asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether an approved society can stop from a member's State unemployed pay the amount of arrears due to his trade society?

There is nothing in the terms of the arrangements made with associations under Section 105 of the National Insurance Act to diminish any right which an association may have under its own rules to deduct arrears of contribution from benefit paid to any member, but I may point out that the right) of every workman to obtain the benefit of Part II. of the Act in full without deductions is effectively guaranteed by the fact that he can, if he chooses, draw unemployment benefit direct from the local office of the Unemployment Fund instead of through an association.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his Board intends to put into force the Section of the National Insurance Act which gives the Board of Trade power to return to trade unions one-sixth of the money expended on unemployment benefits; and, if so, will he state when and where applications should be made by any trade union wishing to take advantage of this Section?

Circulars calling attention to the provisions of the Section referred to were sent out last autumn to over 700 associations, being all those which, from the information available, appeared likely to be affected by the Section. Two hundred and seventy associations have now given notice in accordance with the Regulations of their intention to apply for a repayment under the Section. Any association which has not already given such notice, but desires to do so, should make application for the necessary forms to the Board of Trade Central Office for Labour Exchanges and Unemployment Insurance.

asked whether the sum of £1,650,000 for medical benefit will be included in the Supplementary Estimates to be submitted to the House before the recess?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to the Supplementary Estimates, which have now been circulated.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the case of Joseph Brayley, of 21, Ceylon Road, Hammersmith, who has been a member of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows for about forty years, and whose insurance was paid and his card stamped so long as he was able to work, who has been laid up in bed ill since October, and now cannot even get a card to obtain the medical aid which is necessary for him; whether he is aware that this man has written to the Commissioners on several occasions and can only get official acknowledgments of his letters; and will he say if he is to be left without medical attendance or left dependent on the charity of a medical man when he wishes for a panel doctor?

The Commissioners first heard from the person referred to on the 21st January, and communicated with the society on the 23rd. They are informed that he is not a State insured member of the society in question, but a deposit contributor. His medical ticket and insurance book have been forwarded to him, and he is in a position to obtain medical benefit at once.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what arrangements have been made to provide medical benefits for domestic servants whose employer may reside part of the year in one place and part in another and who has no fixed residence in either place?

The regulations provide that an insured person moving from the area of one insurance committee to that of another may, by giving notice to the committee of the area to which lie moves obtain medical attendance and treatment from a doctor on the panel in the latter area.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury the names of the four doctors appointed by the Isle of Ely Insurance Committee by special arrangement to undertake complete responsibility for insured persons in the districts of Chatteris and Wisbech, and which of the four is assigned to Chatteris district and the area of such district and of the Wisbech district, and which, if any, of these doctors have previously practised in cither of these districts?

The names of the four doctors in the question are: William Groom, M.D., Harry Groom, M.D., Horace Dimmock, M.B., M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., and P. Coffey, L.H.C.S., L.R.C.P. The three doctors whose names are first mentioned are treating insured persons in the borough of Wisbech, and Dr. Coffey is undertaking the same work in the urban district of Chatteris. Dr. William Groom and Dr. Harry Groom have both practised in the Wisbech area.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, under Section 21 of the National Insurance Act, the Commissioners are prepared to make grants for the support of nurses who are attending persons insured in friendly societies, as well as for the support of those nurses who are attending deposit contributors; if not, what, practical means can a district nursing association take to make arrangements for remuneration for nursing insured persons; does any machinery exist by which an agreement can be made by a local nursing association with the multitude of approved societies collectively; and if, now that arrangements with doctors are completed, he will undertake that serious consideration shall be given to the need of making financial and other arrangements for the nursing of insured persons as provided in the Act?

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Elgin and Nairn on the 28th January.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether an employed contributor whose stamps had been regularly affixed from 15th July, 1912, to 15th January, 1913, i.e.,twenty-six weeks, but became unemployed the twenty-seventh week and remained so for twenty-six weeks, no stamps being placed on his card during the latter six months, would, on resuming work the fifty-third week, be responsible for the arrears, or whether, as they occurred during the first twelve months after the commencement of the Act, he would still be in benefit?

