asked the Secretary for India if he will state what steps are being taken by the Government of India to prevent the overcrowding of Simla and other Government headquarters in the Hills by unofficials, both British and Indian, and to reserve the accommodation at those places for civil and military officials, and their wives and families?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The Government of India have recently had the whole question of house accommodation at Simla examined by a Committee, and propose to prepare a comprehensive scheme for the provision of accommodation for officials. In the meantime, in order to meet immediate necessities, they have expended considerable sums on the acquisition and construction of houses. The Secretary of State is not aware that Local Governments have found it necessary to take similar action in the hill stations within their jurisdiction.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Government proposes to constitute a Select Committee of the House of Commons on Indian affairs, as recommended in the Report on Indian. Constitutional Reforms by the Secretary of State and the Governor General of India; if the answer be in the affirmative, when such action will be taken; and whether any objection exists to taking such action now or, at any rate, early in the present Session?

His Majesty's Government have under their consideration the recommendation to which the hon. Member refers, along with the other recommendations of the Report, and I think it can best be dealt with as part of the general scheme.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that, owing to the increased cost of living, large numbers of Irish soldiers who served in the Indian Mutiny have been reduced to a condition of acute distress; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting some increase of pensions to the Indian Mutiny veterans?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 13th February to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Poplar South, and to the reply given on 20th February, by my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury, to a question by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Southport, to the effect that His Majesty's Government cannot undertake to increase these pensions.

Is it not the fact that the purchasing capacity of the amount of pension allotted to these soldiers at the time has considerably decreased, and would it not be proper and fair that the amount should be brought up to meet modern requirements?

I should be glad if the hon. and gallant Member would give me particulars of any of these cases he has in mind. The number cannot be very large as those in this class must be over the age of 83. If he does so I will look into the matter, but I can hold out no promise of an increased pension.

In view of the fact stated by the right hon. Gentleman that the number cannot be very large, surely it is not a very large consideration for the Government to take into account.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if all the evidence taken before the Grand Fleet Committees A and B on the pay and circumstances of the officers and men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines can be published for the information of the House and in time to allow of ample consideration before the Navy Votes are taken?

There is nothing confidential about this evidence, but if it be published the evidence of the 240witnesses examined at the home ports by the Jerram Committee should also be published. The evidence would fill a Blue Book of considerable bulk, and, in the opinion of the Admiralty, the labour and expense involved would not be justified. It could not, in any case, be published by the time the Navy Estimates are introduced.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will favourably consider some increase in salary to the nursing sisters of Queen Alexandra's Naval Nursing Service?

A scheme for improvement of salary of the nursing sisters is now being considered by the Admiralty. I hope that an announcement may be made at an early date.

May we take it that the announcement will be made at an early date?

I will do my best to hasten it on.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Court of Inquiry on the loss of forces belonging to the British naval battalions retreating fom Antwerp in 1914 has sent in its Report; whether the terms of reference and the finding can now be given; and whether, in the event of a public court-martial not being held and in view of the public interest in the matter, the Admiralty are prepared to deviate from the secrecy which is the rule in regard to Courts of Inquiry by publishing the whole of the proceedings?

The Court of Inquiry has reported, and the Report is now being considered. The Court was directed to investigate the circumstances in which the First Royal Naval Brigade came to be interned in Holland in October, 1914. It is not possible to disclose the finding or to publish the proceedings.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Court of Inquiry which has just been held on the losses in the retreat from Antwerp was instructed to take into full consideration the responsibility of those who sent newly-formed forces in an untrained and unequipped state to face fully-trained German armies; and whether the present Secretary of State for War and the present Under-Secretary of State for the Air Ministry gave evidence before the Court?

The Court of Inquiry, as I have just said, was directed to investigate the circumstances in which the First Royal Naval Brigade came to be interned in Holland in October, 1914; the Under-Secretary of State for the Air Ministry gave evidence before the Court, but not the Secretary of State for War.

Was not the evidence of the Secretary for War of great importance to the Court in view of the part he played in the matter?

I imagine that was a matter for the Court to decide. Certainly it was not a question for me.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that men who have served as many as fifteen years in His Majesty's dockyards and have taken part in the War, some being in the retreat from Mons in 1914, on returning to their former employment have found that young men who were serving as apprentices under them in 1914 have been placed on the establishment; whether he can see his way to give preference as regards establishment to men whose employment in the yards is of long standing and who have long war service to their credit; and will he specially consider in this respect the case of men who have been discharged as no longer fit for military service?

