asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller what was the total carrying capacity of the British-owned refrigerated fleet, as measured in 56-lb. mutton car cases, on the declaration of war in August, 1914, in August, 1916, and at the present moment?

I am unable to give the total carrying capacity in 56-lb. mutton, carcases, and the particulars for August, 1910, are not available. The following are the figures, stated in tons of meat:

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Shipping Controller whether he will state what carrying capacity of refrigerated tonnage in 56-lb. mutton carcases is allotted at present to-North Atlantic routes; Rio Santos, Monte Video, Buenos Ayres, Bahia Blanca and Patagonian routes, and Australasian routes; and if this tonnage is now carrying to its full capacity?

I have been asked to reply. The refrigerated tonnage at present employed in the North Atlantic trade consists entirely of the liners usually engaged in that trade. Many of these steamers have only small refrigerated spaces and many are not suitable for carrying meat. The cargoes carried in such spaces are not subject to control, and I am not able to say in what way they are utilised. Their nominal meat-carrying capacity may be put at 100,000 tons a year. Refrigerated ships now trading to South America are capable of carrying about 600,000 tons of meat a year, and are used to their full capacity. It is not possible to state the tonnage assigned to various ports, as this changes from time to time. The quantity of meat carried from Patagonia is about 20,000 tons a year. Refrigerated steamers on the Australasian routes have an aggre- gate insulated capacity of 25,200,000 cubic ft., equivalent to about 500,000 tons of meat per annum, but much of this space is required for the carriage of butter, cheese, and other refrigerated produce.

asked the Food Controller whether he is aware that John Ellis, of Hedgeway Road, New Marston, Oxford, was permanently disabled on 2nd March, 1918, while employed by the Government Food Production Department of Headington, through the non-provision of a guard on the pulley wheel of the motor tractor on which he was working; whether he now receives a pension of £l 4s. 7d., being half his wage and war bonus, on which he has to maintain himself, his wife, and child, while he has himself to live on an invalid diet; and whether, in view of the impossibility of three people existing on such a sum, the authorities can make more generous provision in this ease?

Mr. John Ellis was injured while in the service of the Food Production Department of the Board of Agriculture, and the Treasury have authorised the maximum amount of compensation payable under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1906, and the Workmen's Compensation (War Addition) Act, 1917. I regret that the Department have no power to authorise the payment of compensation in excess of that provided by the Acts.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the provision for the accommodation and general treatment of disabled men in the Southern region of Ireland who have been discharged suffering from neurasthenia and shell-shock; whether accommodation can be found for such invalided men who are on the border line of lunacy, and who, in consequence, must be detained even against their wishes in institutions; whether he is aware that the authorities of the two institutions in the neighbour hood of Dublin are prohibited from detaining men against their wishes, and, therefore, that such institutions are of little value in the case of neurasthenia or shell-shock that borders on lunacy; whether he is aware that in the absence of such accommodation most of the men in question who have no homes are living in lodging-houses, that a few are certified as being potentially dangerous, that the procedure of getting men into an asylum is troublesome and lengthy, and that on more than one occasion before the ad mission of the man to an asylum had been secured friends interested in his welfare had lost sight of him; whether he considers it satisfactory that ex-Service men should be committed to lunatic asylums in Ireland, and treated as paupers in accordance with the lunacy laws as they operate in Ireland; whether provision can be made at once to set up a separate institution for the Southern region of Ireland, to which such cases may be admitted and detained for a time even against the wishes of the patient; and whether the scientific treatment accorded to such cases at the Seale Hale Institution can be introduced into Ireland?

I have no power to keep any man in an institution against his will unless he is certified under the lunacy laws. A man so certified and sent to an asylum in Ire land has hitherto been treated as an ordinary patient, but under a scheme which will come into force at an early date, he will in future be treated as a Service patient. Arrangements are being made to establish a neurological hospital in the South of Ireland for ex-Service men, at which scientific treatment for neurasthenia and shell shock will be provided.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland what were the average salaries for Irish primary, technical, and intermediate teachers for 1914 and 1918; and what amounts of war bonuses these teachers have received?

The average rates of income from State sources of each grade of Irish National school teachers (men and women) on 31st March of the years 1914 and 1918, respectively, were as follow:

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the General Officer Commanding the Irish Command frequently uses a special train when travelling about Ireland; and why the ordinary trains or, alternatively, military motor cars cannot be used?

The Commander-in-Chief in Ireland makes use of a special train only on occasions when ordinary trains or military motor cars will not suffice.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his attention has been drawn to the statement that it is the intention of the Admiralty to place all officers on a level according to rank; is he aware that so far paymaster-captains have been ranked on promotion with captains over three years; that the revised pay of captains over three years is £3 5s. a day; that the pay of captains on promotion is £3 per day and of paymaster-captains on promotion £2 15s. per day; and that the Admiralty have ruled that the paymaster-captains under three years now on the list are to start at the initial rate of pay for their rank, namely, £2 15s. a day, by which they are penalised 10s. a day over the officers of corresponding rank; and whether he can see his way to place paymaster-captains on an equitable footing with other ranks?

