asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government still hold Russian prisoners at Constantinople, the Dardanelles, or other parts of Turkey; how many of these there are; what steps are being taken to release them; and what has been done with the Russians who were held at Fort Chanax up till last October?

There are 11 Russian subjects interned at Chanak by the British Military Authorities for activities as secret service agents prejudicial to the safety of British troops. These members include those referred to in the question as being held there in October. The question of their repatriation is under consideration. With the exception of the detention of these 11 men, no Russians are held as prisoners by British Military Authorities at Constantinople, Dardanelles, or other parts of Turkey.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of these men is married to an English woman living in my constituency, and that nothing has been heard since October, and can he give any details?

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether British prisoners in Russia have been released?

That is not a matter on which I can give information.

May I have an assurance as to this man?

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he has any information as to the progress of negotiations for an armistice between the Russian forces and those of General Wrangel; and whether the British representative with whose assistance the negotiations are to be carried on is controlled by the War Office or the Foreign Office?

The reply to the first part of the question is that the negotiations have fallen through on account of the offensive recently launched by General Wrangel. The last part of the question, therefore, does not arise.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that every shade of political opinion in Russia believes that we are backing up Poland to their detriment?

This is a question as to the Crimea. My hon. Friend's supposition is entirely unfounded.

Did not general Wrangel give himself unreservedly into our hands in these negotiations, as was stated here?

He did so at one time, certainly.

How is it he is now fighting?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that General Wrangel destroyed the waterworks and electric generating stations at Tsaritsin before evacuating the city; and whether any protest was made by the British officers assisting General Wrangel against this act of wanton destruction?

I have no information on this subject beyond the statement made in the Moscow Wireless Report.

asked the Secretary of State for War how many demobilised officers and men of the Army and Air Force are serving with General Wrangel in the Crimea and with the Polish forces in the Russian territory occupied by Poland?

I am not aware that any demobilised British officers are serving either with the forces of General Wrangel or with the Polish forces. The War Office or Air Ministry, however, do not keep count of the movements of officers after demobilisation.

If the hon. Gentleman is so desirous of helping, why does he not join Wrangel?

Why do not you join?

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the mass meetings of British workers held every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in Grosvenor Square to protest against the Polish intervention in Russia; what is the number of mounted police, inspectors, police constables, plain clothes officers, and troops employed at or in the vicinity of these meetings; whether the meetings have been conducted in an orderly manner; and, if so, what is the reason for the presence of large forces and are they likely to provoke disturbances?

I have heard of certain meetings at the times and place mentioned, but according to my information they are certainly not mass meetings of British workers. The number of police employed is, I am informed, about 30; no troops have been present. Violent and inflammatory language has been used by some of the speakers; and it has been necessary to have a sufficient force of police present to prevent any disorder or any attempt to intimidate or annoy the representatives of a Friendly Power.

Is it true that the police are now armed?

No, they are not.

Is there any reason why this meeting should not be diverted to Hyde Park instead of being held for the special purpose of annoying the Polish Embassy?

That also is a matter for the Commissioner of Police.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the desire of large numbers of workers in this country to save the workers' republic in Russia, any difficulties will be placed in the way of men who desire to enter Russia for the purpose of serving in the Red Army; and whether they will be permitted to train and organise units in this country?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, may I ask if he will represent to the Prime Minister the importance of promulgating throughout this country the address which M. Lenin has addressed to the workers of England, so that these may understand the meaning and purpose of Soviet rule?

Let us hear the answer to the question first.

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister gave to a question on Thursday last. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Will the right hon. Gentleman, at any rate, afford facilities for any hon. and gallant Member of this House—

Including yourself!

I think these personal allusions in the course of our proceedings are very undesirable. If they are begun by one hon. Member, it is very easy for other hon. Members to answer. The game is one at which two can play.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state what is the present position with regard to the Baghdad railway; how far the result of the War and the dismemberment of the Turkish Empire has affected the rights of the shareholders and owners of that railway; and what steps, if any, have been taken with regard to its future?

Provision has been made in the Peace Treaty with Germany for dealing with German interests in public utility undertakings in enemy countries including Turkey, and the Treaty of Peace with Turkey will contain Clauses for dealing with the rights of shareholders in Turkish railway companies, but until the final conclusion of peace with Turkey, it will not be possible to make a full statement on the subject; nor for the same reason can anything be said regarding the future of the Baghdad railway system.

