asked the Prime Minister if he will state the casualties suffered by the United Kingdom and the British Empire, respectively, by acts of war, specifiying the numbers of killed and wounded, on the presumption that the untraced missing must be counted amongst the killed?

The number of casualties in the Royal Navy resulting from acts of war, from the outbreak of War, revised to date is as follows:

Killed.		Wounded.		Untraced Missing
Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.	Officers.	Men.
2,061	20,197	813	4,081	15	6

The above figures do not include the casualties of the Royal Naval Division, but include those of the Royal Naval Air Service to the 1st April, 1918, the date of its transfer to the Royal Air Force.Separate figures for the Dominions are not available.The approximate number of casualties among all military forces, and for all theatres of operations, from the commencement of War, revised to date, is as follows:

asked the Prime Minister whether orders for bricks, doors, and windows in the Government's housing scheme have entirely to be of British make; if not, where they are expected to come from; and why there has been need to go beyond our shores for the fulfilment of these contracts; and whether the rate of pay, if such are imported, are favourable to the standard in this country?

It is intended that the bricks, doors, windows, etc., ordered by the Ministry of Munitions in connec- tion with the Government housing programme shall be of British make, though some of the raw material, in the shape of timber, will no doubt have to be imported.

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government can yet announce to what extent they will favourably consider some extension of time and other alterations for the Increase of Rent and Mortgage Interest (War Restrictions) Act, 1915?

This subject, which is extremely complicated, has been receiving the close consideration of the Home Affairs Committee, and I hope that a decision may be announced very shortly.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has endeavoured to ascertain the number of cottages on the land which are likely to be built by private enterprise; and whether he can in that case give the House any figures on the subject?

I am unable to give any figures as to the number of cottages likely to be built by private enterprise, but from the information available it appears to be improbable that any appreciable number will be provided in this way in the near future.

asked the Prime Minister if he will state the Government's policy on Conscription?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. I hope shortly to introduce a Bill dealing with Army policy in 1919.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what has been the increase in the amount of Treasury notes since the extra cheque tax of 1d. came into operation on 1st September, 1918, as compared with the similar period prior to this date?

The increase in the issue of currency notes (including currency note certificates) in the twenty-five weeks following the 1st September, 1918, was £44,936,241. The increase in the twenty-five weeks preceding 1st September, 1918, was £47,154,920.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been drawn to the similarity of the last 10s. Treasury notes issued to the existing 20s. notes; and whether in the issue of any further 10s. notes he will consider the desirability of issuing them in colours quite distinct and different from the 20s. notes?

The hon. Member will be aware that certain changes in the colouring of the last issue of 10s. notes have already been made. My right hon. Friend will consider if any further change is needed in the event of a new series being issued.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what surplus moneys resulting from aircraft insurance are in the hands of the various insurance companies who, on behalf of the Government, effected aircraft insurance; whether such surplus moneys exceed seven millions sterling; and what are the intentions of the Government respecting such surplus?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The moneys resulting from aircraft insurance in the hands of the various insurance companies who, on behalf of the Government, effected aircraft insurance, are purely nominal, as they have been regularly paid over to the Government in monthly accounts in accordance with agreement, the terms of which are stated in Schedule III. of Command Paper 7997. The excess of premium over payments, which amounts to over ten millions, has, of course, gone into the National Exchequer.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state the aggregate sum received for premiums on Government insurances against damage by hostile aircraft or bombardment which were current at the date of the signing of the Armistice; what portion of this sum represented the unexpired periods of insurance; when the risk ceased to attach; and whether the Government propose to repay to the insurers the proportion of premiums received by them in respect of obligations which had ceased to exist, and in particular on policies which had upwards of six months to run when the risk terminated?

My hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question.The War Risks Insurance Office are not in a position to supply the information asked for in the first and second parts of the question, and the various approved companies could not readily furnish the information in view of the dispersal of the extra staffs employed by them for aircraft insurance business. The risk has not ceased to attach with the signing of the Armistice, aircraft policies still in force covering the risk of damage by aircraft of the Royal Air Force, and aircraft and bombardment policies covering, in addition, the risk of damage by the explosion of mines which drift on the coast. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Dartford on the 18th instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether any arrangement exists whereby War Bonds will be received by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue in payment of Income Tax?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he intends to increase the sum to be assessed to £360 before Income Tax is payable?

My right hon. Friend is unable to anticipate his Budget statement.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that cases of hardship exist in the case of widowers employing their daughters or sisters to act as housekeepers not being allowed the rebate in Income Tax allowed in respect of a wife; and whether he will remedy this in the forthcoming Finance Bill?

My right hon. Friend's attention has been drawn to the class of case to which the hon. Member refers. I would remind him that the provision in last year's Finance Act which, I think, he has in mind was limited after full discussion to cases in which a widower employed a female relative to look after his young children.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware of the fear existing in the Civil Service that the present war bonus grants may at any time be reduced or withdrawn without the representatives of the staff being consulted or being given an opportunity of representing their views on the matter; and what steps he proposes to take to allay the feeling of insecurity thereby created?

I gladly avail myself of this opportunity to remove any misapprehension which may exist in the Civil Service with regard to this matter. The Treasury will not reduce or withdraw the general war bonuses at present applicable to the Civil Service without giving previous notice to the associations which have been parties to the various awards of the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, and such notice will be given in time to allow of discussion of the proposal between the Treasury and the parties concerned, if they desire it, and of reference of the question to the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, should agreement not be be arrived at, before the reduction takes place.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how much is placed at the disposal of the Civil Liabilities Committee; and to what extent, and on what lines, it is now assisting the families of soldiers in the Army?

:I have been asked to reply to this question. Up to the 31st December last the Treasury has placed with the Paymaster-General the sum of £7,275,000 for the purpose of the Department. With regard to the latter part of the question, I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Regulations under which the Department administer their scheme, and I will also send him a copy of the Interim Report of the Advisory Committee of the Department which was presented on the 11th instant, copies of which will be available shortly.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received an interim Report from the Civil Liabilities Committee; and, if so, when it will be circulated?