The main object followed by the War Cabinet in framing the new rates of pay, which are correctly quoted, has been to place officers of the various branches on the same plane, so far as possible, due regard being had to their responsibilities and to the technical and professional knowledge required for the performance of their duties. The initial rate of pay on promotion for captain and paymaster-captain respectively is as stated in the question, and is in accordance with the general principle enunciated. I ought to add that, in further pursuance of that policy, it has been decided, in the case of future promotions to paymaster-captain, that they shall rank, on promotion, with captains, according to their dates of seniority, and not, as hitherto, with captains of three years' seniority. Paymaster-captains already on the list are permitted to retain their present relative rank. There is no effect on pay in either case. Having regard to the fact that the present rates of pay were fixed on the basis of existing ranks, there is no question of the paymaster-captains now on the list having been penalised, and no reason is seen, I am advised, for increasing their rate of pay.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the special recruiting department of the Admiralty is still in occupation of the premises in Old Scotland Yard; whether special recruiting for the Navy has ceased since the surrender of the German Fleet; whether the owner of the premises in Old Scotland Yard lent his premises, which are rated at £700 a year, to the Admiralty free of rent; and whether the Admiralty will return the premises without delay to their owner?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In this connection I would invite my hon. and gallant friend's attention to the reply given by the First Commissioner of Works to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Stafford on the 5th June, in which the right hon. Gentleman stated that he was making every possible effort to rehouse the Admiralty recruiting staff, but that the matter is a most difficult one, and he regretted it was not possible to state when the Great Scotland Yard premises would be vacated.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a number of discharged disabled soldiers and sailors have received fourteen days' notice of dismissal from Rosyth; and whether, in view of the services rendered by these men, he will consider the possibility of cancelling these notices or finding employment for the men in some other capacity?

I regret to nay that at Rosyth, as well as at all our yards, reductions have been necessary. And inasmuch as we have at Rosyth 1,515 men who have served in the Navy or the Army during the War, it is very difficult indeed in fixing reductions so as to have due regard to the relationship between labourers, skilled labourers, and mechanics, to avoid displacing some of these men. At present twenty are under notice. But every endeavour has been made in these cases to find other employment before discharge is finally determined upon.

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty (1) if he can state, separately, the price fixed by his department during the years 1917 and 1918 for commercial stud chain cables of the following dimensions, namely: 1-inch diameter, 1¼-inch diameter, 1½-inch diameter, 1¾-inch diameter, 2-inch diameter, and 2¼-inch diameter;(2) if he can state, separately, the prices fixed by his Department during the years 1917 and 1918 for inspected chain cables of the following diameter, namely: ⅝-inch diameter cable stud, 1-inch diameter cable stud, 1¼-inch diameter cable stud, and 1⅜-inch diameter cable stud?

No reason is seen for departing from the usual practice of not divulging the prices paid under Admiralty contracts. If my hon. Friend has any complaint that the contractors have not been observing the Fair Wages Clause, the matter shall be investigated on particulars being furnished.

asked the Secretary of State for War on what principle officers of the Signal Service in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force are selected for release; and by what date those of 1914 and 1915 will be demobilised?

Officers of the Signal Service in Egypt who have served since 1914 and 1915 are now being released as soon as their services can be spared. Other circumstances being equal, preference is given to officers with the longest service. It is not possible to say when they will all be demobilised.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the demobilisation of the 1914 and 1915 men, the men with three or more wound stripes, and the men over thirty-seven years of age, is nearing completion he will consider the desirability of releasing men with two wound stripes and men of somewhat less age?

I regret that I can make no statement at present regarding the demobilisation of men whose release is not provided for in the Memorandum recently published.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that at the time the Armistice was agreed to a number of men in Officer Cadet battalions in training at Berkhamsted and Romford were demobilised under the group system on compassionate grounds, whilst others were sent overseas and given commissions, and were then demobilised, whilst the remainder were compulsorily transferred to the 5th Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps; and whether, under these circumstances, he can see his way to treat these men in the same way as the others by demobilising them?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies given to questions on this subject on the 12th, 13th, 14th and 27th May last. In those answers it was explained that the members of the Officers' Training Corps referred to were ordinary enlisted soldiers and as such were liable for service in the Army unless they could be demobilised under the regulations in force. I am informed that the statement that a number of the members were after the Armistice sent overseas and granted commissions in incorrect.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the twenty battalions now on their way to India will be utilised to secure the prior release of the men en route for England from Mesopotamia and now compulsorily detained in India; whether he will give instructions that a definite date be fixed for the demobilisation of these men, as has been done in the case of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the latter part of the question, I regret that it is not possible to fix a date, as their release is dependent upon relief by after-war Army units. I may say that over 2,000 of these men have already sailed for the United Kingdom.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that discontent still exists amongst the troops in India in an acute form on the question of demobilisation; whether there were no volunteers at Deolali or Poona; and whether he will take adequate steps to expedite the early release of all non-volunteers from India?

The first two parts of this question should be addressed to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India. With regard to the last part, no differentiation is made between volunteers and non-volunteers.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now make any announcement regarding the early release of men who, on presenting themselves for military service in 1914–15, were rejected as medically unfit and who later were also rejected under the Derby Scheme, but were subsequently taken into the Service under the Military Service Acts?

As I stated on the 29th July, in reply to a question by the hon. and gallant Member for Farnworth (Captain Bagley), I regret that, after careful consideration, I am unable to include the men referred to in the scheme adopted for the release of men who attested under the Derby Scheme, and I can make no statement regarding the demobilisation of men whose release is not provided for in the Memorandum recently published.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the proposed reduction in the personnel of the Army, he can see his way to immediately release youths and young men who at the time of attestation or calling up were students, so that they may resume their studies, which have been seriously interrupted?

As I stated on Thursday last, in reply to the hon. Member for Merioneth (Mr. Haydn Jones), I regret that I cannot agree to release any of the men referred to by my hon. Friend unless their demobilisation is provided for in the Memorandum recently published.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether, in view of the demobilisation of a large number of officers in the near future, he would arrange that these officers should be given an approximate date as to when actual demobilisation will take place, in order to enable them to make plans for the future;(2) Whether he would give instructions that officers who are about to be demobi- lised should be given all reasonable facilities to obtain leave, in order that they may be able to secure employment before the date on which they are actually demobilised?