The contributor referred to, having paid twenty-six contributions would be entitled, as a member of an approved society, to full benefits for the remainder of the first twelve months, and would not be reckoned in arrear on resuming payment of contributions in the fifty-third week. A deposit contributor, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware is not subject to the ordinary provisions in regard to arrears, but receives benefits which depend upon the amount standing to his credit for the time being in the Post Office account.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that in February, 1912, the Treasury arranged for the surrender to the Crown of the rights and privileges of the city of St. Albans under their ancient wine charters on payment of the sum of £l,500 to the corporation of St. Albans, as trustees for the St. Albans Grammar School; whether he is aware that the lapse of time on the part of the Treasury in carrying out its side of the agreement is involving the school in a serious loss of income; and whether the legislation necessary for the completion of the arrangement will be obtained without any further delay?

In 1911 the Corporation of St. Albans and the governors of the grammar school presented a petition to the Treasury praying that the Treasury would redeem on behalf of the Crown the rights and privileges of the city of St. Albans under their ancient wine charters. As the result of negotiations which ensued a lump sum of £1,500 was agreed upon as the consideration for the redemption, but no undertaking was given as to when the legislation would or could be introduced without which the redemption could not be effected. I fear that at the present time it is impossible to make any statement as to when the legislation can be introduced.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what grounds houses are made subject to Increment Duty, and not other products the value of which may fortuitously rise between one date and another?

My hon. Friend's question is based on an incorrect assumption, the value attributable to buildings being wholly eliminated in arriving at the increment value on which duty is chargeable.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Lords Commissioners have now considered the recommendations of the Committee on the Customs waterguard service and the Customs watchers relating to launchmen, as submitted in Section 14 of the Report; and, if so, what is their decision?

It has not yet been possible to arrive at a decision on the recommendations of the Committee relating to the pay and pensions of launchmen which involve certain considerations not confined to the Customs Department. The remaining recommendations of the Committee relating to launchmen have been approved.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in the event of the Government of Ireland Bill becoming law, the Commissioners of Kingstown Harbour, county Dublin, will continue to be controlled by the Lords of the Treasury; and, if so, and they continue to allow vessels as at present to use the harbour without paying the dues in accordance with the published schedule, will the deficit on the working of the harbour be borne by the Irish Exchequer out of the Transferred Sum?

The Commissioners of Kingstown Harbour are appointed by the Lord Lieutenant and not by the Treasury, and I anticipate that under the Government of Ireland Bill Kingstown Harbour will become an Irish service, and the charges now paid from the Votes will be part of the Transferred Sum.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury what was the amount of the deficit in the working of Kingstown Harbour, county Dublin, during the last year on which accounts of the dues and working expenses were balanced; whether, if dues in accordance with the published schedule of the Kingstown Harbour Commissioners had been charged, instead of a deficit there would have been a profit; and, if so, will he state what the approximate amount of that profit would have been if the full scheduled dues had been charged?

The net deficit on the working of Kingstown Harbour for the last year for which figures are available was about £5,300. Dues in accordance with the published schedule are charged, but masters of vessels have also the right under the Act 32, George III., cap. 35, Section 25, to pay an annual composition. I do not think I could answer the hypothetical questions contained in the remainder of the hon. Member's question.

asked th Chief Secretary if, in the event of the Home Rule proposals of the Government becoming law, it would be possible for the Dublin Parliament to charge such tolls on all passenger vessels entering Kingstown Harbour as would wipe out the existing annual loss of £6,000 on the working of the harbour?

It would be within the powers of the Irish Parliament to alter the enactments which regulate the payment of tolls in respect of vessels entering an Irish harbour. Whether any such alteration will be made, or what its effect on the harbour revenue, if any, may be, it is impossible for me to anticipate.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will request the Estates Commissioners to send down a fresh inspector to further investigate the cases of John Reilly, Creenagh, and William O'Donnell, Drumconlister, the Killeshandra evicted tenaints whose claims for reinstatement are already recognised by the Estates Commissioners; and will he say what farm was offered to John Reilly?

