asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what new taxes still remaining in force have been imposed since the War; on what dates they became operative; and what is the estimated yield of each in the current financial year?

Particulars are given below on the basis of the Budget Estimate for 1917–18

estimated yield of each tax so enhanced in the current financial year as compared with the yield of the same tax in the last financial year before the War?

supplied the following particulars:

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Civil Aerial Transport Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

No Report has yet been received from this Committee; but I understand that its Report may be hoped for in the early part of next year. The Civil Aerial Transport Committee itself held two meetings immediately after its formation, when it was decided to divide the subjects of inquiry into five different branches to be considered by five Sub-committees, which have held altogether 31 meetings. Some of these Sub-committees have sent in Reports to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board, who is acting chairman of the main Committee, and the others are expected to do so shortly.

During the last six months Lord North-cliffe, who was originally chairman, Major-General Brancker, Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, Mr. Claude Johnson, and Mr Tyson Wilson have left the Committee, in consequence of other duties, while Sir G. Perley. Major-General McCay, and Sir Mackenzie Chalmers have been added to the main Committee, to represent the Dominion of Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Home Office respectively. Sir E. Morris, the Prime Minister of Newfoundland, is also joining the Committee. In addition, a number of gentlemen with special knowledge of the particular subjects of inquiry have been co-opted on the various Sub-committees. Their names are as follows:—

Mr Butler Aspinall, K.C.

Major the Right Hon. H. T. Baker.

Mr. L. Bairstow, F.R.S.

Captain F. S. Barnwell.

Mr. R. O. Cary.

Mr. A.E. Chorlton.

Mr. W. Barnard Faraday.

Sir R. T. Glazebrook.

Wing Captain Groves, R.N.

Mr. Nevile Gwynne.

Sir Frank Heath.

Major H. Lyons, F.R.S.

Mr Arthur Morley.

Professor J. E. Petavel, F.R.S.

Mr. F. Pick.

Captain E. Elvey Robb.

Squadron Commander the Master of Sempill, R.N.

Major Vincent Smith, M.C.

Major G. I. Taylor.

Mr. A. E. Turner.

Mr. H. J. Wilson.

The direct cost of the Committee, apart From services rendered to it by other Departments, such as the Stationery Office, and some trifling payments for travelling expenses, is at the rate of £600 per annum, being the amount of the salaries paid to the assistant secretaries.

It is proposed to continue the Committee in existence till it has presented its Report.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can make any statement as to the present position with regard to matches and the steps which his Department is taking to meet the shortage?

In the year 1915 the consumption of matches in the United Kingdom was approximately 3,000 million boxes, about half of which were of British manufacture, the remainder being imported from foreign countries. The above quantity was sufficient to provide every one of the 46,000,000 of the population of the United Kingdom with 1⅓ boxes per week.

After the prohibition of imported matches and the exhaustion of stocks of foreign matches, there remained somewhat less than half the normal amount available. Consequently a shortage of matches occurred which was rapidly becoming acute when the Board of Trade undertook control.

After preliminary inquiries by the Tobacco and Matches Control Board it was decided to pool the output of all the factories and to distribute it in proportion to the 1915 supplies. For this purpose the country was divided into territories and the supply based upon the population after making due allowance for displacement; and in order to effect the utmost economy in transport it was arranged that deliveries should be made to each area from the nearest factories. This system was set up and came into operation on the 15th October, 1917. It naturally took a little time to organise the new system of distribution, all orders having to be passed through a central office, and to be allocated by them to the different factories, and consequently a certain amount of delay in distribution has occurred during the first few weeks.

Stocks which had been practically depleted are now being gradually built up again, and when sufficient have been accumulated to ensure a regular arid equitable distribution, it is estimated that all wholesalers and retailers will be able to obtain a fair proportion of their normal pre-war requirements.

The deliveries for the week ended 27th November were 32,000,000 boxes, which is equal to two-thirds of a box per week for every person in the United Kingdom, or, say, one box for every adult. This would provide from six to seven matches a day for every adult. As, therefore, no material expansion of the present output can be looked for under existing conditions, it is the duty of every citizen to confine his present consumption to an average of six matches a day, which, with careful economy, ought to suffice for all reasonable needs during the present emergency.

asked the Prime Minister what further appointments have been made in connection with the Air Ministry; and when it is proposed to initiate the measures provided for in the new Act?

No appointments on or under the Air Council can be made until the issue of the Orders in Council provided for in Section 8, Sub-sections (1) and (2), of the Air Force Act. The work preparatory to the carrying out of the measures provided for in the Act is being proceeded with.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Poultry Management Advisory Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether it is proposed to continue this Committee?

The Poultry Advisory Committee has not reported, but has made various recommendations concerning poultry matters, on which useful action has been taken by the Departments concerned in the maintenance of the poultry industry. The full Committee has met on five occasions since its appointment on the 6th June last, but a sub-committee has met with greater frequency. The only change in the personnel has been the substitution of Mr. Corbett, of the Agricultural Organisation Society, for Mr. Wilfred Buckley. The expenditure of the Committee to date has been about £80 for travelling expenses, shorthand notes, etc. The secretarial work has been done by an officer of the Department in conjunction with his ordinary duties. There is no expenditure for rent, and rates and taxes. The Committee is performing a useful service to the State, and will be continued.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Oats Control Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in its personnel during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether this Committee is to be continued?

I have been asked to reply. The Oats Control Committee was appointed by Lord Devonport in May, 1917, to control the importation, distribution, and sale of foreign oats for civilian use in the United Kingdom, and also to take over the functions of the Allies' Forage Committee which previously effected purchases for Allied military requirements. The Committee was dissolved, and its functions transferred to the Royal Commission on Wheat Supplies as from 1st September, 1917. Its cost was trifling, as the salaried staff consisted of a secretary, one clerk, and two typists.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Scandinavian exchange has materially eased as a result of his consent to the sale of the Kellner-Partington Company; if so, how much; whether, while the British sovereign is only worth 15s. 5d. in Christiania and 13s. 6d. in Stockholm, an equivalent sum in German money to our sovereign is only worth 10s. in Christiania and 9s. 7d. in Stockholm; what is the gold reserve of the Bank of Norway; what is the excess of its assets over its liabilities at its last published balance sheet: whether he has any official information showing that as soon as the Bank of Norway acquires the Kellner-Partington Company it will float a fresh company; and, if so, whether the fresh company will be bound by the undertaking of the present syndicate not to sell the company's productions to the enemy?

