was justified by grave disorder actually existing at the time. I see no reason for further inquiry, and I have confidence that Sir John Anderson will grant reparation in all proper cases.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, with regard to these ten cases, the Government has stated repeatedly that there was no foundation for the allegations made; is it not, therefore, likely that with regard to the other cases where similar allegations have been made that the denial of foundation for them is equally fallacious?

Well, we have gone into all these cases with the greatest care, and I can assure my hon. Friend that the situation is as I have described it.

Does my hon. Friend realise that over 200 people are in prison serving sentences inflicted under similar procedure to that which these people were dealt with; if. so far as we know, no investigation has been made in their case, is it the purpose of the Government not to hold an investigation into these other cases?

I have fully dealt with the case in reply to two or three recent questions. I do not think I have anything to add.

Did not the hon. Gentleman's predecessor inquire and report on all these charges?

That question has been raised on several occasions and has been replied to.

Why has it not been properly answered?

I think it has been properly answered.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. John George Fraser, C.M.G., who was appointed a Special Commissioner for the Western Province to inquire into the Ceylon riots, issued a public Proclamation, dated 10th June, 1915, in which he stated that persons not obeying orders will be shot at sight; whether he is also aware that similar Proclamations were issued by the Government agents in other provinces, and that as the direct result of these Proclamations, which were interpreted by the subordinate officers as a commission to administer lynch law and other outrages committed, a large number of persons were shot without charge or trial; and whether any steps will be taken to bring home to Mr. Fraser his responsibility in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him by my predecessor on the 14th November, 1916, and to the replies to similar questions by the hon. Member for Westmeath on the 23rd April last, and on other occasions. I cannot admit the accuracy of the hon. Gentleman's allegations, and I know of no reason for attributing to Mr. Fraser any responsibility in regard to the cases of illegal shooting which have formed the subject of inquiry.

Has the hon. Gentleman read the evidence of the Commission appointed by Sir John Anderson, and is he aware that in the evidence it is stated again and again that the people who committed these illegal acts did so because they thought they were justified under the Proclamations issued by Mr. Fraser

I have read not only the Papers to which my hon. Friend alludes,. but I have read all the Papers.

Would it not be possible to get Lord Bryce to issue a judicial. report on these atrocities?

I do not think any further report is necessary.

Does the hon. Gentleman propose to act on the Report he has. received?

We have been acting. upon it all the time.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, considering that the whole question relating to the proposed construction of a ship canal from the Clyde to the Forth is being considered by the Government, including that of the route, the attitude hitherto maintained by him, namely, that so far as the Admiralty are aware the construction of this canal is not contemplated has now been abandoned?

My hon. and gallant Friend presumably refers to an answer given by me on the 20th January, 1916, to the effect that, so far as the Admiralty were aware, the construction. of the canal was not then contemplated. As already stated on more than one occasion recently, the matter is now under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

Am I to understand from that answer that, considering the importance of this canal to Rosyth Dockyard, that the Admiralty will now do their best to push forward the construction of this canal?

Oh, no. I cannot give any undertaking as to the construction of it. There are rival routes, as to which there has been no decision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can give any information concerning the 1st South African Rifles (Nyassaland Imperial Service Contingent) and the 2nd South African Rifles (Union Central African Imperial Service Contingent); whether he is aware that these are the only two regiments which have been continuously in East Africa since more than two years ago the German South-West Africa campaign was concluded; and whether, in view of the severity of the climate in East Africa and the number of their casualties, he can announce that these regiments will be withdrawn from their present field of operations?

The 1st and 2nd South African Rifles have served in East Africa for the period mentioned, but it must be remembered that, in common with other units in the field, they have been constantly maintained by drafts from the Union of South Africa. It is, therefore, probable that the number of men who have been in East Africa since the first arrival of those units is very small. Recently, both have, to a large extent, been employed on lines of communication or at instructional centres, under relatively easy conditions. It is regretted that the military situation does not at present admit of the withdrawal of these units, but the policy of the War Office is to substitute native for white troops in this theatre of war to the fullest possible extent.

Is it not the case that the 1st Kings African Rifles has served at least as long, if not longer, than the two regiments referred to in the question?

I believe that is the case.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the accredited correspondent accompanying the Forces operating in East Africa is on the sick list and unable to send reports, he will arrange for the appointment of another correspondent to take his place, particularly as no reports whatever have yet been received from any newspaper correspondent in East Africa?

The selection of accredited correspondents does not rest with the War Office, but with the Press. All possible facilities will be granted to any correspondent selected.

Considering the entire absence of any news from East Africa to the public, will the War Office try to arrange that a newspaper correspondent shall be sent there?

