asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Review of Exceptions Act was passed with the definite object of reviewing the cases of some 6,000 men, the cases of these men have now all been considered; and whether he can hold out a prospect of introducing a Bill with a view to either restricting or repealing the provisions of this Act?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply.

I am not aware that the Review of Exceptions Act was passed with the object stated in the question. When the Bill was. introduced it was stated in this House that it would enable the military authorities to. deal with 1,000,000 men, and that it was. estimated that 100,000 recruits would be so. obtained. At a later stage in the Debate certain classes of men were withdrawn. from the operation of the Bill, and a substituted estimate was given that the men available for re-examination would. exceed 500,000, and the number to be obtained for military service would be-from 50,000 to 60,000.

The men liable for re-examination under the Act have not yet, in fact, all been reexamined. The operation of the Act has been restricted by the concession under which its provisions are not, in fact, enforced where a man to whom a notice has been sent shows that he is a man who has served overseas in the armed forces of the Crown and has been discharged on grounds of health. Moreover, there has: been organised refusal to furnish particulars or to attend for medical examination, as required by the Act, on the part of certain men to whom notices have been sent. I have been in communication with the Public Prosecutor on this question, and legal proceedings are about to be taken to deal with such resistance to the Act.

In other respects the Act remains a necessary part of the military service machinery, and it is not proposed to introduce a Bill to repeal it or to restrict its operation.

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of the fact that 750,000 discharged soldiers and sailors will be desirous to settle on the land, the British Government have approached the Federal Government of Australia with regard to their settlement; if he has an approximate idea as to how many settlers the Government could deal with annually; and whether it will be necessary to obtain financial assistance from the British Government in regard to such settlement?

Full information as to the opportunities for ex-Service men to settle on the land in Australia is given on pages 7-10 of the Report of the Empire Settlement Committee. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and, as regards the last part of the question, I can make no statement at present.

asked the Prime Minister whether separation allowances are made in these Islands to the wives and dependants of interned aliens; whether separation allowances are made in Germany to the wives and dependants of interned aliens in that country, stating the rates applicable in Great Britain and Germany?

Allowances from public funds are made by His Majesty's Government to the British-born wives of interned enemies and their children. The maximum allowances are in London 12s. 6d. a week for the wife and 3s. for each child, and outside London 10s.a week for the wife and 3s. for each child. As regards the second part, no information is available.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the amount of Income Tax collected under each Schedule during the financial year ending 31st March last?

The information desired by my right hon. Friend is given on page 5 of House of Commons Paper 134, of 13th August, 1917?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he can state the number of tons of oats consumed weekly by the 2,000 race-horses at present in training and receiving rations under the provisions of the Horses Rationing Order?

The Horses Rationing Order allows 15 lbs. of oats per day for race-horses when in training, and rations of 3 lbs. to 7 lbs. per day are allowed for certain of them when not in training. it has not been thought necessary to have returns made weekly in regard to every race-horse that has been registered as to the exact amount of oats it has consumed in a week, but assuming that every one of the 2,000 horses received its full 15 lbs. a day, the weekly consumption of oats would be 93 tons. It is highly unlikely, however, that the actual consumption reaches this figure.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland), whether he is aware that 46,000 milch cows were exported from Ireland last year; and whether, in view of the diminished and insufficient supply of milk, especially in Dublin city and suburbs, the Department will consider the advisability of limiting the export of milch cows, so as to enable a sufficient home supply?

The Department are aware that up to the end of October this year 46,620 milch cows were exported from Ireland to Great Britain as against some 45,000 in the previous year. The question of the exportation of mulch cows from this country has been and is receiving the careful consideration of the Department, both in relation to the immediate supply of milk and the maintenance of the production of mild). cows.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is now in a position to state the quantity of wheat, barley, and oats grown in the United Kingdom in 1917; and how it compares with the respective crops of 1915?

A preliminary estimate of the produce of wheat, barley, and oats grown in the United Kingdom in 1917 gives the figures as: Wheat, 8,039,149 qrs.; barley, 7,171,594 qrs.; oats, 25,979,149 qrs. The comparative figures for 1915 are 9,239,355 qrs., 5,862,244 qrs., and 22,308,395 qrs. respectively. The estimates for the current year are subject to revision.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he can state the acreage of grass land ploughed up this year in Lincolnshire; and whether he will state the number of acres under wheat and barley, respectively, in the years 1915, 1916, and 1917, and the total produce of wheat and barley in each of the three years in the same county?

As no statistical returns are made for the 1st of January, it is impossible to state how much grass land has been ploughed this year. Between 4th June, 1916, and 4th June, 1917, the permanent grass in Lincolnshire showed a decrease of 3,600 acres and the arable an increase of 778 acres. The board have now asked the war agricultural committees, in a circular letter of the 5th instant, for information as to the area scheduled for plougning, the area promised, and the area of grass land in respect of which notices to plough up have been served. I am circulating a statement of the figures required in the second part of the question. These will be printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the statement above referred to:

ACREAGE and PRODUCTION Of WHEAT and BARLEY in. Lincolnshire in 1915, 1916 and1917. — 1915. 1916. 1917. Acreage. Production. Acreage. Production. Acreage. Production. Acres. Qrs. Acres. Qrs. Acres. Qrs. Wheat... 219,803 913,683 186.243 651,871 186,008 792 807 Barley 163,341 602,731 176,900 628,114 190,813 715,527

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what steps are being taken to further the construction of elevators at our principal seaports and in agricultural centres in this country for the storage of grain?

