I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if he can state the number of persona "shadowed" and the number "watched" in Ireland for each or any of the three weeks ending 21st June?

In answer to the question, I have to say that the number of persons in Ireland who are now permanently watched by the police in the manner which I presume is indicated by the word "shadowed" is, in all, 12. This applies to the whole of Ireland, and I must respectfully decline to give information with reference to any particular locality. As regards those who may be so watched on particular occasions or at particular times and places, it would be difficult and, on the whole, inexpedient in the public interests to attempt to make any detailed statement.

Is there a category of persons casually "shadowed"?

The hon. Member must know that certain persons are observed by the police at particular times and places.

Are there not more than 12 persons who are being "shadowed" in Tipperary alone?

No, Sir; not permanently watched.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of those who are "shadowed"?

No, Sir. That would defeat the object for which the observation is carried on.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether any instructions have been issued to the Royal Irish Constabulary during the past 12 months respecting their action in relation to public meetings, evictions, the watching or "shadowing" of persons, and boycotting; and, if so, whether he will lay copies of such instructions upon the Table?

Instructions of the nature in question have been issued. But it would be contrary to the invariable practice of every Government to lay copies of them upon the Table or otherwise publish them. Such a course would be highly inexpedient in the public interest.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. John Cullinan, of Bansha, County Tipperary, was summoned by Sheriff's order to attend as a juror at the Quarter Sessions held at Clonmel on the 23rd instant, and, on attending, was followed all day by Constable Gurry, who went into the Court when Mr. Cullinan entered it, and left it when he left, and travelled back by the same train, always keeping him under surveillance; and whether, inasmuch as Mr. Cullinan was obliged to answer the summons as a juror under a penalty of £50, he will explain how it happened that he was shadowed by the police while obeying the summons of a Court of Justice?

The circumstances under which Mr. Cullinan went to Clonmel were not known.

As Clonmel is more than 20 miles from Tipperary, where Mr. Cullinan was charged with boycotting, was it necessary to persecute him while he was engaged in the performance of his duty?

I have stated that the Police Authorities were not aware that Mr. Cullinan went to Clonmel in order to act as a juror.

Is this one of the 12 persons who are permanently shadowed wherever they go and whatever they do?

The only further information in my possession as to Mr. Cullinan is that in 1881 he was imprisoned under the Protection of Person and Property Act; in July, 1888, he was imprisoned for unlawfully inciting to crime, and last year he was imprisoned in default of bail.

Is it not the fact that on the last occasion the Magistrates declared that they could not find Mr. Cullinan guilty of the charge made against him?

I am not aware.

Does the Chief Secretary propose to shadow everybody who was imprisoned in 1881?

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether, on the 20th of May last, Mr. T. W. French, R.M., sitting at Tullock Petty Sessions, fined Mr. Joseph Riley for having a dog without a licence, and compelled him to take out a licence; whether it has since been proved to the satisfaction of the police that the dog belonged to a Mr. M'Aloon, and was licensed; and if the expenses incurred by Mr. Riley will be refunded to him?

I am informed that Mr. Joseph Riley was fined 1s. and ordered to take out a licence for the dog. He produced no evidence in Court to the effect that the dog belonged to Mr. M'Aloon, and was licensed at the time; nor has anything since transpired to lead the police to believe that his contention is well-founded.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he has seen a paragraph in the Scotsman of the 25th instant, in which the following passage occurs:—

"One day, recently, Miss Holmes, daughter of Rev. Mr. Holmes, Presbyterian minister, at Tipperary, was returning home to the manse after doing some shopping, when she was attacked by a brutal crowd and horribly cut about the head ";

The Constabulary Authorities report that the daughter of the rev. gentleman mentioned was, while on her way home, after purchasing some goods at a boycotted shop at Tipperary, attacked by some people, and stones thrown at her, striking her on the back. So far as the police are aware, her head was not injured.

Did the molestation consist of this: that on returning from a boycotted shop, this lady was remonstrated with by two girls for having dealt at that shop; that when the young lady threatened them with the police, the girls stated that they did not care; that next day, when she was accompanied by policemen, some children and girls attacked the police, when it was stated that the attack might be misinterpreted; and that since that time Mr. Holmes and his daughter had walked the streets of Tipperary every day without molestation or interference?

My information does not bear out the information laid before the hon. Member.

I will repeat the question.

May I ask whether, in view of this practice of remonstrating with people who have a right to purchase where they like, adequate protection will be given to persons like Miss Holmes?