The Estates Commissioners are not prepared to reopen these cases in which they have decided to take no action. No farm was offered to Reilly. He stated he would not take any other farm than that formerly occupied by him which is now in the occupation of another tenant.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Mrs. M. J. M'Keown, of Crossmaglen, applied some time ago to the Estates Commissioners for reinstatement to the holding known as Harry-mount, Cullyhana, county Armagh, from which she was evicted by the landowner, Mrs. Georgina Leslie; and if he can say what is the cause of delay on the part of the Commissioners or how soon Mrs. M'Keown may hope to be reinstated?

The Estates Commissioners are unable from the particulars given to trace the receipt of any application for reinstatement from the evicted tenant referred to.

asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Bernard Toner was evicted from his farm on the Douglas estate, in the townland of Corran, county Armagh, about twenty years ago; that he has applied to the Estates Commissioners for reinstatement, but up to the present without success; and how soon he may expect to be restored to his former holding?

The Estates Commissioners have received an application from Bernard Toner for reinstatement in a holding on the Blacker Douglas estate, county Armagh, formerly occupied by him, and now in the possession of his brother-in-law. The Commissioners understand that Toner resides in the house on the holding by permission of his brother-in-law who is prepared to surrender on receiving the amount of arrears of rent paid by him. The application was not received within the period limited by the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907. It does not, therefore, come within that Act, and the estate is not the subject of proceedings before the Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts, so that they cannot take any steps in the matter.

asked how far the negotiations have been successful with regard to the transfer to the Congested Districts Board of the Killooney farm, Dunmore district, county Galway, offered to the Board during the past year by Mr. J. V. Smyth?

The estate of Mr. J. V. Smyth, Killooney, is at present being inspected, and the Congested Districts Board hope to consider the question of making an offer for its purchase at their next meeting.

asked what progress has been made with regard to the purchase of the Deering estate, Dunmore, county Galway, by the Congested Districts Board; and how the matter now stands?

The Congested Districts Board are about to make an offer for the purchase of this estate.

asked whether the Dick estate, county Galway, has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board; and whether any offer has yet been made for its purchase?

The Congested Districts Board understand that the owner of this property proposes to enter into negotiations with them for a sale of his Dunmore estate, but the maps and documents necessary for a preliminary inspection to be made have not so far been lodged with them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in regard to the Timmons estate, near Ennistymon, West Clare, he is aware that the tenants purchased in January, 1906, but that they are still paying 4 per cent, whereas in other estates in the neighbourhood purchased two years later the landlord has received the purchase money; and whether this estate will soon be finally dealt with?

The estate of Charlotte W. Tymons and others, County Clare, to which the hon. Member presumably refers, is being dealt with in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales (all cash). The tenants contracted in the purchase agreements signed by them to pay 4 per cent, interest in lieu of rent, pending the vesting of their holdings in them. The Estates Commissioners hope to be in a position to advance the purchase money and vest the holdings in the purchasing tenants at an early date. The Commissioners are not aware of the other estates referred to, but they are probably cases in which the purchase money was payable either wholly or partly in Guaranteed Land Stock, and not in all cash as in the present case.

asked whether the Estates Commissioners have yet completed the purchase of the De Clifford Estate, portion of which is in the barony of Clare, county Galway; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay, seeing that the purchase agreements were entered into by the tenants as far back as May, 1908; and whether steps will be taken to complete the purchase at an early date?

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale to the Estates Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts, and the Commissioners have no information as to the agreements referred to in the question. The property has been inspected, and the Commissioners hope to be in a position to issue their formal proposal to purchase it at an early date.

asked whether the estate of Mr. Roche-Kelly, near Newport, county Mayo, has yet been acquired by the Congested Districts Board, or when the Board expect to complete the purchase?

The offer of the Congested Districts Board for this property has been accepted by the owner, and the purchase will be completed as soon as practicable.

asked whether Mr. James Foy has lodged with the Congested Districts Board the necessary maps and papers with a view to a sale of his property in Cloontubrid, parish of Turlough, county Mayo?

The answer is in the affirmative.

asked the Chief Secretary when the final inspection of the estates of Mr. D. G. Fitzgerald, in the parishes of Turlough and Kildacomogue, county Mayo, was completed by the Congested Districts Board; if the Board has yet made an offer for the estates; and, if so, if it has been accepted or what is the cause of delay in completing the purchase?

