Portuguese Prisons
1.
asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to a meeting held on the 22nd of April in London at which Adeline, Duchess of Bedford, related her personal experiences of Portuguese prisons in which political captives are kept without trial; whether Adeline, Duchess of Bedford, has communicated on this subject with the Foreign Office; and, if so, whether any correspondence arising therefrom has been transmitted to the Portuguese Government?
I have seen a report of the meeting in the public Press. Adeline, Duchess of Bedford, has been in verbal communication with the Foreign Office. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
Political Prisoners (Russia)
2.
asked the Secretary of State whether he will inquire of our Ambassador in St. Petersburg as to the alleged treatment of political prisoners in Russia; whether, as indicated by interpellations in the Duma, political prisoners are flogged, loaded with chains, and kept many days in the punishment cell; and whether, in view of the bad effect on public opinion of these allegations being allowed to go without denial, he will urge the British Ambassador in St. Petersburg to bring this matter before the Russian Government without delay?
I have no knowledge of the allegations in question. The hon. Member asks me to make proceedings in the Duma relating to internal affairs the subject of diplomatic representations; if so we must admit from foreign Governments representations founded upon questions put in the House of Commons about our internal affairs: a proceeding that no British Government would submit to.
Montenegro (British Minister)
3.
asked whether the salary of His Majesty's Minister to Montenegro was raised by Lord Salisbury, when Foreign Secretary; what is the present salary; what was the period during which Great Britain was unrepresented, since 1905, by a Minister at Cettinje; and whether a permanent Legation House has now been secured?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The present salary is £1,300. Great Britain was temporarily represented by a Chargé d'Affaires from 1st January, 1906, to 20th July, 1911. The answer to the latter part of the question is in the affirmative.
Royal Irish Constabulary Force Fund
4.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will this Session seek any legislation that may be necessary to amend the old rules under which the Irish Constabulary Force Fund is administered, which now result in withholding on technical grounds benefits from persons in need and entitled to them, and in every £12,000 subscribed yielding only £2,000 as benefits, the remaining £10,000, with interest, going to persons and purposes having no claim on the fund?
The statutory rules under which the fund is administered ensure that it shall be applied solely to the benefit of widows and orphans of subscribers, and the allegation that portion of the fund is being applied for the benefit of persons having no claim on it is not understood, since no person who does not subscribe can derive any benefit from the fund. No legislation appears to be necessary.
Has the right hon. Gentleman not received numerous representations about the hardships which the rules for the administration of the fund inflict upon those people?
Yes, and I have also received a great number of representations from the widows and children who are now receiving benefit.
11.
asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will give a Return of the number of officers and men of the Royal Irish Constabulary who ceased to subscribe to the Constabulary Force Fund, benefit branch, on and after leaving the service, who drew their pension on the 31st March last; and whether he is aware that this information can be furnished with the least possible trouble by each district inspector in Ireland from the pay bills, which will be in his possession up to the 1st May next?
The particulars asked for are not available, and could not be obtained in full in the manner suggested. For instance, there is nothing in these pay bills to show which of the pensioners were subscribers while in the force, and the pensioners now in Great Britain and the Colonies are not included.
Outrages (Galway)
5.
asked the Chief secretary whether he has received a report as to a series of outrages perpetrated at Clooniff, on the Kenny estate, in county Galway; whether he is aware that, on the night of the 17th instant, shots were fired at the house of Mr. Tierney, farmer and bailiff; whether on the same night walls were thrown down on the farms of Clonliff and on an adjoining farm; whether two graves were dug on the farms, and a threatening notice found; whether large stones were thrown through the window of Mr. Tierney's house and considerable damage done; whether it is the object of these outrages to compel the owner of the farms to sell to the Congested Districts Board so that the farms may be divided up amongst neighbouring tenants; and if the Board will yield to this intimidation and compel the owner to sell?
I have received a report as to the occurrences referred to. Formal proceedings under the Irish Land Act, 1903, for the sale of the lands of Clooniff to the Estates Commissioners were instituted by the owners in 1908, and the Congested Districts Board have consented to the Commissioners dealing with the property. There is, therefore, no question of the Board acquiring the lands.
National School Teachers (Ireland)
6.
asked what is the number of teachers dismissed by the Rev. Walter Conway, P.P., during the period he has held office as manager of the national schools at Carraroe, West Galway, and Glenamaddy, in North Galway; whether he was for a time suspended as the manager of the schools at Carraroe as the result of an official inquiry; what was the charge made against him at this inquiry and under what circumstances was he reinstated; and whether a number of teachers, and, if so, how many, have resigned during his period of office as manager, and what reasons were given for their resignations?
The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the Rev. W. Conway, P.P., has been recognised as a national school manager in the districts mentioned for thirty years. During that period thirty-nine teachers of schools under his management left. In twenty-three cases there is no official record of the cause, in four cases the teachers retired on pension, in three cases salary was withdrawn by the Commissioners, and in nine cases the manager dismissed the teachers for inefficiency. Mr. Conway was not suspended from his office as manager, but in 1895, as the result of an official inquiry, the Commissioners expressed their disapprobation of his action in regard to an agreement with one of his teachers, and in failing to prevent or detect misrepresentations in official returns made by teachers in schools under his management.
12.
asked how many trained assistant teachers are at the maximum salary of the third grade; what incentive for efficient work is to be offered by the Commissioners to these; how many assistants have been promoted to the second grade since the inquiry began; and what qualifications are required for promotion to the second grade or how many very good or excellent reports must he have to entitle him to promotion?
The Commissioners of National Education inform me that 721 trained assistant teachers are at the maximum salary of the third grade. The Commissioners are of opinion that assistant teachers are as a body quite efficient, and that the provisions made in their rules for the promotion of assistants beyond the third grade, and for increases of their salaries when appointed as principal teachers are incentives to continued efficiency. Seventy-eight assistant teachers were promoted since August, 1912, and there are nine or ten other cases under consideration at present. With regard to the last paragraph of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a somewhat similar question asked by the hon. Member for West Kerry on the 13th January last.
25.
asked the Chief Secretary if he has seen a resolution passed by the Wexford Teachers' Association urging the necessity of increasing the Imperial Grant for primary education and claiming equality of treatment with Scotland in this respect; and whether he will take action in the matter?
The hon. Member has been good enough to send me a copy of the resolution in question. As I have frequently stated, no accurate comparison can be drawn between the Grants for primary education in Scotland and Ireland. The claims of primary education in Ireland will continue to receive my most careful consideration.
Limerick City (Commission Of Peace)
8.
asked whether he is aware that Mr. W. A. Newman, whose appointment to the commission of the peace for the city of Limerick has been notified, was, as Walter A. Newman, on 23rd August, 1908, at Limerick Petty Sessions, convicted and fined for obstructing and impeding a servant of the Great Southern and Western Railway Company in the discharge of his duty and of being guilty of disorderly conduct; that he was, as W. A. Newman, on 21st June, 1912, convicted and fined for unlawfully acting as a general dealer without a licence, and that, as W. A. Newman, he was convicted and fined, on 21st June, 1912, for being a dealer in marine stores and not having the words "dealer in marine stores" distinctly painted in letters as required; that, as W. A. Newman, on 21st June, 1912, he was convicted and fined for failing to keep books in which to enter an account of all marine stores of which he became possessed, contrary to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and that, as Wolfe A. Newman, he was, at Limerick Petty Sessions, convicted and fined for unlawfully acting as a general dealer without a licence; whether representations have been received from many residents in Limerick in reference to this appointment; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
The hon. Member appears to be under a misapprehension. This gentleman has not been appointed, and will not be appointed, to the commission of the peace.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Newman received intimation from the Castle or the Lord Lieutenant, direct or indirectly, of his appointment to the commission of the peace for Limerick?
