asked the Secretary of State for War if he has under consideration any scheme providing for the payment, out of public moneys, of contributions under the National Insurance Act of men serving in the Territorial Force or of their employers; and, if so, whether an opportunity will be afforded the House to discuss such a scheme and to submit alternative proposals?

The suggestion has been made from several quarters and is under consideration. My hon. Friend will doubtless have an opportunity of discussing this question in the coming Debate on Army Estimates.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the number of voluntary contributors under the National Insurance Act; the number of persons whom the actuaries estimated would avail themselves of it; and the number of persons eligible?

The actuaries' estimate, published in Cd. 5,681, was that 2,120,000 persons would be eligible to join as voluntary contributors, and that 829,000 would join. The latter estimate was, as they pointed out, very conjectural, as the actual numbers would depend upon the exercise of individual options. I have nothing to add at present to the numbers given in previous answers as to the numbers who joined in the first quarter. Voluntary contributors (as distinct from employed contributors) were able to choose their own time for entering insurance, and could join (if under forty-five) at any time within six months of the commencement of the Act without increase of contributions or reduction of benefits. No close estimate of the actual number of voluntary contributors can therefore be formed until the second quarter's cards are returned and counted. I hope to have information as to the numbers upon this basis within a week or two.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the fact that there exists in some districts in Ireland concerted opposition to the administration of the National Insurance Act; whether he is aware that a number of persons had to be proceeded against who had expressed their determination to defy it, and that the justices at Petty Sessions in some cases either refused to convict or inflicted a fine of one penny; and whether, seeing that this action makes prosecutions too expensive, if not impossible, he intends to take any action in the matter?

I am informed by the Irish Commission that there is no such opposition to the Insurance Act as is referred to in the first part of the question in any district of Ireland, except certain parts of the county of Cork. It is the practice of the Commission to issue a letter of warning to any person found to be evading the provisions of the Act, and this has in the great majority of cases resulted in securing compliance with the law without the necessity of instituting legal proceedings. Where persons have previously expressed their determination to defy the law, and have persisted in their attitude, proceedings have been taken, and in none of these cases has there been any refusal to convict, though in some cases nominal penalties have been inflicted. The Commissioners have every reason to believe that their present policy, which has already reduced resistance to very small dimensions, will rapidly bring it to an end.

asked the Secretary to the Treasury if he is now able to state how many insured persons there are in Orkney and Shetland, respectively; and if, in view of the fact that any levy that could be raised to meet expenses of members of insurance committees would be quite inadequate payment, such expenses could be made from the special Grant for the Highlands and Islands?

A Return obtained by the Scottish Insurance Commission shows about 3,144 and 4,570 insured persons in Orkney and Shetland, but the Return is not yet complete and these figures are subject to some increase. I am afraid that the money voted for mileage and other special charges in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in the Supplementary Estimates of 1912–13 could not be used to defray the expenses of members of insurance committees.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of Irish Land Stock current on 1st May, 1913; what is the amount of that stock held in Government Departments; and what have been the several dates, amount, and price of issue of the issues of Irish Two and Three-quarter per Cent. and Three per Cent. Land Stock, respectively, to the National Debt Commissioners, the public, and vendors, respectively, since the 1st July, 1909?

The total amount of stock issued under the Irish Land Acts of 1903 and 1909 current on 1st May, 1913, is:—

	£	s.	d.
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	55,807,457	5	9
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	21,065,123	12	8
	£76,872,580	18	5

The amounts of these stocks held in Government Departments on 31st March, 1912, are given in Parliamentary Paper No. 139 of last Session and the corresponding information as at 31st March, 1913, is now being compiled for the Return ordered on 4th April last. The particulars as to issues since 1st July, 1909, are as follows:—

