asked the Secretary of State for India when Parliament will be asked to assent to the proposal of the Governor-General in Council that India shall defray a large share of the cost of the military forces raised within the Indian Empire; and whether terms of the proposal can now be communicated to the House?

I am afraid that action will have to be postponed until the new Parliament meets.

asked the Secretary of State for India if he has yet received the Report of the Indian Industrial Commission and, if so, whether he proposes to have it published as a Parliamentary Paper or otherwise; whether he has considered the proposals submitted to him in Sir Charles Bedford's Memorandum of August last to set up a representative London advisory council in connection with measures relating to Indian industrial development which would cooperate with similarly constituted provincial councils in India; if so, whether he will take these recommendations into consideration when dealing with the Indian Industrial Commission's Report; and whether he proposes to take action regarding industrial developmental policy apart from the general measures relating to Indian constitutional reforms?

I have received a summary only of the Report, and this has already appeared in the newspapers. I propose to arrange for publication of the Report on receipt of copies from India, for which I have asked. The answer to the last two questions is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for India if, in view of the importance of monozite to the gas-mantle industry of this country, he will take the necessary steps to ascertain from the Indian Government their views as to the conservation to the British Empire of the monozite supplies of India?

These supplies are now in British hands, and the Government of India are fully alive to the importance of preventing the Travancore deposits from falling again under foreign control.

asked (1) the President of the Board of Trade if it is intended to introduce legislation to protect the incandescent mantle industry and its raw material; and (2) The Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is intended to include in the protection of key industries the recently developed monozite and thorium industries in India and this country?

The position of the gas industry and of the industries upon which it is dependent, especially the manufacture of thorium nitrate from monozite sand, is under consideration, but I am not at present in a position to state the action which the Government will take in the matter.

Is my hon. Friend aware that, unless it is taken in some form or another, these industries will have to shut down when it comes to open competition with foreign markets?

I will bring that before my right hon. Friend.

Will he bear that in mind?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether representations have been received from the Workers' Union with regard to the reduction from 7½. to 6d. per hour in the rate of wages for labourers (local entrants) at the naval base at Rosyth; and what decision has been come to by the Admiralty on this question?

Representations of the kind referred to have been received. There has, however, been no such reduction in wages as suggested in my hon. Friend's question. The representations made have reference to the fact that in the early days of the War, when the dockyard rate for labourers was 24s. a week, the rate at Rosyth was raised to 30s. a week, to conform to the rate paid locally by the construction works contractors. Having granted wages on the basis stated, the Admiralty have not seen their way to granting, in addition, the whole of the War increases in wages subsequently allowed for workmen in the shipbuilding and engineering trades; but the men affected are in no case paid less than the full rates ordinarily paid to labourers in the dockyards, including the whole of the war increases granted to workmen in the shipbuilding and engineering trades, as well as the 12½ per cent.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can make public any part or the whole of Mr. Lockhart's Report on Russia?

No, Sir, not at present. But the matter is being considered.

Is there any chance of publication being made before the General Election, so that the matters which are so vital may be considered by the public at large?

I cannot give the date, but it certainly never occurred to me that a report on the national affairs of Russia was vital to an election. I will do everything I can to expedite matters.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he proposes to initiate a measure of reform in the government of Ceylon on similar lines to the measure proposed for India; and, if not, will he state the reason why, in view of the fact that the people of Ceylon are equally capable of self-government, and the absence of any contemporaneous reform will make a contrast between India and Ceylon?

I have received representations from several sections of opinion in Ceylon in favour of proposals, differing widely in details, for the alteration of the Constitution. I would invite reference to the replies made to questions addressed to me by the hon. Member for Burnley on the 24th July and 30th October. As the Governor has only just taken up his duties, it is impossible to give a final decision on these questions pending the Report which I have invited him to send me.

Will the Colonial Office recognise the people of Ceylon as a small nationality?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has now received a memorial from Ceylon asserting that of hundreds of cases of illegal shooting alleged to have taken place during the riots only ten were investigated, in every one of which the allegations were proved; and whether, under these circumstances, he will grant the full public inquiry asked for into the other cases, and thus remove the sense of wrong unredressed which has shaken the confidence of the Singalese people in British justice?

I have now received a copy of this memorial, but I await the observations of the Governor of Ceylon. I see no reason for any further public inquiry into the allegations at this date, and I cannot admit the accuracy of the suggestion in the concluding sentence of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that mass meetings have been held in Hong Kong against the return to Hong Kong of the Germans who have been deported from there; and whether, in view of the adverse feeling, he will take steps to see that effect is given to this desire on the part of the local residents?

