I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the statement that the licence for the sale of opium in the district of Broach requires that the licensee shall sell not less than five and a half tons of the drug per annum, and that lie was liable to a fine of Rs. 10,195 for selling one ton short of his guaranteed quantity, and whether the fine has been exacted; whether his attention has been drawn to the statement that the quantity of opium compelled to be sold to the, population of Broach (326,930 people) equals 20,000,000 four-grain poisonous doses, and whether this statement is correct; whether it is the case that the opium licensee may open many shops under his one licence, and also that the Government takes power to compel him to open new shops; whether his attention has been drawn to the statement that in 16 districts of the Bombay Presidency the consumption of the drug has increased 30 per cent. in five years, and whether this statement is correct; whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Moral and Material Progress of India, that it is proposed to close the Cheendoo shops where prepared opium is smoked upon the premises, as the existence of these houses tends to spread the vice of opium smoking, which is of recent origin in most parts of the Punjab, and whether the Government will urge upon the Government of India the expediency of giving prompt effect to this proposal; whether the India Office has yet received a reply from the Government of Burma to the inquiry promised 26th February into the allegation that in the town of Akyab there are several hundreds of opium dens, though but one opium licence is reported as given out; and whether he will ask the Indian Government to withdraw provisions calculated to stimulate the consumption of opium in India, in accordance with the decision of the House of Commons?

The reply to the two paragraphs of the hon. Member's question is in the affirmative. The facts are correctly stated in the question, but I am not aware whether a four-grain dose is poisonous or not. As to the third paragraph, the licence holder cannot open more shops than are named in the licence, unless required to do so by the collector. The reply to the fourth paragraph is that the information which the hon. Member has received is erroneous. The increase during the last four years has been about 7 per cent. Although there was a large increase in 1886–87 that increase was attributed mainly to the repression of smuggling. The answer to paragraph 5 is, that it appears from page 94 of the Report for 1889–90, presented in May last, that all the Chandoo shops in the Punjab have been closed, with satisfactory results. As to the 6th paragraph, the inquiry was sent to India in March, but no reply has yet been received. In reply to the last of the hon Member's questions, I have to say that it is not the policy of the Government of India to stimulate the consumption of opium or any other intoxicant.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether he can inform the House to what districts in India compulsory vaccination extends; whether Municipal Bodies and other Local Authorities have power to introduce compulsory vaccination within their respective local limits; whether the compulsory vaccination system is uniform, or whether its provisions differ in different localities; whether any provision exists in India analogous to Section 31 of the English Act of 1867 as regards cumulative penalties; and whether he can state the number of prosecutions and the number of imprisonments for non-vaccination that have taken place in recent years?

Compulsory vaccination exists in four districts of Bengal, and 183 municipal cities and towns in different Provinces of India. The reply to the second question is that the extension of the compulsory law is effected by the local government, but generally on the initiative of the Municipal or other Local Authority. The provisions vary slightly in different Provinces. Provisions exist in the Indian Law analogous to those enhancing punishments under the English Law. The Secretary of State cannot state the number of prosecutions, but, so far as he is aware, there have been no imprisonments.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Bombay has refused to allow native applicants for certificates as engineers on board of local coasting steamers to be examined in their own language; whether the coasting vessels referred to are commanded and manned wholly by natives; whether in other countries candidates for such certificates are examined in their mother tongue; and whether he will cause inquiries to be addressed to the Government of Bombay on the subject?

I must ask the hon. Member to postpone the question for the present.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Allahabad Pioneer, of the 10th of May last, that ganja, "which is grown, sold, and excised under much the same conditions as opium," is far more harmful than opium, and that "the lunatic asylums of India are filled with ganja smokers;" whether he is aware that the possession and sale of ganja has been prohibited for many years past in Lower Burma, and that the exclusion of the drug was stated in the Excise Report of that Province for 1881–2 to have been "of immense benefit to the people;" and whether he will call the attention of the Government of India to the desirability of extending the same prohibition to the other Provinces of British India?

The Secretary of State has seen the statement mentioned in the first paragraph of the question about the sale of ganja. The facts are as stated as to the exclusion of ganja from Burma. The answer to the third paragraph is that in Bengal—the Province where ganja is principally consumed—the price of duty-paid ganja has been greatly increased during recent years, making its consumption more expensive. The Secretary of State will inquire whether the Government of India will propose to take further steps to limit the consumption.

I beg to ask the UnderSecretary of State for India whether he has yet received any answer from the Government of India in regard to the Memorial presented to Lord Cross from the Anti-Opium Society on 31st July, 1890?

