asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the financial difficulties experienced by the military clerks on the unattached list employed in divisional and brigade offices in India; and whether he will suggest to the Government of India the advisability of the appointment of a Committee to inquire into and remedy the hardships complained of?

Certain proposals for removing a block in promotion, due to the present embargo on retirement, in the portion of the India Unattached List to which military clerks belong are before me. Otherwise I am not aware that they are under any exceptional hardships. Those whose pay is not at a consolidated rate get the full advantage of the recent increase in the British Army rate of pay, and for those whose pay is at a consolidated rate an increase of pay has recently been sanctioned.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the hardships inflicted on officers serving in India by the enforced separation from their wives and families; and whether it is possible now to grant permission to the wives detained in England to join their husbands in India?

I fully realise the hardships to officers and their families, but in the present condition of shipping accommodation and the restrictions imposed on journeys of women and children by certain routes passages cannot be obtained for more than a small proportion of wives of officers, military or civil, who desire to join their husbands in India.

Is it not the case that women and children are allowed to go to the Cape, and if they are allowed to go to the Cape, could they not be allowed to go viâ the Cape to India?

As my hon. and gallant Friend knows, the route viâ the Cape is not prohibited, but there is the same difficulty in getting passports owing to shortage of shipping.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the fact that the decision of the Secretary of State in Council of the 16th October, 1918, permitting officers on the unemployed list of the Indian Army who have reached the ages of fifty-five and fifty-seven and are working under the War Office to be placed on the retired list is of no benefit to those officers unless they carry retrospective effect, he will issue orders that these officers are to be allowed to retire on pension with effect from the dates on which they reached, respectively, the ages of fifty-five and fifty-seven or became entitled to their thirty-eight years' pension?

I do not admit that the officers in question will derive no benefit from the permission now given to them to retire, unless the permission is made retrospective. I would remind the hon. and gallant Member that the Government have an unquestioned right to suspend retirement when and for such time as it thinks fit, and that what may be permitted now might not have been prudent a short time ago. As at present advised I am not disposed to give the Order retrospective effect.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has appointed a Committee to consider the future organisation of the India Office; and, if so, whether he will communicate the names of the members of such Committee to the House?

As I stated on Monday, I shall make an announcement as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether tolerated brothels for the British Army still continue in India and Burma; and, if so, whether the practice will be summarily stopped?

The law applying to military cantonments in India does not admit of "tolerated brothels." There is no kind of official control or protection over prostitutes as such in any Indian station or cantonment.

That includes Burma?

That includes Burma.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the grant of representative government to India, he will consult with the India Office as to machinery which shall eliminate from our Colonial administration anti-Indian action based on obsolete colour-bar ideas?

As the alleged action has no existence, there is no occasion for consulting the India Office with regard to it.

Does my hon. Friend know that the Indian population of Mombasa have protested against the recent action of the Colonial Office?

No; I am not aware of it.

Is the hon. Gentleman not aware that the Indian residents of Mombasa recently sent letters of protest against the action of the Colonial Government?

The Colonial Office has no information as to what the hon. Gentleman has stated.

asked the Prime Minister when the Resolution sanctioning the increased contribution of India to the expenditure on the War will be proposed?

I understand that it would probably not be convenient to take this Resolution, at any rate for a week or two.

asked the Secretary of State for India whether he will give the House information regarding the fighting which has taken place in Transcaspia in which Indian forces were engaged?

Accounts of the fighting which has recently taken place in Transcaspia have been communicated to the Press and published on 18th and 25th October. I have nothing to add to these communications at present.

Can my right hon. Friend say why we are fighting in Transcaspia?

I do not think my hon. and gallant Friend will expect an answer to such a question now.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will give facilities for teaching trades to disabled sailors and soldiers in the dockyard workshops in cases in which the dockyards are a convenient centre for these men?

At some dockyards arrangements have been made for the definite training of disabled sailors and soldiers in particular classes of work; and it is being considered whether arrangements of this kind can be more extensively applied, in conjunction with the schemes of the trade advisory committee.

At all dockyards opportunities are afforded, as far as possible, for disabled men entered as labourers to qualify for the rating of skilled labourer.

As a matter of interest, I may say that since the beginning of the War over 4,000 men who have been discharged from the military forces have been entered in His Majesty's dockyards, and have been directly placed on remunerative work.

When will the official consideration and decision be given to the point of my question, the training of disabled sailors and soldiers in the yards, not the question of how many you employ, important as it is?

My answer covered more than the numbers employed. Certainly I will make that representation to the trade advisory committee.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, in connection with any scheme of this kind, consult the workpeople?