I am aware of the feeling in Hong Kong on the subject, and the matter is receiving my consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men are at the present moment being drafted to Salonika who are over forty years, are married and have families, and were owners of one-man businesses; and will be say what is the object of this, in view of the fact that the climate is not so suitable for such men as for younger men?

If men of the age mentioned have recently been sent to Salonika, it has been because they are suitable for special duties for which men are still required, e.g. , motor transport drivers, artificers, skilled tradesmen, etc., and for which it is unnecessary to use the young men. I would remind my hon. Friend that no soldiers are sent overseas unless, in the opinion of the medical authorities, they are physically fit for the duties they will be called upon to perform.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that James Boyd, No. 35637, attached to the Scottish Rifles, Cameronians, Hamilton, Grade 3, who is at present serving a sentence of two years' hard labour as a conscientious objector in Inverness prison, is suffering from an injury to his knee which makes him lame and unfit for military service; and whether he will have inquiries made into the case, with a view to his discharge from the Army on medical grounds?

This case has already been considered, and as a result of a special medical examination it was decided that Boyd should not be discharged from the Army.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if the Government intend to give any recognition of the services of those men who volunteered to join the Army before the Derby scheme was accepted by the Government?

I think that the special recognition suggested by my hon. Friend is already provided for, in cases where overseas service has been rendered, by the award of the "1914–15 Star," which I announced in this House on Thursday last. They will also be eligible to receive whatever commemorative war medals may be sanctioned.

Would it be impossible to have recognition from those who have not been asked to render overseas service through no fault of their own, but who volunteered?

I think the last part of my reply answers that point. I said in my answer—they would also be eligible to receive whatever commemorative war medals may be sanctioned.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received from the sailors' and soldiers' pay committee, formed by the General Federation of Trade Unions, a request for a substantial gratuity, based on length of service during the War, to be paid to all men who have been demobilised, to the dependants of those that have been killed, and to men demobilised on the cessation of hostilities; and, if so, whether the Government has come to any decision on the subject?

As the reply is a long one, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the reply circulated:

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative.

A special gratuity will be payable to the warrant officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Army and Royal Air Force. This gratuity will be based upon service, both as to length and nature. It will be paid to every man who has joined, either voluntarily or compulsorily, either of the forces, from 4th August, 1914, up to the time of his discharge. It will also be payable to men already demobilised, and to the legatees or next-of-kin of such men as have been killed, such amounts being based upon their length of service as from the time of enlistment until the date of death.

The exceptions are as follows:

( a ) Conscientious objectors.

( b ) Medically unfit, who were discharged within six months as unfit to be soldiers, and

I.

Scale of gratuities payable on demobilisation to Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the Army and R.A.F. who have served for any period of the War overseas.

War gratuity (including gratuities on discharge due under the Pay Warrant)—Basis, £5 for a Private in his first year of service, with an addition of 10s. a month, commencing with the second year; fixed additions for rank.

( c ) The Class "W" men, who were released for civil work, for such time as they have been on civil work at full rates of civil pay.

The scale for men who have served overseas is as follows:

For the private, £5 for the first year, with 10s. per month in addition after the first year; the corporal, £6, with like addition; sergeant, £8; warrant officer Class II., £12; and the warrant officer Class I., £15, with same additions for subsequent periods of service.

Five years is the limit for assessment of gratuity. Five years' service entitles a private to £29, and the highest rank of warrant officer to £39. The scale for the man who has done home service only is based upon the same amount for the first year, namely, £5 private, £6 corporal, £8 sergeant, £12 warrant officer Class II., and £15 warrant officer Class I. The additions, however, are at the rate of 5s. for the subsequent period of service, making for the five years' service £17 for the private, and £27 for the warrant officer Class I. The men who have drawn pay and Service pensions concurrently are eligible for a lower rate. Those who have done service abroad and have drawn pay and Service pension concurrently will be entitled to the above amounts for the first year, and 5s. per month for subsequent periods of service; and those who have served at home only, and have drawn pay and Service pension concurrently will be entitled to an additional 2s. 6d. per month after the first year's service.

A further announcement will be made with regard to the Royal Navy, as well as to the gratuity to be paid to Regular officers of the Royal Navy and the Army.

A detailed scale for the Army and the Royal Air Force is annexed.

II.

Scale of gratuities payable on demobilisation to Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the Army and R.A.F. who have not served overseas for any period of the War.

War gratuity (including gratuities on discharge due under the Pay Warrant)—Basis, £5 for a Private in his first year of service, with an addition of 5s. a month, commencing with the second year; fixed additions for rank.

N.B.—No gratuity is payable unless the man has served at least six months.

III.

Scale of gratuities payable on demobilisation to Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the Army and R.A.F. who have drawn service pensions concurrently with pay and have served for any period during the War overseas.

