asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, despite the provisions of the Finance (New Duties) Act, 1916,1. 5 (6) and (d), the officials of the Customs Department have attempted to exact payment of the Entertainments Tax from the local organisers of lectures delivered under the authority of the University of Oxford in various provincial centres; and whether he will instruct the officials concerned to desist from interference with work which is purely educational?

No case of the nature described has been brought to my notice, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars of any case in which he thinks the Board of Customs and Excise are not acting in accordance with the provisions of the Statute referred to, I will inquire into the facts.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether persons constantly visiting London and the Home Counties, but remaining on each visit for less than four days, require to apply for a food and meat card under the arrangements coming into force on 25th February; if not, whether such persons can obtain food at hotels and clubs on production of their national registration cards; and are there any other rules which govern these means of getting food?

Visitors to London will be able, if their stay in the London and Home Counties area does not exceed four days on any occasion, to obtain butter and margarine in hotels and clubs without any formality, and to obtain meat meals at any catering establishment on production of their national registration card, and on signing a declaration. I may add that it is in contemplation that all areas throughout the country adopting schemes on lines substantially identical with those of the London scheme should honour each others food and meat cards.

asked if the amount of each quality of beef at any retail shop which a person may receive for the 5d. value of his meat coupon is clearly denned; if butchers will be instructed to put notices conspicuously in their shops stating the amount; and if Regulations will be made to prosecute them if they attempt to tender less or inferior quality?

The meat coupon represents 5d. worth of butcher's meat, and not any special weight of meat. Butchers are already required to display in their shops schedules of the prices of the usual cuts of meat, and a butcher is liable to prosecution for contravention of the Order if he exceeds the maximum price or gives false weight.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he will definitely define what food hoarding comprises, and when the stock of provisions in a house amounts to a quantity which comes under such heading?

It would not, in my opinion, be advisable to attempt any precise definition of what constitutes hoarding in view of the difference of circumstances affecting town and country life. Each individual case must be judged on its merits. It has, however, been indicated for the guidance of householders in connection with the recent Amnesty Order that a fortnight to three weeks' supply of any of the staple articles of food need not be regarded as excessive, but that stocks for longer periods should only be held by people living in districts remote from any source of supply.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the names of food hoarders who take advantage of the new week of grace scheme will be published; whether the quantities of food so hoarded will be made known; whether, in arriving at the proportion to be paid to these people for their hoards, such payment will be based on the price paid by them for the food or at the present enhanced market price; whether, in the event of any person destroying food fit for human consumption in order to avoid the penalty of publicity, a sentence of penal servitude will be enforced; and whether he will now state the total weight of food essentials per head any household may retain without contravention of the Regulations as to food hoarding?

The enforcement of the Food Hoarding (Amnesty) Order will be in the hands of local food committees. It is not clear that any advantage would be gained by the publication of the names of persons who surrender their stocks, although the aggregate amount of stocks surrendered may be of public interest. The Order provides that a food committee shall pay the person surrendering articles of food the sum ascertained by them to be equal to one-half the net proceeds of sale. The answer to the last two parts of the question is in the negative.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if, in view of the uneasiness caused amongst allotment holders by the fear that the Government intend to take over all supplies of potatoes they may produce, and, in order to ensure the greatest possible production of potatoes and other crops, he will give an official assurance that cultivators of allotments will be allowed to retain such produce as they may raise for their own family consumption without being held to be guilty of hoarding?

The announcement issued by the Food Controller on 1st January expressly states that the potatoes to be taken over will not include potatoes grown by the grower for his own consumption or grown on holdings having less than one acre under potatoes. As has already been announced, the Food Hoarding Order does not apply to home-produced food in the possession of the producer.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that complaints are made that in food distribution discrimination is made against co-operative shops; and whether he will take care that there shall not be any such discrimination?

General complaints to the effect suggested in the hon. Member's question have been received by the Food Controller. He will be glad to receive particulars of specific cases of discrimination against co-operative shops and to take steps to secure that they shall be treated on an equal footing with all other retailers in regard to food distribution.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that there are complaints by railway men, stone quarry men, and others in South Shropshire that wholesale traders refuse to supply co-operative societies with their fair share of supplies because they want to smash these co-operative societies; and if he will take steps to secure for these co-operative societies an equal share of the necessities of life which are supplied to private shops?

If the hon. Member will give me full details of the oases of refusal of supplies to which he refers the Food Controller will be glad to have careful inquiry made into them, and to take steps to secure that the societies concerned are placed on an equal footing with other retailers as regards supplies.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the Leicestershire Chamber of Agriculture to the effect that the grading of store cattle will in every way be detrimental to the interests of agriculture and the country; and what steps it is proposed to take in the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The grading of store cattle is not at present in contemplation.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the preference of 5s. 3d. per quarter given to brewers over millers in purchasing barley which prevents the best quality from being used in bread and ensures it being used in beer is still continued, or whether the reconsideration. promised to the hon. Member for Haggerston has been given to this subject; and, if so, with what result?

