asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether in the middle of next year our "Dreadnought" and super-"Dreadnought" fleet, when deductions are made for Colonial, foreign, and Mediterranean requirements and for ships not ready for immediate use, will be in excess of the like fleet of Germany; and, if so, by how many battleships of the class indicated?

My right hon. Friend has nothing to add to the statements which he made in the debates on the Estimates, and to the published Returns laid before Parliament.

How many ships of the "Dreadnought" type shall we have in Home waters in April of next year immediately ready for sudden war, to defend us against invasion?

As I have said, Returns have been laid before Parliament.

asked if the existing rates of pay of certain ranks of commissioned and subordinate officers, Royal Navy, namely, sub-lieutenants, midshipmen, assistant paymasters under two years' seniority, clerks, and assistant clerks were fixed some fifty years ago, and that, notwithstanding the higher standards required for entry and the corresponding increased expense of preparation, no improvement of pay has been suggested for these young officers?

The answer is in the affirmative.

Have not the parents of these young officers to assist them very largely?

asked whether the existing table governing the rates of retired pay of accountant officers, Royal Navy, and based upon age and service, dates from the Order in Council, 22nd February, 1870; whether the table then applied to navigating engineers, chaplains, and medical officers, as well as to accountant officers; and whether amendment and improvements have been introduced in the forty-three years interval as regards all the classes, except navigating and accountant officers?

The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the third part, there is only one officer of the separate navigating class now on the active list, the duties for which that class existed being now carried out by officers of the military branch. In respect of accountant officers, there has been an improvement owing to the institution, in 1903, of the rank of paymaster-in-chief on the active list with additional retired pay for service as such. The maximum retired pay to which an accountant officer can attain is now £50 in excess of that laid down in the Order in Council quoted.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me any hope that the matter will be looked into and revised?

No, I am afraid I cannot.

asked whether any negotiations are in progress for acquiring the battleship or battleships, at present under construction for the Turkish Government, for the British Navy?

Sir, I have nothing to add on this subject to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for Dulwich on the 20th of November last.

asked whether the "Malaya" has yet been commenced; if not, on what date her keel will be laid; what is the anticipated date of delivery for service; and what is the contract period of construction?

Preparatory steps for the building of the "Malaya" are being taken, but whether the contract period of construction will be thirty months or twenty-seven has not yet been settled.

asked whether the "Delhi," "Benbow," and "Tiger" are likely to be delayed; when they will be launched; and by what date it is now hoped they will be completed?

Every effort is being made to expedite work on these ships; but I do not wish to forecast the date of their completion at present.

asked when it is hoped to launch the four armoured ships of the 1912–13 programme; and if there is any delay in their construction?

It is too early to give anything but a rough estimate of the launching dates. No delay in the dates of completion is anticipated at present.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the privilege of wearing plain clothes by non-commissioned officers below the rank of colour-sergeant, and men of the Royal Marine Artillery serving at Eastney Barracks has recently been cancelled; whether he is aware that hitherto these non-commissioned officers and men have been allowed to wear plain clothes whilst on pass in their station, and that the deprivation of this privilege has entailed hardship and dissatisfaction amongst all ranks, and is considered to be an unmerited punishment upon a body of men who have in no way contravened the Regulations, but who have, on the contrary, greatly appreciated the boon; and whether he will at once take steps to have the recent order abolished?

It appears that certain orders respecting the wearing of plain clothes recently issued by the General Officer Commanding the troops in the Southern Command have been taken by the Commandant to apply to the Royal Marine Artillery. The matter is now being investigated, and the result will be announced as soon as a decision is arrived at.

May I take that as a reply to my question, or shall I put it to the Secretary for War?

I am sorry, but I do not know the question to which my hon. Friend refers.

asked when the Town class for cruisers will be reopened?

There is no Town class of battleships. I cannot say at present when the practice of giving the names of towns to cruisers will be revived.

asked the working hours and the pay of the men employed on the coaling hulks C1 and C11, moored in Portsmouth Harbour?

The normal working hours of the men employed on C1 and C11 are as follows:—

Ordinary days, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with half-hour for dinner); or 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with 1½ hours for dinner), according to coaling requirements.

Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon.

The men are also required to take turns in keeping watch throughout the night. When coaling His Majesty's ships or discharging colliers, it is frequently necessary to employ the men beyond the above mentioned hours. The men are paid the following daily rates (including allowances) for seven days a week, the payment for seven days being made to cover all ordinary overtime:—Coal Depot C1.—Master, 8s. 6d.; mate, 4s. 10d.; 1st engineer, 9s. 6d.; 2nd engineer, 6s. 6d.; leading harbourmen, 5s. 5d.; harbourmen, 4s. 3d. (including an allowance of 4d. per day for electrical knowledge); leading stokers, 4s. 3d.; stokers, 4s. Coal haulabout.—Master, 5s. 5d.; harbourmen, 3s. 11d.; leading stoker (in charge), 4s. 9d.; stokers, 4s. Overtime pay is allowed in addition under certain special conditions, and the superintendent is also empowered to approve extra pay when men are subjected to unusual exposure. I may add that the conditions of service of these men, amongst others, are being considered by the Departmental Committee on Yard Craft.

asked if His Majesty's ship "Psyche" was docked at Cocatoo Island last month; if extensive repairs are necessary; and whether a large part of the ship's bottom is rotten?

As I have already stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Central Finsbury, on the 7th February a report was received to the effect that a small leak had been discovered in the "Psyche's" bottom under the cement No. 3 stokehold. She was ordered by the commander-in-chief to Sydney for the removal of the cement, and the examination and necessary repairs to the bottom, and to be taken in hand for annual refit. Further reports state that several plates in the bottom have been found worn thin, necessitating renewal. Extensive repairs to the ship are now being carried out. A report in full detail on the condition of this ship is now on its way home.

