asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that three girls have been appointed over seers in the men's department at an explosives works; if he is aware that the workmen are resenting women being employed as overseers in such departments; if he can state whether discharged soldiers can be appointed for such work; and if he will take action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. Women overseers are in certain cases employed as assistants to Admiralty inspectors. Their duties are confined to observation and notation. No executive or disciplinary action is entailed. They do the work very well. As regards employment of discharged soldiers and sailors, I can assure my hon. Friend that we do our very best in every direction to find these men employment. And as regards the point that workmen resent women being so employed, I would point out to my hon. Friend that there are large numbers of cases where men are appointed to supervise women's work, and necessarily so.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the precedent that the Government have now offered a substantial monetary reward for inventions regarding oil fuel, he can see his way to recommend that suitable rewards be offered to inventors who can devise an invention for over coming the submarine menace?

As previously stated, it is not considered necessary or advisable to adopt the policy of offering large rewards in advance for the invention of means of combating the submarine menace. The offer of the reward of £2,000, to which my hon. Friend refers, for the solution of a limited chemical problem, the importance of which was probably not generally realised, within a specified period of time and subject to-certain specified conditions, has little or no direct bearing on the matter. Great prominence has already been given to the fact that suitable monetary rewards are and will continue to be made for useful anti-submarine inventions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, on reconsideration, he can see his way to give information as to our successful operations in capturing and destroying enemy submarines round our coasts during the past three weeks?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply to practically the same question put by him on Wednesday last. My right hon. Friend the First Lord and the Board of Admiralty deprecate, as they have consistently deprecated, taking a short view in the matter of submarine warfare. On the whole, the general trend of submarine warfare has progressed quite satisfactorlly since the 1st January. The news from neutral countries from time to time published in the Press of this country, and the increased boastfulness and exaggeration of the enemy's published disclaimers, are proof of this, if proof were needed of recent successes. But the Admiralty is averse from taking the results, good or bad, of a short period. My hon. Friend has, of course, read recent communications in the Press describing encounters with enemy submarines. We shall continue to sanction the issue of these communications as and when the public interest permits.

Would it not be a fitting corollary due to the Navy, in view of the accounts published of the successful operations against Ostend and Zeebrugge, that this information should be given, and would it not tend to dishearten the enemy?

The Navy is under no misapprehension as to the gratitude of this House and of the country for its services, but we publish what is possible subject to the public interest. Beyond that we cannot go.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there is general disappointment at the fact that the standard of comparison has been altered in such a way as to withhold from the public the satisfactory news as to the gradual rise in the destruction of submarines, and would he not consider the possibility of reviving the weekly reports?

I think that my hon. Friend is too closely associating two different things. My hon. Friend asks for the reinstatement of the weekly list of ships sunk. We are giving a monthly summary, and if my hon. Friend will look at the answer given yesterday he will see that that matter is gone into.

Is not that monthly tonnage largely affected by—

The hon. Member must remember that there are 115 questions on the Paper, and if every question is followed by an argument we shall not go through half of them.

asked the total number of steamers reported to have been unsuccessfully attacked by enemy submarines from 1st January to 30th April, 1918?

The number of British steamers which were attacked by enemy submarines and which escaped undamaged during the period in question was 172. Similar information as to foreign vessels is not available.

How many of these vessels were damaged?

That was given, I think, in the weekly list.

They are described as unsuccessfully attacked when they are really seriously injured.

I will see what can be done.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that all engineer-commanders, Royal Navy, should by Order in Council retire at fifty years of age, but that, nevertheless, all such who reach that age during the War are retained in the Service and given acting rank and the lowest rate of pay, and do not receive the 25 per cent. addi- tional (which all who retired before August, 1914, receive), and that the number of this rank is growing and the dissatisfaction is increasing; and if he will have these officers placed on the retired list and, if required, reappointed, and so allow them their fair rate of pay and rank?

The facts are substantially as stated in the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. As regards the second part, these officers, under the existing Regulations, if retired and reappointed, would not receive the bonus. This point, however, is under discussion with the Treasury.

Has not justice been granted to men on the lower deck, and is it not only fair that it should be granted to these officers?

I do not think that the concessions to the lower deck is quite a parallel one with this 25 per cent., but, as I have said, the matter is under discussion with the Treasury.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the clothing allowance recently granted to naval ratings is to be given to all active service and pensioned ratings who are at present employed on overseeing duties?

Active service and pensioned naval ratings who are employed by the Admiralty on overseeing duties at ordinary naval rates of pay and who do not receive free replacements of clothing in kind are entitled to kit upkeep allowance at rates based primarily on the expense to which they are necessarily put for the maintenance of their clothing.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that in November last his attention was drawn to the fact that in Chatham Dockyard the Admiralty were not carrying out the spirit of the Treasury agreement nor subsequent orders made by the Ministry of Munitions in that certain women now engaged on work formerly done by men were not receiving the rates of wages which the men would have received, and that particulars of specific cases were supplied; and whether he is now able to give a reply to the representations then made?

The Clause of the Treasury agreement to which my hon. Friend refers is as follows:

"The relaxation of existing demarcation restrictions or the admission of semi-skilled or female labour shall not affect adversely the rates customarily paid for the job."

I have had before me a good many complaints about the carrying out of this undertaking. But, as a rule, it has been found that in the cases brought forward women were not doing the skilled men's job in its entirety, but only a portion, and in all probabilty the simpler portion of the job. We think our scale of payment for women is adequate and consistent with the letter and spirit of every undertaking which has been given. Of course, as my hon. Friend probably knows, where women are employed on piece-work, the piecework rate is the same for women as for men.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any representative of the engineering branch of the Navy was appointed a member of the Committee which is dealing with the pay and promotion of the engineering department of the Navy; whether he can state if any Report has been issued; and, if not, can he say when it is likely to be completed?

