asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many of the British Ambassadors' posts are now held by persons other than professional diplomats; and whether, seeing that the appointment of non-professional persons to such posts is calculated to retard promotion in the Diplomatic Service and thereby dis- courage those who spend their lives abroad in the belief that they are qualifying for the higher ranks of their profession, he will give the matter his consideration.

The posts of Ambassador at present held by Ambassadors who had not previously been members of the Diplomatic Service are those of Paris, Washington, and Berlin. While the posts of Ambassador are, as a general rule, filled by professional diplomatists, the choice of an Ambassador for any particular country cannot be restricted when special political considerations or circumstances have to be taken into account.

Is it not the general feeling in this country that we should discard professional Ambassadors, and have men fitted to go to great countries.

The hon. Member is just as well able to estimate public opinion as I am.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British subjects, approximately, remain in Russia as prisoners; how many of these are in prison for offences against common law; how many were captured on the various fighting fronts; and what progress has been made in the negotiations for their exchange or release?

I am, I regret, unable to say how many prisoners still remain in Russia, as His Majesty's Government have been unable to obtain any definite information on this subject from the Soviet Government. The large majority of British subjects in Russia have now been repatriated, and it is possible that some of those now remaining there do not desire to return to the United Kingdom. According to my most recent information there are still 12 British subjects in prison at Moscow, Petrograd and Vologda: and besides these there are certain civilians who are reported to be in arrest at Baku. His Majesty's Government have been unable to procure any information from the Soviet Government as to the reason for the imprisonment of these persons, and there is reason to suppose that it is not due to any offence against common law. As regards the third part of the question, 11 officers and 7 other ranks are prisoners in Siberia, having been captured in December and January last; the majority of these were members of the British Railway Mission; the prisoners taken at Baku cannot be considered as having been captured on a fighting front. Two officers were captured in South Russia in December, but His Majesty's Government have not hitherto been able to obtain any information concerning them. There are also others who have at various times been reported missing but who are not known to have been prisoners. As regards the fourth part of the question, the House has already been informed that it has been made clear to the Soviet Trade Delegation that until the release of all British prisoners in Russia takes place, no trade will be permitted between Russia and the United Kingdom. His Majesty's Government are still awaiting the reply of the Soviet Government.

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his reply. May I ask him if it is not the fact that the Soviet Government have agreed on principle to the release of these prisoners?

I would rather not make any reference to the negotiations which are going on.

Can the hon. Gentleman state the exact position of the 11 officers captured in Siberia?

I understand that these officers desire to be repatriated by way of Vladivostock, and decline to go through Moscow.

I should think so.

Has the Government any later information with regard to the naval prisoners at Baku?

Yes, we understand that they have been removed to a villa outside Baku. I have no further information.

Is it not a fact that they are on a rocky island in the Caspian?

That is not my information.

Are the Government prepared to lay down a time limit for the release of the prisoners, and to announce that, unless they are released within that time, there will be an entire breakdown to the negotiations.

Why cannot the hon. Gentleman, in order to relieve the anxiety of the relatives of these people, admit that the Soviet Government have agreed in principle to release the whole of the prisoners?

That is precisely one of the points of negotiation between His Majesty's Government and the Soviet Government.

asked the Secretary of State fur War how many British officers were present at the Polish evacuation of Kieff in order to give information to the British Government?

I am informed that two British officers were present.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to take any steps with regard to the very serious statements made in the public Press dealing with his action and policy in relation to Russia; and whether he is prepared to make a full statement on the subject?

My right hon. Friend gave me notice of this question yesterday. For some reason or other he did not put the question. If he had done so, I should have given him the answer I give him now. I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House yesterday, in answer to a question across the Floor of the House.

May I, therefore, ask the Leader of the House whether we can have an early opportunity of discussing the matter referred to in the question?

I would like to know what it is that it is desired to discuss before I can give any answer. In any case, it would be very difficult to find time before the Recess.

At the end of Questions —

In view of the terms of the reply, I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House in order to call attention to a definite matter of urgent public importance, namely, the publication of evidence to the effect that secret arrangements, tending to mislead Parliament and the people regarding British military commitments, are made in the War Office, in co-operation with the military representatives of other countries.

I do not think I can take that as a matter of urgency. It relates to matters which took place some time ago, and there is nothing urgent about it. Should the right hon. Gentleman desire to raise a discussion upon it, there are proper means of doing so, and before the end of the month there will be several occasions upon which the matter could be raised. I could not accept the Adjournment Motion.