Would the right hon. Gentleman inform the House as to the nature of the report? Alarming statements, coming from Australia, have been made as to the defective condition of the ship's bottom.

I have answered the latter in reply to the question on the Paper. As to whether I could submit the report, I could not at present say.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will state how many merchant ships have now been supplied with guns for their defence against the attack of foreign vessels; how much farther the experiment is to be carried; and will he undertake to make widely known a list of these armed merchantmen, in order that the public may abstain from employing ships which involve danger of conflict with the armed vessels of a foreign Power?

I do not wish to make any statement about this matter at the present time beyond saying that my hon. Friend is mistaken in supposing that these vessels are armed for offensive purposes. I am equally sure he is still more mistaken in supposing that the public will not support a measure necessary for their safety.

Is that the way a peaceful feeling is being promoted amongst those who use the sea as a highway?

May I inquire whether the public and their merchandise and the hon. Baronet himself would not be much safer in an armed ship than in an unarmed ship?

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that the Rowhedge Engineering Company of Colchester, who are contractors to the Admiralty, do not pay wages up to those ruling in the district to blacksmiths and electricians; and if he will take steps to get compliance with the Fair-Wages Clause?

I have no knowledge of any complaint against the company to this effect. I am in communication with them on the subject.

asked whether the test of English box-calf against the foreign leather used in the manufacture of boots for the Navy has yet been made; and, if so, with what result?

The answer is in the negative. It has not yet been possible to commence this trial owing to the difficulty which has occurred in obtaining suitable skins. A communication is being addressed to the Light Leather Trades Federation on the subject.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the exact amount of pay to naval junior mechanics in the Royal Flying Corps and to those naval junior mechanics not so employed; and what, calculated on this basis, is the amount of danger pay which the former receive?

Junior mechanics in the Royal Flying Corps receive pay at the following rates:—

First-class mechanic	…	4s. a day
Second-class mechanic	…	2s. a day

together with flying pay of 4s. or 2s. a day if qualified as fliers. If they are not so qualified, they receive only the pay of 4s. or 2s. a day according to their class in the corps. These mechanics are drawn from various classes in the Navy, where their pay may have ranged from 1s. 8d. to 2s. 10d. a day. For instance, a carpenter's crew in the Navy, with pay of 2s. 6d. a day, is graded as first-class mechanic at 4s. a day. The actual addition on joining the Royal Flying Corps to the pay received while in the Navy is not, therefore, the same in all cases. But in every case the rate is on a scale higher than would be received by the individual in the Royal Navy, the Royal Flying Corps rates of pay being intended to cover the risk involved in being occasionally taken up as passengers in aeroplanes.

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the pay of carpenter's crews has been raised?

Oh, no, no; I gave the hon. Member an illustration showing how the Royal Flying Corps is on a scale higher in the Navy.

asked how many airships are under construction or have been ordered for the British Navy; what are their types; and do they belong to the rigid, semi-rigid, or non-rigid category?

Two non-rigid have been ordered and are almost completed; one has carried out successful preliminary flights. A joint naval and military non-rigid airship is also under construction. This vessel is for training purposes.

Would the right hon. Gentleman say what is the size of these airships and when the contractors are bound to deliver them?

I think I could give that information or a good part of it if notice were given.

What will be the speed of these two airships?

The speed will be considerable, but I should not like to say without inquiry whether or not I ought to give it.

asked how many aeroplanes and hydro-aeroplanes, respectively, are complete, building, or on order for the British Navy?

I do not wish to add anything at present to my statement in presenting the Navy Estimates.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, of the sixteen Zeppelin airships that have been built in Germany, only six remain, the rest having already proved obsolete, useless, or disastrous; and whether he will continue to resist the appeal made to him to build or buy airships similar to those which in other countries have been found far from satisfactory?

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The statement that of sixteen Zeppelin airships built in Germany only six remain is correct. There is no intention of building or buying airships of types that have proved unsatisfactory in other countries.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a German airship was recently driven out of its course and forced to alight on a French champ de Mars, and that before this airship was released drawings, photographs, and descriptions were taken of five inventions hitherto held to be the exclusive property of the German Government, and of which specifications were treated as military secrets; and whether he can state that due care will be taken to prevent British aircraft from alighting on foreign drill-grounds, and being thus exposed to the scrutiny of foreign military authorities?

The replies to the first and third parts of the question are in the affirmative. As regards the second part of the question, I have no information to give.

asked what steps are being taken in regard to the offer of Messrs. Cain, of Liverpool, of two fully equipped aeroplanes; whether he is prepared to countenance the formation of a Volunteer Flying Corps; and if he will consider the possibility of asking the donors above mentioned to apply the gift to the furtherance of aviation in some other direction in the event of the present offer being unacceptable?

This matter is now under consideration, and a reply will be sent in a few days, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Gentleman. The reply to the last part of the question is in the affirmative.

asked (1) whether it has yet been found possible to give Special Reserve officers pay during instruction in flying; and (2) whether, as officers have to provide their own lodging and outfit for instruction in flying, he can now say whether anything can be allowed towards these expenses if an officer is prevented by illness or accident from obtaining a certificate?

I recognise that there may be cases in which the present Regulations operate hardly upon individuals, and I am considering whether some means of obviating this can be found.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) the names of the members of the Parliamentary Aerial Defence Committee who induced the War Office to purchase for £18,000, part of which sum was contributed by wealthy patriotic persons, the Clement-Bayard airship which has lately been dismantled; (2) whether, when the Clement-Bayard airship was dismantled, any of the parts were sold; if so, what sum was realised; if not, what value has been obtained for an airship which in 1910 was considered cheap at £18,000; and (3) whether he is aware that the Clement-Bayard airship purchased in October, 1910, was stated by its owner to have cost over £30,000 originally, but was soon after sold by him for £18,000; that this airship was declared by the Parliamentary Aerial Defence Committee to have proved her worth for military operations, but has proved of no military value whatsoever; and whether he will now publish all the correspondence about this airship which passed prior and subsequent to the purchase?