The remittance of the purchase money for these properties cannot fail to have a beneficial effect on the exchange, whether by checking the rate of depreciation or actually producing an improvement, but it is not possible to give the measure of its effect in isolation from other transactions. On the 29th ultimo the value of the pound sterling in Christiania was 15s. 4d. and in Stockholm 13s. 11d., while the value of the German equivalent was 10s. 2d. and 11s. 4d. respectively. The gold reserve of the Bank of Norway on the 31st October last was £6,489,000, and the excess of its assets over its liabilities on the 31st December last was £1,705,000. I have no information as regards the sixth part of the question; as regards the seventh and last part, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to him by the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs on the 9th ultimo.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, at the time of consenting to the transfer of the Kellner-Partington Company's Swedish and Norwegian works, he was informed that in many controlled factories, particularly in rubber preparations work, there is a shortage of wood spirit and other kinds of industrial alcohol; whether it is proposed to use a considerable portion of this year's potato crop for the production of this spirit; whether he is aware that industrial alcohol can be obtained from the lye of sulphite wood-pulp mills and that both methyl alcohol and acetone are obtainable from the black liquor refuse of mills using the soda process; whether the sale of this company's Swedish properties implies that these valuable war products will be diverted to the enemy; and whether he will take steps to prevent this transfer taking place?

I am sure that my hon. Friend will realise that it would not be in the national interest to discuss in public the matters referred to in the first four parts of the question. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked who are the directors of the Kellner-Partington Paper Pulp Company and the names of the five principal shareholders of the company apart from the directors, and the extent of their holdings?

The directors of the Kellner-Partington Paper Pulp Company, Limited, are: Lord Doverdale, Mr. Oswald Partington, Mr. C. F. Kenyon, Mr. C. L. Samson, Mr. G. Lake, and Mr. C. T. Needham. I am sending my hon. Friend a list of the five principal shareholders, apart from the directors, according to the Return made up to the 19th November, 1916, with particulars of their holdings.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he is aware that the profits of the Kellner-Partington Paper Pulp Company were £551,000 for the year ending 30th September, 1915, and £659,000 for the year ending 30th September, 1916; whether, as the company have £897,000 invested in other companies and undertakings, mostly in Sweden, he will state what proportion of last year's profits came as dividends from these companies; whether he will specify the amount and name of each company; (2) whether his attention has been drawn to the increasing utilisation of paper textiles in the clothing and equipment of the German Army and the importance to the enemy in this respect of the coniferous wood-pulp produced in the sulphide works of Sweden; whether he is aware that four of these works are controlled by the Kellner-Partington Wood Pulp Company, of Manchester, and are about to be transferred to foreigners; if he will indicate in what manner any undertakings obtained from the purchasers will prevent these goods from passing into enemy hands; and (3) if, in the course of his investigations into the Kellner-Partington Paper Pulp Company's Scandinavian business, he ascertained what was the total output of chemical wood-pulp of the Swedish mills in which they held a controlling interest from January, 1916, to September, 1917; whether these mills were at full work during the bulk of the period or whether they were compelled to close down as a result of the embargo which he has stated was placed by Sweden on the export of chemical wood-pulp to Great Britain early in January, 1916; and, if in full work, can he state how the products were disposed of during the period in question, and during which it is alleged there were shipments from Sweden to the German munition factories resulting in profits as from 30 to 260 per cent, on the capital of Scandinavian companies?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I returned to-day to the hon. Member for York.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, for the fair treatment of small farmers in Ireland, and in view of the promise made by the Prime Minister that farmers would receive £6 per ton for their potatoes, he will extend the provisions of the Government guarantee by making it apply to farmers who sell potatoes in lots of less than 4 tons?

As I informed the hon Member for North Sligo last Thursday, the Food Controller is not prepared to increase the charge on the Exchequer by further extending the benefits of the guarantee.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department advises the use by the public of tinned food of all sorts, sufficient of these to last for some time being already in this country, or whether these should not be used on account of the fact that tonnage is required to bring them here?

It is desirable that all canned foods should at present be sparingly used, especially condensed milk.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that at the last weekly meeting of the executive committee of the Derbyshire County War Agricultural Committee fresh Orders by the Ministry of Food, to the number of eleven, containing 34 pages of closely printed matter, and imposing various restrictions and penalties upon food producers were read; and whether he will consider if some interval between the issue of these Orders can be allowed so as to enable executive committees, local food control committees, and especially the farmers, some opportunity to read and digest them and ascertain their position?

I can assure the hon. Member that Orders are only issued as and when they are found to be necessary.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his Department have received any representations from the Woolwich district and from the local food committee there with regard to the necessity for an increased supply of food in the area; and, if so, what action the Department proposes to take?

Representations with regard to a shortage of food at Woolwich were made to the Ministry, and as a result Lord Rhondda received a deputation from that area. The position was carefully examined and additional supplies of some necessaries have from time to time been forwarded for distribution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the feeling that the populous working-class and residential districts on the outskirts of London are not getting their proper share of rationed necessaries such as tea, sugar, and butter as compared with the West End of London and country districts; and if he will say that full regard is had to the largely increased population of the munition-making districts near London and that a full share of the necessaries of life is allotted to the districts where they work or reside?

I am aware of the feeling mentioned, and special inquiries are in progress in several of the populous work- ing-class districts near London, with a view to rectifying as far as possible any exceptional shortage which may be found to exist as the result of an increase of the population or through other causes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if it is his intention to order that the sale of preserves in nominal 1, 2, and 3 lb. packages shall henceforth be illegal; if he is aware that such an order will mean the destruction of all second-hand jars, which the preservers have been specially asked to utilise; and, seeing that such order is impracticable, and will result in an increase of the price to the consumer, and serious hindrance to the trade, will he consider the advisability of its withdrawal?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the remainder of the question, therefore, does not arise. It is, of course, illegal to charge the full maximum price applicable to 1 lb. of jam for a nominal 1 lb. purchase which, in fact, contains less than 1 lb.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that for over a week there have been at Twinings' shop in the Strand long queues of people waiting to buy tea; whether he is aware that similar scenes can be seen in various parts of London; what action he proposes to take in the matter; whether he is aware that such crowds require a number of police to regulate them; and whether he proposes now to deal scientifically with the whole tea problem?