The Congested Districts Board have not made the final inspection of the estate referred to and have not yet issued an offer for its purchase. The Board are at present in communication with the owner in reference to the property, and every effort is being made to bring the negotiations to a conclusion.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet taken any steps to acquire the estate of Mrs. Foy, situate in Cloontubrid, parish of Turlough, county Mayo?

The Congested Districts Board are in communication with the owner of this estate with a view to its purchase.

asked the Chief Secretary whether any, and, if so, what steps have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to purchase the Bunnefedia farm, the property of Mrs. Munn, situated in the townland of Bunnefedia, parish of Dromard, county Sligo; and whether he is aware that there is a great demand on the part of local tenants and others for the purchase of this farm for the purpose of enlarging uneconomic holdings in the neighbourhood?

The Congested Districts Board are negotiating for the purchase of the estate of A. H. L. Popham on which Mrs. Munn's farm is situate. The farm has been inspected and in the event of the purchase of the fee simple of the property the Board will consider the question of acquiring this farm.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have entered into negotiations for the purchase of the lands of St. Lawrence, situate in the townland of Leismabrine, parish of Dromard, county Sligo; whether he is aware of the fact that the owner is anxious to sell and the tenants are anxious to purchase, and whether he can explain the delay in taking over this estate for the settlement of congestion?

The Congested Districts Board inform me that the owner of this estate has expressed his willingness to sell, but so far terms of purchase have not been agreed to.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Congested Districts Board have taken any steps yet and, if so, what steps for the purchase of the following properties in the parish of Caherlistrane, county Galway, namely, the Murphy estate, including the grazing lands of Tonacooleen; the Concannon property, Beaghmore; the F. J. Blake property, Pollnahalla; the Cullinan property, Donaghpatrick; the Count Blake property, Gortnapora; the J. Newell and G. Morris property, Oldtore; the Bernard estate, Castlehackett; and the J. O'Neill Don-nellan property, Cave?

The estate of Mr. M. B. Murphy has been offered for sale to the Congested Districts Board, and a decision will be arrived at regarding purchase as soon as practicable. The Bernard estate is the subject of direct sale proceedings before the Estates Commissioners, and it is being dealt with in order of priority by them. The Congested Districts Board have communicated with the owners or the agents of the other estates mentioned, but so far none of them have been offered for sale through the Board.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have entered into negotiations for the purchase of that part of the Verschoyle estate situated in the townlands of Carrowkeel, Cloonakiemogue, and Altonilvick, in the parish of Dromard, county Sligo; and what progress has been made in acquiring those lands?

The Congested Districts Board are not negotiating for the purchase of the lands referred to, but inquiries will be made regarding them.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have received a memorial from the tenants of Ardnaree requesting the Board to put in force their compulsory powers in order to acquire the estates of Arthur R. Verschoyle and Captain H. H. Jones, situated near Ballina; whether the Board's attention has been drawn to the fact that evictions are threatened on these estates; and what steps the Board will take to acquire these estates and alleviate the congestion and distress which now prevails there?

Several representations have been made to the Congested Districts Board on behalf of the tenants of the Ardnaree, county Mayo, estate of Captain II. H. Jones; asking the Board to purchase this estate. It has been alleged that evictions have taken place on the property. The owner has intimated his willingness to negotiate for a sale through the Board, and it is understood that the maps and other documents necessary to enable an inspection of the lands to be made will shortly be lodged. As regards the Verschoyle estate, in the same district, similar representations have been made on behalf of the tenants, but no allegation has been made as regards evictions. This estate has not yet been offered for sale to the Board, and it is not proposed at present to take any steps to acquire these estates compulsorily.

asked whether any scheme for the building of labourers' cottages has been received from the Tipperary (No. 2) Council; if so, on what date did it reach the Local Government Board j and how soon will the inquiry be held?

The new scheme referred to has not yet been received by the Local Government Board.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Irish Provident Assurance Company has been in liquidation for the past two years; whether he can state approximately when it will be wound up; and whether there is a probability of the insured persons receiving or deriving any benefits from it?

