Sitting of 17 September 1914

Preamble
The House, being met a Quarter before Three of the clock,
The CLERK AT THE TABLE (Sir Courtenay Ilbert) informed the House of the unavoidable absence of Mr. Speaker from this day's sitting.
Whereupon Mr. WHITLEY, the Chairman of Ways and Means, proceeded to the Table, and, after prayers, took the Chair as Deputy-Speaker, pursuant to the Standing Order.

NEW WRITS.
For Borough of Bolton, in the room of Alfred Henry Gill, esquire, deceased.—[Mr. Arthur Henderson.]
For Borough of the Hartlepools, in the room of Sir Stephen Wilson Furness, baronet, deceased.—[Mr. Illingworth.]

NAVIGATION AND SHIPPING.
Copy presented of Annual Statement of Navigation and Shipping of the United Kingdom for the year 1913, with Comparative Tables for the years 1909 to 1913 [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.
MERCHANT SHIPPING ACTS, 1894 TO 1906 (VESSELS DETAINED).
Copy presented of Return of all Ships ordered by the Board of Trade or its Officers during the period from 1st July, 1913, to 30th June, 1914 to be provisionally detained as unsafe [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.
BOILER EXPLOSIONS ACTS, 1882 AND 1890.
Copy presented of Report to the Secretary of the Board of Trade upon the Working of the Boiler Explosions Acts, 1882 and 1890, with Appendices [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.
TRADE REPORTS (ANNUAL SERIES).
Copies presented of Diplomatic and Consular Reports, Annual Series, Nos. 5387 to 5389 [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.

NATIONAL INSURANCE ACT.
Copy presented of Provisional Regulations, dated 16th September, 1914, made by the Irish Insurance Commissioners, with respect to Men belonging to the Naval Reserves, the Army Reserve, and the Territorial Force [by Act]; to lie upon the Table, and to be printed. [No. 477.]
Copy presented of Provisional Regulations, dated 11th September, 1914, made by the Insurance Commissioners, entitled the National Health Insurance (Naval and Army Reserves and Territorial Force) Regulations, 1914 [by Act]; to lie upon the Table, and to be printed. [No. 478.]

EAST INDIA (CIVIL SERVICE).
Copy presented of Alteration in Regulation 10 of Examinations for Admission to the Civil Service of India, etc. [by Act]; to lie upon the Table.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTION.

  LAND VALUATION.
  Mr. OUTHWAITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will take steps to expedite the land valuation now in progress in view of the need that must arise to find fresh sources of taxation to meet the cost of the War?
  The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Lloyd George): I am proposing to complete as soon as it is possible, with the reduced staff available, the valuation of land under the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. It is, of course, quite impossible at present to state what taxation the War will render necessary.

  SEPARATION ALLOWANCES (SOLDIERS AND SAILORS).

    INCREASED PROVISION.
    Mr. LESLIE SCOTTasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to inform the House of the details of the Government proposals in regard to increasing the provision made for the dependants of our soldiers and sailors on active service, both by way of separation allowance during absence and of pension in case of death or incapacity resulting from the performance of their duty to the country; if he cannot state the details now, when he will do so; and, in the meantime, whether the Government accept the principle of a greatly increased scale of allowance and pension, so that such dependants may be properly supported by the nation as of right and no longer depend upon charity, of including in such benefits parents where in fact dependent on their sons, and of imposing the necessary financial burden on the richer classes of the community by way of graduated taxation or otherwise?
    Mr. HAYES FISHERhad given private notice to ask the Prime Minister whether, looking to the fact that there are already many hundreds of widows and that before the War is ended there will be many thousands of widows created by this War, he can give an assurance that, either by raising the scale of pensions or by granting funds to the Royal Patriotic Fund Corporation for the purpose of supplementing where necessary the Government pensions, widows created by the present War will be at least as well provided for as the 4,500 widows who now receive pensions on account of the loss of their husbands in the Transvaal war?
    The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith): I will reply to this question and to one of which the right bon. Member for Fulham has given me private notice together.
    With regard to separation allowances for the Army, the Government have decided, for the period of the War, to adopt a scale based on a minimum, inclusive of compulsory allotment, of 12s. 6d. a week, with consequential increases.
    The scale will be—and I compare the new scale with the old:—

    New Scale.

    Old Scale.

    s.

    d.

    s.

    d.

    Wife

    12

    6

    11

    1

    Wife and one child

    15

    0

    12

    10

    Wife and two children

    17

    6

    14

    7

    Wife and three children

    20

    0

    16

    4

    Wife and four children

    22

    0

    17

    6

    The additional London allowance of 3s. 6d. will remain unaltered subject to the present condition.
    We propose also to deal with the case of relatives—such as mothers and sisters.—who are dependent upon unmarried soldiers at the front. In cases where the soldier makes an allotment to such a dependant, the State will supplement it by a proportionate allowance.
    The Government are of opinion that the machinery of the old age pensions committees is most suitable for this purpose.
    As regards the Navy, it has been decided to grant separation allowances to wives and children conditional upon a minimum allotment being made. The details of the scheme will be announced as soon as possible.
    In both cases these allowances will be payable weekly through the Post Office as from 1st October.
    The question of pensions, which is of considerable complexity, is still under consideration, but the Government will make public their decision on this point at the earliest possible moment.
    As regards the question of taxation, the right hon. Member may rest assured that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will give his suggestion sympathetic consideration.
    Mr. HAYES FISHER: Will the right hon. Gentleman expedite as much as possible his announcement about pensions to widows, because the Royal Patriotic Fund have no money at their disposal for supplementing Government pensions except that which is given for immediate relief?
    The PRIME MINISTER: With regard to pensions to widows, there is at present a fund, but it is a matter of very great difficulty, and we have been considering

    969
    it most carefully for some days. I hope in two or three days at the outside we may be able to announce our decision.
    Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion which I brought to the notice of the authorities of the War Office for continuing to a widow for, at any rate, a certain period after the decease of her husband the allowance to which she is entitled as a wife?
    The PRIME MINISTER: We are considering that sympathetically, and I hope we may be able to make some announcement in regard to it. I would rather not commit myself definitely at present.
    Mr. JOHN WARD: Can these facts be circulated amongst the different recruiting depots? I find at the meetings I have attended that it is a difficult matter to get even from the military members what is the exact position of the soldier in regard to these matters.
    The PRIME MINISTER: I will undertake to circulate, both in the Army and the Navy, the exact scale of the new allowances, and I think it is desirable to put the new scale side by side with the old scale.
    Mr. CAVE: From what date will these allowances come into force?
    The PRIME MINISTER: From the 1st of October.
    Mr. C. E. PRICE: Where there are more than four children in one family, will the rate be precisely the same as in the case of four?
    The PRIME MINISTER: For this purpose four is treated as the maximum.
    Mr. W. THORNE: Is any provision made for those who may be permanently injured?
    The PRIME MINISTER: That comes under the category of pensions, and also temporary disablement. All those matters fall under a different category.
    Mr. W. THORNE: I wish to know whether, in consequence of the increase now made, it will make any difference to the allowances made to Civil servants, and to those approved by municipalities who have adopted a similar line of action?
    The PRIME MINISTER: I am dealing now only with the Army and Navy.
    Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL: What is meant by "hard cases"? Is it the intention that the old age pension committee in each district shall inquire into them?
    The PRIME MINISTER: That is so as regards allowances. I do not want to create any misapprehension. I said the new scale of allowances would date from 1st October, but it is possible that the Post Office, owing to administrative difficulties, may not be able to deal with them until the 12th of October.
    Mr. HAMILTON: The right hon. Gentleman said "soldiers at the front," I presume the scale refers to all men, Territorials and new recruits, directly they are embodied?
    The PRIME MINISTER: Yes, when they are separated from their wives.
    Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT: Will the right hon. Gentleman have this new scale specially printed and placed in the Vote Office, in order that Members may have them?
    The PRIME MINISTER: Yes, Sir, I will have that done. What is more important, however, is that it should be sent to the recruiting depots.
    Mr. BARNES: Has any consideration been given to the question of paying increased wages?
    The PRIME MINISTER: That is quite another matter.

    GERMAN COMPANY CONTRACTS.
    Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has yet come to any decision as to the appointment of a receiver and manager of certain companies whose shareholders and directors are mainly German, and who hold contracts with the British Government?
    The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Robertson): The powers of the Board of Trade in this matter are set out in the Trading

    971
    with the Enemy Act just passed. The necessary steps are being taken by the Board of Trade to put the Act into operation.