As I have said, the War Office is perfectly prepared to give every facility to any correspondent selected by the Press.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will grant a free pass to the parents or guardians of wounded soldiers so that they may travel upon any railway to see their wounded relatives; and will he consider some better method of arrangement so that the wounded may be placed nearer their homes and friends?

Arrangements are already in force for the issue of a free warrant to a relative in the case of dangerous illness, and of cheap vouchers in other cases. Every effort is made to locate patients as near their homes as possible, but my hon. Friend will realise that it is not always possible to arrange this.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the present and third sentence on Mr. E. Scott Duckers has been commuted by the Army Council so as to enable him to be released from Maidstone Gaol to 24th November, after serving over eighteen months in different civil and military prisons; whether it is proposed to recall him to the Army again; and, if so, whether he can say what public purpose is likely to be served by the repeated and continuous release and retrial of men who are and have been long before the War opposed on principle to the whole system of militarism?

I am unable to say on what date Private Scott Duckers will be due for discharge, as I am unaware of what remission he may have earned whilst in civil prison. In view of the fact that Private Duckers has not been released from military service, the question of his recall does not arise. With regard to the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I am afraid I can at present add nothing to the general statements which have frequently been made in the. House regarding the treatment of these cases.

May I ask whether Mr. Scott Duckers—[HON. MEMBERS: " Private !"]—will be again arrested for the same offence, and again sentenced?

Private Scott Puckers will be arrested if he does not perform his duties.

asked what was the number of recruits obtained in Ireland during each month for the year 1915?

I regret that it is not considered advisable to give this information in public.

Will the hon. Gentleman give it to me privately?

Yes, if my hon. Friend will come to see me at the War Office.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will have inquiry made into the case of Max Seidman, of 1, Calabria Road, Highbury, a Russian subject, aged thirty-five years and a skilled watchmaker, who, coming under the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act, offered himself to two mechanical units, the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps, but was told that men were not accepted unless they were British subjects of British parentage, despite the fact that men under this Act have the same opportunities of enlisting as British subjects; and whether he will state the position with respect to Russian subjects who enlist?

Russian subjects desirous of enlisting voluntarily, or called up under the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act, are dealt with in the same manner as British subjects, and are posted, if qualified as tradesmen, to the technical corps which may require them. The man to whom my hon. Friend refers has not been called up for service, I understand, and has not pre- sented himself voluntarily for enlistment to the authorised recruiting officer. Further, he has not been attested, and has an appeal for exemption from military service pending.

asked the President of the Local Government Board the names of the Executive Council of the United Russian Committee who have assumed the powers of exempting, on the production of certain documents, Russian subjects of military age in this country; whether this Committee have already exempted more than 500 men; and how many of this Committee are themselves of military age?

I regret that I have not the information for which the hon. and gallant Member asks.

Why cannot I have the information?

Because I have not the information in my Department. The question should be addressed to the Foreign Office.

asked the President of the Local Government Board the number of special tribunals that have been set up to deal with the cases of Russian citizens liable for military service under the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act; and how many cases of appeals have been disposed of by these tribunals and how many remain to be heard?

There is only one special tribunal for dealing with these cases, that for London. Over 8,300 applications have been received, of which more than 700 had been decided at the end of last week. Arrangements have been made by the tribunal for dealing with the cases expeditiously after the national service representative has made his preliminary inquiry into the applications. In other parts of the country the applications are dealt with by the ordinary tribunals, with the addition of special members in some instances.

Will the cases coming before the special tribunal be heard in the course of next year?

I do not know why the hon. and gallant Member should ask that. They will be heard as expeditiously as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are many men in Class W employed in the country who have received no papers or other evidence they can produce to prove their status, and, as a consequence, are liable to interference by the police and recruiting authorities; and whether he will order the distribution of the necessary documents to be expedited?

Each man on transfer to Class W of the Reserve is given a certificate of transfer to the Reserve. There is no information in the War Office that men have been transferred without this certificate, and I should be glad to know of any cases of which my hon. and gallant Friend has information.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of his Department, in view of the known shortage of medical men, to withdraw all medical students serving in combatant battalions, irrespective of their rank, and send them back in order to resume their studies; and, if so, at what date it is proposed to so act?