I cannot imagine that this is done except with their consent.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the convenience of this centre for the training of these men, and will he take advantage of it?

That is a matter, however it may be, for the trade advisory committee.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the device and model claimed by Mr. D. Marshall, of Cheltenham, to render a vessel secure against submarine attack by torpedo and to the offer of that gentleman to construct and fit to any appointed vessel the device for testing with uncharged and live torpedoes; and if he has taken any action?

Mr. Marshall was interviewed at the Admiralty on 24th June last, when the device was inspected. After full investigation by the Admiralty Departments concerned, the device was not considered to hold out any promise of practical development into an efficient torpedo defence for seagoing ships. In these circumstances Mr. Marshall was thanked, and informed that it was not proposed to proceed further with his device.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, on the termination of the War, patrol and other boats which may be suitable for fishing purposes will be sold; if, when disposing of such vessels, he will give preference to those fishermen who have served in His Majesty's forces during the War; and whether he will arrange to grant special facilities, such as easy terms of payment, so that fishermen who have been absent on active service may resume their calling under the best possible conditions?

As far as can be foreseen at present, there will be a number of fishing craft available at various dates after the termination of the War. The arrangements for their disposal have not yet been drawn up, but any applications from men who have served in the Navy during the War will be given every consideration when the time comes.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that fishermen who have been working at home have accumulated large sums, and are therefore in a better position to pay than those in His Majesty's forces, and will he give easy terms to the latter?

I have no doubt that is quite true, and that is a matter that I have no doubt those who have to give consideration will take into account.

Will my right hon. Friend see that Scottish fishermen get their fair share?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he and the Controller-General of Merchant Shipbuilding expect to obtain the extra 75,000 men declared by the latter to be required for the existing shipyards and their extensions; whether the 20,000 skilled men from the Army promised by the Government have yet been given for shipbuilding work, if not, why not; and whether the Government have decided that shipbuilding is not now of the first importance, and that building 3,000,000 tons per annum is not essential to the maintenance of our national strength?

I endeavoured to explain last Wednesday to my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton that it will not be possible for some months to absorb the whole of the men necessary. As regards the earlier part of the supply, as I then explained, we have that in hand. As regards the extra men who will undoubtedly be necessary for the latter part of the supply, I presume, so far as skilled men are concerned, the only available source, broadly, is the Army, and here the military situation is the governing factor.

As regards immediate and ultimate supplies of unskilled men, we hope it may continue to be possible to secure a number of recruits through the agency of the Ministry of National Service. The number of men released from the Colours for work in the shipyards, up to date, is 15,370, and in view of the urgent call for man-power in the Army, it has not been found possible to release men in excess of this number. We certainly have not decided that shipbuilding is not now of the first importance. Neither have we decided that the building of 3,000,000 tons per annum is no longer essential to the maintenance of our national strength. And my right hon. Friend may be fully assured that Lord Pirrie, who has direct access to the War Cabinet, will not lose any opportunity, as necessity arises, of pressing the claims of merchant shipbuilding, and the labour and material in connection with it, before that body.

May we have an assurance from the right hon. Gentleman that in the event of the military situation during the next few days becoming more favourable the whole of these men—skilled men—will be at once sent back to the shipyards?

I cannot give that assurance. I should have to consult the Controller-General of the Merchant Shipping Department. Every effort is made to get the maximum output from the facilities for shipbuilding that we have and shall have in this country.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the housing schemes for a shipyard and marine engine works employés are to be proceeded with; if not, what alternative means are to be adopted to house the extra 75,000 men declared by the Controller-General of Merchant Shipbuilding to be necessary for the existing yards and their extensions; and whether, in view of the urgency of accommodation being found for these men as they come forward without subjecting them to any hardship or delay, he can announce that the housing and hostel schemes for this purpose will be pressed on immediately?

The Controller-General of Merchant Shipbuilding has worked out a number of schemes designed to meet the additions to labour in the shipyards as they arise. The materialisation of these schemes depends upon the extent to which it is possible to give priority in labour and material to them.

Lord Pirrie is at the moment out of London; and, as I should be glad to discuss this question of claims for priority with him personally before finally answering this question, I shall be greatly obliged if my right hon. Friend will postpone it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain why it is that, although shipbuilding is admittedly one of the most important things, that it does not get first priority?

Lord Pirrie has charge of the scheme, and I want to consult him. I have not had an opportunity of inquiring how he is going on with the scheme.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the total number of British and foreign merchant vessels which are now under repair, or awaiting repair, in the United Kingdom, and their aggregate tonnage?

