asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that under the Coal Rationing Order many persons and institutions have been given the right to a supply of coal for this year exceeding the amount which they have consumed in any of the past two or three years, whilst others have not more than a third or half of what they consumed previously; and if he proposes to issue an Order that in no case is more coal to be allowed this year than was used in previous years by the same household?

Every scheme of allowance which adopts a fixed scale must produce some anomalies. No scale can take account of all exceptional circumstances. The scale of fuel allowances under Clause 6 of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, is a scale of maximum allowances, subject to certain exceptions, and less may be allowed when the facts are ascertained, and it is hoped the public will respond by exercising every economy even where under the Order they could claim a larger supply.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any change has been made in the date from which the allowances and assessments are calculated, as stated in Section 16 of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918; and, if so, will he say what is the amended date?

The only variation made was the postponement of the commencement of the period for calculating gas and electricity supplies. The reason for this was that in view of the unavoidable delay in the issue of the Order it would have been unfair to take punitive measures against people who had exceeded their allowance for the first quarter.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that shortly after the publication of the Household Fuel and Lighting Order, 1918, householders were urged by official statements to use candles, night-lights, and oil-lamps in corridors and landings so as to economise gas and electricity, whereas in a recent statement the use of such substitutes was denounced by the Coal Controller as being unpatriotic; and whether he can state what is the cause of these contradictory views being issued by the Coal Controller to householders?

The Controller of Coal Mines has no recollection of having made or issued contradictory statements with regard to the use of substitute fuel and lighting in replacement of coal, gas, and electricity. He has always emphasised the need for the utmost economy in all forms of fuel and lighting.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in certain mining districts it is the custom to allow miners and others working in the mines 1 ton of coal per month at a cheap price; that in many cases this quantity cannot be used by the person supplied, and is often sold at a cheap price; and whether, with a view to saving coal, he proposes to take any action to prevent this waste of coal at the present time?

The allowances of coal referred to are comprised within a wages settlement or agreement and cannot be arbitrarily interfered with, but whether an arrangement can be arrived at to divert the surplus (where such exists) to ordinary consumers is being considered.

May I ask if it is not a fact that miners have as much difficulty in getting their coal as the people mentioned by the hon. Member in his question?

I do not think they are under any exceptional difficulties.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that certain coal controllers in London sent out early in August coal supply forms to consumers and that they made allotments of coal at the end of September, which quantities were then accepted by the consumers, who since then have received no authority or form to enable coal dealers to supply, and are therefore unable to obtain any coal; and, as over two months have been lost in supplying the consumers, will he say what action he proposes to take in this matter?

I am not aware of any considerable number of cases in which the supply of coal to consumers has been delayed through a failure of the local fuel overseer to issue to the merchant the necessary certificate authorising the merchant to supply the quantity of fuel to which the consumer is entitled. What has happened in many cases is that certain consumers have failed to complete and return forms of requisition issued by the local fuel overseer for the purpose of finally determining the quantities of fuel to which the consumer is entitled.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether it is now the intention of the Coal Controller that all small consumers of one and two hundredweights have to be registered in the same way as large consumers?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of individual owners who have replied to the communication addressed to them by the Board of Trade suggesting that they should now consider whether they could make some payment to officers and men taken prisoner by the enemy from their ships, in view of the fact that their earning power is non-existent in internment; also whether he will give information as to the nature of the individual replies received?

Sixty-two replies have so far been received from owners, and in fifty-three cases cither full wages, or partial wages, or some other form of ex gratia payment is given.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the officers and men of merchant ships who have been in terned at the Ruhleben camp since the beginning of the. War have remained in captivity owing to His Majesty's Govern- ment having necessarily insisted that they should be regarded by the German Government as civilian prisoners; whether His Majesty's Government are aware that the House of Lords have decided that these seafarers are not entitled to pay whilst interned; and whether, in addition to the allowances at present made for the maintenance of the dependants of these prisoners in this country, His Majesty's Government will take steps ensuring that on the release of these prisoners the balance of pay which otherwise they would have earned may be paid to them?

I do not think the statement in the first part of the question is correct, as, so far as I am aware, the German Government have not maintained that the Merchant Service officers and seamen at Ruhleben were combatants. I am aware of the decision to which the hon. Member refers in the second part of the question. I do not think it would be reasonable to compel all owners to pay wages during the whole period of internment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the case of the wives and children of those men who have been interned, in some cases for over four years, in those cases where the owners do not pay wages; and will the Government take any action in the matter?

If the hon. Member will give me particulars of those cases, I shall be glad to make inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can see his way to reconsider his decision declining to appoint an official committee to consider the possibility of drawing out a scheme of pensions for merchant seamen, in view of the sacrifices which this particular body of men have made for the country during the present War?

My right hon. Friend regrets he does not see his way, for reasons which have been given to those interested, to appoint an official committee on this question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what measures it is proposed to take to ensure that no form of uniform except the standard uniform now authorised should be worn by those qualified to wear it, as laid down in the Report of the Committee appointed to consider the question of a national uniform for the Merchant Service?

It is an offence against the Defence of the Realm Regulations for an unauthorised person to wear the standard uniform prescribed by the Order in Council of 4th. September, 1918. To provide that no uniform except the standard uniform shall be worn by officers of the Merchant Service would require legislation, and it is proposed to introduce legislation on the subject as soon as a suitable opportunity occurs.