This company has been in liquidation for the last two years, and it is impossible to say when it will be wound up, the matter being altogether under the control of the Court of Chancery. I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to the last paragraph of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether, in regard to the housing scheme and the water scheme of Kilrush, West Clare, he has considered the representations of the majority of the urban council and of the most substantial tradesmen in the town, that there is no urgent need of a water scheme, that the town is remarkably healthy, that the demand for a water scheme has come from a limited section of persons having no special authority in administrative matters, that the cost of the proposed water scheme would be ruinous, and that, as the rates are already excessive, the establishment of this scheme would be a bar to works of pressing need and of great public utility; and whether the Local Government Board will cease to urge this scheme and will consent to a loan for the housing scheme?

I have received a petition from the ratepayers of the urban district of Kilrush in connection with this matter. I would refer the hon. Member to the several replies given to his previous similar questions on this subject. As I have already informed the hon. Member, the urban council have the remedy in their own hands, and the sooner they provide a water supply the sooner the question of a housing scheme will be considered.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland at what stage is the inquiry into the teachers' pension fund at present; when may the actuarial investigation into that fund be looked forward to as being complete; and, as the financial year ends on 31st March, what is to become of the £25,000 voted for the current year if the investigation be not complete by that date?

The commencement of the inquiry was much delayed owing to the resignation of the actuary originally selected by the teachers. Statistics, which are necessarily very elaborate, are being got out by the Departments concerned, upon instructions given by the actuaries, and it is hoped that, as far as the Departments are concerned, the figures will be in the hands of the actuaries towards the end of March. It is impossible to state the length of time which will be required by the actuaries to complete their report upon the figures. The additional sum of £25,000 has been paid into the Teachers' Pension Fund, and will accumulate.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what sums the Department expended last year on the domestic economy schools held in Carrick-on-Suir, Dundrurn, Dunmanway, Kilmore, Moate, and Stradbally nunneries, respectively; were any Protestant girls in attendance at these schools; who has the right of admitting students; and what provision is made for safeguarding Protestant students from Roman Catholic religious influences in these schools?

The only sums expended directly by the Department last year on the institutions named were £60 in respect of Dundrum school, and £27 in respect of Dunmanway school. Local committees of agriculture and technical instruction made grants to these institutions for training and maintenance of scholarship holders. The Department are not aware whether any Protestant girls were in attendance at the schools. Two similar schools under Protestant management have been recognised by the Department for the reception of scholarship holders. One of these schools, however, has ceased to exist. The right of admission of students is reserved by the school authorities. As regards the last part of the question, Protestant holders of scholarships presumably select the recognised school under Protestant management. Since the formation of the Department, what is called the religious difficulty has never arisen in any part of its work, and the word "safeguard" has never been mentioned.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty when it is proposed to publish the Report of the Commission appointed to inquire into the subject of naval education'?

The question is still under consideration, and the Report has not yet been finally dealt with by the Board.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of giving active encouragement to rifle clubs by arranging for the supply of ammunition either free or at a very moderate cost?

The question is under consideration.

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, in view of the refusal of the grant of special foreign service gratuities, as allowed by the Governments of other foreign Powers, to the soldiers on the North China command, he can see his way either to compensate these men for their loss on exchange, owing to the inflated price of the dollar, which at present stands at 2s. 1d., or nearly 25 per cent, above its face value, or to pay these troops in English gold?

I regret that I can add nothing to the reply given to a similar question put on this subject on 21st November last.

asked the President of the Board of Education the names of the nautical schools, with the names of the authorities controlling them, which would be qualified for the new Grant of £10 for training for the mercantile marine service, and the conditions under which these schools are recognised by the Board of Education?