Designation.	Date of Issue.	Amount.		Price.
I. To the National Debt Commissioners—				£	s.	d.
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	6th July, 1909	4,000,000	…	86	0	6 xd.
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	6th October, 1909	1,000,000	…	84	13	0 xd.
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	6th January, 1910	2,000,000	…	83	15	6 xd.
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	6th April, 1910	3,000,000	…	82	3	1 xd.
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	31st May, 1910	1,000,000	…	82	18	6 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	5th April, 1911	2,000,000	…	91	11	11 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	5th October, 1911	2,500,000	…	83	16	10 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	5th January, 1912	2,000,000	…	85	4	4 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	6th April, 1912	1,500,000	…	84	19	2 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	5th July, 1912	1,500,000	…	81	9	4 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	6th January, 1913	2,000,000	…	81	16	8 xd.
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	7th April, 1913	2,500,000	…	80	9	1 xd.
II. To the Public—
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	2nd July, 1910	4,000,000	…	92	10	0
III. To Vendors—
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	1st June, 1910–31st Mar., 1911	2,508,435	…	92	0	0
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	1st April, 1911–31st Mar., 1912	2,847,136	…	92	0	0
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	1st April, 1912–31st Mar., 1913	2,426,801	…	92	0	0
Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. Stock	1st April, 1913–1st May, 1913	90,635	…	92	0	0
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	9th Feb., 1910–31st Mar., 1910	180	…	Par
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	1st April, 1910–31st Mar., 1911	406,984	…	Par
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	1st April, 1911–31st Mar., 1912	1,065,858	…	Par
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	1st April, 1912–31st Mar., 1913	1,569,122	…	Par
Guaranteed 3 per cent. Stock	1st April, 1913–1st May, 1913	41,800	…	Par

asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether, at a meeting held in Dublin after the Road Board came into existence, Sir G. Gibb announced that £170,000 would be Ireland's share for the first year; whether, having regard to the fact that the revenue of the Board has exceeded the amount anticipated, he will now state what Ireland's share per annum is at present, what was the actual amount paid to Irish authorities in each of the years since the Board was established, and what amount to Great Britain for a corresponding period; at what date was money available for distribution in the first instance; and whether he will give the dates and amounts first paid to Great Britain and Ireland, respectively?

The first payment in respect of income was paid to the credit of the Road Improvement Fund on the 5th November, 1910. The first Grant in Ireland was indicated on the 19th January, 1911; the first payment under it was requisitioned and made in August, 1911. The first substantial Grant in Great Britain was indicated in December, 1910; the first payment under it was requisitioned and made in May, 1911. No moneys were paid to Irish authorities in the financial year ending 31st March, 1911. In the year ending 31st March, 1912, £18,848 was paid, and in the year ending 31st March, 1913, £27,986. The corresponding figures for Great Britain were £8,420, £251,813, and £431,943.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in view of his statement that heavy arrears of Super-tax have been collected, the Inland Revenue authorities are still of the opinion they expressed through him on the 24th May, 1911, that the assessment of £130,000,000 to Super-tax in 1909–10 was a complete assessment; and what is now the estimated assessment to Super-tax for that particular financial year?

The assessment of £130,000,000 was, as I stated in reply to my hon. Friend on the 4th July, 1911, subject to further and additional assessments to be made under the provisions of Section 72 (7) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. These additions have brought the income assessed to Super-tax for the year 1909–10 to approximately £140,000,000.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what is the estimated yield of Super-tax for the financial year 1913–14; and from what number of Super-tax payers it is estimated that it will be collected?

The estimated ultimate yield of Super-tax assessments for the year 1913–14 is £2,800,000, collectable from about 11,500 persons.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will publish immediately the evidence which has been taken by the Departmental Committee on Local Taxation and which is not contained in the volume of evidence already published?

I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the Committee as to the presentation of the further evidence taken by them.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant the Return standing on to-day's Paper in the name of the Member for East Worcestershire?

The Return moved for by the right hon. Gentleman is in continuation of a Return granted at his request last year, and I think that some explanation is due as to why it cannot be given in the same form this year. The proceeds of Liquor Licence Duties were recorded for administrative counties and county boroughs in England and Wales for the first time in 1889 for the purpose of paying over the proceeds to the Local Taxation Accounts for those areas under the provisions of Section 20 of the Local Government (England and Wales) Act, 1888. But under Section 88 of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910, the amounts to be paid into Local Taxation Accounts in respect of Liquor Licence Duties were determined by the proceeds of those duties for the year 1908–9. Consequently, it was no longer necessary to keep records of Liquor Licences in administrative areas in England and Wales, and, after full consideration, the keeping of such records, which involved a great deal of statistical detail and departmental labour, was discontinued from 31st March, 1912. Separate totals of numbers of licences and estimated yield of the duties thereon for 1912–13 for England and Wales, Scotland, and Ireland could be furnished; and if the right hon. Gentleman would like to have a Return on these lines, I shall be very happy to give it. Perhaps he will confer with me as to the precise form of the Return.

asked the Chief Secretary why the accidental loss of her pension book since 7th March deprives Mrs. Landers, of Staigbroad, Modeligo, county Waterford, of her pension for the weeks of 14th and 21st March; whether he is aware that the new pension book issued to her only entitled her to get pension for the week of 28th March; and whether he will suggest payment of the two weeks' arrears?

