asked the Secretary of State for India what has been the result of the creation of a Man-Power Board in India; and whether recruiting in the Indian Empire is progressing satisfactorily?

As a result of the establishment of a Central Recruiting Board in India, the recruiting situation has been reviewed in all its bearings, the minimum requirements of the future ascertained, and a provincial and district organisation created by the civil and military authorities acting in concert for obtaining by voluntary enlistment the requisite number of combatant and non-combatant recruits. In these arrangements the principal native States have, at the wish of their rulers, been included. Speaking in the Imperial Legislative Council, the Viceroy has described these measures as highly successful. A steady flow of reinforcements to the various fronts has been maintained, and the raising of new units facilitated.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what protection, if any, is afforded to ships trading between Ireland and Great Britain; whether sufficient life-saving apparatus is guaranteed to be on board all passenger ships, and if they carry sufficient rafts for the number of passengers carried; if he will state the class of cargo carried by the Dublin steamer "Hare," which was sunk on the morning of the 14th instant going to Dublin, and the number of lives lost?

All that is possible in the direction of affording protection to ships trading between Ireland and Great Britain is done. I am advised by the Board of Trade that every passenger ship must be provided with sufficient life-saving appliances before she is allowed to ply, and that in the case of passenger ships engaged in trade between Great Britain and Ireland the boats and buoyant apparatus must be sufficient for all persons on board. The vessel referred to in the third part of the question had a general cargo; and as to the last part of the question, I understand from the Board of Trade that full information is not yet available regarding the number of lives lost, but further inquiries are proceeding.

Can the light hon. Gentleman say whether these vessels carry an efficient ship's carpenter, so that in the event of submarine attack or accidents, by having a fully qualified shipwright on board, they are in a better position to secure the safety of the passengers, crew, and ship?

I think that question might be put to the Board of Trade.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is customary to have linguists among the ship's company of vessels whose duty it is to keep contact with neutral shipping?

Linguists are appointed to ships and ports where they are considered necessary.

Are we to understand that all ships that come in contact with neutral shipping have not linguists on board, and will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of calling some linguists back from some of the regiments of the Army—there are plenty of them?

It would be the duty of the flag officer to see that one was there whenever there was an examination.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the prices of living and the smallness of the pensions awarded to men on leaving His Majesty's dockyards after many years of service, he can see his way, at any rate during the War, to place the daughters of dockyard pensioners on the same footing as widows and orphans with regard to entry into the yards?

The widows and orphans must, of course, have the first claim upon us in this matter, but as and when their needs are met we deal sympathetically with the cases of the daughters of pensioned dockyard workmen, so far as we can.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the pensioner engine-room artificers employed on His Majesty's ship "Indus" for boy artificers have not yet received the two bonuses recently given; and whether, in view of the fact that men in similar positions at Portsmouth and Dartmouth College are being paid the three bonuses, he will say on what ground the difference is made in the case of the pensioner employed on His Majesty's ship "Indus?"

I am not sure that the men referred to in this question are eligible for the bonuses to which my hon. Friend refers. But I have asked that the matter shall be gone into at once, and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that shipwrights and skilled men are urgently required for the new national yards, he will consider the advisability of employing some at least of those hundreds of men now walking about the streets of our dockyard towns, men possessing the required skill and twenty-five to forty years' experience in the Royal dockyards; whether he is aware that these men in many cases are only in receipt of a pension of about 14s. a week, and, provided that small sum is not taken away from them, they are quite ready to do the work that is necessary; and on what ground of economy he justifies the transfer of young men from the North to His Majesty's dockyards in the South and paying these men an extra £1 a week while there are so many pensioned shipwrights and skilled men ready to do local work?

My hon. Friend's question is designed to assist ex-dockyard employés retired on pension, but physically capable of further service: and his purpose, of course, has our full sympathy. I feel pretty confident, however, that he overstates the case when he says that hundreds of such men, being skilled craftsmen of from twenty five to forty years' experience, are walking about the streets with nothing to do and in receipt of nothing but their dockyard pension. I rather fancy if he went more closely into the matter he would find that the vast majority of those who are physically capable of further service, and ready to give the same, are at the present time engaged in some capacity or another; and, if not so employed, it would be in their interest to register their names at the local Employment Exchange. I am afraid the organisation of the national shipyards, which has already been fully described, does not lend itself to the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Is it not a fact that if these men went to the Labour Exchanges and were employed they would be obliged to give up their pensions?

Under the Royal Dockyards?

Yes.

It is a fact; but it is a matter for the Superannuation Act and the Treasury and not for us.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the date of meeting of the Advisory Committee at which the Committee was consulted as to the policy of establishing national shipyards, and the names of the members of the Committee present at the meeting?

