asked whether an Egyptian is a British subject, and should enjoy in this country and in India the rights and privileges of British citizenship?

The answer is in the negative. Persons who are recognised by the Egyptian Government as Egyptian subjects are, however, like natives of other British Protectorates, entitled to the good offices of His Majesty's representatives abroad.

Do I understand that although we have annexed Egypt, although we have declared a Protectorate over it, that Egyptians are not thereby recognised British subjects?

Yes, Sir; I understand that to be the position.

Is it not clear that the Protectorate does not mean annexation, and that Egyptians are subjects of the Sultan of Egypt and not of the British Crown?

( by Private Notice ) asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now in a position to make a further statement with reference to the situation in Egypt?

General Allen by, the Special High Commissioner, has, in the exercise of the discretionary powers granted to him, issued a Proclamation to the following effect: Now that order has been in great measure restored, I declare, in agreement with His Highness The Sultan, that there are no restrictions on travel, and that Egyptians who wish to leave the country will be free to do so. It is understood that a Ministry is in course of formation, and that a deputation of Ministers will shortly visit this country in response to the invitation already twice extended to them by His Majesty's Government.

Will Indians who are able to leave India also be allowed to land in this country?

I think that question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for India.

Are the people who were originally barred from coming to this country now to be allowed to come here?

I understand that the terms of General Allenby's Proclamation, will include that.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell the House anything about the riots reported to-day, in which several prominent Englishmen were killed in Abdin Square three days ago?

I shall be glad if the Noble Lord will put that question down to me to-morrow; I have no official information of it.

Would it be possible for the Foreign Office to give the House information with regard to this very disturbing matter, rather than leave it to be forced out by questions and rumours outside?

If the right hon. Gentleman can suggest means by which that can be done, we shall be most willing to do it.

Are not the means at the disposal of the Government itself if in their judgment there are matters of public importance of this kind? Would it not be better to report them to the House rather than wait for questions?

Cannot you get one of your tame private secretaries to put a prepared question?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now consider the question of discontinuing the censorship of soldiers' letters addressed to members of their own families?

The censorship of soldiers' letters will be abolished as soon as possible. Regimental censorship has been abolished except in areas where operations are still in progress.

Would the right hon. Gentleman make representations so that the letters of Members of the House of Commons should now be removed from under the Censorship?

I do not think the time has yet come to remove that censorship; when it does come all the provisions attached to it will no doubt fall together.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet had an opportunity of inquiring whether huts and blockhouses have been recently erected in Ireland by the military authorities, and shortly afterwards pulled down; whether many of the men engaged in this occupation have been refused demobilisation, although over thirty-seven, on the grounds that they are indispensable; and if he will give instructions for men coming under this category to be demobilised forthwith if they are only required for work of this nature?

I understood this question was to be withdrawn or postponed?

I postpone it if the right hon. Gentleman wishes, but he did not write me to that effect.

I shall be obliged if the hon. Member will postpone it: I am writing to him on the subject.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the port of Richborough, in Kent, is now operated by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company on a costings basis; what control is exercised on, the expenditure; whether the employés are paid on a weekly wage or by time; and what are the average weekly wages of unskilled labourers in each case?

The port of Richborough is now operated by the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Company's Managing Committee on the basis of cost, subject to War Office instructions and audit. Employés are paid on a weekly wage at the local trade union rates. The average weekly wage of unskilled labourers is £2 19s. 1d.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the cause of the undue delay in paying the rent admited by the War Office to be due to the Rev. S. Howard Hall for land at Sherburn-in-Elmet, in Yorkshire, taken over for the extension of the aerodrome early in 1918, and whether he can hurry the payment of this debt, which has been repeatedly applied for?

I understand that occupation was taken in this case under the Defence of the Realm Act, and therefore rent is not payable, but compensation is awarded in such cases by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission. As regards the question of delay, I am informed that a claim in proper form was first submitted on 16th November, 1918, and that an amended claim was submitted on the 14th March by the solicitors acting for Mrs. Hall, who is the owner of the land. In forwarding this amended claim the solicitors did not complain of delay on the part of the War Department, but, on the contrary, regretted slight delay in consequence of their client's illness. There is, I gather, every prospect of the claim being settled now very expeditiously.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in reference to the 882nd Mechanical Transport Company, Royal Army Service Corps, what are the total number of cars; number of cars of four-cylinder and 20-horse power; number of personnel, ( a ) drivers, ( b ) non-commissioned officers, and ( c ) officers; the total cost of rations, separation allowance, and consolidated pay; and the mileage covered for the month of March?

