asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether his Department openly encouraged the special medical scheme of the Scottish Clerks' Association while the medical profession were still negotiating with the Department; and on the 5th February of this year, after the negotiations with the medical profession had ended satisfactorily, withdrew, by means of the Scottish Commissioners, the approval formerly given; and, if so, what explanation can be given of this action?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer. The suggestion in the first two parts of the question is without foundation; the third part does not therefore arise. As my hon. Friend was informed on the 7th inst., the special medical scheme of the Scottish Clerks' Association has at no time been approved by the Commissioners, and there is, therefore, no question of withdrawing approval.

What about the wisdom or possibility of the scheme?

I have given a number of previous answers on that point, and if the hon. Member will read them he will see that there has been some misunderstanding on the part of the society.

asked whether the rules of the Scottish Clerks' Association as an approved society were approved of by the several National Insurance Commissions on 7th June last; whether these rules incorporated the scheme that a non-State contribution could be made a basis of membership to the association; whether the Commissions still take that view; and, if not, at what date did they begin to alter their opinion?

Approval was given on the 7th June last to the rules of the Scottish Clerks' Association, so far as such approval was required under Sections 14 and 27 of the National Insurance Act. The rules so approved do not make it clear that a contribution towards the private side is imposed as a basis of membership for the purposes of the Act. I do not understand what change of opinion my hon. Friend is suggesting in the last parts of the question. It is proposed at an early date to issue a full statement as to the position of the Scottish Clerks' Association in relation to the National Insurance Act.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether all the new Scottish insurance committees to be appointed or elected, in accordance with Regulations, No. 22, of the Scottish Insurance Commissioners, in place of the present provisional committees, will be constituted by the 15th July, 1913, or any earlier date?

Yes, Sir. The insurance committees referred to will be constituted by 14th July next at the latest.

Will the right hon. Gentleman advise the provisional insurance committees not to conclude contracts for medical benefits which are pending for periods long beyond their term of office, especially in cases where it is proposed to make—

That question does not arise out of the answer.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether a society approved under the Insurance Act with 10,000 members, 5,500 being resident in England, 2,250 in Scotland, 2,250 in Wales, will be considered as one society for valuation purposes, or will the members in Wales and Scotland be placed on a different basis for valuation purposes, with a possible consequence that, after the first valuation is complete, the members in Wales and Scotland may be placed on an inferior scale of benefits compared with the English members of the same society; and, if so, will this difference be dealt with in any Bill amending the National Insurance Act?

Under Sub-section (3) of Section 83 of the National Insurance Act the members resident in each part of the United Kingdom will be treated for the purpose of valuation as if they formed a separate society. The question whether benefits should be increased or diminished would in each case depend on the result of the valuation, but there is no presumption that the members in any particular part of the United Kingdom would gain or lose by being valued separately, and the result may well be the very opposite of that contemplated in the question. Any amendment of the Act in the manner suggested in the latter part of the question would strike at the root of the principle of the separation of funds as between the four parts of the United Kingdom which was introduced into the National Insurance Bill by amendment when the Bill was before the House of Commons, in deference to the wishes of a large majority of Irish, Scottish, and Welsh Members.

Has the hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the important point of the question, the difference of these people: to have the valuation of a society well managed in England, and then the passing over the Scottish and Welsh members to a society that is badly managed?

That, of course, is another matter. I have fully answered the points put down in the question.

Can the hon. Gentleman say that for the purposes of the valuation the Scottish and Welsh units, being less than 5,000, will be grouped with other societies, or will they be treated on an ordinary basis?

I would like notice of that question.

asked whether the engineer in charge and the permanent staff of a mental hospital, who contribute a portion of their wages towards pension under the Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act, 1909, may be considered as exempt from compulsory insurance under the National Insurance Act, Section 107 (4); and, in those cases where the power of dismissal is not relegated to any official, but is wholly a matter for decision by the visiting committee, what must be their reasons of dismissal necessary to satisfy the Board of Trade under this Section?

In the case of workmen on the permanent staff of a mental hospital who contribute towards pension under the Asylum Officers' Superannuation Act, 1909, and are dismissible only by the visiting committee, the Board of Trade would be prepared to grant a certificate of exemption under Section 107 (4) of the National Insurance Act if the grounds of dismissal were limited to misconduct, neglect, or unfitness for duty.

asked (1) whether all soldiers are compelled to contribute under the National Insurance Act during their first twelve years' service; whether they are eligible for any benefits under the Act during that period; and whether those who leave the Army with pensions of more than 1s. 5d. per diem can receive any benefits for the contributions that have been paid by and for them while in the Service; and (2) the percentage of soldiers serving the second period of their engagement on any recent date who have decided to discontinue their contributions under the National Insurance Act; and whether such men, on becoming compulsorily insured after leaving the Army, get any credit for the contributions that have been paid by and for them during their first twelve years' service?