The interim Report of the Advisory Committee was presented on the 11th instant. The Report is being printed, and I understand that copies will be available shortly.

asked the Food Controller when it will be possible to again allow farmers to sell meat direct to butchers and so save to the consumer the 11s. 4d. per cwt. in the case of cattle and the 1s. 8d. per completed 10s. of mutton value in the case of sheep which are now added by him to the price paid to feeders?

I would inform the hon. and gallant Member that the answer to his question was printed in the OFFICIAL REPORT of the 19th instant.

asked the Food Controller what is the present supply of maize in the United Kingdom, and afloat or contracted for; and how those figures compare with February of the years 1914 and 1918?

A statement of the exact figures for which the hon. Member asked is being prepared, and will be sent to him as soon as possible.

asked the Food Controller whether, in the interests of the poor consumer and to alleviate labour unrest, he will press the Treasury to permit food-stuffs purchased by the Government during the War at a high price to be now sold at a price corresponding more nearly to that before the War, the loss to be borne by the State as part of the general cost of the War, rather than seek to maintain war prices in order to recoup the Exchequer?

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. His Majesty's Treasury do not propose that the war prices of foodstuffs shall be maintained in order to recoup the Exchequer. The cost of stocks acquired under war conditions will not be allowed to stand in the way of reductions of prices.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that the Government sold 86 chests of tea at public auction on the 6th instant at 1s. 8d. per lb.; that they had bought this tea at 7.7755d. per lb. at the port of shipment; and that, after paying all charges, there was a profit of 10d. or 11d. per lb. to the Government; in what way does the consumer benefit by this profiteering; and when the Government proposes to withdraw the regulation which authorises these transactions?

I find that the eighty-six chests in question were purchased by my Department f.o.b. Calcutta at the price of 7.7755d. per lb. To this must be added the cost of freight, war risk, marine insurance, landing, warehouse, and other charges, amounting in all to 5.045d. per lb. The total cost of the tea was, therefore, 12.8155d. per lb., and as it was sold in the public export sale at 1s. 8d. per lb. the total profit realised on this particular parcel amounted to 7.1845d. per lb. I would add that after the conclusion of the Armistice it was considered desirable that the export trade in tea should be restarted at the earliest possible moment. As my Department were the sole holders of firsthand tea in this country, it was decided, after consultation with the trade, that the Government should allocate a certain amount of the lower grades of tea to be sold in public auction for export only, so that all traders might be able to obtain a proportion at the current market price. The profit realised in these export sales will, if necessary, be utilised to reduce the general average price at which tea is balloted by the Government to the trade; otherwise it will be utilised for the general benefit of the taxpayers in this country. As I stated last week, my Department will cease to sell tea for export as soon as there is a sufficient quantity of tea imported on private account to enable export sales to be resumed.

asked the Food Controller if, in view of the understanding that the restrictions are shortly to be removed from the sale of tea and that the price may be fixed at lower than the present controlled price of 2s. 8d., and in view of the small margin of profit fixed by the Government at present, he will see his way to grant a rebate on present certified stocks equivalent to the difference between present and future prices, or obtain for the grocers a period of time to dispose of present stocks before the new price is brought into force?

It was announced in the Press on 21st February that the suspension of the Orders governing the distribution and price of tea would come into operation on 24th March next, and the trade have, therefore, received more than the month's notice suggested. In view of this notice, it is not proposed to make any arrangements for giving a rebate to grocers or allied traders in respect of stocks of tea which they may be holding on 24th March; and, in any event, it does not follow that any loss would be incurred by them on the sale of such stocks after that date.

asked the Food Controller whether, in removing the control from tea or other commodities usually sold by small traders, he will give adequate notice so that they may be able to dispose of their existing stocks before the control is removed, or whether any consideration by way of rebate on any stocks then hold by the trade will be granted?

As regards tea, it was announced in the Press on 21st February that the suspension of the Orders governing distribution and price would come into operation on 24th March next. In view of this notice it is not proposed to make any arrangements for giving a rebate to traders in respect of stocks of tea which they may be holding on 24th March, and in any event it does not follow that any loss would be incurred by them on the sale of such stocks after that date. In any other cases care will be taken to give adequate notice.

asked the Food Controller whether it has been decided to allow a larger output of beer and of a better quality; and, if so, can he state the quantity and when it will commence?

An increase of 25 per cent. on the statutory barrelage, and an increase of 2 degrees in the permitted average gravity, to take effect as from 1st January, 1919, has already been announced. The question of taking further measures in the same direction is now receiving consideration.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the fact that sick persons and those on their death bed are unable now in many districts to obtain stimulants when advised by their medical attendant that such is necessary, the Government will make a statement on the subject?

I am glad to be able to inform the hon. and gallant Member that since his question was put down, the Cabinet have decided that spirits shall now be released up to 75 per cent. instead of 50 per cent. of the qualities released in 1916,and that considerable additional supplies will therefore now be available.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is the Government tax or profit on a bottle of whisky which is retailed at the bars at the present time at the price of about 30s. a bottle?

My right hon. Friend is not aware that any spirits are retailed at bars at present at the rate of about 30s. a bottle. This price is much in excess of the maximum price fixed in respect of retail sales by the Spirits (Prices and Description) No. 2 Order, 1918. The duty on spirits varies in proportion to their strength. On a reputed quart bottle of whisky of a strength of thirty degrees under proof it is 3s. 6d. Apart from the tax Government makes no other profit.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what steps are being taken in connection with the dispersal of the national munitions factories in Ireland; whether they are to be sold piecemeal or as going concerns; and whether the Government will give a preference to the latter with a view to the industrial development of the country?

I have been asked to answer this question. Advertisements have been inserted in the leading Irish and English newspapers and in "Engineering," asking for offers for the National Munitions Factories in Ireland. It is desired to sell such of the factories as are not required for State purposes as going concerns. In the event of no satisfactory offers being received it will be necessary to dispose of them piecemeal.

asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Irish Convention reported unanimously in favour of a scheme to complete land purchase in Ireland; and whether he intends to introduce a Bill upon those lines?

The Irish Convention did agree in their Report as to a scheme of land purchase, but it is not proposed by the Government to introduce legislation on the subject at present.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether there is in existence a full Report of the proceedings of the Irish Convention; whether he proposes to have that Report published; and, if not, why not?

