Written Answers
War
Treasury Borrowings
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what were the actual amounts borrowed by the Treasury and the cost to the Government in interest during the two periods, nine months ending September, 1917 (third War Loan) and nine months ending June, 1918 (continuous day-by-day borrowing)?
Excluding issues of a currency of under five years and loans raised abroad, the total amounts raised in these two periods were £1,081,735,060 and £920,986,776, respectively. The annual charge in respect of these sums, allowing for premium on redemption, is at the rate of £5 5s. 5d. and £5 2s. 5d. per cent. respectively, or, if allowance is made for loss of Income Tax at 6s. in the £ in respect of the tax free issues, £5 6s. 2d. and £5 7s. 11d., respectively.
War Aims Committee (Staff)
asked the Joint Patronage Secretary to the Treasury whether all persons in the office of the War Aims Committee are sons of natural-born British subjects?
All persons employed at the office of the War Aims Committee are the children of natural-born British subjects.
Special Military Area (Tralee)
asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether Tralee has been proclaimed as a special military area; whether he is aware that permits to enter or leave have been refused to a number of workpeople, and they are, in consequence, unable to follow their employment; and whether, in considering the application for permits, duo regard is given to the circumstances in each case?
Tralee has been declared to be a special military area. No permit is required to leave Tralee, and permits to enter have only been refused to persons whom it was undesirable to allow in owing to their seditious and dangerous tendencies. I am informed that only four workpeople have been unable to follow their employment in consequence of a refusal of permits to enter. These cases are carefully considered from time to time. Due regard is given to the circumstances of each case in considering the applications for permits to enter.
Naval And Military Pensions And Grants
asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it has been decided to pay war gratuities in respect of officers and men serving in the Royal Navy during the present War, whether temporarily or otherwise, in the same way and on the same scale as those are paid for war services in the Army; and whether such gratuities will be payable in respect of all those who served at any time since the outbreak of war?
I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply which I gave on 10th July to a question on this subject by my hon. Friend the Member for Devizes.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the case of Sergeant W. Clarke, Leicester Regiment, who was so badly gassed that he had to spend eight months in hospital, but who has neither a wound stripe nor a silver badge and has received neither pension nor gratuity, and whose letters inquiring about these things are not even answered; and whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?
I am having inquiry made, and will communicate with my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what wages a soldier who has been lent out for farm work in the neighbourhood of his own home and who is living at home should receive; and whether the wife is, in such circumstances, entitled to any separation allowance for husband and child?
I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 8th instant.
Military Service
Dockyard Apprentices
asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that a number of apprentices in the Royal Dockyards who have been released to join the Navy or the Army were in the last year of their apprenticeship; and whether it is proposed to increase the allowance of these men when they are twenty-one years of age or whether they will only receive apprentice pay during the time they are on active service?
Amongst the men who have been released from the dockyards for military service in accordance with the general decision of the Government there are a number of apprentices in the last year of their apprenticeship. Like other dockyard employés who were serving in the dockyard at the outbreak of war, these apprentices will be eligible to draw the civil pay of their class in addition to the pay they may receive on account of their service in the Army or Navy, less the minimum pay of a private in the Army; but they will not be entitled while serving with the military forces to have their civil pay raised to the amount payable to journeymen mechanics.
Release Fob Substitution Work
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if a man serving in the Army Veterinary Corps who is graded B2 is eligible for substitution work on work of national importance?
The release of such men depends upon the nature of the work upon which they are to be employed, and each case is considered on its merits, having regard to the requirements of the Army.
Transferred Soldier
asked the Undersecretary of State for War what reply has been sent to the letter addressed to him, dated 10th June, 1918, by the father of Gunner S. W. Chapman, T. 4/210423, complaining that, after three years of unblemished service, his son has been transferred to a new regiment and had been deprived of his rank and suffered a loss of pay of 10s. a week; and what action has been taken, or will be taken, to restore this soldier's pay and position?
This case has involved much correspondence and is still under consideration. Mr. Chapman has been informed accordingly.
Recruits (Treatment)
asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will have immediate inquiry made into the treatment of the recruits at a training camp where full training has to be completed in fourteen weeks, and in consequence the men are subjected to sustained and strenuous work for which they are not physically fit; will he inquire also into the allegations that the food supply is altogether inadequate, and in consequence the men have to spend their pay at the Army canteen; and will he inquire further into the allegations of bullying methods?
As a result of inquiries which have been made I can find no foundation for the allegations made in this question.
Conscientious Objectors
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Maurice Applebaum, No. 32042, 3rd South Wales Borderers, of Morriston, South Wales, a Russian Pole, born at Warsaw, who is confined to Wormwood Scrubs for refusing as a conscientious objector to serve with the British Forces, can now be discharged and allowed to return to his native country?