Certainly.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to a case which came on appeal before County Court Judge Richards at Swinford, County Mayo, on 16th June, in which the County Court Judge is reported to have stated that—

"It was purely a decree for shop goods, and I do not find that there is any disposition on the part of the jurors of this country to refuse to convict for rescue if a proper case he established. On the contrary, as many of the jurors are shopkeepers, they would rather he inclined to go against a person charged with rescue than in his favour. Under these circumstances, why the Constitutional Law is not resorted to I find it really impossible to make out;"

"That the District Inspector intended to take proceedings under the ordinary law; but I understand that, by instructions from headquarters, he was directed to proceed under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act;"

I am informed that the statements in the question as to what occurred before the learned County Court Judge are correct. The statement, however, attributed to the solicitor for the defendants, is not correct. The prosecution was instituted by direction of the Divisional Commissioner, and not in consequence of instructions from headquarters. In answer to the last paragraph of the question, I have to say that the case will not appear in the Returns referred to.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that, in the case of Mr. John Lyons, a merchant of Portumna, and three other men, who are at present undergoing a sentence of two months' imprisonment with hard labour, on the charge of intimidating James Mitchel, Mitchel, when produced as a witness by the Crown, swore that he did not know any of the defendants, that they had never intimidated him, or attempted to do so, and that they had never, in any way, attempted to induce him not to buy Dillon's hay; and if he will consider the advisability of releasing them from prison?

I must refer the hon. Member to the answer already given by my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary. The case did not depend on the evidence of any single witness, and it was fully re-heard on appeal when the conviction was affirmed by the County Court Judge. It is, of course, open to the prisoners or any person on their behalf to petition the Lord Lieutenant for their release, but the Chief Secretary sees no reason to suggest such a course.

As the question is practically unanswered I beg to give notice that I will repeat it.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether the sums entered as "Allowances" under Sub-head D of Vote 19, Class III., Civil Service Estimates, are in addition to the salaries entered under "Pay," under Sub-head C of the same Vote, to the County and District Inspectors of the Royal Irish Constabulary?

Yes, Sir.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland in what manner (whether by examination, length of service, or any other method), appointments are made to the positions in the Royal Irish Constabulary of County Inspectors, District Inspectors of each class, head constables and sergeants; and whether there are any maximum or minimum limits of age in each of these ranks; and, if so, what are they?

I beg to refer the hon. Member to my reply to a similar question put by the hon. Member for the Rushcliffe Division of Nottingham (Mr. J. E. Ellis), on the 25th July last, which will be found fully reported in Hansard.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland, with reference to allegations relative to the charges of forgery and fraud made against Sergeant Lord, of Lorrha, County Tipperary, he will state what action is to be taken in the matter; whether, in addition to the presumptive evidence afforded as to the money being due to the complainant Maher by the offer of payment to him by Mr. Doolan, J.P., there is evidence that Lord himself subsequently came to Maher begging to have the charge withdrawn, and tendering payment, and also sent Constable Edwards, of Carrigahorig, to the complainant with the same object, he will take into account that a fraud has been committed on the Police Authorities, and money obtained by the presentation of a forged, voucher; and whether, in the interests of justice, the Government will direct the Attorney General to consider the case?

There was no presumptive evidence in this case except a statement which, having regard to former proceedings, cannot be accepted as trustworthy. The police have been engaged in prosecuting an inquiry, but they have as yet found nothing to bring under the notice of the Government.

Is there any objection to put to Maher the simple question, whether he signed the voucher or not?

I am sure that the Constabulary Authorities will take every proper step.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether any report has been made by the police officer of Gorey district to the Police Authorities in Dublin Castle against Police Sergeant Jervis, of Gorey, for drunkenness in the public streets in January last; if so, what action has been taken by the authorities in reference to the charge?

The Constabulary Authorities, assuming that this question relates to the case of Sergeant Ferris, report that, in accordance with the rule in such cases, he received an unfavourable record.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if he is aware that a police constable from Courtown, County Wexford, recently left with Mr. William Bolyer, tailor, of Gorey, material for a suit of plain clothes, for which he was measured; whether, subsequently, this constable was ordered by Head Constable M'Cormack, his superior officer, to cancel the order and take away the stuff; and, if so, what was the reason for the head constable giving such an order; and whether the sub-constable has cancelled the contract?

The Constabulary Authorities report that the head constable never gave any such order as that alleged in the question, and that he has not cancelled his contract with the tailor who has the cloth in his possession.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if he is aware that on Friday, 20th June, James Redmond, victualler, and two other men were about entering the Gorey Railway Station, when a police constable named Harper ran to the entrance and knocked Redmond down, and that Redmond sustained such severe injuries that he was unable to transact business next day; if he can state what excuse the constable gives for the attack; and whether it is true that the constable has served Redmond and his companions with a summons for assault?