The number and tonnage of British and foreign merchant ships under repair in the United Kingdom, either in dry dock or afloat, at the 17th October, were as follows:— lately, be sanctioned, there are no vessels reported as awaiting repairs at the moment, although occasional short delays owing to local conditions are, of course, unavoidable in ship-repair work.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that yesterday at Liverpool there were 140 steamers which required repairs in the dry dock list, and in view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said, will he see that our Allies are informed of our limitations of shipping?

I have given the facts to the 17th of October, but I will take note of what my hon. Friend has told me.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the cessation of U-boat attacks on our commerce, he will take steps to permit British women once more to cross the ocean to join their husbands or to get married, or to take up work of national importance?

The existing restrictions will be reviewed as soon as there is a certainty that merchant vessels are safe from attack by the enemy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much longer the Admiralty is going to continue this grandmotherly interference with the rights of the people?

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the priority of more ladies who have been waiting a long time in our Colonies to come home, and also see that when sufficient facilities are available there should be no delay as to who should come first?

There are lists of applicants which are already being considered.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any reason to believe that the attacks on U-boats have ceased?

I must refer the hon. Member to the statement made by the Leader of the House.

asked how many deaths have occurred during the past six months at the Crystal Palace and what diseases have been diagnosed as the causes of these deaths, giving the numbers attributed, respectively, to each disease?

There have been 120 deaths among men at the Crystal Palace during the last six months—117 from pneumonia following influenza, one from cerebrospinal meningitis, one from cerebral abscess, and one from Addison's disease. The average number of men stationed at the Crystal Palace is roughly about 5,600. During the course of six months, the number of men passing through the Crystal Palace would be much greater than that. As my hon. Friend will observe, the main, practically indeed the only, mortality during that period has been from an epidemic of influenza which affected, I regret to say, over 1,000 men.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if his attention has been called to the number of deaths occurring at the Crystal Palace from pneumonia following inoculation; and whether he will have an inquiry made by persons other than officials into these deaths and into the suitability of the Palace for its present purpose?

I gave the mortality figures in answer to the previous question. Of the 117 men who unhappily died from pneumonia following influenza, none were inoculated against influenza or pneumonia. Prior to the outbreak of influenza at the Crystal Palace, the average daily sick rate had been slightly less than 3 per cent.

Though the building was not originally intended as a living place it has been satisfactorily modified subsequently to its being taken over at the beginning of the War, and the health reports prior to the present outbreak of influenza do not point to any serious objection to its continuing to be used for the purpose for which it was acquired. A very recent sanitary inspection of the building has been made as a result of which certain minor defects in ventilation are being remedied.

I understand none was inoculated against influenza or pneumonia. Have any of them been inoculated at all?

I do not know what the hon. Member means. None has been inoculated against influenza or pneumonia. If the hon. Member wants to know whether some time or the other some have been inoculated against small-pox, perhaps he will put that on the Paper.

I do not want to know that. I want to know whether any of them have escaped inoculation against typhoid fever?

The hon. Member had better put the question down more definitely.

Is it not a fact that the percentage of deaths has not been larger than the percentage in all other large buildings where troops are housed?

I cannot say.

Has not a report been received to that effect?

Is inoculation against influenza considered official by the medical fraternity?

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will state the speed of the "Leinster" and the speed of the average destroyer in fair weather and in rough weather, respectively; whether he will also state if the steamers plying between Larne and Stranraer have been protected by the Admiralty; and, if so, why protection was refused to the City of Dublin steamers?

It would be difficult to give precise comparative statements as suggested by my hon. Friend. "Lloyd's Register" gives the speed of the "Leinster" as 23½ knots. This speed represents the maximum effort under the very best conditions—that is, steaming trial conditions. Generally speaking, at least a knot and a half may be deducted for the speed which the vessel would average during the passage in fine weather, but, of course, under stress of weather, the speed would be further reduced. Though I cannot give the precise comparison, I can assure my hon. Friend that heavy weather would affect far more seriously the speed of the average destroyer than a vessel of the class of the "Leinster." In regard to the second part of the question, all mercantile traffic, including the Dublin-Holyhead service, has been given protection by the antisubmarine measures in force.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the question whether the steamers plying between Larne and Stranraer have been specially protected by the Admiralty.

Yes; if the hon. Member will consider he will see that there are very vital interests by that route.

Is it not a fact that the mail steamers from Kingstown to Holy-head have been convoyed by destroyers many months ago in heavy weather, and that these destroyers—they were American destroyers—last January were able to work in half circles round about the bow of the mail steamer, and had a great deal more speed than the mail steamer itself? I know that of my own knowledge.