The answer to my hon. Friend's question was printed in the Official Report on Thursday last.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that the maximum price of Australian butter is 220s. and that of New Zealand 224s. per cwt. export; that in this country there are a number of blending establishments; that the blenders use all kinds of butter according to the seasons of the year and butter available; that in the near future the only butter available will be those from Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina; that the Schedule provides for British-made butter ex creamery, factory, or farm, which, if sold in rolls, can be charged at 224s. to 248s. 8d. per cwt.; and that, in the actual working, the bulk of Australian, New Zealand, and Argentine butters will pass through the hands of blenders; if he is aware that the butter at present is costing them 220s. to 224s. per cwt. and, as there is no other butter to blend with it, the same article is being put into rolls with an additional cost of 3d. per lb. added, which is nothing short of profiteering, as the cost of placing it into rolls should not be more than id. per lb.; if he can see his way to have the butter in the first place sold as it is imported direct to the retailer instead of falling into the hands of those who are allowed to make a profit before the butter reaches the public: and if he will take action in the matter?

The answer to the first three parts of the question is in the affirmative. The maximum prices fixed by the Schedule to the Butter Order for British-made butter range from 230s. per cwt. (not 224s.) in bulk to 248s. 8d. per cwt. in half-pound rolls. Those prices are for butter produced in this country and not for blended butter. The prices of Australian, New Zealand, and Argentine butters are as stated; these butters will represent a large proportion but not the whole of the imports. The maximum price for blended rolls will be approximately 2¼d. per lb. above the cost of Australian and New Zealand butters; out of this margin the blender has to pay the cost of transport and working and of delivery to the customer. Certain butters must be blended to render them suitable for consumption, but in the near future all imported butters will be under the control of the Ministry of Food, and it is the intention of the Ministry to restrict the quantity blended to the minimum.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction widely prevalent among bee-keepers with the arrangements made for the supply of sugar for bee food; whether he is aware that, as the bee candy supplied under Government direction is sold at a price prohibitive to the cottage bee-keeper, many stocks of bees have already died from starvation; whether he will consider if it would be possible to arrange for the supply of candy to bee-keepers in a way similar to the supply of sugar for the preservation of fruit; and, if this should be impracticable, whether the candy could be supplied at a more moderate price?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. In view of the increase in the price of honey, and of the fact that the bee candy supplied under Government direction is manufactured without profit, it is not thought advisable that this candy should be supplied at a lower price.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) if he is aware that a resolution has been passed by the Armagh Urban District Council protesting against the system adopted by the Food Controller of fixing the prices that farmers are to receive for pork while retail prices of bacon to ordinary purchasers and prices by bacon curers to merchants have not been fixed, which has led to inequalities causing hardship to poor people; what measures will be taken to prevent profiteering and to check breaches of the Order; and (2) if he is aware that the Order fixing the prices of pork are being systematically evaded in Ireland by forestallers who send out runners to intercept farmers bringing their pigs to market, with the result that sales are effected outside the market at prices in excess of those fixed in the Order, and buyers who attend the markets with the object of purchasing within the Regulations are unable to obtain supplies; and if he will state what steps he intends to take to put a stop to this practice?

The resolution of the Armagh Urban District Council referred to has been received by the Food Controller. Since the date of the resolution the retail price of bacon has been limited by the Bacon, Ham, and Lard (Provisional Prices) Order. The provisions of the Order which relate to retail trade came into force on the 26th November. Many complaints as to evasions and contraventions in Ulster of the Order fixing maximum prices for pork have been received by the Ministry of Food. The position in Ireland with regard to the enforcement of Orders made by the Food Controller is at present engaging the attention of the Ministry; in the meantime, prosecutions are instituted in all cases where the evidence warrants proceedings being taken, and heavy penalties are pressed for on conviction. Further steps to regulate the Irish pork and bacon supply are under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the Order prohibiting the retail sale of more than 4 lbs. of cheese to one person is affecting the interests of some producers; whether he is aware that Wensleydale cheeses of Stilton shape weigh from 10 lbs. to 15 lbs. and that it has been the custom to sell these cheeses intact for household use, which is rendered impossible by the Order; whether the advisory committee of practical men advocated that 14 lbs should be the maximum weight instead of 4 lbs.; and, if so, whether their advice will now be accepted and Instructions issued that in the case of this type of cheese the Order shall be amended to allow of the retail sale of whole cheeses?

There is nothing in the British Cheese Order, 1917, to prohibit the sale of whole cheeses for household use by the maker, but the consumer in that case can be charged only the first-hand price The definition of a retail sale contained in the Order was adopted on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Cheese Supplies, and is intended to prevent a maker who is also a retailer from securing a retail profit upon the sale of cheese exceeding 4 lbs., at any one time, or 8 lbs. in any one week to the same purchaser.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the new Order of the Food Controller fixes the price for milk at the retailer's shop in Ireland at 5¼d. a quart; is he aware that the poor buy milk, not by the quart, but by the pint or half-pint, which would work out at 2d. for a pint and 1 5/16d. for a half-pint; and whether, as this arrangement seems to be unworkable, the Food Controller will reduce the price to a workable figure?

The hon. Member is, I think, under a misapprehension. The Food Controller's Order fixes the maximum price for milk at the retailer's shop in Ireland at 5d. per quart, and not at 5¼d. The difficulty suggested by the hon. Member does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware of the complaints by bakers that they have not received payment for the rebate on their stocks of flour; and whether he will undertake that this shall be paid without further delay?

I am informed that very few complaints have been received. Controlled millers were instructed to credit bakers with the amount of their claims so soon after 17th September as they were satisfied that the figures were correct. Allowances cannot be made by the Ministry until proper returns are received from the millers; of those already received five-sixths have been checked and settled; the remainder are being dealt with day by day.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the shortage of tea in this country and its price, he has considered the question of importing the South American tea, maté, into this country, seeing that the distance of bringing maté from Brazil is much less than bringing tea from the Far East; and whether he is aware that maté contains more beneficial and less deleterious elements than tea?

As I informed the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland on 1st November, small quantities of maté were imported into this country some years ago, but it never passed into general consumption and its importation was consequently abandoned. I will consider whether it is practicable to import a small quantity for experimental purposes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what remuneration or salary is paid to the Chief Live Stock Commissioner for Scotland and the six Deputy Commissioners respectively?

The Chief Live Stock Commissioner for Scotland receives a salary of £l,000 a year, and each of the Deputy Commissioners received £500 a year.

asked whether the Board of Agriculture for Scotland was consulted before the recent appointment of Live Stock Commissioners for Scotland; and, if so, whether the Board concurred in or approved of such appointment?

