asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at the present rate of progress it is estimated that the Graves Registration Commission will take six years to complete its work, and whether any steps can be taken to accelerate the rate of progress by a more generous supply of labour?

(Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury) (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury): My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that the functions and responsibilities of the War Office and the Imperial War Graves Commission are not identical in this connection.

The War Office is responsible for the registration and temporary marking of all war graves in the various theatres of war, and for the temporary fencing, tidying and surveying of all war cemeteries. It is also responsible for the exhuming and bringing into permanent cemeteries of all bodies buried in isolated graves.

The Imperial War Graves Commission is an independent body appointed by Royal Charter for the purpose of continuing in perpetuity the work begun by the Army. It will take over each cemetery as soon as completed by the Army, and, after carrying out in it such permanent construction work as may be decided upon, will make the necessary arrangements for maintenance in perpetuity.

It is true that the completion of that portion of the work for which the War Office is responsible has been considerably hampered by lack of the necessary labour, but the estimated period mentioned by my hon. Friend is greatly in excess of that anticipated by the authorities responsible.

The construction work of the Commission on the other hand must inevitably take years to complete, and the duties of maintenance will continue in perpetuity.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in order to obtain the fullest possible information about the missing, there are any objections to the Government offering rewards in Germany, Belgium, and France, for such information; and whether he could see his way to publish in the "Times" and other papers lists of missing about whom information is required?

Every effort has been made to obtain information about the missing from all likely sources, and a great deal of information has been received enabling the fate of many officers and men to be cleared up. I do not think the adoption of my hon. Friend's suggestion would lead to any satisfactory result, and it is more than probable that much incorrect information would be received, which might lead to the raising of false hopes in the minds of relatives that missing men may have survived. I may mention that early this year a notice was published in the Press asking for the sending in of any available information about the missing. Numerous inquiries, but little information, resulted. Lists of missing have been circulated among prisoners of war camps in Germany and also among released prisoners in this country.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in cases where the War Office is unable to give any information about missing officers and men, he will give permission to parents who desire to make a personal search to proceed to France; and whether, in cases where such parents require financial or other assistance to enable them to make the search, he will be prepared to afford facilities?

A special permit is necessary at the present time to visit Paris and the occupied territories, but with these exceptions I understand there is nothing to prevent relatives applying for a passport to go to France or Belgium for this purpose. As, however, there is little or no prospect of private search parties meeting with success, I do not think it is desirable that these visits should be encouraged, and I regret it is not possible to render financial assistance in such cases.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Private A. Knowles, No. 35540, 6th Battalion, K.S.L. Infantry, was reported missing on 22nd March, 1918; whether the relatives of Private Knowles have communicated with the War Office, enclosing letters giving details of when and where he was killed; whether such communication has not been acknowledged; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made for the purpose of verifying and reporting officially to the soldier's parents whether he is alive or dead?

I am informed that the evidence in this case has been considered and accepted, and the relatives will hear shortly from the Record Office.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the number of low-category men in the Labour Corps in this country whose demobilisation is urgently needed to help their families who have struggled on through the War, and who are now breaking down in health; and whether special treatment can be accorded to cases of this nature, especially since the men themselves are of little, if any, military value?

Instructions have been issued for the early withdrawal from military duties and the demobilisation wherever possible of Labour Corps personnel who are not retainable under present Regulations. Cases of a compassionate nature receive special consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he can acquaint the House as to the arrangements for relieving troops in the East who have been due for demobilisation for some time; if he can state how many troops are going out to relieve them, if any; if any troops are on their way home now; if so, what regiments they are; if he can allay the anxiety of many by giving some information as to when they may be expected to leave; if he is aware of the unrest in the country owing to the treatment of these men; (2) whether he is aware that Private Stephens, No. 275,546, enlisted in 1914 in the ⅙th Essex Regiment; that he sailed for the East in 1915; that from that time he has had no leave and is now attached to the Wiltshire Regiment; that he is due to be demobilised; if he will state whether the War Office intends these men for the Army of Occupation by the inactivity as to getting these men home; and if he will state definitely when these men may hope to be released and so allay the feeling of resentment now prevalent amongst these Eastern troops?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the large number of members of the Territorial Force still serving in Egypt who have been overseas for nearly four years without home leave, many of whom are well advanced in years and married, and who, except for the trouble in Egypt, would have been demobilised, he will state what steps have been taken to substitute other troops for those concerned; and when they may expect to be released?

As the answer is a lengthy one, I propose to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

The following is the answer referred to:

All possible arrangements are being made to relieve troops in the East who are due for demobilisation, as already explained to the House in my statements made on 15th February and 15th April. Considerable drafts are now on their way to various stations in the East, and, on the arrival of these men, it is the present intention to send home a corresponding number of men who are due for release. It was originally intended, as stated by me on the 3rd April, in reply to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Frome, and on other occasions, to utilise some of these drafts that are now on their way in order to give leave to men who are compulsorily retained in the Army and who had served abroad for a long period. Owing, however, to representations that have been made by the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief abroad, that it would be very unwise to send home on leave men who were compulsorily retainable at the expense of men who were due for demobilisation, I have not been able to carry out my intention.

