National Insurance Act Herbalists And Christian Scientists 72. Sir J. D. REES asked whether any insurance committee has allowed any arrangements under Section 15 (3) of the National Insurance Act with herbalists or Christian Scientists? Mr. MASTERMAN I have no information as to such arrangements, which are dependent on the discretion of the insurance committees. Sir J. D. REES Would the right hon. Gentleman not become aware of the extraordinary fact if any such arrangements were officially sanctioned by an insurance committee? Mr. MASTERMAN No; the insurance committees do not report to me particulars of those insured persons whom they allow to make their own arrangements. Sir J. D. REES Would he be so good as to make inquiries? Soldiers And Civil Employment 79. Major M'CALMONT asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether soldiers who decline to contribute under the National Insurance Act during the second period of their engagements are in any way penalised thereby on becoming compulsorily insured after returning to civil employment? Mr. MASTERMAN A soldier who re-engages for pension is in a similar position to a civilian who is employed but is entitled to claim a certificate of exemption. If a soldier on re-engagement does not elect to have deductions made from his pay he lapses from insurance, and if, on discharge, he subsequently re-enters into insurance he, like a civilian who has similarly lapsed from insurance, will have to undergo fresh waiting periods; but the fact that he has previously been insured will enable him to receive full benefits as explained in the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member on the 14th April. 81. Major M'CALMONT asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether soldiers, although contributing under the National Insurance Act, are debarred from receiving benefits under the Act on the ground that they receive corresponding benefits under the terms of their enlistment; and whether he can state what those corresponding benefits are? Mr. MASTERMAN I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for South Somerset on 27th January last. Medical Benefit 80. Major M'CALMONT asked what procedure has to be adopted by Irish insured persons who are members of Irish societies and who wish to obtain the medical benefits due to them in return for their increased contributions while temporarily employed in England; to whom must they give notice; and from whom do they receive the necessary instructions? Mr. MASTERMAN An Irish insured person coming to England should apply to the the clerk of the insurance committee of the area to which he comes, who will give him the necessary instructions. Major M'CALMONT How can an Irish insured person find out the local insurance area he may be in: to whom is application to be made? Mr. MASTERMAN He can always obtain the information from his approved society: generally I should think an application addressed to the municipal offices of the borough or county to which he has moved would secure it. Major M'CALMONT On the assumption that the insured person is taken suddenly ill, is there any means by which he can obtain medical benefit? Mr. MASTERMAN The insured person should give notice on arrival in this country so as to be insured for medical benefit. He would have to pay an extra amount, as he would not have been paying for medical benefit in Ireland. High Court (Salaries And Pensions) 73. Mr. WATT asked what is the amount paid annually to judges of the King's Bench Division of the High Court; and how much is paid annually in pensions to judges who have formerly administered justice in that Court? Mr. MASTERMAN I would refer the hon. Member to pages 47 and 56 of the Finance Accounts for 1911–12, where a full statement is given. Mr. WATT Would the particulars regarding the pensions be there too? Mr. MASTERMAN I think so, yes. Loss Of Steamship "Titanic" (Wreck Commissioner's Inquiry) 74. Mr. GINNELL asked on what grounds the Comptroller and Auditor-General has allowed extra fees to be paid to the Law Officers for their services on the "Titanic" Inquiry, that being non-contentious business, and such fees in addition to salary being payable only for contentious business? Mr. MASTERMAN The fees in question will only come under the review of the Comptroller and Auditor-General when he examines the Appropriation Account for the year in question, but the hon. Member is mistaken in thinking that the inquiry in question was not contentious business in the recognised meaning of the term. Marconi Select Committee 75. Mr. GINNELL asked how the cost of the Marconi Inquiry, apart from the production of the evidence in Blue Books, is made up; whether all the members of the Committee and all the witnesses are being paid; if so, on what scale; and, seeing that some Committees of this House are paid, others not, and that the House does not determine, who determines and by what rule? Mr. MASTERMAN Apart from the cost of printing the Blue Book, expenditure is incurred on shorthand writing, in printing daily copies of the evidence for the use of Members, in preparing documents for the Committee, and for incidental expenses, chiefly Press cuttings. No members of the Select Committee or witnesses have been paid. With regard to the last part of the question, I am not aware of any Committee of the House whose members are paid as such. Mr. JOHN WARD Is it a fact that over £160 has been paid in distributing Press cuttings to members of this Committee alone? Mr. MASTERMAN I should like to have notice of that. Housing Of Working Classes Act (Ireland) 83. Mr. DANIEL BOYLE asked the Secretary to the Treasury whether the application of the Ballina Urban District Council, county Mayo, for a loan of £8,150, under the Housing of the Working Classes Act, was sanctioned a considerable time ago, the Local Government Board recommending a first instalment of £2,500 to be advanced some months ago; and, seeing that repeated applications have since been made by the urban council for this payment without result, thus preventing the council entering into possession of the site and the contractor being ready to proceed with building operations in the most suitable period of the year, and delaying the provision of this urgently