I do not know how that may be, but it turns out the gentleman is a Russian subject, not naturalised, and therefore not competent to be appointed.
Is it not a fact that he received the commission of the peace, and that it was afterwards withdrawn in consequence of representations made?
If that is so I am glad, because it prevented an illegal act from being committed.
Will the right hon. Gentleman say who recommended the appointment of this man?
What is his real name and nationality?
His real name is Newman; his nationality I have already stated.
Who recommended him?
Labourers' Cottages, Ireland
9.
asked the Chief Secretary the estimate of his Department of the average cost per week of the land, including legal expenses of the transfer, of the labourers' cottages erected in Ireland during the five years 1908–12 or other convenient period?
As land for labourers' cottages in Ireland is usually bought out and not taken on lease at a yearly rent, it would be almost impossible to give a trustworthy estimate of the average cost per week of the items referred to by the hon. Member. The purchase price of the land and the legal expenses vary considerably in different districts. In some cases it is estimated that the land and the legal expenses only constitute 13¾ per cent. of the total cost, while in others it is as high as 23¾ per cent.
Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with one of his colleagues that the cost of the land is never more than a halfpenny per week?
I should be very sorry to agree or disagree with any of my colleagues, or with any hon. Gentleman on figures without a long opportunity of considering them.
Will the right hon. Gentleman give us the average?
What of?
Of the cost per week?
The hon. Gentleman knows it is a little difficult to give the average cost per week when you give a lump sum for the land and you have to add to that legal expenses, which are unfortunately very great. It would be only the roughest shot if I made a guess.
Housing Of The Working Classes (Ireland) Act
10.
asked whether the Local Government Board have now ascertained the average rent charged for houses built under the Houses of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act; and how many of those houses are let at a rent under 2s. a week?
From the information furnished by local authorities it would appear that the average weekly rent charged for houses erected since the passing of the Housing of the Working Classes (Ireland) Act, 1908, is 3s. 4d. Twenty-eight houses are let at rents under 2s. a week.
Land Purchase (Ireland)
13.
asked the Chief Secretary if his attention has been called to the circumstances under which the distribution of a farm of 300 acres near Rochfort Bridge, county Westmeath, is being carried out by the Estates Commissioners; if he has been informed that on Sunday, the 6th April, the Rev. F. Dillon, C.C., at Meedian Chapel, had a resolution passed that no person other than a Catholic should get Newcastle House and 150 acres of land round it; if he is aware that at an auction of grazing on this land on the 12th April Father Dillon publicly referred to this resolution, and said it had the full support of several local parish priests and others, and that he was in communication with Mr. Bailey, Estates Commissioner, on the matter; if there are any Protestant applicants for a share in the distribution of these lands; and if the Estates Commissioners are aware of this action of certain priests in the locality and will see that Protestants are not thereby debarred from participating in the distribution?
This question apparently refers to the lands of Newcastle on the Shaw estate, county Westmeath, which has been acquired by the Estates Commissioners under the Land Purchase Acts, and a scheme for the distribution of the lands is in course of preparation. The Commissioners have no information as to the resolution and speech referred to in the question. They have no knowledge of, and never make any inquiries regarding, the religion of applicants for parcels of untenanted land on estates acquired by them.
Did not the police make any report of this resolution?
No, Sir.
Is not the practice of the Estates Commissioners always the very opposite to that which is suggested in the question; is it not the fact that they never inquire into the religion of applicants, and that their practice meets with universal approval all over Ireland?
That certainly is the practice of the Estates Commissioners, and I hope it is universally approved.
Can the right hon. Gentleman explain how it is that in nearly all instances Protestants are refused allotments of land?
I really do not believe that to be the case.
It is the case.
14.
asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that the estate of Mrs. Daly, situate at Carrowkillien and and Funchinbeg, Kinvarra, has been acquired by the Congested Districts Board and inspected in September, 1911; is he aware that the holdings of the tenants are compact and free from run-dale; and will he state the cause of holding this estate up so long without vesting it in the tenants?
The final inspection of the estate referred to was made by the Congested Districts Board in March, 1912, and their offer for purchase was accepted in June last. The property has not yet been vested in the Board. When it is the question of reselling the estate will be considered.
15.
asked the Chief Secretary whether any steps have been taken by the Congested Districts Board to acquire the estate of Messrs. Browne and Lucas, situate at Newton, Kilcolgan, county Galway, and with what result; is he aware that this estate covers a congested district and includes a comparatively large farm, which, if purchased by the Board, would make a number of the small holdings economic; can he state how long this property has been lodged in the Land Courts; who is the solicitor acting for the estate; and is there any reason why the estate should not be acquired and dealt with contemporaneously with the Tyrone estate?
The Congested Districts Board have made an offer for the purchase of this property. The Board are aware that there is congestion on the estate, and that there is a large farm which might be utilised for the enlargement of the tenants' holdings. The Board have no information as to how long the matter has been before the Land Judge's Court. Messrs. F. Sutton and Sons, 52, Dame Street, Dublin, are the solicitors acting for the estate. If the Board's offer for the estate is accepted, they propose to deal with it simultaneously with the Tyrone estate referred to.
16.
asked what reply has been received by the Congested Districts Board from Trinity College as regards the sale of its estates in the barony of Iveragh, county Kerry?
The Congested Districts Board have been informed that their offer for the Trinity College estate cannot be considered at present owing to the illness of the Provost.
May I take it that Trinity College has not refused to sell to the Estates Commissioners?
Oh, no.
20.
asked whether the Estates Commissioners have yet made any provision for John Dorgan, evicted tenant on the estate of O'Grady Conyers, at Castletown, county Limerick?
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 24th October last, to which I have nothing to add at present.
Will the right hon. Gentleman press the Estates Commissioners to go into the matter at once, as this man has been over twenty years evicted?
21.
asked whether any progress has recently been made by the Estates Commissioners towards the completion of the sale of the Mahony congested estate at Mount Collins, county Limerick; and how soon the tenants will know what is their position with regard to the amount of land and turbary to be allotted to them?
The statutory requirements as to title and other matters have not yet been complied with as regards additional land which the Estates Commissioners propose to purchase in the vicinity of this estate, and until this land has been acquired they will not be in a position to make any statement as to its distribution.
26.
asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that all the papers with reference to the Boyd estate, South Wexford (Record No. 9545), were lodged with the Estates Commissioners on 10th January last; if the inspector of the Land Commission has yet inspected the land and made his report; how many acres does the estate contain and how many are occupied and what is the rental; are there any evicted tenants belonging to the estate and what do the Estates Commissioners propose to do with them; and how many acres are available for the enlargement of unecomonic holdings?
The Estates Commissioners inform me that the papers in the case of this estate are at present with one of their surveyors, and they are not, therefore, in a position to give the detailed particulars asked for in the question.