When the Foreign Office are dealing with this matter, will they consider that there is plenty of British private enterprise ready to take the place of the existing shareholders in the Baghdad railway?

The hon. Member should give notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for Air if he can state approximately the total number of airships and aeroplanes possessed by Germany at the time of the Armistice; what portion of these have either been handed over to the Allies or destroyed under their supervision; and whether there is any provision in the Peace Treaty which would prevent Germany retaining part of her military aerial material for ostensibly civil purposes, and thus evading the main purpose of the Treaty?

The answer to the first and second parts of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is that at the time of the Armistice Germany possessed approximately 16 airships and 18,500 aeroplanes, and that up to the 29th May no airships or aeroplanes had been handed over to the Allies, but 700 aeroplanes and 3,000 aero engines had been destroyed under Allied supervision. I would remind my hon. and gallant Friend that Germany was under no obligation to destroy aircraft material until the ratification of the Peace Treaty. For various and sufficient reasons—the state of confusion owing to the revolution, etc.—the actual work of destruction was not commenced until the 3rd May. The progress since that date has, I think, been satisfactory. With regard to the third part, Article 202 of the Peace Treaty provides that all aeronautical material which had been used or designed for warlike purposes shall be delivered to the Allies.

Does my right hon. Friend think that the obligations in the Treaty are being satisfactorily carried out with regard to the destruction of these aircraft? Does he recognise the great necessity, at all events to this country, to see that Germany is deprived of both aeroplanes and airships?

Is it not a fact that the Germans are manufacturing more aeroplanes than they have destroyed since the War; that they are manufacturing three aeroplanes to every one that is being built in this country?

My information is exactly the opposite. My information is that 60 aeroplanes have been manufactured by the Germans during the same period that we have manufactured 300—on a comparable basis. It is very difficult for me to answer the question of the right hon. Gentleman, for he wants me to give him an assurance, and it is not my duty to do so. Marshal Foch and the Inter-Allied Commission are the responsible authority for the disarmament of Germany. With all that that reserve implies, I should say that I believe that the process is being carried out—I would not say punctually, I would not say willingly—but it is being carried out without undue obstruction, and will be fully completed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman be kind enough to communicate with the Inter-Allied Commission on the other side, and impress upon them the great necessity that steps should be taken to deprive the Germans of their aircraft as quickly as possible?

Yes, I will.

Did not General Masterman—

Question No. 42! [ See Cols. 1076–1077.]

asked the Prime Minister what guarantees the Allies have obtained from the Greek Government that they will preserve the religious institutions of the Moslems in Thrace and Asia Minor and that they will not molest or persecute them in their enjoyment of civil and religious rights?

The terms of the Draft Treaty of Peace with Turkey provide for the acceptance of Greece of such stipulations as may be deemed necessary to protect the interests of inhabitants who differ from the Greek majority in race, language and religion, both in the Adrianople region and also in Smyrna and the adjacent territory under Greek administration.

asked the Prime Minister, if any decision has yet been come to as to the date when the trial of the German war criminals will be commenced; if the procedure to be adopted as regards the submission of evidence and the examination of witnesses has been approved by the Allies; if the list of persons indicted by the British Government has been finally settled; and if particulars of the persons concerned and the offences with which they are charged will be published beforehand?

A full statement on this subject was made on 17th May, and there is at present nothing which I can usefully add to the information contained in that statement.

No steps have been taken since 17th May! Will the right hon. Gentleman see that at all events they get to work in regard to trying these German criminals?

I understand that the statement made by the Leader of the House is as strictly applicable to-day as then.

That is all!

asked the Prime Minister whether the agreement between Greece and Italy as to the future of the islands of the Dodecanese is a private one between these two nations or has been brought to the notice of the Supreme Council; and whether the League of Nations is to be consulted after the whole matter has been arranged?