War gratuity (including gratuities on discharge due under the Pay Warrant)—Basis, £5 for a Private in his first year of service, with an addition of 5s. a month, commencing with the second year; fixed additions for rank.

IV.

Scale of gratuities payable on demobilisation to Warrant Officers, N.C.O.'s and men of the Army and R.A.F. who have drawn service pensions concurrently with pay and have not served overseas.

War gratuity (including gratuities on discharge due under the Pay Warrant)—Basis, £5 for a Private in his first year of service, with an addition of 2s. 6d. a month, commencing with the second year; fixed additions for rank.

N.B.—No gratuity is payable unless the man has served at least six months.

NOTES—1. No gratuity to Conscientious Objectors.

2. Time during which a soldier has worked for full civil wages, on munition work, etc., not to count in assessment.

3. Deserters—All time previous to desertion to be ignored.

4. Imprisonment—Periods of 28 days and over to be deducted in assessment.

5. The maximum amount payable shall not in any case exceed that amount which can be earned by five years' service.

6. Gratuities are only assessable on the above scales up to the end of the War, Estimated cost, £80,000,000.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a soldier after his twenty-eight days' furlough following upon demobilisation is to be discharged from the Army, or is to be passed into the W or other Reserve; and in what position is the Kitchener Army soldier who enlisted for the duration of the War, and is therefore not subject to the provisions of the Military Service Act as regards military service when the War is ended and demobilisation begins?

I am not yet in a position to state what form the final demobilisation of a soldier on the conclusion of his demobilisation furlough will take, but the position of a voluntarily enlisted man and of a man called up under the Military Service Act is identical in this respect.

Has my hon. Friend seen the official pamphlet in which the two words "discharged" and "demobilised" are used as though they meant the same thing? Is he aware that confusion is being widely spread in the minds of the soldiers, and is causing a great deal of trouble?

I think the facts are as follows: a man demobilised is at once given furlough or leave with full pay.

Is he discharged at the end?

I am at present unable to say.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the decision taken by the Ministry of National Service to withdraw all charges against absentees under the Military Service Acts, he will order the release from prison of men in the Army who have been sentenced to imprisonment for overstaying their leave and for similar offences which do not involve moral turpitude and whose record has otherwise been good?

Due consideration will be given to such cases when peace is signed or demobilisation commences.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can see his way to return all the small fines that have been inflicted upon soldiers for minor offences; whether such money can be returned to them at their discharge; and whether he will take action in the matter?

I am afraid I cannot adopt this suggestion.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department has formed any estimate of the extra number of clerks that will be required by all the Departments for demobilisation and peace work and for whom office accommodation has been asked from his Department; is it anticipated that the extra number to be employed will foe so many that further hotels will be required to be commandeered; if so, how many in London; and what hotels?

My Department is not responsible for the staffing of other Departments, and is not in a position to make any such estimate. I do not, however, intend in any case to commandeer further hotels, and one hotel has already been vacated.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the number of clerks to be employed by the Government in peace time will be more than in war time?

That is a matter not in my control.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether any arrangements have been made for the return home of war munition volunteers and their wives who came to this country from the Colonies and Dominions; and, if so, will he state what they are?

Proposals for the return home of war munitions volunteers and their dependants who came to this country from the Colonies are now before the Treasury, and it is hoped that an announcement will be made in a few days.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War, if he will take steps to secure an early return to Great Britain and Ireland of the forces at present in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Salonika; and if he is aware that many of these men have had no leave since 1914?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave on Monday last to my right hon. Friend the Member for Deptford.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether on demobilisation warrant officers will get £20 gratuity, sergeants £10, and privates £5; and whether, seeing that we shall be maintaining a large standing Army for the best part of two years after peace is signed, he can make any statement on the subject?

I think my hon. Friend has in mind a statement on these points which recently appeared in a newspaper. That statement was totally incorrect and unauthorised, except that it is the intention of the Government to give a war gratuity on demobilisation. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will deal with the matter in answer to Question No. 48.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will issue orders that these young men who are serving in the Army and Officers' Training Corps and desire to attend the universities or other educational institutions should be forthwith released so that they may resume their studies after Christmas?

It has been Arranged that officers and men whose education has been interrupted by military service, and who wish to resume their studies, will be treated on the same basis as those men who have definite employment awaiting them, and they will be granted early release within the period of general dispersal. I am unable to make any statement as to when this release will take effect.

Will the right hon. Gentleman not arrange that they can be released to resume their studies after Christmas, at the beginning of the new term; it would be of enormous advantage?

Is it not a fact that at the present moment some of these young men are being sent as privates to France?