Will compensation be given to those who have to scrap their old uniforms?

Does the hon. Gentleman anticipate that an opportunity is likely to occur between now and Christmas?

That question must be addressed elsewhere.

Will the hon. Gentleman answer my question?

I should like notice.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has now decided to issue torpedo badges in a distinct form suitable for officers of the merchant service; and whether officers and men of the Merchant Service will be authorised to wear the same chevrons as are issued to the Navy?

Arrangements are being made for the issue of a torpedo badge of a distinctive colour in the case of officers. The question of chevrons is being considered by the Departments concerned, and I hope to be able to inform the hon. Member of the result shortly.

What is the torpedo badge?

I think the torpedo badge is for those who have been torpedoed.

Are badges to be given to officers whose ships have been torpedoed and not to officers who have succeeded in escaping being torpedoed?

Is it not perfectly clear that unless chevrons are issued to those en- gaged for a number of years in the Mercantile Marine the result will be exactly as it was put by the hon. Member for Hexham (Mr. Holt). The badge will be given for unsuccessful defence against enemy attack and not for successful defence?

I certainly do not think that is likely to arise.

It must!

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any estimate has been made of the extent to which the contributory funds of societies of merchant seamen have been depleted by the payment of claims in respect of seamen killed by the enemy; and whether the Treasury has agreed to recognise such in whole or part as a national burden in respect that the men so killed were engaged on national service?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. So far as I am aware, no estimate of the kind referred to has been made, and there has been no decision to contribute to such funds; but the hon. Member will be aware that under the Government War Risks Compensation Scheme pensions are paid to the widows and dependants of merchant officers and seamen who lose their lives through enemy action.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the inadequacy of the omnibus services running into Bishop Auckland and through the mining villages in and about Durham which includes Bishop Auckland, Raisby Hill, Westerton, Ferryhill, Spennymoor, Durham, and Coxhoe; if he is aware that the workers in the places mentioned are engaged upon work of national importance, and that in many cases they have to walk to and from work; that the wives and children have to walk many miles to the shopping centres in consequence of the inadequate omnibus services; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The attention of the Controller of Coal Mines has been drawn to this matter within the last few days by the Durham Miners' Association, and he is making inquiries.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if it has yet been decided to pay compensation to the dependants of the ten Irish workmen who lost their lives owing to the sinking of the steamship "Fern" by enemy action on 23rd April; and if he is aware that those men wore provided with travelling vouchers by the Dublin Labour Exchange to take up employment with the British Dyes Company, Huddersfield?

I am not aware whether any decision has been arrived at, and I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given to supplementary questions on the 8th July, of which I am sending him copies.

Will the hon. Gentleman say if he has made further inquiries since 8th July as to the way these people are ekeing out their existence?

We have received no representations on the subject since 8th July.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will state the quantity of tea and sugar in bond at 1st October in the years 1918, 1917, and 1916 respectively?

It is not considered advisable to publish stocks of food as such information is apt to prove misleading unless anticipated supplies are also taken into account. The stocks of tea have already been published and it may, therefore, be stated that the bonded stocks on 30th September, 1918, were 91,131,000 lbs. as compared with 34,850,000 lbs. on the corresponding date in 1917, and 118,663,000 lbs. in 1916. I am glad to say that the Sugar Commission have accumulated a stock of sugar sufficient to meet the diminished importation which lack of tonnage will entail. This last consideration also applies to stocks of tea.

Is not my hon. Friend aware that these figures have been given many months during the year, and does he know of any change that has taken place how to prevent the continuance of the practice?

I understand these figures were given once and misled the public considerably; and, because of the confusion which arose in the public mind it was not thought advisable to repeat them.

asked the Food Controller what steps have been taken to secure that Irish agents who supplied feeding-staffs in 1916 should get their fair proportion supplied to them now; and whether, in view of the necessity of supplying stall-feeders and dairy-owners with feeding-stuffs, he will take action in the matter?

The Department have entered into an arrangement with the Ministry of Food, under which Ireland is to receive, as from 1st June last, 12 per cent. of the total supplies of cattle-feeding cakes and meal available for the United Kingdom. Under this arrangement it was estimated that Ireland would receive during the year commencing 1st June last a total of 72,000 tons of such feeding-stuffs, or an average of about 6,000 tons per month. On the recommendation of this Department, the Ministry of Food have arranged for the distribution among Irish traders of the feeding-stuffs so allocated on the basis of their imports in the year 1916.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, as a matter of fact, that principle has been carried out, and that Ireland, during the last four months, has received the amount to which she is entitled?

The principle has been carried out, but the amount has not. That point is receiving the present attention of the Department.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say the amount actually allocated to Ireland for the past four months—that is what matters?

That is not in the question, and I am afraid I have not got it.

I will put down another question.

How is it that many traders since last June have been unable to receive 1 cwt. of stuff; and if that be so, how is it that Ireland is not getting her fair proportion of feeding-stuffs?

I have already said that that is a matter which has been taken up by the Irish Government.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say who has the distribution of it: is it the Food Commission here, or the Department of Agriculture in Ireland?

