asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is proposed in case of war indiscriminately to arm British merchant ships in order to repel the attack of armed foreign merchant cruisers, or whether it is proposed only to arm certain selected British merchant ships; if so, on what principle such ships will be selected; and whether only ships over a certain tonnage will be selected for the purpose?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. It is proposed, with the concurrence of their owners, to arm in peace time certain merchant steamers for the purposes of defence only. There is no tonnage limit, but the object is to provide defence for ships most likely to require it, and capable of carrying the armament.

asked the number of short-service men that are to be enlisted out of the 8,500 proposed as additional in this year's Estimates?

As I explained in debate, the numbers by which it is proposed to increase the Navy are approximately 7,000. In order to make good waste and arrive at this increase more than twice the number of boys and men of all ratings will be recruited. Of the total numbers recruited, about 1,850 will be Special Service stokers and about 500 Special Service seamen. The service of Special Service stokers and seamen is five years afloat and seven in the Reserve.

Does the right hon. Gentleman withdraw his statement made in his Memorandum regarding the 8,500 men to be added this year to the Fleet?

No, Sir; I cannot withdraw any statement. They are all strictly accurate.

Can the right hon. Gentleman state how many out of the 8,500 are officers and how many seamen?

Yes Sir, on notice being given.

asked how many short-service men are borne in each ship of the First Fleet?

No useful purpose would be served by giving this information in detail, but I may say that by the Returns of last February the actual number of Special Service seamen borne throughout the Navy is 3.8 per cent. of the number of seamen borne, excluding boys, or 3 per cent. of the number of seamen and boys. The number of Special Service stokers is 14.8 per cent. of the total number of stokers borne.

Is the right hon. Gentleman increasing or decreasing the number of Special Service men?

I must ask for notice. I could not answer without reference.

asked how many ordinary seamen and boys are borne in each ship of the First Fleet?

The number of boys allowed is one-fifth of the seaman complement. In addition to their full seagoing complement composed as above, twelve ships in the First Fleet have drafts of from twenty-five to forty boys as supernumeraries for training. The actual complements are confidential.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the complements have been published?

They are not correct.

asked if the attention of the First Lord of the Admiralty has been drawn to the case of Frederick Marshall, carpenter's mate, His Majesty's ship "Cochrane," about to be discharged from Haslar Hospital suffering from consumption; whether he is aware that, after sixteen years' service and suffering from illness contracted in the Service, this man is to be discharged without pension and with only a bonus of £6; and whether he will take steps either to enable this man to complete his cure and return to the Service or to enter civilian life with a more reasonable prospect of finding work and being able to support his wife and family?

Frederick Marshall is at present in Haslar Hospital under treatment for tuberculous disease. He will be surveyed on the 10th instant and, if found unfit for further service, will be invalided. On that assumption, he will be granted a pension of about ten shillings a week and a good conduct gratuity of £3. As regards the latter portion of the question, an offer was made to treat the man in hospital and to assist him in securing sanatorium benefit on discharge, but it was declined.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what amount was spent by Germany in 1912 on airships and aeroplanes for naval purposes and for buildings and equipment in connection therewith; what amount is provided in the German Naval Estimates of 1913 for the same purposes; what were the amounts provided and actually spent under these heads by Great Britain in 1912–13; and what expenditure is proposed in 1913–14?

The amount provided in the German Navy Estimates for the financial year 1912–13 for airships and aeroplanes for naval purposes and for buildings and equipment in connection therewith was £114,970. Information as to the actual expenditure is not available. The corresponding amount provided for 1913–14 is £183,464, but it is stated in the Press that a Supplementary Estimate is to be proposed amounting to £146,771, which would bring the total for 1913–14 to £330,235. As regards Great Britain, the amount provided in the Navy Estimates for 1912–13 was £141,150, the amount expended in that year being approximately £183,800. The amount provided for 1913–14 is £321,620. I am not prepared to say that the actual figure is necessarily the final figure for British expenditure.

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman states that the actual figures may not be taken as the final figures, and is the House to understand that if necessary he will come down for additional Estimates for the aerial service?

The hon. Gentleman may rely on our taking all steps that are necessary.

asked if there are at the present time in the possession of the German Government any dirigible airships of the rigid type capable of a speed of 40 miles an hour or over, of flying 500 miles or more without requiring to descend, and equipped with guns and bomb-dropping apparatus; if so, what is the number of such ships constructed or in course of construction; and how many airships of equal value are in the possession of, or have been laid down for, the British Navy?

There are no rigid airships of this value in the possession of the British Navy at the present time. Two airships almost capable of the above performances will be in the possession of the Admiralty in the course of the next month or so. There are no rigid airships built or building as yet for the British Navy.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of the question?

I could not speak with absolute certainty respecting the performances of vessels which I have never seen, and no person connected with the Admiralty has ever seen, and the details of which are kept most carefully secret by the foreign Governments concerned.

asked what number of dirigible airships of the rigid type for naval purposes is proposed to be constructed in 1913–14, and the dimensions, speed, and carrying capacity of the same?

