Sitting of 5 April 1917

Preamble
The House met at Twelve of the clock.
The CLERK AT THE TABLE 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.

SIR JOHN JACKSON, LIMITED (ROYAL COMMISSION).
Copy presented of Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into certain allegations made against Sir John Jackson, Limited, in connection with the ercetion of Huts for the Troops [by Command]; to lie upon the Table.
ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS.
  WAR.

    NATIONAL SERVICE (WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION).
    Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of National Service on what basis the workmen's compensation will be settled for a man who, under the National Service scheme, has been taken away from his regular employment and employed elsewhere at a smaller wage; and whether any steps will be taken to secure for the man, by State contributions or otherwise, compensation on the basis of his former earnings?
    The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of NATIONAL SERVICE (Mr. S. Walsh): There are not expected to be many cases within the limits of the wages to which the Workmen's Compensation Act applies, where the wages of National Service volunteers
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    would be so much lower than their former wages that undue hardship would result in the event of an accident occurrng. If, however, cases of hardship were found to be sufficiently numerous, the matter would receive careful consideration with a view to suitable representations being made to the Treasury.
    Mr. SCOTT: May I ask how many cases are considered sufficiently numerous to justify action? Would one case be sufficient?
    Mr. WALSH: As a matter of fact, no-cases at all have arisen yet, and we can only say what we consider is a sufficient number of cases when the cases have actually happened. It is very likely that the immense mass of cases will be receiving greater wages than they received in their previous employment.
    Mr. SCOTT: But may I ask whether this aspect of the case will be kept before the attention of the Department?
    Mr. WALSH: I thought the last part of my answer conveyed that.
    Mr. P. A. HARRIS: Is the hon. Gentleman aware that this will prevent enrolment in the National Service scheme, and will he take action to remove this difficulty?
    Mr. WALSH: I do not know that that arises out of the question, but certainly, if any cases do arise, they will receive proper consideration.

  MILITARY SERVICE.

    EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES (STAFF).
    Sir HARRY SAMUELasked the Minister of Labour if he can state the number of men of military age at present employed in the various Employment Exchanges of the country?
    Mr. BALDWIN (Lord of the Treasury): My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. The number of men of military age on the staff of the Ministry of Labour working in the Employment Exchanges (excluding those in Ireland) is 964. This includes men unfit for military service and men discharged from the Army. Over 45 per cent. of the total male staff of the Department of all ages (excluding Ireland) have joined His Majesty's Forces.

    HOSPITAL SHIPS TORPEDOED OR MINED.
    Mr. GILBERTasked the Prime Minister if he will state the number of hospital ships which have been torpedoed or mined by the enemy during the period of the War, the total loss of life, and the number of persons injured; and whether these acts of the enemy have been brought to the attention of all neutral Powers by the Government?
    The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara): My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. Six hospital ships have been torpedoed or mined by the enemy during the period of the War. The total loss of life in consequence is 247. The number of persons injured is 73. As regards the last part of the question, the widest possible publicity is given to these outrages as soon as the facts in each case are established.

    OSBORNE (EPIDEMIC DISEASES).
    Mr. SHIRLEY BENN(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if his attention has been drawn to the conflicting reports in letters published in the daily Press regarding the health of the boys at Osborne; if he is in a position to make any reassuring statement to the House?
    Dr. MACNAMARA: A serious outbreak of epidemic diseases has been experienced at Osborne during the present term. The diseases furnishing the greater number of cases were measles and influenza. The former, introduced by a boy joining from home, was of a severe type, and in a considerable number of cases was followed by broncho-pneumonia, causing six deaths.
    At one time there were 280 cases on the sick list, but the epidemic is now fast subsiding, and the last report gives 76 cases under treatment. We have, I am glad to say, been able to obtain an ample supply of doctors and nurses, and everything possible has been done for the patients.
    I would observe that a similar type of pneumonia has prevailed in a number of the Public Schools during the past three months, and at least four have had to be closed on account of the severe illness.
    It is worth while noting that as regards the segregation of boys, all pretty much
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    of the same age, and therefore peculiarly liable to the spread of infection, this Institution is unique among the educational boarding establishments of the country of this class. I would further observe that I think this establishment is also unique amongst the Public Schools of the country in the proportion of new entries received each year.
    Mr. P. A. HARRIS: Will the right hon. Gentleman make representations to the Local Government Board to take some drastic measures to deal with this disease?
    Dr. MACNAMARA: Does the hon. Gentleman mean outside our own particular case? I think we shall be able to handle cases at Osborne, but as regards other cases it would not be in my province from a civil point of view to make representations.

