asked the Secretary of State for War whether bodies of soldiers are to be exhumed and transported by rail to other burial grounds; and whether, if this is the case, facilities will be given to relatives to have the bodies brought home to England?

No. Sir; there is no intention of exhuming the bodies of our soldiers and transporting them by rail to other burial grounds. The only exhumation taking place is in the case of isolated graves, the bodies in which are being collected into cemeteries in close proximity to the graves. I regret that I can hold out no hope whatever that the facilities asked for in the latter part of the question will be granted.

Does that apply to soldiers who are buried in Germany?

No; not necessarily.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Army Form Z 30 M (Soldier), which is distributed among men about to be demobilised, bears the imprint "Printed in Germany by Fr. Massing, Zulpich, 12.18"; and, if so, what is the explanation of the employment of a German firm in connection with work of this character?

My attention had already been drawn to this matter, and full inquiries made. Owing to transport difficulties and the necessity for giving priority to food, etc., sufficient supplies of forms could not at first be sent up from the bases in France, and as certain forms were urgently required to facilitate demobilisation, small quantities were printed in the district of Cologne. This is now no longer necessary.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue Army Orders to the effect that no officer or soldier eligible for demobilisation shall be liable to have his release postponed by his commanding officer, or any other authority, on the grounds that he cannot be spared from military service?

Soldiers who, though eligible for demobilisation, are temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation are liable to be regained until they can be individually replaced or their services dispensed with. I regret my hon. and gallant Friend's proposal for altering the Regulations at present in force cannot be entertained.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Derby men who attested in 1915 and were not called to the Colours until 1916 are included in the new scheme of demobilisation and are liable to demobilisation as 1915 men in accordance with the terms of their attestation, Form B 2,512a, in which it is set forth that their service shall begin to reckon from the date of their attestation; and whether, if this is not so, he will take immediate steps to have these men included in the demobilisation scheme?

The answer to both parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the latest orders he has issued for the demobilisation of additional doctors and nurses still attached to the Army; and what steps he is taking to release medical men who are now serving in India, and whose practices are suffering from their long absence?

Orders have been issued that medical officers shall be released from all theatres of war immediately it becomes possible to dispense with their services, and that the number employed shall be reduced in proportion to the reduction in other arms, as far as the large areas occupied and the wide distribution of troops in enemy territory permits. Orders have also been issued to the effect that all nurses shall be released immediately their services can be spared. During the last ten days considerable numbers of doctors and nurses have been demobilised. As regards those officers serving in India, the peace establishment, which is composed of Regular Army officers only, is being adjusted as quickly as circumstances permit and 100 Regular officers are on their way or are awaiting early passage.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the consideration of cases eligible for demobilsation on compassionate grounds, he will give directions that the claims be considered of those repatriated prisoners of war who have suffered specially harsh treatment or who have been compelled to work immediately behind the enemy lines?

I would refer to the answer given to my hon. Friends the Members for Kettering and Bishop Auckland on the 25th February, to the effect that it would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in 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 categories prescribed.

asked the Secretary of State for War when the Forage Department of the War Office is to be closed down and when the men of the Royal Army Service Corps attached to the Forage Department are to be demobilised; and if he is aware that practically none of these men have been discharged up to the present time?

I am informed that the Forage Department is being demobilised as rapidly as the lifting of the remainder of the hay purchased and required by the Army can be completed. One thousand seven hundred and thirty-five men have been demobilised, and 3,325 men and women of the Forage Department Corps have been discharged.

Can something be done with regard to hayricks which have W D put on them and which have not been paid for by the Department?

I should like to have notice of that question.

Will there not be an increased supply from France this year?

I do not think I should have a question of that sort put without notice.

asked if men who enlisted in 1915 were then discharged and re-enlisted under the Compulsory Service Acts of 1916 can be treated as if they were enlisted men from 1915 as regards eligibility for demobilisation if they fulfil the age and wound stripes conditions?

Men who enlisted prior to 1st of January, 1916, and who actually performed continuous service with the Colours and were discharged medically unfit on account of wounds or ill-health prior to that date, and who were again enlisted after that date are eligible for demobilisation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a considerable number of men who joined the Service in 1914 and 1915 have been sent from Salonika to Russia; whether he is aware that in practically every case these soldiers have had no leave to enable them to visit their homes; and whether, in view of the great dissatisfaction that has arisen in consequence thereof, he will immediately take steps for these men to be released and their places taken, if necessary, by younger soldiers?