My right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary has no knowledge of any fuller report of the proceedings of the Convention than that which has been already officially published.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he is aware that at the annual conference of the Antrim and Derry County National Teacher's Association a resolution was passed asking the Government to grant a war bonus to pensioned national teachers; if he is aware that many of these retired teachers are in distress, not a few being unable to attend their places of worship on account of their inability to procure respectable dress; and what steps, if any, does the Government propose to take with the view of giving them relief?

The resolution referred to has been received. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked by the then hon. Member for North Leitrim on this subject on the 31st October last, in which it was stated that the principle is one of wide applica- tion, and it is not practicable to consider separately the claims of any particular class of pensioners.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to extend to national teachers in Ireland the advantages conferred upon the teachers in England by 8 and 9 Geo. V., c. 55; and whether grants will be made to Irish teachers who become incapacitated through infirmity of mind or body?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked by the then hon. Member for East Mayo on this subject on the 14th November, 1918. Under the existing Regulations provision is made for the award of pensions to national school teachers of at least ten years' service who become incapable from infirmity of mind or body of discharging their duties.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received resolutions from school attendance committees in Antrim and Londonderry asking for the amendment of Sections 1 and 2 of 55 and 56 Vic., c. 42; whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland have offered any suggestions to the Irish Government regarding compulsory attendance at national schools; and whether he is in a position to state what steps the Government proprose to taken in this matter?

:The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. Certain proposals on the subject have been made to the Government by the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland and they will be carefully considered when an opportunity for introducing legislation presents itself.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty why the officers and men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who volunteered in 1914–15 have not received their 1914–15 decoration?

The 1914–15 star cannot be issued until supplies are available, but the officers and men of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who served at sea or in theatres of military operations up to the 31st December, 1915, are eligible for the decoration, and are entitled to wear the riband.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of future developments and the inauguration of new branches of work under the Admiralty, the employment of members of the Women's Royal Naval Service will be considered in such new developments, seeing that no displacement of men would be involved and that unemployment among women is on the increase?

After full consideration it has been decided that the Women's Royal Naval Service must be demobilised, but I can assure my hon. Friend that this will be carried out gradually and as the requirements of the Service permit. The suggestion of my hon. Friend will certainly not be overlooked.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that many skippers and officers who have been serving on mine-sweepers and patrol vessels during the War are anxious to purchase some of the trawlers and drifters which the Admiralty have built; and will he lay down a scheme of easy purchase for these men, so that they may be able to become the owners and receive some recompense for the arduous and dangerous duties they have performed for the nation?

:I am much obliged to my hon. Friend for putting this question. We certainly feel under obligation to do what we can for the fishermen of the Royal Naval Reserve (T), who have served in the Auxiliary Patrol, in order that they may be started again as advantageously as possible upon their old occupation. I am not in a position at the moment to announce the precise character of our proposals. But I hope to be able to do so at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the return and demobilisation of officers and men of the Hants Territorial Regiment, who have been in India for more than four years, may be expected?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given on this subject on Wednesday last to my hon. Friends the Members for Frome, Honiton, and Wells, in which an early statement was promised. Royal Army Service Corps.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that in 338 Mechanical Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps, which was speedily recruited in Nottingham, there are over 150 non-commissioned officers and men who have been absent from England three years and two months without any leave, having served in the Balkans, Macedonia, Greece, Egypt, and Serbia; and whether he will take steps to ensure that these men receive their full share of the advantages as regards leave and release?

Men belonging to the unit referred to will receive the same treatment as other soldiers, and those eligible for demobilisation will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service and transportation facilities permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps are being taken to dispose of the uniforms discarded by demobilised or discharged men; whether these uniforms are being sold to dealers for trifling sums; and whether, in view of the present cost of civilian clothing, he will allow demobilised and discharged men to take away their uniforms and wear them for a certain period after demobilisation or discharge?

Discarded uniforms withdrawn from soldiers are not sold to dealers for trifling sums. Where fit for further use they are cleaned and reissued to serving soldiers. If unserviceable, they are reduced to rags and the produce is sold to manufacturers for remanufacture. The proceeds from this disposal represent a considerable revenue to the State. As regards the last part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question, on demobilisation soldiers take away one suit of Service dress uniform, which they retain as their own property, and which they are permitted to wear for twenty-eight days after demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any special arrangements have been made, or are under consideration, for the demobilisation of proprietors of one-man businesses?

The recent Army Orders dealing with the composition of the Armies of Occupation provide that officers, W.O.s, N.C.Os. and men for whom recommendations for special release have been received by the War Office from the Ministry of Labour before the 1st February, 1919, will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service permit. Amongst these so recommended are included a very large number of proprietors of one-man businesses. Apart from this, as has already been stated in this House, the fact that a man is the proprietor of a one-man business is not of itself sufficient to render him eligible for demobilisation, unless he is otherwise eligible under the Army Orders, but arrangements have been made by which the Ministry of Labour will forward release slips in respect of proprietors of one-man businesses. This will secure for those not liable to be retained for the Armies of Occupation a certain priority of release. Under these arrangements a large number of proprietors of one-man businesses have already been demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War if soldiers on demobilisation are required to sign Army Form Z 30 (Soldiers), in which they undertake to return to military duty at any time; and whether it is proposed that this undertaking shall be enforced after the conclusion of peace?

The use of Army Form Z 30 was discontinued some time ago. Soldiers on demobilisation are now transferred to Class Z, Army Reserve. Soldiers who signed Army Form Z 30 and soldiers in Class Z will be liable to recall to the Colours only in the event of military necessity before the end of the present War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give the necessary instructions to provide for the issue to each soldier on demobilisation of a pamphlet containing simple instructions as to the procedure he has to adopt to obtain any pension, gratuity, or bonus to which he may be entitled?

Instructions were given some time ago to issue every soldier with a booklet (A.B. 472) before dispersal. This booklet contains the information that my hon. Friend refers to and also a great deal of other useful information. I am sending my hon. Friend a copy

asked the Secretary of State for War if officers who have held temporary or acting ranks for a period of twelve months or over may, on demobilisation or retirement, retain the honorary rank of such temporary or acting rank as some slight acknowledgment of their services?

