asked the Secretary of State for War if it is intended to grant a medal to those old non-commissioned officers who joined as instructors in answer to the call of the late Lord Kitchener, and who have trained men continuously throughout the War?

A full statement as to the award of medals for service during the present War will be published shortly. The claims of the non-commissioned officers referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend have not been overlooked.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the general service war medal ribbon has already been issued to many units; whether it has up to the present been given to the London Territorials serving overseas; and, if not, whether he will immediately take steps for the issue of the ribbon to this body of men so that they may be able to wear it on the occasion of their march through London?

No issues of the ribbon for the British War Medal have yet been made. It is hoped to commence issue at an early date.

asked the Secre-of State for War if, in view of the dissatisfaction felt throughout the country at the delay in the issue of the 1914–15 star war medals to soldiers, or those dependants legally entitled to receive them, he will give immediate instructions to have the preparation of the medal rolls hastened and the issue of medals carried out without more delay?

The delay in completing the rolls has been due to the fact that the Record Offices have been fully occupied with demobilisation work. Now that this work has decreased, every effort will be made to expedite matters.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to give a decision with regard to the issue of a medal to Territorials who were serving on the 4th August, 1914, and who volunteered for foreign service?

I am not in a position to make a statement at the moment, but I hope to be able to do so very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering that the Admiralty on the 23rd August, 1918, in gazetting the award of the Distinguished Service Cross to an officer of the Royal Indian Marine, specially stated that the award was for valuable services in the defence of Kut-el-Amara, there is any objection on the part of the War Office similarly to distinguish between awards for the defence of Kut and awards for services rendered in connection with other military operations in Mesopotamia?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to his question of the 9th April, in which he was informed that it is customary when gazetting awards for services in the field to specify the theatre of operations only, without indicating the actual place or action in respect of which the awards were conferred. If we were to republish the Kut rewards in the manner suggested, we could not consistently refuse to publish similar details in the case, for example, of rewards for the Battles of Ypres, the Gallipoli landing, the Battle of the Somme, and so on. In fact, it would mean republishing practically all the old "Gazettes," which is quite impraticable.

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell me about how many awards have been granted for the defence?

I could only do that in answer to a question.

I will put down a question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether all sick and wounded British prisoners from Germany have arrived in England; and whether there are any and, if so, how many cases of ex-prisoners of war or other soldiers suffering from loss of memory or shell shock who have not yet been claimed or identified?

According to the information I have, there are two British prisoners of war sick and untransportable still left in Germany, and there is one man not an ex-prisoner of war at present in France, regarding whose identification there is some uncertainty, and whose case is at present being investigated.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that his attention was called on 13th February to the case of Mrs. Ada Siverns, of Wednesbury, wife of Gunner Ernest Siverns, No. 81355, 124th Brigade, 37th Division, Royal Field Artillery, British Expeditionary Force, and that the case was referred to the Special Grants Committee, he will say whether inquiry has now been made; whether the Wednesbury local naval and military pensions committee recommended the re-issue of Mrs. Sivern's separation allowance; and, if so, whether he will act accordingly?

The Special Grants Committee have authorised the reissue of separation allowance as from the 17th February last, and arrears have been paid from that date.

asked the Pensions Minister if a Regular soldier who joined the Army in September, 1898, served in the South African campaign, transferred to the Reserve in September, 1905, and reengaged in Section D in 1910, and, as the result of a communication from the Army authorities, re-engaged on the Reserve for a further four years from May, 1914, is entitled, after completing twenty and a half years' continuous service with the Colours and the Reserve and being invalided out after serving in the present War, to a pension allowance; and, if so, of what amount?

In the circumstances stated, if the soldier were invalided out for a disability due to service he would receive a pension at least as large in amount as that which under the Royal Warrant of April, 1918, corresponds to his rank and degree of disablement. It is possible that he may be eligible for a higher pension by reason of his previous Army service, but that can only be decided on the facts of a particular case. If my hon. and gallant Friend has such a case in mind and will send me the particulars, I will have it investigated.

In the case of a man doing twenty or twenty and a-half years' service similar to this who has been demobilised, would he be able to obtain a pension?

Perhaps the hon. and gallant Gentleman will send me the case he has in mind. I would rather judge of it in that way than make a statement in the House.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds it has been decided to refuse naval officers who have reached the age of compulsory retirement, and have been continued on the Active Service list, the 25 per cent, addition to their Active Service pay granted to officers retired and continued to service?