I am not aware of the fact which my hon. Friend (Mr. Wright) has stated. In answer to the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire (Mr. Gulland), I will see what can be done in this particular case; but the demobilisation scheme is very extensive and very difficult to work, and after two years, if we cannot carry it out in the way we have arranged, it will fall to the ground.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration that if they get next term at college it counts for 1919; if they lose it, they lose the whole year and are set back in the whole of their career?

I will look into all these matters.

If these young men qualify for their commissions will they get them, irrespective of the fact that their services may not be required?

Yes; I hope these commissions will be given. I have tried to meet very difficult cases in another way. These young men who would be called up with their battalions and would be leaving public school life are not called up, but are allowed to continue their educational work at school.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that, short of demobilisation, a short leave would in many cases be very valuable to enable these young men to get their term?

What I have tried to arrange is this: There are a great many brilliant young boys in Officers' Cadet Battalions, and I am now most anxious that they should be allowed to attend their examinations at Oxford or Cambridge.

And other universities?

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember that those who are in attendance at universities are under a greater strain than those at school, because in their case a year, or even a few months' delay may cut them out for ever from realising their ambitions?

I quite realise that point.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether officers and men of the New Army and Special Reserve may now apply for their discharge; whether, in the event of their application being granted, they lose the war gratuity to which they are entitled on demobilisation; whether the War Office acquaints men of this fact when intimating to them that they can apply to be discharged, and whether His Majesty's Government will allow the war gratuity to be paid in such cases of discharge?

The position remains as it was, but will shortly come under review. An announcement will be made as soon as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to assist farmers whose land has been thrown out of cultivation by the digging of trenches for the London defences to restore it to its former condition, so that it may be prepared for the harvest of 1920; and whether German prisoners of war may be employed by the Government for this purpose?

Instructions have been in force for a considerable time that where it is no longer necessary to retain land for trenches steps should be taken to fill in the trenches and restore the land to the owners or occupiers with a view to its cultivation. Orders have recently been issued that the trenches in the London defences may be filled in. I will consider how far assistance can be afforded by the military authorities, and in this connection the suggestion of my hon. and gallant Friend will not be overlooked.

asked (1) the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the 1914–15 Star will be granted to all officers and men of the 6th (Poona) Division who took part in the operations in Mesopotamia from the first landing at Busrah up to and including the siege of Kut-el-Amarah; (2) the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the 1914–15 Star will be granted to all officers and men who took part in the operations in East Africa during those years?

I think so, but perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will await the publication of the conditions of the award of the "1914–15 Star," which will be made in Army Orders very shortly.

Is the ribbon of the 1915 Star to be the same as that of the 1914 Star?

Yes, Sir.

Will there, then, be no difference between the 1914 Star and the 1914–15 Star?

The ribbon is the same, but the first star will be marked "1914," and the second "1914–15."

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for every time a man wears the medal he wears the ribbon a hundred times, and will there be no distinction for the men who served at Mons?

I know it is a very difficult question, and I can assure the House the Committee, which took the whole matter into its cognisance, took special precautions to find out the general feeling, and I understand the conclusion come to was unanimous.

Is this a method of depreciating the value of the 1914 Star?

I do not think so, and I believe the House will agree that this is a just and genuine attempt to meet feeling all round.

Has my right hon. Friend seen the suggestion in the Paper that the 1914 Star should be worn with red inside, and the 1914–15 with the blue inside, to mark the difference?

I can quite see there is a great diversity of opinion, and all I can promise to do is to bring the whole matter before the Committee again.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the Gallipoli Star will be given to the relatives of those who fell during the operations there?

Yes, Sir; the medal will be given to the legal representative or the next-of-kin, according to whether the deceased soldier died testate or intestate.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether it is the practice of his Department when they find officers are permanently unfit for further service to force them to resign their commissions and allow them to look after their own recovery without any care from the War Office; and was this system adopted with Lieutenant W. A. Heron, of the 17th Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, who was lying seriously wounded in the Western General Hospital, Manchester, and was forced against his desire out of his regiment on account of his wounds, and who suffered thereafter seriously in health and purse by being go treated?

This question is not free from difficulty. I am making inquiry into the circumstances of the particular case mentioned, and will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

asked the Under-secretary of State for War whether he has any information as to the safety of the British force that was in Baku and withdrew from that town; can he now say where it is; have the casualties yet become known to his Department; and is he aware of the anxiety of the relatives and friends of all who were in that expedition?

As has been stated on a previous occasion, the British force that was in Baku in September withdrew safely. The greater part of the troops which were in this expedition have been included in the force which, in conjunction with the Russians, reoccupied Baku on the 17th of this month. All casualties suffered in Baku have been reported by the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Mesopotamia in the ordinary course as soon as they become known, and the next of kin have been informed accordingly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will, if it has not been already arranged, take immediate steps whereby, by suitable public notices, leaflets, and otherwise, the attention of all members of His Majesty's and the Allied Forces, temporarily in or coming to London and strangers there, shall be drawn to the museums, picture galleries, theatres, and other places of interest, recreation, and healthy amusement in London, and how to reach them?