28.
asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware of the circumstances under which a herd on the estate of Colonel O'Callaghan Westropp, in county Clare, has been refused a holding in the distribution of the land by the Congested Districts Board; whether he is aware that this herd, whose name is Robert Bell, has been over fifteen years on the estate in the employment of Colonel O'Callaghan Westropp, and is a Protestant; whether portions of the estate have been allotted to farmers who had no connection with the property before; and, if so, will he say why they were preferred to a Protestant herd, such as Robert Bell; whether he is aware that the house of Robert Bell was broken into some time ago and his firearms stolen, with other property, and that Robert Bell was boycotted for a considerable time; and whether, under all these circumstances, he will request the Congested Districts Board to reconsider their decision to refuse a farm to Robert Bell?
I am informed that Robert Bell was employed by Colonel O'Callaghan Westropp for fifteen years, and is a Protestant. His house was broken into and his firearms stolen in 1901, and he was also partially boycotted two years ago. The Congested Districts Board decided not to give him a holding on the O'Callaghan Westropp estate as they required the untenanted land there for the relief of congestion. They offered him a holding elsewhere in the county, but he refused it.
Is not Bell an emergency man?
Is it not the ordinary practice that when a man has lived there fifteen years he should have preference for a farm?
Is he an emergency man?
The object of the Congested Districts Board, when they acquire a property, is first to relieve congestion, and until they have done that nobody has any claim.
Is not this another case in which a man is refused land for no other reason except that he happens to be a Protestant?
No, Sir.
It is so.
Powers Of Sheriffs (Ireland)
17.
asked on whose instructions the cow of Mrs. Sullivan, Portmagee, was impounded at Tralee instead of at Cahirciveen, after it had been seized, about 15th April; whether he is aware that Cahirciveen, the nearest pound, is about ten miles from Portmagee, whereas Tralee is more than fifty miles; and whether, in view of the fact that after the cow had been released through the help of friends, Mrs. Sullivan was compelled to pay the railway fare of the animal from Tralee to Cahirciveen, he will state whether it is in the power of any sheriff to put such extra expense on any person by deciding to what pound an animal, seized for rent, may be sent; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
The facts are generally as stated in the question. I am informed that the cow was, on the instructions of the sheriff, impounded at Tralee instead of at Cahirciveen, where the nearest pound to Portmagee is situated. I am advised that the sheriff has power to appoint the place to which cattle taken in execution under a decree are to be removed for purposes of sale, and I have, therefore, no power to interfere in the matter.
Disturbances (Rathdrum)
22.
asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that a man named Butler, in the employment of Mr. A. G. Archer, of Ballinacor, Rathdrum, county Wicklow, who changed his religion and became a Protestant a short time ago, was on Sunday, 6th April, when attending divine service for the first time in the Protestant church, assaulted, boohed, and shouted at; that Mr. Archer, his employer, has been refused the hire of a horse (which he has constantly used) if Butler was allowed to drive it; that, on the night of 10th April, Mr. Archer's house was fired into and pellets of shot penetrated into the nursery where Mr. Archer's children and the governess were sleeping; and that the windows of the nursery and glass in the conservatory were smashed by shot; whether anyone has been brought to justice for intimidating Butler and for the outrage on Mr. Archer's children; and what steps are being taken to protect Mr. Archer, his children, and the man Butler in his employment?
The police authorities inform me that Butler was not interfered with when attending church, but he complained of being hooted on the following day, and also said that he had been struck by a fellow workman. Mr. Archer was refused the hire of a horse, and shots were fired at his house as stated. The house is now being protected by patrols, and Butler is also protected when he goes away from the house. The police are pursuing their inquiries, but so far have not been able to make any arrests.
Is it not a fact that Catholic and Protestant live in perfect harmony together in this district, a state of affairs very different from the state of affairs in North-East Ulster?
Is this a good sample of living in peace and tolerance?
I can only state such facts as are reported to me in this case. It is certainly very extraordinary from Rathdrum, one of the most civilised spots on the face of the earth.
Will the right hon. Gentleman deny the statements made in the question?
No, Sir. I have already stated that he was not interfered with whilst attending church, but was hooted the day after.
Was he not shot at?
No, he was not shot at, but pellets were shot at the house of his employer.
Is it not a fact that the man returned to his ancient religion, and the cause of any transgression at all was on account of a girl?
Shooting Outrages (County Kerry)
23.
asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that within the past few days a series of shooting outrages have occurred in the northern portion of county Kerry; whether one horse was shot dead, another horse shot through the eye, and three calves also shot; and whether any arrests have been made or anyone brought to justice in connection with these offences?
On the night of the 21st April a yearling colt was shot dead and another wounded on a grass farm belonging to the Knight of Kerry in the Listowel police district, and on the same night three calves on a farm in the same district were also fired at and wounded. The police have not yet been able to obtain any information which would justify an arrest.
Cattle-Driving (Donore, County Westmeath)
24.
asked the Chief Secretary whether he has received any report with reference to the cattle-drive which took place on the night of the 24th April, in the Donore district of county Westmeath, when a body of 700 persons collected on the lands at Donore and forcibly drove off twenty-two head of cattle, brutally ill-treating them by forcing them over a wall four feet in height; whether, as a result, traces of blood and hair were left on the stones of the wall; what number of policemen attempted to prevent the raid, and whether one constable was badly wounded in the head; what steps are being taken to bring to justice the perpetrators of this outrage; and whether he proposes to proceed against the cattle-drivers for cruelty to animals?
I have received a report in reference to this case, from which it appears that a crowd of seventy persons overpowered a police patrol and drove off twenty-two head of cattle as stated in the question. Fifteen persons have been arrested, and fourteen of them have been returned for trial for riot and unlawful assembly—informations being refused in one case. A charge is also pending against one of the accused for assault on a constable. No charge will be preferred against the accused for cruelty to animals.
Is it not usual, when such cruelty is meted out to animals, to charge the persons with cruelty?
In this matter I have exercised no discretion, but I am sure that those who have have taken the best course to put down those abominable outrages.
Macroom School Dispute
27.
asked whether extra police are still engaged in patrol work in connection with the Collavokig, Macroom, school dispute; has any estimate been formed of the further length of time their services will be required; what is the weekly cost of maintenance, etc., of the ten police engaged daily on this patrol duty; upon whom will the charges for them fall; and will any portion thereof be borne by the ratepayers of the district?
The extra police are still engaged on this duty, and no estimate can be formed at present as to how much longer this protection will be necessary. The weekly cost and allowances of the ten police employed is approximately £13 10s., which is paid from the Constabulary Vote. No portion of the charge will be made on the ratepayers of the district.
Admiralty Arch
20.
asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether a Committee has been appointed to consider the improvement of the approach to the Admiralty Arch; and, if so, whether such Committee has met; and when it is likely to issue its Report?
A Committee has been appointed, consisting of Lord Plymouth, Mr. Blomfield, and Mr. Lionel Earle, Secretary of the Office of Works, representing the Government; the Chairman of the London County Council (Lord Peel), and Mr. Andrew Taylor, Chairman and Vice-Chairman, respectively, of the Improvements Committee, representing the London County Council; and Mr. Lyon Thomson, Mayor, Mr. Somers Cocks, ex-Mayor, and Mr. Davis, Chairman of the Improvements Committee, representing the Westminster City Council. The full Committee has not yet met, but various meetings have been held and negotiations are in progress. The First Commissioner regrets that it is impossible at this stage to say when the Report can be issued.
Can the hon. Gentleman say what will be the expense to the nation?
