asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the War Contingents of the Dominions Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee 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 the perpetuation of this Committee is proposed?

The Dominions War Contingents Committee was appointed when oversea troops first began to arrive in this country in 1914, to act as a link between the Government and the various Dominion War Contingent Associations. Only one or two meetings of the full Committee were held, as it was found that the work could be done more conveniently by the chairman of the Committee, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, or by some of the individual members. No meeting of the Committee has been held during the last six months, nor has any change been made in its personnel except in the case of the chairman—Mr. Hewins having succeeded Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in September, 1917. The total expenses of the Committee up to date amount to £15 3s. 3d.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Coal Exports Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee 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 the perpetuation of this Committee is proposed?

This Committee was appointed 'by the President of the Board of Trade in April, 1915, to consider and advise as to all questions relating to the export of coal, coke, and manufactured fuel, and its chief function is to advise the War Trade Department as to the issue of licences for the export of those commodities. There has been no change in the personnel during the last six months. The Committee is an honorary one, and sits every day (except Sundays) in rooms which form part of the War Trade Department, which also provides for the printing, postage, and stationery; and it would be difficult, if not impossible, to separate the very small cost of the Committee from the general inclusive cost of the War Trade Department. There is no proposal that the Committee should be perpetual.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Central Wool Advisory Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee 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 the perpetuation of this Committee is proposed?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The Central Wool Advisory Committee has held two sittings during the last six months. No changes have been made in the personnel. There has been no expense incurred in respect of salaries, rent, rates, taxes, or printing: the cost of postage and stationery is defrayed by the Department, and cannot be computed separately. It is not proposed to dissolve this Committee.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if lie has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the. Prevention and Relief of Distress Committee; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in tile personnel of this Committee 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 the perpetuation of this Committee is proposed; and (2) if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Professional Classes Sub-committee of the Committee on the Prevention and Relief of Distress; how many sittings this Sub-committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Sub-committee during this period; what is the annual cost to the State of this Sub-committee, including salaries, rent, rates, taxes, printing, posting, and stationery; and whether the perpetuation of this Sub-committee is proposed?

The Government Committee on the Prevention and Relief of Distress was appointed in August, 1914, to advise on the measures necessary to deal with any distress that might arise in consequence of the War, and it continues to perform this function. No changes in its personnel have been made during the last six months. The work of the Committee is carried on in the Local Government Board; no salaries are paid; and the cost of stationery and printing forms part of the general expenses of the Local Government Board. The Professional Classes Sub-committee is a Sub-committee of the Government Committee, and beyond the small amount of stationery and typewriting required no cost is involved apart from the cost of the parent Committee. It is proposed to continue both the Committee and the Sub-committee.

asked the Prime Minister if he has received a Report as to the progress and recommendations, if any, of the Committee on Production; how many sittings this Committee has held within the last six months; whether any changes have been made in the personnel of this Committee 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 the perpetuation of this Committee is proposed?

I have been asked to answer this question. The Committee on Production is the principal statutory arbitration tribunal established under the Munitions of War Acts to decide differences between employers and employed in regard to wages and conditions of employment on munitions work. The Committee sits daily, and during the past six months it has issued awards in upwards of 600 disputes. The members of the Committee have recently been appointed to be the Special Arbitration Tribunal to deal with questions arising out of the Orders granting a bonus to certain munition workers, and a large number of cases connected with this matter have been referred to the Committee during the past few weeks. The Committee, as originally constituted, consisted of Sir George Askwith (Chairman), Sir Francis Hopwood, and Sir George Gibb. At the end of last year Sir David Harrel relinquished the duties of Chairman of the Committee. It now consists of Sir George Gibb (Chairman), Mr. W. W. Mackenzie, K.C. (Chairman of Panels), Mr. F. S. Button, Colonel John M. Denny, C.B., Mr. J. Duncan Elliot, Mr. James Fullerton, Mr. William Moses, Mr. George J. Rowe, and Mr. John W. WHITE. The etimated annual cost of the-Committee (salaries, travelling expenses, shorthand writing, etc.) is about £13,000. It is not practicable to state separately the cost of postage, stationery, etc.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the temporary pension of a discharged soldier who obtains employment is added to his earnings for the purpose of levying Income Tax?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for York on the 12th December last in reply to a question on this subject. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, with a view to encouraging the investment of British capital within the Empire, he will consider the advisability of imposing a somewhat higher rate of Income Tax in respect of income derived from investments of such capital in foreign territory than is or may be charged upon income derived from capital invested within the Empire?