The following are the training ships at present in receipt of a Grant from the Board of Education and the authorities controlling them:—Wallasey, Liscard, Lancashire Navy League Sea Training Home—A committee appointed by the Liverpool branch of the Navy League. Hamble, Naval School training-ship "Mercury"—A committee of management of the Naval School Training-ship "Mercury," under the scheme of administration and management approved and settled by Order of the High Court, with the concurrence of the Attorney-General, 6th August, 1909. Swanscombe, Green-hithe, training-ship "Warspite"—A committee of governors of the Marine Society, a charitable institution. The committee is elected annually at the annual court of governors. Liverpool, training-ship "Indefatigable"—A governing body associated for purpose of conducting charitable and educational work of training-ship "Indefatigable," controlled and worked by a committee of shipowners. Founded for the purpose of training boys, principally orphans of sailors for Royal and mercantile navies. Elmham, Watts Naval Training School—This school is a branch of Dr. Barnardo's Homes. The chairman of the body of managers is the hon. director of Dr. Barnardo's Homes, two of the managers are local residents. The other managers are officially connected with the Homes.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many special increments have been awarded during the past five years to the second division clerks and the assistant clerks, respectively, in the Board's service; whether he is aware that the Treasury has expressed willingness to consider recommendations for special increments to assistant clerks; and whether he will invite heads of sections to make recommendations of deserving assistant clerks with a view to granting them special increments?

During the past five years forty-seven special increments have been awarded to second division clerks and four to assistant clerks. The Board have taken every opportunity of recommending assistant clerks to the Treasury for special increments and have done their utmost to render their applications successful. Heads of sections are constantly invited to make recommendations on behalf of assistant clerks who are eligible for the award of special increments, but no assistant clerk is eligible who has not been for five years at the maximum salary of his class.

also asked the President of the Board of Education whether, before making the recent appointments to junior examinerships in the Board of Education, he carefully considered the question of filling the vacancies by promotion from officers in the clerical grades in his Department; and, if so, whether it is to be understood that amongst the 600 odd members of those grades there is no officer capable of performing the duties of junior examiner?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With reference to the second part of the question, I am satisfied that the three persons recently appointed are better suited to do the work of a junior examiner, and that their selection was in the interest of the public service. The hon. Member is aware that my choice from among the officers of the clerical staff for appointment as junior examiners is at present limited by a Treasury rule under which promotion may involve a considerable loss of salary.

asked the President of the Board of Education whether his office is the only large Department of the State employing a greater number of assistant clerks than second division clerks; whether he will state the percentage of increase of the two classes for each year from 1st January, 1900, to 1st January, 1913, inclusive; and whether the Board will consider, in view of the increasing importance of the clerical work, a readjustment of the numbers of the two classes?

I am unable to answer the first part of the question in so far as it relates to Departments other than my own. In my Department the authorised establishment of assistant clerks exceeds that of second division (including minor staff) clerks by ten, but the actual number of second division clerks employed (including those employed on temporary duty) is and has been since 1902 in excess of the number of assistance clerks employed. The percentage of increase (or decrease) of the two classes in each year since 1st April, 1900, on which date the Board of Education came into existence, has been as follows:—

asked the President of the Board of Education what payments were made by his Department during the financial years 1905–6, 1906–7, 1907–8, 1908–9, 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–12, and the expired portion of 1912–13, to Members of Parliament being barristers, giving the name and amount in each case?

Apart from salaries paid to the Parliamentary Heads of the Department no payments have been made by the Board of Education to Members of Parlia- ment being barristers during the years mentioned in the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether conveyances or transfers of land or other property voluntarily made by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners or Queen Anne's Bounty to the representative body, under the power conferred by Clause 6 (c) of the Established Church (Wales) Bill, will be chargeable with ad valoremstamp duty as being conveyances or transfers operating as voluntary dispositions infer vivoswithin the meaning of Section 74 of The Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910?

The answer is in the negative.

asked the Home Secretary if his attention has been called to the fact that William Moorhouse was convicted of manslaughter at the Gloucester Assizes for driving a motor car on the high road between Bristol and Gloucester at the rate of forty miles an hour, and so causing the death of a wagoner; and that the sentence inflicted by the judge was a fine of £20; if he is aware that Moorhouse had previously been convicted on nineteen occasions of motoring offences; and if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to secure a greater penalty being inflicted in similar cases of manslaughter?

I have ascertained the facts of this case. The sentence was entirely in the discretion of the judge. If he had thought the circumstances required it, he could have imposed imprisonment or even penal servitude. I do not think the circumstances afford any ground for an amendment of the law in the direction suggested.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies what payments were made by his Department during the financial years 1905–6, 1906–7, 1907–8, 1908–9, 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–12, and the expired portion of 1912–13 to Members of Parliament being barristers, giving the name and amount in each case.