I think it would be unwise to make any statement until we know the result of the negotiations.
National Insurance Act
School Officials
7.
asked whether the thirteen lay officials of the Trim district school come under the National Insurance Act or are they entitled to pensions; and, if they are excluded in both cases, how are they provided for in case any of them are obliged to resign through ill-health?
These officials are not regarded as coming within the National Insurance Act, nor are they entitled to pensions. There does not, therefore, appear to be provision made for them in the event of their retirement through ill-health.
National United Insurance Society
30.
asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the Registrar of Friendly Societies has yet received from the National United Insurance Society the statutory Return for 1912; if so, will he state the number of persons insured, the gross receipts, the gross expenditure, the gross liability, and the sum secured to meet the liability; whether the same person acts as treasurer and secretary; and whether he has complied with all the requirements for both positions?
The Return for 1912 has not yet been received. The society promised to deliver it by 25th April, and it is being pressed for.
Medical Benefit (Ireland)
46.
asked the Prime Minister if he has undertaken to give an opportunity for discussing the question of the extension of medical benefit to rural districts in Ireland on the Civil Service Votes; and, if so, on what Vote does he propose that the discussion should take place?
As my right hon. Friend informed the hon. Member for Cork on the 24th ultimo, he is anxious that the constitution and methods of the Treasury Committee should be discussed, and an opportunity will arise on the Temporary Commissions Vote, but he thinks it will be better to postpone discussion till the Committee has reported.
Would it not be more convenient to discuss it on Class 8? Could the right hon. Gentleman say on which of the Temporary Commissions Votes it will be discussed?
I am afraid I could not, but my right hon. Friend thought it would come more appropriately on one of the Temporary Commissions Votes.
Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries? I do not think there is any Temporary Commissions Vote on which it could be discussed.
Yes, I will inquire and let the hon. Gentleman know.
Marconi Contract
31.
asked whether any payment out of public funds has been made to any person for legal advice or legal assistance in connection with the proposed contract between the Postmaster-General and the Marconi Company; and, if so, to whom and how much?
Assuming that the hon. Member refers to special payments apart from the annual salaries paid to legal advisers in the public service, the answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. The opinion of an independent counsel has been obtained on certain aspects of the subject; but the amount of his fee has not yet been fixed.
49.
asked the Prime Minister if he will give facilities for the early discussion of the Motion with respect to the Select Committee on the Marconi Contract standing in the name of the hon. Member for Huddersfield?
My right hon. Friend does not see his way to give facilities for a discussion of this Motion.
Carriage And Motor Licences
34.
asked what was the amount of the Carriage and Motor Car Licences collected by the several county councils in England and Wales during the last complete financial year; the proportion of such amount retained by these bodies towards the cost of county work; and the proportion taken by the Imperial Exchequer for the purposes of the Road Board?
I regret that the complete figures for 1912–13 are not yet available.
Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the figures will be available?
As soon as possible.
Road Board (Irish Grants)
35.
asked 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; having regard to the fact that the revenue of the Board has exceeded the amount anticipated, 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 the dates and amounts first paid to Great Britain and Ireland, respectively?
I understand that at a general conference between the Road Board and representatives of Irish county and county borough councils held in Dublin on the 7th March, 1911, the chairman of the Road Board stated that the amount proposed to be allocated to Ireland out of the Road Improvement Fund up to 31st March, 1912, was approximately £150,000. The sum of £144,236 has already been indicated to individual highway authorities. The Board are now engaged in selecting other works to which approximately £100,000 will be granted. [See Written Answers this date.]
36.
asked upon what principle the Road Board allocated Ireland's share of the money as between the different counties in Ireland, whether upon the basis of population, annual road expenditure, or the outlay consequent on the county being an avenue for tourist traffic; what conditions were attached to the Grant; how many Irish counties failed to comply with the conditions and thereby forfeited their right to a Grant; whether the aggregate sum not drawn by such counties is at the disposal of other counties; whether the Road Board is aware that the county of Meath, through its representatives, have unanimously voted £1 for every £1 the Road Board has granted or will grant; and whether, having regard to the fact that three main trunk roads run through the county diverging from Dublin, and which are largely used by tourists visiting places of historic interest, the Board will consider the advisability of increasing their Grant to an amount equal to what the county itself will contribute?
The amount distributed in Ireland out of the Road Improvement Fund has hitherto been allocated by the Road Board to works of road improvement in the various counties approximately upon the basis of population, but in considering each case the Board have regard to the circumstances of each county and to the relative public importance of the improvements required in the various parts of the country. No conditions are attached to Grants except that the work towards which Grants are made will be carried out in accordance with the approved specifications, and no Irish county has forfeited its right to payment of the amount payable under any Grant made. The Board are aware that the county of Meath are prepared to provide £1 for every £1 of Grant from the Road Board, and the claims and requirements of the county of Meath will receive from the Board the same consideration as is given to the relative claims and requirements of other counties in Ireland.
Scottish Small Holders Act
37.
asked the Secretary for Scotland what amount is paid for salary and expenses to Mr. Dunlop, Sub-Commissioner under the Scottish Small Holders Act?
Mr. Dunlop is at present paid a salary of £570 on the scale of £550, rising by annual increments of £20 to £700. When necessarily absent from headquarters on public business he is subject to the ordinary regulations applicable to the Civil Service as laid down by the Treasury for travelling and subsistence expenses.
35.
asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the continuing departure to Canada and Australia of the rural population of Roxburghshire and other Lowland counties is largely due to the delay in providing small holdings for qualified applicants; and whether, as Mr. Dunlop's duties in discovering suitable lands, in sifting the numerous applications so as to secure the best qualified small holders, and in meeting with and negotiating with landowners, extend over all the Lowland counties from Aberdeenshire to Wigtonshire, he can arrange to appoint a colleague to work with Mr. Dunlop, or to arrange that Mr. Dunlop's services, or those of a new full-time officer, shall be given over to the county of Roxburgh and the neighbouring border counties?
I understand there is a large emigration to Canada from all parts of the country, but no avoidable delay has taken place in providing small holdings for qualified applicants. Proposals for additions to the staff of the Board are now under consideration.
Has the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of appointing a new Sub-Commissioner in view of the fact that there is so much emigration and that people are clamouring for land?
Yes, I have said that a proposal for increasing the staff is under consideration.
Is it any good making any more jobs?
39.
asked how many applications for small holdings have been made from the county of Roxburgh; and how many have been granted?
Fifty-one applications have been received from the county of Roxburgh. The Board of Agriculture for Scotland have made application to the Land Court for an order to constitute nine new holdings and one enlargement of a holding on the farm of Kinninghall. The case was heard on 23rd April last, but the decision of the Court has not yet been announced. The landowner is not opposing the proposal.
40.
asked what judgment has been delivered by the Land Court in regard to the application of the Small Holdings Commission to make use of Mr. Scott Plummer's land at Lindean for the purpose of creating small holdings; what order as to costs was made by the Land Court, and whether and how many small holders are likely to be settled at Lindean; and at what date they are to enter into possession?
The Land Court have issued an order, authorising the constitution of new holdings, not exceeding thirteen in number, on part of the farm of Lindean. The Board hope to complete arrangements which will enable the holders to secure entry at Whit-Sunday next. No order as to the costs has yet been made by the Court. It is proposed to form twelve holdings.
May I ask on whom the cost of the inquiry will fall?