I am informed that the facts are not as stated in the first paragraph; but as the circumstances will be judicially investigated at the hearing of the summonses against Redmond and another, I must ask to be excused from making any detailed statement at present.

Is it not the fact that this man was attacked simply and solely because ho is a strong Nationalist?

My information does not enable me to answer that question.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether he is aware that a flagstaff with a large green flag floating from it has been erected at the head of William O'Brien Street, Tipperary, in the same place where two flags have been recently successively torn down by the police; and why, if the police thought it wrong that the former flags should be placed there, do they permit the present flag to remain?

The Constabulary Authorities report that it is not the case that the flagstaff has been erected in the same place where those recently removed had been. The present staff has been erected in a field which is private property, and no obstruction to the public way has been created. It has, accordingly, not been interfered with.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that on the 19th instant, Nicholas Delany, Street Inspector of the town of Tipperary was pushed off the footpath by Sub-Constable Earl, who said, in reply to Delany's remonstrance, "I do not give a damn what you are," and afterwards, when Delany stopped to make some notes in his book, came up to him saying, "I told you before to leave the flags," when Delany was obliged to go on to the roadway; and that three hours afterwards an acting sergeant removed Delany from the street, and subsequently arrested him; whether any charge has been brought against Delany since; and have any difficulties been thrown in the way of his obtaining the name of the policeman who arrested him, with a view of a prosecution?

Can a policeman order any man to move on if he is not causing an obstruction or interfering with the due and proper use of the street? Suppose that I am the only person on a footpath, is a policeman at liberty to order me to move on? Have I not the right to remain there if I please?

Is it not the fact that groups of persons are in the habit of surrounding particular shops in order to boycott persons who desire to go into them?

No policeman has a right to interfere with any man in the street unless he is causing an obstruction; but in this case I am informed that the footpath was obstructed, and the persons obstructing it were, therefore, asked to move on.

May I ask if there is any justification for the insinuation conveyed in the question of the hon. Member for South Tyrone (Mr. T. W. Russell); is it not a common practice for labourers to stand about the streets awaiting hire; and if three or four of such labourers were on the wide footpath would it constitute an obstruction in the estimation of the police and of the authorities?

The amount of obstruction must be judged by the Police Authorities according to the circumstances. In this case I have no information as to the amount of obstruction.

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that in this case there was obstruction?

I have no means of satisfying myself as to this matter of fact. The police were in the belief that there was obstruction.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the resolutions passed at a public meeting held in Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh, in which, after stating,

"That the occupiers of land in the valley of the Sillies River, in County Fermanagh, suffer serious loss from sudden floods year after year. That they are willing and anxious to contribute according to their means to the cost of such works of arterial drainage as would remove, or substantially diminish, the evils to which they are exposed,"

I am not in a position to answer the question, but inquiry will be made.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland, in reference to the removal of Mr. Jasper Tully, editor of the Roscommon Herald, from Sligo Gaol to Tullamore Gaol, if he can state what is the usual custom in regard to the removal of a prisoner from one gaol to another; and what was the reason for the removal of Mr. Tully in this case?

I am informed that the usual custom is that in any case where a prisoner's connections or associations with a district are such as, in the opinion of the General Prisons Board, to be calculated to interfere with the due maintenance of discipline in the local prison, his transfer to another prison is made. On this general principle the transfer of Mr. Jasper Tully from Sligo to Tullamore was carried out.

This question about the conduct of Magistrates in inflicting short sentences in order to deny to the prisoner the right of appeal has been frequently raised, and I would ask the right hon. and learned Gentleman whether, as responsible head of the administration of the law in Ireland, he will express an opinion to the Magistrates that they ought not, in cases of a political complexion, to deprive prisoners of the right of appeal?

I should be going entirely beyond my duty if I expressed such an opinion.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the applications for increases of sentences are usually opposed by the Crown?

No, I am not aware of any such usual course.

Then I am.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Act was obtained on the express understanding that an appeal should be allowed in every case?

No.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if in April last he received a largely signed Memorial from the inhabitants of Glen-hest, Newport, County Mayo, asking that a post office should be established in that district; stating that as many as 160 families would be benefited by the proposed post office, the nearest existing one at present being at Newport, which is five miles away from Glenhest; and if the Postmaster General can now say if he has favourably considered the Memorial addressed to him?

The subject to which the hon. Member refers has been carefully considered, but it appears that there are only eight or nine letters a day for Glenhest and the neighbourhood, and I regret that the establishment of a post office, as desired, would entail expense quite disproportionate to the Revenme front these letters. Indeed, the postal service to Newport, where the Glenhest letters are called for, already exceeds the entire Revenue.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General, with reference to his assurance that length of service would be considered in promotions in the Telegraph Department of the Belfast Post Office, what were the actual periods of service of the officials recently promoted: how many clerks were senior to the promoted clerks in point of service; can he state whether they had satisfactorily discharged their duties, what are their respective periods of service, and why they were passed over; and whether their length of service will constitute an effective claim in case of future promotions in the Department?