I think that everything possible in this direction is already being done by the various voluntary organisations which are so indefatigable in their efforts on behalf of our soldiers. I believe that notices and leaflets are displayed in the huts and kiosks throughout London. I am, however, considering whether anything further is necessary in this connection, and should be glad to receive any suggestions from my hon. and gallant Friend.

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he intends at once to take the necessary steps to reopen the National Gallery and British Museum, so that the art treasures of the nation may be viewed by Dominion and American troops passing through London during demobilisation?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave on Monday to the hon. Member for West Leeds.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the 2nd King Edward's Horse was a regiment raised by private subscription and effort at the beginning of the War and subsequently adopted by the War Office as a British Regular Cavalry unit; whether he is aware that the men who originally enlisted in this regiment were Britons from Overseas who in many instances abandoned their positions at the call of duty; whether the men of this regiment have experienced hard fighting and distinguished themselves and are now entitled to prompt discharge and conveyance back to the foreign lands from which they came in the same manner and on the same terms as Colonial troops; and whether, notwithstanding several squadrons of this gallant regiment have been distributed amongst other British units, the men who at one time formed the regiment, whether in it now or not, will individually receive the same benefit and treatment as Colonial troops so far as discharge and transportation to their foreign homes is concerned?

I am aware of the facts mentioned in the first two parts of my hon. Friend's question, and I am pleased to acknowledge in this House the gallant and distinguished services rendered by the 2nd King Edward's Horse. Members of the regiment will receive the same benefits as other soldiers discharged from units of the British Army, and those who came from overseas will be entitled to repatriation at the public expense under the conditions applicable to officers and men who came from abroad and joined the British Army. I can assure my hon. Friend, who has taken a great interest in this unit, that every possible consideration will be given to them.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many of these men came from the Argentine, leaving important businesses and positions, and that the Germans are particularly active in the Argentine against British interests; and will the right hon. Gentleman see that those men are allowed to return at the earliest possible moment?

As the person responsible for raising this regiment, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman to give his most favourable consideration to these men, who came to this country in answer to a cable that was sent broadcast over the world, and will he see that they are given free passages back to the places from which they came, if they were properly attested?

Yes; I promise that all these men will be given free passages back overseas to the places from which they came. Unfortunately, as my hon. and gallant Friend knows, this unit has been disbanded and there are many individual men belonging to this unit serving with other detachments, and it is extremely difficult to treat the unit as a whole, but any individual case presented to me by my hon. and gallant Friend will receive my sympathetic consideration.

May I ask whether various other men who came from the Colonies to join the Army will be given free passages back?

Certainly.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that before the War the pay of a second-lieutenant was 5s. 3d. per day and the pay of a quartermaster 9s. per day; that now the pay of a second-lieutenant is 10s. 6d. per day and the same for a quartermaster, the second-lieutenant receiving this amount from the commencement of his career as an officer, whereas a quartermaster has had to give long and useful service before reaching such rank; whether he is aware that there are many quartermasters with the rank of captain who were receiving this rate of 10s. 6d. per day before these new minimum rates were established, and the only increase others received was one of 6d. per day, in accordance with Army Order 43 of 1918, which lays it down that no officer shall receive less than 10s. 6d. per day; and whether, having regard to all the circumstances, and particularly the services being rendered by the quartermasters, he will favourably consider the possibility of granting an increase proportionate to that granted to junior officers?

I am fully aware of these facts. The principle on which the War Cabinet proceeded in dealing with officers' pay was not that of proportionate increase, but that of overriding minimum. My right hon. Friend will remember that in these days the second-lieutenant is no longer a lad fresh from school or college, but in very many cases a man with a family, like the quartermaster; and also that the quartermaster has received children's allowances when eligible for them, whatever his rank and rate of pay.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office

I am not aware of any purchase made by the Surveyor-General of Supply in competition with the Ministry of Food. The Army purchases of Basra dates in 1917 were made by the Chief Political Officer, Basra, on the advice of the India Office. After arrangements had been made for these purchases the Ministry of Food approached the War Office suggesting co-operation, but it was considered inadvisable to withdraw the instructions already given for that season, though for the present season joint purchases are being made on behalf of the War Office and the Ministry of Food. The difference noted in the prides paid by the War Office and the Ministry of Food was due to the fact that the Ministry of Food bought after the War Office had filled its requirements when there remained no other market for the holders of stocks, export being at the time rigidly controlled. No question regarding the purchase of dates was brought to the notice of the War Cabinet. The Surveyor-General of Supply is a member of the firm of Messrs. Andrew Weir and Company, who have an interest in the date industry at Basra, but he has taken no part in the activities of the firm since his appointment to the War Office. It is not known to what extent, if any, the firm indicated was interested in the purchases effected by the Political Officer at Basra. The Surveyor-General of Supply has had no dealings of any kind whatever with the firm in question.