I am making inquiries in this matter, and will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

asked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case of James Hegarty, of Gulladuff, Knockloghrim, county Derry, whose application for an old age pension, although it was on three several occasions passed by the local pension sub-committee, was refused on the appeal of the pension officer to the Local Government Board; whether the Census Return, on which the pension officer relies for proof that the applicant is only sixty-nine years of age, has been proved to be inaccurate to the extent of two years in the case of the applicant's elder brother; whether the applicant, in addition to three several tames satisfying the pension sub-committee, produced witnesses who were prepared to swear affidavits to the effect that he was the required age; whether the applicant has a wife and a delicate daughter to support out of his scanty earnings as a stone-breaker; and, in view of all the circumstances of the case, whether he will direct the Local Government Board to withdraw opposition and to grant this pension without further delay?

James Hegarty has made several claims for an old age pension (the first being made in 1908) which were disallowed by the Local Government Board on appeal on the grounds of age, as in the 1851 Census Return he was recorded as being only seven years of age. Even assuming, as alleged in the question, that the record of his brother's age in that Return is inaccurate that fact could not be accepted as proof that a similar mistake was made in the claimant's case. Apart from the Census Return the claimant was unable to produce any other evidence of age and the testimony of the witnesses alluded to, which were merely statements of belief on their part, could not be accepted as sufficient evidence to prove that he was of the statutory age. The Board have no information as to the circumstances of the claimant's family. On the present evidence, Hegarty would appear to be entitled to an old age pension early next year provided that no other cause of disqualification is found to exist, but in the meantime the Board have no authority to reopen the case or to award a pension.

asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland the grounds upon which the Local Government Board have disallowed the application for an old age pension of Bridget Kelly, of St. John's Hospital, Sligo, who, according to the Census Returns of 1851, is now seventy-eight years of age; and whether the Board are prepared to reconsider the case if a fresh application is made?

Bridget Kelly's claim for pension was disallowed on the ground that she was in receipt of Poor Law relief, seeing that she is an inmate of a workhouse in receipt of ordinary indoor relief. In the event of any alteration in her circum- stances, it is open to her to make a fresh claim, and if the case comes before the Local Government Board on appeal her claim will be duly investigated.

asked the Chief Secretary what was the total amount standing to the credit of the Constabulary Force Fund for each of the ten years from 1st April, 1865, to 31st March, 1870, and from 1st April, 1878, to 31st March, 1883, also the receipts and expenditure for each of these years under the several heads of receipts in respect of deductions from pay and pensions of officers and men, fines and penalties from various courts, fines (disciplinary), interest on capital, and from other sources, respectively; and expenditure in respect of gratuities to widows and orphans of officers and men, gratuities to officers and men not entitled to pensions, grants to head constables promoted to sub-inspector, grants for good duty and favourable records, grants for freedom from unfavourable records, grants to cover expenses on retirement, grants for burial expenses, and other charges, respectively; whether the officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary at any time contributed to a separate fund of their own, entitled the Officers' Widows' Fund; and, if so, under what circumstances it was closed and amalgamated with the Force fund?

It would be a matter of considerable time and trouble to collect the information asked for in the question, and it is doubtful whether some of it is procurable. As I have already stated an actuarial inquiry is now in progress which will enable a full statement to be made with regard to the position of the fund. I would ask the hon. Member to await the completion of this inquiry.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received or whether the Estates Commissioners have received, a petition from the inhabitants of Ballymahon, Ireland, praying the Estates Commissioners to acquire a part of the Suldham estate, Ballymulvey, township of Ballymahon, now for sale, and which has been used by the people of Ballymahon for the past hundred years for securing a milk supply for the poor of Ballymahon, and thereby preventing the disease of tuberculosis from breaking out in the town on account of the milk supply being reduced or cut off altogether if some of this land is not acquired; and will he say what action he or the Estates Commissioners will take to secure part of this land for the same purpose for which it was always made use?

