7 SEPTEMBER 1918, Page 3

It is good news that a further step has been

taken to release the administration of war pensions from party influences. Sir C. A. Montague Barlow and others wrote recently to all members of the House of Commons, asking them whether they approved of setting up a strong non-party Standing Committee to co-operate with the Pensions Minister. Mr. Hodge himself promised that if such a non-party Committee were created he would be perfectly willing to work with it. Replies favourable to the principle of establishing this Committee were received as follows : Liberals; 92 ; Labour, 19 ; Conservative, 159 ; Nationalistir, 16 ; Independents, 3 ; Total 289.