It is posssible that amongst the men sent from Salonika a certain number, but not a large number, who joined in 1914 and 1915 are included. The order of priority of demobilisation, which applied to our forces at home and on the Continent, is also operative in the Army of the Caucasus, and under this system the length of service of such men receives consideration, and their claims have not been lost sight of. These men will be replaced as soon as possible.

If I bring to the notice of my right hon. Friend specific cases, will he have them looked into with a view to these men being returned?

Yes, Sir; I will. The policy which we are pursuing is to replace these men and to bring them home as soon as possible. If they are entitled to demobilisation we try to demobilise them. At the same time we have to think of the actual condition of each unit. We cannot break up a unit which is required for service until we can find some means of replacing the men.

Cannot that be done by young men being sent out?

That is exactly the process on which we are engaged. Recently drafts have been sent out.

Why send men to Russia at all?

That is a question which should be addressed to the Head of the Government, the Leader of the House, or the Foreign Secretary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into the case of twenty-two men from whom I have received a letter to-day, who have been in hospital with malaria, have had no leave, and have been sent out abroad again?

I must ask for particulars of these cases.

asked whether non-commissioned officers and men, admittedly entitled to demobilisation on account of their age and length of service, are rightly retained when in England to guard German prisoners, on the plea that they are temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilization?

Instructions have already been issued for all men serving in the Royal Defence Corps, which normally provides guards for prisoners of war in this country who are eligible for demobilisation to be replaced. I will have inquiries made into any specific cases which my hon. and gallant Friend may have in mind.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the hardship suffered by being retained in the Army by one-man business men who are in many instances qualified for demobilisation, he will immediately release all such men. whether qualified or not, who can prove that their businesses are suffering by their absence with the forces?

Such men as are eligible for demobilisation are being demobilised as rapidly as the exigencies of the Service permit. I regret my Noble and gallant Friend's proposal to release men who are not eligible cannot be entertained.

Cannot my right hon. Friend feel any compassion for men whose business has been ruined and whose prospects in life have been damaged?

Yes, Sir; there is machinery for dealing with compassionate cases, and the construction put upon compassionate cases may be made more liberal as time advances. As I have frequently explained, we have had to make a rule and to stick to it.

Would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the ground of compassionate release so as to bring in many of these undoubtedly hard cases of one-man businesses?

I have several times said to the House that the Army was greatly unsettled by the policy of picking and choosing, and it has been greatly steadied by the introduction of rules which, though they seem very hard in individual cases, commend themselves to the sense of justice of the ordinary serving man. It may be that in a few months, perhaps earlier, it may be possible to make some mitigation of our present system of release, and I will most carefully consider in what way it may be made possible so as to give the greatest amount of satisfaction.

Has not the time arrived when some mitigation might be granted?

No.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether upon demobilisation a soldier is entitled to an issue of underclothing, boots, and cardigan jacket; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of supplying such articles in view of the fact that many of the men on demobilisation are wearing articles that have been in use for over two years?

Under the instructions issued, soldiers on demobilisation are to be in possession of thoroughly serviceable clothing, including underclothing, boots, and cardigan jacket. Owing to the rapidity of demobilisation and the large numbers affected cases may have occurred in which articles of underclothing or boots should properly have been exchanged before the men left their units, but I can assure my hon. Friend that no efforts have been spared, both in France and in this country, to ensure that the men were adequately clothed on dispersal.

asked the Secretary of State for War why Corporal A. G. Ruck, No. M.S./30004, Royal Army Service Corps, No. 13 General Headquarters Reserve, Mechanical Transport Company, British Expeditionary Force, and Private R. H. J. Barfoot, No. 457137, Royal Army Medical Corps (Territorial Force), 11 bis, Rue Christophe Colombe, Paris 8, who both joined the Army in 1914, are not now released under the demobilisation scheme; whether the number of 1916, 1917, and 1918 men being retained in the Army of Occupation are sufficient for the military machinery of demobilisation under Army Order 25; and whether he will call for immediate reports from the commanders of units in the Army of Occupation to ascertain whether many 1914 and 1915 men are being unnecessarily deprived of release under the Government promise?