No answer has yet been received, but a reminder has been sent to the Government of India, in accordance with the promise I made to the hon. Member on the 29th of May.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether his attention has been called to the issue of licences for the sale of opium by the Government of Bombay, and especially to the provision requiring a certain amount to be sold by the licensee under heavy penalties; whether, considering the assurance given by him that the policy of the Indian Government was to diminish the cultivation and consumption of the drug, he will cause representations to be made to the Government of Bombay, so that no such provisions should be inserted in future licences?

The Secretary of State is aware that licensed opium vendors in Bombay engage to sell a specified quantity of licit opium. A table showing the minimum for each district is given at page 10 of the Bombay Opium Report. The Revenue officers of the Bombay Government believe that the existence of this minimum tends to prevent licensed vendors from dealing in opium illegally smuggled from the adjoining Native States. The Bombay Government will be invited to consider whether the existence of the minimum tends to encourage an increased consumption in British districts, and if it does so tend they will doubtless alter the system.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he will allow the various Friendly Societies of the United Kingdom the same facilities for sending notices of arrears of subscriptions through the post, at the ½d. rate of postage, as are now given to tradesmen in issuing their quarterly or other statement of accounts?

I beg also to ask the Postmaster General what has been the result of his correspondence with the Treasury, intimated as long ago as 30th June of last year, regarding the postage on circulars of Friendly Societies reminding members of arrears of subscriptions; and whether it has been determined to include such circulars in the ½d postage?

^* : In reply to the hon. Member for Boston on Tuesday last, as also on many other previous occasions during the present Session to other hon. Members, I have answered this question by pointing out that one of the principal objects of the Post Office Bill, which is on the Paper for to-night, and which has already passed through Committee, is to afford to the Friendly Societies the relief suggested. It must, however, depend on the co-operation of hon. Members interested in the subject if this Bill can be passed before the Prorogation.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General if, with the object of encouraging a reasonable development of the telegraph system, he will consider whether the conditions of guarantee now demanded for the extension of wires might with advantage to the public and the postal revenue be to some extent reduced?

^* : I had already considered the subject to which the hon. Member calls attention, and I had made certain proposals to the Treasury. Those proposals are now under consideration. The hon. Member may have obtained that by an Amendment in the Post Office Bill, of which I have given notice. Power will be given to Local Authorities to guarantee the cost of these extensions.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the number of enlistments annually in the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland have shown a falling off; and if he can state approximately the figures for last year as compared with 10 years ago; and whether, having regard to the over-populated condition and consequent privations in these districts, he can see his way to offer any special inducements for enlistment in the Army?

Is the assumption in the second paragraph of the question correct, that these districts are over populated? Is it not notoriously the fact that they are the most under-populated districts in the whole of Great Britain?

^* : I cannot answer the question of the hon. Member (Mr. A. Sutherland) without making further inquiry. With regard to the question on the Paper, I may say that, as compared with the number of recruits raised 10 years ago, recruiting in Scotland north of Inverness-shire has not decreased. The actual numbers were 83 in 1881, and 89 in 1890, but it is quite true that in the intervening years the numbers were considerably higher. Every effort has been made to foster recruiting in the North of Scotland, but there does not appear to be much inclination there towards military service. The question of what inducements can be offered will, no doubt, be considered by the Committee now sitting on the terms of service.

Is it not the fact that the Army has become unpopular in the Highlands and Islands because troops have been used for evictions and the extortion of rents?

^* : No, Sir; certainly not. As far as I am aware, the force generally employed has been of the Royal Marines. But in any case, the Army would do its duty if required.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the next examination for prison clerkships (England) will take place; and whether it will be open to candidates from all parts of the United Kingdom?

No date has been fixed for the next examination for prison clerkships in England. Reductions are still being made in the prison staff, and the prospect of an examination being held is therefore remote. The competition is not open, but limited to selected candidates, who come from all parts of the United Kingdom.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the desirability of raising the educational standard for fulltime workers under "The Factories and Workshops Act, 1878;" and, if so, what standard of the Code he has fixed upon; and when will it come into operation?

The question of raising the educational standard for fulltime work in factories and workshops only, as distinguished from other employments, and of applying that higher standard to all factories and workshops alike under Section 26 of the Factories Act, 1878, is a question which cannot be decided without careful inquiry into the circumstances of various industries and conference with the Education Department. I will take an early opportunity of conferring with the Education Department, but I am unable at present to state what course will be pursued?