I have been asked to reply. Large stores and warehouses are being put up in various places. Most of our principal seaports are already provided with elevators; it is not at present proposed to construct others.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether no spirits for sale may be distilled in Ireland while they may be in Scotland; whether barley, of which there is a largely increased quantity in the country, has been found unsuitable to be mixed with wheat for making flour; and whether. under these circumstances, facilities mill be given for distilling in Ireland?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the negative; the third part does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received a memorial from the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary force setting out their claims for increased pay and pension on account of conditions begotten of the War now and in the future likely to affect the purchasing power of the necessaries of life for themselves and their families; whether he will accede to the prayer of their petition; and, if so, whether he will introduce a Bill at an early date or by what other means he will give immediate and permanent effect to their request?

Applications for increases in pay, pensions, and allowances have been, and are still being, received from the police in certain counties. They will receive due consideration. I must remind the hon. Member, however, that the Royal Irish Constabulary have recently received substantial increases in pay and war bonus.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is satisfied that the forty-four cottages referred to by him and the forty-one additional ones referred to by Lord Barrymore's agent have not been used for the purposes authorised by the Land Improvement Acts; and whether he proposes to pay any attention to the resolutions passed by the Municipal Authorities' Association at conferences held in Belfast in September, 1916, and at Limerick last September on the subject?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer to his question on this subject in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 26th June.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can give the names of the members of the Committee who have advised the Admiralty in connection with the establishment and acquisition of the new national shipyards?

I gave the names of the Admiralty advisers in carrying out the details of the Cabinet policy of establishing national shipyards in reply to a question put to my right hon. Friend the Member for the South Molton Division on 14th November. Perhaps my hon. Friend will look at that reply, a copy of which I am sending him

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Regulation still holds good that men of long service are to be established before men of short service; and, if so, whether this rule is being carried out in respect to the recent Order for increasing establishment in the Royal yards?

The primary consideration in selecting men for transfer to the established list in the Royal Dockyards is merit; but the Regulations require that regard should also be paid to relative length of service on the hired list. Other things being equal, therefore, a man of long service would obtain establishment before a man of short service. I have no reason to think that dockyard officers in selecting men for establishment in connection with the recent increase in the establishment of the Royal dockyards, have not given due weight to the factor of length of service.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether medical students who are at present acting as surgeon probationers or sick-berth attendants in His Majesty's Navy cannot obtain their discharge in order to resume their studies unless they are able to qualify as medical practitioners within nine months, whereas similar students in His Majesty's Army can obtain their discharge for this purpose if they can qualify within three years; and, if so, whether, in view of the shortage of medical practitioners, he will grant equal facilities to medical students in His Majesty's Navy?

Medical students who are serving in the Navy as surgeon probationers or sick-berth attendants, and who apply for demobilisation for the purpose of sitting for their final examination, are granted that permission if they can sit for their final examination within eighteen months from the date of their application. The question of being able to qualify in nine months has never been taken into account in considering such applications. I might add that, at the present moment steps are being taken in conjunction with the Ministry of National Service with a view to securing that the service of medical students as surgeon probationers shall be limited to six months, but in no case shall exceed twelve months.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that men who joined the Royal Navy as carpenters on auxiliary cruisers at wages varying from £10 to £11 per month with 15s. bonus, have had their wages reduced to £10 per month and no bonus; and why this reduction has been made?

In August, 1916, standard rates were fixed for all men serving in commissioned fleet auxiliaries, the standard rate for carpenters being fixed at £10 per month with free mess. Men who were receiving less than the standard rate were then advanced to that rate on undertaking to re engage for service in any commissioned fleet auxiliary, and those who were receiving more were given the opportunity to re-engage at the standard rate, or to remain at their existing rate until they were relieved by men engaged at the standard rate. Special ratings, such as carpenters, were, in many cases, allowed to be permanently retained at their existing rates on the recommendation of the commanding officer. The standard rates have now been increased by £2 10s. per month, and carpenters will therefore in future receive £12 10s. per month with free mess.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in transferring men from one regiment to another, he will take care that soldiers do not suffer in case of their leave, which was perhaps almost due in their original regiment?

Yes, Sir. I am assured by the military authorities in France that every effort is made to ensure that, when men are transferred from one regiment to another, they do not suffer in the matter of their leave. The system is that the date on which a man last quitted this country is entered in his pay book. Every month a return is called for of men who have served overseas continuously for certain periods. The daily capacity of the leave boats is divided among formations in accordance with the figures contained in the monthly return. The allotment to formations is similarly subdivided. The claim of the soldier to leave, therefore, rests not on the period of service with a unit, but on the period of service overseas as shown in his pay book.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the Army Council Instruction to officers not to refuse leave to soldiers who exercise their statutory right to refuse inoculation or vaccination is still being disregarded; whether on 13th October, and other occasions since, the officer commanding the 5th Southern Company, Non-Combatant Corps, Red Barracks, Weymouth, informed ten applicants that no leave would be granted to those refusing inoculation, and those refusing vaccination would have no leave until every vaccinated and inoculated man had had it; and will he instruct this officer to obey the Instruction forthwith?

I have called for a Report on this matter, and will communicate with my hon. Friend later.

asked whether a man who was a member of the Territorial Force at the outbreak of war, and who was mobilised in August, 1914, and whose period of service has expired, is entitled to a month's furlough; and, if so, whether he is entitled to such furlough immediately his period of services at an end?

The men referred to are eligible for one month's furlough at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding, provided that military exigencies permit and transport is available.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether special efforts can be made to grant leave this Christmas to all soldiers who have been on active service for a considerable time without leave and who were absent from their homes last Christmas and the Christmas before that?