It will probably fall on the Board of Agriculture.
Factories (Inspection)
41.
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when it is intended to issue the Annual Report of the Chief Inspector of Factories?
The chief inspector informs me that his Annual Report will probably be published about the middle of June, as in previous years.
Lead Poisoning
42.
asked the Home Secretary to give the statistics of lead poisoning in potteries for this year; and whether any good result from the new Regulations can yet be noted?
The number of cases reported up to date is twenty-six, of which four were fatal; the number for the corresponding period in 1912 was the same, five however being fatal. The new Regulations were only made on the 2nd January last, and entailed a great deal of work, both on the occupiers and the Department, to give effect to the requirements. It is too early yet to look for any substantial change in the figures of lead poisoning.
May I ask whether these Regulations are now in force in all the potteries in North Staffordshire or only in some?
I should like to have notice of that question. I think they are in force everywhere.
Women Suffrage (Public Meetings)
43.
asked whether, in the case of meetings held in Hyde Park by persons with the permission of the authorities, the police accept responsibility for maintaining order and protecting the speakers?
The police do whatever is possible to secure the maintenance of order and to protect speakers, and my information is that, on the whole, they have been successful in so doing.
44.
asked the Home Secretary whether at a meeting held in Hyde Park last Sunday by the Men's League for Women Suffrage, a non-militant society, under a permit front the First Commissioner of Works, the police failed to protect the platform from an attack of about 100 persons in a crowd of about 6,000 who were giving a sympathetic hearing, in consequence of which attack the meeting was abandoned at the request of the police, although the force in the park was more than sufficient to prevent the disorder and to arrest the disturbers, not one of whom was arrested; and what steps he will take to ensure the right of public meetings which have not been prohibited?
The police cannot secure a hearing for Hyde Park speakers when the audience is so entirely out of sympathy with their views, as was the case on the occasion referred to, according to my information. The police were in strength sufficient to intervene upon the appearance of disorder, and their intervention ensured that no speakers were roughly handled. The police will give similar protection on any future occasion, but I cannot undertake that they will provide a sympathetic audience for speakers on controversial topics.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his information is all wrong in regard to this meeting?
No, Sir.
Was the audience unsympathetic when my right hon. Friend was addressing it?
53.
asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the breaking up of the meeting held in Hyde Park on Sunday last by the Men's League for Women Suffrage; and whether he contemplates putting into operation the recent Act of Parliament for the protection of public meetings should such action be repeated by persons who disapprove of freedom of speech on the suffrage question or any other?
It is for the promoters of meetings to take proceedings under the provisions of the Act referred to. The police have no power of arrest under this Act.
Has this Act ever been put in operation in connection with open-air meetings?
I must ask for notice of that question.
54.
asked the Home Secretary whether there has been any and, if so, what reduction in the number of police employed in Hyde Park on Sunday afternoons by reason of the prohibition of the meetings; and how long he intends this prohibition to remain in force?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am unable at present to answer the latter part of the question.
Sir Stuart Samuel
45.
asked the Prime Minister if it is the intention of the Government to bring in an Indemnity Bill to relieve Sir Stuart Samuel from the penalties incurred through voting in this House?
My right hon. Friend regrets that he is not yet able to reply to this question, and perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to repeat it next Monday.
Mental Deficiency Bill (Ireland)
48.
asked if the Government intend to introduce a Mental Deficiency Bill for Ireland similar in scope and purpose to the English and Scottish Bills?
The question of extending the Mental Deficiency Bill to Ireland is under consideration. It is not proposed to introduce a separate Bill.
Slate Mines (North Wales)
50.
asked the Home Secretary whether, following the statement made by Mr. Mottram, the chief inspector, in his Report for 1911 on the slate mines of North Wales, page 26, approving of two types of guards and stating that there seems to be now no reason why all slate-dressing machines should not be effectively fenced, he issued instructions for the fencing of such machinery; if so, whether objection is taken to the order by the employers on the ground that the guards recommended are unworkable; and what steps he proposes to take in the matter?
Instructions were issued to the owners to fence these machines, but objection is taken by the owners, and also I understand by the men, to the guards which have so far been devised. A conference has been held with the owners on the subject, and I am informed that they fully recognise the necessity of providing a suitable means of protection. The matter will continue to receive the attention of the Department, and I hope a satisfactory solution may be found before long.
Prisoners (Temporary Discharge For Ill-Health) Act
51.
asked whether Phyllis Brady, a suffragette, was sentenced at Croydon on 12th April last as a person loitering for the purpose of committing a felony; if she hunger struck and has continued to do so since convicted; whether she is now in bad health; and will she be released under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act?
Phyllis Brady was sentenced as stated; she refused her food while in prison both during remand and after conviction. I ordered her temporary discharge under the Prisoners (Temporary Discharge for Ill-Health) Act, and she was released accordingly on the 28th April.
May I ask if it is a fact that the prisoner named in the question has been identified since her conviction in connection with another case of arson?
I am afraid I cannot answer a question of that kind without notice.
Old Age Pensions
52.
asked the Home Secretary, with reference to the case of John Smith, of Tunstall, who was deprived of his old age pension because he escaped from the Chell Workhouse in the workhouse clothes, whether he will communicate to the House the statement made to him respecting this case by the stipendiary who sentenced the man?
Reports to the Secretary of State from magistrates on applications for the exercise of the prerogative of mercy are of a strictly confidential nature, and I cannot make an exception in this case to the general rule against making them public.
Does the right hon. Gentleman still insist that the magistrate did not say that if he had known the man would lose his old age pension he would have given a different decision?
I am informed that he did not make that statement. I believe he did state that he did not know it would affect the man's old age pension, but he did not state that had he known it he would have given a different sentence. I am told he has refrained from making any statement of that kind.
Elementary Schools (Attendance)
55.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Registrar-General has stated that the number of children in England and Wales who reach the age of five years shows a steady annual increase of over 3,600; whether the total school accommodation of the Kingdom is being maintained to meet this increase; and whether the Estimates of the year were framed after due consideration of this fact?
I am unable to identify the statement to which the hon. Member refers, but I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to his question on this subject on the 21st April.
Would the right hon. Gentleman like me to furnish him with this statement?
I certainly should like to have verification of it.
Overcrowded Schools (Oswestry)
56.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether the latest published figures show that the Trinity Church of England school, Oswestry, is overcrowded; for what length of time this overcrowding has existed; and whether, to prevent a continuance of this overcrowding, he will notify the school authority that, failing an improvement, the Grant will be reduced?
The accommodation at the school referred to was exceeded by the average attendance for the year 1910–11 as a result of the reassessment on the ten and nine square feet basis. There has been no overcrowding in the school for the last two school years ending February, 1912, and February, 1913.
57.
asked whether Ellesmere Church of England school, girls' department, the Llanymynech Church of England school, the St. Martin's Church of England school, the St. Martin's Ifton Heath Church of England school, and the Weston Rhyn Church of England school, all near Oswestry, in Shropshire, appear in the latest published Returns as overcrowded; whether any attempt has been made to relieve the overcrowding; and whether the Board of Education will insist on the children of this district having such school accommodation as the law provides?