While it is true that these events are perhaps twelve months old, they have been revealed to us only in the last few days.

The revelation does not create a matter of urgency.

May I point out to you, very respectfully, that at the present moment our relations with Poland are exactly similar to what a year ago our relations were with Koltchak's Government, and that what happened then may very well be happening now both in connection with Poland and in connection with Wrangel's Government in the Crimea, and that, if what was done then was wrong, it is of urgent importance that we should stop such a thing happening again in connection with other powers, which may involve us in war and may again be deceiving the people and the Government of this country?

The proposition which the hon. and gallant Gentleman makes is too remote. If the hon. and gallant Member has any suggestion that at the present time the Secretary of State for War is carrying on any negotiations with the Polish Government or with General Wrangel, which are unknown to the Government and contrary to the policy of the Government—if the hon. and gallant Member will produce any evidence of that character, that raises an entirely different matter and puts the question in a different light.

Is not that to be pre-supposed from the fact that he was doing exactly that a year ago, contrary to what anyone in this country would have supposed possible?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman pre-supposes that General Golovin's statements in the interview are correct. I understand that that presupposition is denied.

Would it not be advisable, in the interests of the Secretary of State himself, to make a statement of his side of the case so that we could know whether General Golovin's case is correct or not?

May I ask whether it would make the Motion of the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Platting (Mr. Clynes) in order if we were to add these words "and to call attention to the national danger of his continued presence at the War Office and the urgent need for the immediate removal of the right hon. Gentleman from the position of Secretary of State for War"?

That is not a proper method by which to move a vote of censure on a Minister. There is a proper method of doing so.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he will consider the advisability of publishing a White Paper showing which of General Golovin's statements are disputed by the Secretary of State for War?

No. There may be something in all this, but, I have not been able to see it. I have no reason whatever to suppose that my right hon. Friend (Mr. Churchill) has been doing anything behind the backs of his colleagues.

May I ask the Leader of the House whether he has satisfied himself that there are no other similar negotiations going on in other directions at the present time?

I am afraid the interrogatories are getting rather discursive.

Are we to understand that it will be impossible to move the Adjournment in connection with affairs in Russia at the present time, and that this prevents free discussion in this House of grave actions of this misleading Government?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman must only suppose what he will find in my ruling in the OFFICIAL REPORT to-morrow.

I hope I may be permitted to make a personal statement. I have not personally the slightest desire to avoid any Debate.

Why avoid it?

I take responsibility for the decision, which is according to the rules and procedure of the House.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Milner Commission as such has ceased to exist; whether it is now authorised to act as representative of the Government to negotiate with the Egyptian delegation as representative of Egypt; whether the independence of Egypt and the Soudan has been recognised by the Government; and if the negotiations are for the purpose of ascertaining what guarantees Egypt can give to safeguard British interests?

The Milner Mission has in no sense ceased to exist, and their present negotiations with Zaghloul Pasha and his followers do not go beyond their original instructions. These were to consult with representatives of all shades of opinion with a view to working out a scheme for the future government of Egypt which, while safeguarding the interests of Europeans, should satisfy so far as possible the aspirations of Egyptians. In the meantime there is no change in the political status of Egypt or the Soudan.

When may we expect a declaration from the Government on their Egyptian policy?

We have first to receive and consider the Milner Report.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, on the occasion of British secret service agents abroad coming into possession of private documents and letters due to police raids on the houses of private individuals or through other channels, it is usual to permit the information contained in these documents or letters to be communicated to private individuals not connected with His Majesty's service?

The action suggested by the hon. Member is certainly not usual, but I do not think it is desirable to discuss in this House action attributed to persons alleged to be British secret service agents. If the hon. Member is alluding to any particular incident and will give me details of it privately, I will readily cause inquiries to be made.

Are not both the hon. Gentlemen to whom the question is addressed and the hon. and gallant Member who put it both aware that the documents evidently referred to in the question were not obtained through the secret service?

What has the hon. Member for Islington (Mr. Raper) to do with British agents abroad?

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Department whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that 50 tons of Watson's Matchless Cleanser Soap, value £5,000, which was shipped in error by the British Rhineland Navigation and Transport Company per ss. "Jupiter" on 21st April, after the shippers had given instructions not to ship on account of an import licence being required after 18th April, have been confiscated by the German authorities in Cologne; whether he is aware that, despite repeated applications having been made to the authorities in Berlin and Cologne for the release of the soap, either to form part of a delivery for which a licence has been granted or for permission to send the soap back to England, the owner is now told that such permission cannot be given and that the soap is irrevocably confiscated; and whether he will request the German authorities to return this soap to its British owners?