I fully explained in Debate on the 31st October the improved arrangements which have been made with regard to leave, and I am afraid, having regard to the present situation at the front, it is quite impossible for the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief to extend these facilities or allow any special concessions at Christmas.

asked whether it is the intention of the Army Council to arrange that men who have been at the front since 1914 without rest at the base or in hospital and have had in many cases only twenty days' leave during the whole time shall be transferred behind the lines and allowed such a change of occupation as is necessary if their health is not to be impaired?

I am afraid that the present situation as regards manpower does not admit of giving prolonged rest or change of occupation to any men, whatever their length of service abroad, who are still fit for active duties with their units. Those who are not fit for duty for any reason are sent to the Base, or home, according to the requirements of each individual case.

asked if arrangements can be made for those officers and men who have been wounded in the campaign in Palestine and have been away from this country for a year and over before returning to their regiments to have leave and be in a position to spend it in this country?

Having in view the difficulties of transport, I am afraid it is not possible for the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in this theatre of war to grant leave to a greater extent than is already done.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction there is amongst men posted to Class W, who receive neither pension nor allowance and very often are quite incapable of work of any kind; and whether he will consider the speedy reduction or abolition of Class W?

Under existing Instructions, no man is transferred to Class W of the Reserve except on compassionate grounds unless he has been certified by a medical board as sufficiently robust to earn a normal day's wage at the employment awaiting him, nor can he be transferred to the Reserve unless definite employment is awaiting him. The existing Instructions referred to came into force on 30th July last. All men transferred to Class W under previous Instructions are sent a prepaid Army Form on which they are asked to state whether they are without employment or unable to follow their civil occupation. Any man whose reply is in the affirmative is recalled to the Colours forthwith and is either retained with the Colours or discharged, according to the medical category in which he is found to be.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will cause full inquiry to be made into the ease of Private C. W. Smillie, No. 205507, D Company, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, whose home address is in Sheffield; whether he is aware that before enlistment this soldier was rejected seven times, his height being 4 ft. 10 in. and his weight 20 lbs. less than his kit; whether he is aware that the medical officer of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, certifying this soldier to be unfit for marching and holding a rifle, sent him to Wareham Camp as being fit for the tanks; that three days later he was rejected for the tanks and returned to his regiment; and that he was then sent by his officers to Blackpool in order to be attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps, but was again rejected and returned to his unit; whether this soldier has now been placed on draft for overseas; and whether, before any further step is taken, a thorough and independent medical investigation will be made into the facts of his case?

This man was very carefully examined by all the members of the medical board at the time of enlistment, and he was found to be in good health and with no physical defects. His weight was below standard; but the board considered that, with gradual training and Army life, at the end of his four months' training he should gain weight, and, if not fit for the actual firing line, he would be fit for employment in the Tank Corps. It was subsequently found that he was unsuitable for that corps, and it was then decided to try him in the Royal Army Medical Corps. Owing, however, to his small stature, it was found that he was of no use for handling stretchers or for sick nursing. Orders were accordingly issued for his transfer to Labour Corps, in which it is possible to find work suitable for his height and physique, and there is no reason why he should not be made available, in the ordinary course, for drafting overseas.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, having regard to their services and in consideration for the comparatively small number of men now remaining, he will recommend the Army Council to give soldiers the option of claiming their discharge if they are time-expired and have served overseas in combatant units ever since the War began, including service during the retreat from Mons and the first battle of Ypres?

I am afraid that the present situation as regards manpower will not permit of this recommendation being carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that E. W. Dickes, a conscientious objector, was ordered to do rifle drill as a punishment for riding a bicycle without a light, and that, as a result of his refusal to perform the same, he was sentenced to a term of military detention on 19th September, 1917, at Eridge, Kent; and whether such punishment, being contrary to Army Order X., has received the sanction of the War Office?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 25th October to a question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Bradford West, of which I will send him a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that complaints are being made that C 2 men belonging to the 1st Reserve Field Company, Royal Engineers, Territorials, stationed at Sandown Park, are forced to march to Oakshott, a distance of ten miles there and back, and are also marched with men of A class with equipment in the mornings and forced to keep pace with them or go to the guard room, are sent once in every three weeks to Wisley Woods to sleep under canvas, and that C 2 men with valvular disease of the heart are compelled to go through gas drill; and if he will make inquiries into the matters complained of with a view to the protection of the men concerned?

I find on inquiry that there is no foundation for the complaints brought to notice by my hon. Friend. The C 2 men walk short distances to their work at their own pace or sit on waggons. The second part of the question does not therefore arise. No C 2 category men have been called upon to sleep under canvas since the camping season closed. No men physically unfit for gas drill are so trained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will take steps to see that soldiers on being transferred from one regiment to another are informed of the amount of money standing to their credit or otherwise on such transference, in order that the men shall know the exact state of their accounts when the same is being transferred?

As regards men serving with an Expeditionary Force overseas, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 5th instant to the hon. Member for West Bradford. In all other cases the balance is notified to the new commanding officer, for communication to the man.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men in the first Expeditionary Force who fought at the battles of Mons and Ypres have, owing to the stress and strain of the early stages of the War, been unintentionally over looked; and whether His Majesty's Government will ask those commanding officers now living who were in a position of responsibility to formulate for consideration particulars of any special deed of gallantry which deserved recommendation?

I am afraid it is not now practicable to reopen this question. I might mention that when the Military Medal was instituted in 1916, 10,000 awards were made for services rendered in the earlier part of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to make public the findings of a Court of Inquiry which was held in Belfast in October last to investigate the circumstances of the death of Lance-Corporal R. Quinn, late Royal Irish Rifles?