Plans for the enlargement of the Ellesmere Church of England school, girls' department, are at present before the Board. The Llanymynech Church of England school is not now overcrowded. Proposals are now before the Board for the enlargement of the St. Martin's Church of England school. Notices of a transfer of the Ifton Heath Church of England school to the local education authority and of its enlargement by seventy-five places have been published under Section 8 of the Education Act, 1902. The Weston Rhyn Church of England school is not at present overcrowded, but the school will be closed as soon as a Council school, of which notice was given in November, 1912, is ready to replace it.
58.
asked whether, according to the last published figures, there are three departments of public elementary schools in Oswestry town that are overcrowded and three in the schools in the Oswestry rural district; whether these figures show that 32 per cent. in Oswestry, urban and rural, are in overcrowded schools; whether the local authority have been warned against this overcrowding; and when the evil will be remedied?
The Measbury undenominational school is the only school in Oswestry town or Oswestry rural district now overcrowded, the overcrowding in this school amounting to twelve units. Notices have been issued by the local education authority under Section 8 of the Act of 1902 of their intention to provide a new school, and an appeal and counter-proposals have been forwarded to the Board.
Is the improvement since the last official figures were given due to the President himself or to the local authority?
That I cannot say.
Education Examinations (Teachers)
59 and 60.
asked (1) whether the standard required to qualify as an acting teacher is higher than that required from students who have undergone a course in a training college; and (2) whether the standard of the acting teachers' examination has been steadily raised during the last six years, with the result that there has been a great decrease in the percentage of teachers passing recently; and whether, in consequence, there is now a very small chance for a teacher who is unable to incur the expense of a course in a training college being able to become a fully qualified teacher?
I have nothing to add to the answers I gave on 27th March to the Noble Lord the Member for Cardiff to similar questions, copies of which I am sending the hon. Member.
Bristol University
61 and 62.
asked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to published statements by Miss Geraldine Hodgson, lecturer on education in Bristol University, and by Professor Gerothwohl, of the same university, containing grave reflections upon the administration of the university, and expressing their readiness to substantiate these statements by evidence before a public inquiry; whether he proposes to secure such an inquiry by a visitation or otherwise; and (2) whether Mr. T. R. Glover, D.Litt., Fellow and Professor of St. John's College, Cambridge, has resigned his seat as official representative of Cambridge University on the Bristol University Council as a protest against the unsatisfactory answers of the council to the charges brought against their administration and their opposition to a public inquiry?
I have seen published letters and statements relating to the matters referred to. I have already in previous answers explained the Board's position in relation to university administration, and I can add nothing to what I have said. I do not propose to institute an inquiry, and I cannot in any way interfere with the discretion of the visitor.
Is it not the fact that this university is in receipt of a Parliamentary Grant? In consequence of that is it not the duty of the right hon. Gentleman's Department to see that the Grant is administered satisfactorily and efficiently? Are not the reports received by the right hon. Gentleman plain demonstration that the administration is unsatisfactory?
By the Advisory Committee, presided over by Sir William McCormick, I am informed that the educational work is efficiently carried on, and therefore I am fully justified in continuing the Grant which the university at present receives.
Has the right hon. Gentleman received any report at all as to whether the charges made against the administration are justified? Is the Grant to go on without any inquiry as to whether these people were right or wrong in resigning?
Power is given, through the Sovereign, to the President of the Council and the visitors to make inquiry if one is needed. But my duty is to see that the Parliamentary Grant is efficiently administered in connection with education, and I am satisfied that the educational efficiency is satisfactory at the present time.
Tuberculosis
64.
asked the President of the Local Government Board the number of public authorities which have availed themselves of the provisions of the capital Grant of £1,500,000 towards the building of institutions for the treatment of tuberculosis; and how much of this sum has yet been granted to or earmarked for particular authorities?
The Board have been in communication with all the county councils and county borough councils in England, and in the majority of cases have promised capital Grants towards the cost of providing institutions. Some small Grants have already been paid, but in most of the cases the schemes have not been matured in sufficient detail to enable me to say what Grants will be given. I may add that practically all these authorities have already indicated that they propose to avail themselves of the capital Grant, and that the whole of the English share of the Grant has been provisionally earmarked in proportion to the population of the several areas.
66.
asked what authority in London the Board propose to recognise as the central organising authority for the preparation and co-ordination of a general scheme for dealing with tuberculosis in London; and whether the Board have approached any authority for this object?
The Local Government Board propose to recognise the London County Council as the central organising body for the provision of institutional treatment. The London County Council have already been informed to this effect, and the Board understand that the council have such a scheme in preparation.
Milk Preservatives
65.
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the opinion of his expert advisers, the use of less than 0.20 per cent. of boron trioxide as a preservative in cream is injurious to the health of infants, pregnant women, and invalids; whether the new milk and cream Regulations of his Department permit its use for this purpose; and, if so, in what quantities?
In regard to the first part of this question, there is no exact consensus of opinion as to the amount of boron trioxide which may be necessary to produce injurious effects in different persons. The Regulations to which reference is made were not intended to control the amount of preservative which might be added, but only to secure that no preservative should be added to cream without declaration on the label as to the amount. The provisions of the Sale of Food and Drugs Act, 1875, are available for preventing the use of preservatives to an extent such as to render any article injurious to health.
Does that mean that if a declaration is made as to the amount used of this particular preservative, it would be passed as permissible by the Local Government Board?
If the hon. Member will give me notice I will do my best to reply to that question. But the subject matter of this question is before the High Court, and I should prefer not to answer supplementary questions regarding it.
Tin Plate Industry
70.
asked the President of the Board of Trade how many tons of tin and terne plates were exported from Great Britain to the United States of America in the years 1909 and 1912, respectively?
In 1909, 64,400 tons of tinned plates and sheets and 2,200 tons of black plates and sheets, under ⅛-in. thick, were exported to the United States of America. In 1912 the corresponding quantities were 2,100 tons of tinned plates and sheets and 2,000 tons of black plates and sheets.
71.
asked how many tons of tinplates were imported into Canada from Great Britain and the United States, respectively, in the respective years 1909 and 1912, the year 1911 being substituted for 1912 if the figures for the latter are not yet available?
In 1909, 25,081 tons of tinplates were imported into Canada from the United Kingdom, and 7,856 tons from the United States of America. In 1912, 8,071 tons were imported from the. United Kingdom and 45,941 tons from the United States.
72.
asked what was the total production in tons of tin and terne plates in the United States of America in the years 1891 and 1911, respectively, also in the year 1912 if the figures are available?
The first complete calendar year for which official statistics of the production of tin and terne plates in the United States are available is 1892. In that year the production amounted to 1,880 tons. In 1911, the latest year for which the figures have been received, the production amounted to 783,960 tons.
Central Telegraph Office
78.
asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the terms of reference to the Norton Committee were to inquire into complaints from the staff arising from the reorganisation in the Central Telegraph Office; that the Committee declined to discuss any matter with the staffs' representatives which had not previously been the subject of complaint to the authorities; that the question of refreshments in the galleries between 9 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. had not been a subject of complaint from the staff nor discussed by their representatives before the Norton Committee; and, having regard to the fact that this question did not come within the purview of the Committee, will he, in view of all the circumstances, direct that this Clause of the Committee's Report shall not become operative?
Under the terms of their reference the Committee were to consider not only the effect upon the staff of certain improvements in organisation which had been made, but also whether, having regard to the efficiency of the service and the proper consideration of the staff, any further changes were desirable. The practice of consuming food in the galleries naturally came under the notice of the Committee in connection with complaints as to the inadequacy of certain meal reliefs; and I am satisfied that the restrictions subsequently introduced on their recommendation are desirable from an administrative point of view and do not cause any real hardship to the staff. The Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association has made representations to me on the subject, but the members of the Committee are agreed that their recommendation was necessary and that effect should be given to it.