Assuming that my hon. Friend refers to funds directly administered by my Department, the reply to his inquiry appears to be that the hon. Member for St. George's, Hanover Square, drew salary as Secretary of State for the Colonics at £5,000 a year from 1st April, 1905, to 10th December, 1905, and that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War drew salary at the rate of £1,500 a year from 16th April, 1908, to 23rd March, 1911.

asked the Secretary for the Colonies whether, in connection with the lately defined mining area of the Pacific Phosphate Company on Ocean Island, the payment by the company which was under consideration by him on 5th December, 1911, has yet been settled; and, if so, will he state what the payment will amount to per ton of phosphate?

The negotiations are practically concluded and the royalty in future will be 1s. a ton instead of 6d. a ton.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Lord Lieutenant of the West Riding is empowered to make appointments of the commission of the peace without first submitting the names to the other members of the advisory committee; and whether he will give a list of the gentlemen appointed to the commission of the peace in the West Riding during 1912 whose names were never considered by the advisory committee for the county?

It is the Lord Chancellor's unvarying practice only to appoint magistrates whose names have been approved by the advisory committees. The last list for the West Riding was appointed in the belief that all the names had been duly considered by the committee, but I am informed that there has been a misapprehension, and that certain of the names did not in fact come before the committee. The Lord Chancellor is making further inquiries, and will communicate with the hon. Member.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether corridors in the offices of his Department have by means of glass partitions been converted into rooms; if so, whether these rooms and rooms in the basement are used for the accommodation of the higher or of the clerical staff; whether these rooms have been found healthy, or whether it is found that the trouble in satisfactorily ventilating them is the cause of sickness among the staff; and whether, in the interests of the staff, he will explain why partitioned corridors are used in preference to securing satisfactory accommodation outside?

The ends of some of the corridors in the office have been partitioned off for various purposes—for example, waiting-rooms—but none of these rooms, nor any rooms in the basement, are used for the accommodation of the higher or of the clerical staff.

asked the President of the Local Government Board the estimated population of the United Kingdom and of England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, all separately, for each year since 1901, based upon the Census of 1911?

The estimated populations are as follows:—

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the prosecution at the Redditch Petty Sessions, on 18th December, 1912, of Mr. J. K. Coventry, Beoley, as a defaulter under the Vaccination Acts, and to the dismissal of the summons; whether he is aware that the defendant had made a declaration of conscientious objection to the vaccination of his child within four months of its birth before a guardian instead of before a magistrate, but that he also made a similar declaration before a justice of the peace one day after the child became four months old; whether he is aware that the vaccination officer had not served Form Q, and that the public vaccinator admitted in his evidence that he did not give notice of his intention to call to offer to vaccinate the child before paying such visit; and whether he will direct these officials to carry out their duties in accordance with the instructions issued by the Board?

My attention has been drawn to a report of this case in a local paper, from which it would appear that the circumstances of the case are generally as stated in the question. I have instructed one of my medical inspectors to confer with the public vaccinator and vaccination officer on the matter.

also asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will give for each year since 1896 the total loan debt of local authorities in England and Wales; how much each year it amounts to per head of the population; and how much each year per pound of the rateable value?

The particulars asked for, as ascertained for the purposes of the Annual Local Taxation Returns, are set out in the following table:—

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a goods guard named Richardson, employed by the Midland Railway Company at Normanton, has been dismissed from his employment for refusing to take more wagons on his train than is allowed in the company's printed rules and appendices; that Richardson's refusal to disregard the company's printed instructions was in consequence of his being satisfied that to do so would endanger his and other railwaymen's lives and also the travelling public; and that,. on his appeal to the chief official at Derby, Mr. Owen, he was told that he must do what he was told, even if it was to take his train on the wrong line; and whether, having regard to the seriousness of such instructions, the dangers to the travelling public, and the uncertainty which exists amongst the men as to what their duties are, he will cause an immediate inquiry to be made with a view of preventing what may result in loss of life?