Clause 3 (6) of the Grain (Prices) Order, 1917, has been revoked as from 1st March, 1918.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether the Food Controller has fixed the maximum prices for imported beef, mutton, and lamb from the United States at less than the prices for English meat; if so, whether this was done against the advice of the importing firms in this country; whether the result of fixing such prices has practically stopped all meat imports from America and that ships with refrigerating space are now being used for other purposes; whether an additional supply of meat can be at once obtained from the United States if prices are altered; and whether, in view of this, he will at once take action on these lines and also consult the importing firms as regards the matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. The importation of meat from America, mainly for Army purposes, is larger at the present time than it has been for many years, and the fullest use is being made of all the refrigerated space available. The Ministry of Food has undertaken by arrangement with Mr. Hoover to purchase in the United States the whole of the supplies of meat than can be obtained for this country. The Food Controller is advised on all matters relating to the importation of meat by an Importers' Sub-Committee of the Central Advisory Committee on Live Stock and Meat Supplies.

asked what steps the Government have taken to instal machinery in Ireland for the manufacture of potato-flour?

One potato-flour mill is already fully working in Ireland, and representatives of the Department are inspecting sites and buildings with a view to the installation of further plants for making potato-flour and farina. Two complete farina plants of large capacity have already been ordered for Ireland.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he proposes to commandeer all stocks of coco-nut oil, copra, palm oil, and palm kernels now being wasted in making soap?

The Food Controller has already taken possession of all seeds, nuts, kernels, oils, and fats in or to arrive in the United Kingdom. These commodities are allocated by the Ministry of Food in a strict order of priority, to which the manufacture of edible fats is given priority over soap-making.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that exports of tea and other essential commodities are taking place; and whether he has any control over the same?

No export of tea or of any essential foodstuff takes place except as approved by the Ministry of Food, nor is any export licence granted for such commodities except upon special grounds.

asked whether, in the event of there being some improvement in the amount of sugar available, the claims of the confectionery trade to a mitigation of the reduction of 75 per cent. in its supplies will be considered?

There is no prospect of any improvement in the national stocks of sugar so long as the War continues or of a larger quantity being furnished to the confectionery trade than the 25 per cent. of its 1915 allowance which it has received since last spring.

asked whether, when the Order fixing margarine prices was issued last November, an exemption from it was given for a month to the brand known as "Plate"; why this was done; whether it has led to mistaken prosecutions; and who is the proprietor of this brand?

Exemption for three weeks from the provisions of the Margarine (Maximum Prices) Order, 1917, was granted to the brand known as "Plate" by reason of the extra expenses which had been incurred in putting margarine of that brand into packets. Mistaken prosecutions did, in some cases, take place, owing to the fact that all the prosecuting authorities had not been informed in time of the granting of this exemption. The proprietors of this brand are Planter's Margarine Company, Limited.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to make a definite statement as to the arrangements of the rationing of soldiers while on leave?

It is proposed to provide soldiers returning on leave from overseas with special journey tickets which will enable them to purchase food at railway refreshment rooms and other establishments specially established for the purpose. The military authorities in France have also been authorised to permit the soldier returning to England to purchase three tins (12 ozs. each) of preserved meat from Army stocks in France. On arrival at his home the soldier will receive a food card on application to the local food authorities on production of his furlough form.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state the present meat ration per diem in force for enemy prisoners of war and interned enemy civilians, respectively, and whether for one or more meals; is the weight of the ration ascertained before or after cooking; if so, what is the reduction of weight in cooking; is bacon, game, or poultry reckoned as part of the ration; and will steps be taken to ensure that no enemy alien is permitted to receive a greater meat ration than is allowed by the Food Controller to the public?

I do not think I can usefully add anything to the reply which. I gave to the hon. Baronet the Member for Hawick Burghs on this subject on the 5th February. I then said that the dietary for interned alien enemies has been revised from time to time so as to conform with the rations recommended or ordered by the Ministry of Food, and is at present under reconsideration in consultation with the Ministry.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if a large villa, formerly a residential hall for students, has been rented in Oxford as an office for the Live Stock Commissioner under the Ministry; and, if so, whether he will state the rent of the house, whether it is conveniently situated for the work of the Commissioner, the salary to be paid to the Commissioner, and the number and salaries of his staff?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The rent of the house, which is conveniently situated for the work of the Commissioner, is £150 per annum. The salary paid to the Commissioner is £600 per annum, and the number and salaries of his staff are as follows:Seven Sub-Commissioners — Three at £300, one at £200, and three at £150 per annum.Secretary—£350 per annum.Eighteen clerks and typists at salaries ranging from £39 to £250 per annum.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what are the Government's intentions with regard to the development of the Arigna coal mines; and whether the Government are prepared to construct a line of railway connecting Arigna with Collooney or to give powers and facilities to any company which is willing to construct and work the said railway and develop the mines?