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he will be good enough to state the objective character of the exercises in which officers and men are to be employed during the forthcoming Naval Manœuvres; whether the squadrons are to be located and directed under orders from the Admiralty; if so, are the divisions to be grouped in defensive and offensive classes; and if it correct that the employment of one of the divisions is to be confined to practice in letting go and the heaving of anchors?

The programme of the present year's Naval Manœuvres has been already made public through a Memorandum published in the daily newspapers, and consists partly of a series of tactical exercises and partly of operations of two squadrons of torpedo boats opposed to one another. This Memorandum will give the hon. Gentleman all the information he wants.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the case that the class of writers in the Royal Navy have had no increase of pay since their introduction in 1867, although their duties and responsibilities have greatly increased since then, during which time they have been gradually taking the place of the junior Accountant Officers; whether official representations have been made to this effect; and whether the Admiralty are prepared to consider their case?

With certain small exceptions, no increase of pay has been given to writers since the introduction of the class in 1867; but as it was intended at the time to substitute them for junior accountant officers to a considerable extent, I cannot admit that their duties and responsibilities have increased beyond what was contemplated. In March last, an addition was made to their pay of 1s. a day when serving in ships not allowed an accountant officer, and also certain allowances were granted to chief writers, who might re-engage on completing their time for pension. The existing regulations being sufficient to attract good candidates, and the case of the writers having been already considered this year, I am not prepared to now reopen the question.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the filthy condition of the water at the fountains in Trafalgar Square; and whether, in the interests of the health of the inhabitants of the Metropolis, he will have the matter attended to?

I find that on the day on which the hon. Member put down his question on the Paper the fountains in Trafalgar Square were awaiting their regular cleaning, and they have since been cleaned. They are emptied and thoroughly cleaned and filled again with 80,000 gallons of water about once every three months, and in the intervals between such quarterly cleanings the water in the fountains is refreshed about once a fortnight. Within the last three and a half months the quantity of fresh water thus supplied to the fountains has been 250,000 gallons. I will consider, however, whether these fountains cannot during the hot weather be more frequently supplied with fresh water.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether Dr. Klein is a permanent salaried official of the Local Government Board, or whether he merely makes an Annual Report regarding his own private experiments; what salary or remuneration Dr. Klein receives; whether any and, if so, which of the inoculation experiments referred to in his last Report were performed with diphtheritic membranes received from the Fulham Fever Hospital, and which of them were made in England; and whether, to prevent future misunderstanding, he will request Dr. Klein to specify in future Reports which of his experiments are made in England and which abroad?

^* : I have communicated with the hon. Gentleman who gave notice of this question, and have requested him to defer it until Monday.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the account appearing in the South Wales Daily News of the 8th July instant, relating to a charge against eight persons for an alleged assault on a tithe bailiff named Robert Lewis, at Crymmych, Pembrokeshire, on the 19th June last; whether he is aware that the accused were on Monday the 6th July arrested under a warrant early in the morning, and afterwards taken to a lock-up, and marched in single file through the public streets of Cardigan town, and that the police refused to produce the warrant to the accused or their solicitor; whether, in the interval of nearly three weeks between the alleged offence and the arrest, there was any indication given, or any reason to suppose, that the defendants could not be served with a summons, and would not appear in answer to a summons; what was the reason of their being charged within the Cilgerran Division, and whether the alleged offence was committed outside that Division; whether he is aware that the clerk to the Magistrates in the Cilgerran Division is also the local solicitor to the Clergy Association of South Cardiganshire and North Pembrokeshire, and whether this gentleman in his capacity as such solicitor has recently applied for the aid of the military or large forces of police to attend at tithe distraints and sales and has been refused; by whose authority and on whose initiative the warrant for the arrest of the accused was issued; and whether the arrests under a warrant without a summons having been previously issued are under the circumstances sanctioned by him; and, if not, what steps he will take in the matter?