We shall certainly take service with the Colours as service to be taken into account in considering any man's claim to establishment. This of course applies to men resuming service in the dockyards after having been discharged from the Army or Navy as no longer fit for military service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the very great increase in the cost of living, he can now see his way to make some advance of naval prize money to those entitled to receive it?

I explained to my hon. Friend the Member for Portsmouth North last Wednesday that no payment, ad interim or final, can be made until the records of individual service, which will determine eligibility and the amount to be received, are complete. Those records, of course, deal with service down to the 11th of last November. I explained, further, that the Department concerned is making every effort to expedite and complete this work. We are working to have the records complete by the time that the Courts and the tribunal may be expected to have completed their labours. As I said, this we hope will be in the autumn.

I should now add that if by that time the Courts and the tribunal have not finished their labours, our records being then complete, it will be a question for the serious consideration of the Board whether in that case an ad interim payment ought not then to be made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the Government have yet come to a decision as to whether chargemen employed in His Majesty's dockyards are to come within the classes to be compulsorily insured, and for whom a portion of the contributions are payable by the employer?

Yes, Sir. It has been decided that chargemen employed in His Majesty's dockyards are to be regarded as compulsorily insurable, and instructions to this effect have now been issued.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the statement of the naval losses of the various Powers which appeared on 3rd March may be taken to be correct; and, if so, if the details of the British naval losses can be furnished for the information of the House?

The figures to which the Noble Lord refers do not correctly give the British naval losses. A complete list of those losses will be published shortly.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Committee under Admiral Sir Martyn Jerram is to hold an inquiry into the pay and conditions of service of officers of the Royal Navy as well as into those of the men, or whether a separate inquiry is to be made in the case of the officers; and, if so, by whom and when the inquiry is to commence?

I explained to my hon. Friend the Member for Devonport on Wednesday last that the question of officers' pay will be dealt with by the Committee under Admiral Sir Martyn Jerram. I went on to explain that, in view of the pressure of work upon that Committee, the Board had decided to appoint another Committee working in close liaison with Admiral Jerram's Committee, to consider solely questions relating to the pay, etc., of officers. This Committee will work under Admiral Jerram and will report through him. It will commence its work at once.

Will this Committee also consider the admission into the Navy of officers from all classes of the community, or is the present system of restricted entry to be maintained?

That is not in this reference, and I cannot imagine that the Committee will inquire into it.

In view of the answer to this question, as well as to the one I put a few minutes ago, and in view also of the fact that the Committee has already reported, would it be possible for hon. Members to see the evidence given before it.

The question of my Noble Friend dealt with the question of the pay of officers, while this has reference to the men's pay. I am afraid I cannot add to the answer I gave to the Noble Lord.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether the pensions of naval ratings have been paid from 4th August, 1914, as they became due, although the men were kept on in the Service; and, if so, was the same rule applied to the officers?

Yes, Sir. As regards the second part of the question the Regulations do not admit of retired pay being paid to Naval and Marine officers concurrently with full pay.

Why is there that differentiation between the payment of officers and men?

I am afraid I cannot argue that by way of answer to a question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can make any arrangement for the early demobilisation of apprentices of His Majesty's dockyard; and if he can make any statement as to the position of these men on returning to the dockyard?

I do not think I can do better than to refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave on Wednesday last to my hon. Friend the Member for the Drake Division. I may repeat that these young men on returning to the dockyard will be credited with the time served in the forces as time served at their trades, and will be given an opportunity to complete their training as tradesmen whilst drawing tradesmen's wages if the term of the apprenticeship has elapsed whilst they have been serving in the Forces.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction in the dockyards on this question and is it not the policy of the Admiralty to do all it can to allay that dissatisfaction. Will he, therefore, reconsider this matter?

Does the answer apply to apprentices who went out in 1914?

Certainly. In reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Ply- mouth I do not think it is the action of the Admiralty which is causing dissatisfaction, but rather that of the Army Council—the demobilising authority.

Does the right hon. Gentleman consider that this action is in accordance with the promise given in 1914 to these apprentices when enlisted? Can he not make some other arrangement?

So far as I know it does carry out the promise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dental officers receive no gratuity on demobilisation corresponding to that granted to medical officers; and, if so, whether he can revise the Regulations under which such gratuities are withheld?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the written answer given to a similar question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for New Forest and Christchurch on Monday last, to the effect that a gratuity of £50 for each year or part of a year has been approved for these officers as a special concession.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the Irish soldiers who joined up for the period of the War at the delay in releasing them from military service, and that this dissatisfaction is intensified by the fact that they consider they are discriminated against in this matter of release from military service because of their nationality; and whether in view of all the circumstances he will take steps to see that equal justice in the matter of release is dealt out to Irish soldiers as compared, with soldiers of other nationalities in the Army?