Retention of such rank is already permitted, provided the officer has held the rank for an aggregate minimum period of six months.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that certain men in the Royal Engineers field companies, who joined in 1914, are being employed on hut construction at Haifa and elsewhere in the Near East; and why these men are not demobilised and the work done by Egyptian Labour Corps natives?

I am having inquiry made, and will write to my Noble Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that very many men employed in the Royal Engineers, postal service, and the Royal Engineers, signals, in Egypt, Palestine, Mesopotamia, and Salonika have been working at a very trying occupation of a civilian character, under all the disadvantages of the military system, for very long hours during seven days of every week, for a period varying from three to four years; whether he is aware that, despite the trying conditions, both as regards the climate and sanitation, these men have had no home leave during the whole of that period; and whether, having regard to the conditions under which their work has been performed, he will consider the possibility of granting a period of additional leave when these men are demobilised?

It is not clear why men of the Corps referred to by my hon. Friend should be treated preferentially to men in other branches of the Service who have also served a long time in the East; the question of demobilisation furlough was carefully considered before deciding that the period should be twenty-eight days, and I regret it cannot be reconsidered.

asked the Secretary of State for War if all ranks in the North Russian Expeditionary Force who come under the classes due for demobilisation will receive the same advantages as those on other fronts?

The demobilisation of the force referred to cannot take place at present as active operations are still proceeding in the theatre in question. If my Noble and gallant Friend is referring to pecuniary advantages the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who enlisted subsequent to January, 1916, are to be retained in the Army of Occupation; whether he is aware that many men employed on important work were not allowed to enlist until 1916 and 1917; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will have this matter reconsidered?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the form of contract signed by men attested in 1915 under the Derby scheme but not called up to the Colours till 1916, and particularly to the terms of such contract stating that the service shall begin to reckon from the date of attestation; why the contract is not being observed and these men demobilised along with other 1914 and 1915 soldiers; and on what grounds is it held that the new Army Order 14, of 29th January, 1919, prohibits their demobilisation?

asked the Secretary of Stats for War whether in framing the regulations for creating the Armies of Occupation, the fact was over- looked that many men who had attested under Lord Derby's scheme before the 1st January, 1916, were not called to the Colours till after that date, and are under the regulations referred to treated as though they were enlisted under the Military Service Acts; and will he take steps to secure the demobilisation of men who attested previous to 1st January, 1916?

The men referred to did not join the Colours until after the 1st January, 1916. The test adopted by the Government to determine whether a man shall be retained for the Armies of Occupation is length of service actually given to the State, and not the liability to serve. Although the men in question may have attested prior to the 1st January, 1916, nevertheless they did not join the Colours for immediate or continuous service until a later date, and I regret that, in view of the requirements of the Armies of Occupation, special treatment cannot be granted to this very numerous class. I regret it is not possible to depart from a system which is recognised in the Army to be based on principles of fairness.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the men of the Labour Division of the Middlesex Regiment, being sons of alien enemies, have been told that they would be the last to be demobilised; whether many of these men have been transferred to the battalion after having been wounded; and whether the money spent on keeping up this battalion in England is spent for the protection of this country or as a disciplinary charge?

The men referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend are being treated in the same way as other soldiers who are eligible for demobilisation under the recent Army Orders providing for the composition of the Armies of Occupation. A small number of these men were transferred to the unit after having been wounded.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board, representing the National Health Insurance Commissioners, if he will state the number of medical men on the panel lists on the date of the signing of the Armistice, and the number of doctors who have been demobilised since that date; and what steps he is taking to secure a more efficient medical service for insured persons by obtaining an early demobilisation of medical men?

The number of practitioners working for the Insurance Committees in England on 1st October, 1918, was 8,084, besides a certain number holding commissions in the R.A.M.C. who were free to do some part-time work for their committee. Since 11th November the number of insurance practitioners on panels in England who have been notified to the Commissioners by the War Office up to 21st February as definitely released from service is 647.In reply to the last paragraph of the question, I must remind the hon. Member that the responsibility for arranging with the Military, Naval, and Air Force authorities for the demobilisation of doctors needed for the civil population rests with the Ministry of National Service. My Department makes periodical representation to that Department for expediting the rate of release of doctors for civil needs and for securing the release of particular doctors required for specially urgent necessities in individual areas. The Commissioners are in constant communication with the various insurance committees as to the needs of their areas in this respect. I am sending the hon. Member copies of circulars addressed to these committees, which will explain the procedure adopted since the Armistice.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any necessity at the present time for maintaining agricultural companies; and whether the time has come for permitting men formerly engaged in other industries to leave the Army, where they are doing no military duties but only agricultural work, and to return to their former occupations?

Men in Agricultural Companies are being demobilised in accordance with the provisions of the recent Army Orders providing for the Armies of Occupation, and are not being retained longer than necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that applications for the release of soldiers on compassionate grounds are advised in Section 11, paragraph 2, of D.F. 5, issued by the Ministry of Labour, to apply to the War Office, he will explain why the War Office refuses to deal with the application of Mrs. Pfeiffer, Leather Exchange Tavern, 15, Market Street, Bermondsey. S.E., for the release of her son, Private A. F. Pfeiffer, No. 35640, B company detachment, 31st battalion Middlesex Regiment, Sevenoaks (battalion headquarters, Croydon), on compassionate grounds; and why the War Office, instead of dealing with such case, refers the applicant to the commanding officer of the soldier's unit?

General Officers Commanding-in-Chief are empowered to grant release in compassionate cases, and for men serving at home such applications should, in the first place, invariably be made to the man's commanding officer, who is able to investigate the case and can then forward the application to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief for sanction. The applicant was correctly informed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of soldiers who enlisted in 1914 and time-expired Regular soldiers are among the troops that have been sent to Tiflis; and whether he will make arrangements for these men to be demobilised at once and their places taken by men eligible for the Army of Occupation?

I am aware of this. Soldiers who are eligible for demobilisation under the recent Army Orders, providing for the composition of the Armies of Occupation, will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service and transportation facilities permit. These Array Orders are already in force, and the soldiers referred to come within the classes eligible for demobilisation, but there has not yet been sufficient time to carry the Orders fully into effect. My Noble and gallant Friend will no doubt appreciate this, and also the difficulties connected with transportation from outlying theatres.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether repatriated prisoners of war are to be retained in the Army; if so, will they be sent overseas again; and whether, in view of the sufferings of these men, he will make an Order that they shall be demobilised?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether repatriated British prisoners of war are entitled to release from the Army after return to this country, or whether they are liable to be retained with the Colours on the ground that they were not enlisted before 1st January, 1916, when in fact they have not enlisted before that date?