I ask my hon. Friend to be good enough to postpone this question. It should have been addressed to the Admiralty.

asked whether a man who served as a ship's joiner in the Navy is entitled to the war gratuity; if not, will he state the reason why, in view of the fact that electricians, boilermakers, and engineers who served under the same agreement, but were ranked as temporary officers, are entitled to the gratuity, and whether he will favourably consider the possibility of making a ship's joiner eligible?

If my hon. Friend's question relates to a ship's joiner who served under the special form of Mercantile Agreement known as T. 124, or one of its variants, the answer is in the negative. These men are excluded in view of the rate of pay received, the naval war gratuity being issuable only to naval ratings who received pay at naval rates.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman some time ago promise to consider the right of these men to be included?

The whole matter has been considered again and again.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is arranging, or will endeavour to arrange, that the example of the United States Navy may be followed, and Canadian troops now awaiting repatriation be sent home upon available British warships in view of the scarcity of merchant shipping?

I have been asked to reply. The Admiralty have agreed to place certain warships at the disposal of the Ministry for the repatriation of troops, but the question of manning them is difficult, and is under discussion between the Admiralty and the Ministry of Shipping. In any case, I may say that no difficulty is now being experienced in providing sufficient tonnage for the numbers of Canadians in the Canadian Military authorities' programme.

Can the hon. Gentleman say what class of ship?

If the hon. Member means what class of ship the Admiralty are providing, the class provided would be of the Magnificent and Mars type, and I understand that it is under consideration that that class shall be provided at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any further need for the retention of men over forty years of age in hot climates like that of Mesopotamia; and whether he will take steps to ensure that soldiers who have passed this age shall be at once sent home for demobilisation?

I would refer to the statement I made in the House on the 25th of February last, in which I dealt fully with the question of troops in the East. Every effort has been made to bring home as many men as are demobilisable before the hot weather sets in, subject to the requirements of the minimum garrisons. Reliefs for troops in the East are being collected as rapidly as possible, but, as I explained in my statement on the 25th February, some time must necessarily elapse, as the personnel to form the drafts is mainly composed of those who re-enlist under conditions which entitle them to two or three months' furlough before proceeding abroad. The danger to health which would result in moving troops in the tropics during the hot weather and the question of shipping accommodation are further considerations which have to be borne in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large number of men have been brought down in order to go home and then sent back, great discontent being caused by this?

I think it quite possible there will be hitches and reversals of policy from time to time, owing to the shortage of shipping and the changing conditions under which we are facing these problems.

Will he say whether there has been a reversal of policy in the last three or four weeks with regard to two or three regiments there?

I do not know of any.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he gave an undertaking, in answer to a question in this House, that men over forty-two should be released, and do the War Office now propose to retain them?

All the undertakings which I have given are in the minds of the House. I have explained that we cannot release men until they can be replaced, and we cannot release them until they can be brought home through the provision of shipping.

In view of the great number of letters that we have received on this subject, can the right hon. Gentleman have some short statement printed dealing with it?

Yes; I will. I should like to point out to my hon. Friend that the events of the last few weeks have made it necessary, for the time being, to suspend demobilisation in Egypt and India.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of the original 1914 Expeditionary Force are still retained with the Colours; and whether the time has arrived when these survivors should be summarily demobilised in view of their long services?

Such men as are eligible for demobilisation are being demobilised as rapidly as circumstances permit. Amongst them are, no doubt, a number of soldiers serving on normal engagements who have not completed their term of Colour Service, and who, of course, are not eligible for demobilisation.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that members of the New Army who enlisted in 1914 have been retained and that it is found very difficult to get them out?

I am afraid I do not quite follow.

There are many men of the New Armies who joined in 1914 who have not yet been demobilised, and notwithstanding communications that hon. Members send we still find considerable difficulty in getting these men of 1914 and early 1915 who have been retained demobilised.

Everything is being done to demobilise them as fast as possible, having regard to the practical difficulties of transport, climate, and replacement, and, as I say, over two millions have been demobilised since the beginning of the year.

Will he take it up with the various Departments specially concerned?

Will he cause to be circulated more widely the Regulations in respect to demobilisation?

Is he aware that some of those who joined in 1914 have been returned on furlough and are still sent back again to the Western Front?