My hon. Friend's suggestion involves considerations which cannot be adequately dealt with by way of question and answer. But I may remind him that under the provisions of Section 43 of the Finance Act, 1916, some measure of relief from United Kingdom Income Tax is already allowed in respect of income which has been assessed to a Dominion Income Tax.

asked the Prime Minister what amount of public money has been expended in connection with the "Save or Starve" campaign, including stationery, personal expenses, and clerking; and what the result has been?

I have been asked to reply. The expenses of the "Save or Starve" campaign are so closely bound up with the other activities of the Food Economy Department of the Ministry of Food, such as public kitchens, exhibitions of war-time cookery, lectures, demonstrations, and the like, that it is difficult at such short notice to form even an approximate estimate of the amount of public money expended in connection with this campaign. It is thought, however, that the total cost has not exceeded £2,000, as much of the work has been done voluntarily. The result of the campaign has been the enrolment of between 4,000,000 and 5,000,000 people in the League of National Safety, and enrolment forms are still coming in at the rate of from 15,000 to 20,000 a day. I may take this opportunity of expressing the appreciation of the Ministry of Food for the energy and zeal displayed by Sir Arthur Yapp and his staff in discharging an arduous and difficult task.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether lie is aware that no arrangements for the proper distribution of cattle feeding-stuffs in Ireland which have been taken over by the Government have yet been completed; and what is the cause of the delay in this matter?

The Cattle Feeding-stuffs (Requisition) Order, 1918, was only issued on the 21st instant, and complete returns of stocks held by dealers and manufacturers have not yet been received. Arrangements for the proper distribution of feeding-stuffs in Ireland are now being discussed with the Board of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that many small licensed traders in Ireland will have to close down their premises owing to shortage of supplies; and if, having regard to the increase in food production in Ireland, he will allow an extra quantity of beer to be brewed for special cases of hardship with small traders?

The cereal situation precludes all possibility of relaxing the restrictions at present imposed on the use of grain for the brewing of beer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that a letter was sent by the Food Ministry to the Bermondsey Food Committee on the 5th December saying that the Ministry were considering the question of fixing the retail price of condensed milk; and whether he can now say if a decision on this matter has been reached?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. It is hoped to make an announcement on this subject shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the total human consumption in quarters of corn by the United Kingdom in a normal year; what is the weekly consumption; how many weeks' supply does the homegrown product supply; and what is the balance to be supplied from abroad?

I have been asked to reply. The average use of wheat for human consumption may be reckoned at 31,000,000 to 32,000,000 quarters a year for a period of years previous to the War. The weekly consumption, on this basis, is slighlty over 600,000 quarters. The home crop for the same period affords one-fifth of the total supply, being sufficient, approximately, for eleven weeks' consumption. Thus the balance in a normal year which has to be met by imports from abroad, similarly stated, amounts to a supply sufficient for forty-one weeks.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as the destruction of poultry by foxes and consequent depletion of British egg supply is an aggravation of our food shortage, he will reconsider the request to masters of foxhounds to maintain hunting; and' whether he will state the total number of horses which have been requisitiond from masters of foxhounds and members of hunts for the light-horse supply of his Department since 1st November, 1916?