The numbers at my disposal are limited, and the strengths in retainable men of certain Expeditionary Forces do not come up to the establishments required. It is obviously, therefore, impossible to bring home the releasable men due for demobilisation as well as the retainable men who are due for leave. Although the total number of men that are being retained may come up to the total numbers required, it must be remembered that men have been retained on a basis of age and service, with no relations to the arm in which they are serving, their particular trade or occupation in that arm, or the theatre in which they are serving. Considerable transfers, therefore, between arms and theatres will be necessary, and, in any case, such transfers must take time to complete. In this connection I must point out that, while there may be an excess in the fighting arms, there is a shortage in the technical arms owing to the fact that these arms have for the past eighteen months been gradually filled with the older and more skilled men, in order to release younger men for duty in the trenches. Hon. Members will understand that one cannot make up a deficiency of motor drivers, fitters, and other skilled tradesmen by merely transferring from the Infantry and other fighting arms.

To compensate retainable men whose leave has of necessity to be postponed until the redistribution which I have indicated to the House has been completed, I am at the present time considering a scheme by which such men will be granted additional leave when they eventually come home.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there are a number of officers in combatant units at home awaiting demobilisation who are surplus to the requirements of such units and for whom no useful employment can be found; whether he can state the cause of delay in releasing them, and whether, in the interests of economy, he will issue instructions that such officers shall immediately be demobilised?

I would refer to the answer given last Thursday to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Moss Side to the effect that arrangements have been made for the inspection of unit registers with a view to ensuring that no officers or men (including those of administrative Services and Departments) who are eligible for demobilisation are being retained without good and sufficient cause. Officers who are eligible are being demobilised as rapidly as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a definite promise that the 191–15 men held in India because of the hot season will be placed on the first drafts to return home in the autumn?

Yes, Sir. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my statement in the House on the 18th March, 1919, in reply to a similar question by my right hon. Friend the Member for South Molton.

asked the Postmaster-General whether temporary postal workers with seniority of service are being discharged whilst females with juniority of service and lower rates of wages are being retained; whether this action on the part of subordinate officials is in accord with the principle governing demobilisation of the temporary war staff as laid down by him and agreed to by the workers' representatives concerned; whether he will take immediate steps to reinstate those male employés at present under dismissal, thereby conforming to the agreed principle of length of service; and if he will take action in the matter?

The standing instruction is that temporary Post Office employés, whether male or female, should be discharged in the inverse order of the length of their temporary employment. If the hon. Member will furnish particulars of any cases in which the rule does not appear to have been followed, I will have inquiry made.

Do discharged soldiers and sailors who have been demobilised get any preference in respect to discharge?

I shall require notice of that.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that there is dissatisfaction at Winterbourne Gunner owing to the dismissal by the Post Office authorities of Bernard Callaway, a man badly wounded in France, from the position of postman which he had held with general satisfaction for two and a half years; and whether he will order an independent inquiry into the matter?

The man in question was only employed in a temporary capacity, and it was necessary to discontinue his services in order to provide for a regular postman from another office. Inquiries with a view to offer him further employment are proceeding.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any difference has been made in the treatment of the thirty-three members of the Casement Brigade who have been repatriated as compared with those members of the Irish Brigade who declined to be come traitors; whether they have been given leave, kits, etc.; if they are now serving in the Army; and whether the Government are now in a position to make known their decision with regard to the future of these men?

I regret that, for reasons largely of a technical nature, it is not, in the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown, possible to proceed against the men who were released from the prisoners of war camps by the Germans, and who, presumably, joined the organisation commonly known as the "German Irish Brigade. "Consequently, as it has not been possible to place them under arrest, they have perforce been treated as any other repatriated prisoners of war. In regard to their future, orders are being issued that such men as are known to have accepted their release from the Germans shall be discharged from His Majesty's Service for misconduct.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the question of increasing the retiring pensions of officers of the Regular Army has been recently considered; and whether he can make an announcement as to the increases proposed for each rank?

The question is under consideration. An announce- ment will be made as soon as possible, but I am afraid no rapid settlement of so complex a question is practicable.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will say when he anticipates that the issue of widows' gratuities will be commenced, and in what order they will be dealt with?

If by "widows' gratuities" my hon. and gallant Friend means the war gratuity due to deceased soldiers, this becomes part of their estates, and goes to the legal heirs. The issue of these gratuities has already commenced, and cases are being dealt with in the order of the date of death, as was explained in the reply given to the hon. and gallant Member for Lonsdale on the 1st May.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, in the event of the decision given by the medical referee in any particular case being in conflict with the opinion expressed by the pensioner's medical adviser, he will give instructions that the matter shall be referred to a third member of the medical profession for final decision?

Where the question is one of treatment or of inability to work, and the man is not satisfied with the medical referee's opinion, it is open to him, or to the local committee on his behalf, to appeal to the Ministry, and if the medical officers are unable to decide the question on the evidence before them the man is referred to an independent medical man, usually a specialist, for further examination.

May I ask, if the discharged man is dissatisfied with the medical category in which he is put, has he then got power to appeal to an independent medical man apart from the medical referee?