The information desired by my hon. and gallant Friend is as follows: Number of cars 194 Number of 4-cylinder, 20 horsepower cars 77 Number of drivers (soldiers) 107 Women's Legion 130 237 Number of non-commissioned officers 50 Number of officers 11 Total cost of rations, separation allowances, and consolidated pay for the above personnel £2,439 0s. 8d. Estimated total mileage covered during the month of March— 100,000 miles

Would it interfere in any way with the administrative efficiency of the supply transport if the whole of this work was done by a civilian administrative machine?

Well, I do not think I could answer that question without more careful consideration than I could give it without further notice.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the discontent which exists amongst the military personnel of the Machine Gun Corps Record Office at 91, York Street, Westminster, in reference to their demobilization; whether the majority of them are soldiers of three or four years' service who, after having been wounded or otherwise incapacitated, were posted there for duty; whether the majority of them have positions to go to and the commanding officer has been so informed, but so far only five out of about seventy have been demobilised; whether they are retained until substitutes can be found; is he aware that civilians who have applied for work as such substitutes have been turned away; will he cause inquiries to be made to endeavour to enable these men to be released; (2) whether he is aware that an Instruction was issued to certain record offices to the effect that, commencing on 1st February last, the military staff were to be demobilised at the rate of 10 per cent. per month, but that only five men at the Machine Gun Corps Records Office have so gained their release, whereas in the Infantry Records Office at London Wall, E.C., a considerable percentage of the personnel have gone, notwithstanding the fact that nearly the whole staff of the office is military; and whether he will endeavour to arrange that the various offices shall (subject to the exigencies of His Majesty's Service) be demobilised as far as possible on an equitable basis?

I am not aware of any discontent amongst the military personnel employed in the Machine Gun Corps Record Office. The instructions issued were not that 10 per cent. were to be demobilised from record offices per month, but that not more than that number were to be demobilised during that period—

That makes all the difference in the world!

The percentage actually demobilised has therefore varied according to the special circumstances prevailing at the moment in the various offices. The services of personnel in record offices are essential in connection with demobilisation as the actual work of demobilising the Army is the first consideration. Some record offices were in a better position to release men than others, more especially where there were a large number of military personnel employed. In the case of the Machine Gun Corps Records Office the military personnel amounted to approximately 15 per cent. of the entire staff, and as these men have experience of military work, more could not be spared before the month of February but a number were demobilised during that month and March. Circumstances are now such that the full quota of 10 per cent. can be demobilised this month. The majority of the military personnel employed at the commencement of demobilisation were wounded or incapacitated men. Some of these have applied to be demobilised; others have not; those already demobilised have been taken from such men as applied.

A number of civilian clerks have been taken into employment since 11th November, 1918, but as only the applicants considered best qualified were selected there were consequently some rejections.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it would be possible promptly to demobilise those officers still retained in France whose units have been cut down to cadre strength and who have consequently nothing to do, and whose retention causes heavy cost and is at the same time detrimental to their future careers?

Personnel surplus to cadre establishment will be absorbed into other units affiliated to the same record office, to be sent for dispersal in the normal manner if eligible for demobilisation or to be retained if not eligible. Officers who are not required for the Army of Occupation or the military machinery of demobilisation are being released as rapidly as circumstances permit.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made personal inquiry into the number of men who are simply fooling about at the present time in France?

I think it is very remarkable how rapidly demobilisation is progressing in France. We are now within a very little of the limit that we have fixed for the Army there during the occupation period. It may well be that there are a certain number of men who have not been fully employed all the time, and whom we have not been able to bring home. We will bring them over as soon as we possibly can.

If I bring before the right hon. Gentleman a certain number of cases of officers who have absolutely nothing to do, will he hasten their demobilization?

Demobilisation is still going on at the enormous rate of 13,000 or 14,000 daily. We have only 200,000 to come; they cannot be very long.

asked what progress has been made in the demobilisation of doctors since 1st March last?

The total numbers of medical officers released during the months of January, February, and March were 403, 1,071, and 1,787, respectively.

asked why Private F. J. Briggs, No. 36793, 9th Field Ambulance, Guards Division, is still retained in the Army, considering that this man joined in September, 1914, and that he is not employed in demobilisation work?

If the date of Private Briggs's enlistment is as stated, he would appear to be eligble for demobilisation, unless he is serving under pre-war conditions, and has not completed his term of Colour service. If he is eligible he will be released in due course.

asked the Secretary for War if he will cause inquiries to be made as to the reason of the non-release from the Colours of Corporal R. Grundy, No. 6121, Military Mounted Police, who, as a member of the Yeomanry prior to August, 1914, has served throughout the War, in addition to being a tenant farmer?