    SPECIAL CONSTABLES.
    Mr. DICKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that many men are out of employment who might be suitably employed upon the police duties of watching, etc., now being performed by special constables, he will arrange to have some of this work done by paid men and so reduce the amount of distress that is due to the War?
    The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna): The special constables are, generally speaking, a volunteer and unpaid police force. In my circular of 17th August I suggested to police authorities that in certain cases steady and trustworthy workmen who were unemployed might be employed as special constables at a small daily fee, rather than be allowed to come on the rates, but I understand that in most cases the men best suited for the work of special constables are not to be found among the unemployed.
    Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSON: May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks, in view of the excellent conduct of the entire population, these special constables are necessary?
    Mr. McKENNA: I agree with my hon. Friend that happily so far they have had very little work to do in suppressing disorder.
    Mr. DICKINSONasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether pensioned officers of the police force are being employed on extra duties rendered necessary by the present state of the War; whether they are being paid a salary in addition to their pensions; and whether he will arrange that some of this work may be performed by men who are in distress by reason of unemployment due to the War?
    Mr. McKENNA: The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative. Police pensioners have been employed to take the
    972
    place of constables who have gone to the front because of their experience of police duties. Unemployed men who possess the necessary qualifications for employment in the police may apply to be received as-recruits in the ordinary way.

    PRESS BUREAU (STAFF SALARIES).
    Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state the salaries paid and the terms of the engagement of those members of the Press Bureau whose services are not honorary?
    Mr. McKENNA: I am informed that there are six naval officers attached to the Press Bureau. Of these one receives £535 a year, and the others between £200 and £300 a year each. There are nine military officers, of whom one receives £750 and the others £400 a year each. The civilian staff of clerks and typists, nine in number, are paid at rates ranging from 18s. to £3 a week. There are a few messengers employed at ordinary rates. In all cases the appointments are for a temporary period only, not exceeding the duration of the War.
    Mr. HOGGE: Can my right hon. Friend say whether these salaries are in addition to the Service salaries or include them?
    Mr. McKENNA: I understand they are the total salaries.
    Mr. HODGE: Does the right hon. Gentleman consider 18s. a week a living wage for a typist?
    Mr. McKENNA: I said the staff of clerks and typists, but I think that includes very junior clerks.

    INDUSTRIAL POLICY-HOLDERS.
    Mr. GOLDSTONEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Prudential Assurance Company have issued a circular to their agents instructing them to press for, and insist upon, the payment of industrial insurance premiums on a threat of the policy being lapsed; and whether, in view of the provisions in the Courts (Emergency Powers)

    973
    Act, any steps can be taken to safeguard the interests of industrial policy-holders?
    The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir John Simon): My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The circular referred to was issued before the Courts (Emergency Powers) Act was passed. It is most desirable, in the interests of the insured themselves, that premiums should be paid punctually and arrears avoided as far as possible, but the Act has been passed to secure special consideration for genuine cases of hardship due to the state of war, and the industrial insurance companies will, I have no doubt, co-operate to this end.

    DUMDUM BULLETS.
    Dr. CHAPPLEasked whether, in view of the conflicting evidence with regard to the use of dum-dum bullets and to atrocities alleged to have been perpetrated in the War, he will ask the United States Government if it would, in the interests and hope of their immediate cessation, if the persistent rumours of their occurrence be true, set up a committee of inquiry into the whole subject?
    The UNDER-SECRETARY for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Acland): His Majesty's Government would have no objection to an investigation by a committee of inquiry such as my hon. Friend suggests, and would even welcome it; but, in view of the reply which President Wilson is reported to have given to representations from Germany on this matter, it would not appear to be of any use for them to make any proposal to the Government of the United States on the subject.
    Dr. CHAPPLE: Are we to understand that my hon. Friend has evidence that the United States Government would be willing to undertake such an inquiry, and that the Government would give every facility?
    Mr. ACLAND: Yes. If we had any evidence that the Government of the United States would undertake such an inquiry, we should welcome it extremely, and I think I may say that we should give it every possible facility.

    HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION.
    Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if, in order that the accommodation of hospitals and infirmaries may be available as far as possible for the reception of civilian patients, the War Office, before sending wounded soldiers to these hospitals and infirmaries, will avail themselves of those hospitals which since the commencement of the War have been specially equipped and are ready for the reception of military patients?
    The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant): The War Office authorities are making every effort to prevent the present military exigencies from interfering with the needs and comfort of the civil population. No institution under the control of the Local Government Board has been utilised for the accommodation of military patients, nor will use be made of the unions or infirmaries to the detriment of the poor of the districts which they serve. Any beds in civil hospitals which have been used for the sick and wounded from overseas have been voluntarily placed at the disposal of the War Office by the authorities of these hospitals, and no demand has been made by the military authorities for the use of beds which might possibly be required for the civil population. The War Office is already availing themselves of specially equipped hospitals provided by the generosity of private individuals. Lists of these have been sent to the different commands, and General Officers Commanding-in-Chief have been requested to make use at their discretion of the accommodation thus placed at their disposal. About 12,000 beds have been offered.

    TERRITORIAL FORCE.

      ACTIVE SERVICE.
      Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling among the Territorial Force that they who have worked and trained for their country for some years past are to be postponed from getting to the front in favour of the New Army, composed as it is in the main of men who have not seen any service with the Colours; and whether he will, on behalf of the Secretary of State, make' an

      975
      announcement to relieve the minds of those men and officers in the Territorial Force who would feel deeply any such aspersion on their military fitness and patriotic devotion?
      Mr. TENNANT: The desire of the Territorial Force to be sent on active service abroad is fully appreciated by my Noble Friend the Secretary of State, and, if there is an impression abroad that they will not be so employed, that impression is erroneous. It is certainly the intention of His Majesty's Government to gratify the wishes of the Territorial Force in this respect as early as may be possible.

      RIFLES AND AMMUNITION.
      Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the New Army is being fitted out with the new short rifle, while the Territorial Force is still supplied with the old long Lee-Enfield rifle and Mark VI. ammunition, which is much less effective for active service; and whether he will take steps to have the Territorial Force properly equipped in this respect?
      Mr. TENNANT: It is not desirable to publish detailed information regarding the arming of our Forces. The fact that the Territorial Force are armed with the long rifle and provided with Mark VI. ammunition has not been overlooked.

      LEAVE FOE FAREWELLS TO FAMILIES.
      Mr. HOAREasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether arrangements will in all cases be made for Territorials who are ordered on foreign service to have a few hours leave for saying goodbye to their families?
      Mr. TENNANT: The desirability of giving the leave suggested is thoroughly appreciated, and every effort will be made to make the necessary arrangements. The hon. Member will, however, understand that circumstances may arise to render the carrying out of this indulgence impossible.
      Mr. HOARE: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some Territorials are under the impression, right or wrong, that they will be denied this privilege?
      Mr. TENNANT: I hope by the answer which I have given, with the assistance of the hon. Gentleman, we may be able to dispel any such delusion.

    MOTOR VOLUNTEERS.
    Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in consequence of the inability of the War Office to utilise the offer of the Automobile Association to raise a corps of 5,000 motor volunteers, a modified offer was made to the French Government and by them accepted with enthusiasm, subject only to enrolment here; whether the War Office has received a request from the hon. Member for Brentford for permission to enrol such corps for service with our Allies; and, if so, when the reply of the War Office may be expected?
    Mr. TENNANT: I was not aware of the fact that the French Government had accepted such an offer. A letter was, I find, sent to the hon. Gentleman yesterday stating that the enrolment of a corps of motorists in England for service with the French Army could not receive consideration except on the application of the French Government through the usual diplomatic channel.
    Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS: If such request comes from the French Government, will facilities be given by our War Office?
    Mr. TENNANT: Oh, yes, of course.

    BURFORD CAMP, WILTS (ACCOMMODATION FOR WORKMEN).
    Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Messrs. Jackson, Government contractors, are building huts at Burford Camp, Wilts, for the Colonial contingent, and that, of about 1,000 employed, part of the men, about 400 at least, are crowded into one building, no beds provided, and insufficient sanitary accommodation; and whether he will send down one of the inspectors to inquire into the matter?
    The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. H. Baker): This firm is building huts at Bulford Camp on behalf of the War Office, but is responsible for the housing of the men employed. I understand that my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board will send an inspector to inquire into the matter.