As the result of the Court of Inquiry the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Ireland, has directed that the officer who appeared blameworthy should be tried by court-martial. In these circumstances, the case being sub jndice , it is not proposed to make public the finding of the Court of Inquiry.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that many sick and wounded soldiers are sent to hospitals long distances from their homes, sometimes two or three hundred miles, which renders it very difficult and costly for their relatives to visit them; and will he take steps to see that these men in future are sent to hospitals within a moderate distance of their homes?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 24th October to my Noble Friend the Member for Nottingham South, of which I will send my hon. Friend a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to state when the Regulations regarding the medal for the original Expeditionary Force will be published; when the ribbon itself will be ready, and what colour it will be; and if it has yet been decided whether the medal is to be granted only to those who took part in the operations up to and including the first battles of Ypres or will he further extended?

An Army Order is about to be published containing full particulars as to the colour of the riband and the persons to whom the decoration will be awarded. The manufacture of the riband is being expedited as much as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether an annuity of £20 per annum accompanies the award of the Meritorious Service Medal in the Regular Forces but not in the Yeomanry; and, if so, whether there is any intention of removing this distinction in view of the services the Territorials have rendered in the War?

The annuity of £20 or less is given to Regular soldiers above the rank of corporal, discharged after twenty-one years' service, who have been awarded the medal for valuable and meritorious service. Under these conditions Territorial soldiers are not eligible for this annuity, but if awarded the Meritorious Service Medal they are in the same position as Regular soldiers, i.e., if discharged with a pension (which would in their case be for disability) they are eligible for an addition of 6d. a day to that pension

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will give the scale of dietary enjoyed by a prisoner of war in this country who is not of commissioned rank and who is not engaged in outdoor labour?

The present scale of rations for a German prisoner of war is rather too long to read out, and I will circulate it with the OFFICIAL REPORT.

[ The following is the Scale of Rations above referred to. ]

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War who was the German dressed in naval officer's uniform travelling on Monday last by the 8.25 a.m. train from Kegworth, Midland Railway, who ordered breakfast in a first-class restaurant car, and whom a silverbadged Englishman had to serve; whether this man was on parole or under escort; and, if the latter, why he was allowed so much freedom?

Inquiries are being made.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War how many officers of the general reserve of officers have obtained any benefit from the recent orders under w[...]ch they are allowed to claim a proportion of their former service; whether he is aware that officers who have applied under this order for promotion to major on completion of fifteen years' service have been informed that they are only entitled to do so if they are already the senior captains in their regiments; and whether this decision is in accordance with the special committee's recommendations?

One hundred and thirty-seven officers have so far actually been promoted. Other promotions are taking place as recommendations are received. Besides these promotions a considerable number of officers, though not actually yet due for promotion, take a higher place on the roll of officers of their regiments, and will consequently be promoted earlier than would formerly have been the case. A case has occurred in which, though a Reserve of Officers officer had fifteen years' service to reckon, he could not be promoted as the officer next junior to him in the regiment had not completed that service. The Reserve of Officers officer is not eligible after fifteen years, but only when the officer next junior in the Regular establishment is promoted. This is in accordance with the Committee's recommendation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the difference in the nature and amount of the food served to officers and men respectively in the South Mead Hospital at Bristol has evoked considerable comment and some feelings of discontent among the latter after leaving the hospital; and whether the present disparity of treatment of different military ranks can be discontinued?

I am not aware of any complaints as to the nature and amount of the food supplied to men in this hospital. The hospital has been inspected from time to time, and the food quantities found to be sufficient. I will, however, call for a further report, and will let my hon. and gallant Friend know the result.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, having regard to the fact that under the Defence of the Realm Act it can take land from Colonel Peppard as it took it from four of Colonel Peppard's tenants, and the possibility that Colonel Peppard may refuse to give those tenants land to make up for what the War Office is taking from them, leaving only his dwelling to Mr. Murphy, the War Office will take from Colonel Peppard so much land as will enable it to give equivalent portions to the tenants, and thus in no way curtailing them of their means of livelihood and the state of the productiveness of their industry?

Colonel Peppard has not, so far as I am aware, refused to give his tenants other land, and I hope some satisfactory arrangement may be come to. Perhaps the hon. Member would speak to me afterwards.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now make any announcement with regard to the proposed increase in pay of junior married officers and separation allowance?

asked upon what date the scheme of making separation allowances to the dependants of subalterns will come into operation?

I can add nothing to the reply which I gave on the 8th instant to the hon. Member for Hertford.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether young officers on joining receive an allowance of £50 towards their kit; whether any further grant is allowed them for the renewal and upkeep; and, if not, whether the question of a further grant on completion of twelve months or longer on active service will be considered?

An initial grant is given, as stated. Maintenance of officers' clothing is met out of pay. As already announced, the pay of junior officers is under the consideration of the Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the rates of wages paid to female clerks in Army pay offices of London, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and Cork; and whether female clerks in any part of Ireland are being paid 6s. per week with a bonus of 4s.?

The rates for female clerks of eighteen years of age and over are 24s. to 28s. a week, including 5s. war bonus, in all these pay offices except London, where they are 2s. a week higher. For girls under eighteen lower rates are paid. In the Cork office there are a few girls of fourteen and fifteen who live with their mothers, and are paid 6s. with a bonus of 4s. a week.

asked (1) whether, if a man is mobilised and makes an allowance in favour of a dependant upon mobilisation, the Government allowance is paid if dependency is proved from the date of the enlistment; and (2) whether in the case of a soldier who has made an allotment and claimed an allowance in favour of a dependant, and it is stated that the forms signed have been lost, the Government allowance, if dependency is admitted, is paid from the date of the original claim or from the date of any subsequent application?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to my Noble Friend the Member for Nottingham South on the 20th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, with regard to the case of Thomas Lavis Cook, No. 2625, Loyal North Lancashire Regiment, now a prisoner in Germany, whether he is aware that this man, whose allotment and Government allowance were originally payable to his father, has, since his father's death in June, 1916, transferred the allotment to his aunt, Mrs. Tilly, of 58, North George Street, Salford; whether the aunt has made frequent applications for the payment to her of the allotment according to the prisoner's wishes; whether her claims have been entirely ignored and she has received nothing; and whether he can have the case at once looked into?