Army Order 122, of March, 1919, lays down that all officers who are to be demobilised are to be given notice in writing of their prospective demobilisation prior to being sent for dispersal, and that this notice should be given as early as practicable. It is not possible to do more than this. Where an officer's demobilisation is approaching but the actual date cannot be fixed, every help is given to enable him to make arrangements for civil employment, but no special leave for this purpose can be granted.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will order the immediate demobilisation of Private George Smith, No. 114831, Royal Army Medical Corps, Officers' Hospital, Nasreih, Cairo, whose mother is aged seventy-four, and a cripple?

An application was received by the War Office for the release of Private Smith on compassionate grounds, but as it did not come within any of the categories prescribed in the instructions in force, it was refused. I would, how ever, add that an extension of the Regulations governing releases on compassion ate grounds is now under consideration. If it is found possible to extend these Regulations, and this man's case is covered by the new instructions, a fresh application, if submitted, will be duly considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Private John G. Hunter, No. 393, 2nd Cameron Highlanders, D Company, Hut 61, Dreghorn Camp, Edinburgh, is only seventeen years of age; that his legal guardian made application for his release on 3rd July, and received a reply on 21st July that the necessary action was being taken; and what steps he will take to return this boy to his home at the earliest possible date?

Inquiries are being made in this case, and the hon. Member will be informed of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Staff-Quartermaster-Sergeant G. Roberts, No. 1009, Army Pay Corps, Municipal Buildings, Aldershot, having completed twenty-two years' military service on 7th January, 1919, has applied for his £25 bounty and one month's leave on demobilisation, which has been refused by the officer in command of Records, Army Pay Corps, on the grounds that his twenty-two years' service was not completed on 7th January, 1919; and whether, in view of the fact that Staff-Quartermaster-Sergeant Roberts drew his pension from that date, proving that his service was completed, he will cause inquiries to be made in the matter?

I am having inquiries made, and will inform my Noble Friend of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Pensions Minister if he will take steps to accelerate the settlement of grants to demobilised soldiers and sailors (Civil Liabilities Committee); and is he aware that the Lambeth A Sub-committee, London War Pensions Committee, state that, out of seventeen cases investigated and recommended by them since 23rd April, 1919, in only two cases have notifications been received that the grants have been made?

I have been asked to reply to this question. Steps are being taken to accelerate the decisions on the applications of demobilised men to the Civil Liabilities Department. I am not aware of the circumstances of the cases recommended by the Lambeth A Subcommittee, but if the hon. Member will furnish me with the names and addresses of the applicants, I shall have inquiries made into the matter.

asked the Minister of Labour how many officiate are employed in the Civil Liabilities (Military Service) Department, male and female; and how many members of the male staff served during the War?

The number of officers employed in the Military Service (Civil Liabilities) Department are: Males, sixty- five; females, 383. Forty-two members of the male staff served with the Forces during the War.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the impossibility of obtaining a degree at any English university before reaching the age of nineteen, he is aware that entrance into the Army through Woolwich is closed to a university-trained man; and whether, in the interest of the scientific branches of the Army, he will consider the propriety of making special arrangements for the professional training of university men who desire to enter either the Royal Engineers or the Royal Artillery corps?

In the years immediately before the War about 10 per cent. of the officers entering the Army possessed university degrees, and it is the intention of the Army Council to reopen this channel of entry. I would point out, however, that it is not yet possible to forecast the requirements of the Service in respect of the number of young officers that will be needed some two years hence. One of the conditions for entering the Army as a university candidate is that a degree must be obtained. This usually entails a course of study lasting three years, and, as national service was in force until towards the end of last year, few candidates will be fit to present themselves before 1921. Meanwhile the Army Council have the problem of the supply of officers before them, and the question of strengthening the corps of officers from among the graduates of the universities is not being lost sight of.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can now state definitely when the Scale Hayne Military Hospital, Newton Abbot, will be evacuated?

The work of rein statement is proceeding as rapidly as is possible, but I am afraid that it is not yet possible to fix a definite date. Three out of the four blocks of the building are empty and ready for handing over to the owners, who, however, are not prepared to take over portions of the hospital and prefer to wait until the whole can be handed over on the completion of reinstatement. At the present moment the laboratory is being reinstated, and the reinstatement of technical and scientific apparatus is a matter which, necessarily takes some time.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst officers in the Army of Occupation, who volunteered for that service, that effect is not being given to the statement of the Prime Minister that they should receive liberal leave, and that many of these officers are not receiving even the leave to which they would ordinarily be entitled to expect; and whether he will take steps to ensure the removal of this grievance?

I am making some inquiries regarding this question, and will write to my hon. and gallant Friend as soon as possible.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, on the formation of the Army of Occupation, accounts were transferred from General Headquarters to the Army of the Rhine; whether he is aware that since the transfer many officers have received no allowances whatever: and whether he will take steps to see that matters are put upon a more satisfactory basis?

Owing to difficulties arising from the demobilisation of the personnel of pay offices, I fear there has been some delay in payment of officers' allowances on the Rhine. All possible steps are being taken to cope with the arrears.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the terms of Army Council Instruction 851?

I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the Army Council Instruction referred to.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, under Army Order 314, of 16th August, 1914, all troops in the United Kingdom were to be considered on active service; whether punishments have taken place under this order; and, if so, whether medals ought also to be granted under it?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is also, with some limitations, in the affirmative. As regards the third part, the award of war medals is dependent in the first instance on entry into a specified zone of active operations, generally described as a theatre of war. The United Kingdom does not come under this description.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the fact that a large number of men were recalled from the farms in May last who were soldiers and either the son or a relation of a man who had an interest in a farm or small holding either as partner or prospective occupier, whether he can see his way to allow furlough for harvest in the case of these men if vouched for by the Agricultural Executive Committee, although they may not be stationed in Great Britain; and, if he cannot accede to this, whether he will agree to entertain a recommendation of the Agricultural Executive Committee for the temporary release of a soldier where the farm or small holding is left by the soldier's absence in the sole occupation of a widow?