If the dates of these men's enlistments are as stated they would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, will no doubt be released in due course. There is no reason to believe that men who are eligible for demobilisation are being unnecessarily retained, but men whose services are temporarily required for the military machinery of demobilisation are liable to retention until they can be replaced or their services dispensed with, notwithstanding their eligibility for demobilisation; every effort, however, is being made to replace men so retained as early as possible.

Who decides the necessity of keeping them?

In regard to the men who are required for the machinery of demobilisation, and in regard to those units which are required for the purposes of demobilisation, it would come from the War Office, but in individual cases, which are not covered by the general rule, the commanding officer would be the authority in the first instance.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say, in giving a previous answer, that the commanding officers had no right at all?

Can the right hon. Gentleman give us some guide as to whom Members of Parliament should apply? Is he aware that I have written to him of nine or ten separate cases of men entitled to be demobilised within the last month, and I have not got one released yet?

All I know is that since the beginning of the year about 2,250,000 men have been demobilised. That, to me, seems to be a prodigious thing.

asked if a statement can be made explaining the nature of the withdrawal of the Army from France; and if the map in the Tea Room can be marked to show the evacuation of the different towns and their restoration to the French authorities?

The general nature of the withdrawal of the Army from France and Belgium consists in the elimination of all men who are eligible for demobilisation, the formations and units not required for the forces to be maintained temporarily in France, Belgium and Germany being brought home by cadres in some cases and in others being dispersed altogether. The first cadres to be sent to England will be those of Regular units which will be reconstituted to form the after-war Army. With regard to the latter part of the question, the different towns and villages in France occupied by the British Armies have always retained their civil authorities, who continue to exercise their usual functions. No useful purpose, therefore, would be served by marking each town or village as it ceased to be used for billeting British troops.

Is there a withdrawal from the interior towns towards the coast of the English Army in France?

Much more than three-quarters—I might almost say four-fifths—of the British Army in France have already come home. Therefore there has been a tremendous restriction of the area which they are occupying. I could not say that there might not be individual cases of British troops in a very much wider area.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of Volunteers enlisted to date; and whether the rate of recruitment is being maintained at 1,000 per day?

The following figures show the number of recruits enlisted on normal engagements and the number of re-enlistments of men already serving, with the average daily rate:— Number of recruits enlisted on normal attestations from 1st January to 15th March, 1919, is 8,986 Number of re-enlistments under Army Order IV. ( i.e. for two, three, or four years) up to 15th March is 51,874 Total enlisted in sixty-three days is 60,860 or 935 per day. Between the 15th March and the 19th March ( i.e. on the 16th, 17th, and 18th March) the number of re-enlistments was 3,297 or at a rate of over 1,000 per day.

What is the normal period of engagement now?

These young boys, of whom we are getting 8,900, are enlisting for seven years with the Colours and five with the Reserve.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is his intention to keep with the Colours men of a low medical category, e.g., B 3; and, if so, for what purpose will these men be employed?

The answer is in the affirmative, unless they are eligible for demobilisation, and provided they are capable of carrying out the duties they are called upon to perform. Many of these men are employed in administrative services, and their demobilisation would lead to considerable dislocation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a man serving in an agricultural company in the United Kingdom can volunteer or be detailed for service on the land with a private employer; and, if so, whether a man so serving, who is ineligible for demobilisation but can prove that he is the occupying tenant of a farm that is being neglected through lack of labour, can obtain his own services on payment instead of working for a stranger?

Soldiers serving in agricultural companies are sent out for work on the land with private employers. In many cases these men are already working on their own holdings. All not in the retained classes are being demobilised. Those who are ineligible for demobilisation will shortly have to be withdrawn for military duty, and therefore it is inadvisable to move these men from their present employment.

asked the Secretary of State for War if all the triumphal marches have so far taken place only in the City and West End; and, if so, will he arrange that the East End will have the same privilege on the next occasion?

In the event of further triumphal marches through London being arranged, the claims of the East End will not be overlooked. At the same time it must be understood that, in the interests of the troops, the length of the route has to be taken into consideration together with other military requirements connected therewith.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the definite intention of the War Office to give to the members of the Lancashire Territorial Divisions who have fought both in Gallipoli and in France, equal opportunities for a triumphal march either in London or Lancashire as are to be given to the Guards Division?

I have given directions that the question of triumphal marches of troops through the various cities and localities with which they are territorially connected should be studied with a view to action in all possible cases.