The question of the construction of rigid airships for naval purposes is now under consideration. It is not considered advisable at present to give any information as to their probable numbers or dimensions.

asked what is the length of time taken in training a seaman for the Navy; how many of the boys now being trained will become qualified as regards age limit and in other respects to join the Navy in the present and the two succeeding years; how many new ships will be commissioned in the three years 1913–14, 1914–15, and 1915–16; and the total number of seamen required for the full manning of such vessels?

So far as the training of seamen is concerned, I must refer the hon. Member to what I said when introducing the Navy Estimates last month. The output of men and ships, and the corresponding deductions due to wastage of men and ships, are, so far as can be foreseen, carefully balanced for several years in advance, and the partial statistics asked for would be of no value, as they would take no account of wastage on either side.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in introducing the Navy Estimates he gave three years as the time in which seamen will become efficient, and is it not the fact that the term in the opinion of the authorities of the Admiralty is four years?

That does not arise out of the question.

asked how many battleships, battle cruisers, and light cruisers are at the present time being constructed for foreign Powers in private shipyards in Great Britain?

The information asked for is as follows: Battleships, four; battle cruiser, one; light cruisers, nil.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman has yet or will consider the question that I raised on the Estimates as to the advisability, in consequence of the congestion in construction, of obtaining possession of the Thames Ironworks for the purpose of building ships?

That is very remotely connected with this question.

asked whether the Admiralty have yet discovered who gave confidential information concerning the Scott Director firing apparatus to the "Sphere" newspaper; and, if not, what steps are they taking in this matter?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative, and as at present advised I do not think any action necessary.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the publication of signals from the signal logs of His Majesty's ships is contrary to the King's Regulations and Admiralty instructions; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take with regard to the recent article in the "British Review" written by Admiral Sir Percy Scott, Baronet?

The incident referred to does not appear to me to call for Admiralty action.

Will the same leniency be shown in future to others under similar circumstances?

The Admiralty will certainly approach the consideration of all questions of this character with a view to the impartial exercise of disciplinary authority which they possess, and the maintenance of the general interests of the Naval Service.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the British Portland Cement Manufacturers and the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers have any contract with the Admiralty; if so, whether he is aware that the wages paid to labourers by these firms in the cement trade on the Thames and Medway are from 1½d. to 2½d. less than the wages current in the district; that they pay no recognised rate for overtime or Sunday work, and employ a good deal of cheap boy labour in the machine shops; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter in order to secure strict observance of the Fair-Wages Clause?

Both the firms mentioned hold contracts for the supply of Portland cement to the Admiralty. Inquiries will at once be made into the matter to which my hon. Friend draws attention.

May I get the result of the inquiry later on?

Certainly.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty are asking men of the Royal Fleet Reserve to re-enter the Navy; and, if so, will he inform the House how many men have accepted the offer?

As a temporary measure, men belonging to Class B of the Royal Fleet Reserve who have served as Special Service seamen and stokers have been allowed to re-enter for a further term of three years' service in the Fleet. Eight seamen and forty stokers have re-entered under these conditions.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware that men are waiting to pass for higher rating who cannot be sent to the depôts owing to there being no reliefs; whether he is aware that this presses hardly on petty officers and men, as it amounts to their being unable to obtain an increase of pay although they are fully qualified for higher rating; and will he say what action he proposes to take to remedy this grievance?

I am not aware of the circumstances. If it can be stated what particular ratings are referred to inquiry will be made.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the staff for sea service battery at Eastney, mentioned on page 11 of his statement to the House and in the Portsmouth General Order, No. 509, of 19th March, 1913, is to consist of one E.R.A. at 24s. per week, one S.P.O. or leading stoker and two stokers at 22s. per week each; whether these rates of wages are correct; if so, will he state the reason for the reduction to 24s. for the fully qualified mechanic, who is to be in responsible charge of the whole of the plant, seeing that the current rate in the district for ordinary mechanical work is 38s. 6d. per week; and whether he can state how many qualified men have refused to accept the employment at these rates?

, the answer to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, I am making inquiries as to the precise nature of the work for which the man is required, and how it compares with ordinary mechanical work. I have no information as to how many qualified men have refused the appointment.

asked if the First Lord of the Admiralty has any official information showing that Vice-Admiral Sir Percy Scott will, after retirement, join a firm engaged in naval construction and armament work; and, if so, whether he will state the name of the firm and the nature of the position to he filled by Sir Percy Scott?

Sir Percy Scott is now on the retired list, and it is not incumbent upon him either to furnish the Admiralty with information or to obtain from them approval in regard to any steps of the character indicated in the question.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Prime Minister stated that when these officers were retired they, as a rule, intimated to the Minister in charge beforehand what they intended to do, and obtained consent before accepting any position?

My attention has not been drawn to that particular statement of the Prime Minister, but I will verify the reference. It does not, however, appear to affect in any way the answer I have given.

Is not Sir Percy Scott pensioned and retired, and if he accepts a pension is it open to him to accept private employment when pensioned?

Certainly he is pensioned. I do not know that he is going to accept private employment, but there is nothing to prevent it under the conditions of the pension which has been granted, and which, I may add, has been earned. I have always understood that the theory upon which a pension is granted is that it has been earned, and is to be regarded as deferred pay. There is nothing in the conditions under which the pension is being paid, and which has been earned, to prevent him from acting in this manner. I express no opinion whether it is desirable or undesirable.

