Written Answers
National Insurance Act
Cost Of Act To Exchequer
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the original estimated cost to the Exchequer of Parts I. and II. of the National Insurance Act for the years July, 1911–13, and July, 1913–14, and also the actual total cost to the Exchequer as shown by the working of the Act for the same two years?
As regards Part I. of the Act, as the actuarial estimates were prepared on the basis of the liabilities accruing week by week to the Exchequer, whereas the Parliamentary Estimates provide for the amounts coming actually in course of payment by the Commissioners within the financial year ending on 31st March, it is impossible without great labour to give figures for the period July, 1912, to July, 1913, which would form a correct basis of comparison between esimate and expenditure. For the financial year, 1st April, 1913, to 31st March. 1914, however, which is the first complete financial year since the general commencement of benefits under the Act, the figures are as follows:—
£ | |
Actuarial Estimate [Cd. 5983, paragraph 16] | 4,050,000 |
Approximate expenditure | 5,906,500 |
July, 1912–13 | … | £378,000 |
July, 1913–14 | … | £650,000 |
Motor Traffic (Road Up-Keep) Joint Select Committee
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the obligation imposed on motor omnibuses by Committees of both Houses of Parliament to contribute 3–8d. a mile in respect of the use of the Great Western Road to be constructed by the Middlesex County Council; and whether, with a view to securing uniformity of practice in this matter, the Government intends to introduce legislation to deal with the whole subject of contributions by motor omnibus traffic to the upkeep of roads used by it?
My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question. I am aware of the Clause to which the hon. Member refers. The Government propose that a Joint Select Committee of both Houses should be appointed to consider the general question.
Income Tax
asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether an owner of land who has spent on his estate in the erection and improvement of cottages more than the income of such estate can claim relief from Income Tax to the full extent of such excess?
The Income Tax Acts do not provide for relief in respect of the cost of erection and improvement of cottages. If the question is intended to refer to the cost of maintenance, including any replacement necessary to maintain the existing rent, the answer is that the amount of tax in respect of which relief can be claimed is limited by the amount of tax which has been charged, but that, inasmuch as the relief is based on the average expenditure over a period of five years, it is unlikely that the limit would be reached.
Land Purchase (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners or the Congested Districts Board have made inquiry into the case of William Gill, Cappanacuss, on the Dromore estate, near Kenmare; and whether, in view of the flooding of his holding, steps will be taken to investigate his case, so that he may be placed in the same position as the other tenants on the estate?
The estate referred to is the subject of direct sale proceedings before the Estates Commissioners by the landlord to the tenants under the Irish Land Act, 1903, and purchase agreements at prices agreed upon between the parties have been lodged with the Commissioners. The Commissioners have inquired into the alleged flooding on William Gill's holding and are not prepared to take any action in the matter.
asked whether the Martin estate, Ross, county Galway, has yet been acquired by the Congested Districts Board; and, if not, will he state whether an offer for purchase has been made?
An offer for the purchase of the Martin estate, including Rosscahill, East and West, was issued to the Land Judge on 21st April last. The matter is at present under consideration.
also asked whether the Congested Districts Board have yet made an offer of purchase for the Ardilaun estate; and whether Lord Ardilaun has agreed to allow the untenanted land required by his tenants to be included in the purchase?
The Congested Districts Board have issued an offer for the purchase of this estate, and the terms of the sale are the subject of negotiation. Lord Ardilaun has expressed his willingness to sell some 14,000 acres of untenanted lands.
asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that agreements were signed six and a half years ago between landlord and tenant with respect to the estate of Francis Boxwell, Esq., Butlers-town Castle, South Wexford; and can he say when vesting orders will be issued to the tenants?
The estate referred to is the subject of a sale direct to the tenants by the owner under the Irish Land Act, 1993, and purchase agreements were lodged with the Estates Commissioners in February, 1908. The estate has been visited by the inspector and the Commissioners' rulings on his report will be, issued to the owner's solicitors at an early date. The estate is not in priority for payment during the present financial year, but the Commissioners anticipate that, if their requirements are complied with, the holdings will be vested in the purchasing tenants before the end of the financial year commencing 1st April next.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if the Estates Commissioners have reopened negotiations with the owner for the sale of the lands of Rathillig, on the estate of John Kilkelly, Queen's County, or if they have considered the question of issuing a final offer pursuant to Section 43 of the Irish Land Act, 1909, for the said lands?