I am inquiring into this case, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whe[...]er he is aware that in a number of cases the allowance for dependants other than wives is very inadequate; and whether he can consider having that allowance increased?

Speaking generally, the allowance of a dependant corresponds with the amount Which the soldier actually contributed to the support of the dependant before his enlistment. To meet the case of the dependants of men who enlisted in the earlier stages of the War, local war pensions committees are empowered to give supplementary allowances, according to the date of enlistment and other considerations. For further information on this point I must refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Pensions.

asked the Pensions Minister if he is aware that Mrs. Grace Horrigan, 17, Bishop Street, Dublin, mother of Vincent Horrigan, late No. 24553, 4th Hussars, has been awarded a pension of 3s. 6d. per week; if he is aware that this woman's son was employed by the Congested Districts Board as messenger, wages 20s. 6d. per week, and until he was killed the Board paid his mother 13s. 6d. per week; and if he will have an inquiry made into this case with a view to increasing the pension awarded?

The case is under consideration with a view to an increased award under the recent concessions to parents.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if it is the declared and authorised policy of the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee to withdraw or reduce the amount originally granted in cases where patriotic employers afterwards grant allowances to dependants of employés serving; and whether, as this is likely to discourage generosity, and encourage employers to discontinue or refuse such allowances as unnecessarily burdening themselves without benefiting the employé, the policy of the Committee will be reconsidered?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is not the policy of the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Committee to withdraw or reduce grants merely because an allowance has been made by an employer. The Committee are, however, only authorised to make grants in cases of serious hardship, and in determining whether such hardship exists all sources of income must clearly be taken into consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board what insurances were effected by the local committee in Belfast dealing with the purchase of flax in Ireland; what companies were invited to submit terms; and why the only Irish fire insurance company got no portion of the insurance, notwithstanding the fact that it carries out insurances for the Government Departments, for the Law Courts, and for public bodies?

Fifteen companies were invited to submit terms, and insurances were effected with nine of them, covering a total sum of £100,000. The nine companies in question were selected by the Flax Buying Committee after careful consideration, without taking into account in what portion of the United Kingdom their headquarters were situated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions whether he has seen a resolution of the council of the county borough of Cork urgently requesting the Ministry of Munitions to immediately grant a permit for the rebuilding of the premises in Patrick Street which were recently destroyed by fire, so as to afford employment to the persons engaged in the building trade in Cork City; and whether he can state the reply to be given to this request?

I have seen the resolution referred to. The application for a licence is receiving further consideration.

asked the Minister of Munitions how many males and females under fifteen years of age are employed on night shifts in the national and controlled factories and establishments, respectively?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. As pointed out in the answer which I gave last Tuesday to the question asked by the Noble Lord the Member for South Nottingham, the night employment of girls under sixteen years is nowhere permitted. I am unable to give the number of boys under fifteen years employed at night, but, as previously stated, there are about 14,000 boys under sixteen.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that seditious literature has been issued from the Peace Society's office, at 47, New Broad Street, E.C., and that the secretary of the Peace Society is an ex-Baptist pastor of military age named Dunnico, who is exempted from military service on the ground that he is a regular Baptist minister, although he ceased to be minister of Kensington Baptist Chapel at Liverpool two years ago; whether he is aware that, since the Military Service Act became law, there have been complaints that a seditious pamphlet has been issued from Dunnico's office containing scurrilous and obscene charges of vice and immorality against British and French soldiers; and what action he proposes to take with regard to this man and the issue of this literature?

I do not think that the pamphlet referred to has been brought to my notice, but if the hon. and gallant Member, will send me a copy I will consider it.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been drawn to the prosecution of the occupier of the Irish Gate Tavern, Annetwell Street, Carlisle, for permitting intoxicating liquor to be consumed on the premises during hours when the premises should have, been closed and permitting drunkenness on the premises on the same date; if this prosecution was undertaken at the instance of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic); and if the magistrates upon the bench on hat occasion were Sir Benjamin Scott, Mr. Charles Do[...]e, and Mr. J. P. Buck, all members of the Carlisle Local Control Board?

I understand from the Central. Control Board that the gentlemen mentioned are members of their local advisory committee, but that the prosecution referred to was not instituted either by that committee or by the Central Control Board. There was, therefore, no reason why they should not adjudicate in the case.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the gravity of the situation that is impending in the cotton trade in consequence of the shortage in the supply of raw cotton; whether this is due mainly to difficulties of shipping; and whether he is taking any steps in the matter?