I have received the petition referred to, and have forwarded it to the Estates Commissioners, who are in communication with the owner in reference to the lands in question. The Commissioners are not at present in a position to make any statement as regards the inquiry in the concluding portion of the question.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the mineral rights on the Clifden estate, Ballyragget and Rathkyle, county Kilkenny, have been leased by the Estates Commissioners, and, if so, to whom are they leased; whether the moneys received for the same will he placed to the credit of the tenant purchasers for the repayment of the purchase moneys; and whether there is any condition in the lease for the immediate working of the mines on the same estate?

The Land Commission have arranged to make a prospecting lease to Mr. James J. Parkinson of the mineral rights reserved to them under Section 13 (3) of the Irish Land Act, 1903, in respect of the lands of Byrnes Grove and Rathkyle, on the estate of Lady Annaly. The lease will contain provisions to ensure that prospecting is carried out. The profit derived from the letting cannot be applied in the manner suggested by the hon. Member. It must be disposed of in the manner provided by Section 1 (3) of the Irish Land Act, 1907, and Section 28 (2) of the Irish Land Act, 1909.

asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that it was one of the conditions in the sale of the land to Mrs. Hanoria Kenny, Ballylinnen. Castle comer, on the Wandesforde estate, to have the roadway to the pits properly fenced and maintained by the vendor; that at the last Quarter Sessions in Kilkenny Mrs. Kenny had Mr. Wandesforde processed for damage to his lands owing to the bad state of the fences; and whether he will see that some steps are taken to prevent Kenny's land from being trespassed on through the failure to have the fences properly maintained?

The Estates Commissioners inform me that the holding has been vested in the purchasing tenant in accordance with the purchase agreement signed by her, and they have no power to interfere in the matter. If either of the parties consider their rights are being interfered with it is open to them to take such legal proceedings as they may be advised.

asked the Chief Secretary what is the cause of the delay in the completion of the sale of the estate of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Foster, situate at Ballyratton, near Moville, in the county of Donegal, by the Land Commission to her tenants; and when this estate is likely to be reached?

This estate is the subject of proceedings for sale direct by the owner to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and will be dealt with in order of priority on the principal register of direct sales, but having regard to the claims of other estates the Estates Commissioners are not at present in a position to say when it will be reached.

asked whether the Congested Districts Board have received a Petition asking the Board to acquire for the relief of congestion and the settlement of the people the Dunmoran ranch, in the townland of Goodry, parish of Skreen, county Sligo; and if the Chief Secretary will state what action the Board propose to take for the acquisition of this ranch, by compulsion or otherwise?

The Congested Districts Beard have received the Petition referred to, and they have communicated with the owner, inquiring whether he would be willing to negotiate for a sale of the property through them.

asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have inquired into the circumstances of the eviction of Cornelius Horgan, of Ballinagree, county Cork; whether they are aware that he is living at present in a dwelling unfit for human habitation; and whether it is proposed to reinstate him speedily, seeing that he has a grown-up family trained to agricultural work who could assist him to manage a parcel of land?

The Estates Commissioners received an application from Cornelius Horgan for reinstatement in a holding formerly occupied by him, and, after inquiry and consideration, decided to take no action in the matter.

asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) what money was granted in 1912 for the development of motor boats in the fishing industry in Ireland; how much of this money was actually spent; what form did it take, was it purchase of boats, purchase of motor engines, or loans to fishermen; what are the arrangements, if any, for the repayment of the sums so spent; and what are the figures estimated for the same purpose in the current year?