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to the committee set up by the Board, which is considering, amongst other things, the question of artificer engineers and engineer-lieutenants promoted from warrant rank. No engineer officer is serving on that Committee, but as the Committee is dealing with all branches, it would not be possible for each branch to be represented without making it too unwieldy. Representatives under Admiral Hyde-Parker are visiting the ports. They co-opt in each case three warrant officers as consultative members, and they hear witnesses. There is nothing to prevent them taking the view of artificer engineers, chief artificer engineers, and engineer-lieutenants promoted from warrant rank— and I imagine it is this class which my hon. Friend has in mind—in the course of their investigations. No report has yet been issued, and it is not yet possible to say when it is likely to be completed.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is proposed to increase the subsistence allowances paid to officers and ratings of the Engineering Department of His Majesty's Navy engaged upon overseering duties, so as to meet the increased cost of living, as has been done in other Departments of the State?

Presumably my hon. Friend's question refers to lodging and provision allowances. The question of increasing these allowances generally is under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty why the men employed on ruins-sweepers in the Harwich Patrol area, and who have been paid 37s. 6d. a week without board, have not been given the increased pay granted by Navy Regulations last November; and will he inquire why Commander Lyne, His Majesty's ship "Ganges II.," has decided that the increased pay does not apply to the men under his command?

It is assumed that reference is made to the case of certain mercantile ratings serving at weekly rates of pay, who have not hitherto received the increased rates authorised in November last to similar ratings already serving at monthly rates of pay. Orders have recently been issued directing that such of these men as are certified competent are to be placed on the increased monthly rates, and in addition are to receive an allowance of 1s 8d. a day in lieu of victualling, as from 14th November last.

Will that answer apply to the men named in this question, who are in the Harwich Patrol?

I cannot say, but if they come under the conditions stated in the earlier part of the answer, it will apply.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that a certain steamer in February last was loaded in Belfast and ordered from there to Falmouth, from Falmouth she was ordered to St. Helens, from St. Helens back to Falmouth, from Falmouth to Penzance, and from there ordered to St. Nazaire; whether she was loaded at Belfast for St. Nazaire; and whether he can state who was responsible for ordering this steamer from port to port, thereby wasting time and tonnage and increasing risk to the vessel?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part of the question, the vessel was ordered to St. Helens by a misunderstanding, which is regretted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this vessel was torpedoed?

No, I am not.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether by Admiralty regulations vessels in convoy are compelled to carry stern lights; whether he is aware that on a recent occasion some thirty-five vessels left a French port and navigated in two columns or lines of ships, each ship in accordance with Admiralty instructions showing stern lights, with the result that the convoy had at night the appearance of a lighted esplanade; and will he explain how he reconciles these Admiralty instructions with his reflections upon British shipmasters and suggestions that they were responsible for exhibiting lights in a manner seeking trouble?

Dimmed and shaded stern lights are used when circumstances render them necessary. As regards the statements made in the second part of the question, it has not been possible in the time at our disposal to verify these. But it is presumed that the vessels were showing lights ordered, as already stated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a feeling of dissatisfaction and discontent created in the minds of shipowners owing to the speech of the First Lord on the 5th of March?

That was in regard to showing lights against orders. This is in regard to lights shown by ships in a convoy. My hon. Friend is dealing with another matter.

Will my right hon. Friend put this right, because it has caused a number of shipmasters to write to me?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, seeing that he complained that masters of British vessels did not systematically adhere to Admiralty instructions regarding lights while navigating and the courses or routes to be followed, he is aware that vessels leaving French ports sometimes receive two different sets of instructions, one from the British naval authorities and the other from the French naval authorities; and whether he will make arrangements that only one set of instructions shall be issued to British shipmasters when sailing from these French ports?

The Admiralty are not aware that vessels leaving French ports sometimes receive two different sets of instructions. If my hon. Friend will supply me with definite instances of this having happened, inquiries will be made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he has any information to the effect that last month a German submarine shelled the town of Monrovia, West Coast of Africa, and that afterwards the crew of the submarine landed, stole the whole of the gold deposited in the bank, re-embarked, and escaped with the same?

My information is that an enemy submarine appeared off Monrovia on April 10th and shelled the wireless telegraph station on the outskirts of the town. It appears from the reports received from the Acting British Consul-General that the crew of the submarine did not land, and I understand that there is no foundation for the suggestion that money was removed from the bank.

Has Liberia declared war on Germany?

Yes; I fancy that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the German Army is in occupation of Sebastopol; and whether he has any information to the effect that the Russian Black Sea Fleet is in German hands?

The answer to the first part of the question is, according to my information, in the affirmative. I have no conclusive confirmation of the report that the Black Sea Fleet is in German hands.

asked the Prime Minister whether M. Letinoff is still in this country; and, if so, what steps have been taken to prevent him from advocating the principles of the Russian Revolution in this country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. If the question refers to M. Letinoff, the answer to the first part is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, all due precautions are taken, but, as I said in answer to similar questions in February last, it is not desirable in the public interest to discuss these matters by way of question and answer.

Seeing that the House passed a Resolution congratulating the Russian people on the revolution, are we to understand that it is objectionable now to advocate the principles of the Russian Revolution in this country?

It depends on the nature of the statement.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the recent discovery and development of oil in Egypt; whether the effect is to at once make Egypt self-contained and independent of outside supplies; what the prospects are of export; and whether the results obtained are due to private enterprise?