The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative, and to the second part in the affirmative. Some years ago the Estates Commissioners had an inspection made, and intimated to the owner the price they were prepared to offer if the lands were sold to them under the Irish Land Act, 1903. The owner refused to sell at such price, and the lands were gazetted for compulsory acquisition under the Evicted Tenants Act, 1907; but the owner having filed objections under the Act, the Commissioners decided not to proceed further in the matter. If the owner now wishes to sell the lands to the Commissioners he should institute proceedings for sale by the lodgment of an originating request in the prescribed manner.
asked the Chief Secretary whether the Estates Commissioners have taken any steps to vest their holdings in certain tenants on the Baldwin estate, county Cork, whose cases were not disposed of at the same time as the general body of the tenants; and can he now state when the vesting orders will be made on their behalf?
The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The Estates Commissioners anticipate that they will be in a position to vest the holdings referred to in the purchasing tenants at an early date.
Evicted Tenant, Garfiny Dingle, County Kerry
asked the Chief Secretary whether the case of Mr. Michael Moriarty, evicted tenant, Garfiny Dingle, county Kerry, has been inquired into; if so, what decision the Estates Commissioners came to with regard to it; and what steps have been taken to reinstate him?
No application for reinstatement has been received by the Estates Commissioners from the person referred to. An application which has been received from Mary Moriarty for reinstatement in a holding in the townland of Garfiny on the Ventry estate, county Kerry has been inquired into, and the Commissioners have noted her name for consideration in the allotment of such untenanted land as they may acquire.
Dingle Pier And Harbour
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland, when it is proposed to make the promised improvements in the pier and harbour accommodation in Dingle, county Kerry; how much money has been allocated for this purpose; and what steps have been taken by the Board of Works in the way of preparing schemes and plans for carrying out the work?
It has been decided to make improvements in the pier and harbour accommodation at Dingle. The Board of Works have prepared rough plans of the proposed works, and the Harbour Commissioners of Dingle will be consulted and given a full opportunity of studying the proposals before the plans are adopted. It cannot be stated how much money will be granted until the plans are approved after a local conference.
Royal Irish Constabulary
asked the Chief Secretary whether he will comply with the demand of the Castlerea District Council for the removal of the extra police from Buckhill, county Roscommon?
The Inspector-General informs me that there are no extra police in county Roscommon. The men employed at Buckhill belong to the county force and are not an extra charge on the ratepayers.
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland if he will give the amounts charged to each county and county borough in Ireland in respect of the Royal Irish Constabulary for the year ended 31st March, 1914, distinguishing between permanent charges and charges for services rendered in connection with temporary disturbances?
The following Return shows the amounts charged to each county and county borough in Ireland in respect of the Royal Irish Constabulary for the year ended 31st March, 1914:—
Counties and County Boroughs. | Amounts charged for permanent services of police. | Amounts charged for services in connection with temporary disturbances. | Total. | ||||||||
£ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | £ | s. | d. | |||
Antrim | … | … | — | 14 | 6 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 0 | ||
Armagh | … | … | — | 143 | 8 | 8 | 143 | 8 | 8 | ||
Clare | … | … | — | 1,860 | 19 | 6 | 1,860 | 19 | 6 | ||
Down | … | … | — | 164 | 5 | 11 | 164 | 5 | 11 | ||
Dublin | … | … | — | 1,868 | 18 | 3 | 1,868 | 18 | 3 | ||
Galway East and West | … | … | — | 6,455 | 4 | 3 | 6,455 | 4 | 3 | ||
Kildare | … | … | — | 33 | 0 | 4 | 33 | 0 | 4 | ||
King's | … | … | — | 564 | 19 | 3 | 564 | 19 | 3 | ||
Londonderry | … | … | — | 54 | 7 | 10 | 54 | 7 | 10 | ||
Mayo | … | … | — | 85 | 12 | 1 | 85 | 12 | 1 | ||
Monaghan | … | … | — | 15 | 7 | 0 | 15 | 7 | 0 | ||
Roscommon | … | … | — | 379 | 17 | 0 | 379 | 17 | 0 | ||
Sligo | … | … | — | 914 | 17 | 5 | 914 | 17 | 5 | ||
Tyrone | … | … | — | 83 | 5 | 2 | 83 | 5 | 2 | ||
Belfast City | … | … | 27,523 | 4 | 11 | — | 27,523 | 4 | 11 | ||
Cork City | … | … | — | 31 | 6 | 5 | 31 | 6 | 5 | ||
Limerick City | … | … | — | 51 | 8 | 1 | 51 | 8 | 1 | ||
Londonderry City | … | … | 658 | 8 | 0 | 403 | 8 | 9 | 1,061 | 16 | 9 |
Waterford City | … | … | — | 25 | 9 | 8 | 25 | 9 | 8 | ||
£28,181 | 12 | 11 | £13,150 | 1 | 7 | £41,331 | 14 | 6 |
asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that Belfast was charged £27,533 15s. 2d. and Londonderry City £445 2s. 11d. for the year ending 31st March, 1914, for their permanent force of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and that no other county or county borough in Ireland was charged 1d. for the permanent constabulary force; and
will he state on what principle this charge was levied?