    LONDON HOTELS (GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN WAITERS).
    Mr. COWANasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a large number of the British General Staff have been billeted in London hotels where the employés are to a large extent Germane or Austrians; if so, whether the War Office has had its attention called to any cases of the conversation of such officers being improperly overheard or of their correspondence being secretly opened; and whether any steps can be taken to avert these dangers?
    Mr. TENNANT: A few staff officers have been billeted at London hotels. No cases of conversation being improperly overheard or of correspondence being tampered with by German or Austrian waiters have been reported to the War Office, and, if any waiters of those nationalities are still in the employment of the hotels in question, the hon. Member may rest assured that the officers billeted are on their guard against the dangers to which he calls attention.
    Mr. COWAN: Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to ascertain from the proprietors of the different hotels in London what the nationality of their staff may be, and whether they are employed by any alien enemy?
    Mr. TENNANT: I am afraid the War Office have quite enough to do already.

    SCOTTISH LIFE OFFICES (INSURED SAILORS' PREMIUMS).
    Mr. GODFREY COLLINS: I beg to ask the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Admiralty if he can now state the
    978
    decision which has been arrived at by the Scottish life offices in regard to the insurance premiums of insured sailors now serving with the Fleet?
    The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara): I have received the following letter from the chairman of the Associated Scottish Life Offices:—
    "As you are aware, the questions raised in your letter of 4th instant to the chairman of the Life Offices Association, London, have been under the consideration of this association. I have now the pleasure to inform you that it has been decided to recommend that in the case of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and of the Royal Naval Reserve no extra premium shall be charged for active service in respect of policies upon the lives of persons insured before the declaration of war. The question of granting the same concessions to the Royal Fleet Reserve has been carefully considered, but the managers cannot see their way to recommend it. They are of opinion that the concessions already made by the offices are all that can possibly be expected of them in justice to the main body of their policy holders. The managers have considered the suggestions contained in your letter as to what might be done in the case of insured members of the Royal Fleet Reserve and others who are not prepared to pay the extra premiums required. They are of opinion that it is impracticable to lay down fixed rules such as you suggest. The circumstances of the cases are so various that offices must be left to deal with their policy holders according to the circumstances of the particular case. The managers are sure that the offices would desire to show every consideration in such cases."
    Mr. JONATHAN SAMUEL: May I ask whether the letter read represents the industrial or ordinary life offices?
    Dr. MACNAMARA: The Associated Scottish Life Offices.

    EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAIN).
    Lord EDMUND TALBOTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War what number of Roman Catholic chaplains are already serving with the Expeditionary Force abroad, and whether it is intended to send more?
    Mr. TENNANT: There are at present twelve Roman Catholic chaplains with the Expeditionary Force, and the Secretary of State does not at present see his way to send more, but, as soon as possible, any necessary additions will be made. In cases

    979
    of extreme necessity French priests would no doubt be available for ministering to our Roman Catholic soldiers in France and Belgium.
    Lord E. TALBOT: Arising out of the last part of the answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is the opinion of the War Office that the Expeditionary Force is going to remain in France and is not going to fight its way into Germany?
    Mr. TENNANT: No, Sir, I am pleased to say that is not the opinion of the War Office. I have said in the middle part of my answer that necessary additions may be made in certain eventualities, and no doubt that would be one.
    Lord E. TALBOT: May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, as he has referred to the French priests, whether he is under the impression that the average English Catholic soldier speaks French and that the French priests speak English?
    Mr. TENNANT: No, I do not think all of them do by any means, but I think both probably understand more than may be expected. I said, however, that only in extreme urgency would the services of French priests be utilised, and I might add that the Roman Catholics have proportionately a larger number of chaplains with the Expeditionary Force than any other communion.
    Mr. T. M. HEALY: Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House the number of Catholic soldiers for whom these twelve priests have to administer?
    Mr. TENNANT: No, I am afraid I cannot give the number.

    CODE CABLES.
    Mr. THOMAS TAYLORasked the Post-master-General whether the Government have yet been able to relieve the burden on the commercial community resulting from the prohibition of the use of code?
    The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Hobhouse): I have been in communication with the cable companies, and I hope to
    980
    arrive at an arrangement in the course of to-day which will substantially reduce the cost of cabling to countries outside the European system. As soon as the negotiations are completed I will issue an announcement to the Press.

    CODE CABLES.

      Land Purchase (Ireland).
      Mr. AUGUSTINE ROCHEasked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any steps are being taken to give Mr. P. Neary, son of an evicted tenant, any of the lands of Arthurstown, county Louth, where he resides?
      The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell): The scheme for the allotment of the lands in question has not been prepared, and meanwhile the Estates Commissioners cannot make any statement as to how the lands may be distributed.

      Subventions to Local Authorities.
      OUTHWAITEasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he can state the intentions of the Government in relation to the subventions to local authorities provided for in the Budget of this year; and (2) whether it is still intended to introduce legislation at an early date to secure such an adjustment of the valuation of land now proceeding as will enable a value to be determined exclusive of all improvements?
      Mr. LLOYD GEORGE: I can at present make no statement with reference to the points raised in either of these questions.

      Committee on Chemical Products.
      Mr. WILLIAM PEARCEasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, as no Member of the House of Commons, is appointed on the Committee on Chemical Products and information is refused as to the proceedings of the Committee, he will undertake that no Grant or subsidy shall be made without the previous sanction of the House of Commons?
      Mr. ROBERTSON: I fear I can add nothing to the answer given to my hon. Friend on Tuesday last.
      Mr. W. PEARCE: On Tuesday last, my right hon. Friend promised to consider whether he would give any opinion. Has he anything to add to that?
      Mr. ROBERTSON: The answer is the result of the inquiry.

      Post Office and Canadian Money Orders.
      Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Postmaster-General if he is aware that postmasters in this country are refusing to cash money orders issued in Canada and made payable at post offices here, and thereby are causing inconvenience to the persons receiving these orders; and whether he will give instructions that payment be made when these orders are presented?
      Mr. HOBHOUSE: In consequence of the financial conditions caused by the War the Canadian Post Office suspended the issue of money orders on the United Kingdom on the 7th of August, but at the time a certain number of money orders issued in outlying parts of the Dominion were actually on their way to this country. No advices, however, were received in respect of these orders, and the Canadian Post Office requested my Department not to pay them on presentation, as the amounts were being refunded to the remitters. It was evident that the suspension of the service would cause considerable hardship to a large number of persons in this country, and representations on the subject were at once made to the Dominion Post Office. As a result of these representations the issue of money orders on the United Kingdom was resumed in Canada on the 1st instant.

  GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND ACT.

    FEDERAL SYSTEMS.
    Dr. CHAPPLEasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the suspension of the Parliament Act Bills for at least one year, he will set up a Committee consisting of Members of all parties in both Houses to inquire into the working of federal systems in other countries with a view to the preparation of a comprehensive measure applicable to the United Kingdom that would supplement the Government of Ireland Bill?
    The PRIME MINISTER: I am afraid that this is not a practicable suggestion.

ORDERS OF THE DAY.