Provisional sanction has been given for the construction of a short line of light railway which would connect the Anigna mines with the Cavan and Leitrim Railway. There is at present a difficulty in obtaining rails which I hope may be overcome. If the hon. Member has in view a contractor who possesses the means of carrying out this work I shall be glad if he will give me any information he can on the subject, as I am anxious that the necessary works shall be carried out. I see no possibility of the construction of a railway from Arigna to Collooney during the War.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he has received any complaints from Dublin builders or owners of destroyed property in Dublin with reference to the holding up of supplies of timber that are urgently required for buildings in the course of erection in Abbey Street and O'Connell Street; and if he will cause instructions to be issued immediately for the release of timber and other materials required for these buildings?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I understand that complaints of the nature referred to have been received by the Irish Office, but, so far from timber supplies having been held up, I may say that the matter has been most sympathetically considered. A representative of the Timber Controller was sent to Ireland specially to go into the matter, and in the middle of December last a scheme was placed before the Dublin civic authorities which, upon receipt of their assent, will be proceeded with.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Royal Warrant on the rank of officers, published as Army Order 35, of 1915, applied on its issue to the rank of brigadier-general, when it was decided to revert to the older Regulation that brigadier-generals should rank according to their substantive rank and not according to the date of their appointment; and will he give the date and text of any Order or Instruction on the subject issued by the Army Council?

Army Order 35 did not apply to the rank of brigadier-general, whose relative seniority between themselves is determined by their seniority in their permanent rank, under paragraph 224, King's Regulations. Army Order 35 merely placed temporary officers, Special Reserve officers, and Territorial Force officers on the same footing, from the 5th August, 1914, as Regular officers. There was no "reversion"; the old Regulation was never altered.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will give the dates and text of all Orders and Instructions issued by the Army Council since the issue of the Royal Warrant on rank of officers, published as Army Order 35, of 1915, regarding the ranking of officers of all ranks of the Regular Army, the Special Reserve, the Territorial Force, and the New Armies?

I will send my hon. and gallant Friend copies of Army Orders 73 of 26th January, 1915, and 201 of 11th May, 1915. The former deals with the precedence of Reserve officers and the latter with officers holding temporary rank below that of colonel.

asked what date is taken as the date of the substantive rank of a brigadier-general of the New Armies who is not an officer or ex-officer of the Regular Army, and who holds no substantive commission and yet has to rank with other brigadiers according to their substantive rank?

If he has held during the War a lower rank than brigadier-general, e.g., the command of a battalion, his precedence would be determined by the date of such rank, but if he has been appointed direct to the rank of brigadier-general, he remains junior to any who have held junior ranks and subsequently become brigadier-generals.

asked what amendments, if any, have been made to the Royal Warrant on rank of officers published as Army Order 35, of 1915; and when such amendments were made?

No amendments have been made to this Army Order.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether Orders have been issued at the Ledbury Camp, near Chepstow, that no men are to hold converse with German prisoners working there; whether, in accordance with these Orders, two men refused to go amongst the prisoners in search of missing tools and to question the prisoners regarding them; whether, in consequence, the men were court-martialled and sentenced to forty-two days' detention in a military prison; and whether the War Office proposes to intervene in the matter?

If my hon. Friend will give the numbers, names, and units of the soldiers concerned, the matter will be considered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that (there is dissatisfaction amongst men who joined the Territorials and New Army in 1914; that the 1914 star and riband has not been awarded to them, notwithstanding their willingness to proceed overseas at that period as expressed by their joining the Colours immediately upon the outbreak of War; whether he will consider the advisability of expending the decoration to such officers and men; and, if not, whether the Army Council will consider the granting of a special decoration to all those who enlisted previous to 1st January, 1915?

The whole question in regard to the grant of a distinction to Territorial corps and units of the New Army in commemoration of their service in 1914 has been considered in connection with the general question of the granting of decorations for service during the War. It is considered that the decisions which have been arrived at will provide an appropriate distinction, or distinctions, to all those who accepted Imperial Service in 1914.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, according to Army Council Instructions, officers in medical charge of units have to examine all men on joining to see if they require dental treatment; if so, whether such medical officers have in all cases gone through a sufficient training in dental work to enable them to perform this duty satisfactorily; and whether, in view of Army Council Instruction 1122, of 1916, any order can be issued in any command or garrison authorising an inspection by dental officers to see if the dental inspection by the medical officer has been thorough and if his recommendations have been properly carried out?

The answer to all three parts of my hon. Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part I may explain that dental surgeons are available in cases of doubt, and frequently carry out inspections where a special opinion is required.

asked whether inspecting dental officers have been appointed in each command in this country; and, if so, whether they have authority to act on their own initiative or merely to report to the Deputy-Director of Medical Service and to act on instructions given by him?

Inspecting dental officers have been employed in commands at home since December, 1915. These officers carry out their duties under the instructions of Deputy or Assistant Directors of Medical Services, who are responsible to general officers commanding for the physical fitness of all soldiers. Subject to such general instructions, inspecting dental officers naturally act on their own initiative.

asked whether any qualified dental surgeons have been or will be put into Labour battalions instead of being employed on Army dental work?

I know of no cases in which dental surgeons have been put into Labour units and, as far as I am aware, there is no intention of doing so.

asked whether any Army Order exists forbidding the transfer of dental surgeons with combatant and other commissions to the dental service?