I am aware that the charges for permanent extra police in Belfast and Londonderry City for the year to 31st March, 1914, were £27,523 4s. 11d. and £658 8s., respectively. The distribution of a "free quota" is subject to special statutory provisions in the case of these two cities. I would refer the hon. Member to Sections 1 to 6 of the Constabulary (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1865, and Sections 1 to 8 of the Constabulary (Ireland) Amendment Act, 1870, as amended by later enactments.
next asked the Chief Secretary if he will state on what principle the so-called free quota of the Royal Irish Constabulary is distributed in Ireland; and if there is any principle why Cork, Limerick, and Waterford are each allotted an average of twenty-four constables for each 10,000 of thepopulation and Belfast only thirteen per 10,000 of the population?
The general distribution of the "free quota" of the Royal Irish Constabulary is based on the normal police requirements of the several counties and cities. In the case of Belfast, the number of the "free quota" was fixed at 130 in 1865, and has since been increased from time to time. It now stands at 500.
asked if constables of the Irish constabulary not living in barracks have to make a contribution towards the cost of certain items of upkeep of barracks; will he state the total annual amount of such payment; and whether a similar charge is made in the case of officers living out?
Neither officers nor constables residing out of barracks are required to make any contribution towards the cost of upkeep of barracks. The hon. Member may possibly refer to the arrangements made locally by the men themselves for the Hire of barrack servants. Under this arrangement it is understood that married men whose families do not reside in the barracks are expected to make a certain contribution towards the wages of the barrack servants, but smaller than the rate of contribution made by the men residing in the barracks. The constabulary authorities take no official notice of these payments and no record of them is kept.
National School Teachers (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary if he is now in a position to say if the salary of a first-class principal in an amalgamated school is automatically reduced if the average falls below 35, while the salary of the first-class privileged assistant is not reduced no matter how low the average falls; and, if so, if there is any precedent for this rule?
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to his question on this subject on the 13th instant, to which I have nothing to add.
also asked whether contributions in augmentation of teachers' salaries voted by unions in Ireland were discontinued at the instance of the National Board; and if these contributions will be taken into consideration in any scheme for assisting primary education in connection with the Finance Bill?
The Commissioners of National Education inform me that the contributions from the unions were in augmentation of results fees, and when the results fee system of payments to national teachers was abolished in 1900 no further contributions under the National Teachers (Ireland) Act, 1875, were made by the Poor Law Unions. The contributions of the unions have already been taken into consideration in fixing consolidated salaries.
next asked the Chief Secretary whether any circular has been issued to lieutenants of counties by the Education Board with reference to the appointment of teachers to the commission of the peace; are teachers eligible in England for the magistracy; are they considered ineligible in Ireland for the position of county magistracies; and, if so, will he state the grounds?
The Commissioners of National Education inform me that no such circular has been issued by them. I am informed that teachers in England are eligible for appointments to the commission of the peace. The Commissioners have made no special rule on the subject.
Primary Education (Ireland)
asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if, in view of the recent Report of the Viceregal Committee of Inquiry into Primary Education in Ireland, he will consider the advisability of reinstating Mr. E. Mansfield in his former position; and whether the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry will be embodied in the rules and regulations of the Commissioners of National Education for Ireland?