There is no official record of the names of the Committee mentioned, of which the hon. and gallant Member for the Fareham Division was Chairman. No parts of the airship have as yet been sold. The engines are still available and are at the aircraft factory. As regards Question 33, the reply to the first part is in the affirmative; and as regards the second part, no such definite statement by the Committee can be traced. As regards the last part of the question, the reply is in the negative.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he thinks that the action of the War Office in regard to this airship was justified? If the airship was fit for service, why was it not used, and if it was not fit for service, why was it purchased?

I think part of the last two supplementary questions is answered in some of the replies I have just given. Of course, it is the fact that the envelope of this balloon leaked so badly that it would have been very costly to have inflated it. No doubt mistakes were made on both sides, by hon. Gentlemen on both sides of the House, as well as by my Department, but we have not made half as many mistakes in this matter as our neighbours.

Was not the leakage known to the War Office before the ship was purchased?

It was before my time. There was a strong Committee of this House engaged in these transactions, and I understand they thought the airship was serviceable, and I suppose we thought it was when it was taken over. Mistakes must be made in a new matter of this kind. We have not made very many mistakes of a large kind in the matter of airships. We have been signally successful.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the provision of £15,500 and £4,100 for forming a school of aeronautics and for aviation buildings, respectively, represents all that is to be done in India in 1913–14 in respect of military aviation; whether officers of native regiments when on leave in England will be under some official disability, which prevents them from being appointed to the Royal Flying Corps; whether officers of British regiments serving in India can only join such corps on less favourable pecuniary terms than their brother officers serving in regiments at home; whether an officer who was attached for a short period to the late air battalion has been appointed adviser on aviation to the Indian General Staff; why officers serving in India, which offers superior physical conditions for airship and aeroplane practice to those obtaining in these Islands, are not encouraged to perfect themselves in the art of aviation by being allowed to join the Royal Flying Corps on favourable terms; and whether the Secretary of State in Council will advise the Governor General in Council that the provisions made in the Budget and the conditions under which officers serving in India can learn the art of aviation are wholly inadequate to the importance this branch of warfare has attained?

The Government of India intend to have their own school of military aviation, and have provided the sums mentioned by the hon. Member to meet preliminary charges in the present year. The scheme will be under an officer trained in the Home air battalion here, and the future staff of instructors will be similarly trained at the cost of Indian revenues. In view of the facilities which will shortly exist in India, it is not considered necessary to assist from Indian revenues officers of the Indian Army to learn flying in this country, or to accept charges on account of the training here of officers of British regiments stationed in India. The Secretary of State has no reason to suppose that these arrangements will prove inadequate.

Can the hon. Gentleman fill in the answer with a date or two; when it is going to take place?

I am afraid I could not do so without referring once again to the papers. I will let him know.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any further information regarding the sale of eight Indian boys and four girls brought from the Putumayo district by Lieutenant O'Donovan in August of last year; and whether he has taken any and, if so, what steps in the matter?

The Acting British Consul at Iquitos has lately reported that he has received information confirming the allegation that eight Indian boys and four girls, brought from the Putumayo by Lieutenant O'Donovan, of the Peruvian Army, were received on board the launch at the mouth of the River Javary. The Acting Consul is further informed that these Indians were sold and put ashore at an estate, named San Pablo, some 120 miles above the frontier in Peruvian territory. The eldest girl, whose age was estimated at about seventeen years, is said to have been since seen at Iquitos. I am instructing His Majesty's representative in Peru by mail to bring the substance of this report to the notice of the Peruvian Government and to ask them for any observations they may desire to offer on the subject, calling attention to Article XV. of the Treaty of 10th April, 1850, between Great Britain and Peru, in regard to prohibition of participation in the slave trade.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory manner in which the naturalisation laws have worked in our Over-sea Dominions; and whether he can see his way to introduce a Bill on the subject?

The amendment of the Naturalisation laws formed the subject of consideration at the last Imperial Conference, and, subsequently, of correspondence with the Dominion Governments, and the proposed Bill has been recast. The draft of the Bill which it is hoped to introduce shortly is now before the Dominion Governments.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter of naturalisation has been before the Imperial Conference since 1887?

It has never been technically before the Imperial Conference. It has never been so effectively before the Imperial Conference as it was last time, and as it will be before us within the next few weeks.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Marlborough College contingent of the Officers' Training Corps has been forbidden by the Army Council to attend Empire Day celebrations at Marlborough on the ground that the celebration is an unofficial one; whether the junior division of the Officers' Training Corps forms any recognised part of the Army under the Army Act; whether its contingents are mainly supported by school funds and cadets' parents; and whether it is intended that public school corps shall not in future parade for school and local celebrations as heretofore?

I must refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply to a question on this subject put yesterday by the hon. Member for the Devizes Division to which I have nothing to add.

Will the right hon. Gentleman reply to the second, third, and fourth parts of my question which were not included in the question which was put yesterday?

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will refer to the OFFICIAL REPORT, he will see supplementary questions which the hon. Gentleman put to his question, and which were answered.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can see his way to adopt the suggestion made by Colonel Sir Lonsdale Hale that a conference should be held at the United Service Institution at which free discussion should be invited by officers, whether on full pay or not?

No, Sir. Such a proceeding would be inconsistent with paragraph 453 of the King's Regulations. Obedience to the rule there laid down has been of great advantage to the Army, and strict observance of it is necessary.

Will the right hon. Gentleman apply the same rule to officers on full pay who express their opinions in favour of the system as he does when he refuses to allow officers on full pay to express their opinions against it?