Deductions for the purposes of national health insurance are made from the pay of all soldiers serving under their first term of engagement. As regards the benefits which a soldier receives, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Nottingham on the 20th March last. I understand that the proportion of soldiers serving the second period of engagement who have not elected to have deductions made from their pay is 47 per cent. as regards Home stations; for foreign stations the figures are not yet available. Those who are in receipt of pensions to the value of £26 a year or upwards, on finally leaving the Army could, if they chose, obtain certificates of exemption, but the receipt of the pension does not itself in any way affect the right to receive benefits under the Act, and if they remain in insurance as employed contributors, the fact that they have been previously insured will enable them, while paying the ordinary flat rate, to receive the full benefits of the Act without suffering the reduction of benefits attaching under Section 9 (4) of the Act to persons entering insurance at the age of seventeen or upwards.

May I ask whether, in the event of their refusing to continue to contribute during the second period, they can still claim their original contribution or not?

I must ask for notice of that.

Will the hon. Gentleman say whether any complaints have been received of these deductions by the commanding officers?

I am not aware of any.

asked whether Irish insured persons, who are members of Irish societies and whose contributions under the National Insurance Act are at higher rates while they are temporarily employed in England, receive any increased benefits in return; and, if so, to whom do they apply for such benefits; and who benefits by these increased contributions?

An insured person coming from Ireland to England is entitled, on giving the proper notice, to obtain medical benefit from the insurance, committee of the area to which he comes. The increased contributions therefore provide an extra benefit for those who pay them.

Does that mean that an Irish insured person, before he or she can obtain a benefit, has got to communicate with their society even in ease of sudden illness before they can get benefit in this country?

I must ask for notice of that question.

asked if any Regulations have been drawn up for the coming election of members as representatives of insured persons on insurance committees; if so, do these Regulations provide for the probable date of the elections, for each society selecting candidates from its own members, and for such members voting only for their own nominees; and whether proportional representation will be adopted in regard to the number of members each society will be entitled to elec

Regulations have been issued by the Scottish Commissioners with regard to the election of the representatives of insured persons on insurance committees, and the corresponding Regulations for England, Ireland, and Wales are now under consideration. The Scottish Regulations provide for the constitution of the new committees before the 14th July, 1913, and are so framed as to take into account the numbers of members of each society operating in each committee area. I am sending a copy of these Regulations and of an explanatory memorandum to my hon. Friend.

Will the recommendations as framed by the English Commission follow the lines of the Scottish?

That I cannot promise.

Then what was the use of quoting the Scottish regulations to me in reply to my question?

I have said they are under consideration. I indicated the probability of the Scottish rules being followed, but I said I could not say definitely.

asked whether the Insurance Commissioners will decline to permit county insurance committees, in order to facilitate local administration, to request deposit contributors within their administrative areas to notify to them any change of address, or whether such committees are bound to await the receipt of such information indirectly from the Commissioners in London?

No, Sir; the Commissioners will not decline to permit such direct notification as is suggested in any area in which it is shown to be of administrative convenience to the insurance committee concerned.

asked in how many counties and county boroughs in Ireland have panels of doctors been formed for the purpose of granting to insured persons the medical certificates which are required before sickness or sanatorium benefit can be obtained, and in how many counties and county boroughs have panels not been formed?

I understand from the Irish Insurance Commissioners that names of doctors are still being received, and that the question is being considered at the Advisory Committee to-morrow. The Commissioners will communicate with the hon. Baronet.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Irish Insurance Commissioners issued circulars stating that panels of doctors have been formed in each county and county borough and can he explain how obviously inaccurate a statement as that got circulated?

I must ask for notice.

I will put down a question.

asked whether, under the National Insurance Act, arrangements can only be made with duly qualified medical practitioners for the administration of medical benefit; whether, in some instances, insurance committees have accepted and placed upon their panels the names of herbalists and other unauthorised persons; and, if so, whether this has been done with the sanction of the National Health Insurance Commissioners?

The answer to the first part part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part is in the negative. The third part does not therefore arise.

May I ask the hon. Gentleman whether all medical men who apply to be put upon the panel are put on irrespective of their capabilities?

That does not enter into this question.

I beg to suggest it does arise out of the question.

If the hon. Member says he cannot answer that ought to be sufficient. The hon. Member is only acting as a substitute and cannot know all these things.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the action of the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, who is the managing director of J. W. Hendersons, slate and cement merchant, in keeping the State insurance cards of workmen as many as five days after leaving their employment; whether any employer is entitled to retain insurance cards of persons leaving their employment; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. The Scottish Commissioners have made inquiry into this case, and they understand there was some delay in returning the cards of two workmen who left without notice. They understood that the delay, in these cases, arose partly from the circumstances in which the men left their work, and that the employés of the firm named ordinarily receive their cards at once upon applying for them.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it has become a common practice for a large number of managers to withhold the men's cards to prevent them signing for unemployment benefit?