May I ask whether it is the fact that the Prime Minister did make that statement in reply to a question by an hon. Member, and whether he will consider it, and be prepared to give me an answer if I ask a question?

There are quite different aspects of this question. When an officer on active service is approached by a firm of contractors with an offer to leave the Service in order to take up some work with them, that requires to be carefully watched, but the action of retired officers who have left the Service is not amenable to public control under any law or regulation which exists at the present time.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in consideration of the fact that Abyssinia does not stand by the terms of the Brusels Treaty, it is possible to prohibit the importation of arms into that country?

The Brussels Act provides that a territorial Power on the coast may stop, exceptionally and provisionally, the transit of arms and ammunition across its territory if, in consequence of inland disturbances or other serious danger, there is ground for fearing that the dispatch of arms and ammunition might compromise its own safety. This is actually being done by the French Government, through whose territory arms formerly reached Abyssinia.

asked whether arms imported by the French at Djibouti for the use of the Abyssinian Government find their way to Somaliland, British East Africa, and the Sudan; and, if so, what measures he proposes to take to stop this trade which imperils the peace of our protectorates?

According to the information received by His Majesty's Government, arms imported at Djibouti for the use of the Abyssinian Government have in the past found their way into British Somaliland, British East Africa, and the Sudan, but since April of last year the Governor of the French Somali Coast has prohibited the transit of arms for Abyssinia, and I am assured that the French Colonial authorities are taking energetic steps to prevent the importation of all arms through Djibouti.

May I ask whether the Government have got information that arms are still going or have been during the last four months?

I will make further inquiry if the hon. Member desires.

Has the French Government prohibited the export of arms through Djibouti to Muscat?

Perhaps the hon. Member would put down his question about export.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when it is proposed to extend recognition to the Chinese Republic?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 7th instant to an unstarred question by the hon. Member for East Nottingham.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the fact that the United States of America is giving public recognition to the Chinese Republic on the opening of its Parliament; and whether any similar action is being taken on the part of this country?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. For the second part, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave on the 7th instant to an unstarred question by the hon. Member for East Nottingham.

What was the answer—"Yes" or "No"?

The answer was neither "Yes" nor "No."

asked whether large bodies of Austrian troops have been assembled for the purpose of manœuvres on the Dalmatian-Montenegrin frontier between Budna and Ugni; and, if so, whether, in view of the fact that Austrian military manœuvres are usually carried out in the early autumn, it is the intention of the European Powers, in view of the state of tension now existing, to request the Austrian military authorities to postpone the annual manœuvres of the troops in Dalmatia to a more opportune season?

I have no official information respecting the first part of the hon. Member's question. The answer to the second part is in the negative.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the town of Cettinje is largely provisioned by foodstuffs imported from the Austrian seaport Bocche di Cattaro; whether he has received information that foodstuffs consigned to Cettinje have been or are about to be detained by the Austrian authorities; and whether such an action by a member of the Triple Alliance directed against a Power friendly to this country will have the countenance of His Majesty's Government?

I have no information respecting the alleged detention, or the intended detention, of foodstuffs at Cattaro to which the hon. Member refers. The question of action taken by the Austrian Government in its own territory is not a matter which depends upon the countenance of His Majesty's Government.

asked the Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the remarks made recently by the Commanding Officer of the Honourable Artillery Company as to the inadequate facilities provided for gun practice; whether in any case during the past year any Territorial regiment has been unable to carry out the prescribed amount of practice to render the men thoroughly efficient owing to the overcrowded conditions of the ranges placed at their disposal; and if he will state what amount is proposed to be expended this year in increasing the accommodation for Territorial training?

In no case during the past year has any unit of the Territorial Artillery been unable to carry out the prescribed amount of gun practice. Full use was made of the ranges which were not in any way congested. While the range at Ad Fines is closed this year for drainage and other purposes, arrangements are being made for the hire of a range in South Wales. My attention, however, has just been drawn to a case at Braunton, in North Devon, where, on a range which has been used by Territorial Artillery for the last two years, the Saunton Golf Club has constructed two holes in such a way as to make it impossible for firing to be carried out while play is in progress. The club has been asked to permit firing over the holes during two periods of only five days each in the year, but has, I am informed, not yet seen its way to agree to this request. There was a certain amount of opposition from other local interests, but this has been withdrawn.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the commanding officer referred to in the question stated that the Artillery had obsolete arms and was allowed to practice only once in two years? Is that statement correct or not?

The first part does not arise out of this question. With regard to the second part, I have given the answer that full use was made of the ranges, that they were not congested, and that there has been no case during the past year of any unit of the Territorial Artillery being unable to carry out its gun practice. I regret the particular case mentioned in the second part of the question, and I hope the House will support me in any necessary measures that may be taken, not in regard to this particular golf club, but in similar cases, to prevent the training of the troops being interfered with for reasons of this kind.

Are we to understand that every Territorial Horse and Artillery Battery practised during the past year?

I cannot go further than report the answer furnished to me by my responsible authorities. If there is a particular case in regard to which that reply is not correct, I shall be glad if the hon. and gallant Member will tell me of it.

When the right hon. Gentleman says that the batteries carried out the prescribed practice, is it not a fact that batteries are only required to practice every alternate year?