They may be in particular categories, like those engaged in demobilising others, but that should not occur in any case where a man is not in a special category. I will see what can be done to place a leaflet in the hands of hon. Members dealing with all these points.

In preparing that leaflet will he set out the compassionate grounds more fully than we know them at present?

Yes; I will try to make it complete. I may say I am contemplating a considerable extension of the grounds on which compassionate cases may be dealt with.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men over forty-one have not all been discharged; that Private F. A. Phillips, No. 407786, Royal Army Service Corps, attached to the 58th Field Ambulance, British Expeditionary Force, of Kings-wood, Bristol, over forty-two years of age, is still detained; that younger men have left this ambulance; and is there any reason why this man should not be restored to his wife, family, and work?

Private Phillips is not registered either as pivotal or for special release, nor is there trace of any application on his behalf having been received by the War Office. If this soldier's age is as stated by my hon. Friend, he would appear to be eligible for demobilisation, and, if so, he will be released as soon as circumstances permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his Department is responsible for the Repatriation Records Office at Winchester; whether he is aware that the inability to organise the handling of the thousands of cases is causing a large number of men to spend months in idleness and penury through failure of arrangements to provide shipping accommodation to take them back to posts awaiting them; and whether he will say what action he will take in the matter?

The establishment of the Repatriation Record Office, Winchester, has been increased. Officers and men are given the opportunity of electing for an immediate passage, in which case they continue to draw pay until the 28th day after the expiration of the standardised voyage period. If men are spending months of idleness as stated by my hon. Friend, they must have elected a deferred passage. In that case they would have been informed before they so elected that a passage might not be available for some time subsequent to the date on which they wish to sail. They would therefore have to be in a position to maintain themselves and their dependants whilst awaiting a passage, and this is a matter that they must have carefully considered before deciding not to take an immediate passage, as it is very carefully impressed upon them before they make their decision. The Repatriation Office, Winchester, are not responsible for providing shipping accommodation, but are dependent upon that which is put at their disposal from time to time by the Ministry of Shipping.

asked the Secretary of State for War if any preferential treatment as regards demobilisation in the Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Army Service Corps, and other departmental units is given to men who enlisted in 1914–15 in combatant units, but who, as a result of wounds or sickness caused by active service, were compulsorily transferred to non-combatant branches; and, if not, whether he will issue instructions that such men have priority over men who originally enlisted in non-combatant branches?

I regret I cannot entertain my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion. Men who were transferred from fighting arms of the Service to departmental corps must for the present be treated under the conditions appertaining to the corps to which they have been transferred. If their qualifications are such as to render them demobilisable, they are being demobilised as occasion permits, subject to their liability to be temporarily retained until they can be replaced or their services dispensed with.

Yes, but will priority be given to such men, or will two men, for example, who joined the Royal Army Service Corps on the same day, one of whom enlisted for the R.A.S.C. and the other for Infantry, receive identical treatment as regards demobilisation?

No, the man has been transferred to this corps, and he will be demobilised in that corps, according to age and length of service which he has as a soldier, and not given any special favour or priority over other men in the corps.

asked whether it has been decided to withdraw all soldiers in agricultural companies of the Labour Corps, together with those men of other units attached to the Labour Corps who are at present working on the land; and whether, in view of the approaching seedtime and the effect of removing labour from the land at this period, this decision will be reconsidered?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. This decision was arrived at by the Cabinet after very careful consideration of all the aspects of the matter, and I regret that it cannot be reconsidered from the military point of view.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a number of 1914 and 1915 men, some of whom have reached the age of fifty-five, are still detained in France on ammunition lorries; and whether, in view of the fact that the Government have seen fit to release from prison those men who style themselves conscientious objectors, he will take the necessary means to see that these men who entered the Service in 1914 and 1915 are demobilised?

It is no doubt the case that some men who are eligible for demobilisation have not yet been released, but the number demobilised since the Armistice is now approximately two and a half millions. This has entailed a vast amount of work and organisation and I do not think there should be any cause for complaint. Every effort is being made to release the remainder of those who are demobilisable at the earliest possible moment. I should think it extremely unlikely that men in the fifties are being retained, although there might be a small number of exceptional cases. If any specific cases are brought to notice steps will be taken to expedite their release.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how the Government reconcile the discrimination between these two classes—the conscientious objectors and the others?

That would mean an argument.

Not necessarily.