Any details the hon. Member may send us will be most carefully considered.

asked whether a secretary of a trade union branch, not being a permanent paid official of his union in receipt of a weekly salary and carrying out the duties of his office in his spare time at evenings, and not in the ordinary working day, can be debarred from unemployment benefit under Part II. of the National Insurance Act, he being a compulsory insured person, on the ground that his remuneration as a branch official of his trade union for carrying out such duties is greater than he would derive from the receipt of unemployment benefit under the Act?

The question raised by my hon. Friend, if arising on a claim to benefit, would ultimately be determined not by the Board of Trade but by the Umpire, having regard to the circumstances of each case. I am, therefore, not in a position to give an authoritative answer, but if he will give me full particulars of any case which he has in mind, I will look into them and communicate with him further.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when these cases are submitted they take about four or five weeks before a reply can be given, and the man is deprived of his benefit?

That is surely not the rule. If the hon. Member will furnish me with the details we will make inquiries.

asked whether it is intended to introduce the Bill to amend the National Insurance Act before the Whitsuntide adjournment?

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

asked when the Bill to amend the National Insurance Act will be introduced?

I cannot say.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether in cases in which a medical man in a rural district dispenses his own drugs to insured persons he is entitled to have inserted in his agreement a clause securing to him the right to receive the additional 2s. as provided by the National Insurance Act; and whether he is aware that county insurance committees, whilst assuring rural doctors that they are entitled to the money, assert that they have no authority to insert a clause in the agreement to that effect, but that they must rely on their undertaking?

It is open to an insurance committee to make a special agreement to the effect suggested in the question, but this is not necessary, as the security desired is afforded by the terms of the agreement as it stands and does not depend simply on an undertaking of the committee.

asked the President of the Board of Education, whether he is aware that the latest volume of statistics shows that, after excluding all the scholars under five years of age, there remains in Kingston-on-Thames a roll of 5,441 scholars and accommodation for only 5,428; whether his inspectors have reported how many class-rooms are habitually used for a larger number of scholars than that for which they are passed by the Board; whether he is aware that 26 per cent. of the scholars are in overcrowded schools; and what steps are being taken to enable all the children between five and fifteen years of age to attend school if their parents desire it?

The figures as stated in the first question are approximately correct, but the numbers on the books fell steadily between 1909 to 1912. During last year, in four departments, there was only a slight excess, amounting in the worst instance to eleven units. Last month overcrowding existed in only three departments, and amounted to five units in all. Taking the school accommodation and average attendance as a whole, there were more than 500 places to spare in the authority's area, and such overcrowding as exists can probably be relieved by rearrangements. Both the authority and the Board are watching the situation closely.

Will the right hon. Gentleman press for a rearrangement so that no one will be overcrowded?

We are doing so.

asked whether the latest published figures show that in York over 23 per cent. of the scholars are in overcrowded schools, and that the average attendance exceeds the accommodation in ten departments of the Bedern, Bilton Street, St. Clement's, St. Deny's, St. Lawrence's, and St. Margaret's Church of England schools; will he say how long this overcrowding has existed; and on what date does he expect it to be remedied?

The school years referred to all terminated upon dates between August, 1910, and July, 1911. The excess of average attendance over accommodation was due to the reassessment on the 10 and 9 square feet basis. Since the date of the published figures a new council school for 540 children and a temporary council school for 128 have been opened, another council school for 800 is under construction, and accommodation has also been provided in another school for a further 176 children. These measures are the result of correspondence between the Board of Education and the local education authority, and are expected to provide all the places needed.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what was the proportion per cent. of imports into British India in 1885 and in 1912 from the United Kingdom, the rest of the Empire, and from all foreign countries, respectively; and what were the percent- age figures of exports from India in the same years?

In the year ended 31st March, 1886, out of the total imports of merchandise by sea, 82 per cent. were derived from the United Kingdom, 10 per cent. from other parts of the British Empire and 8 per cent. from foreign countries; in the year ended 31st March, 1912, the proportions were 64 per cent. from the United Kingdom, 6 per cent. from other parts of the Empire, and 30 per cent. from foreign countries. Of the exports of merchandise by sea in 1886, 41 per cent. were sent to the United Kingdom, 22 per cent. to other parts of the Empire, and 37 per cent., to foreign countries; whilst in the latter year the proportions were 26 per cent. to the United Kingdom, 16 per cent. to other parts of the Empire, and 58 per cent. to foreign countries. There was a slight difference of system as between the two years in the method of recording the countries from which imports were derived and to which exports were sent, but, so far as can be judged, this difference does not very materially affect the comparability of the figures I have given.