Coporal Grundy is not registered by the War Office either as pivotal or for special release. If his length of service is as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend he is eligible for release unless he is serving under pre-war conditions and his term of Colour service is not completed.

Personnel of the Corps of Military Police employed with formations in the field or in garrisons, stations, and demobilisation units in the United Kingdom and overseas, are liable to be retained as part of the military machinery of demobilisation, even though eligible for demobilisation. Such men, however, are being released as soon as their services can be spared or they can be replaced.

asked the Secretary of State for War the result of his promised consideration of the provision of special treatment for men who have served in distant theatres of war and who, owing to exceptional circumstances, have had no home leave?

I am afraid I can add nothing to my reply on Thursday last, in which I stated that large drafts had been placed under orders for Egypt and Constantinople. These will relieve a corresponding number of personnel who have served long periods in these theatres without leave. As regards Mesopotamia and India, no drafts can be sent to those places until climatic conditions permit, which will not be until August next at the earliest.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be so kind as to read again his own promise to me on the Report stage of the Military Service Bill, where he said that this matter should receive consideration with a view to special treatment, if possible?

Yes.

That is no special treat ment.

Yes, we are sending out drafts as fast as we can form them to relieve a corresponding number of men.

That is the normal course of things, is it not? There is no special treatment in that.

We are not sending out drafts to the Army on the Rhine, for instance, to relieve the men who are due to serve there, but we are sending out drafts to relieve the men in distant theatres.

The Rhine Army have had home leave; these men have had none.

I was only trying to deal with the point raised that there was no special treatment in what we are doing.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in connection with the complaint that soldiers demobilised from Shirehampton Camp are not allowed an exchange of worn-out clothing, he is aware that Private F. Jones, No. 235086, 2nd Troop, 73rd squadron, Royal Army Service Corp (Remounts), who was demobilised from this camp on the 14th March last, was refused an exchange for his cardigan jacket, underpants and socks, which he had been wearing since the 13th September, 1916; and whether he will make further inquiries into this complaint?

In view of the large number of men passing through this camp daily it would be difficult to verify a statement of this kind three weeks after the event, but I will see what steps, if any, can be taken.

asked the Secretary of State for War the number of horses belonging to the British Army which have been sold in the United Kingdom, France, Egypt, and other theatres of war since the signing of the Armistice, and of that number how many were diseased and unfit for ordinary work; how much has the sale of these diseased and unfit horses realised; can he state if any and, if so, how many of these horses have fallen into the hands of bull-ring traders; and, if the sale of decrepit horses is still going on, will he take steps to stop it?

I am informed that up to 28th March 187,539 horses and 56,044 mules had been sold alive at prices averaging over £38 each for horses and £34 10s. each for mules, and 28,008 horses and mules have been sold for meat at an average of over £21 10s. each. No animals unfit for work have been sold alive. Diseased horses have been destroyed.

asked the Secretary for War if he is aware that a number of Civil servants have during the War been appointed acting-paymasters, with similar duties and responsibilities to those of commissioned paymasters; that application has been made by such persons for payment of the same service gratuity as is granted to commissioned paymasters under paragraphs 496 and 497 of the Royal Pay Warrant, and that this application has been rejected; and whether, in view of the fact that a number of civilian acting-paymasters have, in the public interest, been refused permission to join the forces while those who hold a commission in this country or abroad have benefited financially, he will reconsider the expediency of maintaining this distinction?

I have nothing to add to the reply given to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ealing on the 24th March. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of that reply.

I had a promise made to me that the grievance of these particular servants would be considered. Has that consideration yet been given?

I think if my hon. Friend will study the answer to which I have referred he will see that we are considering whether or not it will be possible to give some kind of gratuity to acting-paymasters.

asked if prisoners of war in Turkey had deductions from their pay to cover the advances made by the Turkish Government worked out at the rate of about 147 piastres per £; if money remitted to these prisoners was paid them at the rate of 125 piastres to the £; if the current rate of exchange during the period was between 400 and 500 piastres per £; and, if the facts are as suggested, what steps does he propose to take?

The rate at which deductions were made from the pay of these officer prisoners of war was fixed monthly by the Treasury and was based on the rate at which the Treasury were able to remit funds to Constantinople. This rate was about 147 piastres to the £. I have no knowledge of any rate of 125 piastres to the £. As regards the hon. Member's suggestion that during the period 400 to 500 piastres were obtainable for the £, I think this can only refer to the local exchange value of the pound sterling and not to the rate at which funds could he remitted to Constantinople.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not think it is the duty of the Government to protect these officers?