I am informed by the Chief Constable of Pembrokeshire that seven of the defendants were detained in the lock-up while waiting for the train. On arrival at Cardigan they walked with the police from the station to the office of the Justices' clerk, about 400 yards, and were there admitted to bail. It is not the fact that the police refused to produce the warrants. They were read over and explained in Welsh to each person when arrested. I am informed by the clerk to the Justices that on June 28 he received from the Chief Constable a list of the names and addresses of nine persons who were present in the crowd when the alleged assault took place. On June 30 the complainant laid an information on oath that he had just and reasonable cause to suspect these persons, and applied for warrants, which were issued. He was doubtful whether the accused parties, who were personally unknown to him, would appear to a summons. Under these circumstances, the Magistrates, in the exercise of the discretion vested in them by law, granted warrants in the first instance. The alleged offence took place partly within the Division of Cilgerran and partly within that of Cemmaes, and within 500 yards of the boundary of Cilgerran Division,. Had the defendants not been charged in Cilgerran, it would have necessitated their being taken a distance of 15 miles, and their waiting more than a week for the case to be heard. The clerk is acting as described for the Clergy Association, and has applied for military or police protection for the bailiff attending tithe distraints. To avoid the embarrassment which might arise from his acting in this capacity, he took no part in the hearing of this case on the 7th, but obtained a substitute to act for him. It is no part of my duty to interfere with the discretion of Magistrates in the matter of issuing warrants. They are guided by the special circumstances of the case, and have full power to act as they did under the Statute 11 & 12 Vic., c. 43, s. 2.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been drawn to a fatal accident to J. R. Gay, aged 10 years, who was travelling in an East End excursion train on the London, Tilbury, and Southend Railway to Southend, when, owing to the door of the carriage being left unlocked, the child fell out and was killed; whether lie is aware that the communication cord of the train was out of order, and the train was not stopped until a considerable time after the accident; whether he is aware that this is the fifth case of a child having fallen from a train during the last 10 days; and whether he can take any steps in the matter?

^* : My attention has been called to the fatal accident referred to, which occurred on the London, Tilbury, and Southend line. It appears that while the deceased, aged 10 years, was returning to London from Southend he turned the handle of the carriage door and fell out. The company state that the fastening of the door was in working order, and that the communication cord was not connected because it was not required under the Act, as the train was not running 20 miles without stopping at a station. I am aware that similar accidents have recently happened, but in most of them there appears to have been a want of caution on the part of the sufferers. It is difficult to provide against accidents to which the carelessness of passengers contributes, and there are obvious objections to locking as well as fastening the carriage doors.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War under what circumstances Mr. Nepean, the late Director of Contracts, resigned; and whether he receives any pension?

^* : Mr. Nepean retires at his own request under a Treasury authority which, with a view to considerable reductions and economy, sanctions the retirement of members of the higher establishment of the War Office who are over 50 years of age or have over 30 years' service on the pensions they have earned by service without any addition on account of premature retirement. Mr. Nepean has had 38 years' service, but in view of all the circumstances of the case he will not draw any pension till he has attained the age of 60 years, when he would be entitled to retire under any circumstances.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state the result of the negotiations for the acquisition of a site for a new post office in Liverpool?

Arrangements have been made for acquiring a site for the Liverpool Post Office in Victoria Street. The cost, however, is very heavy, and will require a Supplemental Estimate, which is included among those ordered by the House to be printed a few days ago.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if Her Majesty's Government have held out any expectation that people in Newfoundland who have set up lobster factories, or otherwise acted in opposition to the modus vivendi, will be compensated by the Imperial Government at the expense of the British taxpayer; and whether they have any reason to suppose that there is any foundation for the suggestion that, since the decision in the Baird case, new factories have been started with a view to their being closed and their owners enabled to claim heavy compensation from the Imperial Government?

I would refer the hon. Member to the Despatch of March 12, printed at pages 34 and 35 of the Parliamentary Paper C. 6334, presented in April last. This Despatch has been published in the Government Gazette of Newfoundland. Her Majesty's Government are aware that a considerable number of new factories have been erected since last season, but they have not received information which would enable them to state that fresh ones have been set on foot since the decision of the Baird case with the object indicated in the question.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if the importation of European spirits for the use of the natives is still permitted in the Protectorates and Chartered territories on the West Coast of Africa, and if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to continue to permit that traffic; and if there is foundation for the complaint of the Chartered Niger Company that, while they levy heavy duties on that importation, in the Oil Rivers Protectorate the importation is free or much more lightly taxed?

The question of the importation of spirits will be regulated by the Brussels Act, when ratified. Where it is permitted it will be controlled. In large districts, such as the Mussulman territories of the Western Soudan under the Niger Company, and territories under the other Chartered Companies to which the 91st Article of the Act applies, it will be altogether prohibited. Hitherto it has been impossible to levy duties in the Oil Rivers Protectorate, but they will be levied in future under the Customs system organised by Major Macdonald.

Am I to understand that Her Majesty's Government require that spirits shall be admitted at duties provided by the Brussels Conference, or can they exercise their own will?

I am not prepared to say any more on the subject than I have done. I cannot go into particulars without further notice.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in all the British Crown Colonies on the West Coast of Africa, the importation of European spirits for the consumption of the natives of the interior, as well as in the colonies, is still permitted; and if it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to continue to permit that traffic?