The Cotton Control Board which my right hon. Friend set up in the summer to take control of the distribution of supplies of raw cotton have kept him fully advised as to the difficulties which face the cotton trade as a result of the shortage of American cotton, and their representations are receiving his earnest consideration. This shortage is mainly due to the difficulty of finding adequate space for the transport of cotton to this country, leaving regard to the pressing necessity of maintaining the imports of necessary foodstuffs and munitions materials. All practicable steps are being and will continue to be taken to meet the situation, having regard to the present shortage of tonnage.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether it is proposed to raise the rates of freights for the carriage of frozen meat from the Argentine and Australasia; if so, by what percentage are the rates to be raised above those which have been in force ever since insulated space in merchant ships was requisitioned three years ago; and on whom rests the responsibility for the rise?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The proposed rate from the Argentine will be approximately double that fixed at the beginning of the War. I am not yet in a position to make a statement as to the rate from Australasia. The revised rates are fixed by the Ministry of Shipping, as I leave already explained, in order to meet increase in charges payable by the Government, and in particular of war risk insurance, which has risen to 36 per cent. per annum.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether has attention has been called to the fact that the ss. "Voronej," 3,278 nett register, arrived in Liverpool on the 12th November instant, carrying only 159½fathoms of pit-props, whereas this vessel could comfortably have brought 1,800 fathoms; why every licence to import pit-props from Russia is refused, notwithstanding that the skippers were anxious to load a full cargo on the "Voronej"; whether the "Tambov" has since arrived with 371 fathoms, when she could easily have loaded 1,500 fathoms; and whether he will explain the reason why these two steamers, and also the "Monni" and the "Vladimir Russanoff," for Newcastle-on-Tyne, were not allowed to bring the pit props required in this country

The facts are as stated in so far as the quantities carried are concerned. The "Voronej" "Tambov," and "Monni" are steamers of the Russian Volunteer Fleet, which, by request of the Russian Government, are returned to this country with the utmost dispatch, and only such cargo as is necessary to ballast them for safe passage is taken in order that they may be again available to load outward cargoes. The "Vladimir Russanoff" is an ice-breaking steamer returning to this country in a damaged condition for repairs. The Ministry of Shipping do not control the issue of licences.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether in setting up the Agricultural Wages Board and the district wages committees under the Corn Production Act, he is aware that a number of organisations which are purely friendly societies for health insurance purposes have been requested to nominate representatives of workers in agriculture; whether he is aware that the Agricultural Labourers' Union is practically the only organisation in England whose function it is to improve and safeguard the economic interests of the workers in agriculture; and whether he will arrange that only organisations established for this purpose shall be allowed facilities to nominate representatives on the Wages Board and the district wages committees?

The hon. Member may not be aware that in selecting the sixteen representatives of agricultural workers for the Agricultural Wages Board, Mr. Prothero invited the Agricultural Labourers' Union to elect six members and the Workers' Union two. These organisations cannot at present claim to represent more than a comparatively small proportion of the agricultural workers of the country, and a fully representative Board could hardly be constituted on their nomination alone. Mr. Prothero will be very glad to receive suggestions of the names of suitable representatives of workers on the district wages committees, either from the unions or from any of their branches, but he cannot undertake to pass over suggestions from other questers if he is satisfied that the persons suggested possess the confidence of the labourers in their districts. I may add that friendly societies in rural districts consist very largely of agricultural labourers, and are, therefore, well qualified to suggest suitable representatives.

asked whether, in view of the necessity for giving encouragement to allotment holders, he can take steps to provide security of tenure for at least several years to come in order to secure to the holders the fruits of their labours.

In reply, I will refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 6th instant, to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Tottenham Division of Middlesex. From this he will see that the Board hope to retain most of the land taken for allotments under the Cultivation of Lands Order up to the end of the season of 1920.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has received a petition from the prison officers asking for concessions in the matter of pay and allowances to meet the increased cost of living; and whether he will give the petition favourable consideration?

A petition has been received. I am not in a position at present to make any further statement except that the petition will receive my consideration in consultation with the Prisor Commissioners for Scotland, the Treasury, and other authorities interested.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the necessity for making immediate provision for the relief of the dependants of Russian subjects who have left this country to join the Russian Army, and to the absence of any arrangements to reimburse parish councils for the sums which have been already expended by them in payment of interim relief; and whether he will take steps to see that the necessary relief funds are provided in order to prevent the necessity of imposing a supplementary assessment for Poor Law purposes upon the ratepayers of the districts affected?

I have already brought this matter to the notice of the Departments interested, and it is engaging their consideration as a matter of urgency, in consultation with the Russian authorities.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether any arrangements have yet been made for the supply of puttees or leggings to our prisoners of war in Germany; whether any puttees or leggings have yet been provided and, if so, how many have been dispatched; and, if none have yet been dispatched, will the necessary arrangements be hastened, as it is already very cold in Germany?

I am informed that the supply of puttees is now available, and the instructions to which I referred in my reply to the question of my hon. and gallant Friend on 5th November have been circulated for the approval of the organisations concerned. No puttees have yet been dispatched, but I hope they soon will be.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether a notice in the "Daily Mail" newspaper of the 10th November regarding clothes of British prisoners of war in Germany was issued by authority or passed by the Censor; whether, as stated therein, the multi-coloured clothing therein described is the only clothing allowed to be worn by our men in Germany; whether any clothing is allowed to be sent to our prisoners from their homes; and if he will have an authorised statement issued to the Press giving clearly and intelligently the present situation as regards the suppy of clothing?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The notice was issued for the purpose of removing misapprehensions respecting a previous announcement in the Press. As to the second part, the clothing supplied by care committees is in accordance with the regulations of the German Govern- ment, and is the only kind permitted. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative, except in so far as certain small articles of personal or medical utility may now be included in a personal parcel, in regard to the dispatch of which regulations have been published in the Press. In regard to the suggestion in the last part of the question, I shall be glad to talk it over with my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) how soon it is hoped that the conference between the Turks and the English with reference to an exchange of prisoners can take place; whether an attempt will be made to include in the arrangements prisoners who are not actually wounded or seriously ill; and what is the present state of the negotiations with reference to permission being obtained for a neutral person to visit and report on the camps where prisoners are interned?