The policy of establishing the national shipyards was decided upon by the War Cabinet. Directly the commission reached us to carry out that decision, the expert advisers, the names of the principal of whom I gave my right hon. Friend on the 14th November, were consulted at every stage. But it is the fact that the Advisory Committee to which my hon. Friend refers was not consulted by the War Cabinet, so far as I know, before it took the decision to which I have already referred.

Did the War Cabinet decide upon this policy of its own volition, or was it pressed upon it by the Admiralty?

I cannot answer that question. So far as the War Cabinet is concerned, perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will put a question to the Prime Minister.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is pro- posed to grant to the officers and men of the Royal Navy employed on armoured train service in Flanders and at the first battle of Ypres (1914) the 1914 medal; and if application on their behalf has been made to the War Office for granting the medal to those of the naval service employed under the military officers in command at that time?

The 1914 Star, provided the claims are approved by the Admiralty, will be granted to all officers and men of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Royal Naval Reserve, and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, who actually served in France or Belgium on the establishment of a unit landed for service on shore between the 5th August, 1914, and midnight, 22nd-23rd November, 1914. The armoured trains will naturally be included under the above. Regulations giving effect to this decision are now being issued, and will contain instructions as to the method of making application.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Royal Naval Air Service is included?

The Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and the Royal Naval Air Service would be included if they fall within the definition that I have given.

Does the Royal Naval Air Service itself fall within the definition?

I imagine any branch would.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the need for ships and labour, he will make inquiries into the number of ship repairers of all trades who, during the last two months in London, have been suspended, worked part time, or have been compelled to stand idle, with a view to steps being taken to make the fullest use of available labour?

My hon. Friend raises a question of considerable importance in view of the urgency of ship repairing. The matter is at the present time in the hands of the Director of Shipyard Labour and the Director of Ship Repairs, who are in communication with the Port of London Authority.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give the exact wording of the verdict of the court-martial of the crew of His Majesty's Ship "Mary Rose," in connection with the first loss of a Norwegian convoy, as pronounced in open Court in accordance with, the Order in Council of July, 1916?

Article 674 of the King's Regulations, as amended by Order in Council, of July, 1916, provides that all or any portion of the public may be excluded during the whole or any part of the trial, and directs that the sentence (not the verdict) shall be read in open Court. In the case of the "Mary Rose," the Court, in their finding, acquitted all the survivors, and there could, therefore, be no question of reading the sentence in open Court. If the Court had had occasion to pass sentence, it would have been read in open Court in accordance with the law.

Are we to understand that every portion of the proceedings of these courts-martial have been concealed by the Admiralty from the House of Commons and from the public?

There is no question of concealment. We are following the law, which provides that the sentence is to be read in open Court. That must be done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that before the War on every single occasion the whole of the proceedings were conducted in open Court, as following the common law?

My hon. and gallant Friend's view on the common law arises on the next question. He knows that the procedure to which I am now referring has been practically altered for the purpose of the War by Regulation 674.

What is the use of telling the House of Commons that the Admiralty will examine into these disasters by means of an inquiry and then, if the House wishes to know the result of the inquiry, which is held as a result of their criticisms, they are not told?

My hon. Friend has not got it quite right. It was put to me whether the sentence is read in open Court. I have explained that the survivors were acquitted, and, therefore, there was no sentence to be read in open Court. The findings of the Court are before the Board, and it will be for the First Lord, if he thinks it in the public interest, to make any statement he likes to the House. I have no doubt he will take into serious consideration the desirability of doing so. The point raised by my hon. and gallant Friend (Commander Bellairs) is a technical one.

Will the right hon. Gentleman convey to the First Lord the fact that the House does want to know the result of this inquiry, and what is the reason why this convoy was attacked in this way in the North Sea?

The First Lord stated the day before yesterday that he would certainly tell the House as much as possibly could be said without giving information to the enemy, and I am sure he will make such a statement. I will convey to him what has been said.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, in view of the fact that the custom of the Navy and the King's Regulations up to July, 1916, laid down that courts-martial should be held in public and in view of the fact that courts-martial are under the same conditions as common law in being, held in public, whether the Admiralty have yet taken the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to the legality of the alteration made by Order in Council enabling the Admiralty to hold courts-martial in secret with the exception of the verdict, which is to be delivered in public?