The arrangement come to in Paris between the Greek and Italian Governments was a purely regional understanding affecting matters in dispute between Greece and Italy. The members of the Supreme Council were made aware at the time that such negotiations were in progress and cordially approved of a direct settlement being arrived at between Greece and Italy. As regards the last part of the question, I am not in a position to predict what action will or will not be taken by foreign Governments in matters concerning the League of Nations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been called to the report of the disturbances which took place recently at the German Consulate at Tabriz owing to the German officials giving shelter and assistance to a number of Persian Bolsheviks engaged in plotting, under Russian instigation, against the present Persian administration; if the German consul concerned, Herr Wustrow, was formerly at the German legation at Teheran and was expelled for intriguing with the Turks and Russian Bolsheviks against British interests; whether any protest in the matter has been addressed to the German Government; and, if so, with what practical result?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Persian Government had protested to the German Government against the activity of Herr Wustrow at Tabriz and, it is understood, were about to do so again when he was killed at Tabriz on 4th June.

Will the hon. Gentleman reply to the last part of the question as to whether any protest has been addressed to the German Government by the British Government?

I do not think any protest was made.

Does the hon. Gentleman not think it time some protest was made?

The hon. Member will oberve it is a matter which concerns the Persian Government and the Persian Government did make a protest.

When the German Government and ourselves are endeavouring to settle differences are we going to recognise their right to shelter these Bolshevists?

I do not think we need pursue that. This gentleman has been killed or has committed suicide and that seems to put an end to the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any decision has been come to regarding the future of the Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards regiments; whether these regiments are at present below establishment; what has been the weekly average number of recruits of each regiment in November, 1919, February, 1920, and May, 1920; and whether, whilst maintaining these three regiments as at present constituted, he will consider the possibility of effecting an economy by having one regimental office in Buckingham Gate for the three regiments?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any definite decision has been arrived at with regard to the suggested re-organisation of the Irish and Welsh Guards; whether the Report of the proceedings of the conference of the colonels and commanding officers dealing with this matter was officially communicated to the Press; and, if not so communicated, what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before any decision is taken to abolish the Welsh Guards Regiment, steps will be taken to ascertain Welsh opinion on the subject?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the announcement by the Army Council that the rumours of changes in the organisation of the Guards are premature, he can give assurances that there is no intention of changing the name or altering the independent organisation of the Scots Guards?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the resentment caused in Wales by the report that a proposal to abolish the Welsh Guards is under consideration; and whether he will take steps to ensure that Welsh national sentiment is considered in this matter, especially having regard to the achievements of the Welsh Guards during the recent War?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before any decision is taken to abolish the Welsh Guards Regiment, steps will be taken to ascertain Welsh opinion on the subject?

This subject has now been considered by the Army Council. There is no intention of disbanding the Irish or Welsh Guards so long as they are able to maintain their recruiting in such a manner as to preserve the national character of the regiments. The maintenance, however, of five regimental headquarters, which, now that the Guards' regimental lieutenant-colonels no longer command Territorial brigades, perform few functions other than those of record offices, requires careful study. It may seem advisable to reduce them to three, or even to establish one joint record office for the Brigade of Guards. In any case, care will be taken to balance the claims of efficiency and economy against those of sentiment and tradition.

May I ask whether there is any foundation at all for the statement that there is going to be a change in the Scots Guards?

No; there never was any question raised of making a change in the Scots Guards. The suggestion was that the Irish Guards should be brigaded with them.

Is it not a fact that if the Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards were in one regimental headquarters, while the other two retained their independent regimental headquarters, it would in effect be amalgamating the Irish, Welsh, and Scots Guards in one regiment?

I do not agree that it would have that effect, but I do not wish to prejudge that; it must be examined very carefully. We must not turn down incontinently suggestions of economy which do lead to a considerable saving of public money.

May I ask how much it is estimated would be saved by these alterations, and will they not in effect do away with the separate regiment of the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards too for that matter, which will affect the esprit de corps of these regiments, and is the amount of money to be saved worth that result?

That would rather prejudge the consideration of the question of amalgamating the headquarters, which must be taken in hand. The original proposals, which were put forward from purely military quarters, would have resulted only in the reduction of the Welsh Guards to a company and of the uniting under one record organisation of the Irish Guards and of the two Scots Guards battalions, leaving the Guards in three regiments of three battalions each. Those proposals, if carried out, would have resulted in a saving of £275,000 a year, but as it was never intended that such a step should be taken unless recruiting for the Welsh and Irish Guards failed, the only further question which is open, from the point of view of economy, is that concerned with the regimental offices. The maximum economy in that direction, assuming that separate bands are kept for each battalion, as is intended, would be about £20,000 in that respect per annum.

