asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any information with regard to the destruction of Kieff Cathedral, waterworks, and electric generating stations before the retreat of the Polish Army; and, if so, is any protest being made by His Majesty's Government?

A member of the British Military Mission in Poland who left Kieff on the day before the last Polish troops were withdrawn from the city reports that on the day he left, 10th June, neither the waterworks, the cathedral, nor the electric generating stations had been destroyed, and the hon. and gallant Member will no doubt be aware that the Polish Government have officially denied these allegations. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Russian armed forces have been landed at Batum or Poti this year; if so, what forces were they; were they transported or escorted by British ships; and what was the object of landing these forces?

As far as His Majesty's Government are aware, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the remainder does not therefore arise.

asked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to the indictment published in the Press on the 14th June of the Soviet administration in Russia; and if, in the face of the facts set forth therein, the Government intends to continue its negotiations with the Soviet representatives accredited to this country by Lenin?

The fact that trade is permitted with a country does not imply approval of its administration.

Will the Government take steps to have the courageous statement made by the Secretary of State for War circulated in order that it may be distributed amongst the working classes?

I think it has had a fairly wide circulation.

Does the right hon. Gentleman approve of a Cabinet Minister supplementing his income by newspaper articles?

It altogether depends on the circumstances.

Have not the Government realised that all this propaganda against Russia has fallen quite flat in the country?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received any further details with respect to the circumstances of the brutal murder by Bolsheviks of Captain W. R. Frecheville, Royal Engineers, and Lieutenant H.J. Couche, M.C., Machine Gun Corps; and whether any other British officers, so far as he knows, are in the Bolsheviks' hands!

As regards the first part of the question, no report of the murder of these two officers has been received from the Soviet Government, and, on the other hand, Litvinoff has informed His Majesty's representative at Copenhagen that the competent Soviet authorities, Rostov-on-Don, have stated in reply to his Government's inquiries, that they have no knowledge whatever of the incident referred to and dismiss the story of capture and execution as an invention on the part of contra-revolutionary Russian newspapers. In spite of energetic inquiries instituted by the War Office no information has yet been forthcoming to confirm the account given by the fianceé of the Russian interpreter to Captain Frecheville. As regards the second part of the question, eleven British officers (formerly attached to the British Mission, Vladivostock) taken prisoners in Siberia by Soviet troops are still detained by the Soviet Government of Russia.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the amount received in this country by the issue of passports to British citizens during the year 1919?

The amount received was £61,290. This sum includes fees received from the renewal and endorsement of passports in addition to fees received from the issue of passports.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of the fact that the visâ system may be continued by various countries beyond the period of its utility on account of the revenue it produces, His Majesty's Government can see its way to bring before the Allied nations, through our representatives in the various capitals, the suggestion that if the visâ is to be continued it should be imposed without cost to members of the travelling public.

His Majesty's Government will be prepared, if necessary, to consider the advisability of the action suggested in this question, when the visâ system has in their opinion ceased to serve a useful purpose.

Cannot the hon. Gentleman have this matter brought before the Council of Ambassadors in Paris, seeing that the visâsystem is most inconvenient and yet appears to serve no useful purpose?

I will consider that, but I am doubtful whether it is a suitable subject for the Council of Ambassadors.

Seeing that His Majesty's Government have set such a good example, would it not be possible for them to persuade the other nations to follow that example?

I can assure my hon. Friend and the House that this matter is engaging the careful attention of the Foreign Office, and is reviewed from time to time.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received information as to the proposed Franco-Belgian alliance; and whether this alliance, if carried into effect, will automatically abolish the treaty safeguarding Belgium's neutrality to which Great Britain is a party?

I understand that preliminary discussions have taken place in Paris between Marshal Foch and the Chief of the Staff of the Belgian Army, with a view to the conclusion of a military agreement between France and Belgium. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Has the hon. Gentleman any information whether our two Allies are going to bring this alliance, if concluded, to the League of Nations for registration?