I should not be disposed to accept without considerable qualification the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend that the conditions are similar in time of war at naval courts-martial to those applying in the ordinary Courts. The alteration of the Regulations were made by Order in Council on the report of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in accordance with the requirements of Section 65 of the Naval Discipline Act. I am bound to say that the unanimous concurrence of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in the Regulation 674 as a war measure seems to me to make it altogether unnecessary to consult the Law Officers, but I have asked that the matter shall be considered by the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has official information to the effect that the present Government of Russia has repudiated its financial obligations?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the Noble Lord be ready to receive a personal communication from me on this subject?

I am always ready to receive personal communications from any hon. Members.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has information that Japanese troops have landed at Vladivostock; and, if so, whether the British Government or the Allies had previous knowledge of this action?

So far as His Majesty's Government are aware, there is no foundation for the report that Japanese troops have landed at Vladivostock.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has given further consideration to the suggestion that he, in conjunction with our Allies and America, should issue a statement for the guidance and warning of Russia; and whether he is taking any steps to meet the German plans for the exploitation of Russian resources if Germany succeeds in getting Russia out of the War?

The hon. and gallant Member can rest assured that the situation in Russia and the designs of our enemies are receiving the most earnest consideration of His Majesty's Government and their Allies.

Will the Noble Lord consider the suggestion that there is still hope that Russia may play a great part on the side of the Allies?

The suggestion contained in the question will undoubtedly receive consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, con- sidering that in the Report on Cyprus for the year 1916–17, No. 941, practically the only mention of the War is the statement that financially the island has been beneficially affected by the War, and that several thousand able-bodied Cypriots have been recruited on generous terms of pay to serve as muleteers with the Salonika Army, and have been able to remit substantial savings to their families in the island, he will have a Report published showing what help in men, both for combatant service and in labour battalions, etc., and in materials, the Colony has provided towards the prosecution of the War?

In present circumstances I do not think that there would be advantage in adopting the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend.

Will the hon. Gentleman request the authorities in Cyprus to try to put what information is available in next year's Report?

I will consider it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can give particulars of the machinery used for the polling of Canadian soldiers in the United Kingdom and in France; whether any proxies were used or the postal vote utilised; and how far the Canadian system synchronised with the Clauses for the voting of soldiers in the Representation of the People Bill?

I am placing in the Library of the House some Papers which will, I trust, give the hon. Member the information he desires.

Will it be possible to publish it as a White Paper for the information of hon. Members?

I do not think that is desirable. The Papers I am placing in the Library will give the hon. Member the information he desires.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state the result of his inquiries into the complaints of attempted conscripting of Irish munition workers temporarily resident in Halifax; if he is aware that these men were sent from the Dublin Labour Exchange to perform work of national importance, and were so engaged when they were served with calling-up papers; if he is aware that when leaving Dublin these men received guarantees against conscription; and what these guarantees are now worth?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I have made inquiries into the cases referred to by the hon. Member, and I am informed that the men in question were merely called upon to present themselves for medical examination and were not called up for military service. The munitions area recruiting officer at Halifax was not aware that these men were Irish labourers or that they held cards issued by the Labour Employment Exchange to that effect, certifying that they were not liable to military service. Had the men produced the cards issued by the Employment Exchange as evidence that they were not liable to military service, the notice calling upon them to present themselves for medical examination would no doubt have been cancelled. In the two cases where such forms were produced, the recruiting officer at Halifax was instructed to cancel the notice papers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if men who enlisted in the early days of the War and are now approaching fifty years of age may, if they feel unfit for general service, claim to be classified according to their physical condition by a medical board with a view to transference to more suitable units, having regard to the fact that they were not so classified at the time of enlistment?

Provision is made for all men who become unfit for the duties of the unit in which they are serving, owing to increased age or for other reasons, to be reclassified and, if necessary, transferred to a unit where their duties will be suitable to their physical condition. Those who become unfit for any form of military service are, of course, released to return to civil life.

Does that refer to men now serving in Salonika and the East?

I think it does.

Is there any age limit at which a man can apply for this relief?

No.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether on the 6th instant certain members of the Non-Combatant Corps, stationed at Park Hall camp, Oswestry, were ordered to repair trenches used for the purpose of teaching bombing by means of live bombs, with the result that fourteen now stand charged with the crime of mutiny and also of disobeying a lawful order; and whether, in view of the provision that these men are not to be called upon to train with arms or to assist in such training, he will say what action he proposes to take in the matter?

The Non-Combatant Corps are not required to bear arms or to be trained in the use of arms, or to be placed in any position in which they might be likely to be required to take up arms in their self-defence. Under these circumstances I do not propose to take any action in the matter brought to notice by my hon. Friend.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what grant per head has been made since the outbreak of war by the Admiralty to officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve for the purpose of providing themselves with kit and equipment up to Admiralty requirements?

Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (other than those who had previously qualified for and been paid outfit allowances) have, since the outbreak of the War, been paid allowances of £10, £15, or £20, for the first provision of blue uniform, according to the nature of the duties for which they have been entered. In addition, grants varying from £5 to £20 are made for the first pro- vision of special outfits of khaki, tropical or warm clothing, or camp kit needed. No further grants are made. I might state, for my hon. Friend's information, that we have recently received a communication from the Treasury authorising relief from Income Tax in respect of the purchase and upkeep of naval officers' uniforms. The following is an extract from that communication:

"My Lords are pleased to fix, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Finance Act, 1913, the following sums as representing a fair equivalent of the average annual amount laid out and expended in the purchase and upkeep of uniforms, namely:—

Royal Naval and Royal Marine Officers—

Are we to understand that the smaller an officer or man's income the less relief he gets?

That is a matter for the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I have tried to assist my hon. Friend by referring to the fact that although there is no grant they get relief in respect of Income Tax for the money they expend on these things.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what is the name of the official at the head of the Department of the War Office which orders raids to be undertaken under Regulation 51 of the Defence of the Realm Act; and whether he has any recognised legal qualifications.

The power to take executive action under No. 51 of the Defence of the Realm Regulations is given to any competent military authority irrespective of his legal qualifications.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer the last part of the question—who is the official at the head of that Department of the War Office which orders raids to be undertaken?

There is no Department of the War Office specially authorised to order raids to be taken.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary last week stated that these powers are exercised by the specific instructions of the officer in chief command at the War Office Department dealing with these matters? Can the hon. Gentleman tell me the name of that officer?

I have already said there is no Department of the War Office which exercises direct control over these raids.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the increasing number of cases of poverty and distress among soldiers discharged from the Army as medically unfit, the Army Council will form a Special Reserve into which these men can be drafted for light duties pending definite opportunities for each individual to re-enter civil life at a wage which will enable him to keep himself and his wife and children from starvation?

The answer is in the negative.

Is there not an enormous amount of work which can be carried out by these men when they are discharged? The only chance they have is to be taken on in munition works. If they are fit enough to take munition work, why not find them employment and relieve more able-bodied men, and not cast them on the streets?

I think the Minister of Pensions will deal with that.

Is it not during the period which elapses between the time the Pensions Department gets hold of them and the Army has finished with them that this takes place?

Will the hon. Gentleman consider this point, that as these men have been discharged medically unfit and are liable to recall at intervals of six months, it is impossible for many of them to secure any kind of remunerative employment?

That is surely a matter for the Ministry of Pensions.

How can it be a matter for the Minister of Pensions, whose duty it is to give pensions? This question deals with employment, and the question is whether the hon. Gentleman knows that men in this position cannot secure employment on account of the fact that the employers also know that they are liable to be called up at intervals of six months?

The hon. Member must realise that the question is about discharged soldiers.

That is the point.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of a young soldier who, after losing the sight of an eye through a wound in action, was first released to work on his father's farm and to take up a chemistry scholarship at Queen's University,' Belfast, but was subsequently sent from Ireland to do agricultural work in England; whether he has now received representations on the subject from the vice-chancellor of the university; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?

My hon. and gallant Friend has already brought this case to my notice. Steps are being taken to enable this young soldier to resume his studies.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has received any complaints as to the delay caused at Victoria Station to men arriving home on leave from the front; and is it possible for him to do anything to accelerate these men leaving this terminus on their arrival?

I have made personal inquiry on the spot into the arrangements made for the reception of the troops arriving at Victoria, and I can testify to the expedition with which the evacuation of trains is carried out, and to the successful efforts of all concerned to ensure the comfort of the troops and to facilitate their transfer to their various destinations. I would like to take this opportunity of expressing the thanks and gratitude of the Army Council to the numerous voluntary workers, male and female, who are rendering, and who have rendered, such patriotic service at the various termini in London. I can assure them that their splendid and self-sacrificing devotion at all hours of the day and night is greatly valued by us and appreciated by the troops.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 29th November a letter, B.M. 4747/1917 A.G. 4s, signed by the staff captain for the Director of Personal Services, was sent to a correspondent regarding leave for a soldier in which it was regretted that owing to the difficulties of transport leave could not be granted; whether he is aware that the letter also stated that the case had been referred to the Comrades of the Great War organisation, who would communicate with the correspondent; and why such a reference was made, on whose authority, and for what purpose?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. The letter referred to was sent to a clergyman who sought the assistance of the War Office in a very sad case concerning the family of a soldier serving in Mesopotamia. It was impossible to accede to the request made for this soldier's leave, but the facts of the case were such that the officer thought it both humane and desirable to bring the facts before the society referred to.