The development of oil in Egypt is receiving the close attention of my right hon. Friend the Member for the Strand, as the head of the Petroleum Executive. My right hon. Friend desires me to say that it is not in the national interests that information should be given in regard to the second and third parts of the question. The fields are being worked by private enterprise, to which all possible facilities are being given by Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a speech delivered on 1st May last by Councillor Wright, of the Seamen's and Firemen's Union, in which he stated that during the past seven months he had been in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and had met some prominent German Labour leaders, including members of the Minority Socialist party; and can he state how a representative of this union has been able to meet these German Labour leaders?

I know nothing about the alleged speech or the alleged meeting with German Socialists. Councillor Wright was given a passport in connection with an international conference of seamen from Allied and neutral countries for the purpose of considering the murders committed on seamen by German submarines.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) how gentlemen above the age of thirty-four and a half who have been refused admission to Officers' Training Corps solely on account of age are to have the same opportunities for obtaining commissions as those called up under the earlier Acts; (2) whether, as the Officers' Training Corps do not take cadets above the age of thirty-five years, all men of higher military age must first pass through the ranks before obtaining commissions?

Admission to the Officers' Training Corps is not restricted to men below the age of thirty-five years, and thirty-five men over that age have been admitted during the past month, but the establishment of these corps is limited, and all applicants cannot be accepted. Men who are called up to serve, and who fail to be accepted for the Officers' Training Corps, must pass through the ranks, and be recommended for commissions by their commanding officers in the usual way.

Will the hon. Gentleman see whether something cannot be done in the case of the older men of "between forty and fifty, who would have been treated as fit for campaign under the old Act, instead of now sending them through the ranks, seeing that otherwise they would have had to go through the ranks two years ago?

Establishment for these corps is very limited. We have, first of all, to consider the claims of men who have been Volunteers during the whole of the War.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a retired Army officer who is called up for service under the new Military Service Act will be entitled to be restored to his former rank?

Officers on the retired list still hold their commissions.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War if he is aware of the dissatisfaction that exists among parents of soldiers under nineteen who have been sent into the fighting line; if he will take steps to prevent other youths of this age being put to this ordeal; and if, with regard to the youths who have already been sent to the front, he will arrange for their withdrawal behind the firing line on the application of their parents or guardians?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave yesterday to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for the Harborough Division.

In view of the fact that the French Government keep boys out of the trenches, why cannot our Government do so?

asked the Under-secretary of State for War if he can give any details concerning Private T. J. Smith, No. 27879, C Company, 6th Wiltshire, no letters having been received from him since 6th April, and his parents fear that he is missing?

I regret that this soldier was officially reported missing on the 10th April last, and that no further information has been received.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction existing amongst the relatives of soldiers who are serving with the Armies in Egypt because they are not able to get any furlough; and if he is prepared to make representations to the commanding officers, with a view to getting a furlough for some of the men who have been out there for some time?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the position of affairs now make it possible to give leave to men serving in Egypt, especially to those who have not been home for two years or upwards?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the answer which I gave-yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for the Houghton-le-Spring Division. I am sure that the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief is taking steps to ensure that the claims of those who have been longest with the force receive every consideration.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the Cheshire War Agricultural Committee have withdrawn their protection from seven of the branch officers of the National Farm and Dairy Workers who took an active part in a recent strike, including in this action a president of the union, who is an experienced ploughman employed on a farm which has twelve men less to work it to-day than it had prior to the War, notwithstanding the fact that 30 additional acres have been ploughed; and if he will make it clear to all concerned that the Military Service Acts are not to be used for the purpose of victimising agricultural workers on account of labour disputes?

The Cheshire War-Agricultural Committee possess no powers to withdraw or to give protection to agricultural workers whose exemption from service has been cancelled by the Royal Proclamation. If the hon. Member will provide me with particulars of the cases of victimisation which he alleges to have taken place I will have specific inquiries made and the results communicated to him.

asked the Minister of National Service whether the Government have agreed to set up special colliery committees to deal with applications for exemption by men employed in collieries in South Wales, and to recommend exemptions; whether the grounds for such exemptions are, inter alia, that the workman is the main support of the family, that the family has already contributed a reasonable proportion of their members for military service, and that the workman was under eighteen years and eight months of age on 1st January, 1918, or was over twenty-five years of age on that date; whether in the Proclamation of 2nd April a man whose exemption is withdrawn thereby is only allowed exemption on personal grounds if he is the last surviving son of a widow of whom at least one son has died as a result of wounds received in, or sickness contracted by, service in the armed forces during the present War; and whether, having regard to the fact that Conscription was stated to mean equality of sacrifice, he will amend the Proclamation of 2nd April so as to give the same rights to exemption to the general public as to the miners?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative. As regards recruiting from the coal mines, a proportion only of the young men employed at each pit are taken for military service. Those men who are to serve are either chosen by ballot or by age groups. In all parts of the country the methods by which recruitment from the coal mines should be carried out have been left practically entirely in the hands of the local regional officials of the Ministry of National Ser- vice, in consultation with the local branches of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain and all concerned. This system has been very successful, and very little friction has occurred. The right of any miner between the ages of nineteen and twenty-three, who has been drawn in the ballot, to apply to a tribunal is subject to the same limitations as apply in the case of other persons of those ages.

asked whether a man who has obtained exemption on conscientious grounds is obliged to submit himself for medical examination if he receives an official notice calling upon him to do so?

Any holder of a certificate of exemption is liable, whatever may be the grounds upon which his exemption was granted, to be required to present himself for medical examination or re-examination. In ordinary circumstances the holder of a certificate of exemption on conscientious grounds who is complying with the conditions, if any, attached to the certificate is not called up for medical examination.

asked the Minister of National Service whether, in view of the uncertainty on the matter felt by discharged sailors and soldiers he can definitely state whether discharged sailors and soldiers have one year in which to find work of national importance or whether it is one month or thirteen months; and do the conditions vary with men discharged under different circumstances?