I regret I can add nothing at present to the answer which I gave on the 30th of last month to the hon. Member for Blackburn.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War, with reference to Private W. H. Jamison, No. 150,684, Army Service Corps, British Expeditionary Force, whether, after he bad been accepted and served in the Mechanical Transport at 6s. a day, his pay bas been reduced to 2s. 4d. a day on the ground that he had made no application for enlistment before 10th November, 1915; whether, on 26th October, 1914, he applied for enlistment in the Mechanical Transport, Army Service Corps, was medically examined on that day by Captain William Turnbull Barrie, M.B., Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial), and rejected on that officer certifying that, having failed to pass the test for vision, Private W. H. Jamison was in eligible as a recruit for the Army; whether he is aware that, on the 21st October, 1915, he made another application and, at the request of the War Office, gave a reference about his capacity as a driver which was found satisfactory, whereupon he duly presented himself at the recruiting office at Hawick and was again rejected for rupture, but, on a special appeal to the War Office on 18th November, 1915, was accepted for service in the Mechanical Transport and received instructions to present himself on 27th November, 1915, at Galashiels for attestation; whether the reduction of pay from 6s. to 2s. 4d. a day has been made in this man's case after two years of service, of which eighteen months have been in France; and whether the War Office will have a careful inquiry made to prevent him being a loser through a misunderstanding of the dates and facts?

The enlistment of Army Service Corps motor drivers at 6s. per diem closed on 10th November, 1915, and all men who enlisted after that date are entitled to ordinary rates only. This man was not attested until 27th November, 1915, and was consequently reduced to ordinary rates. It has now, however, been ascertained that he applied for enlistment before 10th November, 1915, and instructions have accordingly been given for his restoration to the 6s. rate from the date of reduction.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what arrangements are being made for men who, after certain long periods with the Egyptian Force, are entitled to leave that they may enjoy that leave?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 23rd October to my hon. Friend the Member for East Leeds, and to the subsequent statement I made in Debate on the general question of leave.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the 9th of November last a War Department lorry drew up outside No. 1, Stanhope Gardens, S.W., and two soldiers in uniform proceeded to dump a quantity of logs of wood down the area of that house; whether, under these circumstances, he will say whether No. 1, Stanhope Gardens, has been taken over by the War Office; and, if so, having regard to the fact that this is a block of private flats, will he say for what purpose?

I have made inquiries, but have not been able so far to discover any information about this matter. if the hon. Member could give me further information, such as the licence number of the vehicle, I shall be happy to prosecute my inquiries further.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture how many acres were in the early months of this year scheduled to be ploughed up in the counties of England and Wales; how many acres have already been broken up; how many still remain to be broken up; and when will the full scheduled acreage be under arable tillage?

Complete information is not available as to the number of acres which have been scheduled by agricultural executive committees for breaking up, and in some counties the surveys are not yet completed. The board aim at securing the ploughing up of just over two million acres of grass for the harvest of 1918 over and above the 1916 area, and of this amount about 300,000 had already been ploughed by the beginning of June. No later figures are available. The full accomplishment of the task depends largely on the weather and on supplies of labour, and of tractor fuel.

Do the facts in the right hon. Gentleman's possession justify the expectation of the Prime Minister that next year this country will be, so far as food goes, self-supporting?

There will be a very large addition, I hope, made to the food supplies of the country, but how far the country, except with strict economy, can be made self-supporting in so short a time I am not in a position to say.

Arising out of the answer in which the right hon. Gentleman indicates that this development will depend upon the available supply of labour,. may I ask whether the Government are taking any steps to assist farmers?

They are taking a great many steps to assist them, but I think it must be quite obvious to the House that recent developments of the military situation may render the supply of labour somewhat precarious at the present moment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what a farmer has to do exactly if he wants immediate assistance on his farm? To whom has he to apply?

If he wants labour he has to apply to the Labour Committee of the county, which is generally in the county town.

I am speaking of the farmer who wants the assistance of enlisted men to work on the farm.

I have told the hon. Member. That is the answer.

asked how many acres were agreed on by the war agricultural committee in Wiltshire to be ploughed up in that county; how many acres are already broken up; and whether there is immediate prospect of the whole acreage scheduled being brought under the plough?

The Wiltshire Agricultural Executive Committee have been asked to secure an increase in the corn area of 70,000 acres over the 1916 area. It is estimated that this will necessitate the breaking up of 48,000 acres of permanent grass. Complete figures are not yet available of the total quantity of land scheduled for breaking up, but the latest information indicates that it amounts to about 72 per cent. of the quota. The full accomplishment of the task depends largely on the weather and on supplies of labour and of tractor fuel.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government are prepared by an Order in Council under the Defence of the Realm Act to make it illegal for any person to deal speculatively in food essentials who was not engaged in such speculations before the outbreak of War?

I have been asked to reply. The policy of the Food Controller has been designed to render it impossible for any person to deal speculatively in food essentials whether he was or was not engaged in such speculations before the War. It is not thought that any additional powers are necessary.