All Commands at home have been notified that paragraph 59 of the King's Regulations may be observed, and that soldiers may be employed in harvest work provided their employment is in the locality in which they are stationed, and that their duties are not thereby interfered with. Further, all Commands at home have been notified that leave for a period of seven days may be granted by commanding officers to soldiers for the purpose of haymaking or collecting the harvest. This leave may be extended by commanding officers at their discretion. It is, however, regretted that this leave cannot be granted to soldiers on leave from the Army of the Rhine, or from France and Flanders.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of Richard Hobbs, late No. 9032, Sapper, Royal Engineers; whether he is aware that this man enlisted on 4th June, 1901, and re-engaged in 1913 for his sixteen years' service on condition that if mobilised he would receive the same rate of pay as he had had at the time of leaving the Service, namely, 3s. 1d. per day, though through an oversight at the Record Office his papers for the medical examination were not returned to him till 16th June, 1913, but that he was told by the recruiting officer that he would lose nothing by this and would be sworn in in accordance with Regulations; that Sapper Hobbs mobilised on 4th August, 1914, at Bulford Camp, Salisbury Plain, for Section D of the Army Reserve in the 57th Field Company, Royal Engineers, and that since that date, during which he was a prisoner of war for four years and four months, he has only received pay at the rate of 2s. 6d. a day, though the matter was under investigation before he was transported to France on 16th August, 1914; and whether he is entitled to the 7d. a day, the difference between 2s. 6d. and 3s. 1d., dating from 4th August, 1914, until his demobilisation?

I am making inquiry, and will let the hon. and gallant Member know the result.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the members of the 7th Royal Scots (Leith Battalion) who joined the Army voluntarily in 1914 and who were prevented from going on active service through injuries received in the Gretna disaster are to receive any recognition which will show that they joined voluntarily for active service in the first stages of the War?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply to his question on the 13th February last. As already stated on several occasions recently, the question of an award to those who rendered services in the Army at home during the War is under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether any decision has yet been arrived at relative to the definite establishment of the Tank Corps; whether he can state the numbers of all ranks it is contemplated to retain in the immediate future; and whether he can define the policy it is intended to pursue in regard to the relation of the corps to the other arms of the Imperial Forces;(2) what are the present plans for completing the peace establishment of the Tank Corps; whether it is the intention of the War Office to fill up existing vacancies from other branches of the Service; and, if so, on what terms of pay and service such officers or men will definitely be incorporated in the new corps and what security of tenure of rank will be provided on transference?

None of these matters has yet been settled. The terms of pay will be promulgated with the new rates of pay for the Army generally—it is hoped, very shortly.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the name and rank of the officer immediately responsible for the officer personnel of the Tank and Machine Gun Corps; what seniority does he hold or has he held in either of these corps; and, if never having served in either of them, will he consider placing in this position an officer with an intimate and immediate knowledge of the corps with which he deals?

I am not quite clear what my hon. and gallant Friend means by "responsible for the officer personnel of these corps." The officer in charge of the personnel branch of the War Office which deals with the Machine Gun Corps and Tank Corps has held the rank of colonel in the former corps. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Home Secretary if he will see to the release of William Howells, a conscientious objector, who has just been arrested, charged as an absentee, and placed in the guard room at Stanhope Lines, Aldershot?

I have been asked to answer this question. If the hon. Member will furnish Howell's regimental number and the name of the unit to which he belongs, I will cause inquiries to be made into this case.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, prior to March, 1918, the Signal Office at the General Headquarters, Great Britain, was staffed by thirteen civilian telegraphists and one overseer in charge, under the control of the Postmaster-General; that from that date military telegraphists have been substituted; that the staff now consists of two commissioned officers, two batmen, four orderlies, one cook, six dispatch riders, one instrument repairer, and twelve operators; that the work has decreased to a point when it could be adequately dealt with by a civilian staff of two telegraphists; whether this establishment, which involves the payment of full civil pay and allowances, plus full military pay and allowances to all the Post Office men who are being kept under military control, is being maintained in order that the Government may be in a position to direct the movements of troops in the event of industrial unrest; and whether, having regard to the necessity for national economy and in order to release the men concerned for demobilisation, he will permit the Postmaster-General to once more staff this office?

I am informed that the statement that the work of the office in question has fallen to a point at which it could adequately be dealt with by a civilian staff of two telegraphists is not in accordance with the facts. In certain respects the work of the office has considerably increased since March, 1918, and the average number of messages does not show any great reduction. The office is open night and day, and the eleven operators work in three reliefs of eight hours each. They have also to be ready to deal with temporarily increased traffic and work longer hours individually when necessary. It is considered desirable that this office should continue to be staffed with military personnel for the present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to send the Scots Greys to the East in the next few months; whether, if they are sent abroad, Scotland will have its one Cavalry regiment at home only at intervals of fifteen years, and it will be impossible to maintain the regiment's identity and national characteristics; and whether he will give instructions, in deference to Scottish sentiment on this matter, that the Scots Greys are to remain in this country?

This question is now under consideration.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any sums of money have been paid to the Baltic States by Admiral Koltchak and General Denikin since the Armistice; and, if so, how much?

No information has been received to the effect that Admiral Koltchak and General Denikin have paid sums of money to the Baltic States.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are our total casualties to latest date in Russia; and whether official lists are issued by the War Office?

The total figures reported to date are as follows:

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men are now being drafted to Russia against their wishes, despite the pledge given to the House; and if he is aware that many men belonging to various units are stating that such is the case, and are at present on draft leave for embarkation to Russia?