The Board of Agriculture for Scotland was consulted with reference to the scheme for controlling live stock in Scotland involving the appointment of Live Stock Commissioners, but not with regard to individual appointments. The Board is co-operating with the Food Controller in carrying out the scheme.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the recent refusal of the authority concerned to release from bond more whisky, together with the curtailment of the quality and quantity of beers, is due to the necessity of conserving alcohol for war needs and grain for food, to the desire to encourage the drinking of French wines to benefit our Allies, or to a policy of enforcing teetotal habits on the mass of the population during war-time?

The object of releasing an increased amount of wines from bond was to encourage the drinking of wine in preference to beer by those who could afford the extra cost, and thereby to secure that the limited quantity of beer available should be reserved, so far as possible, for the poorer classes.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether considering that bank clerks have been greatly overworked for a long time past in Ireland, he will take steps to arrange that they may get a serviceable holiday at Christmas time beginning with 24th December?

I am informed that the question of bank holidays at Christmas is being considered by the authorities concerned.

asked whether, subsequent to a republican demonstration at Bandon, county Cork, on 23rd November, the wire protecting the stained glass windows in the Protestant church was removed, some of the glass broken, and ornamental trees in the churchyard broken down and destroyed; and whether the perpetrators of this outrage have been discovered?

On the night of the 23rd November a pane was broken in a stained glass window of Ballymoden Church, Bandon, and the wire guards removed from an adjoining window. The guards of the broken window were not removed, but the lower fastenings were loosened. Also two branches were broken off a yew tree in the churchyard. There was a large procession in Bandon on the night in question, but I am informed that there is no evidence to connect it with the injury to the church. Up to the present the police have been unable to obtain evidence as to the perpetrator of the outrage.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if it is under orders of the Army Council that wounded soldiers are to be deemed to be out of bounds if they take their relatives into and purchase food only in a licensed restaurant during prohibited hours; and, if so, whether, having regard to the inconvenience to the wounded soldier who applies for refreshment for his relatives and himself and is refused under such circumstances, and the ignominy placed upon the restaurant keeper, he will take steps to have the Army Council Order so amended as to apply only, so far as restaurants are concerned, to prohibited hours?

I would remind my hon. Friend that it is a concession to soldiers to be allowed out of hospital, which would not be extended to civil patients. Intoxicants are only allowed to patients in hospital on medical orders, and it is evident that military patients cannot be allowed to obtain them when outside the hospital. I do not agree that there is any ignominy either for the soldier or the restaurant keeper; there are also unlicensed restaurants in most places, where meals can be obtained.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there is any and, if so, what statutory or other authority entitling a superior officer to order a subordinate officer to ask for leave to resign his commission; if so, is any superior officer entitled to give such an order to any subordinate officer under his command or is the exercise of the power of giving such an order confined to certain and, if so, what officers; and is any officer who refuses to obey such an order entitled to be tried by court-martial?

The only power to call upon an officer to resign his commission is that conveyed under Art. 527 of the Royal Warrant for Pay and Promotion, etc., of the Army. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Private James Kielthy, 4th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, is claimed by his parents, being under age for the Army, as shown by the certificate of his birth, which states that the date of his birth was 15th July, 1900; and if he will order his discharge?

If the lad referred to is No. 6480 Private James Kielty, 4th Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, he was discharged on 8th October, 1917. If this is not the lad, and if the hon. Member will inform me of the lad's regimental number, the case will be at once inquired into.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the relatives of a person executed by order of the field general courts-martial, confirmed by the Commander-in-Chief without colour of jurisdiction or in excess of authority, can proceed by criminal information against not only the officers constituting the courts-martial but the confirming officer; whether such process, in view of the attitude of the Army Council in declining to allow inspection of the records of courts-martial by the relatives is the only present means of securing a reinvestigation of the circumstances which may have led to a soldier being wrongly executed for alleged offences against military discipline; and whether the Army Council is really desirous that criminal prosecutions which are under contemplation shall be instituted against commanding officers for their conduct in confirming the findings of courts-martial alleged to be acting without colour of jurisdiction or in excess of authority?

The first part of the question raises difficult questions of law, upon which it would be inadvisable to express any opinion in the absence of the facts of any particular case, more particularly if, as stated in the last part of the question, prosecutions are under contemplation. The proper and constitutional remedy of any relative who wishes for a review of the proceedings is to petition His Majesty. It is not for the Army Council to express any opinion as to the last pant of the question, but they cannot allow their action to be influenced in any way by the threat of criminal prosecutions.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that out of twenty-five executions confirmed by the Field-Marshal Commanding in France in part of the month of October the soldiers executed were not defended except in one case; whether there is any other Army where such an administration of military law is tolerated; and whether, in view of the feeling on this matter, he will reconsider his attitude of obstruction to inquiry and investigation?

I cannot accept the hon. Member's statements in the first two parts of the question. In view of the care with which eases of this kind are tried, and of the careful reviews to which they are submitted by various legally-qualified officers before submission to the Commander-in-Chief, it does not appear that further review and investigation is either necessary or desirable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in regard to censorship of letters coming from abroad or going abroad, there is, in addition to the list of those exempted from censorship, a list communicated to the officials of the Censor's Department advising that no letters addressed to certain persons should be opened though they are not included in the category of persons declared in this House to be exempt from censorship; whether the full list or a description of the classes of such persons will be communicated to the House; whether in that list are included relatives of ex-King Constantine; and, if so, whether the grounds of exception will be given in each case?

No, Sir; there is no such list.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether any censorship is exercised over the periodicals and other printed matter handed in at the Post Office for free delivery to the troops; whether pacifist literature has by this means been sent to the front; and, if so, whether suitable precautions will be taken to prevent this propaganda?

It is not in the public interest to publish information in regard to the scope of the censorship. Pacifist literature has no doubt been sent to the front through the post, but there is no evidence that it is done on a large scale. It is hoped that the new Defence of the Realm Regulation in regard to the printing and distribution of leaflets, No. 27 c, will afford more adequate protection in the future.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will issue instructions to Cadet units to encourage ail boys on reaching the age of seventeen years to enrol in the Volunteers; and will he see that orders are issued to Cadet units that no boys are to be retained in a Cadet unit after reaching the age of seventeen years, with the exception of those Cadet units at, or attached to, a public school, etc.?