needed housing accommodation, will he state the cause of this delay and when the urban council may expect payment of the first instalment? Mr. MASTERMAN The sanction of the Local Government Board only relates to the power of the local authority to borrow money. The application of the urban district council for a loan is now under the consideration of the Treasury, which requires to be satisfied as to the security for the punctual repayment of the principal and interest of the loan, and correspondence is proceeding on this point. Irish Provident Assurance Company 84. Mr. GINNELL asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Board has been able to ascertain the approximate date at which the assets of the Irish Provident Assurance Company may be distributed? The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Buxton) I am informed by the solicitors acting for the liquidator of the Irish Provident Assurance Company, Limited, that they hope to be in a position to apply to the Court before the Long Vacation for liberty to pay a preliminary dividend to the creditors. British Steamship Contracts Abroad 85. Sir J. D. REES asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that orders for three large passenger and cargo steamers have been given to a French company at Dunkirk; that this contract has been placed in France because the total cost will be less than that of building in this country, notwithstanding the fact that rough castings of the machinery are being sent from this country and paying the French import duties; whether this loss of employment to the British workmen is due to the continual burdens cast upon employers in this country by recent legislation; and, if so, what steps the Government propose to take to keep British contracts for British workmen? Mr. BUXTON I have seen statements in the Press relative to this matter, and I note that the difficulty of securing early delivery is stated to have been one of the reasons for the contract being placed outside the United Kingdom. As the quantity of work in hand in British shipbuilding yards at the end of March was greater than has ever before been recorded in Lloyd's quarterly returns, there does not appear any occasion for concern. Sir J. D. REES Does the right hon. Gentleman allow that the burdens cast upon the manufacturers of this country have anything to do with this transfer of contracts? Mr. BUXTON No, I do not allow that. Cost Of Living (Report) 86. Mr. PIKE PEASE asked when the Report on the cost of living in the United Kingdom, which has been in preparation for some years, and whose publication was promised for the spring of this year, will be issued? Mr. BUXTON It is not the case that this Report has been in preparation for some years. The inquiry was begun in 1912, but was delayed in the early stages by various causes beyond the control of the Department, including the coal strike and the outbreak of cattle disease, which affected prices of fuel and meat. It was not until May, 1912, that the local investigation could be actually begun, since which time very satisfactory progress has been made, and I still hope that publication will take place before the end of the present spring. Mr. PIKE PEASE I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether a considerable portion of the results of this investigation was given in the evidence of Mr. Barnes before the Committee on Postmen's Wages, and whether he will lay a copy of the Memorandum on the Table? Mr. BUXTON As the question is under the consideration of the Committee I cannot see my way to lay the Memorandum on the Table. Shipmaster's Certificate 87. Mr. PETO asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the case of Mr. A. Smith, junior, who, just after Christmas last, presented himself for examination for master's certificate and passed, both in colour and form division, and was granted his certificate, and who has since been studying for the voluntary grade of extra master, and who, on presenting himself for examination in colour and form division on the 4th instant, failed to pass the new lantern test; and whether in such a case the master's certificate already granted will be taken away? The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. J. M. Robertson) This candidate for an extra master's certificate was not failed, but was referred by the local examiner for a special examination in London, which he passed, and therefore no question as to his certificate arises. Royal Commission (Circuit System) 90. Mr. PETO asked the Attorney-General whether any change in the circuit system advocated by the Royal Commission now sitting will affect only civil and not criminal business; if so, whether it is proposed to concentrate civil business in only a few centres; and whether he proposes to consult the House before any final decision is arrived at? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Rufus Isaacs) The Royal Commission has not yet advocated any change in the circuit system. I understand the matter is still under the consideration of the Commissioners, who have not yet arrived at any definite conclusions with regard to it. I cannot answer the last question until I know the recommendation of the Commission. Mr. PETO Is it not a fact that communications in the terms of the question have already been made to the local bodies concerned? Sir RUFUS ISAACS Not that I know of. St Margaret's Church, Westminster 91. Sir HENRY CRAIK asked the hon. Member for the Doncaster Division, as representing the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, if he will state upon whose initiation, and upon what grounds, the Commissioners drew up a scheme on the 6th of March, 1913, seriously altering the relations between the subsidiary church of St. John's and the church of St. Margaret's, Westminster, which is the parochial church of the House of Commons; whether this scheme, overturning the relations which have existed under Statute since the year 1714 was submitted for His Majesty's approval without any opportunity being given to those who, during the vacancy in the incumbency of St. Margaret's, represented that parish and congregation; and what steps the Commissioners propose now to take to rescind this scheme, by which injury has