No troops are now being drafted to Russia other than volunteers and men serving on normal attestations or re-enlisted under Army Orders 4, 124, and 125 of 1919. Certain units composed of such personnel have been dispatched to North Russia to meet any unforeseen eventualities. The reasons for

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has recently received any reports from the British headquarters in Northern Russia emphasising the serious hardship to our troops if the evacuation is not accelerated; if it is possible to so expedite matters that the British Army will be able to leave the country before the end of September; and what steps are now being taken for the safety of and the providing of food and fuel for the inhabitants who have stood loyally by us?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. With regard to the manner in which the evacuation is to be carried out I have nothing to add to the statement made on the 29th July. With regard to the last part of the question, adequate steps are being taken to ensure the safety, after our withdrawal, of those classes whom we areunder an obligation to protect. As regards food, the present needs of the population have been provided for and the best possible arrangements will be made for the future in conjunction with our Allies. The nature of these arrangements depend on the developments of the situation and General Rawlinson's recommendations.

asked the Secretary of State for War if a strong feeling exists among men who volunteered for service with the British Army that they ought in justice to receive a special medal and ribbon and be granted the British war medal whether they served at home or abroad; and if he is aware that very many of these volunteers requested to be put on draft for foreign service and were refused, either on the ground that they must be retained at Home for urgent military reasons or because they had the misfortune of being in a low medical category?

As previously stated on several occasions, the question of an award to those who rendered valuable service at home during the War is receiving careful consideration, but to award a war medal to them when they did not leave their native shores during the continuance of active operations would be unprecedented and illogical.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total strength of our military forces in the Caucasus; what is the respective strength of the forces of the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and Italy, assigned to the duty of preserving law and order in Armenia; are we bearing an undue proportion of the burdens in that connection incumbent upon all the Allies; what steps have been taken in order to relieve our troops who have served for a year and upwards in the Caucasus; and what steps will be taken in order that officers and men who have done duty there both before and since the Armistice may be relieved and, if necessary, replaced by others?

The total strength of our military forces in the Caucasus is approximately 22,000 men. There are no troops of the United Kingdom, the United States, France or Italy assigned to the duty of preserving law and order in Armenia itself. The evacuation of the Caucasus by our troops has already begun, so there is no question of relieving or replacing them by others.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact that Canadian and Australian officers commanded corps, brigades, and divisions in the Canadian and Australian Forces during the War and filled all Staff appointments in these formations, he will explain why such commands and appoint- ments were not open to Territorial Force officers in. the Territorial Force divisions of the British Army?

Territorial officers were not debarred from the command of corps, divisions, or brigades, or from any Staff appointments. All such appointments were filled by selection of officers most fitted to perform the duties, irrespective of the nature of the commission they held.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the reason for the delay in appointing brigade commanders for Territorial brigades; will the command of Territorial brigades be open to Territorial Force officers; will Territorial Force officers, if available, have the preference for command of Territorial Force brigades and other appointments in Territorial Force divisions and brigades?

It is not intended to appoint brigade commanders to Territorial brigades until the future of the Territorial Force is finally decided. Territorial Force brigade commanders will be appointed from the list of officers selected as qualified for such appointments. The claims of Territorial Force officers will be considered with others.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the proposal to acquire land and to erect thereon large additions to the accommodation at present existing at the Chilwell filling factory has now been abandoned?

The question of acquiring this land is not now being pursued further. I might add that the War Office has received a copy of a resolution passed unanimously by the Beeston Urban District Council expressing the opinion that the projected extensions at Chilwell were most essential, from a national as well as from a local point of view.

asked the Secretary of State for War if, having regard to the special character of the training and facilities provided at the general commercial college at Cologne, the science college at Bonn, and the technical college at Siegburg, it would be possible to give some idea as to the results achieved so far at these colleges, and, if satisfactory, to have it laid down that the training now being given at these colleges will be continued without break, and will also be extended to the Army as a whole and will be made, subject to such modifications as experience shows to be desirable, an integral part of the training of the British Army?

The results achieved in the colleges established in the Army of the Rhine are reported by the Commander-in-Chief to have been very satisfactory in spite of difficulties due to changes in composition of the Army and in the military situation. The numbers under instruction in the colleges have increased progressively month by month, from ninety-four in January to 629 in July. A large majority of the students in colleges apply to remain during the next course or to return for a subsequent course in spite of longer hours of work in colleges than with units. Every opportunity is afforded to students, as far as circumstances permit, to continue their studies and training after return to units. A large number of students receive continued assistance through General Headquarters Correspondence School. The education which will henceforward form an integral part of military training will include general, commercial, and technical subjects.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any further women motor drivers are being trained?

As stated on Thursday last in reply to my Noble Friend the Member for Nottingham (South), there are at present 184 women motor drivers under training. Recruiting for women drivers has now ceased.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office with regard to the case of Sapper E. Longden, of 9, Bowden Street, Salford, formerly No. 388301, Royal Engineers, whether he was transferred on disablement to the Labour Corps but given no number or position in the Labour Corps; whether, in consequence, though he has written frequently to the Royal Engineers paymaster at Chatham and the Labour Corps paymaster with regard to back pay, it is quite impossible to get any proper attention or statement of the amount due; whether, in spite of these persistent and prolonged refusals to settle back pay, no difficulty was found by the War Office authorities in deducting £2 6s. from his pay on account of an allowance; and whether he will at once have the case looked into with a view to a proper settlement?

I promised my hon. Friend, in reply to a question five days ago, to make inquiries and inform him of the result. I can add nothing at present.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is now in a position to announce the new conditions of pay and pension for the Army; whether he is aware that the delay in making public the terms of future service with the Army is the cause of officers resigning whose continued service in the Army is much to be desired; and what has been the reason for the delay in publishing these figures and terms, since it has been repeatedly stated that the War Office Committee had reached a decision and had obtained Treasury approval?