My hon. Friend's suggestion is not free from difficulty. If it were adopted, there would be no guarantee that the boy would enrol as a Volunteer, and he might be lost altogether to training and discipline. The question has been carefully considered, and it is not considered desirable to lay down any hard and fast rule on the point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a letter was written from the War Office on the 2nd instant to the commands of all prisoners of war camps stating that Baron Schroder, a German naturalised since the War, had received permission to send a Christmas present of 9d. per head for the guard and the prisoners of war; whether, to enable the necessary cheques to be sent, information is to be given to this ex-German as to the number of the guard at each camp; and by whom the whole transaction was approved?

Yes, Sir; Baron Schroder has received permission this year, as he has in each past year of the War, to give a sum as a Christmas gift to the guards and prisoners in the civilian and military internment camps in this country. He has also given a substantial sum to the British prisoners in Germany. As far as prisoner of war camps in this country are concerned, this permission was originally given by Lord Kitchener in December, 1915, and has been given since. The position is now being reviewed as regards a grant to the guards.

asked whether, on or about the 24th October, forty-three 3-ton lorries were sent from their place of manufacture in Lancashire down to Aldershot empty and from there sent again empty to Edinburgh; if so, whether the approximate waste of petrol for this transaction was 2,000 gallons; who was responsible for it; and whether steps will be taken to stop anything of the kind in future?

I have not yet been able to identify these lorries, and if my hon. Friend can give me any further information I shall be glad to receive it.

asked whether it is the practice to send motor-lorries manufactured at Glasgow to London by road empty; and what is the approximate cost of the petrol utilised, as against the cost of sending the same vehicles by rail?

There are objections lo sending these lorries by rail, as they require special trucks If they are sent by road, the War Department has, in addition, the benefit of the road trials, for which the makers are responsible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is a considerable number of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps Who have been in India for eight years or thereabouts and who are very desirous of having the opportunity of serving in the European theatre of war; and whether he will give directions that the services of these officers shall be utilised for war service in Europe?

:The War Office has taken steps to relieve from time to time certain medical officers who have been a long time in India, and is continuing the process which is necessarily slow owing to difficulties of transport.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if more officers are now coming home on leave than in previous years; and if, owing to the difficulty they find in obtaining places in the trains proceeding North from the London stations, he will consider the possibility of providing some further accommodation for their exclusive use during the ensuing months?

The proportion of officers coming home on leave is not greater than it was. Preference on the railways is given to officers and men on leave, but I am afraid that in view of the present restricted facilities for travelling it is not practicable to set aside accommodation exclusively for their use at all times.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men of the Australian contingents who may be certified as unfit for further service and who are now in England have, by the regulations, to return to Australia to secure their discharge, although it may be their wish to remain in England; and will he be prepared to advise that those asking for their discharge in England may receive the same?

This is a matter for the Australian authorities, and I have brought my hon. Friend's suggestion to their notice.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether soldiers with 10 per cent. degree of disablement are discharged from the Department as unfit for further military service; and whether, seeing that this indicates that the degree of unfitness is much more than 10 per cent., he will consider the position of these men?

:The percentage, of disablement has no bearing on discharge, but is used for calculation of pension when discharge takes place.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that in some cases disabled soldiers who are still receiving Army pay have been refused a railway warrant so as to enable them to see their parents; whether such treatment is a violation of the War Office orders; and, if so, if he will take action in the matter?

I am making inquiries, and will write to the hon. Member.

asked the Minister of Labour whether any special machinery is being set up to secure particulars of all disabled soldiers, the particular class of work which each disabled soldier will be capable of performing, and to supply information with the object of finding employment for these men; whether he is aware that a number of disabled soldiers are at present being drafted on to munitions work; that this work is necessarily only of a temporary character; that many employers are willing and anxious to find employment for disabled soldiers; that this opportunity will be lost to those who have been engaged for munitions; and whether the future of these men is receiving consideration?

Arrangements have been made whereby particulars of all disabled soldiers about to be discharged from the Army are transmitted to the Ministry of Labour and to the Ministry of Pensions. Where possible, the men are interviewed at discharge centres by officers of the Employment Exchanges; otherwise they are invited to attend the most convenient Exchange, where full particulars are recorded and brought to the notice of employers. It is clearly impossible to insist that disabled soldiers and sailors should not undertake work of a temporary character, but I recognise the dangers, and if the employers to whom my right hon. Friend refers would notify their wants to the Employment Exchanges it would be of the greatest assistance in the task of finding suitable work for these disabled men.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice of his Department to allow soldiers to return home from France or elsewhere when intimation of the dangerous illness of either of the parents of the soldier is made to the War Office; and does the same rule apply when the death of a parent takes place?

When well authenticated instances of the dangerous illness of the parents of soldiers are reported, the cases are referred to France for the consideration of the military authorities, with whom the grant of leave rests. In cases of death reference is not made to the military authorities in France.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will now give the House any information regarding the detention for punishment of certain men of the Guards in connection with the funeral of the late Prince Christian?

There is no foundation whatever for the suggestion that cases of insubordination occurred in the Guards on the occasion of the funeral of the late Prince Christian.

asked when the Government proposed to grant an increased war bonus to Government workers in remount depots in Ireland?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 12th July. If there is any reason to believe that at any remount depot in Ireland the rates paid are not in accordance with the Fair Wages Resolution, I shall be ready to consider an application for an increase to bring them up to the level of the local rate of wages.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of hay in Dublin owing to the Government restrictions; if he will see that the Order restricting the sale of hay is removed and that farmers willing to do so will be allowed to bring their hay to the Dublin market regardless of the distance they have to travel; and it he is aware of the threatened shortage of milk, which is largely due to the shortage of hay for cattle feeding?

I am informed that all available hay within a 12-mile radius of Dublin has been released and that any shortage in Dublin is due to the farmers holding up their hay, in order that they may know what grain will be available for cattle food before releasing the hay, It has already been suggested to the hon. Member that he should get into communication with the area administrative officer, who is well acquainted with the situation.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that excitement and unrest exists amongst the women cleaners employed at the King George Hospital owing to the dismissal of the secretary of the branch of the union to which these women belong; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter with a view to the reinstatement of this woman in her usual employment, and thus end what is considered to be a case of victimization?

I am informed that no excitement or unrest exists among these cleaners. It has been found possible to make a reduction in the number employed. It has subsequently been ascertained that one of the women to whom notice was given had been acting as a secretary of the Workers' Union, but this fact was not before the authorities at the time and had nothing whatever to do with the action taken.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the wool brokers in Scotland have been paying to the farmers 10d. per lb. for unwashed Black-faced wool in the face of the War Office price of 12¾d. per lb.; that they have been calling this wool, arbitrarily, broken wool, and that all broken wool becomes at once the property of the wool brokers, on which a large profit is made by them in selling to his Department; and if he will take any means to have this profit refunded to his Department and the War Office prices paid to the growers of the wool?