I am not aware that any dissatisfaction exists amongst Irish soldiers and I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that they are being treated on exactly the same footing as other soldiers, and that no discrimination whatever is made.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Private G. J. Webb, No. 174486, 315 (H.S.) Works Company, Old Bell Inn, Exeter Street, Salisbury, has not been discharged; whether he enlisted on 15th November, 1916, being then and prior to 1914 owner of a one-man plumbing business at Kingswood, Bristol; whether certificate (D.F. 2B) signed by Ministry of Labour and Local Advisory Committee, Bristol, dated 15th January, 1919, was forwarded to the proper authority on 18th January, 1919, through his commanding officer; whether he is entitled to his release under Army Order 14 of 1917, Chap. 3, Sec. 7, under which men whose special release has been recommended to the War Office by the Ministry of Labour before 1st February, 1919, should be discharged by the War Office on Army Form Z 56; and why, as a civilian plumber has just been substituted to do his work, he is detained, having regard to Chap. 3, Sec. (c)?

I am informed that Private G. J. Webb is not registered either as pivotal or for special release on Army Form Z 56, and from the information given in my hon. Friend's question he would not appear to be eligible for demobilisation under Army Order 55, of 1919, unless he is over thirty-seven years of age or is entitled to wear three or more wound stripes. I am having some further inquiry made into the case.

asked whether the men now serving in the Army in India will be granted the same facilities for demobilising as are given to men serving elsewhere?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement regarding Territorials in India which I made in the House on the 25th February last. The statement applied to all British troops serving in India.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very wide discontent prevails among the men serving in India in consequence of this inequality of facilities for demobilising? If he wishes for confirmation of that, I have it in my possession.

The latest information we have is that there has been a great abatement of any discontent that existed, and that a considerable movement in favour of re-engagement in the Army is taking place among the troops serving in India?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers not of the Regular Army who are given an honorary rank on demobilisation are entitled to use the designation of that rank as a prefix to their names in civilian life; in what circumstances such officers will have the privilege of appearing in uniform; and whether in future they will be required to wear full-dress or Service uniform on ceremonial occasions?

The rank given on demobilisation is not honorary. Permission is granted to the officer to retain the rank he has held. He is entitled to use the designation of the rank as a prefix to his name in civil life. He may wear uniform when attending ceremonials and entertainments of a military nature, if he so desires. The uniform to be worn is restricted to Service dress.

Is it the desire of the Army Council that the military designation shall be retained in all cases in civil life?

It is for individuals to decide what they call themselves; the Government say what they are entitled to call themselves.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will consider the immediate release of those chaplains of the Church of Scotland who are at present serving in the Army in capacities other than as ministers of religion?

I would refer to the answers given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Midlothian and Peebles on Monday last, and to my hon. Friend the Member for St. Rollox yesterday, to the effect that they will be released if they are eligible for demobilisation under existing Regulations.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the proportion of clergymen of the Church of Scotland serving in combatant ranks is very much larger than that of clergymen of the Church of England, and that therefore the pressure upon the Church of Scotland is so much greater?

That is so. It is a point of substance that should be considered. I do not, however, wish to make exceptions at the present time, as we are enforcing new rules and new standards of universal evenness over the whole Army.

asked the Secretary of State for War how far Army Order 55, of 1919, as to the classes of soldiers entitled to demobilisation affects coal miners; whether the promise that coal miners should be demobilised stands; and, if not, can he state the reasons?

It is provided by Army Council Instruction 69 of the 30th January, 1919, which must be read in conjunction with Army Order 55 of 1919, that a large percentage of each dispersal draft will be composed of coal miners (Group 3) and agriculturists (Group 1), preference being given to coal miners so long as any are available. This procedure is subject of course to the officer or man in question being eligible for demobilisation under Army Order 55. One hundred and ninety-five thousand miners have already been demobilised, and as far as I am aware the number remaining in the Army is very small. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the instructions referred to. The reasons which have led to this exceptional advantage being given to coal miners over all the rest of the Army was to enable them to get the industries of the country restarted in time to make employment for their comrades at the front.

Is it not the fact that on the 13th January the Government caused public notices to be issued that the coal miners and certain other classes need do nothing to secure their release as their release had already been ordered, and that they were being included in the dispersal drafts as quickly as possible?

That is true, and as the result, 195,000 coal miners have been released.