I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for Mid-Antrim on the 19th February last. With regard to the latter part of the question, the Commissioners of National Education are not at present in a position to make any statement on the subject.
Labourers (Ireland) Bill
asked when it is proposed to proceed with the Second Reading of the Labourers (Ireland) Bill?
I hope to proceed with the Second Reading of the Bill at the earliest possible opportunity.
also asked the Chief Secretary whether he can state how much of the million granted in 1911 for the purposes of the Labourers Acts was spent in providing additional half-acre allotments; and whether any portion of the sum proposed by the present Bill will be available for this object?
No portion of the sum referred to was expended in providing additional allotments. The answer to the final paragraph is in the negative.
next asked the Chief Secretary whether he will state how many cottages are included in the schemes promoted by district councils in Munster into which inquiries have not yet been ordered; whether, in the allocation of the million being provided by the present Labourers Bill, the schemes already received by the Local Government Board will receive priority over schemes not yet received or formulated; and, seeing that the Local Government Board has exercised its discretionary power to the prejudice of district councils in Munster in connection with the million provided under the Act of 1911, will he introduce a Clause in the present Bill to secure that schemes of cottages and allotments shall be considered and dealt wth in the order in which they are received, thus removing existing grounds of discontent?
The number of cottages proposed in schemes received by the Local Government Board from rural districts in Munster into which inquiries have not yet been ordered is 3,694. The Board do not admit that they have acted or intended to act to the prejudice of Munster in dealing with the additional million provided by the Act of 1911. This sum was supplementary to the four and a quarter millions provided by the Act of 1906, and the Board felt that in order to secure a fair and equitable allocation of the entire amount they should give priority to those districts in which comparatively few cottages had been provided, and where manifestly the needs of the labouring class more urgently called for treatment. Their efforts to secure an impartial distribution of the five and a quarter millions have been attended with satisfactory results, having regard to the fact that up to this date the amount of loans sanctioned for each province is as follows: Leinster, £1,692,091, Munster, £1,524,511; Ulster, £1,286,179; and Connaught, £410,896. The Board cannot divest themselves of the powers conferred on them by Statute, and will continue to exercise their discretion in such cases with the same object as they have had in view in relation to the million provided by the Act of 1911.
Scartaglin County Council, County Kerry
asked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether the attention of the Lord Chancellor of Ireland has been directed to the election address issued by Mr. Maurice Prendiville, of Castleisland, county Kerry, to the electors of the Scartaglin county council division of the Kerry County Council, for the election of the 28th May last, and to the statement contained therein that his brother, Mr. Simon Prendiville, the justice of the peace for the county of Kerry, had deliberately and purposely refused to do his duty in order to prevent fifteen men who were charged at Castleisland Petty Sessions with unlawful assembly, riot, and assaults on and resistance to the police, the sheriff, and his bailiffs, a part of which consisted in flinging boiling tar and lime into their eyes when executing at Kilmurry, near Castleisland, a writ of possession from His Majesty's High Court of Justice in Ireland, from being returned for trial; whether pressure had been brought by the whole of Dublin Castle to return these men for trial; and what action the Lord Chancellor of Ireland proposes to take in the matter?
The Lord Chancellor has no official knowledge of this matter, but in June last Mr. P. Gun Mahony forwarded to him what purported to be a copy of the election address of a Mr. Maurice Prendiville, which contained a reference to a case in which his (Mr. Prendiville's) brother had acted as a magistrate five years previously. The Lord Chancellor attaches no importance to any statement in Mr. Maurice Prendiville's election address, and does not propose to take any action in respect of the matter.
County Kerry Magistracy
asked the Chief Secretary on what information he stated on the 21st June, 1912, that the late Lord Chancellor for Ireland, Sir Samuel Walker, who died on 13th August, 1911, had removed the name of Mr. J. K. O'Connor, of Castleisland, from the commission of the peace; whether, in a commission of the peace issued on the 19th November, 1911, the name of Mr. J. K. O'Connor still appears as one of His Majesty's justices for the county of Kerry; how many commissions of the peace were issued for the county of Kerry after that date; in how many of these commissions of the peace the name of Mr. J. K. O'Connor appears; and on what date the last commission of the peace was issued for the county of Kerry in which the name of Mr. J. K. O'Connor appears?