If the man feels that he has not been properly assessed, he has the power to go before the medical referee, and if the medical referee think she has not been properly assessed, he can again appeal to the board for a retrial of his case on medical grounds.

By a different medical referee?

Where there is any difference of opinion we refer the case to some separate tribunal with a special expert dealing with the particular disability on the board.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the fact that a certain number of men who came up for enlistment in 1914 and 1915 were told that they were of the proper standard for the Household Cavalry, and that they could not join that corps except for eight years with the Colours and four years with the Reserve; whether the Regulations in force at the time of such enlistment would have permitted them to purchase their discharge at the end of the War; whether the purchase of discharges has recently been suspended for the period of a year or thereabouts; and whether, in view of the exceptional position of these men and of the fact that other 1914 and 1915 men are now being demobilised, he will permit the men above referred to to purchase their discharge at once if they so desire?

Up to the 15th October, 1914, and again from November, 1915, onwards, recruiting for the Household Cavalry was confined to men enlisting on normal engagements, namely, eight years with the Colours and four years in the Army Reserve. Recruiting for the duration of the War in the case of the Household Cavalry was only open between the dates mentioned.

The purchase of discharge from the Army was suspended in August, 1914, and no promise was made as to when the Regulation would again be brought into force. There is at present no intention of permitting the purchase of discharge, and I regret that I cannot adopt the suggestion in the last part of my hon. and learned Friend's question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his atten- tion has been called to the demands for improvements in the conditions of employment of the civil subordinates of the War Office; whether these questions have been or are being investigated by the War Office; and whether he is prepared to amelioratae the conditions of employment of these men as regards their grading, rates of pay, hours of work, overtime, and pensions?

The wages and conditions of service of all civilian employés are constantly under review in connection with the movements in these matters throughout the country generally, and every endeavour is made to meet all complaints received in the full spirit of the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. The usual machinery of arbitration established for the benefit of all Government civilian employés is invoked wherever necessary.

Are the conditions of employment of civil subordinates in the War Office still under consideration?

They are always under consideration.

Are they under consideration with a view to arriving at a decision?

If my hon. and learned Friend means are we reviewing all salaries or rates of pay or conditions of service, the answer is no; but we are constantly reviewing cases of different classes of our employés, and bringing the scale of remuneration up to what is fair.

Are the persons referred to not affected by an increase in the cost of living, and are they allowed to join trade unions?

Certainly they are affected by an increase in the cost of living, and that is met by the war bonuses which they receive from time to time. With regard to the other question asked by my right hon. and learned Friend, I should like to have a more specific case. I cannot answer generally.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of claims for compensa- tion for use of premises by the Remount Departments which have not been settled, and are upwards of six months in arrear; and if he will investigate the fact that the Market Harborough Urban District Council have claims for dilapidations, compensation for use of premises (the market place), and for water supplied, which are long outstanding, and in respect of which no answers can be obtained from the military authorities at Bedford or from the Secretary of the War Office?

These claims are dealt with by the local military authorities, and I am informed that the only case of this kind of which the War Office has knowledge is the one at Market Harborough to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers. As regards the Market Harborough case, I am informed that the local military authorities have been in communication with the urban district council, but that up to the present it has not been possible to arrive at an agreement. I understand that the urban district council were communicated with again on the 3rd May, with a view to expediting a settlement of the questions at issue, and it is hoped that the case will now be disposed of very shortly.

asked what were the prices given by the Government in 191–18 to Canadian farmers for wool; and how do these prices compare with those given to farmers in the United Kingdom for the same period?

The British Government have not purchased Canadian wool. I cannot, therefore, give my hon. and gallant Friend the information asked for in the second part of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether four Regular battalions are being reformed at Chiseldon; whether these hutments are seven miles from the nearest town and lacking in recreational facilities; whether they contain no married quarters or accommodation for families of officers; and whether he will consider the desirability of not locating Regular battalions at such a camp during the few months they will spend at home after many years of absence from their families, in the interest of recruiting for the Regular Army?

Seven regular battalions reforming for foreign service will be quartered at Chiseldon. It is fully recognised that Chiseldon is not ideal for the purpose of accommodating battalions just returned from foreign service, but as the number of Regular battalions that are being reformed exceeds the permanent barrack accommodation in the United Kingdom, 20 per cent. of such battalions have to be accommodated in temporary hutments. Chiseldon camp is in Wiltshire, and of the seven battalions at or moving to Chiseldon, six are recruited from Wiltshire, or the counties bordering Wiltshire, and the camp was chosen for the accommodation of such battalions in order that non-commissioned officers and men might be near and able to visit their homes easily. As the situation as regards permanent barrack accommodation eases, it is hoped to move some if not all of these battalions to better quarters. Meanwhile every endeavour will be made to make all ranks as comfortable as possible. There is a railway station at Chiseldon camp.

Is it not a fact that one of these battalions comes not from Wiltshire but from Worcestershire, and is the right hon. Gentleman giving a preference in every case in the matter of accommodation, for married quarters, to Regular units as against temporary units.