That may be so. Needless to say, we are all glad to see my hon. Friend here.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the inquest in Dublin the managing director of the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, the owners of the "Leinster," gave evidence that the maximum speed was 21 knots, and that that evidence was suppressed by the Censor?

I gave the figures from "Lloyd's Register," and I explained what that means.

Is it not a fact that the steamers plying between Larne and Stranraar were not protected except in extremely fine weather?

There are some ports to which it is necessary to devote more attention than other ports. It is purely a naval consideration. I shall be glad to tell the hon. Member why.

What is the speed of a destroyer?

That is a debating point.

It is not a debating point. It arises out of part of the question which he has not answered. What is the average speed of a destroyer?

As I said at the outset, it is difficult to say what is the average speed of a destroyer.

What is the average speed of a destroyer? He has given the average speed of a steamer and not of a destroyer.

He has said it is practically impossible.

It is not. Everybody knows but the Admiralty.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that he was misinformed by his technical advisers as to the speed of the mail steamer "Leinster" and as to the time she was torpedoed and sent out her S.O.S. call; and whether her S.O.S. call was so faint, owing to the explosion, that it did not reach Kingstown, but was picked up by the ss. "Ulster," at that time about three miles distant, at 9.50 a.m., and immediately transmitted to Kingstown?

As regards the speed of the "Leinster," there is no question of misinformation by technical advisers. I gave the Lloyd's figure in reply to my hon. Friend on 15th October, and gave it correctly. As regards the moment of the torpedo attack, the Senior Naval Officer, Kingstown, received 9.25 a.m. as the time from a survivor, and reported the same to us. It appears that this was inaccurate. Further reports go to show that the first torpedo struck the "Leinster" at 9.30 a.m. A corrupt message was received between 9.40 and 9.44 by Wireless Kingstown and the complete message was received at Kingstown at 9.50, both these messages being made by the "Ulster." It appears very doubtful if the S.O.S. signal, which the "Leinster" apparently attempted to transmit, was ever received coherently by any vessel, the presumption being that the "Leinster's" wireless was put out of action by the torpedo attack. As was stated above, the "Ulster" transmitted the message between 9.40 and 9.44 and again at 9.50. It was not till the last-named time that the message could be understood.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the speed given in Lloyd's book is simply the trial trip speed, and that the actual speed is, I think, 21 knots?

I have explained what is meant in my reply to the hon. Member for South Down.

Is it not a fact that not alone did the "Ulster" receive a wireless call, a weak call, from the "Leinster" that morning, but that a number of people on board the "Ulster" saw the actual explosion of the first torpedo that struck the "Leinster," and were it not for the fact that there was a heavy storm of wind and rain sweeping over the sea they would have seen the explosion of the second torpedo, and the end of the terrible catastrophe?

That may very well be, but I have not heard that before.

Is there any reason why the "Ulster" did not go to the assistance of the "Leinster" when it was being torpedoed?

That does not arise.

Go to sea, and learn something.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he has now made arrangements for the ss. "Ulster" to be escorted; and is he aware that on Thursday last the ss. "Ulster" was accompanied by destroyers which had no difficulty in keeping up with her?

As stated in answers to previous questions, escorts are provided when conditions permit, one of the conditions being the state of the sea. On the date in question, weather and other conditions enabled escort to be given.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a torpedo was fired at the "Ulster" last week from an enemy submarine?

I am not aware of that.

It is a fact.

I will make inquiry.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will arrange for an independent tribunal, consisting of at least one judge of His Majesty's High Court and several independent members, to investigate the circumstances in connection with the loss of the mail steamer "Leinster"?

The Government are not prepared to go beyond the steps indicated in reply to previous questions, and are not, therefore, prepared to adopt the suggestion contained in the question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that because of what transpired at the inquest in Dublin and other matters in connection with the sinking of the "Leinster" the public will not be satisfied with a Departmental inquiry, and that there is a strong demand by the public for an independent tribunal?

I do not know about that, but I have given a full answer to the question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman represent to the Leader of the House that there was a direct conflict of testimony between witnesses at the inquest and statements made on behalf of the Admiralty, and call his attention to the fact that the reports of the inquest have been suppressed and censored by the public Censor; and having regard to those facts will he consider the advisability of having a searching and independent public investigation into the whole matter?

My answer, I think, covers all that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is commonly believed that it was known that a submarine was in the vicinity for two or three days before the "Leinster" was sunk, and why was no protection given to the mail boat which had a large number of military as well as civilians on board?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the 25 per cent. bonus on the full pay earned by retired officers and Emergency List officers is a definite grant in lieu of pension which is suspended and cannot be increased by time served during the War and a definite grant on re-employment in time of war?