As I have received from the right hon. Gentleman privately satisfactory assurances on this point, I do not propose to put this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, when the 2nd Devon Regiment, whose record in the War was the subject of a special French order of the day, returns to England, they will be permitted a special parade and reception at Exeter, the depot of the regiment and the capital of the county?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to a similar question asked by the hon. and gallant Member for Totnes on the 1st April. The battalion mentioned will return from France as a cadre, but the date of its return is not yet known. The General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in the various commands have been instructed to communicate with lords lieutenant, lord mayors, and other authorities and to ascertain their wishes as regards the holding of triumphal processions in the big towns later on in the year. The General Officers Commanding will afford every facility and full co-operation in carrying out such processions.

Will due notice be given to the civic authorities of Exeter as to when the regiment will return?

We are trying to give the longest possible notice, and I will see that the request of my right hon. Friend receives full attention.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any, and, if so, how many men are still imprisoned in Egypt for refusing to accept transference from the Royal Army Medical Corps to combatant units; how long these men have been in prison; and whether he will now order their immediate release?

I am making enquiries regarding this question, but am unable to make any statement to-day.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of the trenches dug in the Sittingbourne district and throughout the country districts generally have not yet been filled in; that barbed wire entanglements still remain fixed, with the result that the land taken by the military authorities for these purposes is useless for cultivation, and the cultivation of surrounding land is impeded; and what steps he proposes to take to remove these obstructions to agricultural work?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the very full answers given on the 17th and 26th March to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Epping and my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelmsford, respectively. The arrangements for local settlement under the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission, referred to in the two answers quoted, have now been completed and were put into operation by an Army Council Instruction issued on 3rd April.

May I take it that these trenches are to be dealt with?

Yes, Sir; I hope as quickly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he can yet say what control, if any, has been taken over German civilian post offices in the territory under British military occupation in respect of letters destined for the occupied territory itself, Germany and other enemy countries, Great Britain or her allied countries, and neutral countries; (2) whether a decision has now been arrived at as to the advisability of establishing a British administration of German post offices in the occupied territory, under which postage stamps would be surcharged G.R.I., postal salaries would be paid by the British Government, and profits would be received by the British Government as contributory to the German indemnity?

I regret that I have not yet received the Report from overseas which is necessary to enable me to answer these questions, but, as stated in previous answers, I am endeavouring to expedite matters. Perhaps my right hon. Friend will wait till he hears from me before putting down his questions again.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a sense of grievance and injustice has been aroused in the minds of Territorial officers who, during the course of the War, accepted Regular commissions by the fact that their gratuities are based on a far lower scale than if they had continued in the Territorial Force; and whether he will take steps to remove this inequality?

Territorial Force officers who have adopted the Army as their future career receive the Regular officer's gratuity. The special gratuity issued to Territorial Force officers under Article 497 of the Royal Warrant is intended to assist them to re-establish themselves on their return to civil life.

asked whether special leave granted for such purposes as to bury a soldier's mother is counted as ordinary overseas leave?

The grant of leave from France is a matter which is dealt with by the military authorities there, but, so far as I am aware, leave granted to any officer or man from France for any pur- pose whatever counts as leave, and therefore the individual who is granted leave in the circumstances stated by my hon Friend would be placed at the bottom of the leave roster on return to France.

As there is no particular stress on the Western Front at the present, time, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the giving of compassionate leave?

There is a certain amount of accommodation and transportation for men going on leave, and I have done my utmost to have it made as large as possible. The leave has got to be shared among the men, and any man who gets leave on compassionate or other grounds gets it at the expense of someone else. I am afraid, although the rule may seem hard, it is absolutely inevitable.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is because of climatic conditions and disability in respect of home leave that two months' furlough, on completion of the period of service, is now being offered to the Relief Force for Russia, and whether, in the light of this decision and in view of his promised reconsideration of the matter, he will also grant special treatment to the men who have been serving under exceptional climatic conditions and are now returning from distant theatres without having enjoyed any home leave since their departure from England in 1914–15?

The offer of two months' furlough to men joining the Relief Force for Russia is made as an inducement to attract men to volunteer for this force. As regards the later part of the question, I regret that I cannot at the present time consider service in the Middle East or other theatres as a claim for additional leave. I might mention, however, that arrangements have been made to grant special leave to men who have returned suffering from malaria attributable to long service in Salonika and the East generally.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether any decision has yet been reached as to the increase of pay of military masseuses; and, if not, whether, in view of the long time during which this question has been under consideration, he can state when a decision will be reached?