I am surprised that the right hon. Gentleman, who has himself held office, should ask that question. Of course, every recruiting poster and every general officer presenting prizes to the Regular Army or Territorial Force endeavours to obtain recruits under the present voluntary system. If it is required to make a change in the law or to adopt another system, the proper place to bring it is here in this House for Debate and Division.

That is not my question at all.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before quoting the opinion of the General Staff on questions of policy, he will take steps to ascertain the views of the officers of the General Staff as a whole; and, if not, whether he will make it clear that the opinions he quotes are those of the chief of the Imperial General Staff, who is in no way bound to consult other officers?

No, Sir. I have no intention whatever of interfering with the discretion of the chief of the Imperial General Staff in this matter.

May I ask whether it is not very misleading to the House and unfair to the officers of the General Staff that their views should be quoted when they have not been asked for them?

I am very much surprised that the hon. and gallant Gentleman, who is serving in the Army, should make that suggestion in reply to my answer. The present distinguished chief of the Imperial General Staff represents the General Staff in a very special degree, owing to the fact that he has special knowledge of military matters, and I have full confidence in him. I am surprised the hon. and gallant Gentleman should put the question.

asked whether an order curtailing the wearing of plain clothes to non-commissioned officers and men in the Southern Command has recently been issued; if so, whether he will say what restrictions in respect to the wearing of plain clothes this order involves; and why these restrictions have suddenly become necessary?

Inquiries are being made into this matter.

asked whether the proposed increase of officers' pay will be extended to officers serving in British regiments in India?

The Secretary of State for War has not yet informed the India Office of his proposals for improving the pay of officers of the British Army. When they are received, the Government of India will be consulted on the question raised by the hon. and gallant Member.

asked whether he can see his way to allow officers of British regiments serving in India to combine privilege and general leave, as is allowed to officers on the staff and in native regiments?

The Secretary of State will consult the Government of India on the matter.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the amount received by the Indian Government for opium from 1900–06, and from 1907–12; how much has been received for opium for China; and how much for opium for other countries?

The net opium receipts in the seven years 1900–1906 amounted to twenty-four and one-third million pounds sterling; in the six years 1907–1912, to twenty-eight and two-thirds million pounds sterling. The receipts derived from the traffic with China cannot be exactly calculated. But on the best estimate possible China accounted for about eighteen and a half millions in the first period, and sixteen and a half millions in the second.

asked whether the Indian Government has received and considered the opinions of local Governments and of the High Court on the Bills introduced in the Viceroy's Council last September for stopping the immoral traffic in foreign women and in young Indian girls; and what steps it proposes to take in regard to these evils?

The Government of India has received the opinions of local governments and of the High Court on both Bills, and will submit its recommendations to the Secretary of State. These recommendations have not yet been received.

asked whether the Government of India early in 1910 asked local governments and administrations to furnish Reports regarding the working of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1890; whether these Reports have yet been received by the Government of India; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of making them public?

The answers to the first two parts are in the affirmative; as regards the third part, the Secretary of State will consult the Government of India.

asked whether he is aware of the difficulty which is experienced by Indian engineering students in this country in obtaining the necessary practical experience as apprentices in engineering works; whether he is aware that the Japanese Government, in placing contracts with engineering firms in this country, stipulates that every contracting firm shall take a certain number of Japanese apprentices and afford them facilities for practical experience; and whether the Indian Government has considered the advisability of making a similar rule with regard to contracts for the Indian Government?

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Nottingham on the 22nd April.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether no balances in hand on the coming into operation of the National Insurance Act are to be allowed on the administration account, whilst a deficit is to be made good at once by a levy on the members; whether this will result in many approved societies being short of funds for working expenses; and whether it could be arranged that the transfer of credit balances from administrative to benefit accounts should take place oftener than at the valuation period, namely, every three years?

The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. The amount which may be carried out of contributions to the administration account (i.e., appropriated for administration expenses) is limited by regulation; but there is nothing to prevent any unexpended balance of sums so carried to the administration account from being carried forward and used to meet subsequent expenses—vide paragraph 4 of the National Health Insurance (Administration Expenses) Regulations, dated 20th January, 1913. There would be no advantage in transferring surplus balances on the administration account to the benefit fund during the period before a valuation takes place, since the whole of a society's funds including such balances are in fact available for the payment of benefits, and the only object of such a transfer is to increase any surplus or diminish any deficiency upon the benefit fund which may be disclosed upon valuation. A deficiency on the administration account has to be made good at the end of each year, but deficiencies as at 12th January last are subject to a special regulation which admits of their being carried forward if the Commissioners are satisfied that there is reasonable prospect of their being liquidated by savings on administration in the following year.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman will arrange to dispense with a separate coloured card for low-wage workers; and whether the fact that such workers are now required to have a card of a special colour works as a handicap against them?

The method originally adopted for dealing with persons to whom the special scales of contribution set out in the Second Schedule to the National Insurance Act apply proved so unsatisfactory in working that the special cards referred to in the question were devised. I have had no complaints that workers to whom these cards are supplied find that they are handicapped in consequence in the search for employment.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take this matter into consideration if I give instances, because I can assure him it is very serious?

I am not altogether satisfied with the system, like the hon. Gentleman, and I shall be very glad to confer with him on the subject.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the fact that 106 of the London panel doctors have each from 2,000 to 7,000 patients on their lists; that, consequently, some of the patients cannot get medical attendance and have to pay outside doctors as well as their insurance money; and what he intends to do to remedy this state of affairs?

I am informed by the London Insurance Committee that no doctor on the London panel has 7,000 insured persons on his list. Some misapprehension has been caused by the fact that in certain cases the doctor who is supposed to have a large number on his list is in fact the senior member of a partnership or firm, the members of which are collectively responsible for the treatment of those persons. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative. If any insured person fails to obtain adequate medical attendance and treatment from the doctor whom he has selected, the insurance committee, on having the case brought to their attention by himself or his approved society or otherwise, will arrange for his transfer to another doctor.