I said that six out of the seven come from Wiltshire.

Are we to take it from the right hon. Gentleman that the post-war Army will be bigger than the pre-war Army?

That would not be a fair inference, but in the case of the pre-war Army at least half was abroad, and in reforming the units of the pre-war Army for the purposes of the post-war Army we have both the units which would be abroad and the feeding units which would be at home in the country at the same time.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the daily average of men enlisted for the post-war Army during April, 1919, distinguishing between men who have re-enlisted and youths under nineteen years of age?

The daily average of men enlisted for the post-war Army during April was approximately 237, which includes a daily average of forty men re-enlisted. The number of youths under nineteen years of age enlisted is not available, but youths between the ages of seventeen and eighteen averaged approximately thirty-three daily.

In view of the necessity for obtaining a large number of men at an early date, will the right hon. Gentleman suggest to the Minister of Labour the discontinuance of the unemployment donation to men under twenty-five years of age?

That is much too great a topic for us to debate on this occasion.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many recruiting meetings were held during April to get recruits for the Army?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the question of moving the remount depot, at present at the headquarters of the Irish Turf, Curragh Grand Stand, county Kildare, to a more suitable place, in view of the fact that the present remount (temporary) tin stabling there is badly situated, being in close proximity to the racing stables, and as remounts are purchased from all parts of Ireland and collected there, and they must bring disease that will spread through the training establishments, and as it is essential that racing should be encouraged in Ireland in order to keep up the supply of suitable Cavalry remounts, and, again, as there is no grazing at the Curragh and no land for sale except at a high price, while there is plenty of good grazing at Lusk, will he consider the question of returning the Curragh remount depot to Lusk when there is good permanent remount stabling?

I have called for a report, and will communicate with my hon. and gallant Friend later.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there have been a great number of cases of parasitic mange brought back by the clothing of Army horses?

I must ask for notice of that question, as I cannot pretend to have direct knowledge of it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will state the number of decorations presented by the Serbian Government in 1916 and the early part of 1917 for the British Expeditionary Force in the Mediterranean, and the proportion of these decorations which were given to Staff officers?

The number of decorations presented by the Serbian Government during 1916 and the early part of 1917 was approximately:

A certain proportion of these were direct nominations made by the Serbian Government. The remainder of the awards were in the form of batches which were sub-allotted to the General Officers Commanding-in-Chief in certain theatres of War for award on their nomination. No batch was given specifically for services in the Mediterranean. There is no record as to the proportion of awards made to officers while serving on the Staff, nor is there any possibility at this stage of this information being compiled.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion of those decorations were given to those who served in the Balkans?

I am not in a position to give any figures on that, but I should be very interested to receive any calculations which my hon. Friend may have made privately.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is in a position to say whether it has been de-decided to issue a special medal to all ranks of the Territorial Force who were serving on the 4th August, 1914?

This matter is still under consideration, and I regret that I am unable to make any statement at present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that £48 5s. 3d. was due to Private C. Froude, No. 37445, 7th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, when he was killed, in December, 1917, leaving a widow and one child; whether he is aware that of this amount £16 1s. 9d. only has been paid to the widow, the balance of £32 3s. 6d. having been invested by the War Office at 2½ per cent. interest in the Orphans' Savings Bank till the child is twenty-one; whether he is aware that all the documentary evidence in the possession of Mrs. Froude is a letter from the War Office stating that this has been done; whether he will state why the whole of the amount due was not paid to the widow, who is left with a pension of 20s. 5d. only for herself and child; and whether he will give instructions that the amount of £32 3s. 6d., with interest, shall be at once paid to the widow, who could then, if she chose, invest it in War Bonds at 5 per cent. interest?

The widow is legally entitled only to one-third of this estate, the remaining two-thirds being the property of the child. The child's share has not yet been invested, but it has been proposed to invest it in the Orphans' Savings Bank in accordance with the usual practice, and under Section 9 (1) of the Regimental Debts Act, which gives the Secretary of State power to invest where he considers it will be in the best interests of the beneficiary. The letter from the War Office would be sufficient evidence of investment in the Orphans' Savings Bank. No deposit books or other vouchers are issued in the case of such investments. The War Office will be happy to receive and consider any recommendation as to the treatment of this money made by a minister, magistrate or other person of like responsible position who knows the case and will undertake to see that the investment is made. Or if the widow takes out letters of administration the whole of the money will be transferred to her to administer.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the letter which she received stated that the money had already been invested?

I am not aware of that. My information is that it has not yet been invested, although it is proposed to do so.

I have it here.

If the hon. Member will send it to me I will look at it.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state if licensed brothels in and around Cologne are in bounds to British troops; and, if so, will he take immediate steps to have all brothels in Cologne and elsewhere on the Rhine put out of bounds for all ranks of the British Army of Occupation?

I am obtaining a report from the General Officer Commanding, British Army of the Rhine, and will write to the hon. Member when the report has been received.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received the report for which he has called from the General Officer Commanding the Army of the Rhine respecting the insertion of advertisements of German firms in the "Cologne Post," which is published under his control; and, if so, what is the explanation furnished?