  NAVY (PLEDGING OF CERTIFICATES, ETC.) BILL.
  The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara): I beg to move, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prevent the disposal or pledging of Certificates, Naval Uniforms, or other property; and for purposes connected therewith."
  This is a very small Bill, and I can safely say that it is entirely non-controversial. In one sense, I do not think I ought to say that it is strictly an Emergency Bill, because, from representations made to me recently, I think it would not have been a bad thing if it had been passed long ago. Nevertheless, it is very desirable, I think the House will agree, that we should pass it now. It appears that certain pawnbrokers, moneylenders, and others, take pension identification certificates, allotment certificates, and Royal Naval Reserve certificates as a security for sums of money advanced to sailors' wives and to members of the Royal Naval Reserve. When the pensions, allotments, and retainers in connection with which these documents are issued become payable the pawnbroker or moneylender recovers the advance made on the security of the documents, together with interest which, not to put too fine a point upon it, cannot by any manner of means be said to be on a modest scale. A case was brought to my notice in which a woman received from a pawnbroker in consideration of depositing an allotment certificate the sum of 10s. per month, and in return she had to pay 12s. 6d. Section 156 of the Army Act provides that any person who

  "(a) Buys, exchanges, takes in pawn, detains, or receives from a soldier or any person acting on his behalf on any pretence whatsoever; or

  (b) solicits or entices any soldier to sell, exchange, pawn, or give away; or

  (c) assists or acts for a soldier in selling, exchanging, pawning, or making away with "

  certain property, shall be guilty of an offence punishable by a fine or, in the case of a second offence, by fine or im-
  990
  prisonment, with or without hard labour, for a term not exceeding six months. And Sub-section (9) further provides:—
  "Every person who receives, detains, or has in his possession the identity certificate or life certificate of a person entitled to a military pension, or to reserve pay, or to any bounty as a pledge or security for a debt, or with a view to obtain payment from the pensioner or person entitled to the pay or bounty of a debt due either to himself or to any other person, shall be liable on summary conviction to the like penalty as for an offence under Subsection (1) of this Section, and the certificate shall be deemed to be property within the meaning of this Section."
  This is a one-Clause Bill which provides no more and no less than that Section 156 of the Army Act shall apply to persons serving in the Naval Forces of the Crown. It is quite true that these certificates are of no value as securities for money advanced or payment of the debt, but nevertheless it appears that they are used for these purposes without any penalty attaching to the persons receiving or holding them. Having regard to influential representations made to us during the last day or two, we think it to the interest of the poor persons concerned that they shall be protected against excessive usury, and all we ask is that it shall be made illegal for a pawnbroker or moneylender or any person to take and retain these naval documents, just as it is illegal in the case of the corresponding Army documents.
  Mr. JOHN WARD: I am delighted that this is at last being done, but I think the right hon. Gentleman ought to have given some reason why it has not been done before.
  Question, "That leave be given to bring in a Bill to prevent the disposal or pledging of certificates, naval uniforms, or other property, and for purposes connected therewith," put, and agreed to.
  Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. Churchill, Mr. Lambert, and Dr. Macnamara.
  Presented accordingly; read the first time, and to be printed. [Bill 408.]
  Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time," put, and agreed to.
  Resolved, "That this House doth immediately resolve itself into the Committee on the Bill."—[The Home Secretary.]
  Bill accordingly considered in Committee, and reported, without Amendment; read the third time, and passed.

  GOVERNMENT OF IRELAND AND WELSH CHURCH ACTS.

    SUSPENSORY BILL.
    Question, "That the Lords Amendments be now considered," put, and agreed to.
    In the Committee.
    [Mr. MACLEAN in the Chair.]

    SUSPENSORY BILL.

      CLAUSE 1.—(Suspension of the Operation of the Government of Ireland Act, 1914, and the Welsh Church Act, 1914).
      (1) Notwithstanding anything in the Government of Ireland Act, 1914, no steps shall be taken to put that Act into operation, and notwithstanding anything in the Welsh Church Act, 1914, the date of Disestablishment under that Act shall be postponed until the expiration of twelve months from the date of the passing of those Acts respectively, or, if at the expiration of those twelve months the present War has not ended, until such later date (not being later than the end of the present War) as may be fixed by His Majesty by Order in Council; and the provisions of those Acts shall have effect accordingly.
      (2) In this Act, the Government of Ireland Act, 1914, means any Act which becomes law during the present Session, and which may be cited by that short title; and the Welsh Church Act, 1914, means any Act which becomes law during the present Session and which may be cited by that short title.
      Lords Amendments: In Sub-section (1), after the words "Government of Ireland Act, 1914," insert the words "or in the Welsh Church Act, 1914."
      The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. McKenna): I beg to move, "That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment."
      This Amendment must be taken in conjunction with the subsequent Amendments on the Paper, constituting, as they do, if read together, one whole policy. The purpose and, indeed, the effect of the Amendments is, in the first place, to give six months further time before the Act becomes operative, as regards either Disestablishment or Disendowment; and the second effect of the Amendments is to postpone for at least one year all the preliminary inquiries, which prejudice nothing, but which are indispensable in order to bring the Bill into operation. On the first point, as to granting additional time in order to allow the Church in Wales to make provision to meet losses that it would suffer from partial Disendowment, the Government admitted, by introducing the Suspensory Bill, that there was a case for consideration. The Suspensory Bill, so far as it applied to the Welsh Act, was not founded, as in the Irish case, upon any ground that there was an Amending Bill which had to be considered. On the contrary, the Welsh Bill had passed through all its stages. There was no question of any further Amendment being introduced, and, but for the War, the Bill would have stood now on the Statute Book. A claim was made, however, that, owing to the financial difficulty in which some supporters of the Church might find themselves in consequence of the War, further time should be allowed them to secure more ample provision in the way of Church subscriptions. We propose in the Suspensory Bill to meet that claim by allowing at least one year between the passing of the Act and the date of Disestablishment and Disendowment. Further, we have provided that this period of a year may be further extended by Order in Council up to a date not exceeding the end of the War. By the Amendment now proposed, this period of a year, or such further period to which it might be extended by Order in Council, is, by the terms of the Bill itself, to be still further increased by an additional six months.
      Incidentally, I would ask the House to consider how essentially absurd—I can

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      use no other word—this Amendment is upon the principles upon which it is founded. It is said that there may, owing to the continuance of the War, be a financial cataclysm. But let us take this hypothesis, that the War, through the valour of the Allied Forces, comes to a close at the end of three months. Nothing, then, is to happen in the way of Disendowment for a further fifteen months after the end of the War. That is to say, if the War is short, if it is comparatively inexpensive, and if no very serious strain is put on the country, fifteen months are to be allowed after the expiration of the War, which I suppose to have terminated at the end of three months. But suppose, on the other hand, the War goes on for a full year and has proved very exhausting. Suppose the supporters of the Church are in great financial difficulty. This Amendment proposes, not that fifteen months should be given for recuperation, but six months, and in effect the Lords Amendment proceeds on the principle of giving less time the longer the War lasts, and consequently the greater the financial exhaustion.
      We admitted, by introducing the Suspensory Bill, that there was a case for consideration. The circumstances which are present to us now moved us to that conclusion. If at the end of the year the War is still going on, we should be perfectly free then to take action suitable to the occasion, but I submit to the House that not knowing, as we do not at this moment, what the financial position of this country will be a year hence—whether the War will be short or long, whether there will be any need for a short postponement or a long postponement or any postponement—it is not right to ask the House now to take a final decision and to give, in any circumstances, no matter what the length of the War may be, eighteen months before the Act comes into operation. I think that is a sufficient argument to convince the House on the financial side.
      I come to the second point: That we should postpone all the preliminary inquiries which are to be undertaken by the Welsh Commissioners, by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and by Queen Anne's
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      Bounty. In defending that point a great deal was made of the alleged—I can use no other word—of the alleged need for the immediate constitution of a Representative Body. The character, the functions, and the institution of the Representative Body, I regret to say, although the Bill has been two years before the country, have been entirely misunderstood in another place. It would have been impossible to use such language about the institution of the Representative Body if the Bill had been understood. The Representative Body is instituted purely as a financial body, acting as trustees to hold and distribute the property of the Church, and, apart from such dealing with property, having no other functions whatever. It was spoken of as if it were a governing body of the Church. I think it was spoken of as if it were necessary to call this body immediately into being. Not at all! As a matter of fact, in the Bill there is no compulsion upon anybody ever to constitute a Representative Body. The only difficulty for the Church would be that if it failed to constitute the Representative Body the property of the Church would be held by a body which did not represent the Church. But nothing would happen otherwise. The Representative Body are trustees, and the Church is entitled to set up its own body of trustees to take over the property which will be free to be handed over to them at the expiration of a year.
      To talk as if it were necessary, immediately the Act passes, to consider the constitution of a Representative Body which would have no functions to perform until after Disestablishment and Disendowment had come into operation—at least, until the expiration of a year—is, I would in all seriousness submit to the House, really a misuse of language. There is no immediate need to set up a Representative Body. It may be set up at any time during the next twelve months. Its functions are purely financial. Consequently, I submit that to delay the necessary inquiries, and, among other things, to give freehold rights to persons who may be appointed officers of the Church after the passing of the Act, merely in order—this is the only argument used—to avert