I have been asked to reply. My attention has not previously been called to this case. I should be glad if the hon. Member would furnish me with the name and address of the owner of the consignment. in order that the matter may be dealt with.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to statements that a Royalist counter-revolutionary movement is on foot to form Bavaria, Tyrol, and Salzburg into a South German kingdom; that munitions are being smuggled into the Tyrol from Bavaria for the purpose of arming the peasants; that the governor of Tyrol is tolerating the arming of the peasants by the counter-revolutionaries; that the headquarters of the movement are in the Hotel Andreas Hofer, in Innsbruck; and whether he will call for a Report from the representative of His Majesty's Government?

I should be glad to be informed what authority there is for the statements to which my hon. and gallant Friend refers, in order that I may decide whether any useful purpose would be served in calling for a report from His Majesty's representative in Vienna.

I will send the hon. Gentleman particulars.

asked the Lord Privy Seal whether His Majesty's Government have information as to the concentration of German troops in East Prussia; whether these troops are to be used to assist the Poles; whether General Neil Malcolm, head of the British military mission at Berlin, has recently gone to Warsaw; what is the purpose of his visit; and whether he is accompanied by German military representatives?

The answer of the first part of the question is, except for unconfirmed rumours in the German Press, in the negative. The second part does not therefore arise. The answer to the third part is in the affirmative, and to the fourth that General Malcolm's visit was undertaken in the ordinary course for the purpose of liaison with the British Military Attaché in Poland. As regards the last part, the War Office have no reason to believe that General Malcolm was accompanied by German military representatives.

May we take it that it is not intended to invite the Germans to assist Poland against Russia?

I have heard of no such intention.

Can the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries whether a German military representative did go to Warsaw with the British representative?

I do not see any necessity for it. It is extremely improbable. He may have travelled by the same train: but that is not our business.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not see the extreme impropriety of a German military officer going to Warsaw as a colleague with a British military officer?

I do not believe there is the slightest reason to suppose that that is so.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the allegations which have been made regarding the depreciation and waste of stores at the Chilwell ordnance depôt; and whether he will make a full statement on the subject and inform the House what steps are being taken to preserve and to dispose of to advantage the accumulation of stores there collected?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give a general explanation of the great accumulation of stores at Chilwell and of their disposal; and whether he is aware that such stores are rapidly deteriorating in value while awaiting disposal?

It is proposed to use Chilwell in future as one of the chief depots for military stores. Meantime it has been used for the reception of material delivered after the Armistice under war contracts, or brought back from France. The latter material occupies a large proportion of the space. It has to be examined and classified as serviceable or requiring repair, which necessarily takes time. With regard to some classes of military material, it is only after this classification is complete that it can be known whether the items are to be retained or transferred to the Disposal Board for sale. Including surplus unused articles, which do not require examination, a proportion of the material at Chilwell has been placed in the hands of the Disposal Board—some of it as far back as September, 1919. It is not all, however, readily saleable. Investigation has been made and every care is being taken to preserve the stores which are under cover. It is impossible to accommodate everything in the existing sheds; and to build new ones for a temporary need would involve greater expense than any loss likely to be sustained by the articles which are for the time being uncovered. These consist principally of guns, gun-carriages, limbers, carts, galvanised barbed wire, and several hospital trains which have recently arrived and are having the fittings removed prior to being restored to civilian use. There is no foundation for the statement that excessive quantities of stores are to be retained, and the misapprehension has probably arisen from the fact that the articles for disposal are unavoidably stored together with those which are to be retained. I am impressing upon the Disposal Board the urgency of removing and selling the material which has been handed over to them. I am also giving directions to the Departments of the Quartermaster-General and the Master-General of the Ordnance which will ensure still larger quantities being declared surplus at an early date.

Is it not a fact that there are a very large number of Bessonneau tents distributed about the various aerodromes of the country, which could be transferred to this depôt and used for protecting these goods and preventing them from deteriorating?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that residents in the Eastern Midlands were proud of this factory in its working days, and are proportionately critical of its dilapidated state at the present time; and will he continue to press the authorities, to whom he has already made representations, seeing that the factory at present affords an object-lesson and a focus of general criticism?