The 25 per cent. bonus referred to, plus full pay, is paid to retired officers and officers on the Emergency List re-employed. So far as the retired officers are concerned, it is a payment in lieu of counting service for further pension during re-employment.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that retired and emergency officers employed in departments outside the Admiralty—namely, transport officers, port convoy officers, shipping intelligence officers, officers in charge of D.A.M.S., and commodores of convoys—are receiving consolidated pay plus the 25 per cent. bonus; if he can see his way to give similar treatment to retired and emergency officers employed in departments inside the Admiralty, and to make the rectification retrospective; (2) whether he can say, in view of the provisions of the Orders in Council regarding the employment of retired officers in time of war, dated 8th March, 1895, and 12th November, 1900, 16th May, 1904, 5th March, 1910, 5th July, 1911, 3rd February, 1915, and 15th February, 1916, and in view of the provisions of the Orders in Council regarding the employment of emergency officers in time of war, dated 13th May, 1901, and 11th February, 1913, why retired and emergency officers employed at the Admiralty are debarred from receiving the consolidated rate of pay of their rank and in addition the 25 per cent. bonus on their full pay, less allowances, as provided for by these Orders in Council?

As regards retired and emergency officers recalled to employment at the Admiralty, they receive pay and allowances plus bonus, or consolidated pay where the same is more to their advantage. As regards retired and emergency officers specified in question No. 17, they get consolidated pay plus 25 per cent. bonus. This was decided upon after careful consideration.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that men now employed in provincial towns are getting the consolidated rate of pay, plus the bonus, and not in London, where it costs a great deal more to live than in provincial towns.

The hon. Member is right in the points of Question 17. The officers therein specified are getting consolidated pay plus bonus. Those who are recalled for service at the Admiralty receive pay and allowances, plus bonus, or consolidated pay. The matter was decided after very careful consideration, and I cannot carry the matter beyond that.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there is any reason why a gratuity or an addition of 6d. a day to pension should be given to recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and Military Cross while the same is denied to recipients of the Military Medal; and whether he will in consequence consider the desirability of giving a bonus to those military medalists who have won a bar to their medal for a second act of bravery in this War?

The Military Medal was instituted with a view to providing a form of decoration in recognition of bravery in the field which did not reach the standard of the Distinguished Conduct Medal, and so did not call for the addition of the gratuity and extra pension which the latter carries.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that 6d. a day is added to the pension of a recipient of the Distinguished Conduct Medal who is discharged to pension, he will consider the grant of a like sum for life to distinguished conduct medalists who are not discharged to pension in lieu of the gratuity of £20 which is awarded them instead?

This matter has been carefully examined, and it is considered undesirable to multiply small pensions of 6d. a day where there is no other pension to which they would form an addition.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the difficulties which officers living on their pay experience in replacing articles of kit when they become worn out after many months on active service, he will consider the possibility of giving an additional outfit allowance of £15 per annum to all officers who have served three years and over during the present War?

Renewal of kit was one of the necessary expenses taken into account when the present scale of pay for officers was fixed by the War Cabinet.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the still further increase in the price of kits since the last arrangements were made?

Arrangements have been made by which articles of uniform and so forth can be purchased at fixed maximum prices.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is now in a position to make a statement as regards the kept-on engineer officers of the Royal Navy and their pay?

I can only repeat that this question is still under consideration.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the approximate percentage of the civilian coast watchers employed under the Admiralty who have never served in the Navy or Army or in the Mercantile Marine during the present War; and whether he will consider the advisability of replacing them by discharged men of all Services who are fitted for work of this nature?

It is not possible in the time to complete the inquiries which are necessary in order to furnish a reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question. If he will repeat his question one day next week, I shall be in a position to answer him.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that the German Legation at Berne, which in pre-war days consisted of a staff fewer than fifty in number, now exceeds 1,200 persons; if he has any official information showing that this Legation has become the headquarters of the German system of espionage throughout the world; and if he will make representations to the Swiss Government as to whether Swiss consent has been obtained for so great an increase?

The staff of the German Legation at Berne has been very considerably augmented. I am unaware of the exact numbers of its present staff, but I doubt if they are as high as is suggested. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and I am afraid that it would be impossible to comply with the final suggestion.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is in a position to explain the constitutional effect of the changes in the system of government in Germany referred to in the reply of the German Government to President Wilson's Note; whether the powers of the Bundesrat as a legislative body and as the supreme administrative board have been in any way modified; whether the Secretaries of State and other heads of executive departments have gained any responsible authority or remain answerable to the Imperial Chancellor alone and liable to be dismissed by him at will; and whether the expression War Cabinet now appearing in reports of German political movements implies the existence of an executive Government with collective responsibility to the Legislature, similar in constitutional status to that assigned by modern usage to the Cabinet in the United Kingdom, France, and Italy?