Cannot Ireland be put on rations the same as England?

asked the Food Controller whether the same price is fixed for skimmed-milk cheese as for the finer qualities of full-cream cheese; and, if so, on what grounds this course has been adopted?

In the case of cheese, as in that of other commodities, such as tea, it has been found necessary for purposes of administration to pool the supplies received, and to issue them to the consumer at a flat rate irrespective of variation in quality. I may, however, point out that, except in the case of Caerphilly cheese, the quantities of skimmed milk cheese issued to the public at the flat rate have been so small as to be negligible.

(by Private Notice) asked the Food Controller whether he has received a wire from the South of Ireland Cattle Trade Association regarding the restrictions of export of fat cattle from Ireland; whether he will reconsider this decision in view of the facts put forward in the interest of consumers and producers?

As I informed the House last Tuesday it has been necessary to restrict the slaughtering of cattle by refusing at the markets many thousands of beasts from English farms, and as the hon. Member for Boston was informed last Thursday, temporary restrictions have been imposed on the shipment of beasts from Ireland so as to place Irish farmers on an equality With the farmers of Great Britain. The Irish Department of Agri- culture were approached on this matter a fortnight ago, and I understand that the question of limiting export was fully discussed with the Irish Cattle Dealers' Association. The Food Controller can only express the hope that Irish as well as British farmers will realise that the holding back of cattle at the present time is the only policy which will secure the necessary meat ration for the first four months of next year. With a view to encouraging farmers so to hold back cattle and in order to meet any additional expense incurred in doing so it is proposed to increase somewhat the prices already announced for cattle and sheep. The increases proposed and the periods to which they apply will be announced almost immediately.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the cattle dealers are entirely opposed to this policy?

I hope, when the Irish cattle dealers hear the policy, that they will not be opposed to it.

They have heard it, and they disapprove of it. I will put down another question for Thursday.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether permission was given by the Board of Trade to the Mond Nickel Company to transfer certain shares to enemy subjects resident in Germany during the War; and, if so, who was responsible for granting such permission?

No shares in the Mond Nickel Company, Limited, have been transferred to enemy subjects resident in Germany during the War.

Under a reconstruction agreement entered into before the War, and dated the 24th July, 1914, the Mond Nickel Company, Limited, had agreed to allot fully-paid shares to the shareholders of a previous company of the same name. On the 3rd December, 1914, the company wrote to the Board of Trade asking whether they could register the enemy shareholders of the original company as shareholders of the new company in respect of the shares to which they were entitled under the reconstruction agreement. The Board of Trade authorised such registration on the 8th December, 1914, and the Public Trustee was notified by the company of the shares registered in the names of enemies on the 18th December, 1914, but no certificates for the shares were sent to the enemy shareholders. All dividends on the shares from the outbreak of War have been paid to the Public Trustee, and in consequence of the policy of the Non-Ferrous Metal Industry Act these shares have been vested in the Public Trustee and sold by him, except in the case of two holdings where a legal difficulty has arisen owing to the shareholders having been reported to be dead, and of one holding which is believed to belong to a British subject-No beneficial interest of any kind has passed or can pass to any enemy subject as a result of the transaction.

In reply to the last part of my question, will the hon. Gentleman say who was responsible for making these arrangements?

My reply says distinctly that the Board of Trade were responsible.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can now state what increase of pay and allowances has been granted to the British and Indian officers and men of the Indian Army?

I will circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following are the particulars referred to: —

Since the beginning of the War the pay of Indian Infantry officers has been raised, as follows:—

Their field service batta has also been permanently increased by Rs.1½ permensem, to which a further temporary addition for the present War has been made of Rs.2 for Jemadars and Rs.3½ for Subadars and Subadar Majors

The pay of N.C.O's of the Indian Army has been raised as follows:—

The field service batta of N.C.O's and men has been permanently increased by Rs.1½ per mensem, to which a further temporary addition has been made for the present War of Rs.1½ for Havildars and Naiks and Rs.2 for men.

Corresponding increases in pay and field batta have been made for the Indian officers and men of the Cavalry branch.

As a temporary measure, a bonus of Rs.15 will be given to each recruit on the completion of his training or on his proceeding overseas, whichever happens first. Also to officers and men for every completed six months' service ranging from Rs.60 for Subadars down to Rs.24 for N.C.O's and men.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman can say whether any increase is to be given to British officers in the Indan Army? Has he heard how absolutely impossible it is for these officers to live on their pay now in India?

There is an increase, as the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, in the children's allowances. I am answering a similar question asked by the hon. Member for Devizes (Mr. Peto) later on.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether it has been brought to his notice that the families of officers of the Indian Army whose regiments have been serving out of India have been put to inconvenience owing to the immediate stoppage of the family allotments paid through the India Office on the return of the officer to India and before that officer could make arrangements in India for the remittance of money to his family direct; whether he will consider the question of cancelling the order for the stoppage of the payment of these family allotments directly an officer returns to India and permit them to be continued, if the officer wishes it, till the end of the War; and whether, considering the constant moves and changes that are going on amongst officers in India, it may be possible to permit all officers of the Indian Army, whether serving in or out of India, to have family allotments paid through the India Office so long as hostilities continue?