Has any representative of the Surveyor-General of Supply had any dealings with this combine?

Not to my knowledge.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the uncertainty which exists on the subject, he can state definitely that the Swansea Vale Spelter Works are owned entirely by British-born subjects; whether the proprietors are endeavouring to establish in this country an industry formerly largely confined to Germany and controlled in all parts of the world by German firms; and can he say that there is no imputation on Mr. Tilden Smith either as to his nationality or as to his bona fides ?

Yes, Sir; the answer to all parts of the question is in the affirmative, subject to the single qualification that the Board of Trade have no definite information as to the nationality of origin of a number of small shareholders who hold altogether less than 6 per cent. of the issued shares.

asked the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to relax the rules at present in force concerning the issuing of season tickets, especially the restriction which compels an applicant to take a season ticket for six months when he only requires one for three months?

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the cessation of hostilities, he will remove the restrictions upon the issue of railway season tickets in so far as they adversely affect bonâ fide British purchasers of house property in suburban districts who, being the holders of such tickets in the month of June last, submitted applications for renewal?

The whole question of the restrictions upon the issue of season tickets is now under consideration, and I hope that a definite announcement can be made shortly.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the date of the application of the Union Nationale Inter-Syndicate for the registration of a mark of origin to distinguish goods produced in France; and whether the request has been granted?

Applications for the registration of this mark were filed on the 21st and 22nd May, 1917. Oppositions have been filed in respect of this application, and considerable delay has occurred in dealing with these oppositions owing to extensions of time (for filing evidence, etc.) having been agreed to between the parties. The matter is consequently still pending.

asked the Food Controller what steps are being taken, or are contemplated, by the Allied Governments with a view to relieving the distress prevailing in Albania?

The task of relieving distress due to the shortage of food in Albania is being undertaken by the Italian Government, who have, I understand, already taken steps to meet the urgent necessities of the situation. I should add that the relief of distress due to shortage of food in this and the neighbouring regions is under the general direction of the Inter-Allied Food Council.

Then I understand it is not left entirely to the Italian Government?

That is so.

asked the Prime Minister if the Government propose to take any steps to provide a remedy for the growing unrest amongst insurance agents; if he is aware that the insurance agents are the only body of workers who are existing on pre-war wages without any war bonus; is he aware of the profits derived by insurance companies out of lapsed policies during the last five years; and will he take steps to prevent similar trading in War Bonds?

I have been asked to reply to this question. I am not in a position to add to the replies which have already been given on this subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to withdraw the prohibition of public meetings in Ireland; and if he will withdraw the censorship?

As regards the first part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply given to the question of the hon. Member for East Mayo on this, subject on the 4th instant. With regard to the censorship, the matter is under consideration.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has ordered the prohibition of a meeting announced at the Mansion House, Dublin, for this day; if so, for what reason; and whether Sinn Fein meetings in support of imprisoned candidates will be permitted in Ireland?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the later part, electioneering meetings, whether in support of Sinn Fein or other candidates, will be permitted.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that the medical authority whom he permitted to visit Mrs. Gonne MacBride in Holloway Prison has advised her return to Dublin to be under Dr. Crofton; whether he intends to refuse Mrs. MacBride's application for permission to carry out this medical advice; and whether he can promise a speedy decision in this matter?

The medical authority recommends that Mrs. MacBride requires active medical and open-air treatment in a suitable climate. I am quite willing to allow Mrs. MacBride to reside in any sanatorium or other suitable place in England or Scotland, and if she will communicate to me the name of the place selected I will grant the necessary permission at once.

Is it not the fact that Dublin was specially recommended in this report, and, if so, why cannot Mrs. MacBride, in her present state of health, be allowed a chance to recover?

Dublin was not specially recommended.

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman look at the report again if I bring him a copy?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is prepared to ask the Conciliation and Arbitration Board for Government Employés to consider the needs of Irish national teachers who are not married to teachers and who have to support families on a single salary, and to recommend to the Board the necessity of granting a small bonus to each child in such families so as to enable them to purchase the necessaries of life during the present winter and spring?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his previous question on this subject on the 7th instant, and to which I have nothing to add.

asked the Prime Minister if he can say, approximately, when the new Parliament will meet?