The service of the telegraphists recently promoted at Belfast ranges from eight to 20 years. For promotion from the first class of telegraphists to the class of clerks the number passed over was three; and for promotion from the second to the first class of telegraphists the number passed over was seven. Speaking generally, they had discharged their duties satisfactorily; but these duties wore not the duties which they would have had to discharge if promoted, and I was assured that for any higher duties they are not qualified. It was on this account that I felt constrained to pass them over. Their service ranges from 11 to 33 years. Length of service, great as is the weight I attach to it, is not alone a sufficient reason for promotion where the necessary qualifications are wanting. All, therefore, that I can say is that if the officers who have now been passed over should qualify themselves for the higher duties, it will give me great pleasure to promote them as opportunity offers.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the want of post office accommodation at Berkhampstead; and whether he will take the necessary steps to meet the growing requirements of that town?

My attention has been called to the need for a better post office at Berkhampstead, and, the postmaster-ship being vacant, inquiries are now being made with a view to the appointment of some suitable person who is in a position to provide adequate and convenient accommodation for the duties.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if Friendly Societies' circulars to their members, reminding them of arrears of subscriptions, which must necessarily vary as to the amounts therein stated as due, are properly considered as being of "the nature of a letter," and consequently liable to 1d. postage; and, if so, will he propose an alteration in the regulations, which will enable such circulars to go for one ½d. through the post?

This question has been repeatedly asked' and answered during the present Parliament. AH circulars are letters, but they are letters which, being sent in identical terms to a number of persons at the same time, are permitted to pass at the book rate of postage. Alterations in the existing regulations have been suggested which would meet the case of the Friendly Societies' notices, and I am at the present time in correspondence with the Treasury upon the subject.

Will the alteration apply to Trade Societies as well as to Friendly Societies?

I do not think I ought to anticipate any particulars of a statement I may have to make. But I hope I may be able to do so in a few days.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, although by virtue of the 37 Vic. c. 15, the sending of a telegram with the view of obtaining information or advice with respect to any event or contingency of, or relating to, any horse race, or other race, for the purpose of any bet or wager, is an offence punishable by imprisonment with hard labour for any term not exceeding two calendar months, many such telegrams, the illegal character of which is apparent on the face of them, are daily sent through the Post Office; and whether he will give directions that such illegal telegrams should be stopped?

The Act 37 Vic. c. 15, does not make punishable the sending of a telegram with a view' of obtaining information or advice with respect to a horse race for the purpose of a bet or wager. What it makes punishable is a telegram published with intent to induce any person to apply to a person or to a house or place with a view of obtaining information or advice for the purpose of a bet or wager, or with respect to a horse race or similar contingency. The illegality consists practically in the invitation to bet, or to apply for information with a view to betting, not in the seeking of information or in the betting itself. I am referring, of course, to Section 3 of the 37th Vic. c. 15.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is usual that near relatives of persons found lunatic by inquisition should be appointed acting Committees, whose reversionary interest in the lunatic's property may give rise to antagonistic motives and family differences prejudicially affecting the recovery and welfare of the lunatic and his chance of procuring a supersedeas; and whether a Return of the numbers of any such cases at present existing under the control of the Lunacy Commissioners can be made to this House?

I am informed by the Lord Chancellor that it is frequently the case that near relatives of persons found lunatic by inquisition are appointed acting Committees; they are in most cases the best appointments that can be made, and not seldom the only possible Committees. The Masters in Lunacy, and the Judges who exercise jurisdiction in such matters, are well aware of the difficulties naturally inherent in the selection of these Committees, and they are most careful in making the appointments. It would not be desirable, having regard to the delicate personal considerations involved in these cases, to make such a Return as is proposed, but if any particular case should give occasion to doubts in the mind of my hon. Friend as to the welfare of any particular person, full inquiry will at once be made.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Commissioners of Prisons have made known to the clerks serving in Her Majesty's prisons the Report of the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into their complaints?

also asked whether the Departmental Committee have recommended that the prison clerks, having paid an examination fee of £3 under the Order in Council of 12th Marth, 1879, shall be placed upon the scale of pay carrying the maximum provided by that Order in Council?