I have no information on that. In any case I should ask for notice of such a question.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the Persian Agreement, the joint commission of military experts has been set up; and whether any munitions and equipment have been supplied to Persia by Great Britain?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Report of the Commission has been drawn up and is now being being considered. The question of supplying munitions and equipment for the uniform Persian Force, which it is proposed to organise, is also occupying the earnest attention of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under Article 5 of Part I. of the Anglo - Persian Agreement, any schemes have been prepared for the encouragement of Anglo-Persian enterprise; and whether in such schemes preferential treatment is given to British subjects?

Article 5 of the Anglo-Persian Agreement is being carried out, as far as circumstances permit, in close co-operation between the British and Persian Governments. A railway option has been given by the Persian Government to a British firm for a proposed continuation of the present Mesopotamian railhead on the Persian frontier to Tehran via Kermanshah and Hamadan. The Company's surveyors are at present at work in Persia. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

In view of that answer, can the hon. Gentleman say if the principle is not to give preference to British subjects?

No. I understand it still remains with the Persian Government to decide whether or not they will accept or grant contracts.

Do not the Persian Government act on the advice of their British adviser, if he suggests to them to accept British in preference to other people's offers?

I do not think so.

Is there any harm in British subjects obtaining a preference?

asked whether any funds or any portion of the loan have been supplied under the Anglo-Persian Agreement; and has any interest been paid?

I would point out to the hon. and gallant Member that according to the provisions of the Per- sian Loan Agreement of 9th August, 1919, the loan to Persia was to be paid as required after the British Financial Adviser had taken up his duties at Tehran. The British Financial Adviser has now reached his post and is examining the financial position. The greater bulk of the loan is still available, and no interest has accrued as yet.

On what Vote is this money charged?

On the Foreign Office Vote.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with the work of revising the Persian tariff; and is it proposed under it to give a preference of any kind to British subjects?

The Persian tariff of 1903 was revised by a Joint Commission appointed by the British and Persian Governments under the Anglo-Persian Agreement of 9th August, 1919, and the revised tariff has been in force since 2nd April, 1920. A complete English translation was published as a supplement to the Board of Trade Journal of 20th May last, a copy of which I am sending to my hon. and gallant Friend. The rates of the new tariff apply equally to imports from all countries enjoying most favoured nation treatment, and no preferential treatment is given to British subjects.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether facilities are afforded, and assistance given, by his department to representatives of firms desiring to establish works abroad for the manufacture of munitions of war?

I am not aware of any case in which facilities have been given by my Department for the purpose indicated.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether the prohibition by the French Government of the importation of manufactured silk from this country is for a fixed period or an indefinite one; and, as this prohibition will seriously affect the silk industry in this country, has any representation been made to the French Government on the subject?

No fixed period was established for the continuance in force of the import prohibitions imposed by the French Decree of the 23rd April on silk manufactures and various other classes of goods. Representations were made to the French Government with the object of inducing them, if possible, to withdraw the prohibition in respect of silk mourning crêpe, of which our exports of silk goods to France mainly consist. From information which has recently been received from His Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, it appears that the issue of a new Decree is now in contemplation, under which the prohibition will be maintained against a limited number of articles only, which, it is hoped will not include silk mourning crêpe.

Is it not a fact that the Italian trade has been given preference in the French market?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the fact that German toys and other things are being sold in England without being marked with their place of origin; if he is aware that much German produce is sold to neutral countries and then passed on to this country; and if he will take steps to alter this state of affairs?

The answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend is considering the whole question of the marking of foreign goods in the light of the Report of the Merchandise Marks Committee, copies of which will shortly be available.

asked what is the amount of advances to date made to British exporters under the export credits scheme?

The amount of advances to date made to British exporters under the export credits scheme is £28,242 8s. 4d.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the attention of the Government has been called to the fact that certain secondary school cadet corps are being disbanded owing to the want of sufficient funds to keep them up; that since the War certain additional privileges have been accorded to schools having in them recognised junior officer training corps; and that no such extension of privileges has been made to similar schools having corps recognised under cadet corps regulations; whether the Government has been approached by educational associations to remove the differential treatment being accorded to schools in the matter of recognition of junior officer training corps and cadet corps; and whether the Government is prepared to take steps to accord equal treatment to all secondary schools in the matter of recognition for purposes of cadet training?