There is no Army Order forbidding such transfers, but so long as dental surgeons are available for commissions from the ranks it has not been the practice to transfer commissioned officers.

asked how many British motor dental ambulances or lorries are in active operation on our various fronts; how many dental ambulances or lorries have been given or offered to the War Office; how many of such gifts or offers have been accepted and how many refused; and if any of such gifts accepted have not been used?

Four motor dental ambulances are in active operation at the front; —all in France. Five such ambulances have been offered and accepted, none have been refused. Four have been delivered, and, as far as we are aware, are in use. The fifth ambulance has not yet been received.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when the remainder of the amount of £205 16s. 6d. awarded by the valuer to the Royal Commission on Losses to Mr. L. E. Sunderland, of 43, Carrington Street, Nottingham, will be paid; and, further, when the amount of rent due to Mr. Sunderland on 25th December, 1917, will be paid?

As soon as the award of the Commission in this case is known payment will be made in accordance therewith. So far as I am aware no rent is due to be paid to Mr. Sutherland.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Lieutenant-Colonel Charles A'Court Repington, military correspondent to the "Morning Post" newspaper, has completely severed his connection with the Army; if so, on what date and under what circumstances; whether he is still entitled to wear uniform at home or abroad; and whether he is permitted to describe himself as lieutenant-colonel in the articles which he contributes to the journal with which he is now connected?

He is a retired officer, and no longer liable to recall for service. He retired from the Service in 1902 on his own application. As a retired officer he has the right to his rank, and is entitled to wear uniform. During the War the occasions on which he may wear uniform are restricted to those when he is employed in a military capacity and to ceremonial occasions of a military nature. He is not entitled to wear uniform abroad without special permission.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Viscount Esher has been appointed to serve in any capacity under the War Office; and, if so, whether he can state the nature of the duties which have been entrusted to him and the rank which he now holds?

The answer to the first part is in the negative. He receives no pay from Army Funds. His rank is honorary colonel in the Royal Artillery Territorial Force.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that soldiers arriving home on leave at Llandudno either late on Saturday night or early on Sunday morning are stranded at this junction till Monday morning and that they are obliged to walk, in order to reach their homes, in some cases a distance of over thirty miles; and, if so, whether some provision will be made to enable these men to proceed to their homes direct from Llandudno Junction either by train or by vehicle?

Yes, Sir. My attention has recently been drawn to this matter. The same difficulty occurs in other places, and I am afraid that, in view of the demands on the railways, it is not possible to hold out much hope of amelioration. In this instance I understand that the practicability of running a train is being considered.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War what progress has been made by the Committee appointed to prepare and submit for His Majesty's approval a plaque and memorial commemorative of the services of those who have made and will make the supreme sacrifice in the great War; and how soon will issues be made of the plaque and scroll to the next-of-kin?

Finished designs for the scroll and the plaque have been decided upon by the Committee, and their recommendations are now being put forward for approval.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state approximately how many badges have been issued by his Department to men who have never been on any of the battle fronts?

It is impossible to answer this question without examining the documents of every individual to whom the badge has been awarded, which is entirely impracticable.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office when the award of the Conciliation Board dealing with the claim for increased wages on the part of the civilian clerks employed in the Army Pay Department, Beggar's Bush Barracks, Dublin, may be expected?

These clerks are, I understand, all temporary. No award relating to such clerks has yet reached the War Office.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a soldier who has been awarded the Military Medal is entitled to a money grant or increase of pay along with it; and, if so, what is the amount of the increase of grant and pay?

He is not entitled to any additional money payment.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that the clerks and orderlies at the Labour Record Office, Nottingham, are receiving only 17s. 6d. per week billeting allowance, being precisely the same amount as was paid in 1914 before any increase in the cost of living; that these men have been disallowed fuel and light money; that these men are having to supplement their upkeep out of their own pockets; that when in need of fresh clothing they are supplied with second hand articles unfit for wear; and whether he will have inquiries made into the matter?

I am having inquiries made, and will communicate the result to my right hon. Friend,

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether a soldier who has been wounded on active service and is over forty-one years of age can again be sent out on active service

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the tinder-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that seven men belonging to the Non-Combatant Corps stationed at Rouen, having refused to load a truck with rifles, which they stated was an order contrary to the conditions under which they had accepted service in the Non-Combatant Corps, were sentenced to fifty-six days No. 1 field punishment; whether his attention has been drawn to the case; and, if so, whether he has taken any action regarding it?

I have had occasion frequently to explain the conditions of service in the Non-Combatant Corps. They are also known to the soldiers concerned. If the information which my hon. Friend tenders be correct the command which was given was a lawful command, and I am afraid I cannot intervene.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in the event of a man who formerly held the rating of petty officer in the Royal Naval Air Service (Armoured Car Brigade) being discharged after service abroad on the ground of unit disbandment, on being recalled for service with the Colours, he will be restored to the rating which be held on discharge?