I have recently written to my hon. Friend explaining the position. I should like to add that all wool purchased by merchants as broken wool is resold by them to the Department as broken wool, at rates which, after paying for the cost of transit, allow them a profit of ½d. to ¾d. per lb.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Department are proposing to take over from the contractors all the work in connection with an aerodrome in the South of England; if so, whether it is proposed to employ soldiers on the work; whether he is aware that at present a number of civilian bricklayers are engaged; and whether he will ensure that this civilian labour is not displaced and thrown out of employment?

This work will be carried out by military labour. The need for employing it has arisen owing to the inability of the contractor, who has done his best, to bring sufficient staff to make adequate progress with a very urgent work. I am informed that there is urgent need on every hand for the civilian bricklayers displaced.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has completed his inquiries concerning Private Joseph Garrett, No. 265385, 2–6th West Riding Regiment, whose case was brought to his attention by the hon. Member for Skipton on the 14th August last?

This claim is still in the hands of the pension authorities.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he has completed his inquiries concerning Private John Spencer, No. 32334, York and Lancaster Regiment, whose case was brought to his attention by the hon. Member for Skipton on the 30th August last?

As I informed the hon. Member on 15th November, this case is under consideration of the Appeals Committee.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will consider the advisability of recommending increased pensions for widows, seeing that the present pension is inadequate to purchase the necessities of life?

The matter to which the hon. Member refers is now under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Prisoners of War Department, of which Mr. O'Reilly is a representative, is a branch of the War Office or Foreign Office; and under what Vote the cost of this Department is taken?

The Prisoners of War Department is not a branch of either the Foreign Office or the War Office, but a separate Department. The cost of this Department is, however, taken under the Foreign Office Vote.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the case of Russian subjects who, being now subject to the Military Service (Convention with Allied States) Act, were under eighteen years when the Act came into force and could not apply for return to Russia; and whether he will offer them the option of which their youth alone deprived them or whether, having regard to the altered state of Russian affairs, he will delay their calling up with a view to reviewing the whole position?

The position of the Russians referred to in the hon. Member's question has already been considered, and instructions were issued to the recruiting authorities on the 25th September, 1917, to the effect that Russian subjects who attain the age of eighteen years after the date of the Order in Council applying the provisions of the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act, 1917, to Russia and Russian subjects in Great Britain are deemed to have been enlisted and transferred to the Reserve on the thirtieth day after the date upon which they attain the age of eighteen years unless they have applied on or before the 21st day after attaining the age of eighteen years to return to .Russia and have failed to avail themselves of an opportunity offered to them to return to Russia, when they are deemed to have been enlisted and transferred to the Reserve upon the date on which they fail to avail themselves of such opportunity to return to Russia.

asked the Minister of National Service if he will inquire into the case of Norman A. Baldwin, of 72, Birnam Road, Tollington Park, N., who has been rejected three times as unfit for military service owing to valvular disease of the heart and holds recent certificates from responsible medical practitioners to the effect that the disease unfits him for military service; is he aware that he was re-examined under the review of exemptions and classified C1; that the Islington Tribunal were thereupon unanimous in granting him four months' exemption with leave to appeal again; that the military representative appealed against this decision, whereupon he was ordered to report for military service on 1st January, 1918; and, in view of the national waste and personal injury involved in calling up men whose state of health clearly unfits them for service, will he cause this case to be reconsidered?

I am making inquiries into the circumstances of this case. Meanwhile it is open to Mr. Baldwin to apply to be re-examined and graded by a National Service medical board, and, if he is dissatisfied with his grading by that board, to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal for a further re-examination by the medical assessors to the tribunal.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that two sorting clerks and telegraphists of military age have been retained by the postmaster of York on the ground of indispensability; whether he is aware that the men are related to one another: whether as a result of this exemption it is proposed to promote one of them, who is under thirty-five years of age, over the heads of his seniors who are serving with the forces; and whether he will take immediate steps to safeguard the position of the men who are on active service?

The two men referred to are skilled telegraphists. They voluntarily attested under Lord Derby's scheme and are reserved for enlistment in the Signal Section of the Royal Engineers. It is not proposed to retain them indefinitely on civil duties, and one of them will probably be released for enlistment shortly. They are brothers-in-law. There is a vacancy for an overseer at York, but recommendations for filling the vacancy have not yet been received at headquarters. The hon. Member may rest assured that the claims of all candidates will be considered before any promotion is made, and no man's interests will be allowed to suffer through his absence on active service.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he or the Home Office is responsible for compelling uninterned alien enemies to undertake work of national importance; if so, how many of such men have been put on national work during the last six months.

The male enemy aliens between the ages of sixteen and sixty-five resident in the United Kingdom, and provisionally exempted from internment or repatriation, have been enrolled as National Service Volunteers, and it is the responsibility of the Minister of National Service to place them in work of national importance. Should they refuse to undertake such work, they will be reported to the Home Office and will then be liable to internment and repatriation as the case may be. I have no statistics available showing how many of these have been put to work of national importance during the last six months. The information could no doubt be secured, but it would take a fortnight or three weeks to obtain and consolidate it. I may add that arrangements have recently been completed between the Home Office, the Local Government Board, and the Ministry of National Service which it is hoped will ensure the more useful employment of uninterned enemy aliens capable of doing work of national importance. It will be necessary to give the new arrangemente a little time to mature before it will be possible to say definitely that they are a success, but they appear to me to hold a k considerable promise of succeeding.

asked the Minister of National Service whether men now engaged in filling gas bags to private pleasure motor cars could be engaged on work of more national importance; and whether any action has been taken?

The questions involved in the use of gas bags, includng that raised by the hon. Member, are being considered.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board whether it is proposed to make any uniform grant to the officers of the Air Service; and, if so, whether this grant will also be made to officers transferring from other services?

It is not yet possible to give information as to the terms of any grants for uniform which may be required in connection with the establishment of the new Air Service.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Board whether he is aware that the kit and equipment of a Service man does not wear out in its entirety simultaneously; whether, having regard to the proposed introduction of the new uniform for the Air Service as and when old uniforms are worn out, he will say if this applies to the wearing out of separate garments; and, if not, is he aware that if separate garments are requisitioned and supplied as required, the entire uniform of the men who are being transferred will never be worn out?