I can add nothing to my reply to my hon. Friend on the 24th June last.
asked the Home Secretary what is the condition of health of R. F. Fairest, a conscientious objector in Canterbury Prison; and whether, as this man is alleged to be quite unfit for military service, he can order his discharge?
Instructions have been given for this prisoner's discharge on medical grounds.
asked the Home Secretary if instructions have been issued by the Home Office Committee for a conscientious objector named Parker, now on exceptional employment at Carmarthen town, to seek other employment; if so, will he say if his present employer has expressed any dissatisfaction with Parker's work; why a telegram has been sent to Parker that he must not return to Aberdare whilst seeking other employment; and, in view of the persecution to which this young man has been subjected by the Home Office at the dictation of the political opponents of his father, will he see that this persecution is stopped at once?
Parker's present employer recently decided to dispense with his services because of local opposition to the employment of conscientious objectors. The Committee instructed Parker not to return to Aberdare while seeking new employment; and they were subsequently informed that he was remaining at Carmarthen with his present employer. There is not the slightest foundation for a charge of persecution.
Medical Examinations
asked the Minister of National Service if he will make inquiries whether men at Bradford undergoing medical examination under the Military Service Acts are made to wait without any clothing for lengthy periods till their examination takes place?
Yes, Sir; I will make inquiries, and will communicate with my hon. Friend.
asked the Minister of National Service if his attention has been drawn to the recent practice of sending recruits resident in Greenock to Stirling for medical examination; whether the recruits, after examination, require a few days later to proceed to Glasgow; whether he is aware that railway passes are not granted; and will he take steps in future to provide free railway passes and rations and compensation to recent recruits for the expenses they have incurred in joining the Colours?
Inquiries have been made, and I understand that certain recruits are sent to Stirling for medical examination. Recruits only proceed from Stirling to Glasgow if they are selected to report to the Trade Distribution Centre, Glasgow, with a view to being posted to a technical arm. In all cases the men are given free railway tickets and the current billeting and ration allowances.
Soldiers' Leave
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will make some inquiry into the case of Driver Bentley, No. 10574, Royal Field Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, France, whose leave was stated to be due about the end of April, and who is still waiting for it, although he has only had one period of seven days' leave since he went to France at the commencement of hostilities in 1914?
I am afraid I cannot take any special action in this case. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, owing to the military situation in France, leave has practically ceased, but when it recommences, no doubt special consideration will be shown in cases such as the one referred to.
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will favourably consider the case of granting home leave in the case of married men serving east of Suez who have been more than three years away from their families?
Leave from India is necessarily restricted, as accommodation available depends upon the shipping situation. Arrangements are in force by which the Commander-in-Chief, India, can send home on leave a certain number of troops each month, as opportunity offers, and no doubt the claims of the men referred to receive every possible consideration.
Northants Yeomanry (Private Johnson)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Private W. Johnson, now of the Yeomanry, serving in France; whether he is aware of the following facts in connection with this ease, namely, that W. Johnson, after having gone through four years' training with the Northamptonshire Yeomanry, enlisted in October, 1914, in the 4th Northants Regiment; that on 29th October, 1914, he was promoted to be corporal, and on 25th August, 1915, he was further promoted to the rank of sergeant; that on 22nd October, 1915, he was, at his own request, transferred to the Northants Yeomanry, reverting to the rank of private; that on 29th January, 1916, he was appointed lance-corporal, and on 18th May, 1916, promoted to be squadron quartermaster-sergeant of the A Squadron, Northants Yeomanry, which was then acting as divisional cavalry; that on 15th June, 1917, he was transferred to a Reserve Cavalry regiment; that on 24th August, 1917, a notification appeared in regimental orders to the effect that Squadron Quartermaster-Sergeant Johnson was reverted to the rank of private; that W. Johnson had borne the highest character during all the previous time of his service, was thoroughly efficient, and was strongly recommended by his late commanding officer for further promotion, which recommendation, however, was not complied with; and that he is still serving as a private in the British Expeditionary Force in France; whether it is in conformity with Army Orders that a man, after serving with credit for three years as a non-commissioned officer, should be degraded to the rank of private for no fault of his own and be transferred to a strange regiment; and if, in conformity with Army Orders and in accordance with sound policy from the point of view of the popularity of the Army and its reputation for fair play, he proposes to take any action in the case?
I have again carefully looked into this case, and regret that no special action can be taken. Private Johnson held the acting rank of squadron quartermaster-sergeant, and on transfer at his own request to another unit he reverted to his substantive rank, in accordance with the regulations then in force. Instructions subsequently issued, in June, 1917, authorised substantive promotion for non-commissioned officers of the Territorial Force who held acting rank for the period from January, 1916, to January, 1917. Had Private Johnson not transferred to the Northants Yeomanry in October, 1915, he would no doubt have received such promotion if he had retained his acting rank for the requisite period.