I think I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that there are not many discharged sailors and soldiers who have not received full information as to the time during which they may find work of national importance. I may add, however, that an Instruction is on the point of being issued under which all men. who have not already been informed of the date on which under the former concessions they are to find work of national importance, and who fall within paragraph 4 b of the First Schedule to the Military Service (No. 2) Act, 1918, are to be allowed an "opportunity period" of six months from the date of their discharge or one month from 1st June, 1918, whichever is the later date in which to obtain such work.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that the matter is made quite plain in his Instruction, because the men complain to me that they cannot understand what the Regulations really are?

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, there have undoubtedly been many changes, and the subject is complicated; but we hope this new Instruction will be very plain, and enable each man to see definitely how he stands.

asked the Minister of National Service if he can explain the difference between an estate agent and a house agent for the purposes of the National Service Act?

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the Military Service (Withdrawal of Exemptions) Order No. 1, 1918, issued under the Military Service Act, 1918. The difference for the purposes of the Order is that the term "house agent" which appears in Part 1 of the Order is not intended to apply to persons whose principal and usual occupation is the administration or management of land and the development of real property estates, but does apply to those persons who, according to their principal and usual occupation, are engaged in the letting or selling of houses.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he is aware that Herbert Horace Edwards, of 58, Milton Park, Highgate, aged twenty-nine, the only son and sole support of his widowed mother, has received a calling-up notice to take effect on the 14th May; that he was given non-combatant service by the House of Commons tribunal in June, 1917, that a calling-up notice served in December, 1917, was suspended owing to the death of his father in the previous July, and that he omitted to appeal until too late; and whether, in view of the urgency of the case, permission will be given this man to apply to a tribunal for exemption on the ground of exceptional domestic hardship?

The case of H. H. Edwards was decided by the London Appeal Tribunal in June, 1917, but, owing to the death of his father, no calling-up notice was issued to him until December, 1917. Subsequently his mother, Mrs. Edwards, applied for a, re-hearing of the case. This application was refused, and a calling-up notice has now been issued, which took effect yesterday. It will be noted that this man has been aware of his liability to service ever since his appeal to the tribunal nearly a year ago. The case cannot again be re-opened.

asked the Minister of National Service whether he has received any representation from the Bradford Tribunal as to the effect of the recent Royal Proclamation depriving men born between 1895 and 1899, other than certain sons of widows,. of any right of claiming exemption on personal grounds and, in particular, of its excluding from this right a man who is the sole support of blind and crippled parents, and other cases where hardship will be caused to the family by the calling up of the man in question; and whether he is able to make any modification of the existing arrangements to meet the position?

The attention of my right hon. Friend has been drawn to the letter which was addressed to the Local Government Board by the Bradford Local Tribunal. As I stated, in reply to the hon. Member for Blackburn on Monday, the Minister of National Service fully recognises the great hardships which are involved in calling up for service in the Army young men who are members of a family which has already suffered losses. He has most carefully reconsidered the question of widening the personal grounds on which a man may appeal to the tribunal under the Proclamation of 20th April, but has come to the reluctant decision that it is necessary to abide by the present Regulations. My hon. Friend will appreciate the fact that the task of raising the essential reinforcements for the Army, while maintaining shipbuilding, food production, and the output of munitions, is one of intense difficulty, and that the difficulty would become an impossibility if any considerable number of men, otherwise available, were granted exemptions on personal grounds of hardship. I need hardly say that the Government deeply regrets that the present emergency forces them to exclude such cases as that referred to by my hon. Friend from the right to claim exemption on personal grounds.

Has any attempt been made to make our practice the same, or as nearly as possible the same, as the practice in France and Italy, so as to have unity between the Allies?

I am afraid I shall require notice of that question.

Could not this particular class of case be reconsidered? It; is not numerous, and comprises men who are the sole support of a blind parent or parents—peculiarly hard cases.

I admit fully, of course— anyone must—the peculiar hardship of such eases, but unfortunately there are a very considerable number of peculiarly hard cases—

Blind!

Well, there are other cases of similar afflictions. We really have looked into the matter very carefully, with every desire to widen the law. There are a great number of cases involved.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that so far as it is possible proper compensation, allowances, and so forth, are provided for these cases, so that no hardship that can possibly be avoided results?

I shall certainly see to that.

asked the Minister of National Service if he will state to what extent the List of Certified Occupations (R. 136) is regarded as work of national importance for the purpose of the concessions to men who have been discharged from the forces as disabled, and whether any special consideration can be given to the cases of disabled men to whom their former employers have paid wages while in the Army with a view to their return to their former employment?

Employment in any of the industries mentioned in the List of Certified Occupations (R. 136) is regarded as work of national importance for the purpose of the concessions to disabled men embodied in paragraph 4 (b) of the First Schedule to the Military Service (No. 2) Act, 1918. This covers all occupations in those industries, and not merely the particular occupations specified in the list.

With regard to the second part of my hon. Friend's question, the Minister of National Service has decided that such cases are entitled to a special measure of consideration, and that in any case where an employer has paid to a former employé either part wages or other allowance while serving with the armed forces, the employé if he returns to his former employment shall be treated as if he were engaged in work of national importance.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Gunner Thomas Gent, No. 81,804, Royal Field Artillery, since transferred to the Military Foot Police, allotted his mother, Mrs. Gent, of 40, Nashville Street, Ordsall Park, Salford, 3s. 6d. on 4th October, 1916, and that he was the only support at home before he enlisted; and will he explain why Mrs. Gent is still in receipt of no Government allowance beyond the 3s. 6d. though he has been serving over eighteen months?