So far as maintaining the national character of these regiments is concerned, do not the Welsh Guards compare very favourably with the Scots Guards or the Grenadier Guards?

Will the right hon. Gentleman save £3,000,000 on the uniforms and allow us to spend the rest on keeping these men in their present regiments?

Is it not a fact that recruiting for the Welsh Guards in the last six months has been higher than in any other battalion of the Guards?

I naturally have made careful enquiries, and out of 500 recruits 200 were Welshmen, but if you take the wastage in a battalion at 150 in a year, which is not an unreasonable calculation, it will be seen that there would be a gain of 50 Welshmen per annum if that figure were maintained. That is a matter of great importance, having regard to the fact that this battalion was reconstructed so quickly after the War. So far as the rate of recruiting for the Welsh Guards is concerned, it is higher in the last few months than that for the Grenadiers or the Coldstreams, but as the Grenadiers and Coldstreams had already practically attained their full strength, they were only allowed to recruit at a lower rate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of my question dealing with the rate of recruiting and say whether it is not a fact that the reason why the recruiting for other regiments has gone up is that certain regiments of Foot Guards have been closed to recruiting?

The right hon. Gentleman has just stated that.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can state when the medal promised by him many months ago to the Territorials who volunteered for foreign service in 1914 will be ready; can he promise that at least the ribbon will be issued in the immediate future; and is he aware that the issuing of this ribbon would do much to stimulate Territorial recruiting?

The preparation of the riband is being taken in hand. The issue of the medal will not be commenced for some time as the preparation and issue of the War Medals must take precedence.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the present annual cost of the experimental ground at Porton; whether any decision has been arrived at as to its future; and whether, in view of the importance of economy, he will have it closed down?

The annual cost of the rent of the experimental ground at Porton is approximately £2,750. It has been decided to retain the land, as it is the only site in the country suitable for carrying out field experiments in chemical warfare. Until the attitude of the League of Nations to chemical warfare is defined, it is essential to have an experimental ground for the research necessary to provide our soldiers with adequate protection against gas.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether a soldier who has been demobilised in 1920 and has been granted a protection certificate (soldier not remaining with the colours) can be ordered to rejoin on the ground that he was demobilised in error; and under what legal authority can a demobilised soldier be called up to-day?

A soldier who has been demobilised in error and who has colour service to complete may, under existing instructions, be recalled to the colours for the purpose of completing his term of engagement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question and state under what authority a demobilised man can be called up?

He is held by his original attestation.

May I ask whether a soldier is not given a protection certificate when he is demobilised?

If that were issued in error, it would be no cover to a man who originally attested for 7 years with the colours and 5 years with the Reserve as a soldier of the Regular Army.

Are we to understand that the certificate issued by the military authorities is valueless?

No, I do not think that would be the assumption, but there were millions of men, who served under the provisions of the Military Service Acts, who have been demobilised. They are entirely covered by the protection certificate, but men who engaged in the Regular Army but were demobilised in error are still covered by their original engagement.

But does not the right hon. Gentleman think that if the Army authorities have made a mistake they should stand by the mistake?

No, I think ow duty is to endeavour to repair our mistakes, and, as far as possible, carry on as if they had not occurred.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before committing the country to expenditure in reclothing the Army in pre-War uni- forms, he will give orders for pattern uniforms of khaki to be made with regimental colour and cuff facings and collar badges of one line regiment, one rifle, and one cavalry regiment, and cause these to be displayed in the Tea Room, together with the comparative cost of uniforms so adorned and made at the Pimlico factory compared with the price of pre-War uniforms?

I regret that I do not see my way to adopt this suggestion at the present time.

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a small deputation of anti-waste Members of this House to put the whole matter before him?

I would consider it to be my duty to receive a deputation of Members if they so desired, but I should not counsel it.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman does not recognise that the great majority of Members are desirous of saving?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to provide the Territorial Army with new uniforms?

As I have already stated, the only regiments to be considered for the provision of full-dress during the current financial year are the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards. It is intended to issue only service dress to Territorial units.

And the service dress will be khaki?