I do not think that matters of administrative detail such as those referred to lend themselves to discussion by means of question and answer. The hon. Member may rest assured that arrangements will be made to effect the change of uniform in the Air Force without bringing about the results contemplated in his question.

asked the Prime Minister whether men desirous of obtaining a commission in, or joining the ranks of, the Air Service are to apply to the Admiralty, to the War Office, or to the new Air Ministry; and what is the procedure?

Ample notice will be given of any change from the procedure hitherto in force in regard to entry into the Air Services.

asked the Minister of Munitions, what provision he proposes to make in the case of controlled firms whose trading shows no excess profits for recompensing them in regard to various retrospective enactments imposing upon them the obligation to pay advances in wages and increases on prices of material, such as coke and firebricks, in the event of an equivalent to such advances not being directly or ultimately recoverable from the Ministry of Munitions under their contract clauses?

Claims by contractors in respect of hardship, arising from enactments which impose on them obligations to pay increases in wages or materials, are dealt with by the Ministry in conjunction with the Special Committee appointed by the Treasury and presided over by Mr. Cecil Lubbock. I may add that the policy laid down by the Treasury in dealing with such claims is that compensation is only given in cases where the manufacturer can show that the increase granted in wages or materials has deprived him of a reasonable profit upon his work.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he can state the names of the Committee which recommended the 12 per cent. increase of wages to certain grades of labour in controlled establishments, together with the names of the members of the Committee who signed the Report?

The names of the members of the Committee have been published, and I am sending my hon. Friend a list of them. This Committee was set up to advise the Minister and it is not proposed to publish their Report. The employers' representatives presented a Minority Report.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a scheme has yet been put before him from East Africa for settling soldiers upon land taken from the Kikuyou at Kiambu instead of settling soldiers on the 2,000,000 acres of surveyed, unoccupied land in that Colony; and, if not, whether he will communicate with the Colonial Government indicating to them that no scheme involving the taking of natives' lands will be tolerated?

No scheme of the kind is now before me, and I have no reason to expect that one will be put forward. I do not consider it necessary to communicate with the Acting Governor as suggested, but no arrangement would be approved by the Secretary of State which did not provide fully for the present and future requirements of the natives.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will reconsider the whole question of lodging allowances to the Metropolitan Police, which, under existing arrangements, may entail difference of treatment in the case of officers living a few yards from one another?

A flat rate would be inequitable, the rates of rent varying in different localities. With a graduated rate of allowances there must of necessity be a few border-line cases in which there is the appearance of inequality.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the war bonus, or bonuses, given to the police of the twelve cities and towns of the United Kingdom next in size to London?

I have not this information in my possession, but will obtain it and send it to my hon. Friend.

asked the Home Secretary whether the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch (General Croft) has supplied him with a copy of the alleged seditious pamphlet said to have been issued to the Rev. Herbert Dunnico, secretary of the Peace Society; whether the pamphlet in question is entitled the "Case against Conscription," and whether he is aware that it was issued a dozen years ago and at a time when Lord Gain-ford, ex-Postmaster-General, president of the society, and the Prime Minister, vice-president, were, along with several members of the present Government, among its most enthusiastic supporters; and whether, if the pamphlet referred to is adjudged to be seditious, he will take proceedings against these gentlemen rather than against Mr. Dunnico, who is not responsible for its publication?

I have not seen a copy of the pamphlet referred to by the hon. and gallant Member for Christchurch, but it clearly cannot have been the pamphlet referred to in this question. The second and third parts of the question, therefore, do not arise. I may add that no proceedings of any kind have been taken against the Peace Society, and I know of no justification for introducing the name of that society in connection with any seditious literature.

asked the President of the Board of Trade on what grounds he refuses to secure the interavailability of railway tickets for commercial men travelling between Mansfield and London?

I would refer the Noble Lord to the explanations contained in a letter on this subject which I sent him on the 29th November.

asked the Postmaster-General if he will state full particulars of the Skerries contract; what subsidy is paid in respect thereof; and, in view of the sympathetc attitude of the Board of Trade and the Scottish Board of Agriculture, will he co-operate with them in securing a more adequate service?

A weekly service is provided between Whalsay and Skerries by motor boat, at a cost of £1 15s. a trip. There is no formal contract for the service. It may prove impossible to maintain this service, and I am in communication with the Departments concerned.

asked the Parliamentary to the Shipping Controller whether, with a view to enabling Indian planters to earn the necessary expenses of the upkeep of their estates, he can make arrangements to allow them to ship a greater proportion of their coffee crop in preference to the crop imported from Brazil?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. A preference has already been given to Indian coffee over Brazilian coffee in connection with the issue of import licences. Indian coffee has been admitted to the extent of 50 per cent. of last year's crop, whereas all the Brazilian coffee that has been imported was admitted on the ground that it was en route or was paid for at the time of the prohibition. I am unable to say at present what concession, if any, it may be possible to grant in respect of Indian coffee next season. Much will depend upon the tonnage situation at the material time.

asked the Minister of Reconstruction whether at the same time that he is considering the question of the mid-Scotland canal, he will also consider the question of the reconstruction of the Crinan Canal, as reported on by Lord Shuttleworth's Committee, inasmuch as the completion of the two schemes would secure a complete route between the east and the west coasts of Scotland, and would be of the utmost value to the traffic of the United Kingdom?

I shall be glad to consider any representations that may be made to me on this matter.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that owing to the dispute now prevailing between the taxi-cab drivers and the proprietors on the question of free petrol the motor omnibus drivers of London are likely to cease work in support of the taxi-cab drivers; and what steps, if any, he has taken or proposes to take to intervene to bring this dispute to a close?

My attention has been drawn to this aspect of the dispute by the National Transport Workers' Federation, in consequence of which the Department are communicating with the parties.

asked the Minister of Labour if he will cause inquiries to be made into the wages paid to workers in factories holding Government contracts in Ireland; and if he is aware that tobacco factories making war profits are paying their labourers less than 25s. per week?

On receiving specific reports of differences as to rates of wages or other working conditions existing between employers and workpeople, the Department will be prepared to deal with such reports.

asked the Comptroller of the Household, as representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he is aware that the Grimsby doctors have now received a final settlement of their remuneration under the National Insurance; that their claims amount to £9,256 10s., and that, after deducting £488 9s. 10d. for various reasons, they have ony been paid £6,629 6s. 7d., leaving an unpaid balance of £2,138 13s. 7d.; and will he say when this balance will be paid?