I regret that the report has not yet been received, but I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that business men in the Midlands are very much concerned about this, and regard it as a kind of beginning of peaceful penetration, and would be very glad if my right hon. Friend would put a stop to this species of advertisement?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether women who have been compelled to take proceedings against soldiers for the maintenance of themselves and their children are obliged to pay the railway fares and expenses of such soldiers to attend the hearing of the cases; and, if so, seeing that the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have relieved the women of these obligations, can he state what steps, if any, have been taken, or if it is intended to take any action, to place the dependants of soldiers on an equal footing with those of sailors in this respect?

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the written reply to a question put by my hon. Friend the Member for Burnley on the 3rd April, to the effect that the matter has been fully considered, and that, while realising the hardship of the present rule in certain cases, I do not think that any case has been made out for changing the law so far as the Army is concerned.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state how many persons were executed in the United Kingdom during the year 1918, and how many sentences of death were commuted?

Seven persons were executed, and eighteen sentences of death were commuted in the United Kingdom during the year 1918.

Does that include people condemned to death for spying in this country?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in connection with the peace celebrations, he will allow a combined religious service to take place in Trafalgar Square?

Any application for this purpose made in accordance with the regulations would be considered.

asked the Prime Minister when the public receptions in London are to be given to Admiral of the Fleet Sir David Beatty and to the officers and men of the naval forces engaged in the War?

I have been asked to reply to this question. It is intended that a public reception shall be given to Sir David Beatty and to officers and men of the naval forces engaged in the War, as part of the Peace celebrations.

Will the officers and men selected be identified with the ships in which they actually served during the War?

I will put that point to the naval authorities.

Is it not the case that the bluejackets are to march through London?

Yes, certainly.

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that Caroline Hanemann was naturalised during the War and recently denaturalised, and who stayed at 10, Downing Street, for some months during the year 1916, he will now consent to adopt the same course as that followed in the case of Laszlo, and give the names of the British subjects who stood as sponsors; and whether he will state the reasons for her denaturalisation?

No, Sir. In my view there are no reasons in this case for departing from the established practice. As regards the last part of the question I can only repeat that on the question referred to them in accordance with the statute, namely, whether it is desirable that the certificate should be revoked, the Committee replied in the affirmative and gave no reasons.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what is the objection to tell the House the names of the British subjects who vouched for this lady who lived for many months at 10, Downing Street, and who was naturalised after the War?

The whole matter has been carefully considered, and it was felt better that the names should not be disclosed. In one case there were special reasons, namely, that Members of this House and of the House of Lords had been sponsors, in this case no such question arose. With regard to the lady having stayed at 10, Downing Street, I have no evidence of her having done so.

Are we to understand that no Member of this House, or no late Member of this House, or their wives, were vouchers for this lady?

None, Sir.

Is there any reason why persons who were prepared to vouch for the respectability and loyality of applicants for naturalisation should be allowed hereafter to conceal their names when those persons turn out to be unworthy?

Yes, but it has been considered that the only way in which you can get true accounts is to maintain secrecy.

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain to the House the mystery about the names of these sponsors? Why should the Government be in possession of the knowledge of who were the sponsors and not communicate it to this House?

I have nothing to add.

Has application been made to 10, Downing Street, to ascertain whether this lady did live there, and, if so, to whom was the application made, and was it made verbally or by letter?

I have nothing to add.

I beg to give notice that I will call attention to this matter on the adjournment to-night.

asked the Pensions Minister whether periodical visits of inspection are made at training centres; if so, whether the representatives of the Ministry are instructed to make personal inquiries of the men themselves as to whether there are any grievances or complaints, and, if not, will he instruct his representatives to do so?

I have been asked to answer this question. Periodical visits of inspection have been made in the past at training centres, and it has been the practice to make personal inquiries of the men themselves. In view of the transfer of the responsibility for training, certain classes of disabled soldiers to my Department, the whole question of inspection is receiving careful attention, and arrangements will be made to ensure that the inspection is adequate. The point made by the hon. Member will be carefully borne in mind.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that the facilities he is prepared to afford ex-Service men recovering from tuberculosis and certified non-infectious to proceed to warmer climates are valueless unless he can make arrangements with the Departments concerned to provide a few berths on board passenger steamers and with the overseas authorities to relax the immigration laws in such cases; and, whether, under the circumstances, he will reconsider his previous decision on this matter?

My right hon. Friend will consider what steps can be taken in the direction indicated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller if he will issue a Return, giving full particulars in detail in each case of the loss of all ships in the Mercantile Marine during the War; and whether due to enemy action or to other causes?

The matter is one for the Admiralty and Board of Trade rather than for the Shipping Controller. I understand that these Departments are now considering the form in which particulars of the losses of merchant ships from all causes, during the War, can best be published.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that experienced and responsible agriculturists in the county of Salop give it as their considered opinion that the labour position at the present time is more difficult than at any period of the War, and that, if the policy of the Government is not changed and the soldiers allowed to stay on the land, thousands of acres will not be sown this year; and what steps he proposes to take?