With regard to the first paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the question asked on this subject by the hon. Member for the Enfield Division on the 9th June last. From the time of Lord Chancellor Walker's direction to omit Mr. J. K. O'Connor's name from the next issue of the commission of the peace for the county Kerry no new commission was issued until about three months after his Lordship's death in August, 1911, and it-has now been ascertained that although Mr. O'Connor's name had been struck out of the official record kept in the Hanaper Office the name was inadvertently included in the commissions issued in the following November, and that in all eight commissions were issued before the name was in fact omitted, the last being dated the 16th February, 1912. Mr. O'Connor's position as a person disqualified by law from holding any judicial office could in no way be affected by any omission to remove his name from the commission. It would also appear that Mr. O'Connor ceased to attend Petty Sessions and act as a magistrate from the time he became disqualified in 1908.
asked the Chief Secretary on what information he stated on the 2lst June, 1912, that the late Lord Chancellor for Ireland had removed the name of Mr. J. K. O'Connor, of Castle-island, from the commission of the peace for the county of Kerry, as a result of the declaration of the Law made in the case of Rex (Matthew) v. M'Court, and which was pronounced on the 23rd of March, 1911; whether he is aware that in a letter to Pierce Gun Mahony, of Kilmurry, Castleisland, dated 26th April, 1911, after the decision in the case of Rex (Matthew) v. M'Court, the late Lord Chancellor declined to take any action with regard to the case of Mr. J. K. O'Connor on the grounds that the late Attorney-General, Lord Justice Cherry, had not reported the case of Mr. J. K. O'Connor, who had been reported for corrupt practices by Mr. Commissioner Maxwell at the Castleisland election petitions; and what correspondence has passed with reference to the case of Mr. J. K. O'Connor between Pierce Gun Mahony, of Kilmurry, Castleisland, and the Earl of Aberdeen, the Lord Chancellor's Department, and the Department of the Attorney-General for Ireland?
With regard to the first paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I have just given to a similar question. Assuming that Lord Chancellor Walker had declined in April, 1911, to take action with regard to the case of Mr. J. K. O'Connor, it is obvious that he changed his mind later on in the same year when he directed the omission of Mr. O'Connor's name from the Commission of the Peace. The correspondence of Lord Chancellor Walker with Mr. P. Gun Mahony is not now available.
Kerry County Council (Harbour Guarantees)
asked the Chief Secretary whether the amount retained from the Kerry County Council in respect of harbour guarantees during the years 1910 to 1914 is £2,020, an average of over £500 per annum, and about one-third of the total amount retained from all Ireland during this period; and whether, seeing that this charge has to be borne by the poorest and most congested portion of the county, he will take steps to have this money refunded to the county?
The statement contained in the first paragraph of the question is correct. As I have already stated, these abatements were made under Sub-section 5 of Section 58 of the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898, and I can hold out no-hopes that any portion may be refunded.
Monitors' Examination, County Kerry
asked the Chief Secretary on what grounds Miss Mary Ashe, Annascaul, county Kerry, was rejected at the examination for monitors held at Dingle, on 12th May, 1914, by Mr. Little, especially seeing that she was awarded a merit certificate, signed by the inspector and manager, as a result of the last annual examination, in which her record in all the subjects were excellent?
The Commissioners of National Education inform me that Miss Mary Ashe and two other girls underwent a competitive examination for two vacancies for monitors in accordance with Rule 130 of the Commissioners' Code. Miss Ashe only took third place and consequently was not appointed. All the candidates had merit certificates. The inspector did not certify that Miss Ashe's record was excellent in all subjects as alleged in the question.
Church Service Cinema Pictures, County Kerry
asked the Chief Secretary if he is aware that on Sunday, 31st May, three Royal Irish Constabulary constables attending divine service at the Roman Catholic Church, Cordal, Castle-island, county Kerry, left the church in the middle of the service, and that on the same date a cinematograph, worked by two strangers to the district, was placed in the centre of the public thoroughfare outside the church as the people were leaving the church, and at the same moment Mr. Gun Mahony, of Kilmurry House, accompanied by five Royal Irish Constabulary men, armed, went through the people; and will he say why the police were thus employed?