I fear that I could not within the limits of a reply to a question explain the constitutional effect of the changes now being made in the Government of Germany. As far as I know, there is no evidence that the powers of the Bundesrat have been in any way modified. With regard to the third part of the question, it does not appear that there is any proposal to alter the position of Secretaries of State in Germany. They remain, as I understand, subordinate to the Imperial Chancellor, and are appointed by the Emperor on his recommendation. They are also, I suppose, liable to be dismissed by the Emperor, who will presumably exercise this power on the recommendation of the Imperial Chancellor, although this does not seem to be specifically provided for. The last part of the question is, therefore, presumably in the negative.

Will representations be made to the German Government that the powers of the Bundesrat should be regulated under the terms of the Parliament Act?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a considerable quantity of property owned by British subjects in Roumania was destroyed on the direct instructions of British officers; whether, in consequence, some of the owners thereof have been reduced from affluent circumstances to the verge of poverty; and whether, considering that the loss of such commerce must eventually be made good, the Government will now make reparation to the owners of the property, either in payment in full or by a payment on account, instead of waiting until after the cessation of hostilities?

I presume that this question refers to the destruction of oil property in Roumania at the end of 1916 for the purpose of preventing its being utilised by the enemy for military purposes. This destruction was effected by the direction of the Roumanian Government, and was carried out under the supervision of Roumanian, French, and British officers. Any claim for compensation must therefore be, in the first place, one against the Roumanian Government, and no question of any payment being made by His Majesty's Government can be considered until the matter has been adjusted in consultation with the Roumanian and the other Governments concerned. I would point out that even if the destruction had not taken place the British owners could have received no income from their properties so long as these remained in the hands of the enemy.

As the property to which I refer was destroyed on the express instructions of His Majesty's Government, will the matter be reconsidered?

I will consider any additional facts which my hon. Friend may bring before me, but I do not think that it is accurate to say that anything was done by British officers except as agents of the Roumanian Government.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that a Russian gentleman, Mr. B. Chrysin, deported with Mr. Litvinoff on 26th September, is in London; and whether his return is in connection with any political object favoured by the Foreign Office?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Mr. B. Chrysin, who was deported from this country on 26th September, is now in London and writing letters from his address in the city; by what means and with whose permission was Mr. Chrysin allowed to return; and what action he proposes to take?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to question No. 29, and I will answer at the same time question No. 141. I regret that, in answering the hon. Member's question on the 17th instant, I was mistaken in saying that Chrysin had left this country. This was the information given me, but it proves to be incorrect. There has been some confusion in the case owing to the illness of the officer concerned, but the matter will be investigated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman apologise to Mr. Chrysin, who carries on business in the city in the co-operative movement, and can now have it put to him that the Home Secretary has said that he has been deported when he has never been deported; and will the right hon. Gentleman say who is the official who is responsible?

I am having the matter investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a cablegram has been received from the Ceylon Reform League and the Ceylon National Association informing the Government of the disappointment caused in Ceylon by the announcement of the Government that the time was inopportune for the discussion of reforms in Ceylon; whether there are any and, if so, what reasons why the same consideration should not be given to the demands of the people of Ceylon for responsible government as the Government is now giving to similar demands from the neighbouring people of India; whether any and, if so, what reply has been given to the Reform League and National Association; and whether he will call for and publish a Report of the Governor of Ceylon upon the steps necessary for introducing into Ceylon a measure of responsible government similar to that proposed by the Secretry of State for India?

Telegrams have been received from the Ceylon Reform League and National Association. I have asked the Governor to inform these and other bodies in Ceylon who have approached me that I will carefully consider their views, but that I am not prepared to form any definite conclusions until the time is more opportune for examining all the proposals which have been submitted. I have no doubt I shall be furnished with the Governor's views in due course.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he is likely to have the Governor's Report?

I do not know.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many persons condemned by court-martial for offences during the Ceylon riots of June, 1915, are still in prison?

I have no recent Return giving the desired information. The bulk of the prisoners were released in 1916, and the sentences of those remaining have been carefully reviewed.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received a memorial from Ceylon denying that all the cases of illegal shooting alleged to have taken place during the riots have been investigated, and containing sworn affidavits going to show that the eye-witnesses of the shootings and the relatives of the persons shot have never been examined, and that the inquiry was confined to calling for a report from the officers accused of illegal action; and whether, in these circumstances, he will order a full public inquiry into all these cases?