The question of the withdrawal of the soldiers who are still at work on farms has been further considered by the Government, who have decided that 10 per cent. of the men, chosen from among those who are indispensable to agriculture, shall be retained. The duty of selecting the men to be retained is being placed on the county agricultural executive committees. In the meantime; the recall of the men has been postponed to 28th May, in order to enable the selection to be made.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that 10 per cent. is utterly inadequate?

Is he aware that these men are skilled agriculturists and skilled horsemen, who are absolutely irreplaceable?

We believe that the majority of the really skilled men will be retained in the 10 per cent.

In the event of more than 10 per cent. proving to be indispensable, what action will be taken?

That really should be addressed to the head of the Government.

May I ask if there are county agricultural committees in Ireland, and, if not, what bodies should be applied to there for these releases?

I must refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the Irish Board of Agriculture.

In the event of county agricultural committees reporting that more than 10 per cent. are indispensable, will the Board of Agriculture use all their efforts with the War Cabinet?

Certainly; we will do all we can to see that as many men are retained as possible in the interests of the industry.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that many ex-Service men gave up their homes before joining His Majesty's Forces, and since return to civil life have been unable to re-establish them owing to the scarcity of houses, he will arrange with local authorities that those who have served shall be given preferential treatment in the allotment of cottages as they become available under the new housing scheme?

My right hon. Friend will bear this point in mind and will consider in what manner it can best be brought to the notice of the local authorities, who I have no doubt will give it their sympathetic consideration.

Will the Government recommend it to the authorities?

asked the Prime Minister whether any money payments originating in British Territories, whether arising from public Grants or private possessions, are being paid or are being held up for the credit of the Duke of Albany, the Duke of Cumberland, and Count Taafe, or whether the recent expulsion from the peerage of the persons named as traitors ipso facto involves confiscation of their properties in British territory?

I am not aware of any such payments. With regard to the last part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to Section 3 (1) of the Titles Deprivation Act of 1917.

asked the Prime Minister if he will arrange that ex-members of the naval, military and air forces shall have preference for appointments in the new Ministry of Supply over those who have not served?

I have been asked to answer this question. In selecting the staff for appointments which may have to be filled in any permanent organisation that Parliament may decide to set up, special consideration will, to the fullest extent possible, be given to the claims of ex-members of the naval, military, and air forces.

Will the hon. Gentleman see that preference is given to the men who went abroad over men who have stayed behind?

I think my hon. Friend will find that my answer covers that.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will now consider the question of putting in hand the construction of the Forth and Clyde Canal, and works of a similar nature, with a view to the provision of adequate and suitable employment for the many demobilised soldiers out of work be fore the coming winter?

I have been asked to reply to this question. As regards the construction of a ship canal between the Forth and Clyde, I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given on the 6th March by the Financial Secretary to the Admiralty in answer to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Clackmannan and East Stirling. The general problem of unemployment is receiving the constant and anxious consideration of the Government.

Considering that this scheme opens out great possibilities of housing, and garden cities, and small holdings, will the right hon. Gentleman consider this question in connection with the Bill now before the House for that purpose?

This is not, of course, a purely Scottish question, but I shall be very glad to confer with the Departments concerned in regard to what the hon. and gallant Member said.

asked the Prime Minister if he will say for what purpose the pamphlet on the Classics in British Education (Reconstruction Problems, No. 21) was published; what amount of public money was expended on its production; whether the Government propose to issue further articles on the value of the classics and such-like subjects as part of their after-the-War reconstruction schemes; and, if so, whether any limit is to be put on the expenditure?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, is he aware what a useful, thoughtful, scholarlike, and admirable pamphlet this is?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The object of the whole series of reconstruction pamphlets is to promote interest in and discussion of the manifold problems, upon the correct solution of which national efficiency depends. Of these, education is ultimately the most important. The object of the particular pamphlet, "The Classics in British Education," is to show the place which classical studies may take in the reconstruction of education.

The cost of the production of the pamphlet is the cost of the paper and printing. Against this must be set the receipts for sales.

It is proposed to issue two more pamphlets dealing with educational matters, one on natural science, the other on modern languages, and, approximately, another dozen dealing with various matters of importance.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us who is the author of this pamphlet? Is he a classical educational idealist or is he a practical working man?

A very hard-working man!

Can he say whether it would not be possible to have a larger type used in these pamphlets? The small type is somewhat inconvenient.

I think my hon. Friend must realise that there is still some need for economy in paper, and I think the type is quite large enough.

Has he any information as to the numbers sold and the receipts?

These pamphlets do not all go off on the same day; at the same time, the sale is very satisfactory.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the difficulty caused by important trade associations not being represented on the Grand Committee dealing with the Ways and Communications Bill, and as many of these associations desire Members of this House to move Amendments on the Report stage of a constructive nature, he will delay the Report stage for one month after the completion of the Committee stage to enable these Amendments to be placed on the Order Paper in considered form?

I hope it may be possible to meet the hon. Member's wishes by allowing a short interval between the Committee and Report stages of the Bill, but a month would be too much.

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided that the ex-Emperor of Germany is not to be punished; and, if so, whether the same immunity from justice is to be extended to other German criminals?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The last part, therefore, does not arise.