What opportunity will be given for a parade of Colonials?

I have been asking about that myself this morning. I cannot give an answer at the moment, but it seems to me very desirable that it should be arranged.

Would it not give great gratification to the Dominions if a triumphal march of the Dominion troops through London were arranged?

That is what I have been trying to answer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman remember the claims of the Air Force?

Certainly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that anxiety is prevalent amongst relatives of soldiers returning or expected to return from the war zones of the East, who, by reason of long service in hot climates without home leave, are peculiarly susceptible to the changes of temperature incidental to the long journey involved, exposing them to risks from attacks of influenza and contingent maladies; whether he is aware that cases of death have already occurred from such causes following arrivals in this country from Eastern quarters; and whether steps have been or will be taken to provide adequate safeguards for men returning from such parts, by means of warm clothing, hot food, and suitable travelling accommodation?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the written answer which I gave yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Keighley, explaining the transport difficulties and the measures already adopted. The most strenuous efforts have been and will be made to improve the conditions in every way and to safeguard the health and comfort of the men. Conditions are getting easier each week

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who volunteered in 1914 are being retained with the 1st Army Signals to complete the technical minimum of office telegraphists; whether, of the men retained because of their telegraphic skill, a number are being irregularly and improperly employed on work which has no connection with their craft, and which, if essential to the Army of Occupation, could be performed at a lower cost by the employment of civilian labour; whether four are employed in a cinema orchestra; whether there are six 1914 volunteers with the 1st Army Signals over forty-one years of age; and whether there is any military necessity other than the question of command pay for the retention of these men?

Inquiries will be made and I will inform my hon. Friend of the result as early as possible. The last part of the question is not understood.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has yet come to a decision with regard to offering to volunteers at a reasonable price the Army boots which have been tried by them; and whether he is aware that discarded Army boots, bought at salvage sales for 4d. and sometimes even 2d. a pair, are being sold to the public after renovation at 12s. 6d. to 15s.?

As regards the first part of the question, the matter is still under consideration. The second part of the question is for the Ministry of Munitions, and that Department will, I understand, communicate with my hon. Friend on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the services rendered by re-enlisted men during the War, he will consider the possibility of taking into consideration the previous broken service and allowing it to count towards a modified pension?

Under Army Order 56, of 1919, all mobilised service in the present War given by a soldier who has previously served in the Regular Army, including mobilised service in the Territorial Force, counts as service and qualifying service towards pension.

Does that apply to officers?

I think so.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has under consideration an increase in the rates of pension to Regular officers?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that old soldiers discharged before the War consider it a hardship that they should not receive such increase in their pensions as is given to soldiers discharged since the beginning of the War in order to cover the higher cost of living; and, if so, whether he will take steps to remove this injustice?

So far as has been found practicable—that is, in the case of total incapacity and of certain specific disabilities—the pensions of previous wars have been raised to the level of those of the present war, and where so raised the war bonus of 20 per cent. now in payment in respect of present war pensions is also added. It is not in contemplation to extend the bonus to other classes of pension.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with reference to the reform of the Consular Service?

A general scheme has now been completed for an increased number of salaried Consular posts, and a revised scale of salaries for Consular officers of all grades has been drawn up. These proposals are about to be submitted for sanction, and it is hoped may shortly be put into force.

asked whether the Central Regimental Institutes funds have been used by the Navy and Army Canteen Board as part of the trading capital of the board; whether the board was financed by a loan of two millions sterling guaranteed by the Treasury; whether the profits accruing have been obtained from the expenditure of the 5½d. messing grant or the spending of the soldiers' private money; and what justification is there for utilising any of these profits in financial arrangements to meet changes of personnel?

The balance of the Central Regimental Institutes Fund, after payment of the grants made from it by the Army Council, is used by the Navy and Army Canteen Board as part of its trading capital, and interest has been credited thereon. The board have been financed by Treasury guarantee to a maximum amount of £3,000,000. The present debt is £1,600,000, which it is expected will be fully liquidated by the end of June. The profits of the organisation have been derived from both sources mentioned. The cost of the personnel is a part of the working expenses of the board, and as such is payable out of its revenue.

Will the Secretary for War be willing to receive a small deputation of officers who are interested in this matter?

That is a matter connected with my right hon. Friend's Department.