Has the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to the debate in India dealing with this question? And do the Government propose to do anything more to meet the apparent wishes of the people in order to make the provision such as will prevent further decrease in British trade in British India?

That hardly arises out of this answer.

asked the principal difference in the sight tests as used by the Admiralty and those recommended by the Committee of the Board of Trade?

The principal difference between the sight tests used by the Admiralty and those recommended by the Departmental Committee on Sight Tests is that, for testing colour vision, the former use the Edridge-Green lantern and a test with assorted coloured wools. The methods recommended by the Committee consist of a lantern specially designed and constructed for them, and a somewhat different wool test, and these tests are described in the Committee's Report, of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. For testing form vision, Snellen's test types are used by both Departments, but I understand that the standard of form vision required by the Admiralty is higher than that which the Board of Trade propose to enforce on and after 1st January next.

Is the hon. Member aware that there is a very considerable amount of dissatisfaction among the mercantile officers over this question; that there has been a very serious diminution in the number of persons who have been tested recently at Liverpool, and that a very large number of candidates have been rejected?

The two lines of the questions run in opposite directions. Now the complaint is that the tests of the Board of Trade are too strict, whereas the questions previously put with regard to sight tests suggest that the tests were not strict enough.

The mercantile marine prefer the Admiralty test to the Board of Trade test.

We have been told in the House that the Admiralty test is more strict that the Board of Trade test.

Has the hon. Member considered the advisability of abolishing the wool test altogether as being unscientific?

The wool test in its revised form is not unscientific, and the Admiralty use that test.

asked how many aliens are employed as officers in ships under the protection of the British flag; and what powers, if any, the Board of Trade can exercise in granting or withholding the necessary certificates to enable aliens to be so employed?

The Census of Seamen for 3rd April, 1911 (Cd. 6442) shows that 87 masters, 310 mates and 288 engineers of foreign nationality were employed in British registered trading vessels on that day out of a total of 7,995 masters, 12,578 mates, and 17,589 engineers so employed. Under the Regulations made in pursuance of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, the Board of Trade cannot withhold a certificate of competency merely on the ground of the nationality of the candidate, but the percentage of British certificates issued yearly to foreigners is only about 1½ per cent.

Have the Board of Trade considered the advisability of bringing in legislation which would prevent aliens acquiring certificates under the British flag, having regard to the difficulties which might arise in time of war?

Certainly, if the question became important, but at the present time only 1½ per cent. of the whole number of certificates are held by foreign officers.

Does the Board of Trade not regard even that small percentage as sufficient to qualify a number of alien pilots who might be dangerous in time of war?

It is a question of degree.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether 1½ per cent. is an increasing or decreasing number?

I must have notice of that question.

asked what was the tonnage of steam vessels and of sailing vessels, respectively, of Great Britain for 1881 and also for 1912?

The total tonnage on the register of the United Kingdom (including the Isle of Man and Channel Islands) at the end of 1881 was 6,691,996 tons, of which 3,688,008 tons were sailing vessels and 3,003,988 tons steam vessels. At the end of 1912 the total tonnage was 11,894,791 tons, of which 902,718 tons were sailing vessels and 10,992,073 tons steam vessels.

asked whether he will bring up to date the Return of agricultural friendly societies in the United Kingdom issued in 1910?

I am communicating with the hon. Member on the subject with a view to meeting his wishes.

Will a separate Return be given of the agricultural credit societies?

The Treasury is in communication with the hon. Member.

asked for (1) the number of Irish passengers lost in the "Titanic" disaster and the number of dependants left by them; and what proportion of the Mansion House Relief Fund has been allocated for the relief of Irish sufferers; and (2) how many members of the crew of the "Titanic" who perished in the late disaster came from Belfast and the neighbourhood; how many dependants were left by them; and what provision has been made for the sufferers out of public relief funds raised for this purpose?

The estimated number of Irish third-class passengers lost in the "Titanic" disaster was seventy-three. According to the information in the possession of the Board of Trade, thirteen members of the crew of the "Titanic" who lost their lives in the disaster gave Belfast either as their birthplace or as their last place of residence. I have no information with regard to the number of dependants left by the Irish passengers or by the seamen from Belfast or neighbourhood who lost their lives in the disaster, nor can I state the proportion of the Mansion House Relief Fund allocated for the relief of Irish sufferers. As the hon. Member is aware, the Board of Trade are in no way responsible for and have taken no share in the administration of that fund.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman proposes to take any action to deal with dangers to navigation resulting from derelicts and floating obstructions at sea?