What right has the War Office to refer an official letter concerning me to a charitable organisation known as the Comrades of the Great War, which was promoted, among others, by Lord Derby, the Secretary of State for War?

I did not understand that Lord Derby ever promoted this organisation, whatever his sympathies may be. But I do not think, in any case, this House would condemn any officer, if he found that the Army itself was unable to deal with such a case, if, in any country district, he suggested where assistance might come from.

Is the Comrades of the Great War the only organisation known to the War Office to deal with these matters; and is it not the fact that, as this was a country district, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association was the proper organisation, if they wished to make a charitable appeal?

I know nothing about the information at the disposal of the officer; but I think the House will agree that any information which was available—and this appears to have been the only information—should have been placed, in this case, at the clergyman's disposal.

May we take it that the War Office is disposed, as a regular practice, to refer cases of this kind to one organisation, or will the War Office attend to its own business?

Is it not the case that for many years it has been the habit of military authorities to refer cases of this kind to the Sailors' and Soldiers' Families Association, or other charitable organisation?

That is so. I have done it hundreds of times, myself.

asked whether the attention of the Army Council has been called to the passage in the Report of the Select Committee on National Expenditure recommending a large reduction in the strength of the Home Service Employment Companies, in which 62,000 men are engaged in fatigue duties; and, in view of the fact that these men are of no military value, will they be allowed to return to civilian employment, where their services are needed?

The Army Council is aware of the passage in the Report referred to and steps have already been taken to effect a large reduction in the home-service employment companies. A large proportion of the personnel thus released can be utilised in other directions within the Army, mainly for substitution of category A men in other units, and will not therefore be available for return to civil life. Any of these men who cannot be further utilised in the Army will be released for civil employment in the ordinary course.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the accommodation at Stobhill Hospital is so crowded that two beds are put together and three men placed in them; whether at Bellahouston patients are placed on the floor; and, if so, whether some of the smaller hospitals, such as Aikenhead, will be reopened?

I have asked for a report on this matter, and will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will recommend the payment of an increase in wages to the ordnance workers at Island Bridge and the Government workers of Dublin and district, in accordance with the list of local rates of wages sent to him by the hon. Member for the Harbour Division of Dublin on the 14th instant; if he is aware that the list contains many increases; and if he will see that Government workers are paid a living wage?

In view of further information as to local rates of wages at Dublin, the adequacy of the present rate paid by the War Department for unskilled labour will be inquired into.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War what grant per head has been made since the outbreak of war by the military to officers of the New Army for the purpose of providing themselves with kit and equipment up to military requirements?

Combatant officers of the New Armies have received an inclusive grant of £50 each.

In view of the fact that this War has now continued for over three years, and some of these uniforms are getting worn out, has the hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of making a second grant for the next three years?

That is being considered, amongst other things, by the Government in connection with the proposed review of pay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the allotment now being taken over by the War Office will be paid in the case of all soldiers, including those on family allowance; and, if any exceptions are made, will he give the classes to which, those exceptions apply?

The regulated allotment will be paid whenever separation allowance is paid, subject to the exceptions laid down in the Royal Warrant of 3rd inst. and the A.C.I. accompanying it, and is also included in the new scale of family allowance.

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether he will consider the practicability of granting the Militia long-service medal to officers and men of that force who, having served for fifteen years before the outbreak of war, have served three years since that event, thereby completing eighteen years' total service with the Colours?

This question has received consideration, but it has been found impracticable to give effect to the proposal.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will give the name of the official who inspects wool purchased from farmers in the South-West of Scotland; what is the salary paid to this man; and what was his former position before being employed by his Department as a wool expert?

In Scotland, in addition to the district officer, there are three officers who value wool under his superintendence. The district officer was a partner in one of the principal firms of wool merchants in Scotland, while the other officers were formerly wool valuers in the employ of leading wool firms. The district officer decides which of them shall value any particular clip.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that recently many men have been transferred from one regiment to another, and in consequence of this action there is delay in the payment of allowances to wives and children, owing to the fact that new ring papers must be obtained from the paymaster of the new regiment; and can he do anything to prevent these delays in the future?

The hon. Member is misinformed. No new ring paper is required on account of a transfer from the payment of one paymaster to that of another; but it has not hitherto been found possible to prevent delay in some cases, when the transfer and the date for issue of a fresh ring paper on expiration of the old one coincide. Constant attention is being devoted to the point.

In any case, is the woman not entitled to draw her money from the local war pensions committee?