Will the Financial Secretary receive a deputation?

Yes, Sir.

asked whether any decision has yet been arrived at as to the ultimate disposal of central regimental funds?

This matter is still under consideration.

Have any efforts been made to ascertain the wishes of officers and other ranks in this matter? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that considerable dissatisfaction exists in regard to the somewhat arbitrary action of the Army Council in deciding to practically seize regimental funds?

Successful attempts have been made to ascertain the views of regimental officers and other ranks. I have no information in my possession which bears out the latter part of my Noble Friend's suggestion.

Will the right hon. Gentleman recognise the fact that these funds have been contributed not only by regimental officers but to a greater extent by the men, and that they should be taken into consideration?

asked whether any decision has been arrived at between the War Office and the Treasury in reference to the question referred by the Select Committee on National Expenditure in August, 1918, to these Departments?

The answer is in the negative.

asked why Sergeant W. J. Johnson, No. 3509, Royal Defence Corps, Experimental Guard, Portam, Salisbury, aged about fifty, married, with two children, is detained in the Army?

Inquiries will be made, and I will inform my hon. and gallant Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary for War whether he will consider the question of giving officer cadets who after passing the test for commissioned rank at the training schools have been granted temporary commissions and then demobilised without pay, pension, or gratuity, the same terms as regards outfit allowance as have been given to the Royal Air Force cadets similarly demobilized?

The cadets of both Services are warned that they should restrict the provisions of officers' uniform to a minimum scale, and they receive allowances accordingly. There is no material difference of treatment.

If there is a material difference, will the right hon. Gentleman correct it?

It depends whether I find that our practice was in fault. I can assure my hon. Friend that there is no material difference.

asked the Secretary for War whether he has observed that the Canadian Government is now issuing a silver Cross of Sacrifice to widows and mothers of Canadians killed at the front; and whether he can now devise means of removing the delay in the issue of similar memorials to the relatives of British soldiers who have fallen in the War?

The reasons for the unavoidable delay in the issue of the plaque and scroll were fully explained in the answer given to my hon. Friend on the 17th February. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the work is being expedited as rapidly as circumstances permit, but the pressure of work in record offices is very great at present.

Has any progress been made since the right hon. Gentleman gave his last answer?

Oh, yes.

asked the Secretary of State for War if the applications of Territorial and temporary officers for Regular commissions are being considered; if so, will previous war service be taken into account in deciding seniority; and could the gazette be hastened of successful applicants?

The matter is at present being considered by the Army Council, and I am not yet in a position to make a statement on the subject. My hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that previous service should be taken into account in deciding seniority is being borne in mind.

asked if the gratuity to temporary and Territorial officers granted Regular commissions will be as for Regular officers though, service during the War was as a Territorial officer?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Wirrall. The answer is in the affirmative, as laid down in Army Order 85 of 11th February.

asked how many Chinese are now employed in France and what steps are being taken to get them back to China; and how many natives from Africa are now being employed and when they will be returned home?

On 8th March there were about 83,000 Chinese Coolies employed in France, of whom 4,000 are under orders to return, and will probably be repatriated by the end of April. No date has been fixed as regards the repatriation of the remainder, who will be required in France for some time. They cannot in any case have priority over the Australian troops who have been fighting, whereas the Chinese have not been exposed to danger. There are 4,000 African natives in France, 1,200 of the Cape Coloured Labour Battalion and 2,800 of the Cape Auxiliary Horse Transport Companies. No date has yet been fixed when their services can be dispensed with, as they are now employed on salvage work.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, 1913, was passed to obviate the necessity of forcible feeding; and how much longer he intends to use the practice of forcible feeding in conjunction with temporary discharge under this Act?

The Act referred to was passed in order to provide an alternative to forcible feeding in cases where this form of medical treatment could not be applied because of the prisoner's stale of health or for other reasons. There is no such practice as that alleged in the second part of the question.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that this practice of forcible feeding of helpless prisoners is repugnant to the consciences of all decent people?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the fact that a large number of cabs were withdrawn from the streets in consequence of the refusal to sanction an agreement come to between the taxi-cab owners and drivers for the substitution of an all-round rate of 1s. per mile, owners agreeing to supply free petrol, in place of the existing 8d. per mile and 6d. extra, he can now see his way to consent to this arrangement being at once carried out?