All these cases are very difficult. There are vast masses of stores, of which some have to be kept, some have to be disposed of, and all have to be sorted. If they continue in their present conditions they will, of course, deteriorate; but to take steps to give cover to all the stores would involve an expense far beyond what would be justified. Even when they are handed over to the Disposal Board, the difficulties of transportation and disposal are very great, and when they are sold there is the burden on the railway lines of removing them. In all these circumstances, the best possible must be done, and that, I believe, is being done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hon. Members know this place perfectly well, and are totally dissatisfied with such a reply; and is he prepared to consider an inquiry into the matter?

No, Sir. I do not think an inquiry would help. I think the best thing is being done that is possible. If the hon. Member has a plan for dealing with the matter, and would care to put it on paper and send it to me, I should be glad.

Will the right hon. Gentleman collect the Bessonneau tents to which I have referred, and which could easily be collected throughout the country and concentrated where these valuable stores are? Will he say "Yes" or "No?"

It is quite impossible to give an answer "Yes" or "No" to such a proposal.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that postal drafts for gratuities and back pay from the War Office to the residences of ex-soldiers are sometimes wrongly addressed and are frequently cashed by the recipients; that in such cases refuge is taken behind a clause in the Regimental Debts Act; and whether it would be possible to safeguard the payees by having the drafts crossed?

I do not think the crossing of drafts would be welcomed generally. I should, however, be glad if the hon. Member would give me particulars of any of the cases to which he refers.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an ex-service man who on his demobilisation was obliged to live with his wife and family in furnished lodgings owing to his inability to obtain a house is entitled to any rebate from income tax for the cost of storing his furniture; and, if not, whether he will consider the possibility of granting this concession?

Expenditure of the nature indicated would not normally be admissible as a deduction for Income Tax purposes, but the question would depend upon the facts of the particular case in which the allowance may have been claimed. If the hon. Member has any such case in mind and will communicate the full facts either to the Board of Inland Revenue or to me, enquiry shall be made into the matter and the result shall be communicated to him.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that a demobilised soldier named Patrick M`Ginlay, residing in Quay Street, Salt-coats, has had a decree ejection granted against him in the sheriff court to allow of his house being let to summer visitors at a much higher rent than he is able to pay; is he further aware that the above-named demobilised soldier is the holder of the Mons star, two 1914 rosettes with bars, and has also been decorated with the Military Medal; that M'Ginlay is at the present time paying 8s. a week rent for the single apartment which he occupies with his 10 children; and whether any action will be taken to prevent this ejectment order being put into effect?

I have made inquiry into this case and am informed that Mr. M'Ginlay, who has three children, occupied a furnished apartment from which he has had to remove in consequence of a decree of ejection. He obtained other accommodation which, I understand, he continues to occupy. Accordingly, the last part of the question does not arise.

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Dugald Cameron, an ex-soldier, given land for food production in Glenorchy, on the Marquess of Breadalbane's estate, by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, has been warned out by the Board as from Whitsunday last; whether proceedings for the ejection of this ex-soldier have been raised with the knowledge and concurrence of the Board of Agriculture by the Marquess of Breadalbane; whether the land which this ex-soldier wishes to retain forms part of the Blackmount deer forest, now enlarged to about 80,000 acres; whether a considerable extent of this area was formerly food-producing and occupied by sheep farmers; and whether he proposes to instruct the Board of Agriculture to project any scheme for settlement of soldiers on this area, and particularly in Glenorchy, so that this ex-service man is not thrown into prison by the State?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, the Board are aware of the proceedings for ejection, but they have no status to concur. As regards the third and fourth parts, the land forms part of Craig deer forest, as to the former use of which my right hon. Friend has no accurate information. As regards the last part of the question, the Board have considered the matter of proceeding with a scheme in this area, but in view of all the circumstances they have not deemed it desirable to do so. I may add that I am informed that Mr. Cameron declined an offer by the proprietor of the choice of one of three holdings on the estate.

Are the Scottish Office willing that an ex-soldier on the land should go to prison as a result of this ejectment order?

My information is to the effect that the termination of the tenant's possession was due to the fact that the Board had ceased their powers of occupation under the Act.

Is the Scottish Office in that case going to do anything with regard to a settlement for soldiers?

I have told my hon. Friend that the matter has been carefully considered, but in view of the circumstances the Board could not proceed with the scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reason or on what grounds the reassessment of their gratuities has been refused by him to officers re-employed during the War who had previously retired on gratuity, while the reassessment of their retired pay has been given by him to re-employed officers who had previously retired on retired pay?