If my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the men who were discharged from the Navy and immediately re-enlisted into the Army (Machine Gun Corps), their pay would be made up to the equivalent of what they drew while serving under the Admiralty, and they would be given equivalent rank. Men failing to take advantage of the offer of re-enlistment under these conditions, if subsequently called up under the Military Service Acts, would not be entitled to receive the equivalent of their Navy rank or pay.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can give the figures as to the recruitment of men from the shipbuilding yards and from agriculture during the War?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply. There are not in existence sufficient data to enable the information asked for by the hon. Member to be supplied.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he has decided not to recall to the Colours men discharged as time-expired but who have been wounded?

Any man who has been officially reported as wounded in the present War and has been discharged as time-expired will not be recalled to the Colours provided he is engaged in approved work of national importance.

asked the Minister of National Service whether there is any agreement between the British and Portuguese Governments as to the calling up for military service of British subjects of military age resident in Portugal; and whether he is aware of the number of such men at present engaged in civil occupations in Portuguese territory?

An agreement such as my hon. Friend refers to has not been made between the British and Portuguese Governments. Before the Military Service (Conventions with Allied States) Act was passed steps were taken to ascertain what British subjects in Portugal, fit for military service, were in a position to return to this country to undertake such service, and the number who registered themselves, after making allowance for those required to maintain British commercial interests in Portugal and those unfit for military service, was inconsiderable. The number of Portugese subjects resident in Great Britain is very small.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether a departmental warrant officer of the Indian Army is precluded from obtaining a commission if he has been away from his regiment for upwards of three years; and whether, seeing that such a system removes the chance of promotion from a considerable number of highly educated and efficient men, he will take some steps in the matter?

Non-commissioned officers of Indian Departments on promotion to warrant rank are finally removed from the rolls of their regiments and sign an undertaking to serve in their Department until legally discharged. While so serving they are, of course, ineligible for combatant commissions. They may, however, with the approval of the Divisional Commander, revert to regimental duty, but it is believed that none have applied to do so. Warrant officers serving in Indian Departments are eligible for promotion to departmental commissions in due course, but I assume that the hon. Member's question refers to combative commissions.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that the recent increase of pay granted to officers is intended to meet the increased cost of living, and having regard to the fact that the allowances made by the Civil Liabilities Commission are in respect of liabilities previously incurred by officers as civilians, he will give an undertaking that the allowances so made shall not be diminished by reason of any increase of pay or maintenance grant for children received under the new scale?

The assistance given to officers by the Civil Liabilities Committee includes assistance in respect of the maintenance of children, but such assistance can only be given to officers who are unable by reason of their military service to meet certain financial obligations, including the maintenance of their children, and are thereby exposed to serious hardship. All grants made by the Committee are in the ordinary course subject to review, and in reviewing cases the Committee are bound to take into consideration any alteration in the officer's financial circumstances. The Committee cannot therefore disregard the increase in the officer's pay and the new children's allowances, but it is not intended that there should be an automatic reduction of the Civil Liabilities grant corresponding with the increase of the officer's emoluments under the new scheme.

asked the Pensions Minister upon what basis the pension issuable to a dependant Class A is assessed; and whether the maximum 5s. provided under Article 22 (1) of the present Pay Warrant is issued regardless, of such assessed dependency?

The pension to a Class A dependant other than a parent is assessed according to the degree of pre-war dependence, unless that dependence was greater than 5s. a week, in which case the pension is 5s. a week.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in appointing county and other organising secretaries for the administration of pensions, preference will be given to ex-officers and soldiers; and whether he will see that, as far as possible, no candidate is appointed who has not himself served in the Navy or Army?

I have no direct control over the selection of persons appointed to fill posts on local war pensions committees, but I have recently urged upon the committees in the strongest terms the desirability of giving preference to disabled men when making salaried appointments to their staff.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen has been adopted on a large scale in Allied, neutral and enemy countries; and whether any similar stops have been taken in the United Kingdom, in view of the urgent necessity of saving the tonnage involved in the voyage from Chile and of securing an abundant supply of nitrogen both for explosives and fertilisers?

It is the fact that important developments have been made in Allied and neutral countries in the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen and considerable supplies are becoming increasingly available. It is believed that enemy countries are now relying entirely on this source of supply for the production of their explosives. Arrangements have been completed by the Ministry of Munitions for similar production on a large scale in this country and it is probable that, in order to save tonnage, and owing to the length of the voyage from Chili, it will be found necessary to develop this policy still further. This source of supply is also expected to be of great value after the War for the production of fertilisers.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether he is aware that the Lee Arrow Factory, Cork, is fully equipped for the manufacture of munitions but is to be closed down on account of shortage of work; and whether he will consider the advisability of taking over this factory and utilising it in the interests of the country?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for Cork City in answer to his questions on this subject on 24th January and 4th February last.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that changes involving the dismissal of several employés are being enforced in the National Shell Factory, Dublin; that several men have been dismissed and a number are under notice of dismissal; if he can state whether it is contemplated dismissing more of the staff; and whether it is intended providing other employment for those of the staff dismissed and left unemployed and without means of supporting their dependants in these trying times?