Mrs. Gent's claim to dependant's allowance was duly investigated, but was disallowed on the ground that she was not shown to be dependant on her son before enlistment. Mrs. Gent was so informed by the Paymaster in May, 1917, and by the War Office in June, 1917, and was at the same time advised that it was open to her to appeal against the decision on a form obtainable at any post office.

asked whether, in view of the fact that the local war pensions committees are now taking over the functions of the civil liabilities committees with regard to liabilities under £30, he can say on what basis Grants will be made?

It is hardly possible for me to explain, within the limits of a reply, the basis on which these Grants will be made, and I am, therefore, sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular issued to local committees by my Department, in which the conditions governing the Grants are fully explained.

asked whether an award of alternative pension to a widow is retrospective to the date of the warrant on the assumption that claim is made in respect of the husband killed prior to that date, but to whose case the warrant applies?

If a widow makes application for an alternative pension within three months of the cessation of separation allowance the award will take effect, as from the date of her "widow's pension." If she was in receipt of a widow's pension but could not claim an alternative pension under the old warrant and now becomes entitled to claim an alternative pension under the new warrant the award will take effect from 1st May if the application is made within three months of that date. I may add that widows' alternative pensions now current at the old rates will be re-assessed as speedily as possible, effect being given to the new rates as from 1st May.

asked the Undersecretary of State for War whether he is aware that the fourth number of the "Polish Review," a quarterly periodical established to advocate the cause of Poland, has been prevented from going to America; whether this is due to the censorship of his Department, and, if so, whether he will institute an inquiry as to whether this number of the review contains any matter which would be likely to injure either the cause of Great Britain or of the Allies?

It is considered that the circulation of the "Polish Review" in foreign countries would be likely to injure the cause of Great Britain and the Allies, and copies found in course of transmission from the United Kingdom are accordingly stopped by the Censors.

Has my hon. Friend read any issues of the "Polish Review"?

I have read two of them, and that is quite sufficient.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a recent decision in the Recorder's Court, Dublin, in the case of Michael Dineen, who sued Sir Bryan Mahon, General Officer Commanding the Forces in Ireland, to recover compensation for personal injuries and damage to his cycle when he was run down by a motor car conveying the General and two others; whether the defendant urged the plea that an action against the defendant and his chauffer was not sustainable as they were on the business of the King; and whether the Army authorities take the view that they are not liable in such a case, or, if such liability exists, what steps he proposes to take?

My attention had not previously been drawn to this ease. I am having inquiries made, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that the Central Prisoners of War Committee complain that the War Office have forbidden them to send any food or clothing to British prisoners interned in Holland; if he is aware of the effect of this prohibition having regard to the urgent need of the interned prisoners for food and clothing; whether he will take steps to have the prohibition removed; (2) if he is aware of the complaints that are being made by the relatives of prisoners of war interned in Holland on account of the difficulty there has been in sending money or necessities to them through the care committee, notwithstanding the requirements of the prisoners; if he is aware that in the matter of clothing some of the prisoners are especially in need by reason of the fact that on leaving prisoner camps in Germany they left behind as much clothing as possible for the relief of new prisoners, expecting they would themselves be better supplied in Holland; and what steps he is taking to remove the cause of the complaints?

The Netherlands Government have, under contract with His Majesty's Government, undertaken to supply food for British prisoners of war interned in Holland. Owing to the shortage of supplies in that country, the Government have recently been obliged by popular feeling to reduce the ration of bread and meat to that which is allowed to Dutch civilians. It seems probable that this ration is low, and the question of obtaining the permission of the Netherlands Government to supplement this with supplies from this country is under consideration. It is not considered advisable to allow essential articles of food which are rationed in this country to be sent to Holland.

The officer in charge of British interned in Holland has a considerable stock of uniforms on hand. These are issued when required and replaced on demand. The difficulties in regard to the transmission of money from this country to Holland are recognised, and it is hoped to make arrangements in the near future whereby these difficulties will be largely obviated.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the Government has yet received from the German Government full details of the trial of Sergeant E. A. Boyd, Royal Naval Air Service; and, if not, or in the event of the Government not being satisfied with the reply, and in view of the fact that this man is working out his harsh sentence, will the Government at once notify the German Government of its intention to make reprisals unless Sergeant Boyd is forthwith released and treated properly as a prisoner of war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I circulated on Monday last, not knowing it was my hon. Friend's intention to postpone it.—[See OFFICIAL REPORT, 13th May, 1918, col. 61.]

Will the hon. Gentleman consider that, as this unfortunate Sergeant Boyd has already suffered nearly six months of this very harsh imprisonment, it will soon be too late to make strong representations?

I said in my answer, which I carry in my mind, that no reply had been received from the German Government, and that the question of retaliation in this and other cases was before the military authorities.

Will the hon. Gentleman explain to the military authorities that it will be too late, as this man will have served his harsh sentence?

The matter has been brought very closely before the military authorities.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when we may expect an answer and a decision on this matter?

Of course, a question of retaliation of this kind cannot be treated in isolation from other similar questions, and the whole question of retaliation has now become a Cabinet one.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the Government has decided to make proposals to the German Government for an exchange of prisoners of war; whether the proposals will be for the exchange of men who have been in captivity for eighteen months, and also include interned civilians, and whether any proposals for an exchange of prisoners on these lines was made by the British to the German Government at the Hague Conference?

In so far as the question refers to the intentions of the Government, I fear I can add nothing at present to the statement made by my Noble Friend Lord Newton yesterday. As to the last part of the question, however, I may repeat what I have frequently said before—namely, that at the Hague Conference our representatives did propose that privates should be included in the scheme for transfer to a neutral country, and the Germans categorically refused.

May I ask my hon. Friend whether the proposals of the Government will be similar to those of the French Government and include men who have been in captivity for eighteen months and also interned civilians?