We have requested the different Governors of Her Majesty's possessions on the West Coast of Africa to report what steps it will be necessary to take to give effect to the recommendations of the Brussels Conference, one of the roost important of which deals with the importation of spirits. As regards a duty, however, we already levy a higher rate of Customs duty than the minimum prescribed by the Conference, and, it is believed, higher than that at present levied by any other European Power on the coast. The Revenue chiefly depends on the Customs receipts, and if the importation of spirits were altogether forbidden the only effect would be to divert the trade from our own colonies to those of other Powers which border on them. We do much by exacting as high a duty as it is possible to levy without encouraging smuggling, which already largely exists.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that certain cattle, belonging to T. Potter, esquire, W. M. Oates, esquire, and Mr. Ibbetson, farmer, all in the County of Notts, have, without apparent reason, been slaughtered by order of a travelling Inspector of the Board as having been exposed to infection from pleuro-pneumonia; and whether he can state the circumstances under which they became exposed to this infection?

No, Sir; I am not aware of any cattle having been slaughtered without reasons in Nottinghamshire, whether the reasons were apparent or not. Three animals belonging to Mr. Potter, one heifer belonging to Mr. Oates, and one belonging to Mr. Ibbetson have been slaughtered, not by order of the travelling Inspector, but by direct order of the Board. Of Mr. Potter's animals one was found to be diseased, and although the cattle belonging to Mr. Oates and Mr. Ibbetson were found to be free, these animals were some of many sold by Mr. Tucker, of Southampton. Disease, it has been found, as I stated two days ago, has existed on his premises for a long time, and it has been necessary to trace as far as possible, and in some cases to slaughter, those which have recently left his premises. Out of 65 animals thus traced and slaughtered 13 have been found diseased, and I am informed that five others died previously. I regret to have to add that in the case of two other gentlemen in Nottinghamshire who bought cattle from Mr. Tucker pleuropneumonia was found to exist in both cases upon the slaughter of the animals.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the Government adhere to their decision to refuse to grant a Return of the funds devoted to secondary education in Scotland during this Session; and whether, referring to the promise of the Government to procure information on this question before dealing with the surplus grant next year, that information will be laid before the House of Commons, and in what shape?

^* : I have already stated the reasons why the Government are not prepared to grant the Return referred to, which would not, in our opinion, add materially to the information furnished in the last Report of the Educational Endowments Commissioners. It will be the duty of the Department not only, as I then stated, to obtain the most recent statistics on the subject, but also carefully to examine these, and to gather as full information as possible with regard to the organisation of higher education and the operation of funds devoted to it. In connection with any consideration of the question of assistance to higher education, we shall necessarily state to the House the results of these inquiries; but it would be premature, until the materials are collected, to determine the shape in which such information may be most conveniently submitted.

I hope that the information will be first presented to the House in the speech of the Minister who moves the proposal.

^* : The right hon. Baronet is looking a long way ahead. I have no doubt that the course taken will be satisfactory to the House.

I beg to ask the Solicitor General for Scotland upon whose authority, and upon what evidence, he made the statement, on behalf of the Government, that School Boards in Scotland have made their financial arrangements for the current year upon the basis of the Minute of the Scotch Education Department of 11th June last; whether he is aware that the latest statutory date for School Boards certifying to the assessing authority is 12th. June in each year; and whether, considering that the Minute of the Department only became law on 12th inst., the Scotch Education Department had any evidence that one single School Board in Scotland had made their financial arrangements for the current year upon the basis of the Minute?

^* : I understand that the Solicitor General referred to the fact that the proposal to extend relief of fees to 14 years of age had been before the House for some months, and that the terms of the Minute were announced to the House on the 11th June, and published in the Scotch newspapers next day. The arrangement contemplated was thus known to the School Boards at the date when the re-question to the Parochial Board had to be made, and we have reason to believe that, as a general rule, School Boards will be able, with the additional 1s. of capitation grant, to meet the financial results of the Minute, but that any extension of the terms at this period might lead to serious financial difficulty.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to a question which has lately arisen in the Jamaica Legislature with reference to the holding of seats in that body by two gentlemen who are the solicitors to the Jamaica Railway, a property which is still to a considerable extent owned by the Crown; whether he is aware that the question was submitted to a Committee of the elective members of the Council, a body numbering only nine, including the two members referred to; and whether the Secretary of State for the Colonies proposes to take any action in the matter?