Is it not the fact that many coal miners relying upon that promise did nothing, as they were instructed to do, and that they now find they are not allowed to leave the Army?

No, Sir. The Order to comb out coal miners still continues in full force, but no class who have served in the Army have been treated with more special consideration.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that young miners who enlisted voluntarily in 1914 are still retained in the Army, while miners who enlisted in 1916 have returned to their homes, and will he pay attention to the release of those miners who voluntarily enlisted in 1914?

I am very doubtful whether that is the case. It may be so in some exceptional cases, because out of millions of cases there must be every kind of exception, but that is not due to any rule or principle which we are observing or enforcing.

asked the Prime Minister what is the amount of the gratuity or allowance paid on demobilisation to members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps who have served overseas; what is the amount of the allowance paid to women munition workers who cease to be employed owing to the conclusion of hostilities; and if he will state on what grounds it has been decided to deal on a more generous scale with the latter than with the women who have taken an active part in the War at personal risk and with much less financial benefit to themselves?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The hon. and gallant Member would appear to be under a misapprehension. Members of the Q.M.A.A.C. (other than officials) who have served overseas, are entitled on discharge to twenty-eight days' pay and allowances, and are eligible for out-of-work donation at the full rate for twenty-six weeks as against the usual thirteen weeks ordinarily applicable to women munition workers. I am not aware that apart from the out-of-work donation women munition workers are entitled to any special allowance on discharge except the week's pay in lieu of notice for which the Munitions of War Acts provide.

asked the Minister of Labour what provisions the Government have made for assisting discharged and demobilised officers and men for rehabilitating them in businesses ruined on account of their service; whether applications can now be made; and, if so, to whom and where?

I may refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. Member for West Bermondsey on the 13th February, as to the general scope of the provision to be made for assisting officers and men in the circumstances mentioned in the question. The Regulations governing the scheme have now been approved, and the final arrangements for bringing the scheme into operation are being made as rapidly as possible and will, I hope, be published very shortly. The Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department are giving consideration to any communication on the matter which may be addressed to them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that that is the kind of answer we have had to this question for the last four weeks; and can he say definitely that the Civil Liabilities Committee are now prepared to receive an application from a demobilised officer or man asking for financial assistance in re-establishing himself in the business which has been ruined on account of his joining the Colours?

Yes, Sir. I would remind my hon. Friend that the Civil Liabilities Committee has only been newly taken over by the Ministry of Labour, but now I can assure him that we shall be ready to receive applications as soon as they like to make them.

Does this proposed scheme apply to Ireland?

Yes; it applies so far as I understand, to the whole of the United Kingdom.

Has any scheme been submitted to the Advisory Committee of the Civil Liabilities or is any scheme to be submitted to them?

A new scheme has been devised. Regulations have been newly made which I understand have been before the Civil Liabilities Committee.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that between 400 and 500 German prisoners are being employed on the manufacture of cement blocks at Chepstow; that the making of these blocks is plasterers' work, a large number of whom are at present unemployed; and whether, in view of this, he will take steps to have these German, prisoners removed from this work so that civilian plasterers may find employment?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question, and I am accordingly having inquiries made into the matter, and as soon as these are complete I will communicate with my hon. Friend.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Allies are now supporting the Volunteer Army under General Denikin in the south of Russia; whether this force is in favour of the restoration of the monarchy; and whether, seeing that the Don Cossacks are fighting both the Volunteer Army and the Bolsheviks in this region, he will consider the desirability, if assistance is given to any force, of supporting the Don Cossacks, who are now being estranged into Bolshevism by our action in supporting the Monarchists?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the second part in the negative. It is not the case that the Don Cossacks are fighting the Volunteer Army. Since the appointment of General Bogaievski, Ataman of the Don Cossacks in succession to General Krasnov, most cordial relations have been established between the Don Cossacks and the Volunteer Army, and both parties are acting in co-operation against the Bolsheviks.

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the Don Cossacks established relations with the Voluntary Army?

I must ask for notice of that question

Is that part of the question which asks whether this force is in favour of the restoration of the monarchy correct, and are we now fighting for the restoration of the monarchy. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!"] May I ask for an answer to that question. [HON. MEMBERS: "No!".]

asked the Secretary of State foe Foreign Affairs whether, in the Ukraine, the British Government are supporting the Petlura or the Ataman of the Ukraine; whether their war aims are identical; and, if so, on what policy the British Government decides to whom its support should be accredited?

As regards the first and third parts of the hon. and gallant Member's question, no negotiations have been entered into by His Majesty's Government with any authorities in the Ukraine, nor have they decided to support any particular party in that territory.