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      the need of setting up immediately a Representative Body which would have no functions, is an argument which ought not to carry any weight with us, and for these reasons I submit the House should disagree with the Lords Amendments.
      Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: In spite of the provocation offered by the right hon. Gentleman's speech, I am not going to raise a debate in regard to it. I will content myself with saying that the effect of refusing the Lords Amendments is either to deprive the Church of the power to replace the funds which you are taking from it or to force them to collect those funds in competition with the funds which are now being raised. [HON. MEMBERS: "No, no!"] If anything could have surprised me coming from the Government, after what they have already done, it would have been that they should have refused this small concession to the Church. As it is, I can only say that their conduct remains consistent—
      Mr. J. MacVEAGH: Send that to Potsdam!
      Mr. CHAMBERLAIN: In this, if in nothing else, in that it is mean and petty.
      Question, "That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment," put, and agreed to.
      Lords Amendment: Clause 1, Sub-section (1), leave out the words, "and notwithstanding anything in the Welsh Church Act, 1914, the date of Disestablishment under that Act shall be postponed."
      Question, "That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment," put, and agreed to.—[Mr. McKenna.]
      Lords Amendment: Clause 1, at the end of Sub-section (1), insert the words, "throughout the Welsh Church Act, 1914, the date of the Act coming into operation shall be subsituted for the date of the passing of the Act."
      Question, "That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment," put, and agreed to.—[Mr. McKenna.]
      Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing with their Amendments to the Bill.
      Committee nominated of Mr. McKenna the Attorney-General, and Mr. Birrell.
      Two to be the Quorum.
      To withdraw immediately.—[Mr. McKenna.]
      Reasons for disagreeing to Lords Amendments reported, and agreed to.
      To be communicated to the Lords,—[Mr. McKenna.]
      The remaining Government Orders of the Day were read and postponed.
      Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: There may be a message from the other House, and I propose to leave the Chair till five o'clock, or such other time as the message may be received.
      Sitting suspended at Twenty-one minutes before Four o'clock.
      Sitting resumed at Three minutes after Five o'clock.

    MESSAGE FROM THE LORDS.
    That they have agreed to—
    Navy (Pledging of Certificates, etc.) Bill, without Amendment.
    That they do not insist on their Amendments to Suspensory Bill to which this House hath disagreed.

  WAR IN EUROPE.

    SYMPATHY WITH BELGIUM (REPLY FROM KING ALBERT).
    Whereupon Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of 17th July, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."
    The PRIME MINISTER: I have to state to the House that the Secretary of State

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    for Foreign Affairs has received from His Majesty's Minister at the Court of Belgium a despatch dated the 17th instant, stating that he has had the honour of being received in audience by His Majesty the King of the Belgians, and that, in obedience to the King's Command, he presented to His Majesty a copy of the Address adopted by the House of Commons on the 27th ultimo. He had received a reply thereto in these terms:—
    "His Majesty, the King of the Belgians, desires His Majesty's Minister to convey his heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister and the Marquis of Crewe, and, through them, to the Members of both Houses of Parliament. His Majesty deeply appreciates the language employed in the Address as a further and striking proof of the sympathy and support of the whole British nation, to which he attaches the utmost value."

    CONTRACTS WITH ALIEN ENEMIES.
    Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS: Before I deal with the points I wish to put to the Attorney-General, perhaps I might mention to the Prime Minister the question of the allowance to soldiers' wives. The Prime Minister told us this afternoon that the maximum would be 22s. for four children. As a matter of fact I have just heard the Secretary of State for War in another place intimate that there would still be 2s. for each additional child. I think it very essential in the public interest that the two statements should be put right as soon as possible. The points I desire to mention to the Attorney-General are two that arise out of the debate of Thursday last. Some little time ago, I asked the Prime Minister whether the Law Officers of the Crown could be authorised, under the very peculiar circumstances of the time, to make a statement for the benefit of the commercial community regarding the law as to contracts with aliens. An enormous number of contracts were entered into by the commercial community of this country, in London, Manchester, and so forth, prior to the commencement of the War, and it is quite impossible for anybody to advise these merchants as to what the law is on the subject. There has been no decision of
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    any kind in any Court at all, certainly for sixty years, and there are only one or two decisions under American law some sixty years ago. I asked the Prime Minister whether it would not be possible, under the very exceptional circumstances, that the Law Officers of the Crown should make a statement, in order, seeing it is quite impossible for the Courts to give an exact decision to our merchants and commercial communities until the War is over, that the position should be made as clear as possible.
    It is impossible for merchants to know what are their rights in regard to contracts which are still running with an alien enemy, whether they are, in effect, abrogated altogether, or merely suspended for the period of the War. The Prime Minister gave me an answer that under normal circumstances he could not consider any such suggestion, but under the existing conditions, though there were serious practical difficulties in the way of its adoption, the matter was being carefully considered. The same afternoon I mentioned the matter to the right hon. Gentleman the Attorney-General, and asked him whether he would consider it, and he stated that the point was under consideration. I have given the Attorney-General private notice that I intended this afternoon to raise this point, and I do venture, with the greatest deference, to suggest to the Government that they really will be doing a vast amount of good to the commercial community if the learned Law Officers of the Crown will go out of the ordinary scope of their duties—for I quite agree with what the Prime Minister said, that under normal circumstances it would be impossible for the Law Officers of the Crown to state what the law is—and give an answer to what I ask. It is impossible for any commercial man to go to law at the present time with a German firm so as to find out what his rights are, and what is his position. Therefore I suggest, on behalf of the great commercial communities of this country, that at least we are entitled to the best opinion that the Law Officers are able to give as to what is the law on this very difficult question.
    Contradictory opinions have been expressed by barristers on both sides of politics. The whole commercial community respects both the Attorney-General

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    and the Solicitor-General, and would accept what they said. Therefore we should like their opinion on this important and difficult question.
    There is one other point upon which I desire to ask the Attorney-General his views. He has also given me a pledge to deal with it before the Prorogation, and this is the last opportunity that I shall have to ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman's views on this other and somewhat difficult point—that is the question of reinsurance treaties with alien insurance companies. I explained this matter a week ago, and I will not go further into it now, except to say that there are large numbers—nearly all, in fact—of our insurance companies here have what is called reinsurance treaties with German and other alien companies. What the insurance companies want to know is what is their position in regard to these treaties. Under the Proclamation issued a week ago the matter was apparently clear, for Clause 5, Sub-section (6), said that no insurance company is—
    "to make, or enter into any new marine, life, fire, or other policy, or contract, or insurance with, or for the benefit of an enemy; nor to accept, or give effect to any insurance of, any risk arising under any policy or contract of insurance (including reinsurance) made or entered into with, or for the benefit of, an enemy before the outbreak of the War."
    That portion of the Proclamation is perfectly clear, but if one reads further on towards the end of the Proclamation, Clause 6 says:—
    "Provided always that where an enemy has a branch locally situated in British, allied, or neutral territory, not being neutral territory in Europe, transactions by or with such branch shall not be treated as transactions by or with an enemy."
    I would ask the Attorney-General if he would explain to the House, and through the House to the commercial community, exactly what relation there is between these two Clauses in the Proclamation? It seems to me, as it seemed to my hon. and learned Friend the Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool, who after-
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    wards spoke in this House on the same day, that Clause 6 of the Proclamation is directly contrary to the original Clause. The hon. and learned Gentleman the Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool spoke in the Debate of last week. He said:—
    "I say candidly that I have always advised that reinsurance treaties are dissolved."
    That, I think, is very largely the opinion that is held by many lawyers. It seemed to many of us that Clause 6 of that Proclamation—provided the reinsurance company had a branch in London—and nearly all these German companies have—would enable the business to go forward just in the same way as if the Proclamation had not taken place. My hon. and learned Friend said that he desired to call the attention of the Attorney-General to this, and that in his view the position was that Clause 6 of the Proclamation must go. The learned Attorney-General promised that he would go into the matter, and would see what could be done. I am this afternoon asking the Attorney-General if he will deal with this question.
    Mr. HODGE: Give other people a chance: remember that we are up in a quarter of an hour!
    Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS: I will not be much longer. I know the hon. Member wants to raise an important point, but this is a very important point, and I have been asked to raise it by the commercial community. I do ask the Attorney-General if he can give to the House his views in face of what hon. Members and myself consider are the contradictory opinions that are floating about?
    The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir John Simon): Both matters to which the hon. Member referred are important, and I will try to deal with them clearly. Let me take the second matter first, because I recognise that that is an important and immediate question in the minds of many persons concerned with insurance in this country. I understand a treaty of insurance to be an arrangement which may be made between an English company and a German company by which premiums and risks and losses may be shared as between them on the terms arranged during