I will answer this question and that of the hon. Member for St. Pancras at the same time. As soon as a decision has been arrived at upon the Report of the Departmental Committee, that decision will be made known to the clerks. The matter has been delayed because complicated and difficult questions arise in connection with any alteration of the status of this particular class of prison officials; but, I hope, with the concurrence of the Treasury, to arrive at a satisfactory solution. The Committee have not made any recommendation to the effect stated by the hon. Member for St. Pancras.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has seen the report in the Daily News, of the 24th instant, of the case of a man named Jones, who was tried before Mr. Warry, Q.C., at the London County Sessions, sitting at Clerken-well, charged with stealing a purse containing 2s. 4d., and, on conviction, was sentenced by Mr. Warry to 10 years' penal servitude, and from which it appears that the prosecution failed to prove that Jones was seen to take the purse or ever had it in his possession; whether he is aware that the same Magistrate on the following day sentenced another man to 10 years' penal servitude for having stolen an overcoat; and if he will consider the advisability of remitting some portion of this sentence?

I am informed by I the Deputy Chairman that the evidence showed that there were three men en-in the robbery, the third escaping doubtless with the purse, which has not been recovered. The woman who was robbed swore most positively that Jones and a man named Arnold were the men who stole her purse, and the Jury, without hesitation, found both prisoners guilty. The record of previous convictions showed that the prisoner Jones had for the last 18 years been an habitual thief. There were four very experienced Magistrates on the bench, and they unanimously agreed with the Chairman in thinking that 10 years' penal servitude was the proper punishment to inflict, and I see no reason for advising any interference with that decision. The Chairman has not yet placed me in possession of the facts in the case of the man who stole the overcoat. I will in due course acquaint the hon. Member with my decision in that case.

Would the right hon. Gentleman kindly inform the House how much this man is convicted of having stolen in the course of his career, and how long he has been in prison?

He began in 1869 with eight years' penal servitude for stealing a purse. Then followed a number of other convictions, but I have not all the cases with me.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that much dissatisfaction has arisen, not only from the short and imperfect notices, received by the people interested of the visits of the members of the West Highlands and Islands Commission during their recent inspections, but also on account of the flippant manner and hostile cross-examination indulged in when the people appeared to give evidence, or offered to do so; whether it is the fact that large public meetings, particularly in Barra and Harris, have condemned these proceedings of the Commissioners; whether any written instructions were issued to them prior to their visits; and whether he will lay a copy upon the Table of the House?

I am informed by the Commissioners that in every case they sent due notice of their visit to the places which they visited. Dependent, as they necessarily were some extent, on the weather, they could not always mate their definite notices long; and in one or two cases, through the delay of postal communication, the notices did not arrive as soon as they had expected. The Commissioners, however, are not aware of any case in which this prevented their obtaining full information as to the requirements of the locality. They deny that their examination of those who came before them was conducted in either a flippant or hostile manner; but it was of course necessary, in order to arrive at the facts, to test the accuracy of the statements made. I am informed that a meeting was held in Harris, with the result stated, but I have no information as to Barra. Written: instructions were given to the Commissioners on their appointment; and there is no objection to laying on the Table a copy of the instructions issued to the Commission.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he will circulate a Memorandum explanatory of the Police Superannuation Bill for Scotland before the Second Reading is taken, as was done in the case of the English Bill, with special reference to the estimated cost of the scheme, and the probable amount of the burden on the rates?

The Bill is down for Second Reading to-night, but it will not be taken after 11 o'clock.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government have received any information as to the views entertained by the inhabitants of Malta with regard to the proceedings and negotiations of Sir Lintorn Simmonds at the Vatican; whether he is aware that these proceedings and negotiations have excited much angry feeling in the Island, where the proposed project of law is regarded with the greatest disfavour; and whether the proposed measure will be laid before Parliament before it is submitted to the Legislative Council of Malta?

Malta enjoys an elected Legislature, where the feelings of its inhabitants are constitutionally expressed. Her Majesty's Government are not aware that the agreement with the Vatican has excited angry feeling in the Island; but if it is not approved of by the majority it may be presumed that the Legislature will not pass the Bill, by which effect will be given to certain Articles. It would be inconsistent with the principle of responsible Colonial Government that the Imperial Parliament should review measures about to be submitted to Colonial Assemblies.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury what has been the cause of the delay in printing the Report of the Departmental Committee which inquired into the organisation of the office of Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies, and when the Report will be printed?

I cannot recall that any promise has been made to produce the Report of the Departmental Committee, which is receiving the careful consideration of Her Majesty's Government, and any action taken on it would come under the review of Parliament.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in the appropriation of the Scottish share of the fund under the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Duties Bill, he will endeavour to meet the views of the large majority of Scottish Members of all parties, and reserve a sufficient sum to free all the standards in the State-aided Schools in Scotland?