I am in communication with the various Departments and bodies concerned on the subject of the recommendations contained in the recent Report of the Departmental Committee on Floating Derelicts and Sunken Obstructions, and meanwhile I am not able to make any definite announcement on the subject.

asked what was the total value of the motor cars and their component parts imported into this country from the United States in 1912; if he can state what percentage of this sum approximately represents labour; and what was the total value of the motor cars exported from this country to the United States during the same period?

The total value of the imports of motor cars and parts from the United States of America in 1912 was £1,234,000, of which £763,000 represented complete cars, £56,000 chassis, and £415,000 other parts of motor cars. I cannot say how much of these sums represents the cost of labour, but according to the Bureau of the United States Census motor car builders in the States returned their wages bill in 1909 at about 20 per cent. of their output, in addition to which an appreciable part of the cost of materials used (whose value was rather more than half the value of the output) no doubt represents wages paid to persons engaged in the manufacture of such materials. The exports of motor cars and parts of United Kingdom manufacture to the United States in 1912 were valued at £88,000, and, in addition, imported motor cars and parts to the value of £37,000 were re-exported to the same destination.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can state the number of women arrested and number convicted for offences in connection with the suffragette movement in each of the years 1907 to 1912, inclusive, and for the first three months of the present year?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to the junior Member for Merthyr Tydvil on Monday last. As I have explained in reply to previous questions on this subject, I am not in a position to give further information. Arrests and convictions are not in ordinary course reported to the Home Office; and even in the case of persons received in prison, the connection with the suffrage agitation is not necessarily known.

Did the right hon. Gentleman not give last week the figures for 1911 and 1912 in reply to the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil (Mr. Keir Hardie), and therefore is it not possible to give the figures for the two or three years preceding?

No, Sir. I gave the figures so far as I was able for 1911 and 1912, and I gave reasons for saying that it would be quite impossible to give the figures for 1909.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the fact that Miss Margaret Llewhellin, a young girl who broke a window in the house of the chief Government Whip at Downing Street on the 27th of March last, the damage amounting to 2s. 6d., was sentenced to pay 2s. 6d. damage, £2 2s. costs, and a fine of £2, making altogether £4 4s. 6d., with the alternative of a month's imprisonment, whilst Mr. W. E. Hills, who broke a window of Lincoln's Inn House, the Women's Social and Political Union offices, the damage also amounting to 2s. 6d., was merely fined 5s., with the alternative of seven days' imprisonment; whether the cases were tried by the same magistrate; and if he will, by remission of the sentence in the case of the woman, remove the apparent inequality of treatment?

No sufficient reason for recommending a reduction of the sentence in the first-mentioned case is afforded by the fact that a lighter sentence was passed in another case of wilful damage. The amount of damage done is only one of many considerations that a magistrate takes into account in sentencing offenders of this class.

May I ask whether any instructions have been given to magistrates to discriminate against women prisoners convicted of certain offences?

No, Sir, no instructions of any kind have been given to the magistrates.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the sentence of a fine of £10 and costs or six weeks' imprisonment inflicted by the Oxford City magistrates on a boy of eighteen for attempting to interfere with a tram-driver; and if he will consider the remission of some part of the term of imprisonment?

Having inquired into the facts of the case, I regret that I find no sufficient ground for remitting the penalty imposed on the offender. I am informed that he is allowed to pay it by instalments of 2s. 6d. a week.

Does the right hon. Gentleman not regard it as a hollow mockery of justice to fine a boy like this £10 and costs?

I have inquired into this case, and I am satisfied that justice has been done.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the number of accidents in the cement trade on the Thames and Medway is increasing; whether he is aware that a cause of these accidents is the fact that when unloading coal and coke from the barges the crane driver working the grab that picks up the coal cannot see the man who is engaged in trimming the coal ready for picking up; whether he is aware that this was the cause of two fatal accidents recently, one on 21st October, 1912, and the other on 14th February last; and whether it is within his power to direct that another man shall be employed to stand in sight of the crane driver and instruct him when it is safe to lower the grab?

The number of reported accidents in the cement works to which my hon. Friend refers has risen from 337 in 1911, to 382 in 1912, but there was a considerable increase in trade activity in 1912, involving the employment of a larger number of workmen as compared with the previous year. The number of accidents due to unloading coal or coke is a very small proportion of the total, namely, thirteen in 1911, and fifteen in 1912, while those caused by the descent of the grab were two slight accidents in 1911, one fatal accident in 1912, and one fatal accident in 1913. As regards the fatal accident in 1912, the evidence at the inquest showed that the accident was not due to the inability of the crane driver to see the trimmer; and with regard to the accident in February last, it is true that the crane driver could not see the trimmer, but there were no witnesses of the accident, and it is impossible to say for certain what was the cause. I have at present no power to require a signaller to be employed in cases where the crane man cannot see the trimmer, but such a requirement would tend to obviate danger, and the point shall be considered when an opportunity occurs.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Law Officers, having been in error in recommending a course for which there was no legal warrant and in defending the case of Bowles v. the Bank of England, have drawn, in addition to their salaries, extra fees for pursuing that course; and, if so, whether they have offered to return those fees?