As regards the war aims of General Petlura, it is understood that he is aiming at the establishment of an independent Ukraine. General Skoropadski, the Hetman of the Ukraine, fled from Kiev last November, and is not at present in Russia.

Will a comprehensive statement of our policy in Russia be supplied to the House at an early date?

That is a question which should be addressed to the Leader of the House.

:asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether a resolution from the principal business houses of Port Said, Egypt, has been transmitted to him by the High Commissioner of Egypt; whether this resolution emphasises the necessity of the use of the English language and the adoption of English law and procedure in the Courts, particularly in criminal matters; whether any reply has been sent; and what action it is proposed to take?

The answer to the first and second part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is in the affirmative, subject to the reservation that the form of the communication in question was that of a letter expressing agreement with a memorial previously addressed to Sir R. Wingate by British lawyers in Egypt; it consequently required no special reply. The views put forward by the British lawyers, and supported by the British business houses were communicated at the time to the Commission sitting at Cairo, which is charged with the preparation of the proposed new judicial organisation, and is receiving careful consideration by the Advisory Committee in this country as well as by the Foreign Office.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the indignation that is felt among business classes, both in Egypt and in England, at the proposed exclusion of the English language and English law from the Egyptian Courts?

Yes, Sir, I am fully aware of that. I have received a deputation on the subject quite recently.

When are we likely to have the Report of the Commission which is considering the matter?

I will inquire.

asked the Secretary of State for' Foreign Affairs whether a Commission, under the presidency of General d'Esperey, has been, appointed by the Allied and Associated Powers to inquire on the spot as to events that have occurred in Montenegro since November, 1918; if so, under what circumstances was it appointed; what nationalities were represented on the Commission; what persons was it composed of; what was the method of inquiry; have the Commission issued their Report; if so, on what evidence was it based; and was the Commission appointed after consultation with the Montenegrin Government and with its approval?

My hon. Friend is no doubt referring to a statement which appeared in the Press of 3rd March. I am unaware of the appointment of any such Commission as is suggested, but I am making inquiries of His Majesty's Chargé des Affaires for Montenegro.

What is the Montenegrin Government which is referred to in the last part of the question; has not Montenegro decided to join Serbia?

I am afraid that I must have notice of that question.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that John Walker Jones, C.P.O., R.N., No. 116929, in August last was sent home from hospital, and was informed that his discharge papers would be sent to him; that they have not been sent, although he has written to the Accountant-General of the Navy, and his wife has called; that they have again been promised, but no discharge papers have arrived; is he further aware that for the want of these papers Jones is prevented from making his claim to the local pensions committee; and, as the delay is causing serious inconvenience, will he see that the papers are sent on at once?

This chief petty officer was lent to the Air Force and was apparently surveyed by a medical officer of that service. I am afraid this transfer to another Department is responsible for the delay. I have gone into the question of the application made by his wife and have seen the accountant officer of His Majesty's Ship "President," upon whom Mrs. Jones called. I am satisfied that he did everything possible to hasten a decision. It may be necessary for our own medical authorities to survey Jones—if so, this will be done at once—and all relevant communications made forthwith to the Pensions Ministry. Meantime Jones will, from the date he ceased pay, resume pay from Naval funds pending a determination of his case. In fact a sum of money has already been sent to him.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman do something, seeing that this matter has been hanging about since August; and is it not possible for the Accountant-General to deal more speedily with his correspondence than he does?

It is not entirely a matter for the Accountant-General, but also one for the Admiralty, the Air Force, to which he was lent, and the Pensions Ministry. We put him on Naval pay, and we have proceeded with all expedition, and in order to prevent too great hardship we have sent him a sum of money at once.

In all cases the de-delay is very great.

I am sorry for that.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the proscribed Army form will be issued upon which applications for the war gratuity can be submitted by the officers concerned?

The reference is presumably to Army Form W. 5081, on which the war gratuity for Regular officers is claimed. These forms have already been issued to the Army agents and paymasters concerned. I may remind my hon. and gallant Friend that, except in the case of officers who have died or left the Army, this gratuity to regular officers is not issuable until the termination of the War or the 3rd of August next, whichever occurs first.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when these forms were issued to the Army agents?

No, not without notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been drawn to the position as regards pensions of those quartermasters of the Territorial Force who had previous service with the Regular Army and who, on demobilisation, will be compelled to retire on their pre-war pensions as non-commissioned officers; and whether, in view of the services rendered by these officers, he will consider the advisability of placing them on the same footing as regards pensions as quartermasters of the Regular Army?