Hunting is essential to the maintenance of our Army horse supply. It has not been necessary to requisition any horses for the Army from any individual or firm since June of last year, but 5,000 riding horses have been bought from voluntary sellers.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a careful inquiry through 160 fox-hunting establishments shows that only about thirty persons are now using these hunts; that this means that, in order to keep about 5,000 light horses available for his Department, many of which if requisitioned would have to be resold as useless for military purposes, he is permitting the nation's food supply to be depleted by millions of foxes only kept for the sport of at most 5,000 persons; and whether he is aware that a policy of this character is only calculated to bring the War Office into disrepute and to embitter the rank and file of labour against the man-power proposals?

Hunting is a national sport which in peace time gives employment to thousands, and is essential to the maintenance of the supply of riding horses which are needed for the Army. It is for this reason that, hunts have with difficulty been kept together upon a very much reduced scale by patriotic maters and the agricultural communities which support them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the whole of the War Office Staff in WHITEhall are drawing a sugar ration double in amount of that allowed to civilians; and, if so, on what grounds this is, in view of the present shortage, justified?

It has been decided to reduce the sugar obtainable on the military sugar Bard from 2 ozs. to 1 oz. per diem.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the light work involved in the case of the majority of troops now serving at home, he will reconsider the scale of rations issued to the military as compared with the civilian part of the population?

Yes. Sir. The scale of rations for all troops serving at home, except those in training or otherwise in preparation for service overseas, and in mobile formations for home defence, has been reduced by about one-third

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has made any and, if so, what arrangements for an adequate supply of reaping and threshing machines that will be required this year owing to the largely increased acreage of arable land under cereal crops?

With regard to the provision of threshing tackle, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for North Herefordshire yesterday. As regards reapers, an order for 5,000 self-binders was placed by the Food Production Department last July, delivery of which has already commenced. These machines, together with those manufactured and imported on private account, are considered sufficient to cope with the 1918 harvest.

asked the President, of the Board of Agriculture whether at the present time a farmer can feed his tail corn to his stock and poultry; if the answer depends on the fitness of the tail corn for human consumption, who is the person or authority to decide whether it is so fit; end whether in the Board's opinion it is to the public interest that farmers should continue the breeding of poultry for egg and chicken production?

A farmer is permitted by the Orders of the Food Controller to feed his tail corn to stock and poultry provided that it is not suitable for use in the manufacture of human food. The decision as to the fitness or otherwise for human food of a given sample of corn lies with the Ministry of Food. In view of the general shortage of animal feeding-stuffs, it has been necessary to warn poultry keepers that the amount of food purchasable for poultry will he extremely restricted, but the Board hope. to secure for the industry sufficient supplies to maintain the indispensable minimum of breeding stock through the critical season in spring.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what steps have been taken to ensure the ploughing and sowing of grass land of small farmers, as advised by the county executive war committees, where the Government authorities are unable to supply tractors and the small farmers have not enough money to purchase horses, seed, or the necessary implements?

A credit scheme has been arranged, in conjunction with all the joint stock banks, under which farmers can obtain advances for the purchase of horses, seeds, implements, or any other requirement necessary to enable them to increase the production of food. In addition a considerable number of horses have been purchased by the Board which, with the necessary ploughmen and ploughs, are available to farmers for the ploughing and subsequent cultivation of their land.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the Dublin Corporation Land Cultivation Committee have received applications for plots from 3,000 workers willing to produce food; whether he will now recommend the handing over of a portion of the Phœnix Park for the purpose; if he is aware that by compulsory powers that land only sufficient for 500 applicants has been obtained; and what is to be done with the balance of the applications?

Last year the Dublin Corporation provided 1,200 allotments, and I am informed they have received about 2,000 additional applications for plots this year. They have 112 acres available for allotments in addition to what they had last year. The Local Government Board have suggested to the corporation that allotments of one-sixteenth of an acre should be given, and, if this suggestion is adopted, the additional land will provide for nearly 1,800 of the new applications. It was decided last year, after full consideration, that the Phœnix Park could not be made available for allotments, but certain Crown lands in the neighbourhood of the Park were made available.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether arrangements can be made whereby old age pensions can be paid to the governing authorities of district lunatic asylums in Ireland on behalf of eligible inmates of these institutions with a view to the sums so paid being applied wholly or in part to the cost of their maintenance, now increased as a result of the increased cost of living due to the War?