The question whether a Resolution in Committee of Ways and Means imposing Income Tax had the force of law was one which had not been judicially decided until the case of Bowles v. Bank of England. The Crown was represented in the legal proceedings, on the suggestion of the Court, by the Law Officers, to whom, fees were consequently paid in pursuance of the ordinary arrangement as to their remuneration. The answer to the last part. of the question is in the negative.

May I ask whether it is usual for Ministers to profit by their own errors, as in this case, and to vote the profit to themselves in this House?

No, Sir. The point had never been decided before, and the Court thought fit to invoke the assistance of the Law Officers of the Crown.

Was not the case resisted on the advice of the Law Officers?

That is another question.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say why the anomaly exists that the English and Irish Law Officers are allowed extra fees, while the Scotch Law Officers are confined to their salary?

That is one of those very simple arrangements by which Scotland does not always profit as much as she seems.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has noted the slow progress of the Revenue Bill, the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-health) Bill, and the Army (Annual) Bill; and whether, with the objects of expediting needed legislation, obviating the necessity of an Autumn Session, and allowing hon. Members to know beforehand what duties await them, be will propose a comprehensive time-table embracing these and other Government measures?

I am afraid I do not see my way to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal.

Has this valuable suggestion been duly considered?

yes, most carefully.

asked the Prime Minister if he can give any undertaking that a Bill having for its object the granting of self-government to Scotland will be introduced during the next Session of the present Parliament?

I can make no announcement at present as to the business of next Session.

Can the Prime Minister give us any idea of the approximate time?

No, Sir.

This or any other Session?

No.

asked the Prime Minister whether, with a view to relieving the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for the time being from the strain now placed upon him and preserving the character of the Treasury as a controlling rather than a spending Department, he will take steps to establish a separate Department for Insurance, Labour Exchanges, and Old Age Pensions, represented by a separate Minister in the House of Commons?

I will take the hon. and learned Member's suggestion into consideration, but I fear I can hold out little hope of being able to take any immediate steps in the matter.

May I renew my question in clue time?

Well, after a reasonable time for consideration.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the proposal of the Prime Minister of Canada to make a loan gift of three battleships to the Admiralty has become a matter of party controversy in the Dominion Parliament; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take the opinion of the Cabinet on the propriety of suggesting to the Canadian Government the undesirability of proceeding further with a proposal which has not the approval of both parties in the Dominion?

I beg to call your attention to the fact that parts of this question have been left out without any notification having been sent to me. Might I ask whether it is in Order to change a question or to leave out parts of a question without intimating the fact to the Member responsible for it?

I have not the slightest idea to what the hon. Member refers.

Parts of the question have been left out, and I want to ask you, Sir, whether it is in order for a question to be changed without the fact being intimated to the hon. Member responsible for it?

I will make inquiries. I have no knowledge of it, nor have the Clerks at the Table whom I have just consulted.

No, Sir, I do not think that it would be proper for His Majesty's Government to interfere in a matter which is entirely one for consideration and decision by the Canadian Government and Parliament.

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the lymph with which the members of the crew of His Majesty's "Conqueror," who have recently developed small-pox, were vaccinated and re-vaccinated was supplied by his Department; what was the nature of the original virus from which the vaccines with which they were infected was cultivated; what precautions, if any, were taken to ensure that the original viruses were free from variolous taint, as prescribed by Section 32 of the Vaccination Act, 1867; and what is the explana- tion of the failure of the re-vaccinations of the three seamen to protect them from small-pox?

During recent years the Local Government Board have supplied the lymph which is used in the Navy. It is a strain of lymph obtained from Cologne and passed through a series of calves before issue. I am not aware what lymph was used for the original vaccination of the cases referred to, nor have I sufficient data to enable me to reply to the latter part of the question.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that during the last year men of long service and good character have been dismissed from the Royal dockyards on reduction; whether it is still the practice of the Admiralty, when a discharge becomes necessary, to begin with the men having the shortest service; and, if a change in policy has been made in this respect, will he say when and why such a change was introduced?

As the hon. Member is aware, when reduction is necessary the general practice is to select the least efficient men for discharge.

Will the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the question I have put to him?

I hope I have done so.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that for some time past men of long service and good character have been dismissed on reductions in the Royal dockyards?