The service dress will be khaki.

asked the Secretary of State for War how much time is occupied on an average per day by private soldiers in pipe-claying and cleaning uniforms of the pre-War pattern?

asked the Secretary of State for War what cleaning materials are necessary to maintain the pre-War uniforms in proper condition; what is the cost of these materials; and by whom is the cost to be defrayed?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the amount of labour involved in cleaning brightly coloured uniforms, the proposed reintroduction of pre-War clothing in the Army is extremely unpopular with private soldiers and is likely to prejudice recruiting; and will he reconsider the matter?

I am informed that little, if any, more time is occupied in cleaning uniforms of pre-War pattern than in cleaning service dress, which is difficult to keep smart and clean, and that practically no addition to the cleaning material is necessary. In the case of most regiments the only article of full-dress which requires pipe-clay is the waist-belt, and at stations abroad the white helmet. The expense is met by the clothing allowance scheme, which is about to be reintroduced. I have no doubt that the soldier will take a pride in keeping clean his full-dress, which is so closely connected with the traditions of his regiment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman explain how much time is occupied in cleaning the different uniforms?

I cannot do that without notice, but certain I am that smart habits and appearance on the part of a soldier in His Majesty's Army is most important.

Notice has been given in the first part of my question asking the right hon. Gentleman to tell how much time is occupied in cleaning the different uniforms?

I did not notice the hon. Member had specifically put it. It is very difficult to estimate how much time is occupied. In the case of the very clean and smart soldier, who keeps his uniform in good condition, it would probably be a very short time, but the slipshod, lazy, and dirty soldier would undoubtedly have to give greater service to make his outfit clean.

The time occupied is about twenty minutes. I speak from experience.

Very likely.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the wearing of regimental buttons and badges, together with the associations of khaki, will provide the maximum of esprit de corps, and so relieve the taxpayers of spending £3,000,000 on the proposed new uniforms for the Army?

My military advisers do not consider that the wearing of buttons and badges with khaki would cover the many Regimental traditions or the distinctions that have been earned by units and are associated with their historical past, nor do they agree that it would provide the full incentive to esprit de corps. Khaki is now the working and fighting dress of the soldier, and is of universal pattern, whereas the distinctions and honoured traditions of a unit are intimately connected with the pre-War uniform which was the fighting uniform of former days.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to use gold lace in the proposed new uniforms for officers?

Yes, Sir; but the amount of gold lace to be used on the new uniforms for officers will be very small as compared with that worn before the War.

May I ask whether, having regard to the desirability of keeping officers of small incomes, the right hon. Gentleman will see that anything that he specifies is within the income of not necessarily wealthy officers?

Yes, and I would point out that the allowance which has been authorised is in that direction.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the allowance is not sufficient to pay for the uniform of an officer of the middle classes?

I am informed that it will in the main be sufficient, but previous to the grant of this allowance the whole cost of providing the uniform was thrown on the officers, so that they are certainly far better off in that respect than they were before the War.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the War has brought in officers from different ranks of society?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any allowance will be made to officers to defray the cost of the proposed new uniforms; if so, how much; and whether this item is included in the estimated expenditure of £3,000,000?

Yes, Sir; as I stated on Tuesday last, new entrants will receive a grant of £150 towards the cost of uniform and those who joined during the War will get £150 less the amount of outfit grant already received, which, in most cases, is £42 10s.

Will pre-War officers receive any allowance covering the expense of altering their pre-War uniform?

No. Where the pre-War uniform is of a more expensive pattern and has more lace on than the new pattern, the officer will be allowed to wear it and to continue to wear it until that uniform is worn out.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that public opinion is dead against him on this extravagance?

Of course, it is very difficult to gauge exactly what public opinion is and still more difficult to gauge what instructed public opinion is.

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that in most cases where uniform has been put away for five years and more they are quite old, and will he not reconsider the question of making the same allowance to these officers? I know of cases where it will be very hard indeed.

asked the Secretary of State for War what British or Indian troops have been stationed at Hodeidah, on the Red Sea, during the past six months; with what object were they stationed there and if they are now leaving or have all left; and, if so, on what date did the last leave?

No British regiments have been employed at Hodeidah. Hodeidah was occupied on the 14th December, 1918, by one Indian battalion owing to the difficulty of establishing communication with Sanaa, and to form a base for the surrender of interned allied subjects and the remainder of the Turkish force. The garrison had to be slightly reinforced at the time that Colonel Jacob's mission was held prisoner at Bajil in case operations should have proved necessary. One Indian battalion now remains, and it is the intention to withdraw this as soon as the state of the country will allow of this being done.