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    the period of the treaty. The peculiarity of such a treaty is, at any rate in most cases, that one of the parties to it can bring into the common enterprise a new risk without consulting the other. Understanding a treaty of reinsurance in that sense, it is the intention of the new Proclamation, and I think it is the effect of the new Proclamation, that even although the treaty of reinsurance had been entered into before the War began, still no premium paid after the outbreak of the War can be shared during the War, and no loss arising after the outbreak of the War can be shared during the War under that reinsurance treaty if one of the parties is bound by the Proclamation and the other is an enemy. I think that is a clear statement and an accurate statement. If it be a fact that the new Proclamation does not make that arrangement abundantly clear, it will be possible to take steps to make it clearer under a further Proclamation. I make the statement now in order that those interested may consider whether the principle I have enunciated is not clear, definite, and reasonable, and if not we shall do our best to promulgate it without delay.
    Then the hon. Gentleman said that although that may be a true principle, and I think he will agree it is, it is, to a large extent, nullified because of the permission in the Proclamation to deal with branches established in this country of enterprises whose headquarters are in the enemy country. That provision was designed principally to permit trading with branches in this country, or it might be elsewhere, in the ordinary commercial sphere, and I agree that financial enterprise or insurance enterprise stand in a rather different position, and it is for that reason we found it necessary to put certain special restrictions on the branches in London of certain German banks, and I agree the same consideration to a large extent applies to insurance companies, and I should propose, therefore, when we make any further announcement, as we will shortly, to clear up any doubt on this point and to make it clear that as far as insurance and reinsurance business is concerned this privilege of continuing business with a London branch with headquarters in an enemy country is not to be understood to apply. That is one case.
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    The other is a very difficult and important question which the hon. Gentleman has raised. He pointed out, and it is quite true, that there is a good deal of doubt and uncertainty in the minds of many persons in the commercial world as to how the outbreak of war has affected their rights and liabilities in contracts entered into before the War began. I do not mean the case of a man who wishes he had not entered into a contract because the prices or freights had risen. He does not want any lawyer to advise him about that, because everybody agrees that you must stand by the contract unless you can persuade the other party to come to your assistance. But I mean the case where one party to the contract is a subject of our own, and the other is an enemy in the sense that he resides and carries on business in the enemy country. He says, we have made our contract in times of peace and the performance is not yet completed—perhaps the time of the performance has not yet come. How does the outbreak of war affect the performance of that contract? It is quite true that the Government have been considering whether or not they could usefully and properly intervene to solve these difficulties. I feel it a great compliment to myself and to my hon. and learned Friend, the Solicitor-General, that it should be believed that if we express an opinion the commercial community—I notice the hon. Member opposite does not include the judges—will instantly bow down and worship it. That never happened to me before, and I take it as a great compliment. But the real difficulty, and it cannot be got over by some formula or abstract statement, in these cases arises from the complexity of each individual case. I do not think competent advisers will differ, whatever other people may say, that the law on a matter like this is not, as an eminent authority once said, "an ass," but is reasonable and sensible. I do not feel any hesitation in saying this much, and I do not think any lawyer will deny, or any sensible man possibly question, this proposition, that if a party entered into a contract before the War began and it was a lawful contract to enter into, and if the time to perform it is not come when war breaks out, then, if performing the contract during the War is

    1003
    unlawful, no man is liable in the Courts of this country because he does not perform it.
    That proposition is plain. The real difficulty is not in laying down such a proposition, but in applying it owing to the large and infinite complexities of hundreds of thousands of cases, and although I have seen but a fraction of the difficulties, I have seen enough to know that it is not possible for me or my hon. Friend, or anyone, or any number of people to lay down in advance a series of elaborate and particular rules that will govern these cases. Therefore there is no alternative but for those who feel any doubt in these matters to take the best advice they can. There is plenty of good advice to be got, and I should not now be justified in going further. There are other Members who want to take part in this Debate, and I have only taken up so much time because the questions raised were important.

  ACCOMMODATION FOR RECRUITS.

    TEN NEW CAMPS.
    Sir IVOR HERBERT: I gave notice to the Under-Secretary for War, who unfortunately is not in his place, that I would ask him to-day to relieve public anxiety with regard to the treatment of recruits now coming in by making a statement as to the measures taken by the War Office to relieve the causes of complaint. The points upon which these complaints rest chiefly may be summarised thus: First, there is no proper feeding and no accommodation, and consequently there is overcrowding, there is insufficient sanitary arrangements, no means of washing, no clothing, and no other necessaries. Then, to complete this, there is no pay, so that there is no means for a man to provide these things for himself. I have heard from every part of the Kingdom complaints of the same kind, coming from sources of such authority that they are no ordinary complaints put forward by men suffering from slight inconvenience. Therefore I think it behoves the representative of the War Office in this House to make a clear and definite statement of what those
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    measures are which have been, as I understand, taken by the War Office to amend this state of affairs, in order to allay the very natural anxiety existing throughout the country, not only in the case of men who may become recruits hereafter, but of the friends and relatives of all those who have already given up their time and are prepared to give up their lives to His Majesty's service. I must express some surprise that in response to the notice which I gave yesterday there is nobody here on behalf of what is now the public Department most in the public eye. I was present a short time ago in another place when the Secretary of State for War himself made a statement. There was nothing in that statement to meet the complaints which had been made, and justly made. It was a valuable statement, but it is not for me to discuss that here. It is here in this House, which represents those men who are now coming forward in thousands to serve in the ranks of His Majesty's Army, that I consider a statement should be made to satisfy the country that due and proper preparation is made to deal with the influx of recruits. Under the circumstances I will not pursue the subject further, as it is idle for me to continue.
    Mr. ARTHUR HENDERSON: In the first place, I should like to associate myself with the statements made by my hon. and gallant Friend who has just spoken. To-day I received a couple of letters which bear out every word of the charge he has preferred. One of the letters I received was most amusing, because the writer says that when they were first taken to Alder-shot they were paraded and lectured by the colonel about the first point they should observe, and that was to keep themselves clean. This soldier writes to a friend of mine to ask how it is possible to carry out the injunction of the colonel if they are there, as they have been, for several days without soap, without towels, without brushes, without combs, in fact without any of those things absolutely essential to carry out the injunctions that have been given. They have been there ten days without any change of underclothing. He said he was quite prepared to rough it a bit, but the thing that touched him most was this, that the arrangements were so incomplete that his wife and children who