That is a matter for another question. I was asked whether they carried out the amount prescribed.

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in view of the First Lord's offer to the Leader of the Opposition to name two hon. Gentlemen to verify certain facts as to the shortage of men in the Navy, he will extend the same invitation to the right hon. Gentlemen with respect to military aeroplanes?

I have already in formed the House of the number of aeroplanes in the possession of the Army. The question of whether this number is adequate has already been discussed, and there will be further opportunities of debate on this point later on this year.

asked the Prime Minister whether any French company approached either the Admiralty or the War Office, or both, with a view to establishing a factory in this country, using British material and British labour, for the manufacture of aeroplanes and engines for His Majesty's Government?

The Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. The answer is in the affirmative. The matter is under consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the statement of Captain von Pustau, the German naval aeronautical expert, to the effect that any of the German airships could sail to Ireland to-morrow without a stop, crossing Portsmouth and Plymouth on the way, and return by way of the Orkneys and Edinburgh; and that a fleet of airships under cover of night might not even have been sighted until after it had accomplished the task set it in time of war; and what steps the Government propose to take to guard against this danger?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The statements in question have been noticed, but do not appear to call for any special remark.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say why the Government allow our dockyards and shipyard towns to be exposed to a bombardment from the air without any power of retaliation?

No; not in answer to a question, Sir.

Does not the right hon. Gentleman believe in retaliation then?

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of Territorial Force Associations which have passed resolutions in favour of some form of compulsory training being introduced for Home defence?

Resolutions have been received from nine out of the ninety-four associations.

If the majority of the associations decide in favour of compulsion, will the right hon. Gentleman ask the Prime Minister to make it a non-party question?

That is a hypothetical question. As to its being imminent, nine out of ninety-four is not very near a majority.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of the other associations are only waiting for a few months before deciding to follow on the same lines?

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will reconsider the question of extending the grant of increased allowances for the removal of furniture, etc., on change of quarters, now given to married quartermasters, to married officers holding similar rank to the quartermasters?

As I informed the hon. and gallant Gentleman on the 2nd instant, the matter has been fully considered, and I am not prepared to reopen the question at the present time.

Is there any reason why one class of lieutenant should have the allowance and not another?

I will consult the Secretary of State about the matter.

asked if any extra protection has been made to our magazines in our Eastern defences, in view of the possibility of high explosives being dropped on them from above in time of war?

It is not considered desirable to state what precautions are being taken to defend our magazines from attack of any kind.

asked what number of men the Territorial Forces were below established strength on 1st April, 1913?

I am not yet in a position to give any figure for the date mentioned as the returns are not yet complete. I will send a statement to the hon. and gallant Gentleman as soon as the Return is received.

asked if circular memoranda are still sent out by the Quartermaster-General to Indian cantonments ordering the provision for our soldiers there of young and attractive women?

No, Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the British Portland Cement Manufacturers and the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers have any contract with the War Office; if so, whether he is aware that the wages paid to labourers by these firms in the cement trade on the Thames and Medway are from 1½d. to 2½d. less than the wages current in the district, that they pay no recognised rate for overtime or Sunday work, and employ a good deal of cheap boy labour in the machine shops; and whether he will make inquiry into the matter in order to secure strict observance of the Fair-Wages Clause?

The second company mentioned holds a War Office contract. If the hon. Member will be good enough to furnish me with details as to the particular class of workpeople in question and the rates claimed as recog- nised or prevailing for such employment, including payments for overtime and Sunday work, I shall be happy to have inquiries made.

Do any of the Government contracts necessitate the excessive amount of Sunday labour now done on the Thames and the Medway?

I could not answer that without notice.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the valuation of agricultural land, it is the practice to take into consideration, for the purpose of arriving at gross and total values, the value of growing crops and tenant rights?

The custom in regard to growing crops and tenant right varies so widely in different parts of the country that it is not possible to give a general answer to the hon. Baronet's question.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that valuers are in the habit of declining to say whether or not these matters are included? How is it possible for any owner to check the valuation unless he is told distinctly whether or not this is the case?

As the hon. Baronet knows, the question is being considered before the Referee, and I do not wish to say anything to prejudice the matter one way or the other.

All I am asking is whether the right hon. Gentleman will give instructions to the valuers to answer the question: Whether these matters are included or excluded?

I will consider that.

If the practice varies in different counties, how is the right hon. Gentleman going to have a uniform valuation?

That depends entirely upon the custom, which varies in different counties, as the hon. Gentleman knows. It is quite impossible to have a uniform valuation where the elements are entirely different in the different counties.

asked whether, in valuations of agricultural land on which glass houses, trade fixtures, or buildings the property of the tenant stand, it is the practice to take into consideration the value of such glass houses, trade fixtures, and buildings for the purpose of arriving at gross and total values?

It is the practice of the Commissioners in arriving at the gross and total value of land to take account of such of the subjects mentioned by the hon. Baronet as would under a conveyance of the fee simple of the land pass, without express mention, to a purchaser.

Under these circumstances is it not possible that Increment Value Duty may be levied on property which does not belong to the man who has to pay?

I could not answer that in reply to a question.

But if you include the tenant's glasshouses, surely that is so?