The local war pensions committee will always give any assistance in their power.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the official estimate of the Food Controller that the weekly cost of the voluntary ration of bread, meat, flour, and sugar for a woman and one child was 15s. 3½d.; whether he is aware that separation allowance paid to a woman and child is 19s. 6d., and to a woman and two children 24s. 6d.; that the pension paid to the same is 18s. 9d. and 22s. l1d.; and that, in the case of separation allowance, what is therefore left to the woman and child and to the woman and two children is 4s. 2½d. and 2s. 2½d., respectively, for all other purposes with the possible exception of rent, and in the case of pension, where nothing is provided for rent, 3s. 5½d. and 7½d., respectively; and whether the Government are prepared in these circumstances to raise both the separation allowance and pension above the poverty line?

The approximate weekly cost of the voluntary ration of bread, meat, flour, and sugar is, I understand, one-half of that stated in the question. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

Apart from the correction of the figures, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that only four foods are mentioned in this question, and that there are a great many others required for physical efficiency; and in addition there is light and rent. The last paragraph of my question still remains true. Separation allowance and pension does not bring these people above the poverty line?

The seriousness of the matter is greatly diminished by the fact that the figures are halved.

asked whether the increased Army pay will be given to men serving in the Royal Army Medical Corps, the Army Service Corps, the Army Pay Corps, the Army Ordnance Corps, and the Expeditionary Force Canteen Corps?

If my hon. Friend will refer to the Royal Warrant of the 3rd instant and the Army Council Instruction issued in connection with it, he will see that with the exception of men engaged by the Expeditionary Force canteens who are paid as civilians, the various corps mentioned are included within the scope of the Royal Warrant.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware of the number of rabbits overruniing the country at the present time; whether he is also aware that market supplies are limited, with the result that the prices are greatly in excess of the normal, although there is no increase in the cost of production; whether his Department possess any powers or can take any steps to ensure market supplies in proportion to the resources of the country; and, if not, whether he will seek powers which will facilitate the trapping of rabbits with the object of bringing prices down to a reasonable level?

The Food Controller is aware that prices have now reached a level largely in excess of pre-war figures and above the price of last year, and he hopes to take prompt steps to limit these prices if this can be done without risking supplies. He is further endeavouring to stimulate the collection of rabbits in areas where they are believed to be specially prolific.

Would it not be as well if the Food Controller increased the number of rabbit catchers?

That is one of the phases of the problem with which the Committee is dealing?

Will the hon. Gentleman take care that he does not do too much damage to sylviculture and agriculture by the excessive production of rabbits which are nothing better than vermin?

That matter is under consideration.

asked to what extent potatoes are at present being used in the manufacture of bread; and what saving on wheaten and other flour is being thereby effected?

Arrangements have been made by the Ministry of Food to supply bakers throughout the country with potatoes for use in bread making. As soon as I have definitely ascertained the quantity of potatoes that they can utilise for this purpose I shall be in a position to answer the question, but the figures are not yet available.

Is it proposed to issue potato flour for this purpose or will the potatoes be used in the ordinary way to mix with bread?

That depends upon the machines. It may be used in two different forms, according to the facilities available.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that large numbers of private householders supply themselves the potatoes which are used in the flour? Has he any information?

Yes; I am aware of that.

asked whether the Departmental Order, dated October, 1917, and headed "Co-ordination of Transport, M.G. Transport 1," is to be applied to the regular journeys with horse and cart of Mr. Thomas Jardine, baker and grocer, Hawick, to the districts lying below the Cheviot Stills, seeing that nearly the whole of his custom is on the further side of Bonchester Bridge, that he covers a large area where the population is very thin, that his rounds enable him to purchase from the people large quantities of produce for the use of Hawick, and that if he is compelled to give up this landward trade his son, the owner of the business, who is now serving in Egypt, will be the loser and the wife and young children will suffer?

The scheme referred to in the question contains no element of compulsion, but was put forward as an incentive to voluntary effort for the coordination of transport, and the Hawick Food Control Transport Sub-committee have merely discussed the proposals contained in the scheme. In any case it is not intended to interfere with any business of public utility which does not involve wasteful overlapping with other deliveries.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that it is difficult to obtain the new sugar cards for registration at the local post offices; whether he will make arrangements for more facilities for obtaining these cards; and, if not, whether he will arrange for an extension of the date for registration beyond the 31st December?

I am aware that at the outset difficulty was experienced, in a few cases, in making application forms for ration papers immediately available at post offices. This difficulty has, however, now been overcome. I shall be glad to have inquiries made, if the hon. Member will inform me of any cases in which application forms are not in the hands of post offices at the present time.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the price of oatmeal in Ireland; the price in pre-war years; and if he will take steps to see that there will be no profiteering in this necessary food-stuff?