The question was lately raised in Jamaica whether the seats in the Legislative Council of two gentlemen had become vacant by reason of their having, as solicitors to the Jamaica Railway, become parties to a contract with the Government. The Legislative Council, in which the decision of such questions is vested by the Constitution, referred the matter to a Select Committee consisting of the Attorney General and four elected members, who reported that the two members referred to were not parties to a contract with the Government, and had not vacated their seats. This Report was adopted by the Council. The Council consists of seven official and nominated members, and nine elected members. The two members whose seats were in question were, of course, not members of the Select Committee. The Secretary of State for the Colonies does not propose to take any action in the matter.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Admiralty has come to any decision in regard to the contemplated scheme for the better utilisation of the endowments connected with the College of the Naval Knights at Windsor; and, if so, when it will be promulgated?

Any alteration in the foundation of the Naval Knights of Windsor will require legislative sanction, and I do not propose to introduce a Bill to deal with the question this Session. This institution is founded on celibate and monastic principles, which in practice we find do not always harmonise with the habits of the 19th century, and it has been extremely difficult to find candidates who will carry out the spirit of the founder's wishes. Certain circumstances were brought to my notice last year which convinced me that a considerable change, sooner or later, is necessary to secure the benefits of the Trust to deserving naval officers.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the great inconvenience that is caused to the public by the constant failure of the South Eastern Railway and the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway to keep to the times in their published time-tables, he will take steps to restrict these companies from putting more traffic and running more trains on their lines than they have the requisite accommodation for?

^* : The matters referred to by the hon. Member are not among those with which Parliament has authorised the Board of Trade to deal.

Am I to understand that the Board of Trade have no power to place any check or limit on the number of trains run in the course of a day; and, if so, has not the time arrived for the Department to come to the House and get further powers in this direction?

^* : Most certainly not. In my opinion, that would be practically giving over to the Board of Trade the decision as to the working of the railways.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether his attention has been called to the enormous increase in the rating of voluntary schools in Whitechapel; whether he is aware that in several instances the rating has been doubled and trebled, with the effect of rendering the existence of these schools most difficult; whether he is aware that, in the case of St. Stephen's School, Quaker Street, the rating has been raised from £20 to £92, and that, in consequence of the nonpayment of rates, the furniture and a harmonium have been seized; and if he will take steps to prevent this increase in the rating of these voluntary schools?

I am aware that a crushing addition to the rating of voluntary schools in the Metropolis was threatened, but no information has reached me as to the disastrous result which has attended the step in the school to which the hon. Member has referred. The Department has no power to interfere, but looking to the extreme gravity of the crisis in its probable effects upon many voluntary schools, I hope the support of the hon. Member will be accorded to any attempt that may be made to deal with the difficulty next Session.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will grant the Return to be moved for to-day in reference to the Metropolitan Overseers Lists for the coming revision?

I am making inquiries as to whether this information can be obtained with sufficient accuracy for presentation to Parliament. In any case, the wording of the Return has to be very carefully considered; and it is not clear that it ought to be confined to the Metropolis. Should it seem desirable to extend the Return to the whole of the United Kingdom the Scotch and Irish Governments will have to be consulted.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture what is the amount expended out of the Exchequer during the past year towards the cost of Agricultural and Dairy Education and Attendant Expenses in Wales; and what portion of £8,000 estimated expenditure for Agricultural and Dairy Education for the year 1891–2 is allocated for England, Scotland, and Wales respectively?

The grants to agricultural and dairy schools for agricultural experiments are not allocated according to any geographical considerations, but awarded to such institutions as in the judgment of the Board, after inspection and after consideration of the local support accorded, appear to have the highest claims for assistance. In 1890–91 a sum of £4,840 was expended in grants. Of this sum, £500 was awarded to the University College of North Wales at Bangor, the highest sum awarded by the Board to any institution in Great Britain. No other Welsh institution preferred a claim, but the Bath and West of England Agricultural Society received £350 in respect of its itinerant dairy classes in 1890–91, and among the counties visited by that Society were Radnor, Brecon, and Pembroke, so that a portion of this grant, which cannot be separately distinguished, was expended in supply agricultural instruction in South Wales.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to convert a portion of the Seamen's Hospital at the Port of Smyrna into a chapel; if so, whether he is aware that the available space in the hospital is barely adequate for the present wants, while the increasing trade of the port will certainly require additional accommodation; and whether, in consideration of the fact that even the reduced dues levied upon shipping for the support of the hospital more than defray the whole of the expenses, Her Majesty's Government will re-consider the proposal with a view to refusing its sanction?

A suggestion to this effect was made, but upon investigation it has been rejected.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the time for completing the Brussels Conference has been extended; and, if so, to what date; and whether he can state what action Her Majesty's Government propose to take in view of the course taken by France and Portugal?