I hope that the cases of inconvenience mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member are exceptional, as I have endeavoured to secure that officers returning from an Expeditionary Force to duty in India receive notice in time to make their own arrangements forthwith for remitting money to their families. I will, however, again draw the Government of India's attention to this matter.

I cannot undertake to extend to officers of the Indian Army serving in India the special arrangements for making family remittances through the India Office which have been conceded to officers of the Indian Army serving with an Expeditionary Force. It would involve a heavy increase of work in the Accounts Department of the India Office, which hitherto has been discharged by Indian banks and Army agents, and with which the depleted staff of the Department is ill-fitted to deal.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that during the War the cost to officers of servants, housing accommodation, and other expenses has, approximatey, doubled; and whether it is proposed to grant any increase in the pay of officers above the rank of lieutenant to meet the cost of these increased expenses?

Except as regards the proposed extension of children's allowances to officers of the Indian Army, no question of increase of pay drawn in India by officers above the rank of lieutenant is at present under consideration.

May I ask two questions—firstly, whether the right hon. Gentleman will at once take into consideration this question of an increase of pay, to meet the enormously increased cost of living, of officers above the rank of lieutenant; and, secondly, whether he can give me any idea as to when the children's allowances will actually be made available and be paid to the wives of officers who are serving and who have not, so far as I know, received anything whatever?

The children's allowances will be made at once available, and they are to be retrospective in effect. With regard to the other question of the hon. Member, the matter has been under consideration with the Government of India for some time, and they have made no recommendation except in regard to the children's allowances for officers above the rank of lieutenant.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make fresh representations to the Government of India, in view of the statement made, which he does not deny, in the question on the Paper?

I cannot be understood as admitting my hon. Friend's calculation that the cost of living in India has been doubled. I have no evidence that this is the fact, but I will see that his questions and arguments are conveyed to the Government of India.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has received a reply from the Government of India regarding the position of officers in the Indian Medical Service; and if he can state what increase of pay has been granted to these officers, so as to ensure an efficient and contented Indian Medical Service?

I regret I am not in a position to announce a decision on this question, regarding which I am in telegraphic correspondence with the Government of India. I am doing all I can to expedite the settlement of what I recognise to be an urgent and important issue, and hope to be in a position to make a statement within a week or two. I will let my hon. and gallant Friend know when a decision has been reached.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he can state how many commissions in His Majesty's Army have been granted up to the present to Indians; whether it is proposed to add to the number, and, if so, when and to what extent; what are the names of the recipients and the class and provinces to which they belong; and what are the conditions as to training which have been decided upon?

I presume that my hon. Friend refers to the scheme for the grant of King's commissions to Indians which the Government of India announced in July last. The first avenue to such commissions is through distinguished service in the War. I understand that with a view to selection inquiries are being made from the various theatres of war in which Indian troops have been or are being employed, but recommendations have not yet reached me. In other cases the award of commissions will depend on the results of probationary training. The Government of India are engaged in selecting candidates for ten cadetships at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, and are nominating probationers for admission to the special military college which they have established in India for training for temporary commissions. So far some forty-four probationers have been nominated.

Is it not intended that this concession shall be of a wider character than is indicated by the number of forty-four, which would not amount to very much spread over the whole of India?

That only applies to temporary commissions from among those who have not been in the Army. I have not the figures yet about the recommendations from among those who have been in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he will publish with the OFFICIAL REPORT a list of the Committees he has appointed to consider his scheme of Indian reform, giving the terms of reference for each and the members appointed to serve on them?

I am publishing with the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the members of the two Committees which have been appointed to inquire into questions connected with the franchise and the division of functions between the Government of India and the local Governments, also the terms of reference to each Committee.

The following is the information referred to:—

In the Report of the Secretary of State and the Viceroy on Indian Constitutional Reforms, certain matters were left for settlement in detail in the light of the advice to be given by two Committees who were to inquire in India into questions connected with the franchise and the division of functions between the Government of India and the Local Governments; and between the official and popular elements in the Local Governments. The Secretary of State for India has appointed the two Committees, and they will begin their work in India shortly.

The Members of the Franchise Committee are:—

The Rt. Hon. Lord Southborough, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O. (Chairman).

Sir F. G. Sly, K.C.S.I., of the Indian Civil Service.

Sahibzada Aftab Ahmed Khan, Member of the Council of India.

Mr. W. M. Hailey, C.S.I., C.I.E., of the Indian Civil Service.

Mr. Surendranath Banerjee, Member of the Legislative Council of the Governor-General.

Mr. Malcolm R. Hogg, Member of the Legislative Council of the Governor-General.

Mr. Srinavasa Shastri, Member of the Legislative Council of the Governor-General.

The terms of reference to the Committee are as follows:

I. As regards the Provisional Legislative Councils—

(1) To advise on franchise and constituencies in each province, with the object of securing as broad a franchise and as representative a Council as present circumstances in each province permit (Report, paragraph 226).

(2) To devise means of direct election as far as possible (paragraph 226).

(3) To advise how far representation can be equitably and effectively secured by territorial electorates, or, where circumstances seem to require it in order to secure the adequate representation of minorities, of special interests, or of backward classes, by—

(4) To advise as to the number of nominated official members.