I cannot, as yet, make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister if he will take steps to prohibit the importation of toys into this country with a view to developing the whole of this industry for the benefit of disabled soldiers and sailors; and if he has received information from any of the Dominions advocating such a policy?

The Prime Minister has asked the President of the Board of Trade to answer this question. The President of the Board of Trade is not aware of any communication of the kind referred to in the latter part of the question, but the suggestion made by the hon. and gallant Member will be borne in mind.

Are we going to turn disabled soldiers into toy-makers?

May the House take it for certain, whether there is any legislation or not, that there is no opportunity of any articles coming in from Germany?

I cannot give any addition to the answer I have already given to the question.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Historical Section of the War Cabinet are now in a position to publish the early volumes of the popular "History of the War"?

asked the Prime Minister whether he can make a statement as to the progress of the official histories of the War which it is understood are in course of preparation?

The Historical Section of the War Cabinet are not in a position to publish the early volumes of the popular "History of the War" now. It has always been the intention, and still is, to commence publication immediately after the conclusion of peace.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government to continue in any form the operation of the Military Service Act after the termination of the War?

The Military Service Acts lapse from the date when the ratifications of the Treaty of Peace are deposited.

asked the Prime Minister whether the question of the return of Germans to British East Africa and other parts of the British Empire, from which they have been deported, and in which there is feeling against their being allowed to go back, has yet been decided by the British Government, or whether it will be discussed at the coming Peace Conference as part of the policy affecting the Allies?

It is not possible to come to a decision on this matter at present.

Before the election takes place may the House not know that no enemy subjects will be permitted to enter any part of the British Dominions?

I can add nothing to what I have said on that subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will use its influence to secure that the sittings of the Peace Congress shall not be held in secret?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister if the First Commissioner of Works attended the Armistice Conference at Versailles?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Food Controller whether an Order has been issued to all flour millers that after 9th November they are to purchase no more barley for making into flour but that all barley offered should be purchased by maltsters for the purpose of being used in the manufacture of beer; whether farmers are to be obliged to sell 80 per cent. of all their barley to maltsters and merchants for the manufacture of beer at a maximum of 71s. per quarter, whereas the same barley put on the market for feed purposes for cattle and pigs would be worth 90s. to 100s. per quarter compared with other feeding-stuffs; and, if so, will he explain why this Order has been issued, in view of the position of the available food supply and in view of the fact that the farmers were promised last spring that if they grew all the barley possible it should be used for the purpose of human food?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The conditions under which a proportion of barley may be released to farmers for use as feeding-stuffs and the balance disposed of were stated on Monday in answer to a question by the hon. Member for Haggerston. The price that barley might fetch if the price were uncontrolled is not a question into which I can profitably enter. The release of a proportion of barley for use by farmers as feeding-stuffs is a necessity imposed by the serious dearth of other feeding-stuffs, and this step was taken in response to the urgent representations of the farmers themselves.

Is it not a fact that the maltsters are having preference over the millers?

I have just answered the hon. Member in the negative.

asked the Food Controller whether, seeing that imported bacon is sold at the same price as English bacon, the quality of the one is equal to that of the other; whether large quantities of fat backs and shoulders are imported into this country now from the United States; whether in pre-war days there was little or no market for the same, and that the price realised was consequently very low; whether the greater portion of the best parts are reserved for the American market; and whether, considering that the people of this country are being supplied with bacon of an inferior quality, he will forthwith take steps to regulate the prices according to quality and cut, with the view of encouraging the British and Irish bacon industry?

I am aware that the quality of some imported bacon is frequently inferior to that of English bacon. The Ministry has not bought any "fat backs"; they have bought "short clear backs" and shoulders. There has always been a big market for shoulders and a fair market for short clear backs. The price for short clear backs was never low, as it is an expensive cut of bacon to make. It is not the case that the best parts of the hog are reserved for the American market. The Ministry of Food buys the entire bacon produce of the hog, cutting it up according to the requirements of the trade. It has not hitherto been considered desirable to differentiate between the price of imported and home-cured bacon, but the question is under review.

Is it not a fact that the American packer can send his pigs here cut into middles, shoulders, backs, and so on, whereas the English farmer has to sell his pigs entire; and, under the circumstances, will my hon. Friend, considering the poor quality of the bacon, take immediate steps to see if it cannot be remedied, so as to get better quality bacon into this country?

I do not know, but, according to the answer I have given, the Ministry of Food state that they buy the whole pig and cut it up in the way they desire. If that is so, what the hon. Member has said cannot be true.

May I press my hon. Friend for a reply to the request that immediate steps will be taken to see if some improvement cannot be obtained?