Post Office (Mail Contracts)
79.
asked the right hon. Gentleman if there is a contract for the carrying of mails between the Post Office and the Khedivial Mail Steamship Company; and, if so, if he has made any inquiry as to the wages paid to officers and men on the shins of the company in question?
There is no contract with this company.
Royal Navy
Gun Practice (Firth Of Forth)
81 and 82.
asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) whether he will lay upon the Table the correspondence between the hon. Member for West Fife and the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in relation to alleged damage to the fishing industry by big-gun practice in the Firth of Forth, as well as a copy of the instructions therein referred to which have been issued to His Majesty's vessels using the Firth of Forth for gunnery practice; and (2) whether, in issuing instructions that gunnery practice of His Majesty's vessels to the southward and eastward of the Isle of May, due regard has been given to the interests of fishermen using the more eastward ports of St. Monan's, Pittenweem, Anstruther, Cellardyke, Crail, and St. Andrew's, as well as the fishing harbours on the southeast shore of the Forth?
My hon. Friend the Member for West Fife would doubtless let the hon. and gallant Gentleman see the correspondence referred to. I do not think it is of sufficient general interest to be laid on the Table. It would not be in accordance with practice to publish an Order intended for the Fleet only, but it refers to complaints received and calls the attention of ships using the Firth of Forth for their gunnery practice to the desirability of keeping clear of fishing grounds as far as possible. It also directs that heavy gun practice should usually be carried out to the southward or eastward of May Island. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that there is no intention of discriminating in favour of the West Fife fishermen, and that the effect of the Order is to enjoin consideration for the interests of all fishermen in the Firth.
Irish Cattle (Detention In Port)
83.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the effect of the existing detention order and the consequent refusal of the railway companies to grant through rates has been to increase the cost of transit of cattle from Cork to York viâ Birkenhead, to the extent of 11s. per head, made up as follows: former through rate, 9s. 9d.; local rate from Cork to Birkenhead, 9s. 9d.; local rate from Birkenhead to York, 7s.; lairage charge, 4s.; total, £1 0s. 9d.; in addition to which there is a deterioration of value to the extent of about 10s. per head, owing to the detention; and whether any steps will be taken to put an end to this injury to the Irish cattle trade?
I am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for having at my request postponed this question from Monday till to-day and for the assistance which he has given me in investigating the matters referred to. I am informed that the through rate from Cork to Leeds, whence cattle were forwarded without re-booking to York, has been discontinued. So far as the Board are aware, however, there is nothing to prevent a through rate being arranged for the new route, and in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade I will endeavour to facilitate the making of this arrangement. On the general question of increases in railway rates I would also refer to the answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Queen's County. I have received no evidence in corroboration of the statement that cattle deteriorate during the period of detention; on the contrary, the reports which I have received from many quarters go to show that the rest and food which the animals get in the lairages improve their condition.
What is the new route to which the right hon. Gentleman refers?
I mean the one passing through Birkenhead instead of that passing through Liverpool. May I also add that negotiations are now proceeding for the old route to be maintained through Liverpool.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the through transit rate from other parts of Ireland as well as Cork has been interrupted; and will the right hon. Gentleman use his good offices in this and other cases, as well as in the case of the rate from Cork to York?
I am aware that in she case of some railways that has been done, but not in the case of all. Where it has been done we are now carrying on communications with the railway companies, which we hope will be successful.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the railway companies are obliged by Act of Parliament to provide a through rate from one station to another in the three Kingdoms, and why is that not carried out?
That is a question which only the Board of Trade can answer. I cannot answer it myself.
85.
asked on what dates it is intended to hold the proposed inquiry regarding the charges levied on Irish cattle at Merklands, Glasgow; will it be open to the public; and will those interested have the right to appear by counsel?
The inquiry will be held on 22nd May. The answer to the second and third parts of the question is in the affirmative.
Who will conduct the inquiry?
It will be conducted by Sir Sydney Olivier, Sir Henry Clark, and the legal adviser of the Board of Agriculture.
86.
asked what was the revenue derived by the corporation of Glasgow from the importation of cattle at Merklands during 1911; what are the circumstances which appear to justify a heavier charge for lairage there than at Birkenhead; have the regulations of the Department involved capital outlay at Merklands or at Birkenhead; and, if so, how much, respectively?
I am informed that the revenue for the twelve months ended 31st May, 1912, derived from Merklands Wharf, was £1,678. The reasonableness of the rates charged is shortly to be the subject of a public inquiry, and in the meantime I am not in a position to answer the second part of the question. I am informed that an expenditure of £12,000 at Merklands has been authorised for an extension of the wharf, and that the capital outlay involved at Birkenhead is estimated at about £6,000 or £6,500.
87.
asked the right hon. Gentleman whether under the new tariff at Merklands, Glasgow, Irish calves are charged 2s. 3d. each and foreign calves 6d. each; whether for Irish sheep and lambs the charge is 4d., while foreign are admitted for 3d.; why this continued discrimination is taking place against Irish shipments; and has he addressed any protest to those responsible for it?
The figures quoted in the first and second parts of the question are correct, but the comparison between the charges made in the case of Irish animals and those made in the case of foreign animals, which must be slaughtered at the wharf, is misleading. As I have already stated, the question of the reasonableness of the charges for Irish stock at Merklands will shortly be investigated at a public inquiry.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the figures quoted in my question are copied from the new circular issued by his Department, in which it is distinctly stated that the charge for foreign animals is 6d., and for Irish animals 2s. 3d.?
I have stated in my answer that the figures given by the hon. Gentleman are correct, but I also said that a comparison between them would be misleading.
In what way would they be misleading?
They are misleading for the reason that Irish animals are mostly passing on to other markets and are slaughtered at inland places, and they have to spend some time alive at the wharves, whereas foreign animals are slaughtered at the wharves on their arrival.
Is not that a reason why the Irish charge should be smaller?
That is a matter for argument. I hope the hon. Gentleman is not suggesting that I should put both Irish animals and foreign animals on the same footing.
I suggest that the discrimination should not be against Irish animals.
88.
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the erection of cattle lairages at Ayr Harbour has involved an expenditure of £1,500, and that since 21st January to 19th April the tolls charged for the use of these have produced a revenue of almost £4,000; and will he say how much longer he intends to sanction this tax on Irish cattle?
I am informed by the Ayr Steam Shipping Company, Limited, that the capital expenditure upon the lairages at Ayr largely exceeded £1,500. If the hon. Member will communicate to me the evidence upon which the statement in the question is based, I will make further inquiries.
Will the President have the figures submitted to him verified?
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is aware that the Stockowners' Association and various public bodies and societies have passed strong resolutions protesting against the continuance of the detention Order and whether he will consider the expediency of abolishing or modifying the Order?
Yes, I have received copies of these resolutions. I have been giving the matter the very closest attention during the last week or two and I may inform the hon. Member that matters have been coming forward much more freely in the last few days. In response to some resolutions which I have received I have this morning informed many authorities in Ireland of the conditions under which lambs actually are landed on this side.
In consequence of the unsatisfactory reply I shall call attention to the matter on the Adjournment of the House to-night.