The police who are protecting Mr. Mahony escorted him to the Protestant church and then attended Divine service themselves at the Roman Catholic church at the same place. The service in the former was over shortly before that in the latter, so that Mr. Mahony's escort had to leave before the service was quite finished. Some photographers were taking photographs of the country people leaving both churches, and it appears they photographed Mr. Mahony and his escort, but the police had nothing to do with the matter, and were merely discharging the duty assigned to them. They did not facilitate in any way the operations of the photographers.
Army Service Corps (Sergeant James Haggaty)
asked the Secretary for War whether he will inquire into the circumstances in which Sergeant James Haggaty, of the Army Service Corps, was dismissed from the service on the 10th July; whether his dismissal was in any way connected with a charge of misappropriating stores for which he was tried and acquitted at Winchester in October last; and, if not, will he state why Haggaty's services were no longer required, seeing that he had served nearly fourteen years in the Army, and was given a good character by his commanding officer?
Sergeant Haggaty was tried and acquitted as stated. He had also been guilty of signing the name of an officer in the book as a voucher for the receipt of certain hay which was never traced. Under Section 92 Army Act a man can be discharged at any time when his services are no longer required, and this was done in Sergeant Haggaty's case. His character was no doubt assessed on ground that nothing definite was proved against him.
Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum
asked the Home Secretary who long the governor of Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum has held his present office?
The Superintendent of Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum was appointed to that office in November, 1910.
Prevention Of Corruption Act (Convictions)
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Return of convictions under the Prevention of Corruption Act in England and Wales from 1st January, 1911, to 31st December, 1913, may be expected?
If the hon. Baronet will move an Address for a Return the information will be given.
Shop Hours Act
asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that there are a number of hotels and boarding houses in Penzance who will not give effect to the Shop Hours Act; and what action he proposes to take?
No complaints have reached me on this subject, but if my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any cases in which it is alleged the Acts are being contravened I will communicate with the town council with whom the responsibility for their enforcement rests.
Railway Police Constables
also asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the London Electric Railway Company are employing Metropolitan policeman to work odd days as railway police constables on the rest days allowed by the recent Act of Parliament; and, having regard to the fact that this is a violation of the intention and spirit of this Act, which was to ensure at least one day's rest in seven, what action he proposes to take?
A few constables are employed on Sundays at two stations on the Hampstead Tube Railway, and on Saturday afternoons on the Great Central and Metropolitan Joint Railway for the purpose of regulating large crowds and preventing accidents. They are so employed, not on their weekly rest-day, but on other clays after they have completed their ordinary tour of duty.
Housing Acts (Skipton Division)
asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, he has received any complaint from the county council or from any parish council or parish meeting, or from any four inhabitant householders in the Skipton Parliamentary Division, that the local authority have failed hitherto to exercise their powers to enforce the proper carrying out of the Housing Acts; if he will give the estimated numbers of houses in the Bowland rural district on the 31st March, 1914, within the limit of rent, or the gross rental of which did not exceed the limit of rent, applicable to the district under Section 14 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909; if he will give the estimated number of houses in the Earby urban, Silsden urban, Skipton urban, Bowland rural, and Skipton rural districts on 31st March, 1914, in regard to which Section 15 of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, applied; whether he has yet received the report of his inspector concerning the fulfilment of the duties imposed by the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, upon the urban district coucils of Barnoldswick, Earby, Silsden, and Skipton and upon the rural districts of Bowland, Sedburgh, Settle, and Skipton; whether he will give a summary of its findings; and whether any representations have been made thereon to any of these councils and with what results?
The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative; the number of houses referred to in the second is 1,070. I am not able to give the numbers asked for in the third part of the question. I have received the reports of the inspector in regard to the several districts referred to, and have communicated with the council in each case in regard to the matters arising on the report. A summary of the reports and of subsequent action in the several cases cannot be given conveniently in brief form, but, if my hon. Friend desires it, I shall be prepared to supply him with a copy of the several communications addressed to the councils as a result of the reports.
Post Office
Inaccurate Telegram
asked the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the damage inflicted on Mr. T. Grant, of Brentford, by the inaccurate transmission of a telegram; whether there is any fund with which to compensate the general public under such circumstances; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of altering the law on the subject?