In the interests of the efficiency of the factory it has been found necessary to make certain changes of staff, but it is hoped that when the reorganisation is complete employment may be found for any efficient members of the staff who may have been placed temporarily out of employment.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the one rupee note now being issued in India is an unlimited legal tender, and is receivable for taxes and customs dues; what is its gold value; and to what amount its issue is authorised?

The answers to the first two questions are in the affirmative. The gold value of the one rupee note is that of the silver rupee, for which it is exchangeable on demand. No limit is specially fixed for the issue of these notes. The issue is subject to the statutory condition that the aggregate value of currency notes of all denominations issued by the Indian Government at any time must not exceed the value of the coin, bullion, and securities held against them in the paper currency reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has the right of unlimited paper issues without the sanction of Parliament; whether the Government guarantees the convertibility of the rupee notes in gold or in silver coin or in neither gold or silver; and whether, if the bullion value of a coined rupee rises to 1s. 8d. the Government of India will give the holder of the rupee note 1s. 8d., or, failing that, will they refuse to convert their note?

Under an Act of the Indian Legislature the Government of India have authority to issue currency notes of such denominational values expressed in rupees as the Governor-General in Council may direct, subject to the condition that the whole amount of notes in circulation at any time shall not exceed the total amount represented by the coin, bullion, and securities held in the paper currency reserve. The notes are payable to bearer on demand at the place or places named upon them, payment being made in rupees, or at the option of Government in sovereigns at the legal tender rate established by the Indian Coinage Act of 1906. The rate as at present established is one sovereign to fifteen rupees. It is not affected by tem- porary fluctuations in the rupee exchange on India, or the gold price of silver. The Government of India's sole undertaking is to cash notes in rupees.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether officers and other ranks remitting money home through the India Office are only allowed exchange at the rate of 1s. 4d. to the rupee although the Post Office and Civil Government rate is 1s. 5d.; and, if so, what is the reason for the difference in rates?

Instructions were given to the Government of India at the beginning of December last that remittances should be made or adjusted at the rate of 1s. 5d. the rupee in respect of all payments since the 1st October last. Sterling allotments made by officers and soldiers for the benefit of their families in this country have not been increased, but the rupee recoveries from pay in India have been reduced so as to correspond with the 1s. 5d. rate.

asked the Home Secretary if, in view of the fact that a war bonus has recently been awarded to the warders of Camp Hill prison, in the Isle of Wight, the Prison Commissioners can see their way to grant a war bonus also to the men employed there in building, most of whom have been so employed for the last eight to ten years and therefore cannot be reasonably classed as casual labourers?

These workmen are in receipt of the first two war bonuses allowed to Government employeés. The bonus given in December last was given only to permanent employeés, but the case of others such as the labourers in question is now under the consideration of the Treasury. The Prison Commissioners must wait till the decision of the Treasury is announced.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to the article of the military reporter of the "Morning Post" which appeared on Monday last; and, seeing that this article was of a nature to promote discord and want of confidence in this country towards our Ally the French Republic and having regard to the fact that Mr. Bertrand Russell has been recently sentenced to imprisonment for a similar offence, whether he intends to take any proceedings under the Defence of the Realm Act against the proprietors and the military reporter of the "Morning Post"?

I would refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had any Report from the Canal Control Committee as to the increased use of the inland waterways of the country; and whether he would consider the appointment of a central authority with Parliamentary powers to deal with the improvement and development of the waterways of the country?

As regards the first part of this question, I would refer the hon. Gentleman to the detailed account of the operations of the Canal Control Committee, given in the "Board of Trade Journal" for the 10th January, of which I am sending him a copy. As regards the second part, I am afraid I cannot add to the reply given on the subject to the hon. and gallant Member for Gloucester on the 14th November by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Reconstruction.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has had the case of Private Albert Blything, No. 49445, 10th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, brought to his notice; whether he is aware that this man, after paying premiums up to the 3rd of August, 1914, for thirty-four years, was killed in action on the 9th of October, 1916, and that the Prudential Assurance Company have refused any payment for his policy; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The case to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers has been brought to the notice of the Board of Trade, and inquiries are being made, the result of which I will communicate to him.

asked the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether the Board have authorised the payment of a bonus to all employeés on the inside and outside staffs of the waterways companies now controlled by the Midland Area Canal Control Committee; what is the weekly amount of the bonus and from what date payment was authorised; whether the Board are satisfied that the full amount due, in accordance with their instructions, has been paid by the companies to all employeés; if not, whether the Board will immediately take steps to secure the payment of all such amounts as have not been paid; and whether he will instruct the companies under its control to exhibit in a prominent place a notice of what bonus is due so that their employeés may know to what they are entitled?

The Noble and gallant Lord has been good enough to inform me in advance of his intention to ask a question on this subject, and the Board of Trade are making inquiries in the matter, the result of which I hope to communicate to him shortly.

asked the Minister of Labour when the Advisory Committee appointed to consider the claims of insurance agents for a living wage will give their Report; and if the recommendations of the Industrial Unrest Committee will be considered at the Inquiry?