Certainly. I will look further into the matter, but it appears to me logical that as the money in question was really in advance of pay the logical rate would be the rate at which the Treasury is able to remit funds to Constantinople.

Is not the logical principle not to deduct more than the ordinary rate of exchange?

It is the ordinary rate of exchange.

Why should the officers suffer if the exchange is against them?

There is a great difference between the rate at which the Treasury is able to remit, that is the ordinary rate, and the local rate which anybody who has a sovereign or a gold piece is able to obtain for it.

asked the Secretary for War whether his attention has been called to a pamphlet, printed in English, which is handed to British prisoners of war when they leave the German camps, containing the statement that they entered the old Empire of Germany and left the new Republic, the newest and the freest land in the world, and that they saw so little of Germany's arts, sciences, model cities, theatres, schools, industries, social institutions, scenery, and the real soul of her people, akin in so many things to that of Great Britain; and whether he will take steps to see that similar pamphlets are not placed in the hands of the members of the Army of Occupation?

I had not previously seen the particular pamphlet to which my hon. Friend has called my attention, but I am aware that efforts are persistently made, through both enemy and Bolshevik sources, to reach our soldiers with propaganda of various natures. Steps have been, and will continue to be, taken to prevent the dissemination and counteract the effect of such propaganda.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give a Return showing the number of British prisoners of war in Germany who have not been traced; and if the relatives of missing prisoners are promptly informed of the results of investigations relating to missing prisoners?

The number on the Residue List of prisoners of war unaccounted for up to the 7th April is 1,896. Information received as to prisoners who have not been accounted for is communicated to the relatives if it appears to be reliable.

asked what number of those pensioned officers called up at the time of the country's need are still retained in the Service?

I regret that I have no information as to the numbers, but I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that pensioned officers are being demobilised as quickly as possible and as soon as their services can be dispensed with.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware that a large number of unnecessary telegrams are being transmitted over the military wires in France; whether, on 28th March, a telegram of about 100 words was dealt with, the subject of which referred to the transmission of a privately-owned dog from France to England; and whether he will institute searching inquiries into the necessity for the maintenance of the present state of Army telegraph organisation in France with a view to a drastic reduction, both in the interests of national economy and of the men who volunteered in 1914 and 1915 and who are being compulsorily retained with the forces?

I am not aware of this, but inquiries are being made, and my hon. and gallant Friend will be informed of the result as early as possible.

If it will assist the right hon. Gentleman I will send him a copy of the message.

I should like to see it.

I will send it.

asked the number of search parties now in Germany looking for missing men, the number of men found, and to ask that the names and units to which they belong should be published; and whether any evidence of men deceased has been ascertained?

The Motor Ambulance parties searching for prisoners of war have finished their work. They found no missing men, but they found 121 prisoners of war who were known to be such. The names of all released prisoners, of war are published in the ordinary course, and the men's next-of-kin will also have been informed at the time of their discovery by the search parties. Evidence of death has been discovered by the search parties and has come to light from other sources also. Major-General Sir R. H. Ewart is at Berlin, and is engaged in making a systematic search of the German records.

Are we to understand that there are no longer search parties in Germany?

These motor ambulance parties have finished their general survey, and, of course, further inquiries will not be made.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply refer to Austria as well as Germany?

No, Sir; the question I was asked referred to Germany only.

Will the right hon. Gentleman include Austria?

If the hon. Gentleman will put down a question I will furnish an equally reliable answer regarding that country.

asked the Secretary for War whether he is aware of the hardship of apprentices who joined the Army at eighteen years or nineteen years of age, but after 1st January, 1916; and whether he will consider if they could be placed on the Reserve and enabled to fulfil their apprenticeship?

I regret I have nothing to add to the answer given to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Torquay on the 11th March, to the effect that students and apprentices are being treated on the same footing as regards demobilisation as other soldiers; their demobilisation is dependent on their being eligible under existing regulations.

asked how many of the 113,305 Army officers now receiving full pay are also Members of the House of Commons, thus receiving two salaries from the public purse?

I would refer the hon. Member to the written reply which I gave on Tuesday last to a similar question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Belper.

asked whether, in view of the discrepancy which exists between the terms of commutation of pen- sions of officers and other ranks, respectively, to the disadvantage of other ranks, he will arrange that the Royal Warrant shall be amended so as to provide that the rate of commutation per £1 of pensions shall be the same for all ranks?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the reply I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 19th March last.

asked whether a soldier called to the Colours or who volunteered during the War, and who completes twenty-one years' Army service, qualifies for a Service pension; and, if not, will he consider the advisability of amending the Army Regulations whereby such patriotic service can be recognised?