I am not aware that any such balance remains unpaid; perhaps my hon Friend would be good enough to communicate with me as to the sum which he mentions as the amount of the doctors' claims, as I do not understand it; the practitioners have received the full amount due to them under their respective agreements with the Insurance Committee, so far as known to the Department.

asked the Comptroller of the Household if his attention has been called to the fact that some approved societies are making deductions from benefits due to their members who are in receipt of war pensions; and if he will warn officials of such societies that the deductions are illegal, and cause such societies to make reparation?

It is provided by Section 1 of the National Insurance (Part I. Amendment) Act, 1917, that a reduction of 5s. a week shall be made in the rate of sickness or disablement benefit which would ordinarily be payable to a discharged sailor or soldier who is in receipt of a pension in respect of disablement in the highest degree. I am not aware that approved societies are making any deductions from benefits, otherwise than in accordance with the above provision in the case of discharged men in receipt of pensions, but if my hon. Friend will furnish me with particulars of any case in which it is alleged that an improper deduction has been made, I will have inquiries made and see that any necessary action is taken.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what procedure was adopted when the new pension scheme was introduced into the Civil Service; whether those who accepted it had to sign a form or agreement to that effect: and whether, in cases where no such form was signed, pensionable Civil servants who were serving prior to the introduction of the new scheme will be pensioned off on retirement at the old rate?

For the answer to the first and second question I would refer the hon. Member to the Regulations made by the Treasury under Section 3 of the Superannuation Act, 1909, which were presented to both House of Parliament by command of His Majesty (Cd. 4884, 1909). The answer to the third question is in the affirmative, always assuming that the retirement is under conditions which entitle to superannuation.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will inquire into appointments recently made to the bench of magistrates for Drumlish and Newtownforbes districts, county Longford, on the recommendation of the Earl of Granard, Lieutenant of the county; whether in 1908 one of these gentlemen was fined in Longford for being drunk in charge of a donkey and cart, and two others prosecuted at Wicklow Assizes in 1907 for the offence of cattle driving in the district to which they are now appointed magistrates; and is it intended to continue the Earl of Granard in his office as His Majesty's Lieutenant of the county of Longford?

This appears to be a groundless attack on His Majesty's Lieutenant of the county of Longford. The appointment of magistrates rests with the Lord Chancellor for Ireland, not with the lieutenants of counties. I am informed that there is no foundation for the allegation that one of the magistrates recently appointed in county Longford was fined in 1908 in the circumstances stated in the question. Two of them were tried, with many others, at the Winter Assizes at Wicklow, in 1907, for unlawful assembly; but the jury disagreed, and a nolle prosequi was subsequenty entered by the Crown.

asked what are the latest returns relating to the populations of the cities of Dublin and Belfast since the Census of 1911 in the possession of the Registrar-General; and what are the numbers of their respective populations as shown by such returns?

No enumeration of the population at all ages of the cities of Dublin and Belfast has been made since the Census of 1911. The estimated populations in the middle of 1917 are:

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he will cause inquiries to be made as to whether magistrates entitled to vote at the Quarter Sessions on the amalgamation of the Petty Sessions districts of Middletown and Tynan, county Armagh, were canvassed by the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary Force in the districts and other public officials with a view to bringing about the amalgamation: whether such amalgamation was desired by the police and other officials on the grounds of personal convenience and without any regard whatever to the public convenience; and whether, if as the result of such inquiries he is satisfied that such canvassing took place, he will take suitable action of a disciplinary character on the matter?

I am informed that the magistrates were not canvassed by members of the Royal Irish Constabulary or other public officials in favour of the amalgamation of Middletown and Tynan Petty Sessions. On the contrary, the sergeant at Middletown gave evidence before Quarter Sessions, when the matter was being considered, that the proposed change would cause inconvenience to the local police.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that in October, 1904, Mr. Newell, late inspector of schools, wrote to the Resident Commissioner of National Education saying that he had heard that the latter had a set on him and that the Resident Commissioner, instead of bringing the letter before the Board, gave it to his subordinates, the two chief inspectors, to deal with, the other nineteen Commissioners thus being given no opportunity of knowing the treatment of Mr. Newell; whether he is aware that Mr Newell was irregularly ordered up to Dublin from Galway at his own expense; whether he is aware that the two chief inspectors drafted a memorandum recommending that no increment be paid for the next two years, contrary to the Order in Council of 29th November, 1898, which makes increment depend on the preceding year's work and conduct, and that the Resident Commissioner acted on this memorandum, which was concealed from both the Board and Mr. Newell for six or more years afterwards; and, seeing that Mr. Newell's salary and pension have ever since been lessened by this and other similar actions on the part of the Resident Commissioner, will be say what steps he will now take?

The case of Mr. Newell has been investigated in the Law Courts and judgment has been given. I cannot discuss the merits of the litigation in answer to questions.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it was after communication with him on the subject that Sir Arthur Stanley, the State Governor, delivered his speech to the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria; if so, whether the views expressed in it were meant to be conveyed as coming from His Majesty's Government to the people of Australia: if not, whether Sir Arthur Stanley has communicated with him on the subject since the delivery of the speech; and whether it is his intention to ask Sir Arthur Stanley to return to England?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been directed to a speech delivered by the Governor of Victoria, Sir Arthur Stanley, at the luncheon of the Royal Agricultural Society, on 26th September, in which he said that one of the things that should be abandoned is the criticism of Governments; whether he is aware of the strong resentment this speech has caused in Australia, not only on account of the matter of the speech, but also on account of the breach of constitutional custom now established which prevents a governor offering political advice; and whether he proposes to take any steps in this affair?

Sir A. Stanley has been the subject of attacks in certain newspapers which misreported a speech made by him. I see no grounds for taking any action in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Colonial Office has recently had in contemplation the question of the abolition of State Governorships in Australia; if not, whether it will now consider the matter; and whether, if it be ascertained that the sentiment of the Australian people is opposed to these governorships, he will proceed to put an end to the system without delay?

The answer to the first two questions is in the negative.

asked whether His Majesty's Government is prepared to express to the Ceylon Government its disapproval of those passages in the instructions issued by Mr. Dowbiggin which declare it to be waste of time when shooting civilians to hold inquests, make reports of casualties, or attend to the wounded?

No, Sir; the hon. Member takes one paragraph from the instructions and misinterprets it. The instructions were issued to patrols whose duty it was to move as rapidly as possible from point to point for the purpose of suppressing grave riots.