Sea Fishing (Devon And Cornwall)
84.
asked whether, in view of the publication of the Report of the Committee appointed to consider sea fishery conditions in Devon and Cornwall, all obstacles have been removed to the consideration forthwith by the Development Commissioners of the applications made to them by the Devon and Cornwall sea fisheries committees?
I have nothing to add at present to the answer which I gave to a similar question by the hon. Member for Truro Division on Monday last.
Labour Exchanges
74.
asked whether, when an unemployed clerk applied at the Brentford Labour Exchange on the 25th April last, he was informed of a vacancy in the London telephone service and was sent with a note or card for the manager of the New Bridge Street Labour Exchange; that when he arrived at the latter Exchange at 11.25 in the morning he was informed that he could not see the manager until after 2.30 in the afternoon; and whether such delay to a person seeking employment and who knows there is a vacancy waiting to be applied for is unavoidable?
I understand that two applicants were sent from the Brentford Labour Exchange to the Exchange in New Bridge Street on the date in question to apply for vacancies of the nature referred to. I am informed that after the men had left the Brentford Labour Exchange the employers made an alteration in the time at which they proposed to interview applicants. The applicants were informed not that they could not see the manager of the Exchange till 2.30 p.m., but that that was the hour at which the employers were prepared to interview them.
75.
asked whether, in connection with a temporary vacancy for a clerk in the London telephone service, there were about 200 persons applied on Friday, 25th April last; whether a large number, if not the whole, of the applicants were sent by the various Labour Exchanges ilk the Metropolis; and whether such a lack of co-ordination between the Exchanges is the usual thing?
My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. Two hundred vacancies for temporary clerkships in the London telephone service were notified to the City Labour Exchange, and a number of applicants were submitted through this Exchange in the usual manner.
Emigration (Agricultural Labourers)
77.
asked the right hon. Gentleman the number of agricultural workers who have emigrated from the United Kingdom during each of the last three years; and, if no such statistics are available, whether he will, in view of the importance to the nation of retaining its agricultural population, institute a system under which a record shall be kept at the ports of agricultural as distinct from urban emigrants?
Figures in which emigrants are distinguished from other passengers from this country have been available only since 1st April, 1912. The number of male emigrants of eighteen years of age and upwards during the nine months, April to December, 1912, who were British subjects and whose occupations as recorded in the passenger lists show them to belong to the agricultural class was 23,289, the corresponding number of immigrants being 2,631. For 1910 and 1911, I am only able to give figures inclusive of all male passengers of twelve years of age and upwards who left this country for countries out of Europe. The agricultural class among such adult male British outward passengers numbered 24,174 in 1910 and 33,232 in 1911; in the first three months of 1912 they numbered 7,485. I may add that the frequent use of the vague description "labourer" in the statements of occupations greatly diminishes the value of the statistics.
What proportion of these agricultural labourers went to Canada, and what proportion went elsewhere?
If my hon. Friend will be good enough to give me notice I shall be able to answer that question.
Do these figures include Scotch people, if so, what are their numbers, and what number went from the county of Roxburgh?
If my hon. Friend will be so good as to give me notice, I shall be able to answer him.
Is it not a fact that while the emigration from the agricultural districts has been great, the chief part of the emigration has been from urban and not rural districts?
Again I should prefer to have notice of that question.
Agricultural Grants
89.
asked what are the aggregate amounts placed by their respective Governments at the disposal of their several Departments of Agriculture in France, Germany, the United States, Holland, and Belgium, respectively?
The amounts provided for the Departments of Agriculture in France, the United States, and Belgium, respectively in 1912, were as follows:—
| £ | |||
| France | … | … | 2,168,000 |
| United States | … | … | 4,618,000 |
| Belgium | … | … | 497,000 |
In Germany, so far as I have been able to ascertain, the total expenditure upon agriculture in the several States amounted to about £2,700,000 in 1910, the latest year for which the Board have information. In Holland, agriculture is combined with industry and commerce in one department; the amount voted for agriculture in 1912 was £258,000. I must add, however, that the functions of the Departments of Agriculture in the different countries vary so much that no useful comparison can be made.
Is it not the fact that the amount granted to our Department is about half that of the lowest the right hon. Gentleman has mentioned?
Yes, but I must also point out that many of the functions performed by the central department in others are performed in this country by the local authorities.
Super-Tax
91.
asked what was the amount of Super-tax collected in the financial year 1912–13; how many Super-tax payers were assessed; and what part of the amount collected consisted of arrears?
The amount of the Super-tax collected in the financial year 1912–13 was approximately £3,600,000, of which approximately £2,060,000 con- sisted of sums relating to years prior to 1912–13. The number of Super-tax payers assessed in the course of the year is not available, many persons having been assessed for more than one year.
92.
asked with reference to the assessments to Super-tax whether the Inland Revenue authorities content themselves with a statement as to aggregate income, or whether they demand a detailed account of the items forming the income?
The form of return called for by the Inland Revenue authorities, of which I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend, will indicate the details of income they require.
93.
asked to how many persons application was made in 1912–13 to make a return of income for Super-tax purposes; whether, when such applications are made, it is accepted as a satisfactory reason for non-assessment if the person applied to states that his income does not exceed £5,000, or whether he is asked to declare his income in detail; and, in the latter event, how many individuals have thus declared their incomes?
For the year 1912–13 applications have so far been sent to 16,895 persons. A statement that the income does not exceed £5,000 is not accepted as satisfying the requirements of Section 72 (3) of the Finance (1909–10) Act, 1910. The number of the persons, who, having made a statement that their income does not exceed £5,000, have subsequently declared their income in detail, is not available.
Does the right hon. Gentleman consider it sufficient to send the application to such a small number of persons in view of the enormous amount of income assessable to the tax in general, and does not the small number account for the rather unsatisfactory returns of Super-tax?
I do not accept my hon. Friend's statement. On the contrary, it has exceeded the estimate which I formed of its yield.
Is not the yield, although relatively satisfactory, very much less than was expected by many of those who have given a great deal of attention to the subject?
I take it that by that description my hon. Friend means himself. But there are others, including Sir Henry Primrose, who has paid some attention during his lifetime to the subject, and it exceeded his anticipations.
Does the right hon. Gentleman state as a matter of theory or of practice that the answer that the income does not exceed £5,000 is accepted? Is that merely a theory or is it the practice observed by those who deal with these returns?
The rate of Income Tax is not accepted by the surveyor. Otherwise I am afraid the income would be less.
Since the method adopted is really a fishing inquiry, does my right hon. Friend not think it would be better to make the declaration of income universal in order to avoid the fishing, and in order to get a better return?
I do not know whether my hon. Friend suggests that you can send a Super-tax return to all the adult population of this country. Unless you do that, you must exercise some discrimination.
Is it not the fact that nine out of eleven Income Tax payers already declare their incomes for Income Tax purposes, and would it not be wise to get declarations from the other two in order to complete the inquiry?
That is a very proper subject to discuss on the Income Tax Resolution.
94.
asked what is the number of persons in the kingdom of Prussia assessed to Income Tax for incomes of £5,000 a year and over, and what is the aggregate income possessed by those persons, for the latest year for which the figures are available in this country?
The number of individuals assessed in Prussia in respect of incomes over £5,000 in the year 1911 was 4,138. The aggregate amount of their income has been approximately calculated from the yield, as given in the Prussian Statistical Year Book, to be £51,000,000.