As I have said in my answer, I cannot go beyond what my Noble Friend said yesterday. I know full well the expectations that may be roused by an ill-considered answer on questions of this kind, and I should be very sorry to say one word which would disappoint the natural feelings of relatives and friends of prisoners if they were not carried into effect.

Is it not the fact that the French arrangement was published in the French papers ten days ago?

Well, a summary; but such summaries are often very misleading. I have not been able to get the text.

Did the British Government take any part in any of these negotiations for the exchange of prisoners, or was it only an arrangement between France and Germany?

The arrangement lately made in Switzerland was between French and German delegates only.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether he can state how many cases there have been of offences committed under Paragraph 453 of the King's Regulations dealing with communications and letters sent to the Press during the last four years by officers, non-commissioned officers, or men on service; and if he can state what procedure was adopted in dealing with each of these cases and also the punishments which were inflicted?

I am sorry that it is not possible to give this information.

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether he can state the method of procedure to be taken in the case of an officer on the active list who communicates information to the Press or to a military correspondent, or writes to the Press contrary to Regulation 453, King's Regulations; and whether offences committed under Regulation 453, King's Regulations, are subject to trial by court-martial?

An infraction of paragraph 453, King's Regulations, constitutes an offence under Section 40 of the Army Act. A commanding officer under Section 46 of the Army Act has the power either to dismiss the case or remand the officer for trial by court-martial. If this procedure be not adopted, there is the alternative procedure of disposing of the case by the Army Council under the Royal Warrant.

asked the Under secretary of State for War whether all the hay supplies and forage in this country are commandeered by the Army Council; whether he can state what percentage of these supplies are issued for Army purposes and how the balance is disposed of; whether he is aware that a feeling exists among farmers regarding the action of the Army Council in this matter; and what steps he proposes to take to limit the demands of the Army in respect of the requirements of the Service?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The great bulk of the hay crop is used by farmers and stock-breeders for consumption by stock in their possession or control. As I have previously stated some 2,000,000 tons remain over and are available for general consumption, of this the Army requires about 50 per cent. Steps are being taken to give the farmers adequate representation on the Central Council and the various allotment committees in connection with the Civil supply scheme, and consequently I hope that the feeling referred to will be allayed.

May I ask why the disposal of hay supplies should not be in the hands of the Department of Agriculture?

Our first consideration is necessarily supplies to the Army.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War if he will have a review of the sentence passed on Private No. 12649, B Company, 24th Welsh Regiment, on the 18th February last, when he was given five years' imprisonment by court-martial on the charge of assaulting a Greek at Alexandria; and will he take into consideration the fact that this man had served two years in France, where he was thrice wounded, and has a wife and four children, who are now left destitute?

I am making inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will inquire into the case of Gunner No. 100922, Royal Field Artillery, who was tried by court-martial in December, 1917, on a charge of being absent from picket duty and sentenced to 112 days' detention, and who has been released by the command of the Commandant of the Detention Barracks at Chelmsford on the ground that his conviction was unjust; and whether he will, in the circumstances, order that the offence be expunged from the record against this soldier?

I have made inquiries and am informed that a gunner, whose regimental particulars agree with those stated in the question, was tried on the 9th January for leaving his post when a sentinel and that he was released on the 27th February in the usual way on account of good conduct. The statement that he was released on the ground that the conviction was unjust is not correct, and the last part of my hon. Friend's question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War if he is aware that the men of the 2nd Pioneer West Riding Volunteer Regiment have been ordered to proceed to camp from Whit Saturday to Whit Tuesday; and, in view of the fact that this is a general holiday and that many of the men in the Volunteer regiment are now under compulsory service, whether steps can be taken to hold the camp at some other time, so that the men will have an opportunity of taking a holiday with their families at a time of general holiday?

Attendance at camp is voluntary for both officers and men of the Volunteers, and I am not aware of the issue of any instructions regarding compulsory attendance. As regards the holding of camps at holiday times, it is obviously necessary to select occasions when the men will be likely to be able to attend. The Whitsun holiday has always been selected as a suitable camping opportunity, and such camps have proved generally popular.

Is the right hon. Gentleman correct in saying that attendance at camps is voluntary, seeing that the notice calling these men to the camps must be obeyed unless they get special exemption?

I cannot add anything to the answer I have given, but if my hon. Friend will give me particulars I shall be glad to see them.

I will send them.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, as it has been recognised that medical personnel, including nurses serving on hospital ships and ambulance transports, are eligible for chevrons by virtue of such service, there is any reason why officers and men forming the personnel engaged in the transport of animals, including remounts for the various fighting fronts, should not be accorded the same privileges, seeing that the nature of their employment involves constant risk of being sunk by mines or torpedoed; and whether he will place these men on the active service list, and allow them to wear the red and blue chevrons and other distinctive badges as have been allowed to other branches of the Service?

Officers and men employed in conducting animals are, in common with those engaged in conducting drafts, ineligible for the chevrons in respect of such service. Many individuals whose duties necessitate journeys to and from the various theatres of war are similarly ineligible, and I am afraid it is not practicable to make any exception to this rule. The case of the personnel on hospital ships is not analogous, as such service is of a permanent nature.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a general seniority roster for officers, Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) has now been formed; whether promotion is by seniority or selection; if by the latter, what is the composition of the selection board; and whether he can give the length of service. Volunteer and Territorial, of the six senior officers on the roster, with the lengths of service of each in his present rank?