The withdrawal of cabs to which the hon. Member refers was caused by a dispute between the Cab Company and its drivers. The company is now getting a number of its cabs re-licensed. I cannot agree to a further increase in cab fares. As I stated on the 11th March, the present shortage of cabs is due to scarcity of materials and labour; and an increase in fares would not, I am advised, produce an increase in the number of cabs.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give favourable consideration to a request to receive a deputation on the subject?

Certainly, if I am asked to do so.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a taxi-cab driver accepting a hire to a house, hotel, or club has the right to refuse to wait for the fare; whether during the hiring he has the right to stop and demand his discharge on the plea of another engagement; and, if so, what remedy, if any, the public have?

By Section 47 of the London Hackney Carriage Act, 1831, the driver of a cab may demand a deposit if required to wait; therefore, by implication, a driver may be compelled to wait. Although there is no decision on the point, the general view is that if a driver accepts a hiring he is bound to complete his contract with the hirer. Should he decline to complete the hiring, he can be summoned.

Is the driver of a car in the rank for hire in New Palace Yard, where he has been admitted without paying entrance fee which is paid at the railway stations, entitled to refuse a fare?

I suppose that that will be covered by the answer.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has yet received for confirmation any by-laws relaxing the Statute which prohibits employment of school children by others than their parents before school hours; and whether, before confirming any such by-law, he will require the insertion of all conditions necessary to safeguard the interests of the children, especially such as will secure them their usual hours for sleep, and for breakfast, and freedom from employment during ill-health, or in the open air in bad weather, or in any occupation likely to be injurious to life, limb, health, or education; and will fix quite definitely the hour of employment, and provide that all such employment shall be subject to the holding of a licence which may be granted, suspended, or revoked by the local education authority?

Some local authorities have submitted by-laws under Section 13 (1) (i) of the Education Act of last Session, permitting the employment of children before school. No such by-laws have yet been confirmed, and the whole question of the safeguards to be required in any case where such employment is permitted is now under consideration. The points mentioned by the Noble Lord will be borne in mind.

asked what is the state of the proceedings taken for revoking the certificate of naturalisation of Sir Edgar Speyer; and when a decision is likely to be arrived at?

The question of the revocation of Sir Edgar Speyer's certificate of naturalisation has been referred to the Certificates of Naturalisation (Revocation) Committee. I cannot say when a decision will be reached.

May I ask how that Committee is getting on?

The hon. Gentleman must give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that K. H. Birtles, a conscientious objector who was on hunger strike in Wandsworth Prison, was kept without water from dinner-time on Sunday, 2nd March, till tea-time on Monday, 3rd March; and whether, in view of the instructions sent to the officials at Wandsworth Prison, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The answer to the first question is in the negative, and the second question does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister when the Committee dealing with individual responsibility for breaches of civilised warfare expects to report; and whether there is any reason why immediate action should not be taken against those in high positions who are responsible for the War and for the atrocities committed without waiting for the legal decision of the Committee which has been considering the question for so many weeks past?

The Committee dealing with individual responsibility for breaches of civilised warfare expects to make its Report to the Peace Conference almost immediately. It has already met to consider its final Report. Until this Report has been received and considered, it would not be possible to take action as suggested.

asked the Prime Minister if the interview on the subjects of the League of Nations and the preliminary Peace Treaty given to the Press in Paris by the right hon. Member for Hitchin, and published in London on Wednesday, 19th March, was given by the authority of the British Peace Delegation; and if the statements made represent the considered view of His Majesty's Government?

This interview was given by my right hon. Friend with the approval of the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, and it does in substance represent the views of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that damage was previous to the Armistice caused to property of British subjects at Galatz and Sulina, including destruction of machinery; whether he is aware that a considerable amount of the loss sustained was owing to the destruction of such pro- perty on the direct authority of British officers acting on behalf of the British Government; and whether, in consequence of the losses that have taken place and which must ultimately be made good by the British Government, he will at once issue authority for a payment on account to such British subjects, in order that they may be able to recommence their business operations, leaving the final adjustment in abeyance until accounts have been agreed to by both parties?

It is presumed that this question relates to the destruction of property at Galatz and Sulina, some of which belonged to British subjects, at the end of 1916. The destruction was carried out by the order, and with the authority of the Roumanian Government, as a measure of national defence, and, consequently, claims for compensation should be made against that Government and not against His Majesty's Government.