(5) As a result of (1) to (4), to propose a complete scheme for the size and composition of each Provincial Legislative Council.

II. As regards the Indian Legislative Assembly—

(1) To consider the best means of constituting that body in accordance with the recommendations in paragraphs 273 to 275 of the Report without necessarily adhering to the exact numerical strength suggested, and, particularly—

(2) to advise on the possibility of direct elections, and if such a system is found feasible, to propose franchises and constituencies; otherwise to propose a scheme of indirect election.

III. As regards the Council of State—

(1) To advise as to the method of election to that body in accordance with the scheme set forth in paragraph 277, and in particular—

(2) to consider ( a ) the material available for the six special constituencies and ( b ) the provisions necessary for securing that the special Mahomedan and landed members should, as far as possible, be representative of the whole of India.

IV. In examining the above question the Committee will have regard to the decision of the Government of India as to the areas which are to be the subject of special treatment (paragraph 199).

The Members of the Committee on the Division of Functions are:

Mr. R. Feetham, Legal Adviser to the High Commissioner for South Africa (Chairman).

Mr. H. F. W. Gillman, C.S.I., of the Indian Civil Service.

Maulvi Rahim Baksh, C.I.E., President of the Council of Regency of Bahawalpur.

Dr. Tej Bahadur Sapru, Member of the Legislative Council of the Governor's Council.

Mr. C. H. Setalvad, Bombay.

Mr. H. L. Stephenson, C.I.E., of the Indian Civil Service.

Mr. J. P. Thompson, of the Indian Civil Service.

The terms of reference to the Committee are as follows:

1. The Committee will be guided by the principles enunciated in paragraphs 212, 213, 238, 239, and 240, and will also take into consideration the illustrative lists contained in Appendix II. of the Report.

2. With a view to giving the provinces the largest measure of independence, legislative, administrative and financial, of the Government of India which is compatible with the due discharge by the latter of their own responsibilities, the Committee will advise as to—

3. The Committee will further advise as to:

In that the work of the two Committees is interdependent, arrangements have been made to connect them. The whole inquiry will be conducted under the presidency of Lord Southborough and the two Committees will work under his direction. Lord Southborough will arrange for such joint sessions as seem expedient, and in order to enable him to devote time and attention to the co-ordination of the work of the Committees, it has been arranged that Sir F. Sly should act for him when necessary as Deputy-Chairman of the Franchise Committee

The Reports of the Committees will be forwarded to the Government of India, who will submit them with their own observations to the Secretary of State.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that for several weeks past copies of certain Indian newspapers which have been dispatched by the mail have not reached their addresses in this country; whether this is due to the action of the censorship at Bombay; and whether he will inquire into the matter and issue the necessary instructions, so that newspapers which circulate largely in India itself may also be available for the use of the British public?

If the hon. Member will let me have the names of the newspapers to which his question refers, I will make inquiries.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the fourteen points stated by President Wilson, on the acceptance of which the German Government is now negotiating with President Wilson for a cessation of hostilities, have been definitely approved by Great Britain or the Allies; if not, whether they will now be formally approved; and, if already approved, whether any extensions or reservations were made?

It is not desirable at the present moment to discuss the matters raised in this question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that meetings are contemplated in London protesting against the fourteen points, and is it not well therefore that there should be a declaration from His Majesty's Government as to their policy?

I was not aware of that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether President Wilson has at all approached this Government with regard to these negotiations?

I ventured to suggest half a moment ago that it is not desirable to discuss this matter now, and I hope that reply of mine will be allowed to stand.

May I ask why those of us who have borne the brunt of this War for four years cannot know what the Government, who is responsible to this House, has to say with regard to that point?

I am quite sure that the efforts of my hon. Friend have been of the strenuous character he has suggested—

As strenuous as yours, anyhow, and let us be frank about it.

I was not criticising the energy of the hon. Gentleman, nor do I desire to do so; but what I wanted to point out was that it was not expedient in the public interest that the constant communications between the various Allied Governments should always be thrown on the Table of the House in the course of the negotiations to which they apply.

Does the right hon. Gentleman extend that principle so far as to discourage public discussions in public meetings?

Public discussions in public meetings may or may not be expedient, but I do not see what relation they have to questions asked across the floor of the House.

Can we be assured by the Government that these covert attacks on the policy of President Wilson in the Press will be put a stop to?

Are they not being encouraged by the Government?

That suggestion should not be made. The Government have done nothing—and the hon. Member must know they have done nothing—to justify the insinuation which he has just made.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether M. Nabokoff, the Russian Minister who has been repudiated by the Russian Government, is still being supported with funds supplied by the British Government; if so, on what date was the last payment made to him; how much has been advanced during the last twelve months; whether any conditions as to repayment of the advances have been agreed upon; whether any part of the moneys advanced is designated for Russian officers stranded in this country; and whether he has received any complaints as to the way in which Russian officers receive or are refused grants of money?

The last advance to M. Nabokoff was made on the 18th of this month. The total amount advanced during the last twelve months for the maintenance of the Russian Embassy is £4,230 9s. The answer to the fourth part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the fifth part, I understand that certain moneys have been advanced through M. Nabokoff for Russian officers stranded in this country, but I have no particulars. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the rapid growth of Soviet influence in Eastern Ukraine; and that with German military support failing their enemies the Bolshevist Government is gaining ground in Ukraine, Samara, and Siberia; and whether he can make any statement on the internal position in Russia?