This distinction is based on the difference between a continuing payment at the present day and a final settlement effected by the payment of a lump sum at some date in the past.

asked the Minister of Pensions what is the number of hand-propelled tricycles which have been supplied by the Ministry to disabled soldiers since 1914; whether there has been any other source of supply; and, if so, what is its title and how many tricycles has it supplied?

This Department commenced the supply of hand-propelled tricycles in March, 1918, and the number supplied up to the 30th June was 1,549. Prior to March, 1918, 272 tricycles had been supplied by the Lord Kitchener National Memorial Fund. I understand that a small number has also been supplied from other charitable sources, but the figures are not available.

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made in the enlistment of the new Militia Force that is to form the reserve for the Regular Army?

Considerable progress has been made regarding the principles which it is proposed shall govern the organisation and conditions of service for the new Militia Force, but it is not anticipated that recruiting can commence for some time to come.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say why? Is no attempt being made to get any men at all?

I am doing the best I can to get reserves for the Territorial Army at the present time, and we are continuing recruiting for the Regular Army. We have these different claims competing in the recruiting market, and we have to deal with them in the order which is conducive to getting the best possible result.

Is it not necessary first of all to get reserves for the Regular Army?

If that were so, it would be an answer to the question which my hon. and gallant Friend has put.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to enrol some 20,000 ex-soldiers as an Army Reserve; what are the reasons for this increase of His Majesty's Army; what is the estimated annual cost of this Reserve; and what will be the estimated annual cost when it is called to the colours?

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the estimated cost, during the current year, of the addition of 20,000 men to the Army Reserve?

It is proposed to re-open Section "D" of the Army Reserve for the enlistment or re-engagement of 20,000 men. This is part of a scheme which was in contemplation when the Army Estimates were prepared, and provision was made for a Reserve rising to 140,000, the figure at which it stood before the War. The present step will only bring the numbers up to 80,000, and a considerable saving will, therefore, accrue on the amount provided, in consequence of the delay in recruiting the full and authorised reserve. The cost is, at the rate of 1s. per man per day. In the event of mobilisation the cost of maintaining these men is not increased by reason of the fact that they have previously been in the Reserve.

Are these 20,000 men not required for immediate mobilisation service, but only in Reserve in case of a general big war?

They are not required for any service, but we must endeavour to form a Reserve for the technical units.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of increasing the 20,000 to 40,000 or 50,000?

I am deeply sensible of the need and desirability of raising the reserves to the ordinary pre-War strength, but again I am considering the interests of the Territorial Army. I do not wish to prejudice these by going upon the recruiting market for them at the same time, so that they compete with one another. I think that, on the whole, surveying the situation, we can probably afford to delay still further the formation of our Regular Reserves, in order to give the Teritorial Army a fair start.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether the War Office is prepared to grant to Secondary School Cadet Corps attending camp the same privileges as regards hospital treatment or allowances as are at present accorded to Junior Officers' Training Cadet Corps;

(2) whether, in the event of the British Red Cross Organisation being prepared to supply hospital treatment, under efficient conditions, to Secondary School Cadet Corps attending camp, the War Office will sanction the payment on behalf of the Cadets requiring to be admitted to hospital of the regulation hospital allowance of 3s. per case per day?

These Territorial Force Cadet Units are raised on the understanding that they should be financially self-supporting. It has recently been decided to make a capitation grant from Army funds in aid of the expenses of the administration and training of these units, but it will not be possible to put them on the same footing as the Junior Officers' Training Corps, or to accept any liability beyond the capitation grant referred to above.

Would it not be well to make it a condition of the grants that these corps will do their best to recruit for the Territorial Army in due course, from their members who have gone through the Cadet Corps?

I should like to have notice of that question

21. To ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of desertions during the last six months from the Army now occupying Ireland, and the number for the corresponding six months of last year?

I have been asked to postpone this question, but I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can suggest what would be a reasonable date on which I might put the question down?

Statistics are being obtained from Ireland, but they are not quite complete, and I cannot say when they will be.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it was customary, whilst the Army School Department was under the administration of the Adjutant-General, to issue duplicate certificates of education in the event of the original documents being lost or destroyed through no fault of the intended recipient; whether this procedure has been abandoned now that the Education Department is under the administration of the Chief of the Imperial Staff; and, if so, whether he will give instructions that the issue of duplicate certificates shall be resumed in the cases mentioned.