Are we to understand from that reply that this expedition is really going to be abandoned, and that we are to have no more adventures in Arabia, where no good can come of them?

I have explained that troops went there originally to enable the interned Allied subjects and the remainder of the Turkish force to be handed over. That was certainly a necessary object.

Before that battalion is withdrawn, will the Government take urgent steps to arrange a peaceful settlement regarding the future of Hodeidah and its district between the Idrissi and the Imam Yahya, as, unless such agreement is arranged, the place and its inhabitants will be involved in serious hostilities on our withdrawal?

I will report both points of view to my colleagues in the Cabinet.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether Irish regiments have requested permission to use the bagpipes; whether the War Office propose to accede to this request;

(2) whether the use of bagpipes is the special prerogative of Scottish regiments?

Yes, Sir. Requests have been made by Irish regiments to use bagpipes, and the whole matter is at present under consideration.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise the resentment there will be in the Highland regiments if this proposal be carried out?

It is quite true it should be very carefully considered, but a privilege is one thing, a monopoly another.

Before bringing this innovation into Irish regiments, will he consider the sentiment of Highland and other Scottish regiments which have had bagpipes for generations?

I think it ought to be most carefully considered; but, as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Irish Guards already have bagpipes.

Did not the Scots bring the bagpipes from Ireland, in the first instance, many centuries ago?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give any information regarding the objects of the visit of General Sir John Cowans to Mesopotamia; is he travelling at Government expense; if not, is this officer paying his own expenses; and is he receiving pay and allowances from the War Office?

I have no official information on this subject. No charges are borne upon Government funds.

Has General Cowans obtained the permission of the War Office to leave this country?

Sir John Cowans has retired from the position of Quartermaster-General, which he held with great distinction for a very long time, and he is perfectly entitled to take any lawful course which seems open to him.

Is he still on the active list?

No, he has retired definitely.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of ex-service men were recently engaged to work at the Curragh Camp in Ireland, and undertook to work 66 hours a week; whether objection was taken by some local civilian painters as to the number of hours worked by these ex-service painters; whether the matter was referred to the engineer officer in charge; whether the result was that the ex-service men were discharged and lost their job; and whether he can give any information as to the circumstances under which these men were dismissed?

Inquiries are being made, and I will inform the hon. and learned Member of the result as soon as possible.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the scheme of the Civil Service Whitley Council fixing 35 as a maximum age of entry into the established Civil Service; whether he is aware that there are many capable ex-service men over that age at present on the temporary staff of the Civil Service; and whether, in view of the anxiety on the part of the late Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in France regarding the future of ex-service men, he will take the necessary steps to provide that the employment of ex-service men over 35 at present in the Civil Service will not be prejudiced, but permanency guaranteed, and that all further recruiting for the Civil Service will be suspended until all capable ex-service men now employed are admitted on the establishment?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given on 8th instant by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the hon. Member for Ealing.

Arising out of that question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman if in future he will take good care to clean his own doorstep before he fouls that of his neighbours? If he reads the question, he will see what I mean.

asked the Minister of Labour how many ex-service men in Irland are at present in receipt of the out-of-work donation; what is their percentage of unemployment as contrasted with that of ex-service men in Great Britain; is the fullest information given by leaflet to out-of-work donation recipients and by notice boards at each employment agency as to where employment can be applied for by ex-service men in search of work, and in general is every effort being used to help the men to find employment; has money been placed at anyone's disposal in Ireland for helping ex-service men; and, if so, what is the amount and by whom is it being disbursed?

The number of ex-service men in Ireland claiming out-of-work donation at 4th June was 19,127, compared with 155,915 in England, 2,980 in Wales, and 14,097 in Scotland. As regards the second part of the question, I am sorry to say that I have not the data which would enable me to strike the several percentages which my hon. Friend desires to compare. The fullest possible information is given by leaflet, poster, etc., as to how and where ex-service men who are unemployed should apply for employment or out-of-work donation, and every effort is being made to find employment for these men. Apart from the out-of-work donation, in cases which come within the regulations, ex-service men are eligible for grants from the Civil Liabilities Department.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is profound discontent among ex-Service men in Ireland at the failure of the Government to find employment for them. Is he further aware that the treatment centres are capable of being made self-supporting and of providing both training and employment for ex-service men?