Army Pay (India)
asked the Secretary of State for India whether the recent increases in the rates of Army pay apply to British troops serving in India; and, if not, what are the reasons for their not so applying?
The recent increases in the rates of pay for the rank and file of the Army apply to British troops serving in India. As regards officers, the Royal Warrant granting increases of British rates of pay from 1st October last does not apply to British Service officers on Indian rates of pay. This follows established practice. I have, however, under consideration proposals from the Government of India for increasing these Indian rates in consideration of the increases granted under the Royal Warrant.
Empire Settlement
asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government has any intention of initiating, during the life of the present Parliament, legislation on the lines indicated in the Report presented to Parliament last August by the Empire Settlement Committee?
I would refer the hon. Member to the Emigration Bill now being considered in Grand Committee.
Commercial Firms (Ownership, Etc)
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the following businesses are being conducted under the supervision of the Board of Trade, and, of so, will he say what the nature of the supervision is, and can he say of the owners, partners, and managers of the concerns who are naturalised, who are alien enemies, and, of the number, how many are now interned, or, having been interned, have been released to resume their business: Hirsch, Wolgemuth and Company, London; Wolf Sayer and Heller, London; Wambach and Company, Glasgow and elsewhere; Cleeberg and Son, Dumfries; Vormberger and Company, alias the Universal Casings Company, Limited, with numerous branches throughout the country; Giersberg and Company, Nottingham; Schulke and Company, alias the Lincolnshire Casings Company; Kraft, Hornung and Company, alias English Casings Company, with about forty branches; Menzies and Company, Stratford, E.; and Werninger and Son, Alder-shot; and, besides the firms mentioned, has the Board of Trade knowledge of any other enemy-owned firms now carrying on the same line of business in this country?
The particulars asked for with regard to the businesses mentioned are as follow:(1)
Hirsch, Wohlgemuth and Company.—The proprietors, Messrs. Hirsch and Wohlgemuth, are naturalised British subjects of German origin. No supervisor has been appointed of the business.
(2) Wolf Sayer and Heller.—The principals are George Saver and Isidore Heller, both citizens of and resident in the United States. The London branch is
managed by Ernest George Tarrant, a British subject. No supervisor has been appointed of the business.
(3) Wambach and Company, of Glasgow, Colchester, Ipswich and Barking.—The Glasgow business is owned by a naturalised British subject of German origin; the other businesses by three naturalised British subjects of German origin and one German subject. A supervisor of the businesses has been appointed with instructions to pay occasional visits to the Glasgow business so as to keep himself informed as to the general conduct of the business; and in regard to the other businesses to make periodical examinations of the books and other information kept at Glasgow, and to make reports thereon from time to time. The enemy subject was interned, but I understand was subsequently released. The businesses are managed by the partners.
(4) Cleeberg and Son, Dumfries.—This small business, with a capital in December, 1916, of £162, is owned by a German father and his natural-born British son, who apparently have equal interests in the business. It is reported that the father has taken no active participation in the management for some years. A supervisor was appointed to pay occasional visits so as to keep himself informed as to the general conduct of the business. The Board of Trade have no information as to internment of the father, who is sixty six years of age. The business is managed by the son.
(5) Universal Casings Company, Limited.—One director is a naturalised British subject of German origin, the other two directors being British-born subjects. The capital held by alien enemies is less than 1 per cent. The business is not supervised.
(6) English and Continental Casings Company, Limited.—One director is a naturalised British subject of German origin, the other four directors being British-born subjects. The manager came to this country in 1884, having renounced his German nationality, but has not been naturalised in this country. He has not been interned so far as the Board of Trade are aware. The case has been considered by the Board's Advisory Committee, who considered that the business was not within Section 1 of the Trading With the Enemy (Amendment) Act, 1916, but the shares held by enemies have been sold to British subjects and the business is not supervised.
(7) Menzies and Company, Stratford.—The proprietor of the business, William Menzies, is a German subject, who has-carried on business in this country for thirty-four years. The case was referred to the Board's Advisory Committee, who found a special reason for not winding it up. The inspectors reported that in July, 1916, the assets were £2,000 and liabilities £1,612, leaving a surplus of £396, so that the business was of small dimensions. A supervisor was appointed to pay occasional visits so as to keep himself informed as to the general conduct of the business. Menzies was interned for a short time and then released. The business is managed by Menzies.
The Board of Trade do not appear to have any record of other firms carrying on a similar business in which there is an enemy interest.
Inquiries shall be made as to Giersberg and Company, Schulke and Company, and Werninger and Company.