Is it not a fact that the doctors have at all events from 3,000 to 5,000 patients on their books; does the right hon. Gentleman consider that satisfactory, and is it possible for the patients to get proper medical attention under those circumstances?

The doctors have on their books the patients who have chosen them; that is what we mean by the free choice of doctor. If they find they cannot get the attendance they want, then they can be transferred to another doctor.

Could the right hon. Gentleman say what is the greatest number of patients a doctor has got?

I do not think I can say that. I do not think I have any specific knowledge.

The right hon. Gentleman has said that there are several thousands.

I said that there is no doctor on the London panel with that number.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has had his attention called to the following four classes of persons affected by the Insurance Act: members who on account of age do not come under the National Insurance Act, members who become insured persons under the Act between the ages of sixty-five and seventy, members of the society at the time of the passing of the Act who on account of disablement are unable to become insured persons under the Act, and other members of the society who were such at the date of the passing of the Act; and whether he will consider making a Grant to assist such cases?

A special Grant at the rate of 2s. 6d. a head has been voted by Parliament towards meeting the cost of the provision of medical benefit under the National Insurance Act for all insured persons entitled to that benefit, and a similar amount is also available towards meeting the cost of providing medical attendance and treatment for persons insured under the Act who were between sixty-five and seventy years of age at the date of their entry into insurance, and who are not entitled to medical benefit, but for whom their societies are providing medical attendance and treatment, either as one of the benefits under Section 49 of the Act, or out of their private funds under arrangements made prior to the passing of the Act. The Grant out of Parliamentary funds towards the cost of benefits is limited to persons who are insured under the Act.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if associations having an arrangement with the Board of Trade under Section 105 of the National Insurance Act obtain receipts for unemployment benefit paid to members each week on a Form U.I. 75, and that the forms in question are forwarded for checking purposes to the Labour Exchange authorities for ultimate consignment to the headquarters or branch of the respective associations; if in the case of more than one association not a single form has yet been returned by the Labour Exchange central office; and, seeing that in some cases associations have no other receipts for the moneys paid except on the U.I. 75 forms, and that the failure of the central Labour Exchange authorities to return the forms is causing apprehension and inconvenience to associations, he will take action to ensure that the forms which are found to be in order are immediately returned?

I do not think that all the statements in the question are quite accurate, and I hardly see why apprehension or inconvenience should necessarily be caused to associations by the present practice under which the forms referred to are retained in the Department until the whole of the forms relating to the quarter have been checked and found in order. As my hon. Friend is aware, large payments on account are made to the associations in the meantime. I may, however, say that the Board of Trade have for some time had under consideration a modification in this particular form which I hope will very considerably simplify the work both of the Department and of the secretaries of associations, and will incidentally remove any difficulties of the kind which my hon. Friend has in mind.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how many insured persons have employed doctors not on the panel in order to ensure prompt and efficient attention; and whether the cost of medical attention so obtained or any proportionate part thereof is refunded?

As insured persons can obtain prompt and efficient attention from doctors on the panel, there is no need for them to employ other doctors on this account, nor have I any evidence that this course is being taken. In any case of complaint of neglect the insured person should communicate with the insurance committee, whose duty it is to investigate the matter.

If an insured person is on a given doctor's panel and is unable to obtain the services of that doctor, will he, in the event of being compelled to employ another medical attendant, have a part of the expense thereby incurred allowed to him?

I am not sure whether the committee have any power to allow expenses not already authorised.

Then the insured person would be paying twice for medical attendance?

I have no evidence that insured persons cannot obtain prompt and efficient attention from his doctor on the panel.

asked how many small friendly societies, registered and unregistered, existed in Great Britain two years ago; how many of these have become approved under the National Insurance Act; and how many are known to have been wound up during the same period?

The number of registered friendly societies of all sizes in England and Wales on the 31st December, 1910, was 6,130; no information is available as to the number of unregistered societies. Of these, 1,318 registered friendly societies and 700 unregistered have been approved under the National Insurance Act, and 955 registered friendly societies have been dissolved, and the registry of seventy-four has been cancelled since the above date. During the same period 309 new societies have been registered. If the hon. Member desires, I will obtain information as to Scotland. Societies have not been classified in the records as large or small.

asked in how many and which counties or groups of counties associations of small societies have been formed under Section 39 of the National Insurance Act; and in how many more is the formation of such associations contemplated before the end of the current year?

Section 39 relates to associations of small societies for the special purpose of partly pooling any surpluses or deficiencies disclosed by a valuation, and associations formed solely for that purpose would not normally be yet arranged. A number of associations, with functions mainly advisory in character, have been formed to assist small societies in their work under the Act. In England the information in the possession of the Insurance Commissioners shows that such associations have been formed or are in the course of formation in eleven counties or groups of counties. In Wales also eleven associations of small societies have been formed under Section 22 of the Friendly Societies Act. Many of these associations will doubtless be used for the purpose of Section 39 when the time arrives. In Scotland and Ireland (where, of course, the circumstances are very different from those in England and Wales) no associations, so far as the Commissioners are aware, are yet being formed.

asked how many farmers in Great Britain have refused and still refuse, as employers of labour, to carry out the provisions of Part I of the National Insurance Act, and in what county or counties the bulk of these farmers are to be found; and what steps, if any, are being taken to compel their obedience to the law?

Although in some cases difficulty is being experienced in enforcing the payment of arrears all serious organised resistance of the nature suggested by the hon. Member has now collapsed. The ultimate means of compelling obedience to the law is prosecution, and this is being employed both against persons who are still refusing compliance and against those who, though now complying, have refused to pay arrears. In all fifty-four prosecutions have been instituted against farmers in England, of which seven have been in Buckinghamshire, seven in Warwickshire, six in Berkshire, five in Suffolk, four in Essex, and four in Yorkshire (North Riding).

Have they all succeeded?