The whole question of the cadet force has been the subject of careful consideration by the War Office in conjunction with the other Departments concerned, and I hope that a decision will shortly be reached, and that I shall be in a position to make an announcement on the matter at an early date.

asked the Secretary of State for War the total amount of the fund at the disposal of the Navy and Army Canteen Board; how much has been expended, on what objects, and the balance remaining; and to what purpose, or purposes, is it to be devoted?

It is not possible to state the total unexpended balance of canteen funds pending the completion of the liquidation of the Expeditionary Force Canteens. The total amount expended by the Army Council from canteen funds up to the 31st December, 1919, amounted to £936,900 approximately, of which details have been published from time to time in Army Council instructions. Information as to disbursements made by the United Services Fund should be obtained from Lord Byng at the offices of the Fund, 29, Cromwell Road, S.W.7. The funds are utilised for the benefit of serving and ex-serving officers and men and their dependants.

Is it the intention of the War Office to cease calling this the United Services Fund, seeing that the Navy does not participate in that?

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the Navy and Army Canteen Board have made arrangements to open forthwith another retail shop at Aldershot in the Queen Alexandra Young Men's Christian Association premises fronting Aldershot Fleet main public road; and whether he will explain the reason for this, in view of the statements made to the business deputation received by him on the 3rd June that all Navy and Army Canteen Board retail shops should be closed forthwith and that no others would be opened?

As I stated to the deputation which I received at the War Office on the 3rd June, while I could give no pledge as to establishments and institutes of the Navy and Army Canteen Board on War Department land, the others not so situated had either been closed or were actually being closed. The new premises of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, which have recently been opened at Aldershot in Pennefathers Roard, are, as the Noble Lord is aware, situated on War Department land, well inside the confines of the camp and in the midst of the barrack buildings.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these new premises are on the road only a few hundred yards away from the old premises which he promised should be taken away? What practical difference is there in the two positions?

I am aware of that, but it is more than a few hundred yards. I have seen the map and the scale. They are placed on the road, and they are in the middle of the camp.

Will anyone except members of the naval and military and air forces be allowed to use these canteens?

The use will be confined to those who are members of the forces and a limited list of people who are more or less connected with the forces. I have not the list with me, but I can supply it.

Is not the Government going into competition with private traders?

Yes, so far as the forces are concerned there is competition with private trade, but there is no competition in regard to supplying civilians outside those people I have mentioned connected with the forces.

Are we to understand from that answer that it is the intention of the Government to compete with traders in these garrison towns in their ordinary trade?

The Canteen Board, as the Noble Lord knows, exists to supply the necessities of the soldier and his dependants, and it is the intention of the Government to continue to so supply them.

Was not the Canteen Board merely an Army measure promised to be dropped when the War was over?

; No, the canteens are a very old institution. They were very unsatisfactory before the War, and a new system was introduced which was more or less to come to an end at the end of the War, and now a Committee is sitting at the War Office to consider the formation of a new system which will apply not only to the Army. but to the Navy and the Air Force.

Are these steps of development being taken without the sanction of the Committee which is now sitting?

There are no developments of the scope of trading, I am informed. The scope of trading is the same as it has been for some time. But, as far as regards the future, the Committee will no doubt consider the scope, and have offered to receive witnesses from the association represented by the Noble Lord.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to issue a medal or badge to those troops, a large portion of whom were volunteers, who served during the War but whose services did not extend beyond the United Kingdom?

As I have already stated, the question of the award of a medal for service at home during the War will receive further consideration as soon as the preparation and issue of the War Medal is more advanced. I can, however, make no promise of a favourable decision at this stage.

If the War Office cannot give a medal—and I quite appreciate the difficulty in regard to that—cannot it give a parchment certificate or some other form of recognition to these men—largely old soldiers, who came back to the Army and did all the training but got none of the glory and honour?

I will consider that. There are enormous numbers of the people who in one way or another rendered most valuable service to the country, and they would probably all claim the parchment certificate.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of issuing no more medals until he has dealt with the case of the territorials who served abroad?

Yes, Sir. I have already said that the claims of men who served at the front must have priority over all others.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering that it has been decided not to abolish the stand-up collar buttoned tightly to the throat in the re-issue of full-dress tunics to the Army, he will give instructions that the collar is to be cut just as loose and as easy round the throat as would be the case had a roll collar been substituted?