The Department's financial year expires on 31st March, and the hon. Member will probably accept particulars for the twelve months ended 31st March last, instead of those ended 31st December last. Money for the development of Irish motor-boat fishing was available from two sources, namely, the Department's Endownment Fund and the funds of the Development Commissioners. From the former, loans for the building of motor fishing boats, for the installation of oil engines in existing boats, and the provision of fishing gear were arranged for to the extent of £3,685. Of that sum only £2,369 9s. 2d. was, however, issued during the year; but in addition an amount was issued in respect of loans previously arranged for, so that the total sum actually issued in respect of motor boats during the financial year 1912–13 was £6,975 18s. 3d. The repayment of loans is secured by the promissory notes of the borrowers, and sometimes by those of sureties as well, by taking mortgages on the boats, and by the assignment to the Department of the interest in policies of insurance on the boats. In some cases part of the cost of the boat is provided by the borrowers. The Department made arrangements for the provision of instruction in the use of oil engines by partly equipping an existing technical school in Dublin so as to render it suitable for the purpose, by paying for the instruction given thereat to fishermen, and by affording instruction at sea. The Department also made arrangements for the annual inspection of the boats' engines and the execution of repairs by retaining the services of a motor engineering firm to carry out a scheme to which the fishermen contributed. The Department also assisted in providing and fitting out a hulk to serve as a repair workshop, capable of being moved from port to port. Assistance in meeting insurance calls was also given to owners of motor fishing boats. Expenditure in connection with the foregoing, to-gether with some miscellaneous items, amounted during the year to £1,355 9s. 7d., of which £868 7s. came from the Development Commissioners' Funds and the balance from the Department's Endowment Fund. It is not possible to estimate the amount of the applications for loans for motor boats that may be received during the present financial year, but it is believed that the amount to be issued will be substantially less than that during the year which terminated on 31st March last. The Development Commissioners have placed £800 at the disposal of the Department with the object of assisting in the development of motor-boat fishing during the current year, for meeting the cost of annual inspections of engines, upkeep of the movable workshop, and instruction in the working of the oil engines.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that for several years non-commissioned officers serving in the Army of the rank of corporal and above have been entitled to wear plain clothes when off duty, and that privates have been allowed to walk out in plain clothes if they have had two years' good character; whether in the Southern Command the order granting this privilege has been cancelled without notice; if so, whether he will state the reason for the cancelling of the order; and (2) whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to non-commissioned officers and men in the Southern Command by the cancelling of the order granting them the privilege of wearing plain clothes, the question may be reconsidered?

Inquiries are being made in this matter.

asked the Secretary for War if officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the Regular Army are prevented solely by non-ordinary exigencies of the Service from obtaining the usual week-end leave and passes at Whitsuntide and other times of national holiday, whether compensating leave or passes will be granted for the earliest week-ends, or equivalent periods, convenient immediately following Whitsuntide and other times of so-called universal rejoicing?

The grant of week-end passes rests within the discretion of the local military authorities, and I have no doubt that such passes will be issued as usual so far as military exigencies permit.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the recent Order withdrawing pay from officers and men belonging to the Territorial Force attending week-end camps will prejudicially affect future enlistments; and, if so, if he will consider the possibility of cancelling such Order?

I am not aware that any concessions have been withdrawn. I should be glad if my hon. Friend will give me the details of any case he has in mind.

asked the Secretary for War how many rifle ranges are used by the Territorial Force for Sunday practice in shooting, and whether the number is higher or lower than it was a year ago?

There is no information available at the War Office to enable me to reply to this question.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state what, if any, inducement the Army officials offer to soldiers to marry?

Wives and families on married establishment are granted quarters, rations, medical attendance, and transport from one station to another.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the age and length of service of the senior subalterns of the West India Regiment; and whether he will consider the advisability of granting to them the same privileges as have been given to the subalterns of the Royal Garrison Artillery?

The situation of these senior lieutenants for promotion, and their age and length of service, is now receiving the attention of the Army Council.

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he can give the number of new Artillery ranges acquired during the six years ending on the 31st March, 1913; can he give the locality, number of acres, and the total cost; (2) if he can give the number of drill halls built during the six years ending on the 31st of March, 1913, and which are for battalions and which are for companies or larger detachments; the total sum spent on providing these drill halls; and (3) whether he can give the number of new rifle ranges acquired during the six years ending on the 31st March, 1913; and can he give the localities, the total cost, and the number of old ranges which have been closed?

The information required by this and the next two questions take some time to prepare and will be furnished to the hon. Gentleman in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of the military forces of Germany and France are enlisted on a voluntary basis, and what are the numbers of those so enlisted?

The number serving in the German Colonial Army last year was about 2,400 and in the French Colonial Army about 55,000. There are a number of men serving in both armies who are called volunteers, who enlisted voluntarily for special periods for their own convenience as regards age or regiment, but these same men would in any case have become liable to serve under compulsion.

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the total number of officers and men engaged in aviation or in the construction of flying machines; and what number have been killed or injured?