    UNITED STATES AND GERMANY.
    Mr. T. P. O'CONNOR(by Private Notice) asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury if he has any information in regard to the action of the United States Senate?
    Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: It is not usual to allow questions after Bills have been presented, but under the circumstances I will raise no objection now.
    Lord E. TALBOT (Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury): We understand that the proceedings have not gone through Congress yet in America. The Senate has passed it, but, I think, not the other House, and we are given to understand that it is not likely to pass until Saturday.
    Mr. O'CONNOR: I assume that when the decision of the American Legislature is known, the Government will take an opportunity of making a statement and a Motion to the House? It must be after Easter now, of course.
    Lord E. TALBOT: No steps can be taken now until after the House reassembles.

BILL PRESENTED.
CORN PRODUCTION BILL,—"for encouraging the Production of Corn, and for purposes connected therewith (including provision as to agricultursl wages and rents),"presented by Mr. PROTHERO; supported by the Chancellor of the Exchequer,

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Mr. Munro, and Mr. Duke: to be read a second time upon Tuesday, 17th April, and to be printed. [Bill 31.]

MESSAGE FROM THE LORDS.
That they have agreed to,—
Naval Discipline (Delegation of Powers) Bill,
Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Bill, without amendment.

ROYAL ASSENT.
Message to attend the Lords Commissioners.
The House went, and, having returned,
Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKERreported the Royal Assent to—

1. Army (Annual) Act, 1917.

2. Army (Annual) Act (1916) Amendment Act, 1917.

3.Naval Discipline (Delegation of Powers) Act, 1917.

4. Military Service (Review of Exceptions) Act, 1917.

Whereupon, Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of the 4th April, adjourned the House, without Question put, until Tuesday, 17th April.
Adjourned at Half after Twelve o'clock.

PETITIONS PRESENTED DURING THE WEEK.
The following Petitions were presented during the week and ordered to lie upon the Table:—
MONDAY.
Intoxicating Liquors (Prohibition during the Period of the War and Demobilisation,—Petitions for legislation, from Bower, Caithness, and Wishaw.
TUESDAY.
Intoxicating Liquors (Prohibition during the Period of the War and Demobilisation),—Petitions for legislation, from Broxburn, Deeside, and Stirling.
WEDNESDAY.
Intoxicating Liquors (Prohibition during the Period of the War and Demobilisation),—Petitions for legislation, from Helensburgh, and Milnathort.
WAR.
  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES (PARTIALLY DISABLED MEN).
  EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGES (PARTIALLY DISABLED MEN).
  SUMMER TIME (IRELAND).
  SUMMER TIME (IRELAND).
  INQUIRY (F. A. J. LIVERTON).
  INQUIRY (F. A. J. LIVERTON).
  VOLUNTEER FORCE (TRAINING).
  VOLUNTEER FORCE (TRAINING).
  GOVERNMENT EMPLOYES (WAGES).
  GOVERNMENT EMPLOYES (WAGES).
  ARMY OFFICERS (DEPENDANTS'ALLOWANCES).
  ARMY OFFICERS (DEPENDANTS'ALLOWANCES).
MUNITIONS.
  EAST END EXPLOSION.
  EAST END EXPLOSION.
  GERMAN PATENTS.
  GERMAN PATENTS.
FOOD SUPPLIES.
  PHEASANTS ORDER, 1917.
  PHEASANTS ORDER, 1917.
  LAND CULTIVATION (FARMERS' UNDERTAKINGS).
  LAND CULTIVATION (FARMERS' UNDERTAKINGS).
  TRADE WITH DENMARK.
  TRADE WITH DENMARK.
  Old Age Pensions.
  Old Age Pensions.