The collar of the full-dress tunic is not a high one, and, when fitting the tunic, the necessary ease and comfort of fit is always considered. As I stated in reply to a previous question by the hon. and gallant Member on the 8th June, the stand-up military collar should be no more irksome than that worn in civilian dress.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman has ever seen a battalion on the railway, where every man has to unbutton his coat to enable him to breathe?

This is a question of choice between a stand-up collar and a roll collar, and from the point of view of military uniform, there is no doubt whatever that the stand-up collar is much better adapted. It can be put on very much more quickly, and all the difficulty of shirt, collar and tie, and undergarments generally, is completely avoided by having a collar which, with two small hooks, is completely fastened. Anyone who knows will agree that far greater speed in dressing and arriving on parade can be achieved with a stand-up collar than with a roll collar and tie.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that these hooks are so fastened that men can wear them without irksomeness?

I will give my personal attention to that.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how far preparations have proceeded for the re-issue of these full-dress tunics in the Army?

I think that is a matter of which I should receive notice.

I will ask a question with reference to it to-morrow.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it will be possible to restrict coloured uniforms to the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards, and to clothe the remainder of the Army in khaki?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Financial Secretary to the War Office has recently stated that recruiting for the Regular Army is proceeding satisfactorily, and that the chief reason given for ordering scarlet uniforms was the stimulation of recruiting, he will consider the advisability of cancelling the order?

Yes, Sir; it will certainly be possible to do this, if it were thought advisable in future years.

Will it not create an invidious distinction between one regiment and another, when all have served with equal honour in the War?

I understood that one part of the argument against the introduction of full dress was that it was so unpopular with the soldiers, leading to all this undue work with pipeclay and so on; and in that case it would not be an invidious distinction, but the reverse.

May I ask whether the great point was not the wasteful expenditure on these uniforms?

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, have an opportunity of dealing fully and eloquently with that subject to-morrow.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any expressions of opinion from the rank and file as to this proposed change?

Not in the sense that they have been asked to have a plebiscite on the subject, but, in the course that I have recommended to the House, I have been following the advice which has been given to me by all those who are responsible for the good government of the Army.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the rank and file are very far from being united in favour of khaki?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the quantity of khaki cloth not yet delivered for which tenders have been accepted?

There are no outstanding contracts for khaki cloth, and all deliveries were completed some considerable time ago.

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the names of the firms who will make the proposed Army uniforms; and What is the value of the contract held by each?

No orders either for cloth or for making it up into uniforms have so far been placed with the trade.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman state to the House that the orders had actually been given?

I said that sanction had been given to proceed with the execution of the policy. Between that and the actual physical steps by which that policy is executed there is very often a considerable and indefinite interval of delay.

Did not the right hon. Gentleman say the money was already being spent, although this House of Commons had not formally sanctioned it?

No, Sir; I did not say anything of the sort. I said that the total sum of money involved in the proposal we put forward with regard to this year amounted to approximately £130,000. I also said that the order had been given and the decision had been taken to proceed with the policy involving that expenditure. Of course, expenditure is proceeding on every branch of the Army Estimates, in virtue of which the House has already passed a large Vote on Account. The special sanction of the House of Commons is not given in detail to each particular item in the Estimates, nor is expenditure on that particular item in the Estimates detailed and withheld until such sanction has been given. If such a rule prevailed it would be impossible to conduct affairs for a single day, as no one ought to know better than the right hon. Gentleman opposite.

Is it a fact that if the Government reversed its policy there would be no loss on account of orders having been placed?

Are we to understand that there is no contract between the War Office and any private manufacturers with regard to these uniforms?

I understand what has actually begun is the making up of stocks we had in our possession. Contracts have not actually been placed with the trade. It is the intention of the Government to place such regular contracts in the regular course, assuming that we are fortunate enough to retain the good will and support of the House of Commons.

It was a picturesque figure of speech when the right hon. Gentleman said the looms had been started?

Well, perhaps it was.

Was it a terminological inexactitude?