It is anticipated that the conference between British and Turkish delegates at Berne will take place shortly, but the British representatives will not proceed there until information has been received that responsible Turkish delegates hale left Constantinople. It has been frequently stated that His Majesty's Government are opposed to the exchange of valid combatants. The Turkish Government have consented to an official from the Netherlands Legation at Constantinople visiting internment camps for the purpose of ascertaining the requirements of winter clothing, but not for the purpose of general inspection and report. Opportunity will be taken of the Berne conference to demand that full and unrestricted facilities for the latter purpose shall also be granted.

asked the Attorney-General whether his attention has been called to a resolution carried by the Eastern Valley Miners' Association, Monmouthshire, demanding full public inquiry into the charges that German gold has been sent into the South Wales coalfield for pacifist or other purposes; and whether he will take steps to institute a legal inquiry and to compel those who have made these charges to produce their evidence, if any, and to submit themselves to examination?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that Daniel Coughlan, a tenant on the Abraham Jagoe Estate at Rathravane, Ballydehob, county Cork, was, in the month of October, arrested and confined in the Cork Prison through inability to liquidate a decree of the County Court in respect of arrears of rent; that the holding is a sterile tract of 7 acres of bog and mountain, and that it is not worth 5s. a year although the rent is £2 10s. a year; that the tenant has frequently offered to surrender the holding to the landlord, who would not accept it; whether he can state the exact cost of arresting this tenant, the cost of his conveyance to the Cork Prison, and the cost of his maintenance while there confined; and what proportion of these costs falls on the landlord and the public, respectively?

Daniel Coughlan was arrested by a special bailiff on the 19th October and lodged in Corn Prison under committal for fourteen days. Though able to do so he refused to pay the debt he owed in respect of the rent of about 7 acres of bog and rough land. The holding lies between a public road and a farm on which Coughlan lives and a passage runs through it. Coughlan cuts his year's supply of turf fuel on the holding. I am informed that he offered to surrender the land thinking that no one would take it, and that he would have it rent free. I believe this man's action has caused considerable charge on public funds, but I am not able to give details.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received an intimation from the Associated Under-Sheriffs of Ireland to the effect that it is not possible to carry on the duties of their office in the absence of financial support; and whether, having regard to the fact that this matter has been under consideration for ten months, he will now state what conclusion has been arrived at?

Representations on this subject have from time to time been made to the Government, and communications with the under-sheriffs are proceeding.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what is the number, if any, of the five schools of six, seven and eight pupils which were paid Grants by the Board of Intermediate Education, Ireland, according to the Report of the Application of the Teachers' Salaries Grant for 1917, but which did not comply with the prescribed conditions of Rule 95 as to the definition of school?

None of the schools which, according to the last Report on the Teachers' Salaries Grant, had six, seven, or eight pupils, failed to comply with Rule 95 during the educational year in respect of which they received Grants. The Teachers' Salaries Grant paid in March last was distributed to managers of intermediate schools, to whom results fees were paid in respect of the school year immediately preceding distribution. The figures given in the Report are the numbers of pupils attending the schools when the returns were made in June last. Owing to the way in which the Grant is distributed, it is possible for a school to have qualified for the Grant in the educational year 1915–16, and yet not satisfy the definition of school in June, 1917.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland when he proposes to announce his scheme for improved finances of secondary education in Ireland; what amount he proposes to give; and how it is to be distributed?

It is proposed to apply a supplemental sum of about £50,000 for the purposes of intermediate education in Ireland, to be distributed in accordance with rules, a draft of which is before the Treasury.

asked whether all teachers promoted to Grades I. and II. (1) up to April, 1909, were immediately paid the increased salaries consequent on promotion, and also all teachers promoted since April, 1913; whether the rearrangement of standard numbers effected in 1913 was made retrospective to include men teachers promoted from April, 1909, to April, 1913, and who were deprived of any immediate increase consequent on promotion and also good service for increment; and, if no relief has been granted to those teachers, on what grounds it is proposed to defend such treatment in the case of those teachers?

The facts are generally as stated in the question. I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a question by the hon. Member for South Kerry on the 12th November.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps, if any, have been taken to put into effect the representations made to him on the 21st September last by a deputation from the Ratepayers' Association of Leitrim, relative to the baronial guarantees of the Cavan and Leitrim Railway, to relieve the ratepayers of the guaranteeing area of Leitrim from the tax of 1s. 6d. in the £; whether the memorial handed to him by the deputation already referred to was laid before the Board of Trade; if so, what steps have the Board of Trade taken with regard to that memorial; if he is aware that the ratepayers desire proper development of the minerals of the district; and whether the proposed extension of the Arigna Mining Company of three miles will develop the district effectively, having regard to the supplies of coal and iron in that locality?

The representations made by the deputation have been considered by the Board of Works, whose duty it is to deal with questions affecting railways like the Cavan and Leitrim Railway. The relief of the ratepayers from a liability to the shareholders in the railway which was the inducement to the shareholders to provide the necessary capital is not practicable. As to the latter part of the question, I would refer to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for North Sligo last Thursday.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the recent amalgamation of the Petty Sessions Court at Middletown, county Armagh, with the Court at Tynan will inflict inconvenience on persons living in the Middletown district; whether he is aware that a public meeting protesting against the proposed amalgamation, re- presentative of the clergy of all denominations, public representatives, and all creeds and classes in the community, was held at Middletown before the amalgamation was effected; whether, notwithstanding such meeting of protest, the amalgamation was carried at the Quarter Sessions largely as the result of canvassing by the police and other officials whose convenience was the sole reason for the transfer; whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to what officials canvassed; and whether their action in so doing had the sanction of the Irish Government?