Under Section 3 (1) (c) of the Old Age Pensions Act, 1908, inmates of lunatic asylums are not eligible for old age pensions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, now serving at the Admiralty and the number who received their commissions in 1917; whether sonic sixty assistant paymasters, Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, are employed on coding and ciphering work in one Department at the Admiralty; and, seeing that the employment of women has been sanctioned for this work, whether a certain number of these men could be displaced by women?

The number of assistant paymasters, R.N.V.R., now serving at the Admiralty is eighty-three, of whom eighty-one received their commissions in 1917. Sixty-five assistant paymasters, R.N.V.R., arc engaged on coding and ciphering work, the main part of their duties consisting of the ciphering or deciphering of the secret orders and communications passing between the Admiralty and the Fleets in home and foreign waters. This work is not only of a very confidential and responsible nature, but is carried on continuously by night as well as by day under considerable strain. The women staff employed on certain sections of the work are employed by day only, and although their numbers are being gradually increased, there is, I am advised, no possibility of any great reduction in the number of men engaged on the work. As regards the Admiralty Office as a whole, my hon. Friend will he interested to hear that whilst before the War, with the exception of the cleaners, no women were employed, there are now over 3,000 women employed.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether further consideration be given to the need for substantial increases in pay for the chief artificer engineers, artificer engineers, and the chief and engine-room artificers, so as to equalise the rates of pay to that received by shore-working engineers?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on the 16th August last, regarding the pay of the engine-room artificer class, to the Member for Devonport. Since that time, as my hon. Friend is aware, these ratings have shared in the general increases made in the pay of the men of the Fleet, receiving as chief petty officers an addition of 5d. a day. As regards chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers, their rates of pay are as follows:

	Per	day.
Artificer engineers:
On promotion	8s.	6d.
After 5 years' service	9s.	6d.
" 10 "	10s.	6d.
Chief artificer engineers:
On promotion	11s.	6d.
After 2 years' service	12s.	0d.
" 4"	12s.	6d.
" 6 "	13s.	0d.
" 8 "	13s.	6d.

In comparing these rates with the earnings of shore-working engineers, my hon. Friend must bear in mind the several considerations in the way of board, lodging, uniform, separation allowance, allotment concession, and pension rights, which differentiate the case of the Service from the civilian engineer. He will be glad to know that a Committee has recently been appointed which will consider, amongst other things, the question of the pay, promotion, etc., of chief artificer engineers and artificer engineers.

asked whether it is in-ended to pay officers of the Navy who have reached time for pension since hostilities commenced at the same rates as those on the retired list who have been called up for service?

The matter is under consideration; but I can give no undertaking in regard to it.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will give the number of engineer lieutenants, Royal Navy, and engineer sub-lieutenants who have been entered for temporary service and the number of chief and artificer engineers who have in the same period been promoted to similar rank; and whether any further promotions are contemplated?

The number of engineer lieutenants and engineer sub- lieutenants entered for temporary service in His Majesty's Navy since August, 1914, is 304. The number of promotions to engineer lieutenant from chief artificer engineer and artificer engineer since August, 1914, is 107, namely, for long and zealous service, thirty-eight; for special service and for their outstanding qualifications, sixty-six; for distinguished service, three. In addition to the above, 136 promotions have been made from artificer engineers, chief engine-room artificers, and engine-room artificers to commissioned rank by way of mate (E). Should the needs of the Service require it, authority will be obtained to make further promotions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has been made aware of the dangers from submarine attack to the city of Dublin mail steamers plying between Kingstown and Holyhead; and, if so, whether he has taken any, and, if so, what, steps to safeguard those boats from attacks of the kind mentioned?