It would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades of the fighting line. It is not possible to appraise the relative sufferings and hazards endured. If men are fit in bodily health they must be treated alike according to the age and service categories prescribed.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that men on being demobilised in France are being sent back in open trucks, exposed to filth in trucks, and nothing to cover the men from inclement weather?

A report on travelling conditions in France has been received from the military authorities, which I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the working hours of the storehouse staff of the Army Ordnance Department at Woolwich Arsenal were reduced by special departmental order issued in January from 48 to 47 hours; and whether, seeing that the storehouse staff of the department employed at the depots at Poplar, Royal Albert Docks, Lambeth, and Greenwich have been treated throughout the War upon the same footing as the staff at Woolwich Arsenal, the concession as to reduction of hours will be granted to them?

An announcement on this subject will be made shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the principle upon which war trophies are being allotted; whether he is aware that there are criticisms as to the inadequacy; and whether representations from districts wishing to secure these trophies have first to be received before any allocation is made?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 13th instant to a question on this subject put by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Chertsey, in which the principles of distribution were fully explained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the city and district of Baku are now occupied by British troops; and, if so, why the certificate of hostile occupation is not cancelled and postal communication between British companies and their representatives on the oil fields rendered legal?

My hon. and gallant Friend is under a misapprehension. There is no certificate requiring cancellation in the case of Baku. The city and district of Baku are now occupied by British troops and letters are now being forwarded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will restore to soldiers who enlisted before the War the right which has been suspended during the War to purchase their discharges from the Army?

The answer is in the negative, so long as it is necessary to retain the Armies of Occupation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether in the sale of the several hundreds of thousands of Army horses he will give a preference to British farmers?

The best of the surplus Army horses are being brought back from France and are being sold by public auction throughout the country. No special preference is given to any class of purchaser.

asked the Minister of Munitions whether, in disposing of surplus stock, he will give specially sympathetic consideration to the requirements of discharged and demobilised soldiers wishful to settle on the land or to start business; and whether arrangements can be made in these cases for payment for light cars, lorries, implements, and machinery on the instalment system or on some other which will permit of extended credit being given to those with small capital only?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Eastbourne on the 13th instant.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions (1) how many motor lorries or other motor appliances have been sold by public auction since 11th November, 1918; the date of such sale; where it took place; the name of the auctioneer; the number of lorries or other appliances sold in each lot; and what amount was realised for each separate lot; and (2) how many motor lorries or other motor appliances have been sold by public auction since 11th November, 1918; the date of such sale; where it took place; the name of the auctioneer; the number of lorries or other appliances sold in each lot; and what amount was realised for each separate lot?

The number of motor lorries sold by public auction since the 11th November, 1918, is twenty-five. The number of motor cars sold is 128. The number of motor tractors sold is 116. The number of motor cycles is eighty-six.The sales took place as follows:

Date.	Place.	Auctioneers.
27–11–18	St. Martins Lane	Messrs. Aldridges.
13–11–18	Newport	Newland, Hunt and Williams.
16–11–18	Carlisle	R. Harrison and Sons.
16–11–18	Reading	Symonds and Sons.
25–11–18	Menai Bridge	Pritchard and Co.
12–11–18	Hexham	W. and T. Iveson.
26–11–18
3–12–18	Maidstone	Ambrose and Foster.
18–1–19	Shrewsbury	Mansell and Co.
15–1–19	St. Martins Lane	Aldridges.
5–2–19	St. Martins Lane	Aldridges.
30–1–19	Brixton	Aldridges.
22–1–19	St. Martins Lane	Aldridges.
29–1–19	St. Martins Lane	Aldridges.
12–2–19	Willesden	Dilley, Son and Read.

In no case was more than one vehicle sold in one lot. It would be impossible within the limits of Parliamentary answer to gibe details of the prices received for each vehicle, but I shall be glad to show my hon. and gallant Friend the figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the contemplated disbanding of the Volunteer Force, he will consider whether he can award a medal or distiguishing badge to those men who have put in at least one. year's effective service similar to the badge issued to discharged soldiers, with the words "For service" or some other identifying description, or would it be possible to arrange for a review of these men in various selected centres, either by some distinguished persons or by a high military authority or the lord lieutenant, as a fitting close to a voluntary and meritorious service?

The grant of a badge to members of the Volunteer Force is under consideration. The possibility of a review of the force, or parts of the force, has also been discussed, but this is necessarily dependent on the general policy as regards the future of the Volunteer Force.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, as the early disbanding of the Volunteer Force has been resolved upon and the force has for sometime past ceased to have any regular or active duties, he will in the interest of economy consider the desirability of at once dispersing the headquarter staff at Adastral House and elsewhere, and save the country the weekly cost of such staff, estimated at, approximately, £30,000?

My hon. and learned Friend is under a misapprehension. The early disbandment of the Volunteer Force has not been decided upon but, on the contrary, it is considered important to keep the force in being. I would point out that the staff at Adastral House is responsible for matters affecting the Territorial Force as well as the Volunteer Force. Certain reductions in the staff have, however, been effected since the Armistice. I am unable to accept the estimate of cost in the last part of the question as even approximately correct.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British prisoners of war still remain in German hands or on German territory outside the control of the British authorities; what steps are being taken to expedite their return to this country; and whether in any case they are still subjected to indignities and privations?