If I can bring to the notice of the hon. Gentleman sufficient proof that it was decided on the authority of British officers on behalf of the British Government, would he reconsider the matter and make a payment on account to these British subjects?

I shall be glad to receive whatever information my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish.

asked whether, now that the Report of the Privy Council recommending the deprivation of the peerages of the Dukes of Albany and Cumberland has been laid upon the Table for the necessary period prescribed by the Act, instructions have been given for the removal of these two names from the Roll of Parliament?

The necessary directions will be given as soon as the Report has been presented to His Majesty in the manner required by the Act. That presentation will, I hope, be made this week.

asked whether the Government intends to take early action on the recommendations contained in the Interim Report of the Water Power Resources Committee which affect the Highlands of Scotland?

The Report is under consideration, and I am not yet in a position to say what action will be taken in regard to the Scottish water powers to which the Committee call attention.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the desirability of taking such steps as will secure Parliamentary control of the National Relief Fund?

The Government are not prepared to adopt the suggestion of my hon. Friend.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether the Ministries of National Service and Reconstruction have now been combined in one Department; if so, can he state under what authority this has been done; and whether the Minister of National Service and Reconstruction is receiving the salaries and emoluments of both offices?

The Ministry of Reconstruction remains distinct from the Ministry of National Service, which is in course of being wound up. As regards the last part of the question, the answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if there are any circumstances under which an interim repayment claim in respect of Income Tax can be made by a married woman living with her husband?

Yes, Sir. If an application for separate treatment has been made, a married woman can claim an interim repayment under the same conditions as any other person.

Can she do that if she is married?

I am informed she can do it on the same conditions as any other person.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is prepared to provide in his forthcoming Budget for an allowance of £25 per annum from Income Tax to working-class parents who keep children over sixteen years of age going to school for higher educational purposes, as the existing tax is likely to deter education and otherwise prevent bright children of the poor from educational equipment?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer given on the 20th ult. to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Newcastle North.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the remission of Entertainments Tax on the gate money of cricket clubs and other clubs founded for the encouragement of sports?

I beg to refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Barkston Ash on the 27th February.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, owing to the influenza epidemic in Ireland, the average attendance in the majority of Irish national schools has been seriously affected during the last year; whether many of the schools have been closed on several occasions by the local medical authorities; whether the consequent falling off in average will entail serious financial losses to managers and teachers; and whether, in view of the fact that this depreciation in average has been through no fault of the teachers, the Treasury will make the following concessions for the current year: Where the average attendance for the year ending 31st March, 1919, has been adversely affected principal teachers should be allowed to substitute the average for the previous financial year; in the matter of fees for teaching extra subjects outside school hours, the number of lessons in extra subjects should be reduced pro tanto, and substitution of average allowed as suggested; grants to managers for the cost of heating and cleaning schools should be based, where necessary, on the average for the preceding year; and no increment of good service salary should be withheld when a fall in average is clearly due to epidemic disease?

I beg to refer to the answer given to the hon. Member for Mid Antrim on the 17th ultimo. The question of extending the concession in respect of the recent outbreak of influenza is under consideration.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he can state how many concrete ships are now under construction and how many have been passed into service; if the construction of any further ships of this type is contemplated; and can he state what results have so far been realised as to the success or otherwise of this type of ship?

The number of concrete barges launched to date is 22. Of these, 9 have been completed and 5 actually delivered. In addition, there are at present 22 barges under construction. There are also six concrete tugs under construction of which the first was launched on the 15th instant. It is not the present intention of the Government to build any more concrete vessels, as they are not required for Government use, but there is nothing to prevent contracts being placed for private account. There has scarcely been sufficient experience yet of these craft to justify a definite opinion as to their success.

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether any of those ships have proved failures?

There is a question on the Paper for to-morrow with regard to two of them, and I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, considering that of the seven expert inspectors of physical training on the staff of the Board of Education in November last five were women and only two were men and both of those men were then away on service, he will now consider the question of appointing at least one man inspector for boys and one woman inspector for girls to each inspectorial division?

The question of the desirability of strengthening the Board's staff of inspectors of physical training is at present under my consideration.

How long will it remain under consideration?