A general seniority list of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force) is now in existence, but its publication is dependent upon certain alterations in establishment which have not yet been finally approved. Promotion will be by selection from among senior officers who have been recommended by general officers commanding-in-chief, and approved by the Army Council. As regards the last part of the question, there are, of course, separate lists for the several ranks, and a list as proposed would be of little value unless each rank was specified. In view of the fact that promotion will be by selection tempered with seniority, I am afraid that the information would be misleading in regard to the possibilities of promotion of the officers concerned.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that some of these officers have from twenty to thirty years' service to their credit, and some of them have been for upwards of ten years in their present Tank?

I am aware of that, and I am hopeful that the answer I have given will remedy these hard cases.

ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will make arrangements for the cost of the full fare to be allowed instead of the half-fare offered to the mother in Bradford of a soldier lying wounded at Edinburgh, having regard to the fact that another of her sons is lying in hospital at Malta, whilst a third is serving in France, and all three sons enlisted during the first two months of the War?

I am afraid it would he impossible to make exceptions in individual cases to the general rule that a free warrant is granted only in cases of dangerous illness, and that cheap fare vouchers are issuable, under certain conditions, in other cases.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, with a view to carrying out the policy of preserving useful heifer calves, arrangements have been made for an adequate supply of calf foods in order to obviate the consumption of whole milk which the policy would otherwise involve?

I have been asked to reply. Arrange- ments have recently been made to increase the allowance of feeding-stuffs for calves up to six months to three-quarters of a pound per head per day.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether any lower-grade meal has been used with his sanction or knowledge for the purpose of bleaching calico; if so, whether he will consider the advisability of diverting such supplies from that purpose, in order that they may be used for the manufacture of dog biscuits; (2) whether ho is in a position to make any statement in relation to the release of material for the manufacture of dog biscuits or of other suitable food for these animals, or how soon may such a statement be expected?

A limited quantity of flour is being used under the licence by the textile and other essential industries. I informed the hon. Member in a written answer on Monday that arrangements have been made to release a limited quantity of flour for use in the manufacture of dog biscuits.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether any butter salted for winter use by householders under the arrangements now being made by his Department is intended to be set off against next winter's ration allowance of fresh butter; whether there is any inducement to householders to preserve butter under these conditions; whether it is intended to issue special ration cards or coupons for the purpose; and whether arrangements are being made by the local food control committees for the preservation of surplus summer butter on a wholesale scale?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the notice which has been issued to food control committees on this subject. Self-suppliers of butter are at present entitled to a 50 per cent. increase on the ordinary butter ration, and it is proposed to allow the same privilege to persons who preserve butter under the new scheme. No special ration cards or coupons will be required for the purpose. The Food Controller is giving all possible encouragement to the collection of surplus summer butter for blending, and is arranging for the provision of facilities for this purpose in districts where they do not already exist.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the profit allowed by method of rebate earned by the distribution of tea by the Maypole Dairy Company, Limited; whether it is the intention of the Ministry of Food to reduce the rebate allowed to these and similar trading companies; and, if so, by what amount?

The rebate allowed to the Maypole Dairy Company and similar companies on their retail sales of tea was calculated not to produce profit for those firms, but to meet certain expenses of buying. It is not at present proposed to reduce this rebate, but the question is being further examined.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether arrangements have been made to supply co-operative wholesale societies with additional supplies of tea to the extent of 50 per cent. of their datum period purchase; and, if so, whether similar arrangements will be made with other traders?

I may refer the hon. Member to the answer given yesterday to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for West Islington.

Can the hon. Gentleman give a definite assurance that exactly similar terms will be granted to traders and co-operative societies?

The change was designed to make the position of private traders and co-operators equitable, so that that assurance can be given.

Will the hon. Gentleman say if this allowance was made to meet the extra demand made for tea by co-operative societies, and will he give a similar allowance to other distributors who are not co-operative societies?

Other distributors receive their allowance on the basis of their registered customers, or on the trade as certified, and the change made has been designed to meet the great increase in the co-operative membership.

Yes, but where similar increase has taken place with traders who are not co-operative societies, will the same concession be made?

Yes, an assurance can be given to that effect.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food if he is aware that an Order has been issued prohibiting the fried fish trade from using edible cotton-seed oil and substituting the use of compounds; whether representations have been made to him that these compounds are totally unsuitable for the purpose as well as dangerous; and can he see his way to have this Order revoked and the use of cottonseed oil restored?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. So far as supplies permit, the fried fish trade are allowed to choose either cottonseed oil or compound. In only one instance has any complaint been received that a compound was unsuitable, and the issue of this was promptly stopped. I may add that, in order to economise cereals, every effort is being made to increase the supplies of suitable oils and fats for frying fish and potatoes.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been called to the number of pleasure vehicles drawn by two horses to be seen daily in the parks and streets; and whether he will consider the advisability of prohibiting the use of more than one horse for such pleasure vehicles, and so enable extra forage to be given to the horses engaged in hard commercial work?

My hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The feeding of oats and other cereals to horses used for pleasure purposes is prohibited under the Horses Rationing Order. The question of restricting the use of horses for pleasure purposes is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Housing Pan the Reconstruction Committee, presided over by Lord Salisbury, reported on the number of houses which ought to be built for the working classes immediately after the War and as to the best method of getting them built, and generally on the whole emergency housing problem; and whether he will lay the Report upon the Table for publication?

I have been asked by my right. hon. Friend to reply to this question. I propose to lay the Memorandum of the Housing Panel upon the Table.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feeling among women, especially among those who expect soon to exercise the Parliamentary franchise, that there should be no further legislation on criminal law amendment lines till after the next General Election; and whether, in order to respect this feeling and to save the time and energies of Parliament for more pressing affairs, he will decline to move for the Joint Select Committee on this subject to which the House of Lords invites, or whether he will defer the moving of such Committee till representatives of female opinion have been consulted?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The Bill recently introduced in another place deals with pressing questions arising largely from war conditions. It is desirable that these questions should receive early consideration and that the views of those who take a special interest in them should be ascertained, and I hope that the proposal to refer the measure to a Joint Select Committee, on which this House will be represented, is one that will commend itself to the House and to the persons interested.

asked the Prime Minister whether any change is contemplated in the status of the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire land or in his functions in the government of Ireland?