The hon. Baronet is putting a matter of argument which I could not possibly answer in reply to a question.

asked how many objections have been made against assessments for Undeveloped Land Duty and Increment Value Duty, respectively; and how many appeals have been lodged against such assessments?

I am unable to state the number of objections received, which have in a large number of cases been disposed of without the necessity for an appeal. One thousand two hundred and seventy-two appeals have been lodged against Undeveloped Land Duty assessments and 123 against Increment Value Duty assessments.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether for each claim for Increment Value Duty substantiated 500 occasional valuations are being made, entailing trouble and expense to the State and each owner of land and house property affected; and, if so, whether he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation to remedy this state of affairs?

The proportion indicated by the hon. Member in the first part of the question is approximately correct, and he will doubtless realise that the smallness of the proportion is in a great measure due to the short interval of time which has elapsed since 30th April, 1909. I do not propose to introduce amending legislation.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the site value on the occasion has no relation whatever to the value of the site?

That is a matter to which the hon. Gentleman has devoted columns of the OFFICIAL REPORT, and I have devoted just as many columns in replying to him. I do not think I could answer him further in reply to a question.

asked the Prime Minister if he can now say whether the Irish Land Purchase Bill will he introduced before Whitsuntide?

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any statement on the subject.

asked the Prime Minister (1) if any communications have passed in recent years between the French and British Governments with regard to the construction of the Channel Tunnel; if the French Government still view the project favourably; and (2) if the question of the construction of the Channel Tunnel has been before the Imperial Defence Committee recently; and if the matter is still under consideration?

No such communications as are referred to have passed in recent years. I am not in possession of the views of the French Government on this subject. No detailed examination of the Channel Tunnel project has been carried out by the Committee of Imperial Defence since February, 1907.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether our Government is favourable?

No, Sir, I cannot say either "Yes" or "No."

asked whether the Temperance (Scotland) Bill will be reintroduced before Whitsuntide?

I can make no statement on the subject at present.

asked the Prime Minister if it is intended to reintroduce the Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Bill this Session with a view to securing its early passage into law; and, if so, can he state the probable date of such reintroduction?

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury hopes to rentroduce this Bill at an early date.

asked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to a recent speech of the Finance Member of the Legislative Council of India on the subject of Imperial preference; and whether this indicates any change in the views of His Majesty's Government on this subject?

I have seen the report in the Press of the speech referred to. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

May it be taken, then, that the speech substantially represents the views of His Majesty's Government?

No, Sir; I have answered the second part of the question in the negative.

asked the Prime Minister whether he intends to create an efficient Second Chamber within the lifetime of the present Parliament; and whether, with a view to securing a lasting constitutional settlement, he will revive the conference between the parties, so that the remodelling of the Constitution may be something more than a partisan measure?

I have stated repeatedly that it is our hope and intention to submit our proposals on this subject to the present Parliament. In regard to the second part of the question I cannot say more than that I should be very glad if we could proceed in the matter on lines of general agreement.

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he did not, in reply to a question on the Paper, give me an absolute promise that he would introduce the proposals in this Session?

No, Sir; no!

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of prosecutions and the amount of fines inflicted upon tradesmen in London for non-compliance with the provisions of the Shops Act by not closing their shops on the day appointed in the several districts?

The London County Council inform me that up to 31st December last, in the county of London outside the City, proceedings had been instituted against shopkeepers in seventy-two cases for failure to comply with the requirement of the Act as to closing for a weekly half-holiday. Convictions were obtained in fifty-two cases, and fines amounting in all to £38 19s. 6d. were imposed. The Act came into force on 1st May last. No proceedings were taken in the City during that period.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Estimate of £630,000 for the expenses of the Land Valuation Office for the year 1913–14 includes expenses of printing and of all the legal and other expenses of appeals to Referees and the Courts and incidental thereto; and, if not, what is the estimated cost of these, and under which Vote do they come?

The Estimate of £630,080 includes the expenses of appeals to Referees and to the Courts and any expenses incidental thereto, the necessary provision being made under Sub-heads DD and EE. The cost of printing falls upon the Vote for Stationery and Printing (Class II., 24). The amount attributable to the Land Valuation Office cannot be exactly stated, but it is estimated to be about £15,000.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether His Majesty's Government propose to pay in full, as between client and solicitor, the costs of Mr. Gibson Bowles incurred in the case of Bowles v. the Bank of England, in which judgment was given in his favour with costs; and, if not, on what ground a distinction is made in this respect between the Bank of England and Mr. Bowles; and (2) whether in the case of Bowles v. the Bank of England, in which judgment was given against the bank with costs, His Majesty's Government have paid the costs of the Bank; whether they have paid these costs in full as between client and solicitor, or whether they have paid only the taxed costs, and what the amount thereof was; and on what ground His Majesty's Government have paid the costs of the Bank of England in defending their unlawful practice in levying Income Tax by deduction without the authority of an Act of Parliament?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this and the following question. Payment was made to Mr. Bowles in accordance with the order of Court, which directed, as is usual, that the defendants (the Bank of England) should pay to the plaintiff his costs of the action, such costs to be taxed by the Taxing Master. The costs of the Bank of England, amounting to £238 5s. 4d., have been paid by the Crown in full as between client and solicitor, because under the Income Tax Acts Governors of the Bank are constituted Commissioners for executing the Acts, and as such they were acting on behalf of the Crown in defending a long-established practice.