I have also to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government, having regard to the evidence of Irish opinion afforded by the introduction of the Agricultural Labourers (Ireland) Bill now before the House, and the proceedings upon that measure, will appropriate the unallotted balance of Ireland's share of the Local Taxation (Customs and Excise) Duties, in aid of the provision of dwellings for Irish agricultural labourers, upon the principles indicated in the Bill?

I can only repeat that the Government are considering the whole subject; but I am not yet in a position to give any pledges.

I beg to give notice that if any attempt is made to use Ireland's share of the money, not for local purposes, but for ordinary Imperial purposes, the proposal will be opposed.

May I ask whether among the projects of the Government is included the project of putting an end to the enhanced duty on beer and spirits?

The suggestions which the Government have received on the subject are almost as numerous as those received by the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he was about to bring in his Budget. All the suggestions are receiving the consideration of the Government. I am not able to say when I shall be able to announce the decision of the Government.

When may I put a further question?

I am unable to say at present.

To what day does the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury propose to postpone the Indian Councils Bill?

Monday next.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many silver coins there are in the Bank of England ready for circulation in addition to the 3,660,000 shillings and 3,000,000 sixpences stated to be there; if any more are being coined; whether any officials in the Mint have a pecuniary interest in the Birmingham Mint; and whether the recent Colonial order for silver and bronze was executed at Birmingham; and, if so, can he explain why?

Apart from the large number of shillings and sixpences, there is at the Bank of England at this moment not less than £178,000 worth of silver coins ready for issue, and the number of pieces cannot be less than 1,500,000, while the coinage of silver is still proceeding at the Mint. As regards the execution of Colonial orders by a private company at. Birmingham, the Deputy-Master of the Mint is always most anxious that the Mint should be able to cope with any demands that may be made upon it; but the continued and excessive requirement for Imperial coin has recently obliged the Mint to refer two Colonial orders to Birmingham. Colonial orders are only placed in the hands of this private company when it is absolutely impossible for the Royal Mint to undertake them. I have heard to-day with much regret a fact which was unknown to the Deputy-Master before, that two officials of the Mint hold some shares in the Birmingham company. This ought certainly not to be.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether there are retained in the Statistical Office of Her Majesty's Customs clerks of nearly 40 years' service, and between 50 and 60 years of age, who are willing to retire on the usual compensation terms; and whether, in view of the fact that the retirement of these clerks would give facilities for the promotion of meritorious redundant clerks in that office who have been waiting nearly 10 years for their promotion, and that the revision of the office has been pending for three years, during which time all promotion has been stopped, the Treasury will facilitate such a settlement of the office by consenting to the pensioning off, on suitable superannuation allowances, of those who may be willing to retire?

Is it not the fact that a Royal Commission has absolutely condemned the further payment of compensation or "abolition" terms for retirement in order to secure preferment, and has urged that in future promotion should wait until vacancies occur?

To the second question put by the hon. Member for Stockport (Mr. Jennings) I have to reply in the affirmative. In answer to the hon. Member for Wandsworth, I may say-that there are several clerks of long service and between 50 and 60 years of age in the Department, two of whom have applied for permission to retire on "compensation" terms. If the suggestion of the hon. Member that such officers should be pensioned off "on suitable superannuation terms" means the grant of "compensation" or "abolition "terms, I can only refer him to the answer I gave the other day explaining that the House had decided against "abolition" terms, and that the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments had taken the same view. The Government can, of course, only carry out this decision.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will state the date at which the final Report of the Board of Customs upon the impending re-organisation of the Statistical Department was received by the Treasury; whether any further progress towards a final settlement of the matter has been made since that date; and whether he will state if the scheme will be completed and put into operation before the end of the present Session?

The Report of the Board of Customs on the re-organisation of the Statistical Department was sent to the Treasury on May 8. The scheme involves a reduction of staff, and I am not able to pledge myself to any date when it will be in full operation; but this and several other questions relating to the Customs Department are, as the hon. Member knows, being considered at the Treasury.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, before or when moving the Second Reading of the Savings Banks Bill, he will give the names of the persons to be appointed under the First Schedule of the Bill?

The position of the matter is as follows: I propose to appoint three gentlemen who would represent the Trustee Savings Banks and officers, and three others, probably Members of this House, together with a seventh gentleman, who will be a Government accountant. I am rather reluctant to ask hon. Members to serve until I know that the Second Reading of the Bill will be accepted by the House. I am willing to show the hon. Member the lines on which I propose to proceed.

When will the Bill be taken?

I am unable to answer that question.

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman the First Lord of the Treasury (Mr. W. H. Smith), or the Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. Goschen), with reference to Section 7 of the Land Purchase Bill, which proposes to provide £40,000 for Ireland, what steps he proposes to take in order to secure that Ireland shall have, this year, a sum proportionate to that given to England and Scotland?