I will draw the attention of the Ministry to it.

asked (by Private Notice) the Food Controller if he is making arrangements for the permanent State control of food generally, and specifically of grain, meat, dairy produce, margarine, tea and sugar; or whether, on the other hand, it is intended, as supplies of these articles improve, as they will soon do, to restore in respect of them control by private interests?

The powers and duties of the Food Controller are limited by Statute to the expiration of one year after the termination of the War, or to such earlier date as may be fixed by Order in Council. No arrangement can accordingly be made, under these powers, for any permanent State control of food. The Food Controller is considering, in the light of the experience gained by him, whether any part of the control established during the War can usefully be continued, with the necessary Parliamentary sanction, during peace. Meantime the food position is not such as to render any immediate relaxation of control possible, whatever be the decision as to permanent organisation.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, seeing that the practice of sending school children from our great towns for a country holiday either in summer camps or by boarding out, hitherto organised by voluntary effort, has proved of great benefit to the children's health and happiness and widened their outlook upon life, the time has come for the State to regard such summer holidays as an essential and important factor in the child's education; and whether he will consider the feasibility of making arrangements with the War Office and the Ministry of Munitions for the permanent appropriation to that purpose of such of the hutment camps now existing in rural districts as may be suitable for the purpose?

My right hon. Friend is keenly alive to the importance of the matter referred to in the hon. Member's question, and is ready to give sympathetic consideration to any proposals made by local education authorities on the lines suggested. The Board have not overlooked the point raised in the second part of the question. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of a Circular (No. 1051) on the subject which they issued on 2nd August last.

asked the Secretary for Scotland what action he proposes to take to bring the salaries of Catholic teachers in Scotland up to the limit of a living wage during the time which will elapse before the new Education Act comes into operation?

As my hon. and learned Friend is doubtless aware, considerable sums were expended last year from moneys at the disposal of the Scottish Education Department in making Grants in aid of the salaries of teachers in Scotland, including teachers in Catholic schools. Similar Grants are being paid during the current year. In addition, a sum has been set aside for the special purpose of minimising as far as may be possible inequalities of salary scales as between school boards and other managers in the same district by giving special help, on conditions, to boards and managers whose teachers are in receipt of salaries considerably below the average. This special Grant refers to all schools, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, but in the circumstances Catholic schools may be expected to derive the greatest benefit. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of the relative Minute.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he has yet considered the case of Mrs. E. D. Allum, of 152, Dunstans Road, East Dulwich, the wife of Private Allum, No. 14852, 13th East Surrey Regiment, who was returned from France in 1916 suffering from rheumatic fever and was transferred to 696 Division Agricultural Depot, Labour Corps, Chichester; and whether, considering the hardships and privations that this woman has been called upon to bear, he will state if the grant of 9s. a week to Mrs. Allum, which was sanctioned two years ago, can now be augmented in view of the increased cost of all the necessaries of life since that date?

The local war pensions committee have made a temporary grant of 5s. a week in respect of the illness of Mrs. Allum's child, and are considering her case with a view to an increase, if possible, in the continuing allowance.

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that I wrote on 5th October, and again on 4th November, in regard to this case to the Ministry of Pensions; and is he aware of the fact that I have not even received so much as an acknowledgment of these letters?

This is a matter which is dealt with by the special grants committee, and the letters are passed over to them.

Then under the circumstances will my hon. and gallant Friend give instructions to the special grants committee that, at all events, letters that are written in regard to sad cases shall receive a little more attention than they have had heretofore?

I shall certainly convey that opinion to the special grants committee, but I am bound to say, speaking generally, that I think they do pay a great deal of attention to cases of this kind.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department whether all the conditions agreed to by the Government on the occasion of the police strike have been fulfilled; and what is the cause of the delay in granting to the force the several concessions then promised?

So far as I am aware there has been no delay. The grant of the widows' pensions depended on the passing of a Bill by Parliament. That Bill will, I understand, receive the Royal Assent this week. All the other promises made to the Metropolitan Police have been carried out.

asked the Under-Secretary whether, in view of the extra duties carried out by the Metropolitan Police force during the War period, and specially during air raids, and the extra calls that will be made on their services during the forthcoming peace celebrations, he will consider as to granting all men in the force who have served since 1914 extra annual leave during next year as some recognition of their work during the past four years?

With every sympathy with the hon. Member's object, I fear that the extra calls that will be made upon the Metropolitan Police during the peace celebrations as well as during the period of demobilisation, especially as the force will still be much under strength, will make it very difficult to entertain his suggestion to grant extra leave. It must be borne in mind also that the restriction of leave has been common to the armed forces of the Crown, who have been continually on duty during the period referred to.

Will they be given some extra pay?

May I ask whether it is not possible, if extra leave cannot be given to these men who have done such extraordinarily heavy service, that some monetary compensation may be given to them?

I shall be glad to consider that.