Naturally I was not aware of the exact state of the execution of the contracts, but the note given me, on which I based my answer, was that this decision would lead to the looms being set in motion.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether officers with pre-War commissions whose coloured uniforms are no longer of suitable size or have so deteriorated as to be useless will be provided with any allowance when the proposed new clothing is made compulsory?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital have now received any answer from the First Commissioner of Works with reference to the evacuation of Burton's Court.

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me at all when he will have information on this subject?

I will send a copy of the question and answer to my right hon. Friend the First Commissioner of Works. Perhaps that will produce an acceleration of the matter.

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring all his influence to bear on the Commissioners of Chelsea Hospital to induce them to resume occupation of Burton's Court at the earliest possible opportunity?

asked the Secretary of State for War if the £15 allowance for kit made to Army sisters ordered to Mesopotamia is subsequently deducted from their pay; and, if so, whether he will explain why this is done?

Nurses serving on a temporary engagement are given £5 10s. on embarking for the first time for Mesopotamia and certain other stations in the East, for the purpose of buying tropical kit. This amount is not deducted from their pay. Nurses serving on a regular engagement are not entitled to this allowance.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the retention of the Welsh and Irish Guards is dependent upon their maintaining their recruiting in such a manner as to preserve the national character of the regiments; and, if so, whether a similar condition applies to the Grenadiers Guards, Scots Guards, and other regiments?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the provisional retention of the Welsh and Irish Guards subject to the maintenance of their strength and national characteristics applies equally to the Scots Guards and other national regiments; and what percentage of national personnel is required to ensure their retention?

The answer is in the affirmative. The same conditions will apply to the Scots Guards, but as regards the other regiments I would point out that the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards have no special national character. It is not considered desirable to fix a definite percentage, at any rate for the present.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that Messrs. Watson and Sons, contractors, of Perth City, have had certain monetary claims for work executed pending with the War Department since December, 1916, comprising settlement of balance of triennial contracts for four districts in Scotland and other building works executed during the War period to that date under the Scottish Command; that repeated applications have been made to the War Office for settlement and no satisfactory replies received; and whether he will now have the claims referred to inquired into and settled without further delay?

I understand that there are three claims in question, in two of which ex gratis payments were made in September, 1917, and January, 1918, and the other was the subject of an arbitrator's award about a year ago. Towards the end of last year, Messrs. Watson and Sons appealed against the rulings given and the claims have again been investigated, but so far no grounds for further payment have been disclosed. The consideration of the remaining points raised will, it is hoped, shortly be completed, and a final answer will be sent to Messrs. Watson and Sons at the earliest possible date.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether Regulation 13a, issued under the Defence of the Realm powers, is still in operation; and, if so, whether he will give the names of the areas covered by such order?

So far as I am aware, there is no area in which an order under Defence of the Realm Regulation 13a is in operation. The cancellation of the Regulation is now being considered.

asked the Secretary of State for War what quantity of khaki has been handed over to the Disposal Board?

The quantity of khaki cloth that has been reported to the Disposal Board is as follows:— Yards. Cloth, greatcoat, drab mixture 1,000,000 Serge, drab mixture 2,500,000 Tartan, drab mixture 2,500,000 Bedford Cord 500,000 Whipcord 728,000

For what purpose has this been handed over?

For sale to the country.

Cannot it be utilised for clothing the soldiers?

Will the right hon. Gentleman withhold this order until the House has given a decision on the question of khaki?

There are great quantities that are surplus. We have always found ourselves open to criticism for holding too large a stock and for not endeavouring to reduce the high price of cloth in the country.

Would it not be more economical to use this cloth in uniforms for the soldiers in the first case, and then to go into the question of clothing the troops in scarlet?

I am not at all sure whether it would be wise to keep such very large stocks of khaki. We are keeping enormous stocks of khaki, both in uniforms and in cloth, at our disposal now, because that is going to be the permanent working dress of the Army. But this is surplus to all that, and I certainly do not think we ought to go back on the decision to put this quantity of khaki on the market.

Has the House had a chance of deciding this question?

It is impossible for the House of Commons to decide every question of detailed administration. The House of Commons is not an Executive body; it is the body that controls the Executive.

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?

The report which has been called for has not yet been received. I will not fail to write to the hon. and learned Member as soon as I am in a position to do so.