In the Military Wing of the Royal Flying Corps and at the Central Flying School there are at present eighty-three officers and 692 other ranks engaged in aviation, including five Naval and Marine officers and twenty-three Naval ratings employed at the school. All this personnel is to some extent employed on the repair of machines but not in construction. There are also twenty-four officers in the Reserve. Six officers and one non-commissioned officer have been killed while flying, and two officers and one man have been injured but have recovered. There have been in addition a few minor accidents in connection with motor driving and the workshops.

asked the President of the Board of Education in how many elementary schools now receiving Government Grant school fees are charged?

Fees were charged in 435 public elementary schools, including higher elementary schools, in England and Wales which received Government Grant for school years ending within the year 1st August, 1911, to 31st July, 1912.

asked the President of the Board of Education what number of candidates have entered for the examination in industrial design this year; and what was the number of students examined in this subject in 1911, and also the number in 1912?

Sixty-seven candidates have entered for the examination in industrial design for 1913. There was no examination in industrial design in 1911 or 1912 comparable with that which is to be held this year.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many medical men are employed in the work of medical inspection in the elementary schools of the United Kingdom?

The latest complete figures are those given in the chief medical officer's Report dated October, 1912, in which it was stated that the total number of medical officers in the School Medical Service in England and Wales was 943.

asked the President of the Board of Education if the Board of Education have recommended that art teachers in the various localities should hold examinations and grant certificates for industrial design for work of a less advanced and comprehensive character than required by the Board of Education; if so, whether the Board has taken any steps to standardise such local examinations; and, if not, what value the Board considers can ensue from certificates thus granted?

The Board have invited the council of the Society of Art Masters to consider whether there would be an advantage in the issue by schools of art of certificates to students who have satisfactorily completed courses of study in industrial design. Such certificates could not be completely standarised, nor is it desirable that they should be, in view of the varying local conditions of the industries depending upon art. But the Board would be prepared to endorse certificates as evidence that the courses have been conducted under satisfactory conditions. It is obvious that the value of any school certificate must largely depend upon the merit of the instruction given in a school and the consequent reputation which the school obtains.

asked the President of the Board of Education how many persons have been appointed or promoted to be inspectors of schools of art during the past five years; and what proportion of them have had experience as headmasters in the organisation and management of schools of art?

Two inspectors of schools of art have been appointed during the past five years. Neither of them has had experience as a headmaster of a school of art, but both have had experience in art teaching.

asked the President of the Board of Education if he will direct that the exhibition of national competition works be held this summer in a gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum, suitable for adequate exhibition of the works and for the convenience of the public?

The exhibition of works submitted for the National Competition will be held this year in the North Court of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions have been given to the police with reference to the enforcement of the new regulations as to the carrying of efficient silencers by motor cycles; and if his attention has been directed to the fact that since the new regulations have become law a very considerable proportion of motor cyclists have neglected to comply with them?

The Order of the Local Government Board, which came into force on 1st April last, has been communicated to all ranks of the Metropolitan police, with an explanatory memorandum; and they will endeavour to enforce it so far as this can be done by persons not possessing technical knowledge. I propose to address a circular on the subject to police forces in England and Wales, and possibly also to communicate with the leading automobile associations.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the constitution of the Ahmedabad Municipal Commission and the number of its members; how many of those members are nominated by the British authorities; are any of its members elected by the public; and, if so, how many?

By order made by the Bombay Government under Section 179 of the Bombay District Municipalities Act the Municipality of Ahmedabad was superseded for three years for incompetence and default. As this period has been found insufficient for the purpose of putting municipal affairs in order the supersession has by a further order been extended to the 31st March, 1914. The powers and duties of the municipality in the meanwhile are exercised and performed by a committee of twenty-one persons appointed by the Commissioner under Clause (2) of the above-mentioned Section.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India by order of what authority Mr. W. W. Hornell was appointed to be Director of Public Instruction in Bengal from a post in the Board of Education in this country; and whether the Government of Bengal had reported that there was no official in the Indian Educational Department or in the Indian Civil Service qualified for the appointment of director?

Mr. Hornell was reappointed to the Indian Educational Service to be Director of Public Instruction, Bengal, by the Secretary of State for India, acting on the recommendation of the Government of India and the Government of Bengal. So far as it concerns the Indian Educational Service, the answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the Indian Civil Service, no such report was given, nor is it required under the terms of the Government of India Resolution which make it necessary in the case of the Indian Educational Service. I will place a copy of the Resolution in the Library.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India the average rate of interest charged for loans by the banks of Bengal, Bombay, and Madras, respectively, for each of the years 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, and 1912?