Although it was customary in certain special cases to issue duplicate certificates of education in the event of original documents being lost or destroyed, the Special Army Certificate which has been instituted by the Education Department under the administration of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff is accepted by the Universities and various other learned bodies as equivalent to Matriculation Examination. In view of the obligations which these arrangements entail to reduce the possibilities of malfeasance, it is considered that duplicate certificates cannot safely be issued. In order that no hardship may be inflicted careful record of all certificates issued is kept at the War Office, and the candidate or any responsible body or person interested will be furnished with a transcript of the record on application.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the opinions expressed by recruits in their replies to questions on British Empire and citizenship in the examination for third-class certificates will be taken into account when deciding whether a certificate shall be granted or refused?

No, Sir; the knowledge of the subject possessed by the recruit will determine whether or not he passes.

Will the curriculum showing what is meant by citizenship be laid upon the Table of the House, or in any way submitted to the opinion of the House?

That has nothing to do with this particular question. Of course it is in the power of the House to obtain any information that it desires.

I am asking whether this new curriculum of Army education, defining what is meant by good citizenship, will be submitted to the opinion of the House of Commons?

There is no object in submitting it to the approval of the House of Commons unless the House especially desires it.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to place a soldier or an educationalist at the head of the Army Educational Corps?

The Army Educational Corps is under the Department of the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, which Department will administer the corps.

Will the education officers be competent?

They will be very carefully selected.

Will it be necessary for them to, have any previous training in teaching?

I think that is a question of which I should have notice. It does not arise out of the question on the paper.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total number of general service wagons delivered to Monk Meadow, Gloucester; what was the approximate cost of the wagons; how many of them have been used for the purposes for which they were ordered; and how many of them are still at Monk Meadow?

5,434 general service wagons have been delivered to Monk Meadow, and their cost was approximately £565,000; 4,287 wagons have been used for the purpose for which they were ordered, and the remaining 1,147 are to be issued to the Dominions.

When will the wagons be removed, as the site is required for the storage of timber?

I should like to have notice of that question.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the work now being done in M.S. 3 Cas. Department at the War Office; what the staff consist of; and what is the total amount of their salaries?

There are still a very large number of inquiries arising out of casualties to officers during the War, including the verification of casualties for various official purposes and questions regarding missing officers and prisoners of war. The branch referred to is also engaged on work connected with the issue of the plaque and scroll to the next of kin of officers killed in the War; the preparation of records of war services of officers and generally in clearing up the aftermath of work arising out of the War. The staff consists of one retired officer, one permanent Civil Servant, three permanent ex-soldier clerks, and 12 ex-soldiers who were wounded in the War. The salaries of the staff amount to £24,160 a year. The work is gradually decreasing, and I anticipate that it will be possible to make commensurate reductions in the staff.

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the attack rate and death rate per 1,000 wounded men from tetanus in the South African War, the Russo-Japanese War, the Crimean War, and the Franco-Prussian War?

There were six cases of tetanus among other ranks wounded or injured in action during the South African War, or an attack rate of .28 per 1,000; and three deaths, or a death rate of .14 per 1,000. There were no cases of tetanus among officers. No statistics regarding tetanus are available in the War Office for the other wars mentioned.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any temporary officers are now being employed on staff duties; and, if so, whether their services can be dispensed with and their duties discharged by Regular officers?

A certain number of temporary officers are still employed on staff duties. They are being replaced as suitably qualified Regular officers become available.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that a circular has been issued under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Duke of Connaught and other distinguished military personages soliciting funds for the erection of a memorial to the men of Irish regiments who have fallen in the War; that this memorial is to take the form of completing and decorating a Roman Catholic chapel in the Roman Catholic Cathedral, London, and erecting certain memorial tablets therein; is he aware that more than half the men who fell in these regiments were Protestants; and can he take steps to see that the memorial which is to be erected is not to take a sectarian form?

This appears to be a matter for the individual subscribers, and, in the circumstances, I see no ground for the War Office to intervene.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men in the highest positions in the British Army are engaged in propagating this circular, lending their influence to it, and appealing to the friends of Protestant soldiers in Ireland who have fallen, and will they be allowed to go on in their capacity as British soldiers in high office in the Army?

I think a campaign which is intended to raise a Catholic memorial to Catholic soldiers who died fighting for this country in the War is not one which, to say the least of it, calls for any intervention on the part of the War Office.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is not a circular directed to Catholic soldiers, but to all Irish soldiers, that it is for all Irish soldiers to have a family home in London in these chapels, and under these circumstances, is it fair, considering the feelings of these people, that this circular should issue to them?

Before the right hon. Gentleman takes any steps, will he make inquiries of the regiments concerned, and make quite sure it is not their wish that this memorial should be asked for?