    1005
    had been left at home had not been able to draw a single halfpenny, and for no other reason that he could get than because the man's wife had not got his regimental number, and was informed that until she had the number it was absolutely impossible for any pay to be given. It seems to me that making the fullest allowance—and I think every Member of this House, no matter what side he sits on, will recognise that there has fallen to the War Office an exceptional amount of work during the last few weeks—but making the fullest allowance the organisation might be such that great groups of men should not be placed down at Aldershot and exposed to all the inconvenience and annoyance, not only to themselves, but also to the pain of having to carry in their memories the sufferings imposed upon those they left at home.
    The other point I want to mention has reference to another Department. I introduced, on behalf of the organised workers of this country, a deputation to the Prime Minister on the 27th of August. Yesterday I submitted a question which was answered by the President of the Board of Trade in reference to a deputation. The deputation in question concerned the position of the trade unions of this country. Unemployment has risen, according to the statistics published by the Board of Trade itself, from 2.8 in the earlier Report to 7.1 in the most recent Report they have issued. That is within a month; but what it will be in another month no one can tell. I want to know whether the Under-Secretary could appeal to the President before the House prorogues to-morrow to make a statement on this subject. The whole of the trade unions of this country are really waiting in response to our appeal for their case to be considered. I wish to know whether the Patronage Secretary can say when the House prorogues to-morrow whether we are going to prorogue for a long or short period. I hope it will be for an exceedingly short period because I think it is only right that this House should have opportunities for raising those vital and important questions in which those they represent are so keenly interested. I hope the Patronage Secretary will have something to say on this point.
    The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant): I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will acquit me of any want of courtesy in the fact that I was unable to be present earlier. I have been engaged in very important business, and I understood that the matter to be raised by the hon. Member for Brentford (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) was likely to occupy some time. I understand my hon. and gallant Friend wishes me to make a statement as to the steps which have been taken to relieve the congestion and remedy the defects of the arrangements made by the War Office to deal with the great rush of recruits which have been sent to various centres. In the first place, I may inform the House that the War Office have opened ten large new camps at the following places: Salisbury, Codford St. Mary, Tring, Shoreham, Shorncliffe, Lulworth, Wool, Wareham, Bulford, and Grantham. All these new camps are equipped with tents, and blankets are served out to each of the recruits. Of course, it is the desire of the War Office that each recruit should have two blankets. At present we have not been able to give every soldier two, but every soldier has one, and we hope to give him two, and in the winter it may be desirable that they should have three. I think the ten camps I have alluded to will accommodate approximately 100,000 men. We have 100,000 at Aldershot. Most of the tents are now supplied with boards below, and where there are no tent-boards there are waterproof sheets. Another step taken by the War Office in order to partially stop the tremendous inflow of recruits is the raising of the height by three inches. This was designed to improve the standard of the physique of the Army, and has had the additional effect of diminishing the number of men qualified to join the Colours. I think the House is aware that while we were receiving 33,000 recruits a day as the maximum, we are now getting 8,000 or 9,000. [An HON. MEMBER: "What about the food?"] There is no difficulty about the food. [HON. MEMBERS: "Yes there is!"] I understand that the complaints which have reached my Noble Friend are that there is insufficient food, but I may say that there is a plentiful supply of the best food.
    Mr. W. THORNE: If they can get at it!
    Mr. TENNANT: It is true that there have been difficulties in supplying food. I should like to be allowed to read the following letter which I have received from a Member of Parliament:—
    "Nothing of the sort has occurred where I have been soldiering for over a month. We had an average of Over 2,000 men in barracks at Hilsea, where there was accommodation for about 500. I was in command of a battery there, and never had one single complaint about the accommodation or food or cleanliness from a single man. I went round dinners myself on several occasions and the men seemed more than pleased, and certainly
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    there was no case-of dirt or vermin that I heard of. Naturally they had to rough it, but there was no complaint of that. You are welcome to read this in the House of Commons. Don't let any man in the House of Commons imagine for a moment that we are dissatisfied in any way with Lord Kitchener's regime."
    It being half an hour after the conclusion of Government Business, Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Order of the House of 17th July.
    Adjourned at Twenty-four minutes before Six o'clock till to-morrow (Friday), at Twelve noon.

  WOUNDED SOLDIERS AND SAILORS (VISITS OF FRIENDS).
  WOUNDED SOLDIERS AND SAILORS (VISITS OF FRIENDS).
  HAY AND STRAW (PACKING MATERIAL).
  HAY AND STRAW (PACKING MATERIAL).
  HUTTING FOR TROOPS.
  HUTTING FOR TROOPS.
  CONTRACTORS AT MILITARY CAMPS (FAIR-WAGES CLAUSE).
  CONTRACTORS AT MILITARY CAMPS (FAIR-WAGES CLAUSE).
  COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE (HOLLAND).
  COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE (HOLLAND).
  FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.
  FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE.
  BELGIAN MALE REFUGEES IN UNITED KINGDOM.
  BELGIAN MALE REFUGEES IN UNITED KINGDOM.
  DOG BISCUITS (MANUFACTURERS' PRICES).
  DOG BISCUITS (MANUFACTURERS' PRICES).
  Horticultural and Farm Gardens.
  Horticultural and Farm Gardens.
  National Education (Ireland).
  National Education (Ireland).
  Land Purchase (Ireland).
  Land Purchase (Ireland).
  Casual Paupers.
  Casual Paupers.

THE WAR.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (EARL KITCHENER): Your Lordships will expect that some statement should be made by me on the general military situation before the session ends, and I will therefore endeavour as briefly as possible to supplement the remarks which I had the honour to address to your Lordships' House three weeks ago. I need not re-tell the story of the British Expeditionary Force in France which has been read and appreciated by us all in Sir John French's Despatch. The quiet restraint of his account of their achievements only brings into relief the qualities which enabled our troops successfully to carry out the most difficult of all military operations. There is, however, one aspect of this feat of arms upon which the Despatch is naturally silent. I refer to the consummate skill and calm courage of the Commander-in-Chief himself in the conduct of this strategic withdrawal in the face of vastly superior forces. His Majesty's Government appreciate to the full the value of the service which Sir John French has rendered to this country and to the cause of the Allies, and I may perhaps be permitted here and now, on their behalf, to pay a tribute to his leadership as well as to the marked ability of the Generals under his command and the bravery and endurance of the officers and men of the Expeditionary Force.
As your Lordships are aware the tide has now turned, and for some days past we have received the gratifying intelligence of the forced retirement of the German Armies. The latest news from Sir John French does not materially change the published statement describing the military situation. In his telegram Sir John reports that the troops are all in good heart and are ready to move forward when the moment arrives. The gallant French Armies with which we are so proud to be co-operating will receive every support from our troops in their desire effectually to clear their country of the invading foe, and the undaunted and vigilant activity of the Belgian Army in the North materially conduces to this end. I would also like to take this opportunity of offering our cordial congratulations to
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Russia upon the conspicuous successes which have added fresh lustre to her arms.
Although, therefore, we have good grounds for quiet confidence, it is only right that we should remind ourselves that the struggle is bound to be a long one and that it behoves us strenuously to prosecute our labours in developing our armed forces to carry on and bring to a successful issue the mighty conflict in which we are engaged. There are now in the field rather more than six Divisions of British troops and two Cavalry Divisions. These are being, and will be, maintained at full strength by a steady flow of reinforcements. To meet the wastage of war in this Field Force our Reserve units are available. To augment the Expeditionary Force further Regular Divisions and additional Cavalry are now being organised from units withdrawn from stations overseas, whose places where necessary will be taken by Territorial troops, who, with fine patriotism, have volunteered to exchange a Home for an Imperial Service obligation.
On their way from India are certain Divisions from the Indian Army, composed of highly trained and very efficient troops, and a body of Cavalry including regiments of historic fame. The Dominions beyond the seas are sending us freely of their best. Several Divisions will be available, formed of men who have been locally trained in the light of the experience of the South African War, and, in the case of Australia and New Zealand, under the system of general national training introduced a few years ago. In the response to the call for recruits for the new Armies which it is considered necessary to raise we have had a most remarkable demonstration of the energy and patriotism of the young men of this country. We propose to organise this splendid material into four new Armies, and although it takes time to train an Army the zeal and good will displayed will greatly simplify our task.
If some of those who have so readily come forward have suffered inconvenience they will not, I am sure, allow their ardour to be damped. They will reflect that the War Office has had in a day to deal with as many recruits as were usually forthcoming in twelve months. No effort is being spared to meet the influx of soldiers, and the War Office will do its utmost to look after them and give them the efficient training necessary