These matters are under the consideration of His Majesty's Government, and I am not yet in a position to make an announcement though I hope to do so very shortly. I am not aware of the statements referred to in the last part of the question.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can give the approximate cost to the War Office of the military and civilian labour engaged upon salvage work in France and Belgium between 11th November, 1918, and 31st March, 1919, and the average monthly cast from that date; whether the military authorities are satisfied that the net result to be expected from the sale of much of the material salved, after collection and cost of transportation, maintenance, and protection is considered, will entail an actual loss to the country; and whether a good deal of the work of clearing the ground of shells and other litter can be now undertaken by the French authorities, in order to save this country needless expense and to permit the bulk of the 100,000 men in France and Belgium being released from military service and the attendant costs of administration dispensed with?

In reply to the first part of this question I am attempting to collect the necessary data for an approximate estimate. With regard to the other points raised I can add nothing to what my right hon. Friend said in Debate on 12th instant.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the stablemen at No. 3 Remount Depot, at Melton Mowbray, are paid at the rate of 37s. 6d. per week as compared with 45s. per week paid the men at other depots; and if he can state what is the reason for this difference?

The rates paid at different stations are dependent on the local rates of wages, in accordance with the Fair-Wages Resolution of this House. The present rate of pay (38s.) of the grooms at Melton is under review.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether further contracts are being issued for socks, or whether there is any quantity of socks under order not yet delivered?

I have been asked to answer this question. No further contracts for socks are being placed. Approximately 1,000,000 pairs are now outstanding on current orders.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the War Office have a stock of barbed wire in America which is useless for civilian purposes and will eventually have to be scrapped; whether heavy charges for storing and guarding this material are being paid; and, if so, how much per month?

I have been asked to answer this question. The British Mission in the United States of America have about 11,270 tons of barbed wire. This material is not useless and will, in fact, be sold in the course of the next few days. The charges for storage and guarding have been at the rate of one dollar per ton per month.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the late Colonel Harrison lost his life in experimenting on gas masks; whether he used to test all the masks he made personally in the gas chamber; whether he left any dependants; and, if so, whether any pension was paid and what was the amount of that pension?

I have been asked to answer this question. Colonel H. F. Harrison died in November, 1918, of pneumonia, death being accelerated by the effects of the gases to which he had constantly exposed himself since July, 1915, in testing gas masks. He left a widow and one son. A pension at the "intermediate" rate of £135 per annum was awarded, in the first place, to Colonel Harrison's widow. I am glad to say that this has recently been raised to £300 per annum, to take effect from 5th November, 1918. I wish to take this opportunity of acknowledging the distinguished and devoted services of this officer.

asked the Under-secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether it has now been decided to give free railway warrants to members of the Women's Royal Air Force when proceeding home on leave?

Officers and other ranks of the Women's Royal Air Force serving in the United Kingdom are not given free warrants when proceeding on leave; but officers and other ranks serving overseas receive two free warrants a year. In July last, as a special concession, those officers and other ranks who had been unable, owing to the exigencies of service, to take leave at Christmas, 1918, were granted a free warrant in respect of leave taken prior to the 31st August.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry how many women, other than members of the Women's Royal Air Force, were employed by the Royal Air Force on the 1st January, 1st July, and 1st August, 1919?

The number of female civilian subordinates employed by the Royal Air Force (exclusive of the female staff at the Air Ministry) on the dates mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member was as follows:

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Ministry whether thousands of ex-Service men employed under the Air Ministry in the South-Eastern area have been discharged or are under notice; if so, whether he can state the reason for so many men being thrown out of employment at the same time; and whether any effort is being made in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour to find alternative employment for these men?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is that civilian subordinates have been, or are being, discharged as a consequence of the very large reduction of the Royal Air Force. With regard to the last part of the question, as I have previously stated, the anxiety caused to these men and their families is greatly regretted, but it is unavoidable under the circumstances. I am in communication with the Minister of Labour with a view to mitigating the hardship caused as far as possible.

asked the Under-Secretary of State to the Air Department whether it is intended to attempt a flight to India by rigid airship; what is the estimated cost, including the return journey, of such a flight; how many officers and other ranks, respectively, will be required on the line of flight, including the Indian terminus; and whether Treasury approval for the estimated expenditure has been sought and granted?

The reply to the first part of the hon. and gallant Member's question is that there is no present intention of arranging a flight by rigid airship to India. The remainder of his question, therefore, does not arise.

asked the Pensions Minister whether, where a man is discharged in consequence of medical unfitness for further service, it is presumed that the cause of his unfitness was due to service unless there is good evidence to the contrary or that such unfitness was due to his own misconduct; whether medical referees and pensions committees are required in dealing with such cases to base their decisions on this assumption; and whether due regard is paid to the same principle by appeal tribunals?

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

asked the Pensions Minister whether the widow and children of a soldier who has committed suicide are, under any circumstances, entitled to or are granted a pension or gratuity?

If there is reasonable probability that service has affected the man's mental state, ordinary pension is admitted; in other cases, where service had apparently little connection with the act, an Article 15 pension may be granted. The classes of case in which pension is entirely refused are few, and are for the most part those in which the suicide is committed to avoid justice, or as a sequel to gross misconduct.

asked the Pensions Minister whether the childless wives flat-rate allowance of 6s. 6d. can be claimed with arrears from 1st November, 1918, although the soldier's twenty-eight days' furlough has expired?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether men who joined under Army Order 283, of 1914, are having the second £5 gratuity deducted from the war gratuity; and whether, as these men were enlisted under a definite promise of £5 on joining and £5 on discharge, in addition to any war gratuity, it is a breach of faith to deprive them of this £5?

The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and the second part does not therefore arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information as to when the war gratuity will be paid to men who have re-enlisted for a further period of service?