The precise cause of the inaccurate transmission of the telegram cannot be determined. No negligence can be shown, and although I regret that Mr. Grant has sustained loss, no fund has been placed at my disposal out of which he could be compensated. Telegraphy is not an exact art and I am not prepared to ask Parliament to alter the law.
New Romney Postman
asked the Postmaster-General whether he will take into consideration the long services of H. J. Edwards, who was town postman for New Romney, in Kent, for nearly thirty years and nearly forty-three years in the employ of the Post Office; and whether he can grant him a pension, even though he was not actually on the staff?
As Mr. Edwards was not an established officer he was not eligible for a pension. He has, however, been granted a gratuity under Section 4 of the Superannuation Act, 1887; and it is not possible to obtain for him any further Grant from public funds.
Marconi Wireless Company
asked the Postmaster-General whether, in view of the fact that the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, according to their last published report, have made a transfer of their assets and business to subsidiary companies, he will make inquiries as to the financial ability of the company to carry out their indemnity given to the Postmaster-General in section 21 of the company's contract with His Majesty's Government?
Presumably the hon. and gallant Member intended to refer to clause 22 of the agreement with the company. No reasons have been suggested to ma which make me think it necessary to make inquiry as to the ability of the company to carry out the indemnity referred to in the clause.
Trade Boards
asked the President of the Board of Trade how many Trade Board Act Provisional Order Acts have been passed since the coming into operation of the Trade Boards Act, 1908, stating as regards each the title, year, chapter, and the trade or trades to which it applies the Act of 1908; and the corresponding particulars as regards any Trade Boards Act Provisional Order Bills, including the Bill of the present Session, which have been introduced but have failed to pass into law?
One Act to confirm Provisional Orders under the Trade Boards Act, 1909, has been passed, namely, the Act of 1913 (3 and 4 Geo. 5, Ch. clxii.), which confirmed Provisional Orders relating to four trades, namely:—(1) Sugar confectionery and food preserving; (2) shirtmaking (3) hollow-ware making; and (4) linen and cotton embroidery. The trades are described more fully in the Act of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. The Bill to confirm the four Orders mentioned above also contained a fifth Order relating to "Calendering and Machine Ironing in Steam Laundries," which, however, was not confirmed. The only other Provisional Order made under the Trade Boards Act related to "Calendering and Machine Ironing in Laundries," the Bill to confirm which was introduced in the present Session and failed to pass into law.
German Shipping (Subsidies)
asked the President of the Board of Trade if the increased subsidies now given, or about to be given, by the German Government to German ships going to Australia amount to a larger sum than the subsidies given to British ships going to Australia; and, if so, how does the Government propose to neutralise the handicap on British trade and shipping?
As the hon. Member was informed, in reply to his question on this subject on the 15th July, inquiries are being made in the matter, but I shall not be in a position to make a statement for some little time.
Passenger Vessels (Manning)
asked the President of the Board of Trade, if he will, when the Merchant Shipping (Convention) Bill becomes law, make a rule under Clause S (3) that passenger steamers, to which the convention applies, shall not be deemed to be sufficiently and efficiently manned unless carrying a certificated master and at least three officers holding Board of Trade certificates for grades not lower than those held, respectively, by them on board the steamer?
I doubt if rules could be made under the provisions of Clause 8 of the Merchant Shipping (Convention) Bill to increase the number of certificated officers, which is at present fixed by Section 92 of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1894 as amended by Section 56 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906. I hope, however, shortly to introduce a Bill to deal with the question of certificated officers generally.
Montreal Central Terminal Company
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Montreal Central Terminal Company, having as its London committee Mr. C. Newhouse Armstrong, of 25, Hans Place, London, S.W., and Sir Thomas H. C. Troubridge, Bart., of 48, Great Cumberland Place, London, W., and having a London office at 363, Winchester House, E.C., has complied with all the requirements of Section 274 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908; can he say whether the issue of £1,028,800 First Mortgage Five per Cent. Bonds placed upon the British market was subscribed; and whether he has received any complaints that the requirements of the Section in question were evaded?