We are fully aware of the dangers referred to by my hon. Friend; and as regards the second part of his question, B would refer him to the reply given by me on Monday last to my hon. Friend the Member for the St. Patrick's Division, in which I stated that the subject is one that is constantly engaging the attention of the Admiralty, and that so far as our resources admit, every possible step is taken to provide for the safety of the cross-channel traffic.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the recent sinkings in the Irish 2hannel of Irish cargo boats, with the resulting loss of food cargoes and human lives, have been brought to his notice; and whether, in view of the fact that those sinkings are the result of insufficient protection being afforded against submarine attacks, despite repeated warnings to the Departments concerned, and are equally injurious in their effects on Great Britain and Ireland, he will take such steps as may be necessary for safeguarding the cargo routes between Ireland and Great Britain?

The recent sinkings referred to by my hon. Friend, and their consequences in the loss of lives and of food cargoes, are deeply regretted by the Admiralty. As regards the second part of the question, I can assure him that every attention is devoted to ensuring the safety of these vessels, and every possible step is taken with this object. This, of course, is equally true with regard to all merchant shipping whilst at sea, and all our available resources are used to the utmost extent.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is now proposed, in order to heighten the efficiency of the Army Medical Services, to find on the Army Council a place for the Director-General?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 18th instant to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Montgomeryshire.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has now received a Report as to the circumstances in which aeroplanes circled over Coventry and dropped leaflets containing an article which had appeared in a London newspaper; who authorised these proceedings and who paid for the leaflets; and whether the use of Government aeroplanes for this purpose was sanctioned by the War Office?

The distribution of these leaflets from aeroplanes was made at the suggestion in his private capacity of an officer serving in London who is also member of this House. He paid for the leaflets at his sole expense, the newspaper making no contribution to the cost. The use of Government aeroplanes was authorised by the authorities of the Royal Flying Corps, but special flights were not made for the purpose. They were distributed during a testing trip.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that repeated applications were made to him on medical advice on 19th May last for leave from France for two soldiers named Miller, No. 27120 and No. 8885, of the Highland Light Infantry and 5th Scottish Rifles, respectively, on account of the illness of their widowed mother; that these applications were repeated to him on 26th May without effect; that the mother died on 27th May, and repeated telegrams were sent to him for leave for the two soldiers to attend their mother's funeral on 31st May; and, seeing that no notice was taken by him of these personal communications, will he say whether this is still the system that holds in his Department on the question of leave for soldiers in such circumstances?

Application for special leave to be granted was made to the military authorities in France on receipt of the letter dated 19th May, 1917. In such cases no reply is expected at the War Office, it being understood that leave is granted if the exigencies of the Service permit. In this case it must be assumed that the military situation did not allow of it. The procedure of asking for special leave in such cases still holds good. With regard to the charge that I took no notice of these personal communications, may I say that I wrote on two occasions in reply to the only two letters which were addressed to me. There were two telegrams sent—one to the Secretary of the War Office, which I would not, of course, see; and one to me. The latter was answered by the letters referred to above.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will consider the possibility of making a free gift of the 15s. 6d. over and above his ration money of 24s. 6d. handed in the £2 advance to the soldier who asks for it on arrival in this country on furlough, so that he may feel the State wishes him to make the best use of his fourteen days' leave?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to his question on this subject on the 24th instant.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, on Saturday last, 2,000 men were detained on crossing to England by a slight mishap to their escort, and could not as a result leave London on Sunday till nearly midday, this only reaching home on Sunday night; and, if so, whether, as the Saturday and the Sunday both ordinarily count as days of their leave, they will receive an extra day?

I am afraid that any concessions to the sufferers from this unfortunate occurrence could only be made at the expense of their comrades with an equal claim. I would remind my hon. Friend that the leave period has been extended recently to fourteen days.

asked whether the War Office has arranged for the pay books of all men on leave now being brought back with them from the front, with the object of having them brought up to date at the various pay depots and remittances for any amounts due at once forwarded to the men for use while on furlough?

The soldiers' pay book is intended to remain in his possession. The facilities already given for obtaining sufficient cash while on furlough are considered adequate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council have had brought to their notice temporary breakdowns and shortcomings in the medical service and commissariat that occurred during the earlier stages of the British advance from Gaza to Jerusalem; and can he say that both departments are now working with greater smoothness and that all avoidable suffering from lack of transport, and medical comforts is spared to our troops?