Will the hon. Gentleman give notice of the question for tomorrow?

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Customs officers have taken any steps to detect the importation of adulterated foreign butter; and, if so, at what ports, and with what results?

I understand that no samples of butter have been taken by the Commissioners of Customs for analysis, no specific information having been received by them as to the importation of adulterated butter fraudulently marked. I have, however, brought the question before the Commissioners, and they will be prepared to have samples taken if they have sufficient reason to suppose that adulterated butter is being imported under fraudulent marks.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state to the House the total number of Friendly Societies in the United Kingdom, the number registered and the estimated number unregistered, the total number of members, the aggregate amount of the funds, and the estimated amount expended in benefits in the year 1888, and the total income and total expenditure for that year?

As regards registered Friendly Societies, I am informed by the Chief Registrar, with whom I have been in communication, that it would be impossible without very great labour and expense to supply particulars for 1888 as to the total number of members, the aggregate amount of the funds, and the estimated amount expended in benefits. The Registrar has no means of ascertaining or estimating the number of unregistered Societies, still less any other figures respecting them.

I beg to give notice that I will call attention to this question on the Estimates.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury why it is that deeds cannot now be registered as heretofore on the day they are presented at the Registry of Deeds Office, Dublin, but must be left in the comparing room and called for next day, and then produced in the Registration Office; and as this entails an additional attendance on solicitors, and encumbrancers and purchasers are liable to lose priority owing to this new procedure, he would explain to the House what was the reason for its adoption?

I am informed by the Registrar that there has been no change of practice or regulation. Deeds are now, as heretofore, registered on the day they are presented to the Registrar, but they cannot be presented to him until they have been duly compared as the law requires. Where deeds are brought to the Office late in the day, it is sometimes impossible to complete the work of comparison before the Office is closed, but in such cases the deeds left over have precedence the next day, and if they are found to be correct they are presented to the Registrar and registered on the same day.

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether he can now say whether, in the case of the conviction for common assault at Dewsbury, on 9th June, the prosecution was against a man arrested by a policeman on the charge of indecently assaulting two mill girls; whether the girls were directed by the police to pay, and did pay, in addition to the Magistrate's Clerk's fees of 17s., a further sum of 5s., for the attendance of a witness; whether, in proceedings for such offences, the law provides for compensation to prosecutors; and whether there is any enactment making prosecutors in such a case liable for Justice Clerk's fees and compensation to witnesses?

In answer to the hon. Member, I am informed that, when arrested, the man in question was charged with indecent assault, but that, at the hearing before the Justices, he was convicted of a common assault only. The prosecution was not undertaken by the police, except in so far as they were acting for and at the request of the girls themselves. The girls were liable for the fees of the Justice's Clerk, and they paid them, and also the expenses of one witness, which amounted to 5s. No objection was made by them to such payment. In the case of a common assault, when the defendant is summarily dealt with and not committed for trial the law does not allow the costs of the prosecution to be paid out of the rates, as in the case of felony. The liability to pay the fees of the Justice's Clerk rests on the authority of decided cases, and upon the information before me I am of opinion there was also the liability to pay the expenses of the witness.

The arrest having been made on a charge of indecent assault, how is it that the police gave an intimation that unless the girls were prepared to pay the costs of the prosecution the case would not go on?

I am not responsible for the existing state of the law. If a prosecutor, in these circumstances, insists on going on he is responsible for the costs. I am informed that the girls in this case expressed their intention to prosecute.

In consequence of the answer I have received, I beg to give notice that I will direct attention to the matter on the Estimates.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government will consider the advisability of allowing King Ja Ja to return to Opobo?

The question is now under consideration.

When is it likely that a decision will be arrived at?

I am unable to say more than that the question is under the consideration of the Colonial Authorities and the Authorities ' upon the Coast.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, under the arrangement with Germany, and in the event of the Damaraland Protectorate being extended further north than is shown upon the map, the German sphere of influence can spread eastwards across the Leeba or Zambesi River?

The German sphere of influence fixed by the Agreement gives access to the Zambesi, but does not extend beyond that river.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when further Papers in reference to the proceedings of the Anti-Slavery Conference will be laid upon the Table; what action the Government propose to take to carry out the recommendations agreed on by the Conference; and whether the House will have the opportunity of discussing them?

The Papers will be laid before the House as soon after the conclusion of the Conference as possible. The measures requisite to carry out the recommendations of the Conference have not yet been decided upon, but will receive early consideration. There will, no doubt, be opportunities for discussion when the Papers have been laid.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is necessary to mix lime with the manure of animals landed in Essex, which destroys its fertilising properties, when by inspection the animals have been found before and after slaughter to have been perfectly healthy; and where the manure of animals found to be diseased is at present destroyed?