I hope a decision will be reached very shortly.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that considerable time has elapsed already?

I am very disappointed, but I cannot say a decision has been arrived at. I hoped to have been able to announce it, but I cannot.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there are three conscientious objectors still in Maidstone Prison who have been there without a single day's break since June,]916; whether he is also aware that these men were sentenced to death in France, these sentences afterwards being commuted to ten years' penal servitude; and if he will say why these men have not been released from prison with other men who have served two years' imprisonment?

The men referred to have been released.

asked the Home Secretary whether mines inspectors or other competent persons are authorised to examine and report to the Home Office on the efficiency or otherwise of all colliery visual signal indicators; and, if so, whether he can say if such indicators correctly record the signals to give confidence to the winding engineman in complying with the signal registered?

No. 95 of the General Regulations under the Coal Mines Act, 1911, requires the provision of effective visual indicators. The mines inspectors have power to examine these appliances, and it is their duty to enforce the Regulation, and the matter is one to which they have been, and are, giving special attention. There are several types of efficient indicators which have been installed at a large number of mines. During the War some difficulty was experienced in getting a supply, but this is now disappearing, and a circular is about to be issued from the Home Office to colliery owners and managements to call their attention to the necessity of a full and immediate compliance with the Regulation.

asked the Home Secretary whether mines inspectors or other competent persons are authorised to examine and report to the Home Office if overwinding machinery at collieries is in satisfactory working order, so as to prevent overwinding accidents; and, if so, what is the period between one inspection and another?

The manager of the mine is required, under Section 66 of the Coal Mines Act, to appoint a competent person, whose duty it is to examine thoroughly the machinery in actual use for winding persons at least once in every twenty-four hours, and to make a full and accurate report of the result of the examination; and the Section provides that these reports shall be recorded without delay in a book kept at the mine for the purpose and accessible to the workmen. It is the duty of the mines inspectors, in the course of their inspections, to check the observance of these requirements, and they frequently examine and report on the overwinding appliances.

Has the right hon. Gentleman any information to give us as to encouraging inventors of safety appliances for overwinding?

I should require notice of that question.

asked the Postmaster-General on what grounds the fee for delivery of the English mail to a special messenger of the Irish Tapestry Company at the Post Office, Newtownards, has recently been increased from £1 1s. to £3 10s. per annum; whether letters received by the ordinary postal delivery of the English mail in Newtownards can be answered by the outgoing English mail at 1.39 p.m. on the same day; and whether, in view of the fact that delivery to a special messenger at the post office means the saving of a day in the transaction of business, he will take steps to restore the former charge of £1 1s.?

I have asked for a report upon the matter, and will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state on what date the Troubridge court-martial was held; whether it was held with closed doors; and on what date the Order in Council became operative enabling these Courts to be held with closed doors?

The answer to the first part of the question is, from the 5th to the 9th November, 1914. As regards the second part, I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the replies to his previous questions of the 3rd, 5th, and 19th December, 1917. As regards the last part of the question, the Order in Council establishing the general procedure now embodied in Article 670 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions in this matter became operative on the 23rd May, 1916.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty the name of the president and the ranks of the remaining officers constituting the court-martial on Admiral Troubridge for the escape of the "Goeben" in 1914?

The president of the court-martial was Admiral Sir George Le Clerc Egerton, K.C.B., then Commander-in-Chief on the Plymouth Station. The ranks of the remaining members of the Court were one vice-admiral, three rear-admirals, four captains, R.N., together with a paymaster-in-chief as Deputy-Judge Advocate of the Fleet.

As I have already given notice, I will draw attention to the question, of the escape of the "Goeben" and the failure to publish the proceedings of the court-martial on the Adjournment this evening.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he will cause to be issued a weekly Return of the number of vessels of over 500 tons deadweight actually being loaded with coal cargoes and the number awaiting turns to load such cargoes in the United Kingdom, together with the total deadweight carrying capacity in each case?

I should strongly deprecate the very considerable expenditure of time and labour that would be required in the preparation of such Returns, but if there is any specific point on which the hon. and gallant Member desires information, I shall be happy to supply it.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he will explain the principle adopted in the selection of tonnage for direction to carry cargoes at low scheduled rates, saying whether tramp tonnage Owned by the Ministry is so employed, and, if so, its percentage; whether liner-owned tramp tonnage is employed in the same way; and, if so, to what extent compared with other tramp steamers, both State and privately owned?