I do not think I can add anything to the answer. When a reduction is necessary the practice is to select the least efficient men for discharge.

If I bring evidence to show that men of long service and who are efficient have been dismissed, will the right hon. Gentleman inquire?

If the hon. Member will bring before the Admiralty any cases of unfairness, we shall be glad to investigate them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether his Department have any contract with the Hoffman Manufacturing Company, Limited, Chelmsford; and, if so, whether he will make inquiries into the wages and conditions of labour, in order to ascertain whether this firm are observing the Fair-Wages Clause in their contract?

The only Admiralty order that can he traced with this firm is one for a small supply of steel balls costing a few shillings. I do not think that on the strength of this small order the Admiralty would be justified in instituting a general inquiry into the whole of the labour conditions at these large works, where a strike involving a large number of men is understood to be in progress.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether an order has been issued recently to the effect that warrant officers are to be allowed to retire at the age of forty instead of fifty; and, if so, whether the pension of £95 per annum at present given to warrant officers on attaining the age of fifty years will date back ten years; and, if not, whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to bring forward a revised scheme of pensions, and at what date?

The optional age for retirement in the case of warrant officers has recently been altered from fifty to forty. The scales of pension for warrant officers of the various classes are based on service and not upon age, and there is no intention of altering them.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether several large tanks have been recently constructed at Invergordon for the storage of oil fuel for the Navy; whether they are fully exposed to aerial attack; and, if so, why, having regard to aerial developments, they were not built underground?

My right hon. Friend asks the House to support him in declining to enter into this subject in public discussion.

asked whether the Irish Land Purchase Bill will be introduced before Whitsuntide?

I am afraid the Government will not be able to introduce the Bill before Whitsuntide.

May we take it for granted that the Government will introduce and pass a Bill this Session?

Certainly, we shall introduce the Bill, and I hope we may pass it but that will depend upon the manner in which it is received in the various quarters of the House.

asked the Prime Minister whether the would consent, on the Second Reading of the Redistribution Bill to its being referred to a Select Committee for examination and report and with the view of ascertaining whether and how far an agreement can be arrived at which would satisfy all parties?

This is a question for consideration after the Second Reading of the Bill.

asked if the question of the strategic advantages which may follow from the construction of a Channel tunnel between England and France has been before the Committee of Imperial Defence recently?

As I recently informed the hon. Member, no detailed examination of this project has been carried out by the Committee of Imperial Defence since the early part of 1907.

Might I ask if it has come before them in any form, and not only for detail examination?

I do not think it is very desirable to answer that kind of question. There are many confidential matters which come before the Committee of Imperial Defence. It has not been seriously considered since 1907.

Might the House of Commons and the public know whether the Government of the country is favourable or unfavourable to the scheme?

Certainly not in answer to a supplementary question.

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether there will be an opportunity afforded to the House, either on the discussion of the Vote for the Civil Service Commissioners or otherwise, to discuss the value of making appointments by competitive examination; and (2) whether he has noted the divergency of views recently expressed on appointments by competitive examination; and whether he will give an opportunity to the House to discuss the question raised by the Returns, Public Service (Appointments without Competitive Examination)?

I cannot do more at the moment than to repeat the answer which I gave on the 2nd instant on this subject. I may point out that the question of competitive examination falls within the scope of the Royal Commission which is now sitting.

Has the right hon. Gentleman been made aware of the great differences of opinion in this matter existing even side by side on the Front Opposition Bench?

I am not in the counsels of the Front Opposition Bench, but I can well believe that that is so.

asked if the provisions of the Plural Voting Bill will apply to Ireland should the Government of Ireland Bill become law, alike to the election of Members to the Irish Parliament as to the Parliament of the United Kingdom; and whether it will be competent for the Irish House of Parliament to alter by legislation the basis of franchise in this respect in the case of either class of Members?

The effect of the Government of Ireland Bill and of the Plural Voting Bill is that the provisions of the latter Bill will apply to the election of Members of the United Kingdom Parliament whether Members elected for Ireland or for any other part of the United Kingdom, and will also apply to the election of Members of the Irish Parliament, if in force when the Government of Ireland Bill becomes law, for a period of three years after the date of the first meeting of the Irish Parliament. After that date the Irish Parliament will have power to alter the law as respects the Irish House of Commons if they so desire. I would refer the hon. Member to Clause 9 of the Bill.

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that five hours only were available last Thursday for the discussion of the Board of Education Estimates, amounting in the aggregate to £14,500,000, an hour and a quarter of which time was occupied by the President of the Board in describing the work and policy of his Department; that although the rural education authorities have admittedly more serious grievances and more serious problems to face than urban education authorities, no hon. Member representing such authorities or desiring to speak on rural education had, through lack of sufficient time, an opportunity of addressing the House, including one who put a Motion down to reduce the Vote on the second day of the Session and whose name was first on the list of those intending so to do; and whether, seeing that there is a very general demand on both sides of the House that further opportunity should be afforded to hon. Members to criticise the increasingly important and extensive work of this Department, he will afford the necessary facilities for that purpose?