The maximum permitted retail price of oatmeal in Ireland is 5d. per lb. I am informed that before the War the usual price was 2d. Steps are being taken in the direction indicated in the last part of the question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he can make any statement as to his recent visit to the various docks of London; and whether there is waste of food and other necessary commodities taking place on the dock premises, quay sides, barges, and other places in the docks?

The result of Lord Rhondda's visit to certain of the London docks was to confirm his impression that, whatever may have happened in the past, there is now no wastage beyond what inevitably occurs in the work of transportation. Steps have been taken to prevent the recurrence of any avoidable waste.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will state the weekly approximate cost, at present rates, of food necessary for a man, woman, and child, respectively, including not only the suggested rations for certain foods, but the other necessary food?

The figures supplied in answer to a previous question on the rationed foods only were for a fortnight and hot for a week as stated. The correct figures for the approximate weekly cost of the rationed foods only are:

Does my hon. Friend remember that the Board of Trade referred the original question to his Department, and are we, therefore, to understand that neither Department can give us to-day the approximate cost of living, including the rationed food?

It was because of the conflict of views on those statistics that the suggestion was recently made by the Select Committee on National Expenditure that special inquiries should be made by a competent body to ascertain accurately the figures.

Can my hon. Friend tell the House how that mistake came to be made, and does my hon. Friend realise what a very serious effect the answer will have in the country?

As I understand, the mistake was made by the person making the calculation mistaking a week for a fortnight.

Has he been promoted?

May I ask whether, in order to get the approximate cost, he has had a consultation With the Board of Trade?

In regard to this answer, Yes.

Are the figures for four rationed foods and not five?

asked what steps the Government are taking to effect the equitable and prompt distribution of food among the people by increasing the number of places at which it can be distributed, and preventing the loss of time and the danger to health occasioned by the formation of queues before the few places at which distribution is now made?

The policy of the Food Controller has necessarily been to utilise the ordinary channels of distribution and to secure that every retailer in every district obtains his proportionate share of available supplies, having regard to trade returns and statistics of population. This policy has already been adopted in the case of sugar, butter, and tea; it will be promptly followed in the case of bacon and margarine. In so far as the formation of queues is attributable to the unequal distribution of margarine, I may state that the chief home manufacturers of this commodity have consented to ration their shops according to our estimated requirements; and to allocate the surplus to competing retailers in the same area.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the congestion caused by queues, and could they not be very considerably diminished by the Food Controller taking into account the quantity of food in each classification available, and providing for its primary distribution to a number of shops in towns and areas, and not leaving it to one or two, thus simply encouraging discontent?

It is because we have taken that into account that, as I have stated in the last part of my answer, the large manufacturers of margarine have now agreed to our stipulation to supply a share of that commodity to shops in their areas in addition to their own shops.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that the supply of margarine is very unequally distributed owing to the manufacturers in this country supplying their own multiple retail shops and leaving the districts where they have no shops of their own without a sufficient or any supply, he will consider the advisability of taking over the produce of the manufactories and of arranging for its more equal distribution over the country?

As I informed the House on Monday, a scheme is being prepared to ensure the equitable distribution of available supplies of margarine, and this will be completed without delay, regardless of any existing monopoly or right to supply particular shops.

asked the First Commissioner of Works why the new buildings now being erected in St. James's Park are being built of brick; why such permanent material is being used; whether it is intended that these buildings shall be permanent and remain after the War; and, if not, whether he is aware that the form of construction being used is likely to do damage to the old grass land and amenities of the park?

The new buildings in St. James's Park are being constructed of brick because of the impossibility of obtaining the requisite amount of timber and other building materials. It is not intended that these buildings in the park shall be permanent, and they will be removed as soon after the declaration of peace as the interests of the State will allow.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in some of these buildings concrete is used, and they are as solid as a permanent building?

They are built as solid as is necessary.

Do they not take as deep foundations as for permanent buildings?

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he has received any protest against the action of his Department in taking over the buildings of the Theosophical Society in Swansea on the ground that other buildings just as suitable were available; will he state the purpose to which the buildings are to be put; and whether, in view of the local protests, he will reconsider the matter?

The War Office will answer this question. My Department has not taken over the building in question. I have received protests, but they do not relate to my Department.

asked whether plans for shipbuilding now in use provide for boats carried by passenger ships so fitted as to carry stores and other necessaries for a voyage of possibly several days duration; and whether the latest methods of lowering boats are in all cases provided?