Such a soldier is entitled to a pension if, in addition to twenty-one years' total service, he has fourteen years' qualifying service as a private, or was continuously a non-commissioned officer for three years before the completion of his twenty-one years' service.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if members of the Post Office Telegraph Service who enlisted as signallers on the promise of full civil and military pay are being deprived of their war gratuities, and will he take steps to rectify this?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury in reply to a question asked by the hon. Member for Pontypool on the 20th March. I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the answer referred to.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he will state the qualifications of the personnel of the authority that reviews the reports of medical boards on disabled men; whether, seeing that they review and sometimes, alter the assessments agreed to by medical boards, their qualifications are superior; and whether he will consider the advisability, from the point of view of depart- mental and medical economy, of doing away with this second authority for assessing disabilities?

I cannot usefully add to the reply I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend on the 27th ultimo.

asked the Pensions Minister whether medical boards in considering a disability have before them, in addition to the man's medical history, his conduct sheet as well; and, if so, for what purpose is the latter necessary?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The conduct sheet, as my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate, often contains information of value from the medical point of view, and it is solely in that connection that it is examined.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that sufficient information is contained in the medical history of the man?

Some information is contained in the conduct sheet which is also valuable.

asked whether, in view of the fact that regimental paymasters still refuse to render statements of account when requested to do so by discharged or demobilised soldiers or by the next-of-kin of deceased soldiers, and also still refuse to allow such persons to view the soldiers' pay books (A Bs 64) without instructions from the War Office, which entails much delay, he will issue orders to all regimental paymasters that they should themselves so render these statements and allow the pay books to be viewed without waiting for written instructions from the War Office for each individual case?

I am not aware of any such, refusals. If my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish me with particulars of any such cases, I will have them investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when a decision has been arrived at respecting the administration and application of the Army Canteen Funds, an opportunity will be afforded the House of discussing his proposals?

This question is still under consideration. I cannot think that a special day for its discussion apart from the ordinary opportunities of Army business is required.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that amongst the soldiers, who have contributed an enormous amount, there is a general desire that, at all events, the House should decide what should be done instead of being left entirely to the officials of the Department?

Questions relating to the time of the House should not be addressed to me. As far as I am concerned, I do not know of anything which prevents this matter being dealt with on the Army Estimates in the ordinary way.

Is the right hon. Gentleman taking the opinion of the soldiers on this matter?

I am collecting information from every source available.

Are we to understand that this source of the rank and file is open apart from the commanding officers?

Yes, Sir. I hope to be able to make a general proposal in regard to these matters that will commend itself to the House.

Can the right hon. Gentleman suggest the attitude which he proposes to employ to secure the opinion of the rank and file?

No, Sir; certainly not.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are disused Army huts which would be of the greatest service to authorities who are responsible for providing institutional treatment for the large and increasing number of tuberculous discharged soldiers and that the Army authorities refuse to liberate these structures, thus preventing provision being made in the shortest possible time to avoid the housing of such men in their own homes at the risk of the rest of the family and also in many cases delaying treatment until it is too late to effect a cure?

I am informed that no applications for Army huts to be used to provide institutional treatment for tuberculous patients have been received by the War Office. The Army authorities do not refuse to liberate disused Army huts. All huts that are no longer required are reported to the Disposal Board, Ministry of Munitions, and disposed of under arrangements made by them. Such huts are prominently advertised in the daily papers. A considerable number of hutments are still required by the Army for demobilisation purposes and to accommodate units and equipment returning from abroad, but a steadily increasing quantity of huts is being released.

Would the right hon. Gentleman be willing to receive a small deputation to show that the facts are as stated in the question?

I shall be quite prepared to take it from my hon. Friend, and I am very disposed to accept his view, but I think we might see how things go before deciding on the procedure of a deputation.

Are these huts being sold by private treaty or by what method?

The War Office have nothing to do with that. They declare whether the huts or other articles are surplus and the Department of my right hon. Friend Lord Inverforth is solely responsible for what follows.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the bombardment of Hartlepool on 16th December, 1914, was only the second occasion in the history of England that a British defended port has been attacked in daylight by an enemy fleet, that this was the first occasion on which a unit of the New Army, as well as the other troops engaged, had been under fire and suffered loss, that this was the only occasion on which British troops were called upon actively to defend their native soil, that at least one of the enemy cruisers was seriously damaged by our fire, he will consider the propriety of giving some special recognition to the troops engaged?