Seeing that Mr. Bowles was held to be right, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he might not be left out of pocket?

Mr. Bowles has got exactly the same treatment as every successful litigant—he has got his taxed costs.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Commissioners of Inland Revenue have recently made a demand on the trustees of the Finchley Charities for payment of Undeveloped Land Duty amounting to £48 14s., assessed on land belong to the charities, the greater part of which was let in allotments in pursuance of the scheme under which the trust was regulated and whereby the trustees were not permitted to use the land for any other purpose except with the consent of the Charity Commissioners; and whether, the income of the charities being chiefly devoted to the maintenance of almshouses and for payment of pensions and gifts of coal to the aged poor, such payments would have to be diminished pro rata in order to provide funds for the tax in question?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I understand that the land is not occupied and used by the charity in question, and accordingly does not fall within the scope of the exemption contained in Section 37 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. With regard to the second part of the question. I have no information as to the manner in which the funds of the charity are applied.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what cash was received on account of Sinking Fund since the first issue of Guaranteed Land Stock under the Act of 1891, from all sources, and from each head of the land purchase account, including tenants' annuities, sales of, holdings, guaranteed deposits exchange or surrender of stock, county percentage or payment in lieu thereof, dividends and interests on investments, or any other source; what cash was paid for the £588,351 of Guaranteed Land Stock (1891) and the £292,889 of Guaranteed Stock (1903) held on the 31st March, 1912, on account of Sinking Fund; why was such stock under the Act of 1903 purchased on account of Sinking Fund, and why was the whole of the sums available not invested in the Guaranteed Land Stock of 1891, in view of the fact that the price of that stock is considerably below its redeemable par value; what is the total amount of 1891 stock cancelled, and why is the whole amount of such stock purchased on account of Sinking Fund not cancelled as soon as purchased; must the 5s. per cent. of the advances payable under the Act of 1891, known as the county percentage, be applied since the Land Law Act, 1896, Section 27, towards repayment of capital, and whether the payment to the Sinking Fund is now at the rate of 1¼ per cent. of the nominal amount of the capital, under the combined effect of Section 27 and Sections 1, 4, and 15 of the Act of 1891; are these provisions as to Sinking Fund still operative; whether the stock issued before and after the Act of 1896 was accepted by the vendors and dealt with by the public on the faith thereof; are all the issues of the stock now consolidated, and is any and what distinction made by the Treasury as to the rate and application of Sinking Fund in respect of the several issues of such stock; what sum in cash has been applied in redeeming the £2,164,028 of Guaranteed Two and Three-quarter per Cent. Land Stock, stated to have been redeemed on the 31st March, 1912, and to what extent was such redemption effected by purchases thereof under par, if so, at what price, and how otherwise was such redemption effected: whether under the Act of 1891, Sections 1 and 4, payments to the Sinking Fund have been made out of the whole land purchase account or, in case of deficiency, out of the Guarantee Fund and the Consolidated Fund; whether deficiencies in the tenants' annuities, as originally provided for, owing to the alteration in the mode of payment, under Section 25 of the Act of 1896, has to be made good out of all these funds; whether the National Debt Commissioners are bound to redeem at par outstanding stock issued under the Act of 1891, so soon as the Sinking Fund held by them, either in cash or securities, equals the par value of stock held by the public; and whether for this purpose stock held by various Government Departments is on the same footing, and if the stock has in any event to be redeemed under the Act of 1891, Section 1, Sub-section (2), at or before forty-nine years from the time of the issue of such stock?

With the permission of the hon. and learned Member, I will circulate a detailed answer with the Votes. [See Written. Answers this date.]

Has the right hon. Gentleman observed that the Treasury have stopped nearly half a million of money from the Irish Taxation Account in the last few years, and that, while we have no means whatsoever of discussing matters with the Treasury, they seem to exercise a paramount right to make the deduction without question?

I cannot accept the fact stated by the hon. Member.

asked when the right hon. Gentleman will be in a position to announce that the Estates Commissioners have come into possession of the lands of Bordwell, Owens estate, Queen's County; whether he is aware that negotiations for the acquisition of this property have been going on for the past three years, and that an inspector has been down in the locality making arrangements for the distribution of the land; will he say who the inspector having charge of the scheme is; and whether the local representatives of the people will be consulted before the scheme for distribution is approved by the Commissioners?

The Estates Commissioners have had a preliminary inspection made of the lands and have intimated to the owner the price they are prepared to advance if formal proceedings for sale are instituted under the Land Purchase Acts, and title is shown in accordance with their requirements. Until this has been done, and they acquire the lands the Commissioners will not be in a position to consider the question of their allotment.

asked whether the necessary steps are yet near completion for the acquirement of the untenanted lands of Clonfin; and when the distribution of these lands will take place?

The Estates Commissioners hope to issue their offer for the purchase of these lands at an early date.

asked whether the scheme for the untenanted lands of Rhyne, county Longford, the property of Mr. J. W. Bond, D.L., has yet been prepared; and, if not, when it is expected to be ready?