The number of officers and other ranks, officially accepted as prisoners of war, who have not yet been accounted for by the Germans is approximately 3,000, including Imperial and Colonial troops and Royal Navy, but excluding Indians. This number is liable to constant change, as reports of death and repatriation are received, and it accordingly varies from day to day. It is not to be expected that many of these are alive. As a result of the recent search throughout Germany, sixteen sick or wounded ex-prisoners of war have been reported as remaining there who are unable to be moved. These are in addition to the number mentioned above. Three medical orderlies were in attendance on them. They were all in comfortable quarters in charge of British or French medical autho- rities, the American Young Men's Christian Association, or the Danish Red Cross. When able to be moved they will be evacuated by hospital train under medical supervision. In addition, there are known to be a small number of men who desire to remain in Germany for various reasons.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that officers, and in some cases non-commissioned officers and privates, prisoners of war in Germany, had to pay on an average £6 or £7 per month for food parcels from England to make up for the lack and bad quality of the food supplied by the Germans; and whether, in view of the fact that it was due to the inability of the Government to force the Germans to give British prisoners of war decent food that British prisoners of war were compelled to make the expenditure above mentioned, he will take steps to refund such sums as officers and men have spent in this way?

A large and complete organisation was in existence for supplying prisoners of war in Germany with parcels of food, and I am not aware that any non-commissioned officers or men were obliged to pay for such parcels, although in many cases relatives no doubt did so voluntarily. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me some particulars of the cases he has in mind. Officers who, while prisoners of war in Germany were credited with full pay and allowances, were expected to pay for their parcels, except in certain cases where they were not in a position to do so. In such cases the Central Prisoners of War Committee undertook to pay the whole or part of the cost of the parcels.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether use is now being made of the Scheldt and Rhine to facilitate the transport of troops belonging to the Army of Occupation, more especially in view of the delays in all land traffic?

The War Office have the arrangement in hand, and hope to start the service shortly. At present only a very few troops can be conveyed on account of the difficulty in obtaining shipping.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many Distinguished Service Orders, Military Crosses, and Mons Medals have been awarded to Staff officers who have never actually led their troops in the field?

The information asked for is not available, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will call upon the Military Secretary at the War Office he will arrange to show him some figures.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in the issue of war medals and decorations, he will recommend the adoption of some clearly distinguishing mark when the award is made for purely Staff services and not for the actual leadership of men on the battlefield?

My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion is not considered practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that much of the hard fighting on the Western Front took place in the years 1916, 1917, and 1918, and that the men of 1914–15 are entitled to a decoration, he will consider the advisability of granting a decoration to men who took part in the later fighting and were unable to enlist in the early days in consequence of being employed on important Government work?

I would refer my right hon. Friend to the answer to the question asked by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Bath on Wednesday last, in which it was stated that a comprehensive statement embodying the conditions of award of all medals to be sanctioned in recognition of services during the present War will shortly be published.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state the various theatres of war in which battalions of the Hampshire Regiment are now serving; whether the demobilisation arrangements apply to troops in Siberia, Tiflis, etc.; and, if so, what arrangements have been made to carry them out?

The information asked for in the first part of the question is as follows:

1st	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	France.
2nd	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	France.
3rd	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Gosport, U.K.
¼th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Mesopotamia.
2/4th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	France.
4th	Bat.	Hampshire Reserve	Belfast, Ireland.
⅕th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	India.
⅙th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Mesopotamia.
l/7th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Aden.
2/7th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Mesopotamia.
⅛th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Egypt.
l/9th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Siberia.
10th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Batum.
11th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	France.
15th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	France.
17th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Southwold, U.K.
19th	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	France.
51st	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Colchester, U.K.
52nd	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Colchester, U.K.
53rd	Bat.	Hampshire Regt.	Rollestone Camp, U.K.

The demobilisation of troops in Siberia is not taking place at present, as active operations are still in progress in that theatre; the demobilisation arrangements apply to troops at Tiflis, and soldiers eligible for demobilisation will be demobilised as the exigencies of the Service and transportation facilities permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether under Army Order 43, dated 26th January, 1918, the pay of regimental officers was raised exclusive of ranker officers; and, if so, why this differentiation was made?

My Noble Friend is under a misapprehension. Ranker officers were not excluded. The principle applied was that of an overriding minimum of 10s. 6d. for second-lieutenants, 11s. 6d. for lieutenants, and 13s. 6d. for captains. Where ranker officers already drew these rates they, like others, received no increase; where they drew less they were given these rates.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the total funds now in the hands of the Army Trustee handed over from central regimental canteens and other Army sources; and if he is in a position to state how it is proposed to use this money?

The total funds now in the hands of the Army Trustee amount approximately to £6,500. There are further sums to be handed over to the Army Trustee in due course, but their amount cannot be specified at present. Such funds as are not subject to the conditions of a special trust will be utilised generally for the benefit of those from whom they have been derived and their dependants.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a soldier who has served in the Regular Army for some years before the War and during the War until he was discharged as disabled from war service is debarred from obtaining his service gratuity of £1 a year because he is in receipt of a disablement pension; and, if so, whether he will forthwith alter the Regulations so as to remove what appears to be a serious hardship?

A soldier who is discharged with a permanent pension receives a gratuity of £2 on discharge. For the soldier who is discharged without permanent pension and who is therefore in greater need of some cash on re-entering civil life, a service gratuity of £1a year is provided. I do not think this arrangement constitutes serious hardship to the man permanently provided for.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the War Office is now stopping the wives' allowance of soldiers who are now employed on agricultural work and billeted at home; and whether he intends to take any action in the matter?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Yeovil on Monday last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that officers holding acting rank senior to the substantive rank and who have had the responsibilities due to their acting rank receive gratuities based only on their substantive rank, the gratuities due to officers in the Territorial Force are, owing to the comparative slowness of their promotion, lower than they are in the case of other branches of the Service; and whether he will take steps to remove this injustice?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that pre-war Territorial Royal Army Medical Corps officers were gazetted on the 30th October, 1918, from temporary rank to acting rank, and although they continued to receive the same pay, an Army Order was promulgated on the 29th November, 1918, stating that gratuities would not be paid to them on acting rank; and whether steps will be taken to rectify this seeming injustice?

As already stated, this matter is at present under consideration, and I would refer in particular to the answer to a question on the subject put by my hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire (West) on Tuesday last to the effect that the matter is under consideration and that the special position of the Territorial officers is not being lost sight of.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that an exceptional share of the burden of mobilisation and demobilisation has fallen upon quartermasters; and whether it is proposed by the Army Council that such men should have been held to continue service under Article 498 of the Royal Warrant, 1914, after reaching the age of retirement and losing the pensions they have earned and being debarred by the existing Regulations from receiving a gratuity in lieu of lost pensions, while their prospect of securing work in civil life has been lessened by their increased age?