The Petty Sessions districts of Middleton and Tynan, county Armagh were amalgamated many years ago, that is to say they are served by the same Petty Sessions clerk. I am informed that the magistrates at Quarter Sessions have now merged the Petty Sessions district of Middleton in the Petty Sessions district of Tynan, so that Petty Sessions for both districts will be held at Tynan Court House. The arrangement is not subject to the sanction of the executive, and appears to have been carried out in accordance with the statute governing such cases. I have no information as to the meeting referred to, nor have any protests reached me.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what crops it is proposed to raise on the lands attached to the North-West Agricultural School during the coming year; how many horses and what implements are available for the farming operations; and if he will give an assurance that greater attention will in the future be paid to growing a variety of crops so as to secure as much practical instruction as possible for the students?

The land referred to is let under conacre, with the exception of the orchard and poultry runs. The land will during next season be under the following crops: Oats, potatoes, turnips, hay, and pasturage. No agricultural implements or horses are at present kept at the school, which has no farm buildings and is for the present being utilised only for short agricultural courses during the winter months on the lines of the winter agricultural classes. During the spring and summer short courses in rural domestic economy are held for girls. The whole question of the lines on which the school may be most advantageously developed will receive the Department's careful consideration after the. War.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether there are only four pens of poultry in the North-West Agricultural School, Ballycolman, and no turkeys, geese, or ducks, although a course of poultry keeping is given at the school; and if he can give an assurance that adequate facilities will at once be given to secure practical teaching in all branches of poultry raising and keeping?

The answer to the first portion of the question is in the affirmative. During the period of the War it has been extremely difficult to maintain the attendance at this school. As the courses for girls are of only eight weeks' duration, no turkeys or geese are kept. The Department have under consideration, however, the extension of the existing poultry runs and other improvements.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether under the present Bill or in some other and, if so, in what manner it is proposed to abolish all fees in the primary schools and secondary schools and universities or any and which of them; and whether he is taking any and, if so, what steps to secure equality of opportunity to all scholars?

Clause 22 of the Education Bill proposes to abolish fees in Public Elementary Schools, but I cannot commit the Government to undertake the abolition of fees in all teaching institutions, which raises much larger issues. I hope that Clause 1 of the Bill and its scheme of procedure will have the effect of securing much greater equality of opportunity.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will publish a list of the various bodies, such as insurance committees, approved societies, etc., who have submitted to him objections to a suggested Bill to confer upon the Local Government Board in England certain powers which have for long been vested in the Local Government Board for Scotland and which have been used in Scotland for the preservation of infant life; and whether he will now print and circulate the suggested Bill so that the public can consider whether it is calculated to place an obstacle in the way of the establishment later on, if so determined, of a Ministry of Health?

In reply to the first part of the question, I would refer to the answer which I gave on the 14th instant to the hon. Member for the Atterc[...]ffe Division of Sheffield. As has been already stated, the Bill, which I am anxious to introduce, would be one for conferring on sanitary authorities and county councils in England and Wales the same powers in regard to maternity and infant welfare as were conferred on local authorities in Scotland and Ireland by the Notification of Births (Extension) Act, 1915, namely, the power to make such arrangements as they think fit, and as may be sanctioned by the Local Government Board, for attending to the health of expectant mothers and nursing mothers, and of children who have not attained the age of five years and are not being educated in schools recognised by the Board of Education. I shall be very glad to see the Bill introduced and printed.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to a fire which occurred at the Delaunays Road Hospital of the Manchester Guardians, at Crumpsall, on Saturday, 10th November; whether he is aware that fifteen of the inmates were burnt to death; is he aware that these women were housed in a wooden annexe of the institution; that within fifteen or twenty minutes the whole building was a mass of flames in spite of gallantry displayed by the nurses and staff who assisted in the work of rescue; and whether he will cause a Government inquiry into the whole matter, and make recommendations with a view to preventing in future any wooden buildings being used for the housing of human beings?

I learnt with very deep regret of the disastrous fire at the Crumpsall Institution, and immediately instructed the general inspector for the district to visit the institution and attend the inquest. I am calling for reports as to the use of any temporary buildings of this nature in Poor-law institutions, with a view to securing that adequate precautions are taken against risk of fire.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is proposed to promote legislation to deal with the present inflated value of teinds in Scotland?

As my right hon. Friend is aware, a committee appointed to consider this question has recently reported. I hope that it may be found possible to introduce legislation on the lines of the report.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the Scottish Fishery Board propose to take any action to prevent the serious pollution of rivers in Scotland which is causing the destruction of numbers of salmon and trout and other fresh-water fish, having regard to the fact that these fish constitute at present an important addition to the food supply of the country?

The Fishery Board have no powers under the Act relating to river pollution, but if my attention were called to any specific case of the sort referred to by my hon. and learned Friend I should be prepared to consider whether within the powers of the law, having regard to the exceptional conditions of the present time, any remedial action is possible.

asked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that the Skerries Isles, Lerwick, have difficulty in procuring necessities of life and have no opportunity of disposing of their fish; and, in view of the fact that the Board of Trade are prepared, with the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, to co-operate with other Departments to secure regular communication, he will take the matter into his most serious consideration?

I understand that arrangements have been made in connection with the mail service for weekly calls at these islands by a motor boat which can carry fish as well as other commodities; and, as there is a good market in Lerwick, according to my information, for the sale of the Skerries catch of fish during winter and spring, the question of the disposal of the fish appears to be met so far as is reasonably practicable. I have requested the Fishery Board for Scotland to keep this aspect of the matter in view.