If there is a real and general desire expressed through the usual channels for another day for a further discussion of the Education Vote, the Government will certainly endeavour to grant it.

Could the right hon. Gentleman arrange so that when this very important Vote is taken every year there shall be no private Bill nut down for the same evening?

That does not rest with me, but with the authorities of the House.

What is meant by "the usual channels"?

asked the Prime Minister whether he has received the interim Report of the Royal Commission on the Law Courts; whether the arrears in the King's Bench Court are worse now than they were a year ago; and whether he will take immediate steps for the appointment of another judge?

I understand that the interim Report has just been received. I am not yet aware of its contents nor of what recommendations the Commission may have made. The Report will be very carefully considered.

asked the Home Secretary whether the four men convicted at the Central Criminal Court on 14th February last in what was known as the treacle-plaster robbery have applied for leave to appeal, and have also applied for a copy of the shorthand notes of the trial, which application has been refused; whether, in the first instance, the magistrate at Tower Bridge Police Court discharged another man, who had voluntarily confessed to having taken part with several other men in the robbery of the cashier, without reading the man's statement or questioning him upon it; whether, when the four men who have been convicted were brought up for trial the first time, the jury disagreed; whether at the second trial the defending counsel did not call further witnesses for the defence, but closed his case summarily; whether the police have refused to produce the statement of the man who confessed to participation in the robbery; and whether, in view of all the circumstances of the case, he will take steps to have the statement referred to produced, and thus afford the prisoners every reasonable facility for proving their innocence?

The matters referred to are matters for the consideration of the Court of Criminal Appeal. I understand that the prisoners' applications are being heard by the Court of Criminal Appeal to-day.

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been directed to a recent legal decision that theatre queues constitute an unwarrantable use and obstruction of the highway, amounting in law to a public nuisance; and, if so, whether he will instruct the police authorities to disperse any such queues as may hereafter be formed?

I am informed that the decision referred to is being appealed against. When the final judgment is given, if the hon. and gallant Member will repeat his question, I shall be prepared to reply to it.

asked whether it is with the sanction of his Department that railway companies are now, for the first time, declining to carry cows and their calves, or calves and pigs, in the same wagon or the same part thereof; and, owing to their frequent inability to provide wagons with partitions, are insisting upon farmers and small holders chartering large wagons for small consignments of stock, thereby increasing their railway charges by 50 per cent.; and whether he has sanctioned this new railway policy?

The Regulation under which the railway companies are acting in this matter was, as has been explained to the hon. Member, made by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and did not require the sanction of the Board of Trade. I am not aware that there is a scarcity of wagons with movable partitions, but I may point out that under the Order mixed consignments of cows and calves or calves and pigs must be loaded on both sides of the partition, and thus make use of the whole wagon. I have received a letter from the Great Western Railway Company on the subject of a somewhat similar question which the hon. Member put on Thursday last, and I am sending him a copy.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Board of Agriculture has so far in this House disclaimed any responsibility for this new railway policy?

They have laid down certain regulations which the companies are carrying out.

They have not admitted it.

asked the Postmaster-General whether, for the convenience of persons using insurance stamps, he will consider the advisability of supplying books of insurance stamps. 6d. and 7d., for the amount of 10s. or 12s., somewhat similar to those issued for 1d. and ½d. postage stamps?

As my right hon. Friend the Financial Secretary to the Treasury stated in answer to the hon. Member for Dulwich on 7th January, he will be very glad to receive evidence of any public demand for the sale of stamps in this form, with a view to considering the advisability of supplying them, but hitherto practically no such evidence has been forthcoming.

asked the Postmaster-General when the present tender for advertisements in the General Post Office telephone book expires and, before renewing the same, will the tenders be asked for publicly; and will he consider the question of dropping all advertisements out of this publication if a sufficiently strong representation to this effect be made to him?

The present contract with the advertising agency in respect of advertisements in the telephone directories expires on the 31st January, 1915. Before renewing the contract, the question of asking for tenders publicly will be considered. I do not think that the large financial sacrifice which would result from adopting the suggestion of the hon. Member as to omitting all advertisements from this publication would be justified.

asked by whose authority have telephone subscribers to pay an increased price for a special type entry in the General Post Office telephone book for an entry which has previously appeared gratis; and whether it is permissible for a telephone subscriber to have an additional entry at a cost of one guinea for any address he chooses, regardless of the fact that he may not have a telephone at the second address?