No, Sir; I am not aware that there was any breakdown in the medical or commissariat arrangements. In view of the rapidity of the advance, difficulties naturally increased. There was an increase of intestinal disorders in the force due to the great strain undergone by the troops during the advance and the coldness of the nights.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether cases of horses-with parasitic mange are constantly taken by train from the eastern counties; and whether, seeing that there is now sufficient stabling accommodation near the East Coast, such horses will be sent by road to depots prepared for them?

Horses are moved by train from the East Coast to the nearest veterinary hospitals. I am afraid my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is not practicable.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will give the date of the War Office letter or-circular issued in 1915 placing all ranks of' officers of the Regular Army, Territorial Force, and New Armies on the same footing, whether holding Regular, Territorial, or temporary rank; and will he give the wording of the document in question?

This was Published in Army Order 35 of 1915, of which I will send my hon. and gallant Friend a copy.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether there exists any provision by which invalided officers can ascertain what clerical positions are open either in the Army or in other Departments of State; and whether in view of the difficulty experienced by invalided and discharged officers in obtaining positions in civil life, some Department will be established with a view to assisting them?

A Department already exists at the Ministry of Pensions under Sir Cyril Jackson, K.B.E., for the discharge of the duty laid on the Ministry by the Naval and Military War Pensions Act, 1915. Forms of application for civil employment are sent by the War Office to officers when they are about to be invalided or retired, and these when completed are forwarded to the Department at the Ministry of Pensions for disposal.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether ex-King Manoel is a director of any military orthopædic institution, and in that capacity signs cheques as Manoel Rex; and whether, if so, considering that Portugal is our ally and that the Republic has taken the place of the Royal regime in that· country; the War Office will refuse to countenance any acts likely to give umbrage to the Government of Portugal and will, therefore, put a stop to the cause of complaint indicated?

King Manoel is not a director of any military orthopædic hospital.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether soldiers are required to salute the wife of ex-King Manoel; if so, whether any soldiers have protested against this compulsion on the ground that the lady in question is a relative of the Kaiser and not a British subject; and whether, in these circumstances, the War Office proposes still to enforce the order?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the second and third parts do not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War why the Rev. W. L. Cook, who served as chaplain to His Majesty's Forces from November, 1915, to June, 1917, including the care of wounded abroad and at sea, is not allowed to receive the silver badge, in view of the fact that he only left the Service because there was no employment for him in this country, and on account of Army service was no longer considered medically fit to serve abroad after June, 1917?

The silver war badge is awarded only to those who have had to relinquish their appointments, commissions, etc., on account of old age or physical disabilities which render them permanently unfit for further military service. The Rev. W. L. Cook ceased to be employed as a chaplain to the forces on termination of his contract," and not on account of old age, wounds or sickness. This badge is in no sense a "commemorative medal" awarded to all who have served.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware, that provision is not joule for religious services on behalf of the Portuguese employed in this country by the War Office; and why it is that, when a clergyman officiates in barracks for Portuguese employed in the place of British soldiers by the War Office, no payment, as allowed by Regalations, is given to the officiating clergyman?

Instructions have been issued that remuneration in respect of spiritual ministrations to these Portuguese Roman Catholics should be paid in the same manner as for British troops.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether anything has been done by his Department in the way of the discharge of soldiers who have only one eye, and who were the last sons -of several in each family, and sons of widows, to be taken for the Army; and, if so, how many have been so discharged, and how many more it is intended to discharge?

In the present state of man-power it is not possible to discharge men with one eye who are otherwise capable of performing military duties at home or on the lines of communication. Cases of the nature to which my hon. Friend refers are considered carefully, and when good reason exists the men are returned to this country, either for discharge or a period of home service. I am afraid that no figures are available.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that when the £15 bounty becomes due to a soldier serving in France or on one of the other fronts the major portion of this money, and, in sumo instances, the whole of it, is retained by the paymaster, and the soldier is orally informed that interest will be -added and the whole paid on discharge; and, seeing that no receipt or document of any kind is given to the soldier, and that it the case of his death his relatives would be in ignorance of its existence, will he arrange for some receipt to be given?