The war gratuities earned by soldiers who are still serving became due for payment on the 4th August, and are now in process of issue.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the growing dissatisfaction in the country owing to the fact that, in connection with the distribution of the special award of the war gratuity to the troops to the next-of-kin of deceased soldiers the full amount of £5 for the first year and 10s. per month or part of a month is not being paid in full; whether he is aware that in the case of deceased soldiers the amount of £1 per year under the Royal Warrant for Pay, which formed and constituted an essential part of the agreement under which the New Armies were enlisted, and which has in some cases been already paid, is now being deducted from the war gratuity now due, and that in consequence that branch of the War Office dealing with the issue of the war gratuity is overwhelmed with correspondence from relatives complaining that they have not received the correct amount due; and whether he is prepared to take any steps to have the war gratuity issued to all ranks on the same basis as that which already obtains in relation to the estates of soldiers serving under a normal engagement at the outbreak of war?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the replies which were given to similar questions asked by the hon. Members for Macclesfield and Houghton-le-Spring on 20th February and 10th April last, respectively. As was pointed out in the former question, the war gratuity is, by decision of the War Cabinet, a substitute for, not an addition to, the smaller service gratuity, and it follows that where the service gratuity has already been drawn, it has to be deducted from the gross amount now payable, to avoid an obviously indefensible inequality of treatment.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a General Routine Order, No. 4,840, was published to the effect that a special allowance would be made to all men in the Egyptian Expeditionary Force for each six months' service abroad without leave; that this Order was endorsed by Army Council Instruction 851; that the Order has never been carried out; that thousands of men have thus been deprived of allowance promised to them; whether it is now proposed to carry out the Order; and, if not, will he state the reason?

After reference to the military authorities in Egypt, I am unable to discover that any such Orders as the question indicates exist.

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the misapprehension in the minds of men enlisting in the New Armies as to their exact position in relation to grants and allowances, what procedure is adapted by the War Office in the case of new enlistments and re-enlistments to ensure that such men are made fully aware of the fact that grants and allowances for civil liabilities, sickness, maternity, and funeral conceded to sailors' and soldiers' wives and dependants during the present War are not in their case being granted, and, further, that advances of separation allowance, where delay occurs in receipt of the ring paper or draft book, cannot be made by local war pensions committees?

It is fully explained by recruiting officers to all men who enlist or who re-enlist with a break in their service that they are not entitled to the special grants referred to. Advances of separation allowance may still be made after necessary inquiry by local war pensions committees to the dependants of soldiers who are entitled to the allowance where delay occurs in payment from the Army.

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that Service or ex-Service men when sent to lunatic asylums are put into pauper clothes until the asylum authorities are notified by the Home Office that they accept them as Service patients; and, pending acceptance (which may not be given for six weeks to three months), whether it would be possible to allow these men to wear their Service or civilian clothes, and thus avoid the distress caused to their relatives on finding them in pauper attire?

Ex-Service men sent to lunatic asylums direct from war hospitals under Section 91 of the Army Act or Section 3 of the Naval Enlistment Act, 1884, are immediately on admission transferred to the private class, and, as private patients, are permitted to wear their own clothes. This class form the bulk of the ex-Service men admitted to asylums. Ex-Service men admitted on summary reception orders after discharge from the Army or Navy are chargeable to the rates until their eligibility to be classed as "Service" patients has been investigated by the Ministry of Pensions, and they are clothed for the time being as ordinary patients. Where a medical superintendent has reason to believe that a man of the latter class will be accepted as a "Service" patient, I think he might properly allow such a patient to wear his own clothing, and I will ask the Board of Control to make this suggestion to the asylum authorities.

asked the Pensions Minister if he has considered the Report on tuberculous ex-Service men; and what steps he proposes to take in dealing with this urgent question?

I am considering this matter with the Medical Advisers to the Ministry; I shall have to confer also with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.

asked the Pensions Minister whether he is aware that a gentleman who has not served in His Majesty's Forces is about to be appointed deputy-director of training, Wilts area; whether the gentleman in question is being trained for his duties; and, if so whether it is not possible to find an ex-officer or soldier equally suitable to fill the position?

I have been asked to reply to this question. The deputy director of industrial training in this division was appointed in May last. He has not served with His Majesty's Forces, being over military age. He was selected as the most suitable among the candidates available, on the ground of his qualifications and experience. There is at present no vacancy for a deputy-director of industrial training under the Ministry of Labour in the division which includes Wiltshire. If any new appointment is necessary, preference will, as usual, be given to suitably qualified ex-Service men.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Munitions how many guns and of what calibre have been made since 11th November?

I do not think it is in the public interest that precise figures should be given. The guns which have been delivered since 11th November were either completed at that date or were in an advanced stage of manufacture.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether, notwithstanding the condition of the finances of the country, further funds are to be expended in educating Serbian youths in the United Kingdom; and whether the House will have an opportunity of reconsidering its vote for the abolition of school fees during the debate upon the Education Act of 1918?

The Grant which has been promised for this purpose and is borne on the Treasury Estimates is limited to three years from the 1st July, 1918. I am not aware of any proposal that further sums should be provided in addition to this Grant. I do not propose to initiate legislation to amend Section 26 of the Education Act, 1918, in the direction suggested in the second part of the question.

asked the Minister of Health if a decision has been reached, in conjunction with the Home Office, concerning the regulations to be carried out in the medical inspection of aliens arriving in this country; and, if so, whether these regulations can now be published?

An Order in Council containing further provisions with regard to the medical inspection of aliens will be issued at a very early date. I will see that a copy of the Order is sent to my hon. Friend when available.

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the desirability of taking steps to secure that the cost incurred by the port sanitary authorities, especially in East Coast ports like Hull and Newcastle, in protecting the people of this country from the inroads of infectious diseases from abroad, shall be treated as a national charge, at least, to the extent of 50 per cent. of the amount so incurred?

Yes, Sir; this question is already under consideration.

asked the Minister of Health if he will promote legislation empowering local authorities to allow and pay their members reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in attending meetings of such authorities and their committtes?

The question is receiving consideration, and my right hon. Friend is not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take in connection with the recent Report of the Interdepartmental Committee on tuberculous ex-Service men, in view of the urgency of the matter?