I fully recognise that these men everywhere, and particularly in Ireland, need our sympathy, and I am doing all I possibly can in the matter.

The Prime Minister has referred to the fact that negotiations were going on with the trade unions concerning the employment of ex-service men? Are similar negotiations taking place with the trade unions in Ireland?

The unions are the same whether they be in Ireland or in other parts of the United Kingdom. If the hon. Member thinks there is any differentiation, I shall be very glad if he will point it out. Obviously, the negotiations will apply to both countries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Territorial Force is being reconstituted as a self-contained citizen army on a popular basis, any steps have been taken to secure the active co-operation of leading representatives of local authorities, such as mayors of municipal boroughs in the London area, in holding local recruiting meetings and taking other steps desirable, in conjunction with the local territorial associations, to secure an adequate number of recruits for the Territorial Army?

It is a cardinal principal of the present Government scheme for the Territorial Army that this citizen force shall be constituted and raised on the broadest popular basis. The local Territorial Associations who are the recognised official agencies for recruiting the Territorial Army are themselves based on a local and popular system of organisation and are exhorted to co-operate to the fullest extent possible with representative local authorities or organisations for other public purposes in this matter. Under the constitution of the London Territorial Association out of 56 co-opted members, 28 are the Mayors of London Municipalities co-opted ex officio. The London Association have in fact addressed invitations to all the mayors in question to co-operate with them in the manner suggested in the hon. Member's question. In eight cases favourable replies have been received from the mayors of Hammersmith Lewisham Holborn Westminster Chelsea Finsbury Kensington Islington. In eight other cases the replies received from the Mayors of Stepney Fulham Bermondsey Poplar Camberwell St. Pancras Battersea Greenwich have proved unfavourable. The mayors of these boroughs have, unfortunately, declined co-operation. In the other 12 cases no reply has been received to the Association's invitation.

May I ask whether these mayors who have returned unfavourable answers have resigned their ex-officio positions?

No, Sir.

Have appeals been made to the authorities of Greater London?

I am sure they have.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any details regarding the origin, nature of, and casualties in the recent out-break of trouble at Abu Tafar, near Mosul, Mesopotamia; and what steps have been taken to deal with the situation?

On the 3rd June, a party of some 300 Shamman Jarba tribesmen, led by Sherifian officers attacked Tel Afar (4 miles west of Mosul) and killed all the Government officials including Major J. E. Barlow, D.S.O., M.C. (the Political Officer), Lieutenant B. Stuart (Gendarmerie Officer), Mr. A. V. Walker (Gendarmerie Instructor), and No. 32287 Private W. R. Lawler, 7th Hussars. It is feared also that two cars of a light armed motor battery which visited Tel Afar on 4th June were also captured, and the crews killed. No report of any further casualties has been received. A punitive column from Mosul should have reached Tel Afar on the 8th June.

Has the right hon. Gentleman made inquiries as to where these Sherifian officers come from?

I should like to have notice of that question. I do not want to make any charges I cannot prove.

Are not incidents of this character likely to occur constantly until we decide what our policy is, and state that policy?

I think they are likely to occur very frequently in different parts of that enormous area which we are endeavouring to pacify.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the approxi- mate sum of money that was paid during 1917 and the first six months of 1918 by order of the War Office, either direct to the manufacturers or through the Ministry of Munitions, for glass and china insulators, telegraph and telephone cables, and telegraph poles; whether he is aware that miles of telephone and telegraph cables, both buried and air line, still remain untouched in France and Flanders; whether he is aware that in some cases, however, local farmers are tearing down the wire for the purpose of making fences; whether the War Office have thrown up any of this material for sale by the Disposal Board; and, if not, for what reason have articles of this nature been bought during the financial year ending 31st March costing the Post Office Department £76,000 for insulators, £660,000 for telegraph and telephone cables, and £37,000 for poles?

I am making inquiries into the first three parts of this question, and will write to the hon. and gallant Member later. As regards the last two parts, certain material of the nature mentioned has been thrown up for sale by the Disposal Board after the General Post Office had taken what it required.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries immediately to find out, first, how much stuff is going to waste in France—whether there are not miles of cable rotting in France at the present time under War Office arrangements?