I do not see where we come in as a Government. If people seek consolation by these rolls, they have every right to do it.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether a contract has been placed with Messrs. J. Murray and Sons, Corse Hill Quarry, Annan, for a number of headstones to be used in France in memory of the fallen soldiers; whether he is aware that this firm are paying to workmen in their employ less than the standard rate of the district, thereby violating the Fair-wages Clause; and whether he will have inquiries made into this matter?

This is one of a number of firms throughout the country, with whom the Imperial War Graves Commission has placed a contract for the making of headstones. The Commission inserted in this as in all other such contracts a Clause embodying the terms of the Resolution passed by the House of Commons on 10th March, 1909, as to fair wages, assignment of the contract and sub-letting. The Commission has received no complaint of any breach of those terms, but inquiries will be made, and I shall be glad if the hon. Member will furnish me with any information he has received on the subject of his complaint.

Do the Government make it a condition that every man working on a contract must be a member of a trade union? If not, how long is it since the Government became agents for trade unions?

I am not able to answer offhand, but the Resolution has been referred to and the hon. Gentleman will find it in, the proceedings of this House.

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the authorised establishments and the ration strengths of the five regiments of Foot Guards, separately, on the following dates: 1st June, 1919, 31st December, 1919, and 1st June, 1920; whether the Grenadier and Coldstream Guards are now closed to recruiting, being up to establishment; and what special steps are being taken in Scotland, Wales and Ireland to obtain recruits for those regiments?

The answer to the first part of the question involves a lengthy statement of figures and, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second and third parts of the question, the Grenadier Guards and the Coldstream Guards are not closed to recruiting, and no special steps are being taken in Scotland, Wales or Ireland to obtain recruits for these two regiments.

The following is the statement referred to: AUTHORISED ESTABLISHMENT AND RATION STRENGTH, REGIMENTS OF FOOT GUARDS. — *Establishment. Strength. Officers. Other Ranks. Total Ranks. Officers. Other Ranks. Total all Ranks. 1st June, 1919. Grenadier Guards 106 3,096 3,202 220 3,258 3,478 Coldstream Guards 106 3,098 3,204 237 3,694 3,931 Scots Guards 73 2,128 2,201 124 1,598 1,722 Irish Guards 40 1,124 1,164 90 955 1,045 Welsh Guards 37 1,064 1,101 71 761 832 Guards Depot, Caterham 3 6 9 3 7 10 31 st December, 1919. Grenadier Guards 106 3,096 3,202 107 1,789 1,896 Coldstream Guards 106 3,098 3,204 94 2,011 2,105 Scots Guards 73 2,128 2,201 74 935 1,009 Irish Guards 40 1,124 1,164 55 656 711 Welsh Guards 37 1,064 1,101 45 556 601 Guards Depot, Caterham 3 6 9 3 7 10 † 1 st May, 1920. Grenadier Guards 106 3096 3202 96 2041 2317 Coldstream Guards 106 3098 3204 94 2325 2419 Scots Guards 73 2128 2201 54 1133 1187 Irish Guards 40 1124 1164 41 789 830 Welsh Guards 37 1064 1101 34 694 728 Guards Depot, Caterham 3 6 9 3 7 10

* Pending the fixing of New Peace Establishments, battalions of Foot Guards, on arrival from abroad, have been retained on War Establishments.

† Latest figures of "Strength" available.

I apologise for the bad drafting of my question. I intended to convey what steps are being taken to recruit Irish Guards in Ireland, Welsh Guards in Wales, and Scotch Guards in Scotland.

I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman's bad drafting must be my excuse for asking for further notice.

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government intend to take to ensure that His Majesty's judges with their escorts will be carried on the Irish railways during the forthcoming assizes?

The necessary steps have been taken to ensure that His Majesty's judges shall arrive in safety at the Assizes which opened on Thursday last. The arrangements have been made after consultation with the judges.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet received a report of the recent occurrences at Fermoy, Lismore, and Limerick City, when soldiers are stated to have damaged shops and houses in those towns; and whether he is yet in a position to make any statement?

The circumstances under which the recent outbreak occurred at Fermoy and Lismore are at present being investigated by the military authorities. I am not aware of any recent disturbances involving the troops at Limerick City.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make a statement when the investigation is complete?

I do not know. I will see what is the result of the investigation, and the disposition on the part of the House.

Is it intended to offer any compensation to persons who suffered?

What about the people who suffered with them?

That has absolutely nothing to do with the question.