I understand the hon. and gallant Member to suggest that these Territorial officers should be granted Service pensions as officers. Such pensions are given only to officers holding Regular commissions; and I do not think that the fact that these Territorial officers have already a non-commissioned officer's pension calls for an exception to that rule.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of William G. Jones, 194026, Royal Air Force, who, on joining on the 7th June, 1918, was classified A 1, and on being demobilised on the 28th January was placed in Grade 1 after the following record: 17th July, placed in a draft for France, but found unfit for service overseas owing to D.A.H. and nervous debility; sent to Uxbridge for a course of aerial gunnery, found unfit, excused drills and marches, and declared unfit for all military duty; 30th September, sent to the Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, and marked for immediate discharge; 12th October, transferred to 1st Eastern General Hospital, Cambridge, where he was examined by a specialist, and his discharge papers prepared; 22nd October, sent to Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital, Wisbech, to be examined by a medical board 4th November, sent home without examination; 21st November, recalled for examination, but informed on arrival that as one of his papers was missing he could not be examined; 23rd November, sent home; 13th January, recalled to Cambridge for re-examination, but sent to East Preston Hospital without being examined; 20th January, examined by two officers, who declared the soldier's nerves to be bad; sent to Chester War Hospital, where he was placed in Grade 1 and demobilised on the 28th January; whether he is aware that the soldier was not allowed his ordinary pay while at home; and whether, in view of this record, he will cause the soldier to be re-examined by a medical board in order that he may be placed in his proper category?

I am causing full inquiry to be made into this case and will acquaint my hon. Friend with the results at an early date.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether, in view of the serious and uncertain nature of the markets abroad of the Lancashire cotton-spinning and weaving trade obtaining since the Armistice was signed, he will take steps to obtain a Report as to the possibility of opening new markets abroad, of the solution of exchange values, and of the proper support to establish a reasonable and full supply of raw cotton at such price as will enable the Lancashire cotton trade to compete in the Eastern markets?

It is one of the main duties of Commercial Attachés and Trade Commissioners to report on the possibility of new and extended markets for British goods, including, of course, textiles. As regards the Far East, the situation is full of anxiety, and the dispatch of a special mission to investigate the condition is at present under the consideration of the Department, which is in communication with the trade. No Report can suggest any general solution of exchange values. The problems of exchange differ in different localities, but they are, of course, taken into consideration where they occur. I am not aware that there is any prospect of a shortage of American cotton for Lancashire mills, while as regards Egyptian cotton His Majesty's Government have already taken the necessary steps to secure supplies.

Could a Report be furnished as to whether it is not a fact that the American cotton planters are exploiting the prices of raw cotton to the detriment of the Lancashire cotton spinners?

The hon. Member must put down a question about it.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is now in a position to state the Government policy with regard to emigration; will he say when it will be possible for discharged soldiers and their wives and families desiring to emigrate to Canada and Australia to carry out their plans; will he say whether the Government propose to give any financial assistance; and, if so, in what way will that assistance be given?

His Majesty's Government have under their consideration the whole question of the grant of State aid to ex-Service men desirous of settling within the Empire. I hope shortly to be in a position to make a statement upon the subject.

Is any Committee sitting to consider the question?

Yes; a Committee has been sitting on the subject and has made definite proposals which are under the consideration of His Majesty's Government.

When does my hon. and gallant Friend hope to be able to make a statement—he told me a fortnight ago that he would do so shortly?

I hope it will be still more shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that natives of the country, however wealthy, clothed, or educated, are not allowed to travel first or second-class on the Uganda Government Railway; whether this applies also to natives of India; whether any order or regulation to this effect has been approved by the Colonial Office or has been made known to it and not disapproved; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I understand that directions were given in 1914 for second-class accommodation to be reserved for Indian travellers on at least one train a week each way. On other points I have no information, but inquiry will be made of the Governor.

Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman issue instructions that this absurd colour discrimination should immediately cease?

Was the India Office consulted as to this interference with the liberty of Indians to travel on any trains?

I shall have to ask for notice of that question, but my recollection is that second and first-class accommodation on the Uganda railway some years ago was absolutely identical.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if an order for locomotives for the Federated Malay States has been placed in the United States; what is the total value of the order; what was the lowest British tender; and why this order was not secured to Great Britain?

An order for twelve locomotives for the Federated Malay States was placed in the United States of America in January last; the contract sum was $28,450 each, or £71,723 approximately in all. No British firm quoted a firm price. The lowest offer mentioned, £8,600 each, or £103,200 in all as a probable sum, but was on a time and cost basis, and therefore liable to variation. This order was not secured to Great Britain, because early delivery of the engines was of urgent necessity, and British firms could not begin delivery till November next, and could not definitely promise that; whereas, the American firm promised delivery in six months.