I will repeat the question this day week.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a disabled ex-service man, Private N. G. Mates, No. 2,982, Connaught Rangers, was employed by the Army authorities on work of reconstruction at the Royal Dublin Society's premises at Ball's Bridge, Dublin, from 4th May, 1919, to 19th December, 1919, when he was summarily dismissed; and whether he will state why, and by whose orders, this man was dismissed?

I am informed that Mr. Mates was not employed under the War Office, but by the Royal Dublin Society.

Is there any means by which this ex-soldier can get redress if he was improperly dismissed?

It is not a matter for the War Office. It did not employ him.

Were not the Society acting under the instructions of the War Office in this matter?

I am informed we have no responsibility in the matter.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any and, if so, how many men in continued receipt of allowances from the Civil Liabilities Fund still remain in the Army; and whether any precautions have been taken by the War Office to see that men in receipt of these grants were not accpted for extended srvice in the Army unless they relinquished their grants?

The number of such men is approximately 300. Men who extended their service were not required to relinquish the grant, but the grant will shortly cease in all cases.

Was it not taken into consideration how much these men would cost the country before their extended service was accepted?

No, Sir, the War Office had no information as to the local grants given by the local committees. The War Office pay the standard pay.

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Committee to inquire into the position of ex-service men employed in temporary posts in Government offices, with a view to seeing how far preference can be given to them for permanent employment?

As indicated by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the 8th instant, in his reply to a question by my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ealing, a Committee is being set up to consider what modifications, if any, should be made in existing arrangements for the employment of ex-service men in Government Departments. This Committee will consider the question of the conditions under which ex-service men should be given permanent posts in the Civil Service. I may add that at the examination for the new clerical class (men), which will shortly be held, it has already been decided to reserve 75 per cent. of the vacancies for ex-service candidates, if so large a proportion reach the qualifying standard.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, owing to necessary retrenchment, a great many men are being dismissed, and could not the Committee be set up immediately? It is a matter of great urgency.

It is being set up immediately.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give the House any further information regarding the situation in and near Mosul and as to the causes of the recent outbreaks?

As the result of the operations of the punitive column sent out from Mosul on 4th June, the hostile Arab gathering in the Tel Afar district have dispersed. There have been attacks on the lines of communication between Samarra and Mosul, all of which have been repulsed. The cause of the recent outbreaks is not known, but they are probably inspired by the Young Arab party, as stated in the reply to a question put by the hon. and gallant Member for Gateshead (Brigadier-General Surtees) on the 17th June.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received any information as to whether the motor cars seized by the Arabs have yet been recovered?

No, Sir.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information as to what British casualties there were in these operations?

There were two officers and about 12 soldiers killed.

Did those include any white British troops, or were they entirely Indian troops?

The casualties to which I am referring occurred to white British troops.

asked the Prime Minister to what extent the Arab notables are being associated with the present administration of Mesopotamia; what progress is anticipated in the future; and what is the policy of His Majesty's Government in this respect?

From the beginning of the occupation of Mesopotamia, Arab notables have largely cooperated both in the civil and judicial administration of the country. In addition to this, numerous Arab advisory bodies, formal and informal, have been constituted, and it is the intention of His Majesty's Government that this policy should be continued to the fullest extent possible.

What does the right hon. Gentleman mean by these Arab notables co-operating? Are any of these people with regular posts as officials in the Mesopotamian Government?

Yes.

Are they being paid at the same rates as Indian or British officers holding similar posts?

I could not answer that question.

Does not the administration of Mesopotamia involve a huge expenditure for transport and purchase of land and works?

That hardly arises out of this question.

It is administration.

This deals with Arabs.

asked the Prime Minister whether it is contemplated that the type of administration to be introduced into Mesopotamia shall be considered by the League of Nations; if so. what are the qualifications of the League for dealing with such a question; and is its opinion thereon to be preferred to that of the Government and of the representatives of the people?

The consideration of the Mandate by the League of Nations does not imply that the League will determine the details of the administration.

Will the Government or Parliament be liable to be over-ruled whenever two or three men or supermen meet in the name of the League of Nations? How will it work?