The following statement shows the mean of the weekly Bank rates notified by the three Presidency banks in India in each year from 1908 to 1912, both inclusive:—

		Rate of Interest Charged.
Year.		Bank of Bengal.	Bank of Bombay.	Bank of Madras.
1908	…	5.8	5.8	6.4
1909	…	5.2	5.1	5.8
1910	…	5.3	5.2	5.9
1911	…	5.5	5.0	5.9
1912	…	5.4	5.1	6.1

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the acreage in the United Kingdom cultivated in corn crops in 1911 under the following heads: wheat, barley, oats, total?

The particulars are as follows:—

				Acres.
Wheat	…	…	…	1,952,422
Barley	…	…	…	1,758,842
Oats	…	…	…	4,071,927
Total		…	…	7,783,191
Other Corn Crops			…	537,452
Total Corn Crops			…	8,320,643

asked what were the superficial and cubic space of the original villa of Bedford College, Regent's Park, and its outbuildings, and also what are the superficial and cubic space of the new college buildings?

The superficial area and cubic space of the original villa and its outbuildings were approximately 23,288 square feet and 531,230 cubic feet, respectively, and the superficial area and cubic space of the new college buildings are about 49,586 square feet and 1,875,196 cubic feet, respectively.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government will give instructions that the flag shall be flown on all Government offices on Empire Day?

No, Sir; Empire Day is not officially celebrated in this country, where we keep officially the King's Birthday.

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will encourage the attendance of Territorial units and Officers' Training Corps at any Empire Day demonstration which the units are willing to attend, with a view to encouraging the observance of that festival?

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to a question on this subject put by the hon. Member for the Devizes Division last Tuesday.

asked the President of the Local Government Board if boards of guardians are liable to surcharge for the amount of any relief given to any person who at the time of receipt of such relief is not destitute?

As I recently stated in reply to a question by the hon. Member for South-West Ham a board of guardians cannot legally give relief unless such relief is needed on account of destitution, and where guardians order relief to be given unlawfully they render themselves liable to be surcharged by the district auditor.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he can give any indication as to what proportion of the small arms which were imported into Scottish ports from British Possessions and foreign countries during the year 1912 were intended for sale and use in Scotland, and what proportion were intended for re-exportation?

So far as trade through Scottish ports was concerned there were no re-exports of small arms in 1912, but there is no information available to show whether any, and, if so, how many, of the comparatively few sporting guns re-exported from other parts of the United Kingdom may have been imported originally through Scottish ports.

asked the President of the Board of Trade with reference to the application of Lord Talbot de Malahide for an Order prohibiting the taking of sand from a certain portion of the foreshore at Malahide, county Dublin, and the visit paid by an officer of the Board in connection therewith to Malahide on the 13th March, whether he will say how long that visit lasted; whether any other opportunity was taken of learning the views of the tenants of Lord Talbot de Malahide on the subject; whether he will say what were the grounds alleged for the making of the Order; and whether the fact will be taken into account, before any Order is made, that the tenants have not only enjoyed the right to take sand from the place in question for a very long period, but find sand necessary for the proper working of their holdings?

On receiving an application for the prohibition of the removal of materials from the foreshore at Malahide, the Board of Trade caused it to be advertised, and it was in consequence of an objection made on behalf of certain of Lord Talbot de Malahide's tenants that the Board decided to send one of their officers to visit the spot and to confer with those interested. This officer arrived at Malahide in the evening of 12th March last, and inspected the shore early the following morning, and before leaving conferred with such of those tenants as desired to lay their views before him. The grounds alleged for making such an Order were that the removal of materials caused erosion of the coast, and thereby damaged the adjacent land. The tenants do not appear to have any legal right to remove material, and they take it mainly for building purposes, much of it being carried away by rail.

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that a strike has been going on in Southampton for the past eight weeks in the engineering firms; that the men agreed to leave the dispute in the hands of Sir George Askwith to arbitrate upon; that the employers refused arbitration; also if he can state if any of the firms are Government contractors; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The Chief Industrial Commissioner recently invited representatives of both employers and workpeople affected by this dispute to meet him in conference with a view to endeavouring to arrive at a settlement. The invitation was accepted by the employers, but the men replied that they were not in a position at the present stage to accept it. I am unable to say whether any of the firms affected are Government contractors.