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to enable them to join their comrades in the field. The Divisions of the first two Armies are now collected at our Training Centres; the Third Army is being formed on new camping grounds; the Fourth Army is being created by adding to the establishment of the Reserve battalions, from which the units will be detached and organised similarly to the other three Armies. The whole of the Special Reserve and Extra Special Reserve units will be maintained at their full establishments as feeders to the Expeditionary Force.
In addition to the four new Armies, a considerable number of what may be designated local battalions have been specially raised by the public-spirited initiative of cities, towns or individuals. Several more are in course of formation, and I have received many offers of this character. The Territorial Force is making great strides in efficiency, and will before many months be ready to take a share in the campaign. This Force is proving its military value to the Empire by the willing subordination of personal feelings to the public good in the acceptance of whatever duty may be assigned to it in any portion of the Empire. A Division has already left for Egypt, a Brigade for Malta, and a Garrison for Gibraltar. The soldierlike qualities evinced by the Force are an assurance to the Government that they may count to the full upon its readiness to play its part wherever the exigencies of the military situation may demand. Nor must I omit to refer to the assistance which we shall receive from the Division of the gallant Royal Marines and Bluejackets now being organised by my right hon. friend the First Lord of the Admiralty. Their presence in the field will be very welcome, for their fighting qualities are well known.
The creation of the new Armies referred to is fraught. with considerable difficulties, one of which is the provision of regimental officers. I hope the problem of supplying officers may be solved by the large numbers coming forward to fill vacancies and by promotions from the non-commissioned officer ranks of the Regular forces. In a country which prides itself on its skill in, and love of, outdoor sports, we ought to be able to find sufficient young men who will train and qualify as officers under the guidance of the nucleus of trained officers which we are able to provide from India
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and elsewhere. If any retired officer competent to train troops has not yet applied, or has not received an answer to a previous application, I hope that he will communicate with me at the War Office in writing.
But our chief difficulty is one of matériel rather than personnel. It would not be in the public interest that I should refer in greater detail to this question, beyond saying that strenuous endeavours are being made to cope with the unprecedented situation, and that thanks to the public spirit of all grades in the various industries affected, to whom we have appealed to co-operate with us and who are devoting all their energy to the task, our requirements will, I feel sure, be met with all possible speed. I am confident that by the spring we shall have ready to take the field Armies which will be well trained and will prove themselves formidable opponents to the enemy. The Government fully recognise the fine spirit which animates those who have come forward to fight for their country, and will spare no effort to secure that everything is done that can be done to enable them worthily to contribute to the ultimate success of our arms.
I have to announce to the House that the Government have decided to increase the separation allowances made to wives of soldiers, both Regular and Territorial. No change will be made in the amounts contributed by the soldier out of his pay, but the allowances made from Army Funds will be so increased as to bring the income of the family up to a higher standard. I will not trouble the House with the figures affecting the higher ranks but will give those for the rank and file. For a wife without child, the income rises from 11 s. 1d. to 12 s. 6d.; for a wife and one child, from 12 s. 10 d. to 15 s.; a wife and two children, from 14 s. 7d. to 17 s. 6d.; a wife and three children, from 16 s. 4d. to 20 s.; a. wife and four children, from 17 s. 6d. to 22 s.; and so on, increasing by 2s. for each further child. For London families an addition of 3s. 6d. a week will continue to be made to these figures. Arrangements have also been made with the Post Office to pay these allowances weekly direct to the women in all cases, and both weekly payments and new rates will start on October 1, the September allowances having already been paid.
THE MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNE: My Lords, I feel that it is almost an impertinence on my part to say a word after the absorbingly interesting statement to which we have just listened, but I should be sorry if complete silence on our part lent itself to the interpretation that we were indifferent to the great topics which the Secretary of State for War has just dealt with in his speech. May we be permitted to say that we regard with the profoundest admiration and gratitude what the noble and gallant Field-Marshal described as the great feat of arms which has been accomplished by the British Force since its arrival at the seat of war. And may we be permitted to add also that we share the feeling which the noble and gallant Earl has expressed with regard to the immense service rendered by Sir John French to this country, a service to which he, of course, could not himself bear witness in the Despatch which he sent home. There are only two other remarks which, with great deference, I would venture to make. One has reference to the noble and gallant Earl's statement with regard to the response which has been made to his appeal to the country for recruits. That response has been memorable and admirable, and I only wish to say this—that I think, considering the manner in which that appeal was responded to, the immense influx of recruits that came in in consequence of the appeal which was made to the country, we can scarcely be surprised that in the early days the strain should have been rather greater than either the War Office or the local authorities were able to cope with. But we have every reason to believe that that has been corrected, and I feel no doubt that all will now go smoothly and well. The only other observation which I will take leave to make is this, that we have all heard with the greatest satisfaction the announcement that the separation allowances to the wives of Regulars and Territorials are to be considerably increased. Considering what our soldiers are doing for us at the seat of war the least we can do is to provide liberally for the relatives whom they have for a time left behind in this country.
LORD HARRIS: My Lords, may I, with reference to what the noble Marquess has just said, add a word on behalf of the widows of those who fall in the war. I had a letter in The Times the other day calling attention to the fact that whereas a wife
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whose husband lives gets from 14 s. to 20 s., a widow drops to about 5s., with perhaps 2s. more from the Patriotic Fund, so that at any rate for sometime after the death of her husband she is infinitely worse off than the wife of a soldier who is alive.
EARL KITCHENER: That particular point is under the consideration of the Government; but there are, of course, important considerations and differences in many cases.

SYMPATHY WITH BELGIUM—KING ALBERTS REPLY.
THE LORD PRIVY SEAL AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (THE MARQUESS OF CREWE): My Lords, I have to inform the House that the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has sent to the Lord Chancellor a letter with reference to the communication received by him from my noble and learned friend on the 30th ultimo. The Secretary of State says that he has received from His Majesty's Minister at the Court of Belgium a Despatch reporting that on the 7th instant he had the honour of being received in audience by His Majesty the King of the Belgians, when, in obedience to the King's command, he presented to His Majesty a copy of the Address adopted by the House of Lords on the 27th ultimo. The King was graciously pleased to reply in these terms:
"His Majesty the King of the Belgians desires His Majesty's Minister to convey his heartfelt thanks to the Prime Minister and to the Marquess of Crewe, and through them to the Members of both Houses of Parliament. His Majesty deeply appreciates the language employed in the Addresses, and sees in them a further and striking proof of the sympathy and support of the whole British nation, to which he attaches the utmost value."

JUDICIAL BUSINESS.
Ordered, That this House do meet on Tuesday the 20 th day of October next, at half-past Ten o'clock, for the purpose of hearing and determining Appeals and matters connected therewith, pursuant to the Appellate Jurisdiction Act, 1876, and that during such meeting of the House leave be given to the Appeal Committee to meet.
NAVY (PLEDGING OF CERTIFICATES, &c.) BILL.
Brought from the Commons; read 1ª, and to be printed: Then (Standing Order No. XXXIX having been suspended) Bill read 2ª (The Lord Ashby St. Ledgers): Committee negatived: Bill read 3ª, and passed. (No. 296.)
TRADING WITH THE ENEMY BILL.
Returned from the Commons, with the Amendment, agreed to.

SUSPENSORY BILL.
Returned from the Commons, with the Amendments disagreed to, together with Reasons for such disagreement.
The said Reasons considered (on Motion).
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (EARL BEAUCHAMP): My Lords, I rise to move that your Lordships do not insist upon your Amendments to the Suspensory Bill. The Message from the Commons states that they disagree to your Lordships' Amendment in Clause 1, page 1, line 6—
After ("1914,") insert ("or in the Welsh Church Act, 1914,") and leave out ("that Act") and insert ("these Acts").
because they consider that it is unnecessary to make at the present time any provision as to the period of the suspension of the Welsh Church Act other than that made by the Bill; and they disagree to the other Amendments on the ground that they are consequential upon the first Amendment. Your Lordships have discussed this matter at some length during the last few days, and therefore it is unnecessary for me to do more than move formally that your Lordships do not insist on the Amendments.
Moved, That the House do not insist upon the said Amendments. (Earl Beauchamp.)
*VISCOUNT ST. ALDWYN: My Lords, when we discussed this matter yesterday it was clear, from the speeches which were made by noble Lords on the Front Bench opposite, that they felt we had reason for the Amendments which I moved, and strong reasons at any rate for some modification of the Bill in that respect. Why the Commons have rejected the Amendments it is not easy to say. It is like the old story—
I do not love thee, Dr. Fell,
The reason why I cannot tell.
I think I know the reason. It is that the moderate and reasonable views held, as was clearly the case, by noble Lords now sitting on the Front Government Bench have been overruled by certain of their colleagues in the Cabinet whose one desire is to destroy as far as they can the Church in Wales, and who are determined to aid that process by refusing it a fair start under its new conditions of Disestablishment and Disendowment. We can do nothing but enter our protest against the unfair manner in which the Church in Wales is proposed to be treated by this Suspensory Bill, but much more strongly against the time and manner in which the Welsh Church Bill is proposed to be placed on the Statute Book and against the provisions of the measure itself. We can only wait until the time comes—and the sooner it conies the better I shall be pleased so far as this Bill is concerned—when the constituencies will be appealed to. If their verdict should be against the policy of the Government, then I have every confidence that this Welsh Church Bill at any rate will be repealed, because it is not deserving of the respect of its opponents as a measure which has been constitutionally passed by both Houses of Parliament; it is but the illegitimate offspring of an unconstitutional action by the Crown.
On Question, Amendments to which the Commons have disagreed not insisted on.
House adjourned at ten minutes before Five o'clock, till Tomorrow, Twelve o'clock