been done to a church specially connected with this House, and to repair the effect of this irregularity in their administration? Sir CHARLES NICHOLSON The scheme of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners effects a release of the benefice of St. John the Evangelist, Westminster, from an annual payment of £17 8s. 11d., charged thereon under a Local Act of 1714, in favour of the Rector of St. Margaret, Westminster, as part of the emoluments of the latter benefice. The proposal was made to the Commissioners by the Rector of St. John's with the consent of the First Lord of the Treasury as exercising, on behalf of the Crown, the patronage of each of the two benefices. The Commissioners were satisfied that in the present circumstances of these benefices it was reasonable that the charge should be abolished. The consents necessary to the scheme were those of the patron and the bishop, and these were given; the approval of representatives of the parish or congregation of St. Margaret's was not required and the scheme was not submitted to them. There has been no irregularity in the proceedings of the Commissioners and they do not propose to take any steps to rescind the scheme, which has been ratified by Order of His Majesty in Council. Sir H. CRAIK As the initiative was taken by one of the parties interested, does it not to a great extent lessen the value of that initiative and suggestion; further, is the hon. Member aware that the Bishop of London exercises no jurisdiction whatever over the parochial church of the House of Commons, namely, St. Margaret's, and that his Lordship can only exercise that power by bringing himself within the terms of the Act of Præmunire? Sir C. NICHOLSON The Bishop of London has certainly been consulted in this matter. I do not see that the application being made by one of the parties invalidates the matter. Sir H. CRAIK Is it not the case that the Bishop of London has no jurisdiction whatever over the rectory of St. Margaret's? Sir C. NICHOLSON I am afraid I must ask for notice of that. Mr. KING Are the rights of Members of this House to attend St. Margaret's interfered with in any way? Sir C. NICHOLSON Not that I am aware of. Carrying Firearms 92. Mr. TOUCHE asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can say when it is proposed to introduce the Bill for restrictive legislation respecting the carrying of firearms? 95. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to in- troduce the non-controversial Bill, promised on the 13th January last, restricting the use of firearms; and whether he is aware that since that date three policemen have been killed by criminals armed with revolvers? 99. Mr. WILES also asked the Home Secretary when he proposes to introduce the Bill restricting the sale of firearms, promised last Session? The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Ellis Griffith) I should be very glad to pass this Bill during this Session if time can be found, but I cannot make any definite statement at present. Dartmoor Convict Prison 93. Colonel BURN asked how many convicts there were in Dartmoor prison from 1st January to 31st December, 1912? Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH The average number in custody was 989. Suffragist Meetings 94. Mr. NEWMAN asked the number of constables in the Metropolitan area that were detailed for special duty on Sunday, 20th instant, in connection with public meetings held or attempted to be held on behalf of the agitation for female suffrage; the approximate hours that such constables were on duty; and what compensation, extra pay, or allowance is granted to constables who are thus called on to lose their Sunday holiday? Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH It would be contrary to practice, and I do not think it would be in the public interest, to state the number of constables employed and the hours they were on duty on the occasion referred to. No extra pay or allowance is given to the constables so employed, but they will be compensated for any loss of leave on the day in question by being given leave on another day. Central Criminal Court (Undefended Prisoners) 96. Mr. FRANCIS MEEHAN asked whether, seeing that in the case of prisoners being tried under the Criminal Law they are supplied with counsel to defend them, except under certain conditions, he will state these conditions and take the necessary steps to amend the law in relation to the defence of all prisoners, regardless of class, position, or means? Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH The Poor Prisoners Defence Act, 1903, lays down the conditions on which legal assistance may be provided for poor prisoners at the public cost. The Act appears to work satisfactorily, and I am not aware of any ground for proposing new legislation. Jury System (Royal Commission) 97. Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUART asked (1) whether the Report of the Commission on the Jury System has yet been issued; and, if not, what is the reason of the delay; and (2) whether a Bill will be introduced to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Jury System; and, if so, whether that Bill will be proceeded with immediately in order to give the relief, if recommended by the Commission, so urgently required for jurymen throughout the country? Mr. ELLIS GRIFFITH I understand that the Committee will present their Report very shortly. There has been no undue delay. Until I have seen their Report I cannot say whether a Bill will be introduced or not. Telegraphic Facilities (Dorking) 100. Mr. TOUCHE asked the Postmaster-General if he can explain why a telegram dispatched from London to Westcott, near Dorking, in Surrey, takes longer to reach Westcott than a passenger who travels from London to Dorking by a South-Eastern or Brighton line train and walks from Dorking to Westcott; is he aware that it has been found that reliance cannot be placed on telegrams dispatched shortly before a train starts from London directing a motor car to meet the passenger on arrival at Dorking station, as the telegrams take longer than the trains to get through; that on Saturday, 19th April, a telegram marked as having been handed in at Victoria, at 10.8 a.m., announcing that a passenger would