Is there any truth in the report that the ex-Emperor's name is to be down in the next British honours list?

asked the Prime Minister whether compensation will be demanded from the German Government for injuries inflicted upon our soldiers while prisoners of war; and whether these men will have the opportunity of making individual claims through our own Government for injuries so sustained?

Claims for this cause will be included in the general demands for reparation made upon the German Government.

Have any steps been taken to ascertain from returned prisoners, officers and men, whether they can give the information necessary to be able to trace the officers in Germany who were responsible for these outrages?

asked the Prime Minister whether it has been decided how the date of the Peace will be determined, as that date affects the Defence of the Realm Acts and other enactments?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the Termination of the Present War (Definition) Act, 1918.

asked the Prime Minister if he will, in view of the harm to the public likely to be caused by the smuggling of dogs from abroad into this country, introduce legislation making such an offence punishable, at a magistrate's discretion, by imprisonment up to twelve months?

There are penalties enforceable under the present law for this offence, and it is not proposed to amend the law as suggested by my Noble and gallant Friend.

Is it not the fact that penalties imposed under the present law have proved quite inadequate to stop these offences, and is my hon. and gallant Friend aware that these offences are chiefly caused by rich and selfish people, to whom fines are no deterrent?

I think they are sufficient, but, if not, I will propose an amendment.

Have they stopped the offence? That is the point.

Not entirely; but I am perfectly certain they have reduced them very largely.

asked the Prime Minister on what date or proximate date it is proposed to introduce the resolution of thanks to the various Services in the War and to the officers who in the judgment of the Government have merited special mention by resolution?

I am not yet in a position to mention a date.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Roman Catholic priests in Ireland pay Income Tax on their clerical incomes; and, if not, will he state the reason?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative

Has that always been the practice, or is the practice one of recent introduction?

I did not know that my hon. and learned Friend was going to examine me in the history of the question, and I am afraid I cannot answer for times which preceded my own administration. The present position is as I have said, and I believe it has always been.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether any revision in the terms of insurance practitioners are contemplated; and, particularly, whether any extension of the present medical service is under consideration and can be indicated?

The original arrangements for the conditions of service of insurance practitioners arrived at in 1912 were to have been subject to revision in 1915; but, owing to war conditions, that revision was postponed. In March of last year, as a result of a deputation to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, certain temporary augmentation of the insurance practitioners' remuneration was agreed to by the Government on war grounds; and, at the doctor's request, preparatory to revision both of the services to be rendered and of the remuneration to be paid, preliminary discussions were entered into, on both these aspects of the matter, and also as to the possibility and desirability of some extension or enlargement of the existing services, with a view to arriving at some new arrangements to take effect (it would be hoped) in 1920. The issues involved are complicated and difficult, and need further consideration and discussion with the Advisory Committee and others concerned. No statement can be made at present.

asked the Secretary to the Local Government Board, as representing the Insurance Commissioners, whether he has received representations as to the inadequacy of the nursing service throughout the country; whether any grant is made to insurance committees for such purposes; and whether any scheme has been formulated?

Grants from the Exchequer to insurance committees in aid of the provision of nursing services for insured persons were voted by Parliament just before the outbreak of war. The inauguration of these services has been deferred in consequence of war conditions. The question of renewing those arrangements, or of including them in a wider provision for the whole community, is of great importance for the health of the people, and is amongst the matters that are being carefully considered in connection both with possible developments of insurance services and health services generally; but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state the number of vessels of the "Hood" class which have been laid down; the extent to which their construction and equipment have been proceeded with and the total expenditure either already incurred or for which the Government will be responsible in view of the contracts entered into; and whether it is intended to complete these vessels?

Four ships of the "Hood" class were laid down, and of these the "Hood" is being carried to completion. The construction of the other three ships, which were laid down in the autumn of 1916, was stopped in March, 1917, when the vessels were in very early stages of building. The contracts for these three ships have been cancelled since the Armistice, and the slaps are now being dismantled. Taking contract claims and dockyard expenditure in respect of work done and materials obtained for the three cancelled ships and their armament, the anticipated total expenditure involved on cancelled orders is estimated at £1,534,000. There may be some small arisings, but I am afraid the great bulk of this will be nugatory. It must be remembered that the cancellation of the three "Hoods" will save an expenditure of from £18,000,000 to £20,000,000.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty why Mr. G. Hopper, 6, Station View, Llanidloes, Mid-Wales, dependant of A/1Stoker G. H. Hopper, No. K/1099, His Majesty's ship "Mignonette," who lost his life as the result of the ship being sunk by a mine on the 17th March, 1917, has not yet been able to secure a settlement with regard to the effects, pay, etc., of the deceased seaman, seeing that over two years have elapsed?

I am afraid there is some misunderstanding. The claim of Mr. George Hopper, of Station View, Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, as father, to receive the Naval Assets, was admitted on the 15th June, 1917, and the amount due, namely, £9 12s. 9d., was remitted to him on the 22nd of that month by money order, which was duly cashed. An award of £7 17s. 11d. in respect of compensation for the loss of the deceased's effects in His Majesty's ship "Mignonette" was included.