I should be sorry to express any official opinion on the growth of Bolshevik influence, or to make any official statement on the internal position in Russia without more accurate information than it is at present possible for me to obtain.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state whether the Government have in hand any funds belonging to the Ottoman Government; if so, what do they amount to; and whether the Government will agree that such moneys shall be utilised for compensating British subjects who have suffered financial losses in consequence of confiscation of or damage to their property by the Turks?

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his question on this subject on 23rd July. The matter has been carefully reconsidered since then, but His Majesty's Government have felt themselves unable to alter the policy then stated.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the reply which was given on 23rd November the Noble Lord the Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs stated that he would look into the matter, and see whether anything could be done on the lines I suggested, and therefore, apparently, he was of opinion that the suggestion was one that might appeal to the Government?

The hon. and gallant Member's own statement was that he thought the question should be revised, and the subject has been revised, and no ground for alteration of the opinion of the Government has been arrived at.

Have any steps been taken to make any payments to any of these British subjects who have had their property confiscated and are in a very bad financial position before the expiration of hostilities?

If that question is not covered by the answer I have already given, I would beg the hon. and gallant. Member to put it down on the Paper.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he can see his way to modify Army Order 268 of 1917, Article 11 (1), to enable gratuities to be paid to widows of officers who die of sickness due to active service?

As I have stated in reply to previous questions on this subjects, the present restriction of the gratuities paid to officers' widows was decided upon after very careful consideration when the Royal Warrant of August last was drafted, and with the strong support of military opinion.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will have the treatment of Mrs. MacDonnell, 11, Golden Lane, investigated; if he is aware that this woman gave five sons to the Army, and that four of them have been killed and the other badly wounded; if he is aware that the only pension received by this woman is 17s. 5d. per week; and if he will see that an adequate pension is paid to her?

We much regret that we have heard of the death of three sons, and sympathise with the mother in so great a loss. We have no information as to the death of a fourth son. We are making further inquiries into the case and will let the hon. Member know the result. I can assure him of sympathetic consideration.

But will it be financial consideration?

That is the intention.

asked the Pensions Minister if the principle of alternative pensions extends to widows with or without dependants; and, if so, are such under the same conditions as those granted to men?

A soldier's widow, who was married before the War or before the soldier's enlistment, may be granted, in lieu of her ordinary pension and children's allowances, an alternative pension of an amount not exceeding two-thirds of the alternative pension which might have been granted to the soldier if he had survived and had been incapable of earning.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware, in view of the increased standard of comfort of the industrial classes, of the dissatisfaction amongst the fighting troops at the existing scales of payments and allowances to the dependants of those actually fighting and of the rise in prices since last the scales of payments and allowances were fixed; and whether he will now have the matter considered by the Cabinet with a view to increased scales proportionate to the rise in prices?

asked whether the Government proposes to review the existing scale of payments and allowances to the wives and families of men in the Navy and The Army in view of the increases granted in all other directions to cover the rising cost of living?

I would refer my hon. Friends to the Government's proposals, which were circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT of Thursday last.

Do the Government accept the proposition that there has been an increased standard of comfort amongst the industrial classes?

I have not considered that point, but I think it is a fact.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the increased cost of living, he will consider the granting to non-commissioned officers and men of the Army, and equivalent ranks in the Navy, who, prior to the declaration of this War, have been discharged on pension, an increase in their pensions, ranging from 25 per cent. in the case of the younger men to 50 per cent. in the case of men over sixty years of age, or who, though under sixty years of age, are incapacitated by illness or infirmity?

The Government are not prepared to adopt the course suggested.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Pensions Minister said two days ago that they were going to increase them?

I was not aware of that fact.

But he did.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the fact that no flat rate increase in allowances is yet awarded to wives of any class, and other anomalies in the new scale of allowances, such as prospective instead of retrospective increases, he is now prepared to give the House an early opportunity of discussing the whole question of separation allowances on which the House has never yet been consulted until after they have been determined?

If there is a general desire for such a discussion, I shall be glad to arrange it, and, if the hon. Member will repeat this question on Thursday, I shall give him a definite reply.

asked the Pensions Minister whether his attention has been called to the delay in obtaining repairs to the artificial limbs of discharged sailors and soldiers; whether, in view of the suffering and hardships entailed, he will consider the advisability of having such limbs standardised; and whether he can state how long it is likely to be before he is able to carry out his promise of issuing a spare limb to each man so that he will be able to substitute one while the other is being mended?

My attention has been drawn to the delay. A recent Instruction which enables local war pension committees to authorise repairs (locally where possible) without previous reference to the Ministry will, it is hoped, obviate delay in minor cases, and with regard to major repairs and the re-admission of pensioners into limb fitting centres, the increase in the number of beds at fitting centres from 972 in February, 1918, to 2,196 in October, will enable cases to be more expeditiously dealt with. It has not yet been found possible to standardise limbs, as no specimen brought to the knowledge of the expert Advisory Council has shown such advantages over any other as to warrant it being made the standard pattern. The promise to issue a spare limb to all cases will, I hope, be carried out within a reasonable period, but clearly the primary fitting of limbs must be the first consideration. It is proposed to supply a light provisional peg-leg of fibre or other prescribed pattern in all cases for use in emergency. This should obviate inconvenience to men until the spare limb can be provided.