No documents have been filed with the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies by the Montreal Central Terminal Company under the provisions of Section 274 of the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1908, and no complaints have been received that the requirements of the Section have been evaded by this company. So far as the Board of Trade are aware, the company has not established a place of business within the United Kingdom so as to bring it within the provisions of Section 274, but I shall be glad to consider any information which the hon. Member may lay before me. I have no information as to whether the issue of £1,028,800 First Mortgage Five per Cent. Bonds was subscribed.
asked the Attorney-General whether any complaints have been lodged with the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding the manner in which the Montreal Central Terminal Company was attempted to be floated on the British market; if so, whether investigation has been made into these complaints; and what action will be taken?
No, Sir. No complaints have been received, and nothing is known in the Department of the Director of Public Prosecutions about this company.
Collooney, Ballina And Belmullet Railway And Piers Company
asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Collooney, Ballina, and Belmullet Railway and Piers Company is incorporated under the Companies (Consolidation) Act, 1808; and whether he can give the names of the directors, its spare capital, its registered office, and the objects for which it was formed?
This company was not incorporated under the Companies (Consolidation) Act, but by a special Act of 1907. The Act states the names of certain of the first directors, the authorised capital, and the objects of the company, the principal of which are the construction of railways and piers. The latest published returns show that of £2,250,000 authorised capital £100,300 had been paid up at the end of 1912. The principal office of the company appears to be in Winchester House, E.C.
Diseases Of Animals Act, 1894 (Orders)
asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the Board have adopted any view, opinion or attitude as to whether Subsection (2) of Section 49 of the Diseases of Animals Act, 1894, providing that every Order of the Board is to take effect as if enacted in that Act, does or does not make valid even any such Orders as, but for such provision, would be void as unauthorised by the terms of that or any Statute; if so, whether such view is that such provision does validate to the extent mentioned or the contrary; and, if not, whether, having regard to the importance of having a definite official construction of the said provision arrived at, he will refer the said question to the British and Irish Law Officers for their opinions?
I have no reason to doubt the validity of any Order which has been made by the Board, and no occasion has arisen for consulting the Law Officers on the hypothetical question suggested by my hon. Friend.
Store Cattle
asked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether he has received any representations from the South of Ireland Cattle Trade Association to the effect that the concessions announced by him are practically useless, as there is no sailing to Deptford, no regular sailing to Cardiff, and Bristol is principally for store cattle trade; whether, in the circumstances, he can immediately secure that Glasgow, Fishguard, and Birkenhead shall be open for the slaughter of fat stock, and that all other unnecessary restrictions will be removed?
The answer is in the affirmative. Probably the hon. Member, when he placed his question on the Paper, was not aware of the recrudescence of the disease in county Tipperary, a fact which affects the whole situation, and until further inquiries have been made I cannot say anything definite on the subject.
Strike Assaults (Glasgow)
asked the Secretary for Scotland if he has knowledge of three girls, of ages ranging from sixteen to nineteen years, having been sentenced to twenty days' imprisonment or fines for alleged assaults arising out of a strike at Messrs. John Horns, Glasgow; and whether, having regard to the character of the sentences and the youth of the girls, even assuming the charges to have been proven, he will have inquiry made into the whole circumstances of the case, including charges of sweating against the firm, which has work for the insurance committee and the education committee?
I have received a report from the magistrate who tried these cases. The accused were defended by a solicitor, and the fines have been paid. As the charges were for common assault, the circumstances of the strike did not enter into the case. I have no control over the contracts of the insurance committee or of the education committee if, as I assume, it is the local authority which is meant.
British Arts And Crafts Exhibition
asked the President of the Board of Education if the collection of British arts and crafts now exhibited in Paris at the Louvre is to be brought to London and exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum; if so, is it proposed to re-erect the scheme of decoration by Mr. Harry Wilson; and, if so, if he will state what educational advantage commensurate with the cost will be gained by the public?
If the owners of the objects are willing to lend them I will endeavour to arrange for their exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative, and the third part does not therefore arise.
Victoria And Albert Museum (Old Ceramic Gallery)
asked the President of the Board of Education if he is aware that the old Ceramic Gallery of the Victoria and Albert Museum has been closed to the public for two years; and if he can state when it will be reopened?
Progress in the work of preparing the old Ceramic Gallery for exhibition purposes has been greatly delayed owing to the dispute in the building trade. I am unable to state when the gallery will be reopened.