As far as I know, every case has resulted in a conviction.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether his attention has been called to the proposed appointment by the Lancashire Insurance Committee of a clerk at a salary of £500 per annum; whether he is aware that the person to be appointed is already clerk to the Lancashire County Council, clerk to the justices of the peace, secretary to the Lancashire Education Committee, and holds other salaried appointments, bringing him in altogether a salary of over £5,000 a year; and whether the Insurance Commissioners will consider the advisability of refusing to confirm the appointment and suggesting the appointment of a man who can devote his time to the duties of the office?

I am informed that the appointment of the clerk to the Lancashire County Council as clerk to the Lancashire Insurance Committee was fully discussed at a meeting of that committee and was carried by a large majority. The gentleman appointed has been acting as clerk to the committee during the past nine months, and the Commissioners see no reason to override the decision of the committee. I may add that the appointment is terminable at three months' notice and is subject to revision by the new committee, which is shortly to be constituted.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the arrangements for the administration of Part I. of the Insurance Act in Lancashire are in a very backward state, and that in no single district has a meeting yet been held?

My impression was that Lancashire was one of the most forward of all the counties in dealing with Insurance. If there is any dissatisfaction with the work of this gentleman the new committee, which will be appointed in a very few weeks from now, can express their dissatisfaction by appointing someone else.

Can the right. hon. Gentleman say in what part of Lancashire a district meeting has been held?

I cannot answer that without notice.

Are we to assume that this position is a sinecure, seeing that the gentleman who is to have it can do so many other things at the same time?

So far as I am concerned the gentleman who is to have the position appears to regard it as anything but a sinecure, judging from the number of times he has appeared before the Insurance Commissioners.

asked whether, owing to the statement on the medical tickets and accompanying leaflets issued in December, 1912, that these tickets were only valid until 30th April, 1913, many insured persons were led to believe that their selection of a doctor by means of the medical ticket only held good till 30th April, 1913; whether these insured persons will be permitted to choose, if they wish, another doctor from the panel to attend them after 30th April; or whether they will only be permitted to make a change subject to the consent of the first doctor?

Neither the medical tickets nor the accompanying leaflets contained any statement implying that the selection of a doctor at the beginning of the year only held good until the 30th April; but, as I have stated in reply to previous questions, insured persons may change their doctors within the year, either by consent of doctor and patient, or by decision of the insurance committee if the committee considers transference desirable on any question arising between an insured person and the doctor attending him.

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now had time to consider the Report of the Royal Commission recommending an additional judge; and whether he can arrange for the appointment to be made so that the new judge could begin work immediately after the Whitsuntide holidays?

A Motion for the appointment of an additional judge will be placed on the Paper to-night by my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General, and I trust it may be passed by general consent.

asked whether, for the reason that the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Bill occupied two and three-quarter hours out of the time allotted for the Post Office Vote, so that no opportunity was afforded to many hon. Members who had matters to bring forward on behalf of their constituents, he will give another day for this Vote?

If a general desire of the House to this effect reaches me through the usual channels, I will see what arrangements can be made.

asked who is responsible for the distribution of the money collected for the Scott Antarctic Fund; whether he is aware that Mrs. Evans, widow of the late Petty-officer Evans, is only receiving 13s. 6d. a week from the Admiralty for the support of herself and her three children; and whether he will take steps to see that the money subscribed by the public is now distributed?

The control of this fund is vested in a body of trustees, including amongst others the Lord Mayor, Lord Curzon, and Sir Edgar Speyer. I understand that the fund has not yet been closed, but that this will be done within a few days, and an allocation will then be made as speedily as possible. In the meantime, every care has been taken, and will be taken to provide immediate assistance where required. As regards the specific case referred to the Noble Lord appears to have based his question on very imperfect information. Mrs. Evans has received (besides the balance of accrued pay, £52) sums amounting to £55 from the Expedition Committees and other funds, and I have no reason to think that her case has not been and is not being adequately treated.

Might I ask why the name of Captain Oates was not included in his letter?

For very obvious reasons. Captain Oates had no dependants. It was not from any lack of appreciation of Captain Oates' heroic conduct, because his efforts were just as much appreciated as the efforts of the others.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman's attention has been called to the proposed sale of the Deepdene estate, of which Box Hill forms part; if he is aware that the reason assigned for this decision by Lord Francis Hope, the life tenant, is the fact that the Undeveloped Land Tax was imposed for the express purpose of compelling landowners to break up such estates as this; if claims for Undeveloped Land Duty have in fact been served on Lord Francis Hope; and, if so, whether, in view of the advantage derived by the public from the existence of such areas as Box Bill, he will introduce legislation to exempt them from the provisions of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910?

My attention has been called to this matter. No Undeveloped Land Duty has been charged in respect of Box Hill, which is exempt from that duty on account of the public access now allowed thereto. The claims that have been made on Lord Francis Hope have been in respect of other land owned by him.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that National Reservists and other old soldiers of the Brigade of Guards attending the review by His Majesty the King on 28th April, who are employed at the Royal Army Clothing Factory, Pimlico, at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and other Government offices, had their day's wage deducted; and whether, in view of the fact that the State should be a model employer, he will use his influence to secure that these old soldiers are not penalised for their loyalty?

Any proposals which reach the Treasury in this sense will receive sympathetic consideration.

asked whether it is with his sanction and in accordance with the usual practice of the Inland Revenue authorities that the collection of exceptionally interesting Roman remains unearthed at Caerwent, in the county of Monmouth, with the approval and largely at the expense of the late Lord Tredegar, and left by him in a museum on the site of the excavations for the benefit of the local inhabitants and of antiquarian visitors, is now being assessed by the authorities for the purposes of Estate Duty payable upon his death; and whether, if this process is inevitable under the existing law, he will, in the public interest and to prevent the dissipation of such collections, amend the law in the Finance Bill of the current Session so as to exempt such articles from the payment of Death Duties?