Are we to understand that it is an illegal act to speculate in food, that one is liable to be prosecuted for doing it, and that the Food Controller will prosecute if evidence can be obtained?

In the primary articles of food, certainly.

What are the primary articles of food?

The articles of food that are controlled.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the number of cases that came before the Sheriff-principal of Inverness, Elgin, and Nairnshire during the year 1915 was seven; that the salary paid to such sheriff was £800; and whether it is his intention to take any action to reduce this cost of administering justice during the currency of the War?

The reply to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. In reply to the last part, I have nothing to add to the replies which I have already given to my hon. and learned Friend on this subject, save this, that it seems to me regrettable that my hon. and learned Friend should select a time when the sheriffs are rendering unsparing and invaluable services to the State as chairmen of the Appeal Tribunals throughout Scotland to pursue a vendetta against them.

Will the right hon. Gentleman grant a Return of the duties which these various sheriffs perform?

I will consider that.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that he has been considering it for several days?

I will give an answer to-morrow.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has. been directed to the resolutions passed by merchants' associations in towns situated. in Lanarkshire and in the West of Scotland as to the insufficient illumination of the streets and of shop windows. under the present lighting restrictions. during the afternoons and early evenings when the shops are open for business; and whether he is prepared to consider some modification of the Lighting Order, so as to permit of the better lighting of streets-and shop premises under an arrangement which would provide for the immediate. extinction of lights within a specified period after an air-raid warning had been received?

I have received resolutions of the nature referred to by my hon. and learned Friend. As regards street lighting, revised arrangements have been communicated to chief constables which, it is hoped, will enable increased lighting to be provided. As regards shop lights and other private lights, I am at present considering proposals, in consultation with the military authorities, for deferring the hour at which the Lighting Order presently takes effect, and I expect shortly to be able to announce a revision of the Order in this direction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing in part to the suspension of building operations during the War and in part to the increased demand for patent asbestic tiles for Government Departments, the slate-quarrying industry of Carnarvon and Merioneth has been. seriously affected: and whether, seeing that Welsh slate could be supplied more. cheaply than asbestic tiles, while, in the opinion of competent authorities, it is even more serviceable as a roofing material, he will take any steps to prevent the extinction of this industry?

The shortage of timber has made it necessary to use-where possible roofing materials obtain- able in large sheets and of minimum weight. I see no reason, however, to anticipate that the slate-quarrying industry will be permanently injured owing to this necessity.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has appointed a Committee to consider the position of the railways after the War, as regards either State purchase or continuing the present Government control; will he state the names of the members of the Committee and their references; and if the Ministry of Reconstruction is represented thereon?

I am afraid there has been some misapprehension in connection with this matter. The Board of Trade, in consultation with the Ministry of Reconstruction, are giving close attention to the problems that will arise when the present war control of railways ceases. In connection with various aspects of these problems the Board are being advised by a number of gentlemen possessing expert knowledge or experience. The names of these gentlemen are as follows: Mr. W. M. Acworth Mr. W. W. Berry Sir John Bradbury Sir Gilbert Claughton Sir Thomas Ratcliffe Ellis Mr. Kenneth Lee Sir Ernest Moir Mr. Ernest Moon Sir William Plender Mr. F. Potter Sir David Shackleton Sir H. Babington Smith Mr. H. Steel Mr. J. H. Thomas Sir Herbert Walker Mr. Sydney Webb Mr. A. A. Wyon They do not, however, constitute a formal committee, and there are, therefore, no terms of reference.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that the House is consulted before any definite action of a committal character is taken?

I have no hesitation in giving a pledge of that kind. Certainly nothing will be done without consulting the House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a more definite explanation of the duties of this Committee, seeing that there are no terms of reference?

The Committee is simply of an advisory character.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can now make any statement as regards the increase in prices of season tickets by certain railway companies in London; and whether, in view of the general understanding that the prices of these tickets should not be increased and as many of the holders are workers of both sexes on fixed wages, he can see his way to instruct the companies to stop any further increases and to refund those they have made recently?

I regret that the inquiries which I have been making on this subject are not yet complete, but I hope to be able to write definitely to the hon. Gentleman shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the rates of pay and pensions paid to Board of Trade surveyors in the marine department, and how far those rates represent improvement on the scales fixed in 1876; whether the increases in the wages of captains, officers, and engineers in the merchant service recently arranged have been fully taken into account in increasing the remuneration of marine surveyors under the Board of Trade who are eligible for sea-going employment in the above capacities; and whether any additional improvement in the remuneration of these officials is under consideration?