There is no change in the constitutional position, but in view of the present situation in Ireland, the Viceroy will exercise to a greater extent than has been the case in recent times the full responsibilities attaching to his office.

Will the Chief Secretary be accountable to this House for the government of Ireland, and will he have full control over the measures in respect of which he is accountable?

He will be accountable to the House. The position will be more or less that which has sometimes existed in the past. Both Ministers will have what is practically Cabinet rank. They will not be members of the War Cabinet, but will have the equivalent of Cabinet rank in ordinary times.

Will the Chief Secretary reside generally in this country or in Ireland?

It will be according as the duties of his position demand. We hope he will be available, as far as possible, for the work in this House.

What is the constitutional position of a Minister who has the equivalent of Cabinet rank without being a member of the Cabinet?

That is a problem. Cabinet rank has no constitutional position. It is just custom. The constitutional position depends on the office.

asked the Prime Minister whether he can state the reason why General Sir Bryan Mahon has been relieved of his command in Ireland?

I can make no statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister when an opportunity will occur of discussing the methods by which Members in the building are informed that a Division is imminent, more than one having missed that of Thursday last owing to the summons having been insufficiently loud or prolonged, or owing to the fact that it is in the more remote rooms un supplemented by any vocal or other announcement?

I hardly think that there would be a general desire for a discussion on this subject. Mr. Speaker has been informed that the bells did not fail to ring, and that the usual warnings were given in all the customary quarters of the House.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is only one bell in one corner of each of the very large Libraries, that no vocal announcement is made in the central one, and that three Members failed to vote last Thursday?

I was not aware that three Members failed to vote. I hope they would have voted in the wrong way if they had.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to statements made by the Archbishop of Canterbury at the annual meeting of the Central Church Committee, held on Tuesday, 7th May, to the effect that members of the present Government, even the foremost of the opponents of Church Establishment, recognised without reserve that some reconsideration of the Welsh Church Act was necessary; that promises have been made by the Government to the Church party as to the date and terms of Disestablishment; if so, what these promises were and by and to whom given; and whether, having regard to the fact that the value of tithe has risen from £78 in 1913 to £109 this year, and will rise to £130 next year, the Government will either introduce legislation to enable the Welsh county councils to commute the life interests of the clergy at the pre-war value of tithe and glebe or give them the option to refuse to commute them at all?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I have seen a newspaper report of the speech referred to, from which I gather that the Archbishop of Canterbury was referring to statements made on the 16th May of last year in the course of a debate in another place or to statements made by Ministers in this House and referred to in that debate. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 24th April last.

Am I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman that no assurances have been given to the Archbishop as to the terms and date of Disestablishment?

None except those made public.

asked the Prime Minister whether any appointment has been made to the Command of the Home Forces recently vacated by Lord French?

The answer is in the negative.

Can my hon. Friend say whether the appointment of Sir Ian Hamilton is in contemplation?

I cannot make any statement on that matter.

Before the Government come to a decision on this matter will they take into consideration the recommendation of one of the early Reports of the Select Committee on National Expenditure that the whole organisation of the Home Command should be reviewed, with a view to preventing overlapping of staffs, and consequent unnecessary expenditure?

All relevant facts will be brought to notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the number of payers of Income Tax last year whose incomes ranged from £130 to £300?

The information asked for is not available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that Income Tax is being deducted from payments made to officers in respect of their children; and whether, seeing that such payments are in the nature of allowances as distinct from pay, he will state under what legal authority those deductions are made?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on the 16th and 24th April to questions on this subject asked respectively by the hon. Member for the Everton Division and by the right hon. Member for Woolwich, of which I am sending him copies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can state the amounts of Five per Cent. War Loan, 1929–47, and Four per Cent. War Loan, 1929–42, that have been purchased in accordance with the conditions of the prospectus?

The amount of War Loan purchased up to date with the Depreciation Fund, to which I think my hon. Friend refers, is:

5 per Cent. War Loan, 1929–47, £37,535,000.

4 per Cent. War Loan, 1929–42, £10,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that an Order was issued on 26th March, 1918, by the Board of Customs and Excise governing the annual leave allowed to officers during the years 1918 and 1919; whether he has noted in that Order that Customs and Excise officers normally entitled to thirty-two days' leave per annum are now only allowed eighteen days', despite the fact that their superior officers, normally entitled to thirty days' annual leave, are given twenty-two days' annual leave; whether he will take steps to ensure that these officers, who have been victims of every reorganisation of the Customs and Excise service, shall no longer be penalised in their leave; and whether he will consider that some compensation is now due to them?

The Order of the 26th March last respecting annual leave refers not to the years 1918 and 1919, but to the current leave year, which runs from April, 1918, to March, 1919. It provides that for the present the leave to be allowed to officers and surveyors is not to exceed eighteen and twenty-two working days respectively (periods which I think the House will agree are not illiberal under war conditions, especially as the men get public holidays in addition), and it definitely states that further consideration will be given to the question of leave in October next. As I informed the hon. Member on the 20th and 29th November last, all leave is subject to the requirements of the public service, and no question of compensation arises if the leave given falls short of the maximum.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that during the week ending 4th May the proceeds of National War Bonds amounted to £12,596,000, whilst the deficiency to be made good by borrowing from all sources in the Budget Estimate is just under £41,000,000 a week, he will state what action he proposes to take to meet this deficiency?

I cannot add anything to the statements made yesterday in the House.