^* : The principle of extending the period for ratification has been accepted, but the limit has not been decided. Her Majesty's Government have concurred in this extension in view of the postponement of ratification by France, Portugal, and the United States. Nothing can be stated as to what course may be taken after the period is fixed.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a serious accident which occurred last week in Northolt Road, Eastcote, to Mr. Walter Heron, while passing along the road, whose skull was badly fractured by a bullet fired at the Roxteth rifle range; whether he is aware that for some years this range has been looked upon as dangerous to the public using the road; and whether steps will at once be taken to close the range?

^* : An accident on June 3 was reported in connection with one of the two ranges near Harrow used by the Volunteers. The ranges have been closed for some weeks pending inquiry.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can state when the reply will be sent to the Petition of the supervisors, officers, and assistants of Inland Revenue which was some time ago presented to the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury; whether he is aware that a considerable number of Members on both sides of the House have been asked to interest themselves upon the subject of the Petition, and that it will be raised and debated at length on the Estimates; and whether, with a view of saving the time of the House, he can, on an early day, make some statement which will be satisfactory to the petitioners and render any discussion on the Estimates unnecessary?

^* : I considered last year, with the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, the representations of the Excise staff, to whom the question of the hon. Member refers, and, after careful and prolonged examination, we came to the conclusion that on some points the officers made out a fair case, and that on other points they did not. In pursuance of this conclusion I sanctioned additions to the pay and allowances of the force, which involved a charge on the tax, payers rising in four or five years to nearly £70,000 a year. The memorial which is now before me raises one or two questions, such as that connected with the cost of agricultural statistics, which we have been able to meet, but, in the main, it asks for the concession of those points which neither I nor the Board of Inland Revenue thought ourselves justified in granting last year. So far as I see at present, the memorialists do not bring forward any substantial new reasons in support of their claims. At the same time, I am anxious that all members of the Service should feel that claims are thoroughly and carefully investigated and considered. This I can assure the House is done. With reference to the second part of the hon. Member's question, I am aware and deeply regret the fact that political pressure is sought to be put on Members of this House. Indeed, if this system of lobbying should go beyond its present dimensions, I can scarcely foresee the consequences which may ensue, both to the discipline of the force and the cost of the Service. But I hold that the Executive Government of the day is bound by every consideration of duty to be insensible to that pressure when they are not convinced of the equity of the claims which are urged. With reference to the last question, I doubt whether it will be possible for me to make any further statement satisfactory to the petitioners beyond that which I have now made; and, if necessary, I must defend our course in the Debates on the Estimates. At all events, I must not be influenced in a matter which would involve an additional burden of £100,000 on the taxpayer, beyond the increase of £70,000, the future burden of last year's concession, even for the purpose of saving the time of the House.

Before a final reply is made, will it be possible for some of the petitioners to see personally the head officials at Somerset House in order that they may place their case before them?

^* : That is a question for the Board of Inland Revenue to consider. As far as I am aware, the Board of Inland Revenue has shown the utmost desire to meet the view of all parties. I will communicate with the Board on the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will withdraw the order to refuse boys under 12 years of age admission to the Humber Training Ship Southampton, such a change being most likely to ruin a prosperous school ship; and whether he is aware that this change will only affect three school ships, and, therefore, cannot be founded upon any proper experience of harm done by accepting boys up to 12 years of age, the three ships in question having a most prosperous record of the work done by them during the last 25 years?

The operation of this order has been suspended. I do not wish to dispute that excellent work has been done by the managers of these ships, and the inspectors do not specify any particular case of hardship having arisen on any particular ship as necessitating an alteration of the rule, but their experience has led them to the conclusion that it is to the public advantage, both on moral and physical grounds, and in the interests of effective training for sea service, that boys should not be admitted to these ships at a very tender age. The rule excluding boys under 12 is either in force, or agreed to by five out of the eight industrial school ships, and is compulsory on all school ships certified since 1876.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what steps have yet been taken to carry out the promise of the Egyptian Government to appoint two inspectors charged with the duty of examining and taking steps for the due custody and preservation of the monuments of ancient Egypt; what sum it is proposed by the Egyptian Government to appropriate for the purpose of this preservation on the Ancient Monuments; and whether any Papers can be presented to Parliament relating to this subject?