The gallant behaviour displayed on the occasion referred to has already received special recognition in the shape of the award of the Distinguished Service Order to the officer in command and one Distinguished Conduct Medal and two Military Medals to the non-commissioned officers of the battery which was in action.

As the recognition already given does not apply to the rank and file, will the right hon. Gentleman consider if their services also cannot be recognised?

I have been considering whether the War medal could be applicable, but it obviously raises very difficult questions, because I should have to make careful inquiries to see how far personnel engaged in repelling air raids and so on are likely to be entitled to it, and their dangers do not seem to have been greater than those endured by a very large proportion of the inhabitants.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made personal inquiries about the two little popguns whose muzzles when they were manœuvring the guns about came right in front of the lighthouse?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any responsible and archæologically-qualified official in Mesopotamia is charged with the duty of protecting ancient monuments, and especially the partly excavated ruins of Babylon; and whether the glazed brick decorations and some other features of the Ishtar Gate and other buildings of Babylon have suffered, and are suffering, damage of a serious character?

It was decided last autumn to restrict archæological operations during the winter of 1918–19 to preliminary measures for the preservation of certain specified sites. This work has been entrusted to a trained architect, attached to the Civil Administration for the purpose, acting under the advice of any archæologist sent out by the British Museum. With regard to the second part of the question, the Secretary of State has no detailed information; but he will make inquiry.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether excavations were made during a long series of years by well-equipped expeditions maintained by the German Government, especially on the sites of Babylon and Samarra; whether a number of antiquities of a movable character recovered during those excavations fell into the hands of the British Expeditionary Force as prize of war; whether these antiquities are under the charge of the War Trophies Committee of the War Office; whether they were ordered to be sent to England to be handed over to the custody of the Trustees of the British Museum; and whether they have yet arrived in England?

The Secretary of State is aware that researches were carried out by German archæologists in Mesopotamia before the War. Over ninety cases of antiquities, ready packed for dispatch to Europe, were recovered by the British Forces at Samarra. These cases, together with certain other items recovered in Baghdad, are now at Basra awaiting the results of expert examination. The question of their ultimate disposal has not yet been decided.

Have the claims of the British Museum been borne in mind?

Yes, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether numerous casual excavations have been sporadically carried out in Mesopotamia by members of the Expeditionary Force and the objects recovered carried away by individuals, thus depriving historians of invaluable records; and whether he will take steps to put a stop to such activities and to provide that all objects of antiquity, by whomsoever found, shall be retained for national purposes and the place and circumstances of their recovery accurately recorded?

The Secretary of State is not aware of the facts alleged in the first part of the question. The late General Maude issued a proclamation in May, 1917, declaring antiquities, objects of historical interest, etc., to be the property of the Administration of the occupied territories, and prohibiting all unauthorised removal or destruction. Under general routine orders, dated the 6th April, 1918, officers and men of all ranks were specially warned against the defacement or mutilation of ruins and at Baghdad and elsewhere the removal of bricks or other antiquities. The Secretary of State has no reason to believe that these orders have been disregarded.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether we have in Russia 20,000 troops, as stated by him in this House, or 140,000, as stated by M. Pichon in the French Chamber; and how the difference in estimating the totals has arisen?

According to the report of M. Pichon's speech in the "Times," he did not state that there were 140,000 British troops in Russia, but that there were 140,000 in the East, and judging from the other figures given he was apparently referring to the Armies in the Balkans, Turkey, Asia Minor and the Caucasus. The figures which were given by me in Debate on Monday of last week are correct. I distinctly stated that the Army in the Caucasus was excluded, as it is not engaged in military operations nor is it in contact with any enemy.

asked the Home Secretary whether T. A. Ripper, a conscientious objector, who was arrested in January, 1918, is at present in Plymouth civil prison in a serious state of health; and whether he will have inquiries made, with a view to this man's release on health grounds?

The prisoner was released under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act on the 24th ultimo. His ill-health was caused by his refusal to take food.

asked the Home Secretary why, in the "London Gazette" announcement of the denaturalisation of Caroline Hanemann, contrary to the form of other denaturalisation notices, there are omitted the date of naturalisation and the reasons for denaturalisation?

The announcement in this case was in precisely the same form as in all other cases under Section 3 of the Act of last Session, that is, cases of enemy subjects naturalised during the War. In these cases the Committee have merely to answer the question whether it is or is not desirable to revoke the certificate: they are not required to give, and do not give, their reasons. The other denaturalisation notices to which the hon. Member refers are those in cases where a certificate granted before the War is revoked under Section 7 of the Act for special reasons such as disloyalty or dissaffection.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me whether this lady, denaturalised since the War, was for some months in residence at Downing Street?