Is it not a fact that British contractors who sent in tenders for these locomotives were at a disadvan- tage as against American firms, because of the restrictions which are imposed on producers in this country at present?

That will be borne in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the number of Army horses to be disposed of in France, Italy, Belgium, and the East, respectively; whether they are to be sold by public auction to the highest bidder; and whether any precautions will be taken to ensure as far as possible that these horses will be humanely treated by their new owners?

The number of surplus animals still to be disposed of in the various theatres of war are in round figures as follows:

Has my right hon. Friend's attention been drawn to Question 28, which shows the specific need of the agricultural industry for horses in this country, and could not many of these horses, especially from France, be brought over to England and sold to British farmers who would treat them humanely? Is it not a notorious fact?

The hon and gallant Gentleman has already asked three supplementary questions.

I will deal with some of those questions when we get to 28.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will extend the facilities for obtaining horses which have been granted to the agricultural industry to other industries in the country to which the supply of horses on such terms would be of assistance?

No special facilities for obtaining horses have been granted to the agricultural industry. A number of mares selected for breeding purposes have been loaned to certain persons under conditions laid down by the Board of Agriculture, but this arrangement was made solely with a view to the breeding of the right stamp of horse, and not with a view to favouring any individual persons or industries. I may, however, inform my hon. and gallant Friend that a scheme has recently been approved, and is about to come into operation, whereby a large number of light draught horses will be hired out on advantageous terms to suitable individuals, business concerns or corporations.

Could not some of the horses from France be sold to British farmers, and are not the French peasantry notorious for their ill-treatment of horses?

I do not think we need go into that part of the question. I should very much regret if the House lent itself to any expression of opinion of the kind. It is much too sweeping. But we are bringing horses over from France as fast as ships can carry them. I am perpetually pressing the Shipping Controller to give us more ships to bring over horses from France so that they can be utilised for all sorts of reconstructive work in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the disabilities suffered by women medical officers employed in military hospitals owing to their not being allowed, under the Army Act, to hold Army rank; and, if so, whether he will have this legal disability removed in view of the pledge in the Government's election manifesto to remove all existing inequalities in the law as between men and women?

I am not aware that women doctors employed in military hospitals suffer disabilities on this account. A large number of civil medical practitioners are employed full time in such, hospitals under exactly similar conditions. As regards the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I would refer him to the reply given on Monday to the hon. and gallant Member for Islington (East) to the effect that it is not proposed to introduce legislation on this point during the present Session.

asked what amount of bonus and gratuity is paid to captains and lieutenants in His Majesty's Forces; whether quartermasters holding the rank of captain are paid according to their rank or as lieutenants; and what is the reason for this distinction?

I am informed that for officers whose rate of pay depends on their rank, the bonus for the Army of Occupation is at the rate of 4s. a day for a lieutenant and 4s. 6d. for a captain. In applying this scale to quartermasters they are classified according to the rank normally appertaining to their rate of pay, the rate of 13s. 6d. carrying bonus as a captain. War gratuity is given according to rank, on a scale depending upon the number of months' service and other factors. Full details of this scale were published in the Press on 13th February last.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he was aware that at the urgent request of Colonel Martin Deacon, Royal Engineers, for the Deputy-Director of Fortification and Works (Aviation), the water department of the Corporation of Nottingham fixed a meter on 1st March, 1918, for a supply of water to the Hucknall Aerodrome, that the water was not required until 6th May, 1918, that the War Office has refused to sign the usual agreement and declined to pay for the water used, and that there is an amount now owing to the Nottingham Corporation of £456; and will he now arrange to put the matter in order?

The War Office are not concerned in the proposed agreement, which is between the corporation and the Air Ministry. The Air Ministry have not refused to sign an agreement nor declined to pay for the water used. They are at present negotiating with the corporation regarding the price to be charged, as the rate proposed by the corporation was in excess of the statutory scale in force at the time. As soon as the rate is agreed upon, settlement will be made.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the grounds for his statement that a charge was made in excess of the scale? I have the authority of the chairman of the committee to say that it was not so.

The hon. Member had better put down a further question on the Paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he would consider the mentioning in dispatches of officers and men who have been recommended for reward by divisional commanders, but whose names did not pass beyond corps headquarters?