I cannot enter into a question of discipline; but if my hon. Friend alleges that an excessive number of wagons was attached to the train in question, and will furnish me with particulars, I will consider whether I can usefully communicate with the company.

also asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that on the 24th January, 1913, the 9.12 a.m. trip train from Carlton Exchange Sidings to Manners Main Colliery, Midland Railway, was worked without a guard's brake van; and whether, seeing that, having regard to the fact that three passenger stations were passed during the journey, namely, Cudworth, Darfield, and Wath, and two important junctions, this system is dangerous and contrary to all rules and regulations, and that the guard in charge of the train protested against this practice, but was compelled to work by a higher official, he will say what action he proposes to take to protect the travelling public, and also railwaymen, from having to work under such circumstances?

I am communicating with the Midland Railway Company in re- gard to this ease, and will inform my hon. Friend of the result.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that no register of seamen is kept at the office of the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, as required by Section 252 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894; that over three years ago the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee unanimously approved a scheme for a central indexed register of seamen, and recommended the Board of Trade to adopt it; that the Board of Trade recently replied to the request of the Advisory Committee by exhibiting another scheme prepared by the Board of Trade, and that the Advisory Committee have unanimously rejected the Board's scheme, and passed a resolution to the effect that, having given careful consideration to the proposed scheme of a central indexed register of seamen, they were of opinion that the scheme was inadequate, and that if the Form C. R. 2 was filled up at the offices of the superintendents and consuls it would lead to confusion and delay, and that there would be no proper cheek; and what steps he proposes to take to see that the Advisory Committee's recommendation of three years ago is carried out without any further delay?

The view formerly held by the Board of Trade was that the documents recorded and preserved by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen constituted the Register provided for in Section 252 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894. In accordance, however, with legal advice recently obtained by the Board of Trade, steps are now being taken to compile an indexed register. An outline of the scheme was communicated to the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, whose criticisms are now receiving careful consideration.

asked the Postmaster-General what arrangements have been made with regard to the housekeeping staff at Telephone House, Temple Avenue, since the undertaking of the National Telephone Company was taken over by the Post Office; whether any of the members of such staff have had their wages reduced and been deprived of board to which they were previously entitled, or dismissed without compensation; and, if so, whether, in view of the statement that no employé of the company should be in a worse position by reason of the transfer, he proposes to take any action in the matter?

The National Telephone Company employed at Telephone House a male resident housekeeper, a head waitress and cook, a cook, a "waitress and cook," and a "waitress and kitchen maid," whose services in those capacities will not be required in the Post Office. One waitress left in May last, and as the resident housekeeper is seventy-two years old, and no other work can be found for him, it has been necessary to give notice of termination of his services. Endeavour is being made to provide the other persons referred to with suitable work. In the meantime they are being employed upon such work has can be found for them at Telephone House at the wages they received at the time of the transfer. For some time after the transfer these persons were employed by the liquidator of the company, who increased the wages of three of them in respect of extra work ho allotted to them. This extra work has now ceased and the extra pay with it. None of these persons has made any reference to board received under the company, and I am making further inquiry into that matter.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board have agreed to grant a rebate to a certain firm or combination who shall import Irish cattle; and whether he proposes to take steps to secure equal treatment for all importers of Irish livestock?

The charge approved by the Board for the landing and detention of cattle at Birkenhead is one shilling per head. If a rebate is granted to a particular firm or combination, as to which the Board have received no information, the Board have no power to intervene.

asked for the names of hon. Members, not being Members of the Government and excluding the Chairman and Deputy-Chairman of Committees, to whom private rooms are allotted in the precincts of this House?

The following rooms are in the occupation of hon. Members not being Members of the Government, and excluding the Chairman and Deputy-Chairman of Committees:—Room 4, Leader of the Opposition; Room 4a, Leader of the Opposition (Private Secretary); Room 27, Leader of the Irish party; Room 28, Irish Whips; Room 31, Chairman of Public Accounts Committee; Room 40, Labour party; Room 41, Chairman of the Scottish party; Room 48, Welsh party; I Room 51, Scottish National Committee; Room A (centre curtain), Chairman Kitchen Committee.