I am informed that there is no trace of any Death Duty assessment having been made as yet on the property in question. If the remains are shown to be of national or historic interest they would be entitled to exemption from Death Duties until they were sold, but up to the present no application for such exemption appears to have been made.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that a company formed in Nottingham last year to introduce and work machines made only on the Continent purchased over an acre of land on a highly developed estate, built a factory and fitted it with machines, thereby bringing additional trade to the city, whereupon the company was served with notice of four assessments for Undeveloped Land Duty for 1909–10, 1910–11, 1911–12, and 1912–13, for £2 4s. 4d., in respect of each year, whereas the company was not even in existence in the first of such three years, and as soon as it acquired the land it began to develop; whether the delay in making the valuation was the fault of the Government officials concerned, although the Commissioners have decided that the company is responsible for the payment of the whole outstanding duty prior to the time when building began; and whether, in these circumstances, he will order that the assessment made shall be cancelled?

In the past some delay in the valuation of undeveloped land has been unavoidable. The consequent postponement of assessment is contemplated by Section 19 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, under which the duty referred to by the hon. Member, as restricted to the period prior to the development of the land, is properly charged on the owner for the time being who acquired the land subject to its liabilities. I see no reason to cancel the assessment.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the work of the Land Valuation Department is being so conducted that assessments of Undeveloped Land Duty, accompanied by demands for payment, are being made twice over for the same duties on the same properties for the same financial years under different references, by which means landowners, unless carefully checking these demands for payment of duties, would be led to pay the same duties twice over; if not, will he investigate a particular case in the county of Monmouth, the Division of Newport, the parish of Maindee, in which two separate demands or notices to pay Undeveloped Land Duty, amounting to £20 4s. 8d., on the same property for the same years, have been served under two different references, one on 20th January, 1913, under the reference 66—72/5,557, and another on 31st March, 1913, under the reference 113 to 119/9,395; and will he take steps to prevent the multiplication of such incidents by allowing a fair and reasonable time for the work which has to be got through in the offices of the district valuers?

The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. Every reasonable precaution is taken to avoid mistakes of the description referred to by the hon. Member, but a few errors are inevitable in every undertaking of great magnitude. The duplicate demand in the case mentioned will be withdrawn.

asked whether, in view of the fact that motor ambulance wagons by their greater speed and comfort greatly mitigate the suffering of those afflicted by sickness or accident who have to be conveyed to hospital, and of the fact that they are mostly maintained by voluntary contribution and free to sufferers, he will encourage the displacement of horse-drawn ambulance wagons by exempting from duty petrol used in accident transport services in Scotland?

I am hoping to deal with this matter in the forthcoming Revenue Bill.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman has been informed of the number of schemes for providing cottages for agricultural labourers in Ireland which, though conforming in every respect with the requirements of the Labourers (Ireland) Acts, have been held in suspense during the last two years for want of money on the same terms on which money is being advanced for land purchase; and, having regard to the necessity of labour for agriculture and to the urgency caused by the emigration of labourers for want of suitable homes, whether he will provide a loan for this purpose without further delay?

The answer to the first part of the hon. Member's question is in the negative; the second does not therefore arise.

Does the Chancellor of the Exchequer propose to make any provision for this important and urgent purpose?

My information does not coincide with that contained in the hon. Member's question.

Is it not a fact that quite a number of these schemes have been suspended for two years, and is not that a very serious matter?

That is the very question I have answered.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that such small amounts as 2d. are now collected in the shape of Income Tax; and if he will consider as to limiting collection to cases in which the amount will show a surplus over the cost of labour, stationery, postage, and other incidental expenses?

It is possible that cases may occur where items of tax as low as 2d. form part of a general demand rendered to a taxpayer, but instances of isolated charges for such a small sum are extremely rare, and are avoided wherever possible.

asked if the estimated revenue from Tea Duty for the present year is based on the assumption of an increased import of fourteen and a-half million pounds of tea; if the average annual increase for the past ten years has been about four and a-half million pounds; and what are the grounds for expecting such an exceptional increase in 1913–14?

The Estimate of the receipts from the Tea Duty is framed on the expectation that the actual clearances (not imports) will in 1913–14 exceed by fourteen million three hundred and four thousand pounds the clearances in the previous year. This forecast is based (as already explained in this House) on the facts that consumption in 1912–13 suffered from the effects of the coal strike, and that there was a considerable withholding of clearances at the end of the year. It is computed that these withholdings amounted to four million eight hundred thousand pounds, representing £100,000 of duty. The average increase of clearances in the last ten financial years has been about five and a-half million pounds, but there were increases of twenty-three and a-half million pounds in 1903–4, thirteen and a-half million pounds in 1907–8, eleven and a-half million pounds in 1908–9, twelve million pounds in 1910–11, and over eleven million pounds in 1911–12.

Was there not a reduction of the Tea Duty in 1910?

Not in 1910.

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House where this tea is likely to come from; where we are likely to get this enormous increase in the revenue; and is it not a fact that there was no unusual holding back last year?

The hon. Member cannot have followed my answer.

I endeavoured to do so.

If he refers to my answer he will see that I am drawing a distinction between imports and clearances. The tea is there, and it is a question of clearances and not of imports.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the delay in the assessing of Estate Duty in the case of the estate of Margaret Thompson, deceased; whether he is aware that the executor of this estate is unable to distribute it to the beneficiaries, many of whom are poor people, owing to the failure of the Valuation Department to report, and that in consequence the funds of this estate have been lying idle since December last; and what is the necessity for the Valuation Department to report when, as in this case, the entire property has been disposed of by public auction and the realised price entered as the value on which Estate Duty is payable?

My attention has been called to the case referred to by the Noble Lord. I am informed that the duty was assessed on the 25th instant. With regard to the last part of the question, I have explained, in reply to a question by the hon. Member for Dulwich on the 6th August last, that the price obtained on a sale of real property is not necessarily identical with the market value.

asked what is the amount of money standing to the credit of the Development Commissioners at the present time?