In the selection of tonnage for the carriage of British Government cargoes at Government rates, the suitability of the available vessels is necessarily to a considerable extent the determining factor, but, so far as possible, care is taken to avoid the imposition of an undue amount of Government service upon any particular owner. In addition to the privately-owned vessels so selected, all Government-owned vessels are employed on Government work. The fact that a tramp steamer may happen to be owned by a company which also owns liner vessels in no way affects the selection on the lines indicated above, and such vessels are treated in precisely the same manner as other tramp steamers. The last part of the question does not, therefore, arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller how many troopships homeward bound from Australia will be diverted viâ India; how many prize ships will be made use of for the conveyance of passengers from India during the month of May; and for how many passengers will accommodation be thus provided in addition to that provided during April?

The number of troopships homeward bound from Australia diverted viâ India and expected to make May embarkation there is seven, and the accommodation available for ordinary passengers is about 1,000 first-class and 250 second-class. Information as to the accommodation in the prize ships at the disposal of the Indian Government is not available here.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the steamer "Ernaston," of Glasgow, was picked up in the Channel in heavy weather, torpedoed and abandoned, during the winter of 1917 by a small party of Royal Navy and Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve officers and men; that all those engaged in the operation carried it through at risk to their lives, and that the steamer "Ernaston" was eventually repaired at the taxpayers' expense and handed back to her owner at a time when the earning power of such a vessel was very high indeed; and if he will say whether any recognition of the salvage of this steamer under exceptionally gallant circumstances, at a time when shipping was invaluable to the country, has ever been made by the Admiralty in the way of decorations or of salvage money?

The steamship "Ernaston" was salved in November, 1916. No decorations were awarded for this service, but appreciation was expressed by the Admiralty to the officers and men concerned. The "Ernaston" was in Government service, and the salvors were not permitted to claim for their services, on the principle that it was the duty of officers and men of His Majesty's ships to salve an Admiralty collier.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong feeling in the Navy that these and other services of a similar nature have not been adequately recompensed?

I do not know whether my hon Friend means as regards decorations or appreciations or in payment for salvage. But both these points will be looked into again.

If the "Ernaston" had been salved by ordinary sailors would salvage have been payable? If so, why should not the men of the Navy receive salvage in like manner?

That is precisely the point that my hon. Friend desires to get at. I have said it will be considered.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the policy of suspending the retired pay of naval officers called out for service and paying these officers active service pay plus 28 per cent, of the same has been submitted to the Law Officers of the Crown with a view to determining whether the suspension of the retired pay is legal?

The question has not been referred to the Law Officers of the Crown, but I am advised that the legality of the practice of suspending retired pay would appear to be implicit in Section 3 of the Naval and Marine Pay and Pensions Act, 1865, and the various Orders in Council framed thereunder.

In view of the fact that the case of military officers in the matter of retired pay is not suspended as in the case of naval officers, will the right hon. Gentleman submit a case to the Law Officers of the Crown and promulgate the answer?

I have no authority to say that it shall be submitted, but I will put my hon. Friend's representations before the proper authorities, though the different practice of one Department and another is no ground upon which to claim to submit a case to the law officers.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give to date the total amount that has been paid in Government unemployment donation since the conclusion of hostilities?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The total amount paid in out-of-work donation from the conclusion of hostilities up to 4th April, 1919, is approximately £14,300,000.

Have the Government taken into consideration what would have happened if unemployment pay had not been paid?

Men would have worked more.

How much has been paid to the profiteers?

Order, order!

asked the Minister of Labour the numbers of men, women, and young persons in Ireland, respectively, who have been in receipt of out-of-work donations for each week in March, and the amounts paid in respect of such donations each week?

I am circulating a full statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I may say that there is a progressive decline.

The following is the statement referred to: — Week ended 7 March, 1919. Week ended 14 March, 1919. Week ended 21 March, 1919. Week ended 28 March, 1919. Men 63,039 41,003 39,958 43,566 Boys 2,205 836 503 352 Women 25,445 15,187 14,440 7,442 Girls 1,348 956 788 473 Totals 92,037 57,982 55,689 51,833 £ £ £ £ Total payments 142,000 88,000 65,000 77,000

asked the Minister of Labour how many women are receiving unemployment pay from the Employment Bureau in Edgware Road; how many applications have been received there for women, especially domestic servants; and whether any women have been refused unemployment pay because they have not taken up offers made to them by the Bureau?