In view of the fact that after three years of war it has not been found possible to provide a standardised limb, will the Government consider the question of taking over the manufacture of these limbs, and, with that end in view, appoint a strong Committee to go into the matter?

May I point out that the Pensions Ministry has not been in existence for three years, and it was only after I became Pensions Minister that this Advisory Committee, consisting of expert surgeons, expert engineers, and expert limb-makers, was constituted, and is at present, and has been for some months, experimenting?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why the Pensions Ministry refuse to allow a man, who cannot be fitted with a limb by the Pensions Ministry, to get a limb from an outside source when that outside source can fit him with a limb which enables him to walk; and why do they refuse to pay the cost of that?

Everything of that kind must be subject to some kind of control. You cannot permit outsiders to say whether a limb is a right kind of limb for a soldier or not.

If my right hon. Friend is assured by evidence that these people can produce limbs to enable men to walk, will they consider payment for it, rather than insist that the men shall have a limb from the Pensions Ministry?

Certainly not. The limb must first be approved by the Advisory Committee of experts.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is taking any steps authoritatively to mobilise employers for the purpose of finding employment for disabled men after the War; and, if so, how does he propose to do it?

I am taking active steps, in conjunction with the Minister of Labour, to secure the re-employment of disabled men. I have circularised all local authorities, inviting them to agree to definite arrangements to give a preference, as far as possible, to disabled men in the local public service, and I have approached the large public corporations connected with tramway undertakings and with water, gas and electricity supply with the same object. In both directions my appeal has met with a ready response. As regards trade and industry at large, certain proposals to provide for the general re-employment of disabled men are under my personal consideration and that of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour, and I hope that a definite con-elusion will now be reached very shortly.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in view of the unsatisfactory character of the arrangements now in existence for finding employment for ex-officers, he will set up, in connection with the local committees, special ex-officers' branches, with executive powers, whore ex-officers and their dependants may be dealt with on the spot on similar lines as are now available for the men?

I do not agree with the view that the arrangements now in existence for finding employment for ex-officers are unsatisfactory, but they are possibly not so well known as they should be. The functions of the Ministry of Pensions in this matter are carried out in co-operation with, and through the medium of, the Appointments Department of the Ministry of Labour, which was instituted primarily for this purpose. That Department has a complete organisation of centres throughout the country and a thorough system of transmitting information as to applicants and vacancies. Officers applying to the Ministry of Pensions are put in touch with this organisation, and, furthermore, for some time past officers on retiring have been given by the Admiralty or War Office a form to enable them to apply to the nearest local director of the Appointments Department. Ex-officers and their dependants can always obtain information on questions affecting them by referring to the Ministry of Pensions, and I am certainly not in favour of setting up additional local bodies to deal with such questions.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many posts the Ministry of Pensions have found for ex-officers?

I cannot say, but my hon. Friend can put a question down.

Are any funds provided for the purpose of advertising this new Department and issuing notices to the public; if so, how much?

That is a question within the usual administrative functions of the Department.

Is there any pamphlet or guide book issued to inform officers as to what is available for them—what training, treatment, and employment?

Small booklets are issued containing that information.

Are these provided in the hospitals where the officers are?

No!

Would it not be useful to have these pamphlets together in one book?

No. If that were the case I do not think they would be read.

Are they provided for the hospitals?

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if he will state the number of Indian officers and men now held in captivity in Germany; how many have been exchanged or interned in a neutral country; and what are the latest Reports in his possession as to the camps in which they are confined, the nature of the work which they are being compelled to perform, and the character of the treatment which they are receiving?

I am informed by the India Office that there are 2 Indian officers and 513 rank and file at present prisoners of war in German hands, 2 officers and 13 rank and file have been exchanged, and 9 officers, of whom 8 have since been repatriated, and 60 rank and file, of whom 2 have since died and 16 have been repatriated, have been transferred to a neutral country. As regards the last part of the question, I am informed that the great majority of these prisoners have been transferred to Roumania, the remainder being interned in various camps in Germany. On the whole, their treatment appears to be satisfactory.

asked the number of Indian officers and men now held in captivity in Turkey; how many have been exchanged or interned in a neutral country; and what are the latest reports as to the camps in which they are confined, the nature of the work which they are being compelled to perform, and the character of the treatment which they are receiving?

The number of Indian officers and men prisoners of war in Turkey is 217 and 6,569 respectively, and the number who have been repatriated on grounds of health is 6 and 1,170 respectively. None have been transferred for internment to neutral countries, as there is no agreement in force with the Turkish Government for this purpose. The only recent reports on camps in Turkey are those by the representatives of the Netherlands Minister at Constantinople referred to in my reply of the 17th instant to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Bassetlaw, on seven working camps and hospitals in the neighbourhood of Constantinople. Only a few Indians were interned at these places, the greater number being in the working camps on the Bagdad Railway, in the Taurus, and to the south-east of the Taurus. The latter camps are, unfortunately, not within the districts which the representatives of the Netherlands Legation are entitled to visit. I may add that under the exchange of prisoners with Turkey which is fixed for next month, 700 Indians are entitled to be released.