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is prepared to consider the advisability of granting a temporary increase in the pensions of all Civil servants whose pensions are at present based on a pre-war standard?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Stoke Newington on the 18th instant.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the London County Council, after consultation with the London County Council Staff Association, recently resolved to increase the salaries and wages of the employés of the council receiving up to and including £400 per annum by 20 per cent., for a period of twelve months dating from 1st January last, that this increase counts for sick pay, overtime and pension, and is also in addition to the war bonus which is identical with that obtaining in the Civil Service; and, if so, whether he will now confer with those associations that represent the Civil Service, with a view to the grant of a similar increase of salaries to Civil servants on the ground of the decreased purchasing power of the sovereign?

My attention has been drawn to the arrangement made by the London County Council. A claim for a further increase of war bonus made on behalf of the main classes of Civil Service has been the subject of proceedings before the Conciliation and Arbitration Board, and I understand that their award is likely to be issued at an early date.

asked the Minister of Labour whether, having regard to the number of discharged men recommended for employment in light work only and so certified on their medical cards, and the lack of such employment in the ordinary labour market, he will consider the question of State employment in special factories for such men, under medical supervision, until they are fit for normal work?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statement made on the 13th March in reply to the same question by the hon. and gallant Member for Sowerby, to which it is not possible for me to add anything at present.

asked the Minister of Labour if he can give a Return showing the number of land workers or agricultural labourers at present drawing unemployment benefit, and as to which areas that are affected in this respect?

The number of workers in agricultural occupations drawing unemployment benefit on 14th March was 9,037. Of these 1,473 were civilian men, 2,248 civilian women, 354 juveniles, and 4,962 demobilised members of His Majesty's Forces. Nearly 40 per cent. of the policies are lodged in Ireland, 15 per cent. in the London and South-Eastern divisions, and 10 per cent. in each of the following divisions — South Midlands, and Eastern, West Midlands.

Have any attempts been made by the Ministry to place these men in agricultural employment?

Certainly.

Why is it when agriculture is crying out for labour that these men cannot be placed?

It is impossible to put everybody into employment, even in agriculture, all in a moment.

asked the President of the Local Government Board (1) whether, in the case of the assistant sanitary and water inspector appointed the week before last by the Oswestry Town Council, the council took steps to circulate particulars of the post which was vacant through the Labour Exchange Bureaux throughout the country so that ex-Service men might have the opportunity of applying; (2) whether he is aware that the week before last the Oswestry Town Council appointed as assistant sanitary and water inspector for the borough a young man from Hyde, in Lancashire, thirty years of age, who had been exempted from military service during the War; whether he is also aware that several ex-Service men resident in the locality applied for the post, of unimpeachable character and with experience; and will he state what steps he proposes to take to see that the legitimate claims of men who have served their country are preferred in such appointmnts to men who have never served and who were catalogued as indispensable while compulsory military service was in force?

I have communicated with the town council of Oswestry, and they inform me that an advertisment was inserted in the local and other papers circulating among the class of men required, and twenty-six applications were received. The whole of the applications were carefully gone through by the Water Committee who were unanimous in their desire to give the preference to a demobilised or discharged soldier, who was qualified to fill the appointment; but, after carefully considering each application and the accompanying testimonials, they felt that they could not do other than make the recommendation they did.

May I ask why it was when the Chairman of the Local Labour Bureau asked the Mayor to circularise the vacancy through his Bureau and other Labour Bureaux throughout the country and asking ex-Service men to apply, the Mayor did not even answer the question, and will the hon. Gentleman communicate with the town council and ask, as I understand the man appointed has withdrawn, if they will now give the preference to an ex-Service man?

I will communicate with them on the point raised by my hon. Friend.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, with a view to preventing unnecessary deterioration of roads, he will introduce a regulation fixing a definite relation between the width of tyres and the number of wheels, their diameter, and the maximum load of vehicles?

The Local Government Board has no power to make such a regulation as the hon. Member suggests for vehicular traffic generally. Such powers as it possesses with respect to motor vehicles will be transferred to the new Ministry of Ways and Communications when constituted.

asked the Postmaster-General what progress has been made in repairing the telephone lines brought down on 4th January last in the Nelson district; is he aware that a large number of important business firms are still unconnected, and will he do all in his power to restore communication?

About one-half of the subscribers' lines have been restored, and the work is proceeding as rapidly as circumstances permit.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if there are any existing restrictions on the import to this country of manufactured paper; and, if so, whether it is intended to remove them in the near future?