I cannot answer that, I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether he will give the names of the persons who stood sponsors for Caroline Hanemann, now denaturalised?

It is contrary to the ordinary practice to give the names of the four natural-born British subjects who acted as referees in naturalisation cases. I do not think there is any reason to depart from the practice in this case, or to add anything to the answer given on the 11th June last to a similar question.

Were the names not given in the case of Laszlo? Would the right hon. Gentleman tell me that?

I do not know.

You should know.

asked the Home Secretary what powers his Department have over motor omnibuses in London and district; if they licence them and pass them as safe for the public; if they have any control over routes or fares; and if his Department has the same powers over motor omnibuses in all parts of the country?

By the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act, 1869, the Secretary of State is given power to grant licences for stage carriages, their drivers and conductors. This power he has by successive Orders delegated to the Commissioner of Police, who causes each vehicle to be inspected, and, if found fit, licensed for public use. Interference with the routes of omnibuses is expressly forbidden by the Metropolitan Streets Act, 1867; but before licensing a stage carriage its fitness, for the particular route is considered by the Commissioner. The amount of the fares chargeable to passengers is in the discretion of the proprietor of an omnibus. The powers of the Secretary of State are confined to the Metropolitan Police District.

asked the Prime Minister whether or to what extent it was the custom that motor cars or other means of conveyance were supplied at public expense to Ministers as officers in the public service before the War; to what extent it was found necessary to do so during the War; to what extent it still continuous; what numbers of motors cars are now in use by officers in the War Office; and whether the supply and use of such motors at public expense can now cease and the officers be required to use the ordinary means of conveyance?

It was not the custom before the War to supply Ministers with motor cars at the public expense. During the War the position has changed, and for various reasons it has been found necessary to supply Ministers holding the more important offices under the Crown with motor cars at the public expense. The number of cars employed for War Office purposes at present is forty-three. The use of cars is restricted to work in connection with the public service. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think that it would be in the public interest that the supply and use of motor cars for public officials generally, including officers of His Majesty's Forces, should be wholly discontinued. The whole question of the use of such cars, whether by Ministers or other officials, is now being considered by the Government with a view to its restriction as far as may be and to the establish- ment of a stricter control than has been practicable under the exceptional conditions prevailing during the War.

If when war conditions have ceased will the use of motor cars by Ministers revert to the custom before the War?

That is one of the questions which is now under consideration by the Government. At a later date if the right hon. Gentleman will put a question to my right hon. Friend no doubt he will make a statement on the whole matter.

asked whether there is any regulation in existence which constitutes it a breach of discipline for a soldier or sailor to bring to the notice of the Member of Parliament who represents him any reasonable complaint or grievance which he is desirous of having inquired into?

I have been asked to answer this question. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to Section 43 of the Army Act and paragraph 439 of the King's Regulations, which prescribe the methods of making complaints and obtaining redress of grievances so far as soldiers are concerned. I may say, however, that when any complaints or letters from soldiers sent to Members of Parliament have come to me the soldiers who sent them have been immune from disciplinary action, and I understand this was also the case as regards my predecessors in office.

Is that also to be taken as the attitude to be adopted by the Admiralty?

That is obviously not a question to be addressed to me.

I addressed my question to the Prime Minister.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the correct cost of subsidies in support of wages or in the reduction of food prices involved in the Bread Subsidy, payments under the railway agreement, and the out- of-work pension payments; and to what extent will the purchasing capacity of wages be diminished after these subsidies are withdrawn?

The cost of the Bread Subsidy is at present at the rate of £50,000,000 a year. Provision is made in the Estimates 1919–20 for £60,000,000 for payments under the Railway Agreement. The cost of the out-of-work donation is now about £1,250,000 per week.

The Bread Subsidy amounts to about 6d. per week per head of population, and the effect of its withdrawal on the purchasing capacity of wages must depend on the future course of wheat prices. I am not clear on what grounds the purchasing capacity of wages can be held to be affected by the other subsidies.

asked the Food Controller whether, in view of the present high price of dog biscuits to the high duty on flour, and of the difficulty of preventing dog owners from giving their dogs bread and thereby causing waste and cost to the public, he will consider the possibility of reducing the duty on flour used by manufacturers of dog food, or of supplying the inferior qualities of grain at cheap prices to such manufacturers?

The licence duty payable by manufacturers of dog biscuits in respect of flour used for this purpose amounts approximately to the difference between the cost of flour and the subsidised selling price to bakers, and was introduced in order to prevent any increase in the bread subsidy being involved by the manufacture of an article of this nature. The question of reducing this duty is, however, under review.