No, Sir. The mention in dispatches must necessarily be based upon the dispatches of the Commander-in-Chief.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any changes are contemplated in the personnel of the management of the Navy and Army Canteen Board; and, if so, will the House have an opportunity of discussing those changes before definite action is taken?

The members of the Board of Management of the Navy and Army Canteen Board are appointed by the Board of Admiralty, the Army Council, and the Air Council. It is not usual for this House to discuss administrative appointments of this nature before they are made, nor do I consider it desirable that such a departure should be made. The principle is that the Government act in their discretion, subject to the support or censure of the House when occasion arises.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he would state what were the total casualties suffered by the British, Canadian, and Australian troops, respectively, in the Ypres salient during the operations commencing on 31st July, 1917, and ending on 11th November, 1917?

I will give the figures for the period 31st July, 1917 to 18th November, 1917, as we have these readily available, and they are probably what my hon. and gallant Friend requires.

The figures are:

asked the Secretary of State for War if he would state the total number of honours and decorations, British or Foreign, awarded to the officers of the Regular Forces during the War and the total number awarded to the officers of the Territorial Forces and New Armies; and the approximate proportion of Regular officers to those of the other forces as above employed during the War?

The number of honours and decorations awarded to officers of the Regular Forces, Territorial Force, and New Armies, respectively, are not separately available, and the compilation of a Return giving this information would entail a great deal of research which it is not practicable at the present time to undertake. I am, however, taking this opportunity of circulating in the Official Report, for the information of the House, a statement as to the total number of military honours of the various categories conferred on all ranks since the commencement of the War, together with the total number of foreign decorations conferred on the British Armies during the War.

The following is the statement referred to:

asked the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of the Government that interned Germans shall not be allowed to remain and settle in this country; and, if so, whether he will take steps to prevent such Germans writing from internment camps to apply for business positions in this country and cause them to be notified that they will not be allowed to occupy business positions in this country?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The general policy with regard to interned alien enemies is to repatriate them, as the Home Secretary stated in this House on the 13th February in answer to the hon. Member for the Twickenham Division. It is already the rule in the civilian internment camps that inmates are not allowed to send out letters asking for employment in this country, and notices prohibiting the writing of such letters have been posted in the camps. If any letter of this sort has escaped the censorship it should be brought to the notice of the Home Office.

asked the Prime Minister whether an application by Mr. F. C. Constable, J.P., of Wick Court, Gloucester, on behalf of three discharged soldiers who voluntarily joined the Army in 1914 for 30 acres of land to work in co-operation, had been sent to the Ministry of Labour, the Local Government Board, and the Board of Agriculture; whether all the men were guaranteed as of good character, fit in health, and experienced in agriculture; what reply other than acknowledgments of these letters would be given; whether he realised that delay in the granting or refusal of these early applications would attract notoriety and would stop thousands of other discharged soldiers from attempting to obtain their living from the cultivation of land; and would he give an assurance that his proposals in this regard would be carried out and the applications of these men promptly considered and satisfied?

The Board have received Mr. Constable's application, and he has been supplied with copies of the booklet explaining the Land Settlement scheme. He has also been requested to get the three men in question to fill in the necessary application forms, and forward them to the Gloucestershire County Council. The Board have written to the county council asking them to deal promptly with the applications when received.

asked the Prime Minister if he would order a public inquiry as to the necessity for the continuance of Government controls and licences for importing and exporting, and dealing in raw materials, and as to their effect on trade and the cost of living, with instructions to report its findings and recommendations at the earliest possible date?

The whole subject is engaging the attention of the Government, and I do not think the suggestion of my hon. Friend could be usefully adopted.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that the results of such an inquiry would not only be of interest to the public, but of use to the Government in deciding upon the course of future legislation?

I do not think that that method of arriving at information would be found to attain the end which the hon. and gallant Member desires.

asked the Prime Minister if he is in a position to state the after-war trade policy of the Government, with special regard to Colonial preference, dumping, and the protection of our key industries?

I cannot add anything to the answer which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Central Wandsworth on the 13th February.

In view of the enormous addition to the National Debt which will be included in the new Budget, is the right hon. Gentleman prepared to tell the House that before the presentation of that Budget the Government's policy in regard to after-war trade will be announced?

The subject is now being dealt with by the Government, and it is quite impossible to make any statement on this occasion.

Is it intended to make any change in the fiscal policy of the country?

It depends on what my right hon. Friend calls the fiscal policy of the country.

Is the Government about to depart from the policy laid down by the Prime Minister at the time of the election, which includes the prevention of dumping and the protection of our key industries?

The answer is to the effect that we are taking the steps necessary to carry out that policy.