Is the right hon, Gentleman aware that considerably more damage was done in Ireland by the disturbances caused by rebels in that country?

Rebels in Ulster?

There are no rebels in Ulster.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the recent rioting in Fermoy; whether he is aware that a number of officers participated in these riots; and whether he can state if any disciplinary action has been, or will be, taken against them?

The matter is at present being investigated by the military authorities. So far as is known no officers participated in the disturbances.

Is it intended to compensate people who suffered in these disorders?

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should give notice of that question. It does not arise.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to inform the House whether an armed guard of six soldiers in the charge of a corporal, while marching through the streets of Ennis, were seized by a number of men and robbed of their rifles, bayonets, ammunition, and helmets; whether the soldiers made any and what resistance; whether any of the attackers have been apprehended or any of the rifles or ammunition recovered; and what is the reason for not proclaiming martial law in districts which are entirely under the control of the Sinn Fein organisation and the ordinary law has ceased to operate?

I am informed that an armed guard was attacked in Ennis in the circumstances stated, and that resistance was offered by the guard. One non-commissioned officer and one assailant were wounded. None of the assailants have been apprehended. An inquiry is being held by the military authorities.

Are we to understand that an officer in charge of a body such as this is authorised to open fire?

Yes.

Is it not very hard on our soldiers to have to act as though they were in a peaceful country, when war has been proclaimed on them by the population among whom they are acting?

Clearly it is impossible for the soldiers to make an attack upon the inoffensive civil population of the country.

Have any of the Sinn Fein leaders in Ennis been arrested?

I do not know about that.

Is not the first thing to be done to arrest the leaders of these movements in every part of the country. Unless you do that can you hope for any improvement?

Has not that been the Government policy for the last twelve months, and is it not the fact that it had no effect whatever?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet any information from Hungary as to the freedom or arrest of Lieutenant Hejjas and as to the political situation in that country?

His Majesty's representative at Budapest has been asked to furnish information on the subject of Lieutenant Hejjas's activities. I hope to be in a position to make a statement shortly.

The hon. Gentleman cannot yet say then whether Lieutenant Hejjas is in prison, as we were told about a fortnight ago?

No.

asked the Prime Minister when the terms of the mandate for Palestine will be published; and whether, in any case, he will arrange that the terms shall be published before the mandate is finally confirmed by the Council of the League as in the case of the draft covenant?

It is impossible to name a date which is dependent upon the conclusion of the Treaty with Turkey. As regards the last part of the question, I do not think there would be any advantage in adopting the course suggested.

asked the Prime Minister if any steps have been taken to negotiate a fresh commercial convention between Canada and France; and whether His Majesty's Government will suggest to Canadian Ministers the mutual advantages of the joint negotiation by the nations of the Empire of commercial arrangements with foreign Powers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. As regards the second part, I do not think that the suggestion put forward would be feasible in practice.

Has it not been under discussion at any time between the Governments of the Empire?

Not recently, I believe.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the size of the military missions attached to the Greek forces operating against Turkey; and what are the duties of the British officers so employed?

The Mission consists of Major-General Sir G. T. M. Bridges, K.C.M.G., C.B., D.S.O., an aide-de-camp, and two officers. Their duties are those of intelligence and liaison.

asked the Prime Minister if any steps have been taken to put into operation the Resolution passed in this House on 2nd March last relating to the inadequacy of the pensions paid to superannuated railway servants?

I have been asked to answer this question, and I would refer the hon. Member to the replies given to the hon. and gallant Member for St. Pancras South-West on the 1st instant, and to the hon. Member for Watford on the 28th ultimo.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that these replies are simply negatives? We want to know what is being done by the Department.

The Department has no powers to do anything. The matter is one for the railway companies.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the demand which has been referred back to the company by the Financial Department of the Ministry of Transport that the payment of £50,000 to the ex-deputy general manager of the railway, in settlement of an agreement arrived at in 1912 and determined in 1919 should be made under the State guarantee, has yet come before his Department; and, if so, what decision has been arrived at?

My attention was called to this matter some time ago by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport (Sir Eric Geddes) who requested, that since he was personally concerned, the subject should be dealt with by the Treasury and not by the Ministry. I have instructed Sir Hardman Lever, the Treasury representative in the Ministry, not to admit the payment as chargeable against the Government guarantee.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in view of the fact that railway passengers pay Income Tax on such income as they spend on travelling, whether he can state if railway directors and officials who are given free railway passes are assessed for Income Tax on the value of their free passes?