The Report has been in my right hon. Friend's hands for a very short time; and while he quite agrees that the matter is urgent, he is not yet in a position to state what action the Government propose to take.

asked the Home Secretary whether there are some 70,000 pit ponies employed in the coal mines of this country; whether, under Section 98 of the Coal Mines Act, 1911, eight inspectors have been appointed for the special purpose of examining ponies in mines; and whether this number of inspectors has proved to be sufficient for the purpose?

The number of pit ponies employed in mines is, approximately, 65,000. There are eight special inspectors of horses. The ordinary inspectors also constantly inspect horses and stables. A daily examination of each horse, on its return from work, by one of the special officials of the mine appointed to have the care of horses is required by the Act, and the result of the examination has to be recorded. It is the duty of the inspectors to see that these and the other requirements of the Act in regard to horses are carried out, and I am satisfied that the number is sufficient for the purpose. When occasion requires, steps are taken to enforce the requirements of the Act, but, generally speaking, the inspectors find that the horses are in good condition and well treated, and that the provisions of the Act are satisfactorily complied with.

asked the Home Secretary if he has administrative power to bring the ironstone miners within the terms of the First Report of the Sankey Commission; and, if so, does he propose to take action at an early date?

If the hon. Member refers to the reduction of hours of work recommended by the Commission for coal-miners, I have no power to do this. Legislation would be required.

asked the Home Secretary whether numbers of ponies are being killed by reckless and callous motorists on the roads of the New Forest; and what steps he proposes to take to put a stop to this reckless driving, which threatens the means of livelihood of many poor people, and the existence of an ancient and valuable breed of forest pony?

Reckless driving can be dealt with under the Motor Car Act, but from inquiries I have made it appears that some of the accidents to animals are caused by slow-moving vehicles, through the animal running across the road in front of a car when it is too late to avoid a collision. The prevention of such accidents on these unfenced roads is a matter of difficulty, but the police authority are, I understand, giving the matter special attention.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the number of cases lately and at present before the Courts of ill-treatment of farmed-out children; and if he will cause instructions to be sent to the police authorities throughout the country urging them to use all possible vigilance to bring offenders to book?

Since the beginning of 1918 the attention of the Home Office has been called to four such cases, including two now before the Courts. I do not think there is any need for special instructions to the police under Part I. of the Children Act, 1908; it is the duty of local authorities to appoint visitors and otherwise to carry out the provisions relating to infant life protection, and valuable assistance is also rendered by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

asked the Home Secretary whether Police-Inspector Dessent, of N Division, Stoke Newington, has been certified insane; if so, what were the grounds of certification; and to what asylum has he been committed?

Police-Inspector Dessent has been certified insane. The grounds of certification are stated to be delusions, loss of memory, and mental instability. He has been sent to Claybury Asylum.

asked the Home Secretary whether local authorities who employ the police in carrying out the Weights and Measures Acts are subsidised by the Government in so doing; and whether, in the interests of local authorities generally, the great majority of whom do not employ the police on such work, no further contributions shall be made by the Government with respect to the pay, uniform, and pension of a police officer performing duties other than those of a police officer?

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, in the county of Lancashire, police are acting as inspectors of weights and measures, which is purely civilian work, devoting the whole of their time to the duties but drawing police pay, half of which is recoverable from the Treasury; whether these police officers will be entitled to retire on superannuation as if they had been employed on police duties;(2) whether, in view of the anomalous position created by the employment of police officers as inspectors of weights and measures, and in view of the fact that this practice restricts the field of employment open to civilians, such as ex-soldiers and sailors, he will further consider the advisability of taking steps to secure that the administration of the Weights and Measures Acts shall be carried out by civilian inspectors?

As I informed the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. A. Short) on 5th August, I do not see my way at present to interfere with the discretion vested in local authorities with regard to the employment of police in the inspection of weights and measure. No part of the pay of police so employed is recoverable from the Treasury; it is excluded in calculating the Treasury subsidy to police expenditure. The officers in question are by Statute entitled to pensions on the same terms as other policemen.

asked the Home Secretary what prison Mr. F. Watson is in, who was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for a speech made at the Albert Hall, and what kind of work he is doing; if he is aware that statements have been made that he has received money from the police through the Government; if he is prepared to give Mr. Watson an opportunity to state his case; and if he will have inquiry made into the matter of the whole question?

Watson is in Pentonville Prison. He is employed as a cleaner and in making tabs for mail bags. Watson made his own statement on the subject referred to in the Police Court, and will have an opportunity of making any further statement he wishes at the end of his sentence. I know of no reason for instituting any inquiry into the matter.

asked the Home Secretary what is his reason for declining to state the total amount of expenditure on the Secret Service?

I have not declined to state the total expenditure. The hon. Member will find the total estimated expenditure on Secret Service on the Civil Service Estimate, Class II., Vote 27.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the exports from the United Kingdom to the Latin-American Republics show, in 918, a decrease of, approximately, £10,000,000 as compared with 1913?

The decrease in value of exports of British and Irish produce and manufactures to the Latin-American Republics was as stated by my hon. and gallant Friend. Slightly more than half the decrease was due to smaller coal exports.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the few sources from which a farmer is able to derive any profit this season, he will give an assurance that the price of hay will not be controlled?

I cannot say what may happen in the future, but I can say that at present it is not intended to control the price of hay.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if the lack of railway wagons is causing very serious loss to agriculturists and waste of agricultural produce, and that there are very considerable complaints of the management of goods rolling stock on the railways; and whether he will take steps to see if the cause of these complaints can at once be at least lessened and as soon as possible removed?

I am fully aware of the shortage of railway wagons in this country and of complaints arising out of the shortage, which are not confined to agriculturists. Such steps as are possible in the difficult situation in which the railway companies are placed are being taken.