The reply to the first paragraph of the question is in the negative. The owner has accepted the Estates Commissioners' proposal to purchase these lands, and they hope to be in a position to take over possession of them and distribute them during the present year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer with regard to Increment Value Duty, what is the number of transactions of which particulars have been presented under Section 4 (2) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, up to the 31st March, 1913; what is the number of assessments which have been made upon these transactions; and what is the amount of duty assessed thereon?

The answer to the first part of the question is 497,148; to the second, 1,706; and to the third, £31,393.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, as a result of the amalgamation of the Customs and Excise services somewhere about twenty late senior Excise clerks are suffering a loss of £60 a year or thereabouts, and stand to lose sums varying from £780 to about £500 during the remainder of their service, in spite of the fact that they are still allowed to proceed to £400 a year; and whether there is any provision under the amalgamation scheme to ensure that these officers will be saved this loss?

It is impracticable to enter into calculations based on the assumption that, if amalgamation had not taken place, particular individuals would have received one step in promotion on the old classification by this time, and a further step at a particular time in the future. As to the position of these officers I must refer the hon. Member to the answer of my right hon. Friend, the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, on the 27th ultimo, in reply to his previous question on this subject.

Would the right hon. Gentleman consider some of these facts if I send them to him?

Certainly.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, seeing that 5 per cent. is the statutory rate of interest charged to an officer commuting his pension under the Commutation Act, he will state the rate of interest at which the money of savings bank depositors is lent to the Treasury for this purpose under the sixth and eighth Sections of the Pensions Commutation Act, 1871?

The amounts paid by the National Debt Commissioners for the commutation of pensions are repaid to them by terminable annuities calculated at 3½ per cent. per annum, the minimum rate authorised by Section 8 of the Pensions Commutation Act, 1871.

asked whether any Order has been issued that modifies or eliminates Sub-section (j), Part II., Schedule 1, of the National Insurance Act?

Yes, Sir. By a special Order which came into force on 15th July last, the class of outworkers specified in paragraph (j) of Part II. of the First Schedule to the National Insurance Act has been brought within the scope of the compulsory provisions of the Act. The Order is No. 921 in the series of Statutory Rules and Orders, 1912.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it has been brought to his notice that insurance committees, in refusing applicants desirous of making their own medical arrangements, are in the habit of assigning no reason for their inability to comply with the request of the insured person, but merely warn the applicant that, failing making a selection by the 31st ultimo, he will be liable to distribution among doctors on the panel; and whether, in view of the fact that each application is considered on its merits, he will explain why the reason for refusal is not stated in the reply?

An insurance committee is under no obligation to explain in each individual case the reasons for refusing an application from an insured person for permission to make his own arrangements for medical attendance and treatment. The general policy which I believe is guiding insurance committees in dealing with such applications is indicated in the Memorandum on the subject issued by the Commissioners, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Surely, as a matter of courtesy, the insurance committees might give this information to insured persons; it would not cost anything.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether an approved member claiming insurance benefit, declaring sickness on a Monday and declaring off on the following Saturday, thereby only being entitled to three days' sick pay, is compelled under the National Insurance Act to provide three medical certificates for the period; and, if so, whether he will take steps to stop such proceeding, which can only have the effect of preventing members from receiving the benefits to which they are entitled?

The question of the evidence to be required in connection with a claim for sickness benefit must be determined by the society administering the benefit, subject to an appeal to the Commissioners under Section 67 of the Act. I see no reason why in any case in the circumstances stated a society should require three medical certificates.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, owing to the delicacy of the panel doctors' position in relation to persons insured under the National Insurance Act, it is being found increasingly difficult in Gloucestershire and elsewhere to check malingering, and that in Bristol a medical referee has been appointed with this object by the insurance committee with the approval of the approved societies in that city; and whether the Insurance Commissioners favour the same course being adopted in other administrative areas?

The matters referred to in the hon. Member's question are receiving the careful attention of the Commissioners.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if, when a workman is in receipt of 10s. a week from his employer under the Workmen's Compensation Act on account of an accident, he is precluded from receiving sickness benefit under the National Insurance Act; and, if so, seeing that the employer has had to pay twice over for one benefit, whether, in the Act for amending the National Insurance Act, it is proposed to remedy this injustice?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirma- tive. It is not, however, the case that either employers or employed contributors are paying twice over for one benefit. The relief to the funds in the cases referred to was a factor in the actuarial calculations, and if sickness benefit were allowed, in addition to payments under the Workmen's Compensation Act in respect of the same accident, the contributions would require to be increased. There would then be justification for complaints that payments were being made twice over, as there is no obvious reason why an insured person requires to receive more when the illness is due to accident than when it is due to other causes.

asked if married men in the Navy are required to give three months' notice of the approximate date of the expected confinement of their wives in order to comply with the rules governing the payment of maternity benefit under the National Insurance Act, 1911?

The provision referred to by my hon. Friend was made not as an essential condition of payment, but solely in the interests of the men and their wives as being, under the exceptional conditions of naval service, the only means of ensuring payment of the benefit immediately after the confinement takes place. The advantages of this procedure have already been proved in several cases. When it is not possible to give the full amount of notice the claim is in no way prejudiced thereby.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of payment to the wives of seamen?