The cash balance at the credit of the Development Fund is £279,104, and in addition there are invested funds to the amount of £2,500,000.

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate what is going to happen to this invested sum of about £2,000,000? Is it only the interest that is going to be given for development purposes?

The hon. Gentleman knows perfectly well that it is not. The idea is that it will be used for schemes prepared by the Department with the approval of the Development Commission for afforestation and matters of that kind; but it is rather capital expenditure, and certainly it is not the interest.

Will this large sum be available if there is depression in trade and an increase of unemployment?

It is part of the proposal of the Bill that the money should be expended with a view to giving additional employment.

May I ask whether any schemes have been prepared to meet that contingency?

I know that afforestation schemes have been considered, but it is very desirable that we should proceed very carefully with regard to afforestation, and I think the hon. Gentleman, on going into the matter, will fully approve of that precaution. I know that they are going into it very carefully and preparing schemes.

Will the annual Grant remain the same, no matter how large the accumulations may be?

The annual Grant is a matter for the Estimates of the year. It is voted in each year.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether in the case of miniature rifle-ranges, scouts' halls, and similar buildings, Income Tax is chargeable on the assessable value so long as they are owned by private persons; whether, if such buildings are vested in trustees for the use of boy scouts, rifle clubs, etc., they would be assessable for Income Tax; and whether he will consider the advisability of exempting all such buildings, which do not bring any profit to the owner from Income Tax in future?

Miniature rifle ranges and scouts' halls are assessable to Income Tax whether vested in trustees or not. I do not see my way to acting on the suggestion contained in the last part of the question.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if, in view of the official announcement that applicants for the new research scholarships in agricultural science must be graduates of a university or holders of a diploma of a university or college of university rank, he will state what existing colleges in Great Britain are deemed by the Board to be for this purpose colleges of university rank; and whether the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester and the South-Eastern Agricultural College at Wye come within this description?

The words quoted by the hon. Member are intended to describe in general terms the nature of the qualifications required in candidates for agricultural research scholarships. It would be undesirable to draw up an exclusive list of the institutions which would be considered to come within the category, as this might in some cases lead to the disqualification of candidates who, on their merits, might be selected for scholarships. I am not prepared to say that students of Wye or Cirencester could not be admitted as eligible for research scholarships.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a considerable number of young gentlemen who have been educated at these various colleges, and are in doubt whether to apply, because they do not know whether they have the necessary qualification?

They need have no compunction about applying. Their cases will all be discussed on their merits.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether, seeing that under the Dairy, Cowsheds, and Milkshops Order of 1885, compulsory veterinary inspection of cowsheds and notification of bovine tubercular disease is now required by those district sanitary authorities only which have adopted this Order and will continue to be required by them until uniformity of action is secured as the result of the passage into law of the Milk and Dairies Bill, but that under the Tuberculosis Order of 1913, which it is proposed to bring into operation to-morrow, such inspection and notification will be optional throughout the greater part of the country, he will, in order to facilitate local procedure and to secure simultaneous uniformity of tuberculosis administration, as contemplated in 1909, make the commencement of the operation of the Tuberculosis Order contemporaneous with that of the Milk and Dairies Bill?

I have considered the hon. Member's suggestion, but I see no good reason for postponing the operation of the Tuberculosis Order.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the chairmen or the clerks of the Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, and other county councils have already explained the paragraph dealing with salvage sales in the circular relating to the Tuberculosis Order of 1913 as meaning that the moneys produced thereby will be available to the county councils to help them to defray their administrative expenses; and whether, seeing that in fact the difference, if any, between the amount so produced and the assessed value of the diseased animal is, under the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, payable to its owner, he will, in order to prevent any injustice to stock-owners resulting from similar interpretation of this ambiguous paragraph, acquaint local authorities without delay as to its true meaning?

I was not aware until I saw this question on the Paper that the Board's circular letter of the 25th March had been interpreted by officers of county councils in a sense plainly contrary to Section 20 (3) of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894. By calling attention to it in this House the hon. Member has given the widest possible publicity to the mistake made by the county council officers, and I do not think it is necessary for me to take any further action.

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to a statement made by an extensive dealer and exporter of cattle from Ireland to this country to the effect that, under the twelve hours' detention rule, through bookings have been discontinued by the railway companies; that cattle bought at Athlone intended for York market had first to be booked to Dublin, thence to Birkenhead, and after the detention period there they were sent by ferry boat to Liverpool, where they had again to be booked to their destination; that the absence of through booking in this case entailed an extra cost of 10s. per head on the cattle, exclusive of lairage charges; and whether he can say when this Order will be modified or revoked?

I am aware that in certain cases the rates charged for the conveyance of cattle from Ireland to markets in Great Britain have been raised. The circumstances contributing to account for the increase appear to be exceedingly complex, and are being investigated. The hon. Gentleman will have observed that efforts have recently been made by rail- way companies in many directions to increase their rates.

I desire to ask the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he can state the number of lambs exported to this country in the first four months of 1912 and 1913, respectively, and also the number last week and the number for the corresponding week in 1912?

The number of lambs exported from Ireland during the period from 1st January last to Saturday last, the 26th inst., inclusive, was 1,426. The number in the corresponding period of 1912 was 2,465. During the week ending Saturday last 778 lambs were shipped, as against 1,223 in the corresponding week of 1912.

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether building operations have yet been commenced in connection with the building for the extension of the South Kensington Spirit Museum; and, if so, what progress has been made with the work?

Progress with the building has been seriously delayed. The plans are, however, now ready. Tenders have been received, and are under consideration.

Is it not the case that water is springing up in the middle of the spot on which it is proposed to place the spirit?

Yes, there have been difficulties.