The terms as regards deferred payment of this bounty form part of the conditions of the grant of the bounty originally announced. Formal record of the award of the bounty is made both in the man's documents in the regimental record office and in the man's account in the pay office. Adequate record, therefore, exists to secure that the man, or his estate, ultimately receives the amount due.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he has considered the case of Donald MacIver, of Aultbea, Ross-shire, who is the only remaining member of a family of four sons, the others having been killed in the War, and who, in addition to farming his mother's croft of 6 acres, looks after three others of 29 acres and supervises as a substitute the croft of a man engaged in war work; and what conclusion he has come to regarding the best way this man's services can be used?

This case had previously been brought to the notice of this Department, and consent was granted on the 19th January to a rehearing by the tribunal.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will lay upon the Table the circular letter which has been addressed to the local and appeal tribunals under the Military-Service Act in reference to cases of conscientious objectors who might have received complete exemption had the tribunals considered they were lawfully entitled to grant such exemption; whether any cases have been reported on as the result of this circular; and whether procedure has been or is to be adopted in such cases?

I do not think that it is necessary to lay the circular letter on the Table, but I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Replies have already been received from a majority of the tribunals, but no cases have yet been reported in which absolute exemption was not granted because the tribunal were not aware of their full powers. In a few eases, where there is some doubt, I am in communication with the tribunal to make quite sure of the matter. If any case is reported, particulars will be communicated to the Army Council.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the present, high price of wool renders it impossible for many voluntary helpers to continue the knitting of socks and other articles for the use of soldiers whether his attention has been called to the economy which might be effected by returning the uppers of Army socks to this country to he refooted and returned for use to the. Army; and whether he will take steps to put a stop to the present practice under which the whole of the wool in old socks is thrown away or used for gun wiping, etc.?

The suggestion to refoot worn-out socks was tried last year a large number being sent for the purpose to a repairing organisation. The result, however, was unsatisfactory as only a small proportion was found capable of being repaired. I am not aware that any old socks are thrown away or used for cleaning purposes. The worn-out socks are withdrawn from the soldier at the time they are replaced. In some cases it is possible to unravel the tops of the old socks and use the wool for repair purposes, and where possible this is done. The Salvage Department, which is concerned with the prevention of waste, is now actively engaged in collecting, sorting, and utilising wool rags (which includes worn-out socks) for purposes of remanufacture.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that a gunner's regimental pay is now 1s. 6d. per day and after six months' service he receives 3d. per day proficiency pay, he will state· the reason why an artificer is not entitled to the 3d. per day proficiency pay in addition to his regimental pay of 2s.?

The facts are not as stated. The gunner gets 3d. extra after six months' service only if be qualifies for first-class proficiency pay; the fitter with 2s. regimental pay gets an extra 3d. or 6d. after six months if lie qualifies for second-class or first-class proficiency pay.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will consider the adoption for the Army of a system of pay book similar to that in use by the Australians, which shows not only the debit side, as is the case now in this country, but the credit side also?

The question has been fully considered, and it has been decided that the adoption of the Australian book is riot desirable. An improved form of pay book has, however, been approved and will shortly be issued.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that soldiers have been punished for asking for pay which they believed they were entitled to; if he is aware that many soldiers have complained that they were left short in their payments and that if they complain or dispute their pay-sheets they incur the displeasure of their superiors and are liable to detention and other forms of punishment; and if he will say what protection there is for soldiers who dispute the accuracy of the payments which their accounts are debited with?