That is for what the regulation is framed.

asked whether secretaries of trade union branches have had their claim to unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act contested by Labour Exchange officials on the ground that such secretaries are receiving a remuneration or profit greater than that they would derive from the receipt of unemployment benefit under the Act; and, if so, will he state whether Labour Exchange officials have been instructed not to pay benefit under these circumstances?

It is provided by Section 107 (1), paragraph 5, that "a workman shall not be deemed to be unemployed whilst he is following any remunerative occupation in an insured trade, or … any other occupation from which he derives any other remuneration or profit greater than that which he would derive from the receipt of unemployment benefit under this part of this Act." I have no information as to the particular cases which my hon. Friend has in mind, so that I am unable to say if the trade union secretaries referred to are covered by the provision I have quoted.

asked the Postmaster-General if he has made better arrangements with the Insurance Commissioners or the Treasury to secure more adequate remuneration for the employés of the Post Office who have had such onerous work thrown on them by the National Insurance Act?

As regards scale payment Sub-Postmasters I beg to refer the hon. Member to the replies given to questions on the subject on 24th and 27th March; and as regards other officers, to the reply given to a question on 6th January.

Are there not numerous cases where they are receiving absolutely nominal pay for really very serious and onerous work?

The pay that is so far being given is only payment on account, and the ultimate amount to be received has not yet been settled.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a good deal of dissatisfaction over this matter and cannot he get money out of the Treasury?

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the county and city of Cork can now reckon on receiving their share from the Sanatorium Grant on the basis of population stated in October to be approximately £13,000; whether, as the Cork Joint Hospital Board made temporary provision for insured persons suffering from tuberculosis from other counties, they are entitled to receive an additional amount from the Sanatorium Grant; why are counties which have not joined with the Women's National Health Association kept ignorant of the sum they are to receive and thus debarred from proceeding with their schemes; is he aware that this delay in giving information is availed of by the Women's National Health Association to canvass county councillors to induce support for schemes by which beds are to be taken in their sanatoria; has any of the £25,000 been expended, and, if so, how; do the Local Government Board usually estimate each bed will annually cost about £140; has the Women's National Health Association or its patrons suggested that about half that figure would suffice; and, if not, what are the respective estimates?

The county and city of Cork can reckon on receiving their share of £120,000 immediately their schemes receive the final approval of the Local Government Board. As explained in my answer to the hon. and learned Member's question on 17th October last, such part of the remaining £25,000 as is expended by the Women's National Health Association on behalf of particular counties will be recovered from the shares of these counties, calculated on the population basis, and will be available for distribution on the same basis as the £120,000. The remaining portion of the £25,000 representing expenditure incurred in the interest of the country generally in respect of temporary provision for the counties which are contemplating building sanatoria for themselves and in respect of accommodation, whether for adults or for children, which will be available in the future for any county insurance committee which may apply for it will be a final charge against the £145,000 Grant as a whole. The share of Cork county and city in the Grant will be ascertained in this way, and will not be affected by the fact that the Cork Joint Hospital Board has provided temporary accommodation. County councils have been apprised of their respective shares of the £120,000, and will be informed as to the allocation of the £25,000 as soon as practicable. I am not aware that the Women's National Health Association have taken any steps to obtain support for their sanatorium other than such as might naturally be made by the managing authorities of similar institutions in similar circumstances. By far the larger portion of the £25,000 has been expended, but the exact amount cannot be made up at present. The Local Government Board do not understand what is meant by the annual cost of beds. The capital cost is arrived at by dividing the total expenditure by the number of beds, but I am not at present in a position to name any figure as the usual cost. The Women's National Health Association, who enter into their own agreements with county councils, have quoted £70 as their charge per bed.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how soon a decision will be come to in the matter?

I am pressing for it, and I hope it will be come to very soon.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture why, out of 495 applicants for small holdings in Herefordshire, 271 of whom have been approved, only 104 have been satisfied.

The Small Holdings Commissioner for the district is inquiring into the causes of delay in satisfying the demand for land in Herefordshire, and everything possible will be done to effect an improvement.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Government have informed the Dutch Government that they may be compelled to take severe measures against the importation of goods coming from countries infected with foot-and-mouth disease or anthrax if such goods are proved or suspected to have occasioned such disease in Great Britain; and, if so, what articles have the Government in mind in this connection, and what is the nature of the restrictive measures contemplated?

The Government have not so informed the Dutch Government, but the report made last May by the Departmental Committee on foot-and-mouth disease has recently been circulated to His Majesty's representatives in foreign countries, and I surmise that the rumour to which the hon. Member refers, has arisen from the publication of a recommendation made on page 12 of the Report. With regard to the latter part of the question, no restrictive measures have at present been decided upon.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the intestinal parasitic disease known as strongylus contortus is again very prevalent among sheep in the south-eastern counties and is causing considerable mortality; whether, in the opinion of the Board, doses of turpentine prove an effective cure for this disease, or, if not, whether there is any other drug that does; and whether the Board will publish in the provincial papers some advice as to its treatment in those counties where it is most prevalent?

I am aware of the prevalence of the disease to which the hon. Member refers. In the opinion of the Board's veterinary advisers the use of turpentine in sufficient doses to have a therapeutic value would be very dangerous, and the Board are unable at present, pending the result of investigations now in progress, to advise a remedy for the disease.