Can my right hon. Friend say that there is any inferior kind of flour manufactured for these biscuits?

My hon. and learned Friend made representations to me the other day on this point, and I am causing the whole subject to be brought under review.

asked the Food Controller if it is proposed to continue the issue of food ration books on the expiry of the present ones in use by consumers; if so, if he can state for what articles of food it is proposed to issue coupons in the future; and when such new ration book will be issued?

No ration books will be issued after the expiry of the present books on 3rd May. The public should, however, keep their ration books carefully, as they will still be required for a time after 3rd May in connection with the rationing of meat, butter, and sugar. A further announcement on this point will be made shortly.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware of the great hardship caused to small dairy farmers by the present restrictions on the sale of hay, whereby the price is raised nearly 20s. per ton by fees to officials, and whether he can hold out any prospect of the abolition of these restrictions in the near future?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. I am afraid I do not understand my hon. and gallant Friend's reference to official charges. All charges permissible are set out in the Army Council Order of 20th August last governing the prices of hay and straw. The present restrictions on the sale of hay and straw will cease with the 1918 crop.

If I send the right hon. Gentleman the figures in question, will he look into the matter?

Certainly.

asked (1) what is the estimate of securities in respect of property of all kinds in other countries which have been sold by inhabitants of the United Kingdom for the purpose of investment in War Loan, and for the purpose of financing imports; (2) if he will state what was the estimated value in 1913 of securities in respect of property of all kinds in other countries, including the British Overseas Dominions and Colonies, held by His Majesty's Government and by citizens of the United Kingdom; what was the value in 1913 of securities in respect of property of all kinds in the United Kingdom held by foreign and Colonial Governments and residents in foreign countries and British Overseas Dominions; and what are their respective values at the present time?

I have no official information as to the amount of British-owned foreign and Colonial securities or of foreign and Colonial-owned British securities in 1913 and at the present time, nor as to the amount of the former released for investment in War Loans.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any progress has been made with the preparation of the Return of public expenditure on various forms of social policy which formed, the subject of published correspondence with his predecessor; and whether he will, take steps to issue such a Return at as early a date as possible?

Yes, Sir; the matter is well in hand.

asked whether there is any obligation upon bankers to make periodical returns of the unclaimed balances and deposits of cash and of plate or other valuables in their possession or custody; if so, what are the periods at which such returns have to be made; and whether there is any period at which it is obligatory on bankers to give notice of their possession of such unclaimed balances and other valuables to the next-of-kin of the depositors or to the Treasury?

The answer to all parts of the question is in the negative.

Are we to understand that no returns would be made or called for in the cases mentioned in the question?

No returns are made.

asked whether, in the constitution of the Royal Commission on the Income Tax, any principle has been followed of giving representation on the Commission to bodies or classes of persons specially interested; if so, what interests Mr. Henry J. May represents; and whether any, or what, members of the Commission represent the interests of traders or of the Associated-Chambers of Commerce?

asked whether there are any members on the Royal Commission on Income Tax representing trading associations; and, if not, whether he will add them?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists among retail traders at the composition of the Royal Commission on Income Tax, which includes representatives of the co-operative societies, but no representatives of the retail traders; and will he consider their claims for representation?

asked why a representative of the co-operative societies has teen appointed a member of the Income Tax Commission, in view of his statement that no trading association would be represented; and will he appoint a member of the Grocers' and Provision Dealers' Association to the Commission, in order that their interests may be safeguarded?

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will grant the traders of the country the same privilege to be represented on the Commission appointed to inquire into the working of the Income Tax as he has granted to the co-operative traders?

There has evidently been a misunderstanding. No promise of the kind suggested in some of the questions was made by me, and it is obviously undesirable to increase the already large number of Commissioners, but in view of the widespread desire among Members that a representative of retail traders should be included in the Commission, I propose to make a submission to His Majesty to that effect.

I venture to ask that hon. Members who have written to my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary and myself on this subject will be good enough to accept this reply as an answer to their letters.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the proceedings of the deputation to him on Thursday next, in connection with the Income Tax on married persons, will be made public?

This is a matter in which I shall be happy to comply with the wishes of the deputation, whatever they are.

asked under what authority the payment of the salaries of Members of the House of Commons up to 31st March was made?

Salaries of Members are paid under the authority of the Estimate for the House of Commons Offices, as voted by the House and confirmed by the Annual Appropriation Act.

Has that Vote been passed in this Parliament or the last Parliament, and if only in the last Parliament will the Resolution have any effect?