The rates of pay are as follows: Surveyors, £250 by £10 to £300, and thence by £15 to £400. Senior surveyors, £420—£20—£500. Principal district officers, 2600—£20 —£700 The pension rules are the same as those for the Civil Service. All the circumstances were taken into account in the recent revision of the scales of pay. The surveyors have applied to the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for further improvements in the scales of pay, and this application is now being considered.

asked the President of the Board of Trade for what reason he proposes to set up a committee dealing with municipal and company tramways; if he will state how many members it consists of and what interests they represent, and what are the references to the committee; if he will state if a Mr. Devonshire has been appointed chairman of the committee and, if so, for what reason he has been so appointed; and if he will give the public record of his present and past connections with tramway undertakings in this country?

As the hon. Gentleman will have seen from announcements in the public Press the object of the committee is not to take control of tramway undertakings, but to meet the needs of these undertakings engaged in work essential to the prosecution of the War. It is proposed to have four representatives of municipal tramway undertakings and two representatives of private companies on the committee. It is proposed that Mr. Devonshire should be chairman of the committee. His knowledge and practical experience of tramway questions are, I think, well known to tramway authorities. I am confident that those who can speak for municipal and company tramways will recognise his suitability for the post which I hope he will undertake.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is not a fact that one of the large tramway companies with which Mr. Devonshire is connected is now in the hands of the Official Receiver, and whether he thinks that a gentleman with an experience like that is a suitable person to put on this committee which is going to deal with municipal undertakings?

I believe that one of these undertakings is in the hands of the Official Receiver, but I cannot see that that is any bar. I must remind the hon. Member that of the representatives on this committee municipal undertakings have four and private companies two.

Is the idea of this committee not to pool the rolling stock and tramway material, and is not the idea of this committee to help companies which are in the hands of the Official Receiver and which have not got a good rolling stock and tramway material?

The financial position of any particular tramway undertaking is not under consideration. The sole purpose of this inquiry is to secure that the tramway undertakings which it is necessary to, carry on should have the necessary material in order to keep them going. There is nothing more.

asked what are the efforts which the Government has taken to put an end to the dispute between the. railway companies and taxi-cab drivers as to taxi-cabs entering railway stations; whether any and, if so, what progress has-been made in settling the dispute since Thursday last; and whether the control over the railways now exercised by the Government extends to giving it power to deal with this matter?

As was stated in the reply to the hon. Member for Devonport on the 5th November I do not think that I can usefully intervene in this matter. I do not regard the Government control of railways as covering the charge in dispute which was agreed to by representatives of the cabdrivers, and was allowed by the Secretary of State under the provisions of the London Cab and Stage Carriage Act, 1907.

asked the Prime Minister whether, because of the prices charged for housing sites by the owners of building estates and the conditions imposed by these owners, the work of public utility societies and other housing agencies is hampered in Wales; whether a large proportion of Welsh authorities have made mention of this in their replies to the Local Government Board circular; and whether he proposes to initiate legislation in order to facilitate land acquisition by these bodies?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have had the replies so far received from the Welsh local authorities .examined to see how far the suggestion in the last part of the hon and gallant Member's question is borne out by the:facts. I find that 74 per cent. have neither experienced, nor do they anticipate, any difficulty; 9 per cent. more do not answer the question as to difficulty in connection with land, and it may perhaps be assumed that they have experienced no very specific difficulty. No doubt, however, there are cases of real difficulty, and I may state that the general question of the acquisition of land for public purposes is now under consideration by a Sub-Committee appointed by the Minister of Re-construction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the conference of the representatives of trade unions and local authorities, held at Cardiff on Saturday last, resolutions were passed declaring that the best method of making land available was by taxing land values; and will the Government consider that method of approaching the question?

Although 74 per cent, do not anticipate any difficulty, does that mean that they are prepared to pay the landlord's price?

I cannot say what is in the minds of those 74 local authorities.

asked the Prime Minister whether the statement by Field-Marshal Viscount French that the successful attack by the. Austrians and Germans on the Italian positions was the greatest surprise of all is endorsed by the War Cabinet; and, if so, whether it is intended to make radical changes at once in the administration of the War Office at Whitehall, beginning with the highest ranks, and dealing particularly with the organisers of the Intelligence Department?

I have not seen the statement referred to in the first part of the question. The answer to the last part is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look at the statement? Does he not agree that speeches of this kind are extraordinarily disquieting?

My time for reading speeches is much limited. I have not even read all the speeches of the hon. Member.

Will the Government appeal to all senior naval and military commanders to be more careful in the rash and foolish statements which they make?