I am making inquiries into the specific points brought forward by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, and if he wants me to make others, he had better put them down.

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the fact that it is not obligatory upon officers of the Royal Air Force to equip themselves with swords, but that it is obligatory for such officers to wear a sword on ceremonial occasions, he will suggest some method by which officers of moderate means can avoid the expense of purchasing a sword and yet be able to comply with ceremonial regulations?

The wearing of swords on specified occasions is at once the privilege and the duty of every officer in the service of the Crown who wears His Majesty's uniform, including the members of the Privy Council and the Corps Diplomatique. The suggestion in the question is that an exception should be made in the case of the Royal Air Force. I can see no good reason why any such distinction should be made.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his colleague suggested that the purchase of this sword was not obligatory. Therefore, I am asking how he can so manage that, while the officer will not possess a sword, he may be able to borrow one for ceremonial occasions?

The purchase of a full-dress uniform is not obligatory at present upon the Royal Air Force, largely on account of the difficulty of clothing prices and so forth. But it is intended that a uniform shall be adopted by the Royal Air Force, and if it be adopted the use of the sword with it will be indispensable.

What is the purpose of the sword—for clearing a way through the air, or what?

I do not know. The officers on board the ships of His Majesty have not much use for their swords, but they have not been deprived of them. [An HON. MEMBER: "To grapple with another ship?"] They have not been deprived of them under the modernising spirit. I do not see why the new Air Force should be placed on a different footing. As far as the action of the men and the officers in command is concerned, the Air Force have many duties on the ground, and it seems to be quite natural that they should be possessed of the sword as a weapon, as in the Navy, and more so in the Army.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can see his way to effect any reduction in the sum of 7s. 6d. at present charged for passports, issued by the Passport Office, Lake Buildings, St. James's Park, to persons desiring to visit France, having regard to the additional 8s. charged for endorsement at the French passport office, which unduly increases the initial expenses to persons of small means, before being able to cross the Channel?

Having regard to the fact that a British passport is valid for any number of journeys for two years and can be renewed for four successive periods of two years each on payment of the sum of 2s., I do not consider that the initial fee of 7s. 6d. is excessive. Moreover, this fee is below the average of the fees charged for passports in other countries and in our own Dominions. In cases of established hardship passports are issued gratis.

asked the Home Secretary what is the average number of police officers it is intended to employ during week-ends for the special duty of detecting infringements of the Motor Car Act in the Metropolitan police area during the months of June and July?

I do not think it would be desirable in the public interest to make the statement asked for.

asked the Prime Minister when it is proposed to proceed with the Committee stage of the Finance Bill; and when the Government Amendments in regard to the Excess Profits Duty will be tabled?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to answer the first part of the question. As regards the second part of the question, the Government Amendments were tabled last Wednesday evening and appeared in the Votes and Proceedings on Thursday last.

May we take it that the Committee stage of the Finance Bill will not be taken next week?

There is no chance of that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Central Control Board (Liquor Traffic) will be made amenable to this House?

That question does not arise.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will arrange that the forms asking for a return for assessment for Income Tax and Super-tax may be sent in duplicate in order to save taxpayers the unnecessary trouble and inconvenience of making copies of the same to keep for reference?

The Royal Commission on the Income Tax have approved a suggestion on the same lines as that of my hon. Friend. The matter is under consideration, but in any event the proposal could not, of course, be brought into operation for the current year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant the Return asked for by the Member for West Derbyshire?—[ Return giving the names of Members of the House of Commons who hold office under the Government or the Crown; the amount, if any, received by such Member as remuneration, apart from any salary he may receive as Member of Parliament, and the date of each appointment. ]

Yes, Sir.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Civil Service Commissioners have made unfavourable recommendations as to the employment of women administrative officers in their Department in spite of the acknowledged excellence of the work done by their temporary women officers?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Treasury and Civil Service Commission can see their way to appoint at least two women each to administrative posts at once under the relevant Order in Council of 1910, in order to set an example to the other Departments?

I am in favour of the principle underlying my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion, and as far as the Treasury is concerned, a proposal for the employment of women of administrative rank is now under consideration.