I have received no such memorial, and I have nothing to add to the answers previously given on the subject of the proposals for a further inquiry.

Are we to understand that the Government entirely declines to clear up this old question?

I have said that I have nothing to add.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what is now the average Import Duty on British manufactured goods imported into the Commonwealth of Australia; to what extent, if any, these duties have been raised since 1st August, 1914; and whether any other of the self-governing Dominions have similarly increased Import Duties on British manufactures?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. A calculation made by the statistical authorities of the Commonwealth shows that the average incidence of the tariff of 1914 (which came into operation after the outbreak of war) amounted to about 16¾ per cent. ad valorem on imports of all descriptions from the United Kingdom, as compared with about 14¼ per cent. in the case of the previous tariff. There has been a general increase of rates of duty in Canada, and one on important classes of goods in South Africa. In New Zealand and Newfoundland a few articles only have been subjected to higher rates.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state why the segregating of Indians in a special part of Mombasa was not submitted to the India Office before it was carried out; whether he is aware that Indian opinion in the Colony is disturbed by this new departure; whether any further extensions of a colour-bar policy are intended; whether Indians have representation on the Legislative Council of the Colony; and whether he is aware that Indian troops have taken a leading part in defending the Colony from the Germans?

The responsibility for the administration of the East Africa Protectorate rests and must remain with the Secretary of State for the Colonies. I have had representations from Indian Associations in the Protectorate on the matter referred to, but I can give no pledge that further steps will not be taken if necessitated by the sanitary considerations, which have governed the measures already adopted. I am, of course, fully aware of the part taken by Indian troops in the campaign.

Does that mean that the Colonial Office declines to consult the India Office on matters concerning the welfare of our Indian fellow subjects?

I have nothing to add to the answer.

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows better than the Colonial Office, he need not put the question.

I asked whether the Colonial Office in this matter had consulted the India Office?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether there is need for Indian residences in Mombasa; and, if so, whether any land will be sold to Indians as it has been to Europeans?

In answer to the first part of the question, I have no information. As regards the second part of the question, I have no doubt that if this is so, and if land is available For the purpose, the answer will be in the affirmatve.

May I take it that the Indian population of Mombasa have made representations to the Colonial Office that they want land as well as the white settlers, and that land will be provided for them?

I stated the hypothesis in perfectly correct terms, and I think the answer is complete.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that men wounded in former wars may now receive the same concessions in respect to military service, and the same rates, of pension as men wounded in the present War, he will also grant them the gold stripe, as given to men who have been wounded since 4th August, 1914?

The wound distinction was introduced to meet the peculiar circumstances connected with the present War, and it is not proposed to extend the conditions of award so as to include men wounded in previous wars.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what are the peculiar circumstances of this war, and why men wounded in the South African and former wars should not be given the gold stripe as well as the men wounded in this War?

This War is a very prolonged one, and it was thought at one time in the House that there was a great distinction between the man serving at home and the man who has come home wounded after serving abroad in this War.

Why should not men who have been wounded in former wars have a like distinction?

Questions should not be made the subject of debate. It precludes the later questions from being asked.

This is my third question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that, under the Military Service Act of May, 1916, men could claim their discharge if they had thirteen years' service to their credit and had reached the age limit of forty-one under that Act, he will now extend a similar concession to men who have reached the age of fifty-one and have also thirteen years' service to their credit?

I regret that in existing circumstances it is not possible to adopt my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. The question suggests an amendment to the Military Service (No. 2) Act, 1918, and should, therefore, be addressed to the Minister of National Service.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a draft of lads under nineteen was sent overseas from the Gordon Highlanders early in September and, in spite of the undertaking given by him on 7th August, in the same month were sent into the firing line?

Inquiries are already being made, and I will let my hon. Friend know the result as soon as possible.

Would it not be the greatest hardship to lads of nineteen to peremptorily forbid their entering the firing line, in view of the fact that they have displayed the greatest gallantry during the War?

I have already said that I regard the conduct and attitude of these young fellows when perforce they were sent abroad in March last as simply magnificent.

asked the Prime Minister if he will have the calling up of men of over forty-five suspended until the necessity of conscripting the young men of Ireland shall arise?

I regret that I can add nothing to the previous replies on this subject.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can now state what decision has been come to with respect to the restoration to their former rank, irrespective of their medical category, of warrant officers and non-commissioned officers recalled to the Colours under the last Military Service Act?