No, Sir. I cannot at this stage name the date at which the Committee of Inquiry will report. In regard to the second part, the Committee will doubtless take into account any evidence that is relevant having regard to the terms of reference.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether an 80 per cent. Excess Profits Tax is levied on the owners of fishing vessels; whether fishermen owners of small boats and members of crews of small boats are taxed while the general public have to pay more for fish purchased because of this Excess Profits Tax; and if he will make a statement which will set the whole matter clearly before Parliament?

The profits arising from the business of owning and working fishing vessels, but not the wages of the crews of such vessels, fall within the scope of the Excess Profits Duty. The effect of taxation upon the price of commodities is a subject too large to be dealt with within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he has now secured any supplies of wire netting towards the protection of the 10,000,000 seedlings recently referred to by the Board as likely to be destroyed unless planted this winter; how far the planting of these trees has already gone or been arranged for, and what steps he has taken to press forward this work for which only a few weeks are now left?

The Department are still in communication with the Ministry of Munitions as to the supply of wire netting to protect young forest trees, and I am unable as yet to make an announcement on the subject. The planting out of young trees is going on as fast as circumstances permit, and the Board are doing all that is possible for them to do in the matter by drawing landowners' attention to the existence of the plants, by training women to supervise gangs of women planters, and by helping nurserymen with supplies of soldier-labour from Agricultural Corps.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into the conduct and administration of the Crown Colony, Patrington, Hull; whether he is aware that this colony was started largely with a view to supplying small holdings for ex-Service men who had knowledge of work on the land, and that the prospectus issued by the Board of Agriculture stated that the colony would consist of a central farm and sixty small holdings of about 35 acres each, including comfortable cottages and the necessary buildings for carrying on the holdings; whether he can state why these promises are not being carried out and why small holdings are not being provided on this colony to those who can work them; whether he is aware that numbers of ex-Service men who went there expecting to be provided with a small holding have been asked to work merely as farm labourers and have left the colony; and what action it is proposed to take?

The prospectus to which my hon. Friend refers announced that the Patrington estate had been acquired for the purpose of founding an experimental farm colony for ex-Service men, who would ultimately be allotted small holdings after they had passed through a probationary period of training as wage-earning labourers. Further consideration of the situation and character of the land in question has satisfied the Board that the estate can better be worked in the interests of the settlers as a single farm, and a scheme has been drawn up, and is now awaiting Treasury sanction, according to which the settlers accepted after their probationary period will become participators in the profits. It is anticipated that in this way they will secure a better living than from a small holding on this particular land. At the present time no large numbers of ex-Service men suitable for work upon the land are coming forward, but, without doubt, as the numbers of men discharged from the Army increase, the numbers of applicants for settlement on the colonies will also increase. The Department can find no ground for the suggestion that men have left the colony because they were required to work merely as farm labourers. They see no reason why a special inquiry should be made into the conduct and administration of the colony, of the full circumstances of which they are well aware.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture why Sergeant-Major F. W. Hymers, who served in the War for over two years and is a skilled market gardener, has not been supplied with a small holding as promised last October; is he aware that this man's discharge was marked "a capable man of excellent character "; and how, as no small holding could be found for this man, the large numbers which will be required for sailors and soldiers after the War are to be provided?

The circumstances of this matter, as they appear from the Board's official papers, are that on the 27th August last Sergeant-Major Hymers applied for a small holding on a land settlement colony, but stated that he was in negotiation for a holding in West Sussex, his letter indicating that he desired financial assistance for the purpose. On the 3rd September the Department asked Sergeant-Major Hymers to state definitely whether he was an applicant for land on one of the small holdings colonies or not. To this letter they have received no reply, although a further letter was sent to him repeating the question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that railway platelayers doing much the same kind of work as agricultural labourers get with the £1 a week war bonus 39s. a week, whilst agricultural labourers who before the War got 16s. a week and a free cottage now only get 25s. a week and have to pay from 2s. to 3s. a week for their cottages; and whether, as under the present cost of living this practically reduces their wages to about 12s. a week, he could see his way to letting them lave a war bonus sufficient to make the value of their wages up to the pre-war standard?

:The grant of a war bonus to agricultural labourers is a matter for their employers, and I should personally welcome any action in this direction which farmers might find themselves in a position to take. But as my hon. Friend is aware, the whole question of wages in agriculture will shortly be dealt with by the Agricultural Wages Board and the district committees now being established. In considering the matter the Wages Board will necessarily have regard to the increased cost of living in the light of the information which is now being obtained by investigators of the Board throughout the country.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the treaty entered into by this country on 18th August, 1916, whereby the entry of Rumania into the War was secured, is still operative; and whether subsequent events or understandings have altered its effect?