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is to be the scope of the proposed inquiry into matters affecting railways and, in particular, will it include the question of nationalisation?

I am not in a position to make any statement in regard to the matter.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that Anne Salmon, of Naas, county Kildare, was examined by Mr. Hunt, the local postmaster at Naas, for the position of temporary telephonist, in view of subsequent permanent employment, and was passed and her appointment sanctioned on 23rd November, 1911, by Mr. Wedlake, assistant surveyor; whether he is aware that Anne Salmon was then twelve days under the age limit and that her employment did not take place until or about the 12th of December, 1911, when she was a few days over age, although her services were available from the date of her sanction by Mr. Wedlake; is he aware that the postal Department now refuse to sanction her appointment to a permanent position on the ground that she was over age by a few days on her appointment to the temporary position through no fault of her own; can he state whether it is the rule in all other branches of the Civil Service to regard persons as not over age if they are under the limit on the date of the qualifying examination; and will he inquire into the facts of this case and have any grievance there may be remedied?

The facts of the case are as follows: In November, 1911, the question arose of employing a part-time telephonist at Naas. Miss Anne Sammon applied for the position, but no decision to employ her was arrived at during Mr. Wedlake's visit to that office on or about the 23rd of November. As it appeared from the information furnished by her and by her father that she was eligible on the score of age, the surveyor, on the 12th of December, gave authority for her employment; and she was admitted forthwith. There was no Civil Service examination prior to her admission, the situation being merely a part-time one. She was recently nominated to a vacancy for a full-time telephonist; and, on the production of the British certificate required by the Civil Service Commissioners, it was found that the information she had in the first instance furnished as to her age was incorrect, the date of her birth being the 4th of December, 1892, and not the 4th of January, 1893, as she had stated at the time of her admission. The maximum limit of age for the situation of telephonist is nineteen; and Miss Sammon was thus above that limit when first employed in the Post Office. The regulations require that a candidate should be within the prescribed limits of age on the day of examination by the Civil Service Commissioners, or that she should have been continuously employed in the Post Office from a time when she was within the limits of age. Under these regulatoins, Miss Sammon is clearly ineligible; and an appointment cannot, therefore, be offered to her.

asked the Postmaster-General whether it is his intention at an early date to extend the telephone service to Garmouth, in Morayshire; and what is the nearest point from Garmouth to which service is at present provided?

I have no knowledge at present of any application for the extension of the telephone system to Garmouth, but I will make inquiry and write to the hon. Member. The nearest point at which telephone service is at present provided is Fochabers.

asked the Postmaster-General if he can explain the delay in supplying Mr. William Sandford Poole with a telephone service to his residence, Oakwood, Hayward's Heath; is he aware that it is now nearly ten months since Mr. Poole signed the agreement for the telephone; that the delay was attributed by the Post Office authorities to the refusal of the Hay-ward's Heath Urban District Council to consent to the erection of wooden poles in Bolnore Road; that the clerk to the council has officially informed Mr. Poole that his council had raised no difficulty with the Post Office authorities about the telephone service; can he say how this misunderstanding about the attitude of the council arose, and why it was not cleared up sooner; and can he now mention any approximate date when the installation of the service may be looked for?

The delay is due to the insistence of the urban district council on a demand for iron poles, which are not only objectionable on engineering grounds, but are five times as costly as the ordinary poles. The line is required for one subscriber only, and the additional cost of about £30 must either be borne by the council who desire what they regard as an amenity, or else by the subscriber.

asked the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the case of an officer in the Northern District post office who has been recalled to duty while having scarlet fever in his family without the necessary certificate of disinfection having been obtained, as provided for in Rule 142, Staff Rule Book; will he state if the duties of this officer bring him into contact with the public as well as the staff, and whether the staff have petitioned against the return of this officer as being a danger to them, and why the rule appears to have been disregarded in this case; and is he aware that the local officer of health has forbidden another member of the family to return to work until the necessary disinfection is carried out?

I am aware of the case. The officer in question was allowed to resume duty on the advice of the local post office medical officer and the chief medical officer to the Post Office, who were both satisfied that the invalid was satisfactorily isolated and that there was no risk of infection, either to the Post Office staff or to the public. This course was not contrary to the Rule in question, which does not require the production of a certificate of disinfection in every case before the resumption of duty.