The number of women who received unemployment pay from the Employment Exchange in Edgware Road, during the week ended April 4th, was 2,730. The number of vacancies for women on the books of this Exchange at the same date was 1,677, including 1,219 for domestic service; 409 of these vacancies are for day girls and charwomen, and 732 for resident domestic servants. The number of women whose donations have been suspended at this particular Exchange for refusing suitable work since the commencement of the scheme is 674.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the salary of the general manager of the Liquor Control Board in Carlisle has been raised from £2,000 to £2,300 per annum, and whether such increase is due to the acquirement by the Board of the Maryport brewery undertaking?

My hon. and gallant Friend has been misinformed. There has been no increase in the general manager's salary since his appointment, nearly three years ago.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the termination of the powers of the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) within twelve months from the end of the War, he is aware that the Board is continuing its activities in Cumberland in the acquirement and extension, alteration, and closing of licensed premises; and if he will say what steps are being taken to secure that the present operations of the Board shall not conflict with the pledge of the Government that the establishment of the Board raised no issue beyond the period of the War?

The action of the Board is limited to the discharge of its obligations as the authority responsible for the proper control of the liquor traffic within the existing direct control area. This area is not being extended, and there is no idea of prejudging matters which must come up for subsequent decision.

Is, it not the fact that the arbitrary activities of the Board are a real and just cause for complaint, and cannot some restriction be put upon them while they are being inquired into?

If my hon. and gallant Friend will call my attention to any particular instance, I shall be glad to examine it.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the present prospect of peace, he is prepared to appoint a Committee of this House, representing all parties, to formulate a scheme of self-government for Ireland within the Empire that may give satisfaction to all who wish to see the Irish question settled on constitutional lines?

I am afraid that the suggestion of my hon. Friend would not be likely to produce the desired result.

Am I to understand from that reply that the measure already on the Statute Book for the government of Ireland is to be put into operation immediately on the declaration of peace?

No; I think it would be a mistake to have that idea.

May I ask whether we are right in assuming that the Chief Secretary's statement the other day represents the full Government policy with respect to Ireland?

The Chief Secretary's statement, which I heard, represents the present policy of His Majesty's Government.

More bullets!

asked the Prime Minister if any soldiers belonging to the Casement Brigade have been repatriated to this country; if so, can any statement be made as to their number and present whereabouts; and what action, if any, it is intended to take in the matter?

A number of these men have been repatriated. According to my present information, the number actually repatriated to date is thirty-three, besides the two who figured in the Casement trial. The whereabouts of the men are known, though they are not actually I understand in custody. The case of these men is now under the consideration of the Government.

May I inquire if any action is intended to be taken against Ukranians who joined the Germans, and are fighting against us on the lines of the Casement Brigade?

That does not arise out of this question.

asked the Prime Minister if any statement can now be made as to the disposal of the ex-German Fleet?

It is impossible at present to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Cabinet as a whole have considered the question of altering the present system of Income Tax on married persons?

The Budget as a whole will, of course, be considered by the Cabinet before its introduction.

Has this particular question been considered?

I have no doubt, largely owing to the perseverance of my hon. Friend, that it has been considered by individual members of the Cabinet, but not by the Cabinet as a whole.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the possibility of paying for the cost of removing the joint Income Tax assessment on married persons out of a higher tax on large incomes?

I can only give the same answer to my hon. Friend. I am unable to anticipate my Budget statement.

asked whether repayment of tax on a married woman's income is in any cases made not to her but to her husband?

The position was explained to my hon. Friend in a reply-given by the Secretary to the Treasury on the 27th February last.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that many British subjects have large sums owing to them by German debtors and have or had on the outbreak of War property and assets of large amount in Germany which have been seized or confiscated or otherwise disposed of; whether, in order to liquidate the claims of these British subjects, he will endeavour to secure as part of our peace terms with Germany that these claims shall be set off against and paid out of the moneys, property, and assets of German subjects in this country; and what other arrangements have been or will be made for securing payment of these claims by British subjects?

This subject is being considered in connection with the Peace Conference, and I cannot at present make any statement in regard to it.

Will that arrangement be ultimately embodied in the peace terms?