I hope my hon. Friend and I will live long enough to see how it works.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received the Report of the Judicial Commission appointed by Field-Marshal Lord Allenby to inquire into the outbreak of disorder in Jerusalem in April last; whether any action has been taken on the Report; and will the Report be made public?

The Court of Enquiry into the disorders which took place in Jerusalem in April last is still sitting, and, therefore, the last part of this question does not arise. An Interim Report of the Court of Enquiry has been received. It is for the Foreign Office to decide upon the question of publication.

Is this a military court of inquiry or a civil commission?

It is a judicial commission. I think it is partly composed of military elements, but it is presided over by a civilian, and it will report to the Foreign Office.

Is it intended to publish the Interim Report?

I must have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering that the regimental allowances drawn by regimental officers of the Indian Army is regimental pay and not staff pay, and that it has been proved that the regimental pay of officers of the Indian Army was not greater during the War than that drawn by officers of the British Army, he will cancel the order depriving officers of the Indian Army, taken prisoner in the defence of Kut, of half their regimental allowances after the first two months of captivity?

The emolument that was reduced by half, as described in the question, is officially termed "staff pay". I do not think any question of allowances, in the sense in which that word is officially used, arises. The staff pay in question differs from regimental pay in that its issue is conditional upon performance of duty. The Regulation referred to was made with the concurrence of the War Office by the Indian Authorities, and it would not be in the power of the War Office to cancel it, even if it were considered that any case existed for so doing. I must not be understood to accept the hon. and gallant Member's statement that the regimental pay of Indian Army officers was not greater than that of British Army officers.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman acknowledge that it has been proved that the regimental allowances of Indian officers were not greater than those of British officers, according to a return which he himself issued, and is it not a very great injustice to Indian Army officers that they should be deprived of their pay for the defence of Kut?

I have just said that I am not to be understood to accept that interpretation.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the troops employed in the Afghan war of 1919 on the North-West Frontier of India will be entitled to the Victory Medal?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the progress of recruiting for the Territorial Army; and whether he will state the number of recruits enrolled to date and the total number required to complete the establishment?

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my previous replies on this subject, and in particular to my answer on Tuesday last to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich, in which I stated that, in the opinion of those who are most closely acquainted with the subject, there are grounds for hoping that ultimately the required numbers for the Territorial Army will be forthcoming. I have received quite encouraging reports from the divisional officers of the Territorial Force, but I do not think we should expect this force to rise to anything like its full strength for probably 12 or 18 months.

Has the 25 per cent. yet been enlisted, to enable the Territorials to go into camp this year?

In some cases more than 25 per cent.; but we are arranging special camps for grouped units where, if men wish to have preliminary training in musketry, facilities can be given.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet received a copy of the Armistice signed between Mustapha Kemal and the Allied Commander-in-Chief in Cilicia; and whether the town of Adana and the section of the Baghdad railway between that town and the Taurus tunnels are still in Allied occupation?

The Armistice with Mustapha Kemal was signed by the representative of the French High Commissioner. There is no Allied Commander-in-Chief in Cilicia, for which the French have sole responsibility. His Majesty's Government are not in possession of a copy of the Armistice terms, but from the information in their possession there seems to be no reason to suppose that the evacuation of Adana is contemplated. It appears doubtful, however, whether the French troops still command the railway between Adana and the Taurus tunnels.

Are we to understand that the French Commander-in-Chief and the Allied Commander-in-Chief agreed to the terms of the Armistice?

I should like notice of that question.

asked the Lord Privy Seal what is the number of married women employed on clerical and administrative or similar work in the War Office, the Ministry of Health, the Air Ministry, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Food and the Board of Trade, respectively?

The numbers are as follow: War Office (including Local Audit and Offices, Chelsea Hospital, Royal Army Clothing Department) 141 Ministry of Health 43 Air Ministry 50 Ministry of Labour 270 Ministry of Food (Headquarters only). 143 Board of Trade 92

asked the Lord Privy Seal if his attention has been called to the report that the German Government has repudiated the indemnity offer made in its note of 20th May, 1919, on the ground that since then Germany's economic resources have been weakened by further territorial losses not contemplated by the Treaty of Versailles; and if he will state whether in fact Germany has been called upon since May, 1919, to surrender any territory not covered by the Treaty?

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