:The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative; that to the second, in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Prisoners of War Help Committee was notified by the Foreign Office on 15th January that the delivery of parcels to sick Russian prisoners was prohibited after 31st January; whether subsequently, as a result of correspondence, the privilege of sending parcels was extended to 15th February up to the limit of the previous monthly average; whether he is aware that, owing to present conditions in Russia, Russian prisoners in Germany are cut off from receiving any supplies or support from their own country, and that officers and men who have fought gallantly in the cause of the Allies are abandoned because of the circumstances of a revolution and the conditions of a government in which they have no share and for which they have no responsibility; whether he is aware that the records of the Russian Prisoners of War Help Committee go to prove that supplies provided by them have reached the Russian prisoners, and that these records are at the disposal of His Majesty's Government for inspection and scrutiny; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

:It is the case that, after consultation with the Departments concerned, it has not been found possible to continue after the 15th instant the dispatch of supplies from this country to Russian prisoners of war in Germany. This country, however, is not the only source from which supplies can be sent to Russian prisoners—if the term be still applicable—and if they do not receive supplies from other sources that is due to causes for which His Majesty's Government are not responsible. I do not feel that in the present circumstances, and in view of home supplies and requirements, the dispatch of food from this country to Russian prisoners in Germany would be either practicable or justifiable. I may add that His Majesty's Government have evidence that the supplies in question not infrequently fall into enemy hands.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) what is the present state of the negotiations with reference to an exchange of prisoners between Turkey and England; and whether the agreement recently reached at Berne between British and Turkish representatives has yet been ratified?

No news has yet been received of the ratification by the Turkish Government of the Agreement signed at Berne relative to prisoners of war.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether, in view of the fact that the Governments of neutral countries have raised no objection to the dispatch of parcels of foodstuffs to British prisoners of war and interned civilians, the Prisoners of War Department will reconsider their decision to prohibit the dispatch of such parcels, a prohibition which would inflict unnecessary hardship on our prisoners, who rely upon supplies from neutral countries to supplement parcels from England now cut down to a minimum; and whether they will take into consideration the fact that parcels from England are liable to far greater delays in transit and therefore reach their destination far more irregularly than parcels from neutral countries, thus constituting a far less reliable source of supply?

This question is full of difficulty. It has constantly been considered, and is now under review in the hope of devising some scheme which may to some extent meet the desire of my Noble Friend.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has now completed his inquiry relative to single warders and assistant matrons, Class 3, in the Irish prison service who, on the introduction of the new scheme of pay, 1st April, 1916, were paid 1s. 6d. less the maximum weekly salary up to the present date, and warders who got married since 1st April, 1916, are deprived of equal rights with other married warders, and that a few single warders with over thirty-three years' service are so affected; and if he can now state if this alleged injustice will be rectified and paid retrospectively to those officers?

The answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. It is not intended to grant the increase mentioned to assistant matrons and single warders, Class 3, nor to extend the concession to warders marrying after the date of the introduction of new scheme.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that the increase in the lodging allowance to prison officers not residing in prison quarters from 5s. to 7s. 6d. per week promised in the House of Commons last June will only be paid from 17th ultimo; if he is aware that the officers concerned believed that the payment, when made, would be retrospective from June last, when the increase commenced, and that they were disappointed that they would only receive payment from 17th ultimo; and whether the matter will be reconsidered, as it was generally believed, not only by the officers but the public generally, that the increase would date from June last?

The authority of the Treasury for payment of the allowances in question takes effect from 17th January, and no sanction exists for retrospective payments.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received several representations from the prison warders of Ireland with reference to their complaints on the subject of their present pay and emoluments; and, if so, what steps the Government are prepared to take to improve the condition of this body of Civil servants, and to give them such an increase in salary as will enable them to live under the present circumstances?

The question of the pay of prison officers was fully considered in connection with the recent revision of salaries of subordinate Irish prison officers, and increased rates were sanctioned and are being paid. In addition to their salaries they are in receipt of the temporary war bonuses awarded by the Conciliation and Arbitration 'Board for Government employés of their class. No further action can be taken at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland on what grounds the transfers of insured members of the St. Coman branch of the Irish National Foresters who have asked to be transferred from other societies over six months ago have been held back, seeing that those people have complied with the Act regarding forms, etc., and have appealed to the Irish Commission to allow their transfers to be granted; and when he will be in a position to facilitate the matter, seeing several members have no insurance cards and have been refused benefit from their old societies?

The St. Coman branch of the Irish National Foresters was not registered until 29th November, 1917. Applications of insured persons to transfer to that branch from other approved societies could not, therefore, have been considered before that date. The applications are now under the consideration of the Irish Insurance Commissioners, and it is hoped that their decisions will be issued at a very early date. Until the transfers are effected the insured persons remain members of their present societies, and it is the duty of such societies to supply them with contribution cards and to deal with any claim for benefit.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether it is his intention, under Section 17 of the Education (No. 2) Bill, to include as possible subjects for education Grants girls' clubs the general work of which is approved as educational by the authorities specified in the Clause?

:It is competent for the Board, with the approval of the Treasury, to make Grants in aid of any expenditure which a local education authority may lawfully incur on providing, maintaining, or aiding educational work, under Clause 17 or any other Clause of the Bill. My right hon. Friend need not say that the whole question of education Grants is receiving his constant attention, but he cannot commit himself at present as to the objects for which, or the conditions on which, Grants may be made in future.