Would it be competent for any neutral Power to send representatives to the Taurus to visit the camps there and report?

Up to the present that has been refused, but a further request might be made.

Seeing an exchange has been fixed for next month, will the hon. Gentleman give the date?

I think it advisable not to give the date.

Have any representations been made as to the supply of warm clothing for the Indians now in the uplands of Asia Minor so that they do not suffer in the coming winter?

Oh, yes; that has not only been ordered but provided, and will, I understand, go out at the first opportunity.

Will the hon. Gentleman be able to publish the reports of which he spoke in reply to my question?

There is always a difficulty about these because they are the property of the neutral Government, and publication might hinder the further efforts of the latter.

Up to what date do the figures apply as to prisoners in Turkey?

I cannot say that offhand, but I think it is up to quite recently.

When will be the first opportunity of sending this clothing?

When the repatriation ship sails from Alexandria.

When will that be?

I have just said that it is undesirable to give the date.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he will state the number of British prisoners now in the hands of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey, respectively; what attempts are being made to alleviate the sufferings of these men, apart from the threat of reprisals on the part of the British Government; and what action Bulgaria has taken with regard to our prisoners?

I am informed that the number of British officers (including officers of the Dominion Forces and the Royal Navy) now in captivity in Germany is 5,362, and of other ranks 142,987. In addition to these there are two Indian officers and 513 other ranks. In Austria there are twenty-eight officers and 242 other ranks. In Turkey 430 British officers and 217 Indian officers, and 2,381 British other ranks, and 6,569 Indian other ranks.

With regard to the second part of the question, it is of course impossible within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question to give particulars of the steps which are being taken every day by a number of agencies for the alleviation of the sufferings of these men, but if my hon. Friend will communicate with me I shall be glad to give him all the information in my possession.

As regards the last part of the question, our Armistice with Bulgaria provides for the handing over of all prisoners of war, and the General Officer in Command at Salonika has been asked to send early information on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now state whether an early date can be granted to discuss the whole question of British prisoners of war in Germany?

If there is a general desire for this discussion, I shall be glad to arrange for it. If the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question on Thursday, I hope to be in a position to give him a definite reply.

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the Government will make any further proposals to the German Government with regard to the exchange of civilians interned at Ruhleben?

We have recently made a proposal which covers the merchant officers and seamen over the age of forty-five. Otherwise the repatriation of these men is dependent on the ratification of the Hague Agreement by the German Government.

asked whether it is the fact that escaped or exchanged prisoners of war have been at any time subjected to examination by Lord Haldane?

As far as I am aware, the answer is in the negative.

Does the hon. Gentleman mean that he has no knowledge that Lord Haldane has examined these prisoners?

Neither I nor anyone in the Department has any knowledge of his having done so; in fact, there is every presumption that he never did.

Is it not a fact that Lord Haldane has been to the War Office for this specific purpose? [HON. MEMBERS: "Shame!"]

asked whether, in the event of further brutality against British prisoners, the Government will take instant measures of reprisals and not wait for the expiration of one month's notice?

asked if the arrangements made by the Government's representatives on behalf of British prisoners of war are such as make it necessary for four weeks' notice to be given before steps can be taken to prevent their ill-treatment, will the Government, having regard to the need for action, supplement their last Note by intimating that, unless the abuses complained of are immediately redressed, that fact will be taken into consideration at the expiration of the period of grace?

The communication sent to the German Government requires them to redress the grievances complained of forthwith, and if after the receipt of this communication the German Government should sanction further brutalities to British prisoners their action would (I think) amount to a deliberate rejection of our demand, and His Majesty's Government would be entitled to take action on the notice at once.

I take this opportunity of saying that the stipulation requiring four weeks' notice before any reprisals are taken is contained, not (as assumed in some quarters) in the Hague Convention of 1899, which has been frequently violated by Germany, but in the Agreement of 1917, to which the same observation does not apply. I am informed that the stipulation was originally intended as a safeguard against sudden reprisals on British prisoners, and has in several instances served as a protection to them against such reprisals; and His Majesty's Government did not feel that it would be justifiable in itself or in the interest of our prisoners in Germany to depart from their signed agreement in this respect.

May the House take it that if a single further case comes to the notice of the Government of the ill-treatment of these prisoners punitive measures will be taken immediately, notwithstanding any notice of the period such as was given?

I cannot answer a universal question of that kind. Certainly if we find evidence of the nature which I have described in my answer, I should at once ask my colleagues to consider the matter, and take proper action.

Is this four weeks' business once and for all, or is this feeble farce to be gone through on subsequent occasions?

I do not know what the hon. and gallant Member means. There is no farce at all. Notice to that effect has been fully stated, and if the German Government do not take certain steps within this time, we will take such reprisals as we think fit. There is no need to give any further notice of any kind.

That is all right.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet have now been able to reconsider the question of the Gallipoli medal or decoration promised to the Australian and New Zealand troops; whether the Memorandum signed by over 100 Members of Parliament asking that the Navy and British troops, who behaved with such heroism in Gallipoli, should receive equal recognition has been placed before the Cabinet; and, if so, what is their decision?