No. Sir; my attention has not been called to matters referred to in the question. If the hon. Member will refer to Section 43 of the Army Act he will see the procedure whereby soldiers may prefer any complaint they may desire to make.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if discharged soldiers hitherto employed as guards for forage stores have been replaced by women in Cheshire; what increase in cost for wages per week is involved by the change; what the total increase in cost per week for England and Wales is caused by this change; and how much per ton of forage handled this change will mean?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under some misapprehension. I am informed that the only forage store in Cheshire is a building that is shared with the Ordnance Department, and their night watchman guards the very small stock of hay therein. No women have been employed on duties of this nature in Cheshire, and the remainder of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether he has been informed of the case of a young man who gave up his employment in Argentina in order to come home to serve, who eventually became an officer. was wounded at the front, and died in hospital in London; if he is aware that the young man's relatives had to pay £48 for burial expenses, and that the State bears no part of the burial expenses of officers who die in hospital in this country, merely providing a gun-carriage, if desired; and whether lie will consider if an arrangement can be made by which the State contributes a fixed sum towards the burial expenses of all officers dying in hospital in this country during the War; and (2) whether the State makes any contribution towards the burial expenses of officers of the Canadian, Australian, or other Colonial Forces who she in hospital in this country?

The special case referred to had not been brought to my knowledge, but the general rule as regards officers is that, beyond providing the gun-carriage, the State makes no contribution to the cost of officers' funerals at home unless special cause is shown, when the ease is considered on its merits. Normally the families of these officers are resident in this country and are in a position to make their own arrangements. I think the hon. Member will sec that this plan meets the hardest cases better than the making of a fixed contribution. In the case of officers of the Dominion Forces, whose families are in the majority of cases not in this country, it is the practice to pay the funeral expenses.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether anything has been done to bring the disability pensions granted to soldiers and sailors in previous wars up to the level of those granted during the present War; and, if not, whether he will give this question his careful and sympathetic consideration?

I am not yet in a position to make any announcement on this question, beyond saying that the matter is still under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Air Ministry what is the total quantity of flax purchased in Derry market up to the present; and how much of it has obtained the special grade?

I have been asked to answer this question. The total quantity of flax purchased by the Government in the Derry market up to the present date is 274 tons. None of this has been of sufficiently high quality to be classed as "special grade."

asked the Home Secretary whether it is the duty of aliens to register themselves; whether a person lodging an unregistered alien without payment is liable to be prosecuted and fined; and are persons lodging unregistered aliens in public - houses, boarding - houses, and cottages liable to be prosecuted and fined?

With the exception of female alien friends who were resident in the Metropolitan Police district prior to the 14th February, 1916, all aliens are required to register with the police under Article 19 of the Aliens Restriction Order, and paragraph 2 of Article 19 provides that where an alien is lodging with or living as a member of the household of any other person it shall be the duty of that person either himself to furnish with respect to the alien the particulars which the alien is required to supply on registration, or to give notice of the presence of the alien in his household to the registration officer. Persons not complying with the Order are liable to prosecution.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received a letter from the British Brush Manufacturers' Association with reference to the brushmaking industry started in the Isle of Man for prisoners of war, in which they make a series of complaints; and, if so, what reply lie has made?

I am in correspondence with the association and on the 21st of this month I sent them a letter promising a further communication as soon as the contents of their previous letters had been examined and considered. I hope before long to be able to arrange an interview with the association in accordance with their request.

asked the President of the Local Government Board, whether he is aware that the Oxford Board of Guardians has applied for permission to close their Poor Law school at Cowley and transfer the children to scattered homes, converting the school into a sanatorium for tuberculous patients; is he aware that at a recent meeting a Local Government Board inspector made a speech opposing the proposed change; and whether he intends to give his sanction to the scheme?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. In addition to the Oxford children, the school receives children from other unions for whom there would be no accommodation but the workhouse, and as I could not sanction expenditure on the provision of alternative accommodation in existing circumstances I have suggested that the proposal to close the school should for the present remain in abeyance.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the draft proposals at present in contemplation for the reform of the conditions of entry into the Diplomatic Service?

The proposed reforms which follow the general lines recommended by the Royal Commission are at present under consideration with the Treasury. It is, therefore, not possible to lay any papers at the present stage.