That is the intention.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government intend to introduce a Revenue Bill this year?

I do not anticipate that it will be necessary to introduce a Revenue Bill this year, but I must reserve my right to do so if circumstances should make that course desirable.

Is it not a fact that only on the Revenue Bill one can discuss the administration of the Income lax as distinct from the incidence of the tax?

No; I think not. I fancy that any questions which my hon. Friend wants to raise could be raised either on one of the Votes or in connection with the Budget.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the House any information regarding the future taxation of beer?

No, Sir. I am unable to anticipate my Budget statement.

Was the statement entirely unauthorised which appeared to anticipate the Budget in the "Times" a few days ago on this very subject?

I am not responsible for what may appear in the "Times."

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any information regarding the future limitation upon, or increase of, the barrelage of beer?

I have been asked to reply. The whole question of the future output of beer is now under review, but I may remind the hon. Member that the decision does not rest with my Department. I am unable to make a statement on the subject at present.

Has my hon. Friend discovered since the last answer that there is a fluid known as Government ale?

Should not a question affecting the quality of beer remain under the Ministry of Food in view of the injurious effect that Government beer has upon the population?

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty what decoration a man who served as a ship's joiner in the Navy is entitled to wear for service in 1914–15?

The "1914–15 Star" has been established for award to officers and men of the Naval Service who took part in active operations up to 31st December, 1915; and a joiner serving in the Royal Navy would be eligible for this medal if he satisfies the special conditions laid down for the award.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of paper-making mills in the United Kingdom, the amount of their paid-up capital, and the average dividends paid for the four pre-war years and of the past four years, stating the total number of employés engaged in the industry?

The number of paper-making mills in the United Kingdom is about 233. With regard to their paid-up capital and dividends paid, I am unable to give the information asked for so far as it relates to private firms, but I am obtaining the information in the case of public companies, and will forward it to the hon. and gallant Member when complete. The number of workpeople engaged in the paper industry is estimated to be about 50,000.

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether paper is regarded as a raw material or as a manufactured article?

It is regarded as both.

If the hon. Gentleman is unable to answer that question, how is he able to apply the policy as laid down in his answer?

I did answer it. I said that I thought it was regarded as both.

Is there not an inquiry taking place on this question at the present time, and is it wise to prejudge the result of that inquiry?

There is a Committee sitting inquiring into the paper industry.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in consequence of the recent Order of the Paper Controller withdrawing the restrictions on printed matter being imported into this country, large orders are being placed with American houses for calendars, Christmas cards, toy books, and other printed matter at English pre- war prices; and whether, in view of the largely increased cost of production of printed matter in this country and of the fact that the unrestricted import of printed matter from abroad will seriously injure the British printing industry, he will reconsider the matter with the view of modifying the recent Order of the Paper Controller?

The Board of Trade has no definite information as to the placing of orders for printed matter of the descriptions mentioned, with American houses, but sees no reason to doubt that orders are being placed.

The Committee appointed by the Board of Trade to consider the position of the paper industry is sitting from day to day, and I am informed that the question raised by the hon. and learned Member has been brought before it and is receiving consideration. As the Committee expects to report at an early date, I do not consider that action in the direction suggested by him is desirable at the present time.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether cotton-woven coloured tapestry piece goods and cotton-woven coloured table-covers are now to be admitted into this country from Germany without any restriction, and whether any steps will be taken to prevent these goods, made in Germany, under different labour conditions from those existing in this country, from swamping the home manufacturing trade?

The importation into this country of goods of Geman origin is prohibited by the Trading with the Enemy legislation.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the reluctance of insured persons with dependants to avail themselves of sanatorium treatment, steps will be taken to amend Section 1 of the Act of 1913 in order that insurance committees might grant subsistence allowance in respect of dependants of insured persons while the insured persons were undergoing treatment in sanatoria?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Provision is already made in Section 20 of the National Health Insurance Act of 1918, under which the sickness benefit of insured persons may be paid to dependants of insured persons undergoing treatment in a sanatorium. The question whether Parliament should be asked to provide further money under Section 1 of the National Insurance Act, 1913, is one which must, I think, merge in the larger economic question governing the residential treatment of the whole tuberculous population.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will consider the withdrawal of Articles 5, 18, 23, and 24 of the Secondary School Regulations because of their effect on denominational secondary schools?

I am not yet in a position to make any statement upon this matter, but it is receiving my careful consideration.