Generally speaking, ex-warrant officers and ex-non-commissioned officers on re-enlistment are given the substantive rank which they held at the time of their discharge from the Army. There are, however, certain exceptions, which are explained fully in the instructions which have been issued on the subject, and of which I am sending copies to my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a man transferred to Class W of the Reserve is considered to be a civilian or a soldier?

A Reservist in Class W cannot strictly speaking be called either a soldier or a civilian, but while permitted to remain in reserve he is not subject to military discipline. He is, however, liable at any time to be recalled to the Colours for service as a soldier.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, having regard to the fact that women doctors serving in military hospitals discharge similar duties and receive the same pay as men doctors and are entitled to wear the Royal Army Medical Corps badge, he will take steps to rectify the anomaly of their being refused even honorary commissions or to wear badges of rank which would be helpful to them in maintaining discipline; and if he can arrange that they obtain equivalent relief from Income Tax as is granted to men doctors under the Service rate?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that duly qualified women doctors, attached to the Royal Army Medical Corps and performing the same work as Royal Army Medical Corps officers, are not granted commissions or the badge of rank; and will he consider favourably an alteration in these Regulations?

I am sorry that I cannot give a definite reply to-day, but I can assure my hon. Friends that the question is at this moment receiving every possible consideration.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to reply, as this matter is greatly pressing?

I quite agree that the matter is pressing, and I hope to be able to give a reply next Wednesday.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) whether the 22nd Cheshire Regiment (4th Reserve Battalion. Territorial Force, was sent from Oswestry to Kinmel because there was a proposal that German prisoners should occupy their hutments at Oswestry; why the battalion was moved before a definite decision to use such hutments for prisoners was made; whether such hutments have been occupied since the battalion left; (2) whether the 4th Reserve Battalion Cheshire Regiment, Territorial Force, have recently gone into billets at Whitstable because their canvas camp has been in an exposed place and has been blown down; whether this involves the expenditure of large sums for billeting money; whether there are no public buildings suitable for training in bad weather; why this Reserve battalion cannot be placed at Kinmel, where there are plenty of empty hutments, etc.; (3) whether the 4th Reserve Battalion, Territorial Force, of the Cheshire Regiment, having been first moved from Oswestry to Kinmel, were in July, for no ostensible reason, moved to Tankerton Camp, Whitstable, and put under canvas; and whether he will explain why this course was adopted, as the cost of transporting recruits from Cheshire to Whitstable is at least three times that of taking them to Kinmel, and the cost of home warrants to the country similarly great, as well as the cost of men joining up from Lancashire and Cheshire hospitals and command depots?

The battalion referred to was moved in accordance with the measures necessary for the defence of the country. The camp at Tankerton was blown down under exceptional climatic conditions, and the battalion was placed in winter quarters a few days in anticipation of the normal moves of troops which had been arranged. The accommodation at Kinmel has already been allotted, and is not available.

As regards question No. 41, my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The hutments at Oswestry occupied by the battalion had been allotted previously for prisoners of war, and a certain amount of barbed wire had been put up in order to make the camp suitable for their reception at any time. The hutments were occupied by prisoners of war as soon as the special arrangements necessary were completed, and have since been continuously occupied by them.

asked the Prime Minister whether Mr. W. M. Hughes is still a guest of the Government?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The answer is in the affirmative.

May I ask whether the business of the Dominion Premiers is not already finished, and whether, in these circumstances, their expenses could not be paid by the party organisations? [HON MEMBERS: "Order, order!"]

Notice must be given of that question. The question on the Paper has had a complete answer. Questions must not be used for the purpose of initiating debates.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of appointing a second Committee, similar to that presided over by Mr. Justice Sankey, so that the cases of internment or repatriation of enemy aliens may be dealt with more expeditiously?

I do not think this desirable. The Committee have great experience, and are making good progress. I do not think it would conduce to expedition to hand over part of the work to another Committee.

How many cases have been dealt with, and how many remain to be dealt with?

I cannot answer that without notice. I will inquire if the hon. Gentleman puts down a question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that anyone else will be before the Committee?

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the possibility of a General Election in the near future, he will introduce legislation to prevent anyone of enemy alien birth, whether naturalised or unnaturalised, having the right to sit in Parliament or on municipal and local councils?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to the hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division last Thursday.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the possibility of a General Election in the near future, he will appoint additional Committees, similar to that presided over by Mr. Justice Atkin, so that the certificates of naturalisation granted to aliens can be reviewed without further delay, and so prevent all those who are proved to be undesirable from exercising the franchise at the forthcoming General Election?