In reply to the last paragraph of the question, I am informed that the usual method of disposing of the manure of diseased animal at the ports has been to carry it out to sea and throw it overboard. With regard to the manure of animals landed at foreign animals' wharves—i.e., where they are slaughtered—it is very desirable to have it thoroughly disinfected. In the case, however, of animals landed at foreign animals' landing places, whence the animals are allowed to pass into the country, the hon. Member's question, I think, deserves consideration; and while I will not pledge myself to any alteration in the present system, I have directed inquiries to be made as to the necessity of disinfecting the manure in such cases for the future.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a proposal on the part of the Indian Government to establish an outstill for the sale of intoxicating drink on a tea plantation in the Western Dooars; whether he has read the protest of the owners of the plantation, Messrs. Octavius Steel & Co., dated Calcutta, 30th April, 1890, in which they state—

"That nothing has so retarded the progress of the district as the spendthrift and degraded habits directly due, as we believe, to the facilities forced on the people for the obtaining of liquor from Government stills;"

The attention of the Secretary of State was called to the subject some time ago by the Foreign Missions Committee of the Church of Scotland, and he has since been furnished by the hon. Member with a copy of the letter of protest. The Secretary of State is not aware whether a still has been, or will be, established. The matter has been referred to the Government of India for Report.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education when the promised Bill for the Education of the Blind and Deaf Mutes in England and Wales will be introduced?

The Bill will shortly be introduced in another place; but its progress this Session will depend upon the state of business, and whether its provisions prove generally acceptable.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for Penrith (Mr. J. W. Lowther) whether the Charity Commissioners have yet come to any decision in the matter of the appointment of new Trustees to the Independent Chapel Charities, Tiverton, or if he can state the cause of the delay?

An appointment of new Trustees purported to hare been made under the provisions of 13 and 14 Vict. c. 28 (Peto's Act); but the matter appeared to be of so contentious a character that it was doubtful whether the powers of the Commissioners would enable them to deal with it effectually. If, however, a sufficient application should be made for an appointment under the Charitable Trusts Acts the Commissioners would use their best endeavours to settle the questions at issue between the contending parties.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether there is any objection to furnishing the House with the Report of General Edwards on the Defences of the Australian Colonies, and the reply thereto from the War Office?

The Report referred to will be presented to Parliament; but it will first be necessary to communicate with the Governments of the Australian Colonies on the subject.

I had intended to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the necessitous circumstances of many of the veterans who served in the Crimean War and Indian Mutiny; and whether he can now promise any measures for their relief? but, at the request of the right hon. Gentleman, I bog to postpone the question until Monday next.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, considering the great importance of the Zambesi River as a means of opening out the trade in the eastern portion of South Africa, he will take immediate steps to have all the mouths of that river thoroughly surveyed by one of Her Majesty's ships?

One of Her Majesty's surveying ships is now on her way to the Zambesi, with orders to survey the mouths of the river.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, with the exception of the cost of the plans and designs, any money had been spent upon the Somerset Dock at Malta before the correspondence and plans relating thereto were presented to Parliament; and, if not, whether he will follow this precedent, and give the House, in the case of the proposed Graving Dock at Gibraltar, an assurance that no money will be spent upon it until the Papers and plans relating to it have been placed in the Library, or have been laid upon the Table of the House?

My answer to the first question is in the negative. In reply to the second, I cannot give an assurance of the character the hon. Gentleman requires, though I should not propose to commence the works without the assent of Parliament.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, before the discussion on the Shipbuilding Vote, he will inform the House what, if any, changes have taken place in the shipbuilding programme of other European Powers since the number of vessels of all classes required to make the British Navy equal to that of any two Foreign Powers was decided on; and, if so, whether provision is being made to maintain that proportionate superiority?

The projected additions to Foreign Navies do not disturb the calculations on which the shipbuilding programme embodied in the Naval Defence Act was framed, namely, that in 1894 the British Navy in fighting power will be equal to a combination of any two Navies abroad.

Will the noble Lord give the figures on which he bases his statements?

In the French and Russian Navies the following vessels have been commenced since the passing of the Naval Defence Act: in France, four coast defence ironclads, two armoured second-class cruisers, and one torpedo cruiser; in Russia, two ironclad battleships. On the other hand, in France the construction of one first-class ironclad projected last year has been abandoned; and in Russia two armoured cruisers and two sloops which were originally projected have disappeared from the programme.

I would like to ask whether the House may anticipate from the First Lord of the Treasury some statement on the course of business to-morrow, or on some early day?

I hope to make a statement on Thursday next.