arrive at Dorking station at 11.16, in order that a motor car might be in waiting, is marked as having reached Westcott post office at 11.40 a.m., having taken one hour and thirty-two minutes to transmit; and, in view of the delays on this line, will he inquire, whether the telegraph service to Westcott can be improved? The POSTMASTER-GENERAL (Mr. Herbert Samuel) Telegrams from London to Westcott are normally sent to Dorking and thence to Westcott, but on the 19th instant there was an interruption in electrical communication between London and Dorking, and telegrams from London for Dorking had to be diverted to Leather-head. The result was an accumulation of telegrams and unusual delay both in London and at Leatherhead. The telegram to which the hon. Member refers was one of the telegrams thus delayed. In normal circumstances the service to Westcott appears satisfactory. Post Office And Cheques 101. Mr. PETO asked whether cheques are not accepted at the post office for quarterly payments for insurance stamps; and whether he will arrange that in future, when cheques are tendered for these payments by people whose cheques are habitually taken by the same post office in payment for game licences, servants' and carriage licences, they shall be accepted in payment for insurance stamps? Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL The hon. Member is under a misapprehension, as cheques are accepted at post offices in payment for insurance stamps on certain conditions of guarantee or delay. Cheques are accepted unconditionally in payment of licences because the service or privilege covered by the licence is ear-marked to the licensee and the value of any dishonoured cheque can readily be recouped. Outdoor Relief 102. Sir JOSEPH WALTON asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in considering an application for relief by an applicant residing with relatives not legally liable to maintain the applicant, the guardians are justified in granting outdoor relief to such applicant if before doing so they satisfy themselves by inquiry into the condition and circumstances of the applicant that the applicant is wholly unable to maintain himself or herself, that the relatives with whom the applicant is residing derive no benefit from the residence of the applicant with them by reason of services rendered or otherwise, and that if outdoor relief is refused the applicant must be brought into the workhouse; and whether they are also bound to inquire into the earnings and income and means of support of such relatives and to take the same into consideration in deciding the question as to whether the applicant is or is not destitute within the meaning of the circular letter of the Local Government Board of 18th March, 1910? The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Herbert Lewis) In determining the question whether Poor Law relief can be given to any applicant a board of guardians must have regard to the circumstances of the particular case. The view taken by the Local Government Board has been that in determining whether a person is in need of relief the guardians would properly have regard to the means of support possessed by or provided for the appliacant from whatever source such means may be derived. Women County Councillors 104 and 105. Sir CHARLES HENRY asked (1) the number of women at present members of county councils in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales; and (2) the number of women qualified to vote at the different elections for county councils held this year, and the number that actually voted? Mr. HERBERT LEWIS I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the latest Return available showing the number of women entitled to vote at county council elections in England and Wales. My jurisdiction does not extend to Scotland and Ireland. Information as to the number of women who voted at the last county council elections and of the number of women members of county councils at the present time is not available. Milk (Artificial Colouring) 106. Mr. CHARLES BATHURST asked whether, in view of the fact that all or very nearly all the milk sold in London is artificially coloured by annatto to look like the milk of Jersey cows, and that thereby a false standard of quality is set up and London consumers deceived thereby, he will issue an Order from his Department prohibiting the dyeing of milk and thus enable householders to judge of the quality of the milk by its appearance as it leaves the cow? Mr. HERBERT LEWIS Under the existing law the Local Government Board are not empowered to take action with regard to the process of colouring milk referred to in the question. As the hon. Member has no doubt observed, this is one of the matters in respect of which my right hon. Friend proposes to take power to make Regulations under the Milk and Dairies Bill. Mr. C. BATHURST Does that mean that the President of the Local Government Board does not object to the London milk being artificially coloured? Mr. H. LEWIS That matter will be considered in connection with the Regulations for the area. German Manufacturers Of War Munitions Mr. COWAN I beg to ask the Prime Minister a question, of which I have given him private notice, whether his attention has been called to the allegations made in the German Reichstag on Friday and Saturday last to the effect that certain manufacturers of munitions of war systematically endeavour through the Press and otherwise, to influence public opinion in favour of increased warlike armaments, thereby endangering the peace of the world for their own pecuniary profit; and whether, to guard against a similar danger in this country, he will consider the advisability of nationalising on fair terms all existing establishments for the manufacture of munitions of war and of making such manufacture for the future a Government monopoly? The PRIME MINISTER I have seen what has appeared on this subject in the public Press. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative. Mr. PIRIE Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in Great Britain alone there are four armament firms with a capital of £23,000,000, and therefore is not the danger indicated by my hon. Friend a very real one? Have the Government no answer to that?