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

Articles 8 and 9 of the King's Regulations and Admiralty Instructions provide that any man has the right of representing any cause of complaint or grievance in the first instance to the captain of his ship, and, subsequently, as the case may require, to the Officer Commanding the Squadron, the Commander-in-Chief, and the Board of Admiralty in the order given. Any other method of obtaining redress from a superior authority is forbidden. This, of course, applies to both officers and men. Nevertheless, it has not been the practice at the Admiralty to regard it as a breach of discipline for a rating to address his Member of Parliament.

Under the altered circumstances, by which all these naval ratings have now got their vote, cannot some alteration be made so as not to make it a breach of discipline for these men to communicate with their Member of Parliament?

My hon. and gallant Friend did not follow the last part of the answer—"Nevertheless, it has not been the practice of the Admiralty to regard it as a breach of discipline for a rating to address his Member of Parliament."

May I press whether there should not be some alteration in the Regulation, so as to bring it up to date?

That is a very unfair thing. What I am anxious to make clear is that it has not been regarded as a breach of discipline.

Is it not a fact that a great number of men have applied to Members of Parliament, that their representations have been submitted to the Financial Secretary, that they have always received courteous replies, and that their names have never been disclosed?

As regards the first part, the answer I have already given goes to show that it is not the custom to regard it as a breach of discipline. It ill becomes me to answer the last part.

Can that answer be circulated with the Orders?

I think I have made the matter clear.

asked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether the divisional officer of the Timber Supply Department in charge of the Bangor office is provided with a motor car at the public expense; whether he is aware that a motor car is used to travel long distances, such as between Bangor and Machynlleth; and whether he has sanctioned this expenditure of public money;

(2) If he will state the name of the divisional officer in charge of the Bangor office of the Timber Supply Department, together with his qualifications for the post and the salary he is being paid, also the names, qualifications, and salaries of the other members of the staff of the Bangor office?

The Timber Supply Department's divisional officer at Bangor is in charge of timber operations scattered over the counties of Carnarvon, Merioneth, Denbigh, Flint, and part of Montgomery. To carry out his duties, a car is essential, and long journeys are sometimes necessary. The divisional officer is Mr. C. G. Penney, whose present salary is £350 per annum, and who has had extensive experience. He has an administrative and clerical staff of, approximately, nineteen persons, at a weekly cost for salaries of £54. 8s. 8d.

Will the hon. Gentleman say what this officer's occupation was before he was appointed?

I do not know what his occupation was immediately before, but he was employed in logging, felling and hauling and forestry in Canada.

Is the hon. Member aware that many of these operations are miles away from a railway station?

I think the hon. Member who asked the question is well aware of that.

asked whether a two-ton crane and a number of bogey trolleys have been sent to Pennal Woods, county of Merioneth; if so, will he state the cost of the same and also the sum paid for their carriage and cartage to the site; whether the whole of the timber is cut into pit-props before removal; and, if so, will he explain the necessity for providing the crane and trolleys?

I would ask the hon. Member to be good enough to discuss these and any similar details of the working of the Timber Supply Department's operations with the Acting-Controller of Timber, who will be happy to afford any possible information.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Company of Thornhill, Limited, was registered on 22nd June, 1915, the permanent governing director being one Sigmund Dornberger, a German-born subject, who, on the 18th October, 1915, changed his name to Thornhill; whether the Companies (Particulars as to Directors) Act, 1917, only applies to companies registered after the 22nd November, 1916, so that Mr. Dornberger is able to trade without notice to the public as Thornhill, Limited; and whether he will introduce an amending Bill applying the Act to all alien enemy directors whatever the date of the registration of the company?

The statement contained in the first part of this question is correct. Under Section 1 of the Companies (Particulars as to Directors) Act, 1917, all companies have to include in the annual return to the Registrar of Companies, which can be inspected by the public, particulars as to the present names and former names and nationality of origin of the directors, and in the return which was filed with the Registrar of Companies on the 22nd July, 1918, the particulars as to the name and nationality of the governing director are included. The provisions of Section 2 (2) of the Act, which requires a company to publish particulars as to the directors on trade catalogues and business letters, only applies to companies registered after 22nd November, 1916. The suggestion of my hon. Friend shall receive consideration in the event of legislation being introduced to amend the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it is the practice of the railway companies, acting under the orders of the Railway Executive, to deduct the sum of 1s. for expenses in all cases of refunds; and whether, seeing that such a charge constitutes a hardship in the case of those making short journeys where perhaps the total fare does not exceed a few shillings, he will take steps to mitigate it?

I understand from the Railway Executive Committee that the charge referred to is made in view of the considerable expense to which the railway companies are put in connection with the refund of fares, and is not regarded by them as an excessive charge for the trouble entailed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade the principle upon which, presumably with the sanction of the Railway Commissioners, the Metropolitan Railway Company has applied the new augmentation of fares to the working of the railway from East and West Ham to its western termini?

I presume the hon. Gentleman refers to the Metropolitan District Railway Company. I am sending him a copy of a letter from that company on the point to which, I understand, his question relates.