The construction, stowage, and launching arrangements of boats on passenger ships are governed by Statutory Rules. In the case of a new ship, the plans and specifica- tions must be submitted to the Board of Trade for approval, and the launching arrangements are tested by actual trial in every case. The latest boat-lowering devices are not always the most satisfactory, but every encouragement is given to improvements. Every precaution is taken to provide lifeboats with sufficient food and water; and I may say that the new arrangements for the control of the supply of food-stuffs to British ships allow a seven days' supply to be placed in every boat.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take the necessary steps to make it illegal to employ the word "charity" or "charitable" in the title of any society or organisation having for its purpose the fulfilling of any part of the national obligations to discharged soldiers and sailors?

The answer is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to reconsider his decision, having regard to the fact that the word "charity" is very distasteful to men who have given everything for their country?

I think the hon. Member would find it very difficult to draft a Bill to make it illegal to use the word "charity."

Can my right hon. Friend say whether it is necessary for an organisation to register under the War Charities Act if the members are mainly responsible for the financing of that organisation?

The hon. Member must give notice of that question.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the reception given to the Whitley Report and the advisability of setting an example to employers and workmen, he will have the recommendations in the Report put into operation in all the Departments of the State employing men on weekly wages?

This question is receiving very careful consideration, but I fear that it is not possible at present to make any statement.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the acceptance of the request which has been made by the Government to employers and workmen to form these councils is distinctly prejudiced by the inability of the Government to set up these committees in Government Departments?

The Government fully realise the importance of setting an example in this respect.

asked the Prime Minister how many clerks under eighteen years of age are employed in Government offices at the present moment; whether the Food Production Department has instituted a scheme of education for the young persons employed by them; and, if so, whether instructions will be given to the Admiralty, War Office, and other Departments to follow the example of the Food Production Department?

The total number of juvenile employés in Government offices throughout the United Kingdom is estimated at 30,000, of whom more than half are employed under the Post Office. I fear I cannot state what number are employed as clerks. Juvenile employés are encouraged, and in some cases required, to attend classes arranged for them by the local education authorities, in co-operation with the Departments. I am not aware that the Food Production Department has instituted any special scheme.

asked whether the Government will cause systematic inquiry to be made into the number of clerks employed in the Government offices, with a View to eliminating those who have been found incapable of performing their duties in an efficient manner, before it sanctions increases in the temporary buildings and the taking over of hotels and other buildings?

While the responsibility for the efficiency of their staffs rests primarily with the heads of Departments, the general question is receiving consideration by His Majesty's Government in connection with the recent Report of of the Select Committee on National Expenditure.

Will the Government at the same time give their attention or cause attention to be given to excessive working of overtime amongst some of the women clerks in some of the Departments?

I had not had my attention called to that. I will inquire into it.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is in a position to announce the decision of the Cabinet Committee on the subject of the pay and allowances of junior commissioned officers?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for East Edinburgh on Wednesday last.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman remember that he promised to announce the decision of the Government on this question before the Adjournment of the House? Will he be able to do that to-morrow?

I am sorry that I shall not be able to announce the decision. I think I promised to do so before the end of the Session, not before the Adjournment.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether this decision will be announced during the long Recess? Is he aware that these people have waited an extraordinarily long time?

I can assure the House that I am as disappointed as hon. Members, but the Committee has been sitting almost daily, and it is not a very easy problem to solve.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say to what charitable institution these hard-pressed men can go?

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether he is aware that in the case of the military secretariat of the Supreme War Council their exclusive function is laid down to act as technical advisers to the Council, whereas in the case of the secretariat of the Allied Naval Council their function is to collect and collate all necessary information; and why the function of advice is emphasised in the one case and excluded in the other; and (2) whether he is aware that co-ordination between naval and military effort has been the foundation of most of our successes in war, as in Palestine to-day; whether he is aware that the Supreme War Council, with the Prime Minister on it, has been charged with co-ordinating Allied military effort, whereas a separate body, the Naval Allied Council, with no member of the War Cabinet on it, has been charged with co-ordinating Allied naval effort; by what machinery he proposes to co-ordinate naval and military operations; and if he is satisfied it is working satisfactorily against the supreme direction of the enemy's armies and navies by Hindenburg?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to a supplementary question by my hon. and gallant Friend on Monday last. In the opinion of the Government the co-ordination of naval and military operations has been strengthened by the recent arrangements.

Can we be assured that the naval and military authorities are working in the closest co-operation on this Council?

Yes. The arrangement in connection with the Versailles Council is that a liaison officer of very high rank is in constant attendance.

asked whether the statement by the Member for Trinity College that, until our own needs and the necessities of our Allies and Dominions were satisfied, the Germans ought never to obtain one ounce of raw material out of our Empire, is the considered policy of the Government; and, if so, are there any terms of peace to which Germany might agree that would modify this condition?