The position of these officers under Article 498 is quite clear. They cannot be said to have earned retired pay until they have reached the position of being entitled to retire, that is, until the national emergency is over. Most of them have been earning increases to their eventual retired pay, while retained in the Services, while many other officers enjoy no such advantage.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the sense of injustice felt by quartermasters who, having become eligible for a, pension during the course of the war, have been kept to serve on until the conclusion of peace under Article 498 of Royal Warrant, 1914, without receiving a gratuity in lieu of lost pensions; and whether he will see that these officers are paid the pensions and all arrears thereof which they earned by voluntary contract with the State more than twenty-one years ago?

The Article referred to lays down explicitly that all officers are liable to be retained beyond the normal age for retirement, during the time of national emergency. In this, their position is different from that of soldiers voluntarily enlisted, whose term of service is limited. Quartermasters when they accepted commissions exchanged the status of a soldier for that of an officer and cannot be treated differently from other officers in this respect.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the desirability of increasing the pensions of quartermasters in accordance with the rise in the cost of living since the outbreak of war?

No, Sir. Quartermasters are not in this respect in a different position from other officers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the Navy and Army Canteen Boards having taken over a large portion of the trade of Aldershot merchants and tradesmen, they are now unable to reinstate many of their employés who volunteered for active service at the commencement of the War; and whether, in the event of such facts being proved in regard to any particular case, he will undertake to give employment under the Navy and Army Canteen Board to demobilised soldiers who have lost their civil employment in this way?

I am not aware that the Navy and Army Canteen Board have taken over a large portion of the trade of Aldershot merchants and tradesmen; the trades taken over by the Board was entirely in connection with the supplies and canteen services of His Majesty's Forces. This trade, prior to the War, was carried on by particular firms of contractors who no longer exist and whose respective staffs were taken over by the Navy and Army Canteen Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether quartermasters and other ranker officers have received any increase of pay since the outbreak of War other than the 1s. per day provided by Army Order 197, of 1915; and whether he is aware that the rise in the cost of living affects these officers more than ordinary officers insomuch as the greater proportion of them are married men with families?

Yes, Sir. The minimum rate for officers of whatever kind has been advanced during the war to 10s. 6d. a day and children's allowances have been granted in addition to all officers of the junior ranks. Quartermasters are no longer exceptional among officers of junior rank in regard to wives and families. During the War very large numbers of men so situated have been commissioned as second lieutenants.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that pre-war Territorial Royal Army Medical Corps officers, who voluntarily gave up a considerable amount of their time in order to be prepared for any outbreak of war, are paid less than Royal Army Medical Corps officers of equivalent rank who joined up after the outbreak of war; and whether he will take steps to rectify this anomaly?

This question has been repeatedly raised in this House, and it was decided by the Government after full consideration not to make the change suggested. I do not propose to reopen it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether rations are issued to locally enlisted troops in North Russia on a scale different from that on which they are issued to troops of the Expeditionary Force; and whether, if so, such differentiation is in accordance with the terms of enlistment of the locally enlisted troops?

Locally enlisted troops in North Russia receive the same rations as Allied troops with the exception that instead of 14 ozs. of meat they receive 10 ozs. of meat, 4 ozs. of herrings, and 2 ozs. of breadstuffs. This slight variation was made, with the consent of the medical authorities, on account of the shortage of meat and abundance of herrings. Scales of rations are always subject to variation to suit the season and supplies available, but care is taken to ensure that the calorific value of the ration is maintained, and in this respect the locally enlisted troops are treated similarly to the British forces and the forces of our Allies.

asked the Secretary of State for War what provision is at present made for slight uncertifiable mental cases occurring amongst undischarged soldiers as a result of nerve strain during the War; what institutions are set apart for their benefit; where are they situated; what is the accommodation in each; and to what extent, if any, are they associated with lunacy administration?

The reply to this question involves a lengthy statement of the hospitals and accommodation provided, and, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, I will circulate the answer in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Air Force cadets in Egypt who are surplus to needs have been told that they are to revert to their original Army rank; and if he is aware that great hardship in particular is caused to those former cadets who are returning to the United Kingdom and are not allowed to take with them the additional kit which they were compelled to buy as cadets?

Instructions have been issued that flight cadets are not to be reduced in rank on the grounds stated in the question, and that any who have been so reduced are to be re-appointed as from the date of reduction. I am making inquiries in regard to the second part of the question, and will communicate the result to my Noble Friend.

asked the Minister of Munitions who was the originator or inventor of the so-called Gotha aprons or screens for checking aeroplane attacks; when the idea was first adopted by the Ministry of Munitions; and when it was first put into operation?

The plan of suspending entanglements from balloons was patented as early as 1913. Several hundreds of proposals of this nature had been received by the Inventions Departments and considered by the responsible authorities by October, 1917. The plans actually adopted in October, 1917, were from designs of screens used in the defence of Venice, and any credit for their initial adoption and operation is due to the Italian Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if German women are being given priority of departure from Singapore on passenger steamers leaving for Europe over and to the exclusion of invalid British women and children who require immediate removal from the tropical climate; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any and, if any, what action in the matter?

My hon. Friend no doubt has in mind the requisitioning of the steamships "Nore" and "Novara" for the deportation of Germans from China. The Secretary of State is aware of the pressing need for passage accommodation for women and children from the East. The matter has given him much concern and he is in communication, with the Ministry of Shipping on the subject, but in view of the great importance and urgency attached to the removal of enemy subjects from China, I fear that the decision with regard to these two steamers cannot be altered.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if his attention has been drawn to the discontent felt by officers and men of the King's African Rifles on account of the inadequacy of their pay in view of the very high cost of living in British East Africa; and whether he is in a position to say what relief, if any, has been conceded?

In consideration of the increased cost of living in East Africa, it has recently been decided to grant a war bonus to officers of the King's African Rifles drawing less than £500 a year. The bonus will have retrospective effect from 1st October, 1917, and will be at the rate of £5 per month for married officers and £3 per month for unmarried officers while they are in receipt of King's African Rifles rates of pay. As regards British non-commissioned officers of the King's African Rifles, it was decided some time ago to grant additional pay on a graduated scale to married non-commissioned officers and to non-commissioned officers supporting dependants.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received a Report from a large Committee of Members of this House urging wide and important reforms on the subject of naturalisation which were not dealt with by the Act of last Session; whether he is aware that this Report dealt with questions such as increased stringency in the conditions under which naturalisation certificates are granted, disqualification of naturalised persons from holding important positions, such as that of Privy Councillors and Members of either House of Parliament; and whether, in view of the interest taken in this question by many Members of this House and by the public, he will consider and introduce legislation as early as possible?

I presume the hon. Member refers to the Report of the Enemy Influence Sub-Committee of the Unionist War Committee which was issued in January, 1917. That Report was carefully considered before the legislation of last year. I have nothing to add to my answer on this subject to the hon. Member for Hampstead last Thursday.

asked the Home Secretary whether he has received applications for certificates of naturalisation from certain neutrals who volunteered for military service in the British Army at the outbreak of War; and whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to amend Section 2 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, in order to meet such cases?

Certificates of naturalisation have been granted to considerable numbers of friendly aliens who have served in His Majesty's Forces and with the consent of the Treasury the usual fee has been remitted in these cases. An Amendment was introduced into Section 2 of the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, by the legislation passed last summer which had the effect of making a period of service with His Majesty's Forces equivalent to a period of residence in the United Kingdom for purposes of naturalisation. I do not think there is any occasion for further legislation.

asked the Homo Secretary whether he is aware that Douglas J, J. Owen, conscientious objector, Walton Prison Hospital, has been almost continuously ill and in hospital for ten months, and has been twenty-seven months in prison, and that his health is now completely broken; and will he now have a medical inquiry to see if this man may be set at liberty?

I will obtain a further medical report in this case, and when I have received it will consider whether the prisoner should be released on medical grounds.

asked the Home Secretary if he will state how many letters, telegrams, or resolutions of protest against the continued imprisonment of conscientious objectors have been received by the Government since the signing of the Armistice?

I am afraid I cannot give this figure. The number of such communications received at the Home Office is very large, and as most of them come from the friends of individual prisoners, to find them would involve searching through many hundreds of files. I do not think they represent the views of more than a small minority of the population.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that N. Sogon, a conscientious objector who has been in prison for the last seventeen months, is in Wands worth Prison in a very serious physical and mental condition; and will he call for a report?

I find that the allegations on which the hon. Member's question is founded have no basis in fact. Repeated medical examination has failed to discover any sign of illness, mental or physical. The prisoner has increased in weight since reception in prison, and appears to be in excellent health. He assures the medical officer that he sleeps and eats well and that he has not made any complaint of ill-health to his friends.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Theodolinda Paster, who has been interned for over three and a-half years, is still in Holloway Prison; and whether, in view of the cessation of hostilities, he will order her release and repatriation?

This case will be reviewed shortly along with those of some other women who are interned under Regulation 14b. If I am satisfied that it is no longer necessary to keep her in custody she will be released and repatriated.

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, in view of the revelations made at the recent inquest on Ellen Sullivan, who died in Holloway Gaol while on remand charged with a trivial offence, he will cause an inquiry to be made into the whole system of remand imprisonment and particularly into the kind of accommodation for persons who have been convicted of no offence and who may be taken ill while awaiting trial; and (2) whether his attention has been called to the recent death in childbirth of Ellen Sullivan, aged seventeen and a half, in the remand infirmary of Holloway Prison; whether he is aware that the evidence at the inquest revealed the fact that there is an entire lack of proper accommodation and attention for sick persons on remand, and that Ellen Sullivan gave birth to her child alone and in the middle of the night in an ordinary cell; and whether he will call for a report from the prison doctor as to his reasons for not ordering Ellen Sullivan's release on the ground that she was an expectant mother?

I have consulted Dr. Waldo, the coroner for the City of London, who conducted the inquest in this case, and he informs me that the investigation was a full and careful one, and that the evidence clearly showed that death was due, in the case of the mother as well as that of her child, to purely natural causes; that the placing and detention of the mother in prison in no way affected her health injuriously; that the mother had every care and attention; and that both the jury and he were quite satisfied with the treatment generally. He reports that the evidence pointed to the deceased having been in good health on admission to Holloway Prison. Shortly after her admission she was seized with persistent attacks of vomiting for which she received appropriate treatment and dieting. She was about six and a-half months pregnant, but there was no indication whatever of a likelihood of premature childbirth or miscarriage occurring. The remand infirmary in which she was located consists of two wards containing ten beds each and a number of grated cells. Sullivan was placed in one of the latter on account of her pregnant condition and to avoid her having to associate with older women. The coroner and jury inspected this cell, and the coroner reports that it was clean and warmed by hot-air pipes, ventilation being provided by a window which opened. The door and gate of the cell remained open day and night during the illness of the deceased. She was visited in this cell every ten minutes by a hospital wardress night and day, and the wardress had only left the cell a few minutes before the miscarriage occurred. On discovering the fact she at once summoned the certified prison midwife and the medical officer who were close at hand and immediately attended the mother and child.Dr. Spilsbury, the expert pathologist who made the post mortem examination, found that the deceased had been suffering from the disease known as diabetes mellitus, and, in his opinion, death was due to this disease accelerated by the miscarriage. The findings of the coroner's jury and Dr. Waldo's report from which I have quoted in my opinion completely dispose of the allegations that have been made against the prison administration in connection with this case. There appears to be no occasion for the further inquiry which the hon. Member suggests. I should be very glad if any hon. Member who desires to do so would visit Holloway Prison and personally inspect the remand hospital in which the confinement took place.

asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to withdraw the Order under the Defence of the Realm Act compelling bicycles to carry a rear light at night?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer which I gave to a question on this subject by the Noble Lord the Member for Alder-shot on the 13th February.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, pending the establishment of a Ministry of Health, he will take steps to have the term "Person" or "Inmate" substituted for the expression "Pauper" in documents issued by his Department?

For some time past it has been the practice not to use the word "Pauper" in official documents where it is practicable to substitute another expression. Thus, for instance, the word is not used in the Poor Law Institutions Order, 1913. So long, however, as Statutes are in force in which the term appears it is impossible to abandon its use entirely.