Nothing definite has yet been settled. £910,000 has been allotted in the Budget for the current year.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether there is any truth in the report that the Egyptian Government are considering a scheme for the construction of a dam across the Nile at the top of the First Cataract immediately below the Island of Philae; whether the effect of the construction of such a dam as is proposed would be to raise the summer or flood level of the Nile more than 50 feet above the point which it now reaches, and thereby to submerge for some weeks the greater part of the temples on the Island of Philae, effacing thereby the colour of the wall paintings, covering the columns and sculptured walls with mud, and involving the ultimate destruction of the temples themselves, which are among the most interesting monuments of Egyptian art; and whether alternative schemes have been suggested for the construction of dams at other points higher up the river than Philae, by which little or no injury would be done to any historic buildings, while the object of obtaining a reservoir of water supply would be equally well attained?

There is no information in the Foreign Office with reference to this report. The hon. Member's question will be referred to Her Majesty's Acting Agent and Consul General at Cairo.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that two men, named Porter and Fullerton, were assaulted without the least provocation on the evening of the 29th of June, at Drumlamph, in the County of Londonderry, by a band marching home from some party fete; that Porter was badly injured, and has been under medical care since; and that two constables were present but did not afford any protection, and can he explain why no proceedings have been taken against the assailants?

The Constabulary Authorities report that it is the case that the two men named were injured by members of a band. Warrants have been issued against two men charged with the offence, and who, it is reported, have absconded; but every effort is being made to effect their arrest. One constable was present. A complaint was made against him by the injured men, and the County Inspector at once took steps to have it inquired into. The case against the constable is still sub judice.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that James Gallagher, upwards of 80 years of age, who in a distress state lived in the village of Ardhoum, electoral division of Meelick, was obliged to travel over four miles every day to relief works in another division, and that he was taken ill from exposure on 17th June, and died on 20th, and whether it would be possible to open relief works in the division of Meelick, so as to render it unnecessary for old and feeble people in distress to travel into another division for relief work?

The man referred to was, I am informed, 60 years of age. He did not die from exposure, but from a complaint of long standing. He frequently lodged at the place where the works were going on. His friends made no complaint about his death having been accelerated by exposure on the works, but, on the contrary, expressed themselves to the police as being most grateful for the assistance which had been rendered him. No necessity has been found for opening relief works in Meelick. There are works proceeding at three places, all within reach of Meelick.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether complaints have reached him that the set of Ordnance maps of Ireland and other parts of the United Kingdom in the National Library, Dublin, is incomplete and out of date; that there is no regular agency in Belfast for the supply of Ordnance maps, and that consequently there is often delay and accruing inconvenience in the supply of them in that city; and whether he can take any steps to establish an agency for these maps in Belfast?

I have heard no complaints about the set of Ordnance maps in the National Library, Dublin, but I will communicate with my right hon. Friend the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, in case there should be any defects that can be remedied. There is no agency in Belfast, because under the existing system there is only one agent for the sale of Ordnance maps, but I believe there is no difficulty in obtaining from him promptly any maps that are required through any map-seller. The question of whether the present system of distribution of Ordnance maps should be changed is now under the consideration of the Board of Agriculture and the Treasury.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is always four days' delay in obtaining any Ordnance map in Belfast, and that the one-inch map in the Dublin National Library is 50 years old, and only of historical interest?

I should have thought there ought to have been no difficulty in obtaining these maps in Belfast by return of post. I am not aware of the other facts stated by the hon. Member. I will inquire into the matter.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will explain why it is that four supervisors, who are already fully employed in their own department, are doing the work of clerks in the Inland Revenue Office, Dublin, although second-class assistants are competent for the duty now being performed by the four supervisors, and are available?

I will not ask the cource from which the hon. Member derives his information, but he is incorrectly informed. The Clerical Supervisors and officers are employed on their respective duties. No assistant is competent to perform the duties of a supervisor and no assistant is available or unemployed in Dublin.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to a Resolution unanimously agreed to by the Skibbereen Town Commissioners, in the County of Cork, protesting against the construction of a three-arch railway bridge across the River Ilen at Skibbereen, and calling attention to the suffering and sickness which have, in the past, been caused by floods in Skibbereen; and whether steps will be taken to provide a one-span bridge for the light railway, and thus prevent any obstruction in the river's course?

This question ought to have been addressed to my hon. Friend the Secretary to the Treasury. Perhaps the hon. Member will put it down for another day?

I will put it down for to-morrow.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland if any instructions could be given to relieve from the severity of immediate arrest engine drivers whose engines may accidentally cause death on railway lines; is it the fact that, even in cases where suicide is committed by persons throwing themselves under the engine, the arrest of the driver follows; and, as engine drivers, when arrested in these cases, are frequently wet, cold, and hungry after their trips, will the attention of the police be called to the great hardship of detaining them overnight in the cells to await magisterial investigation instead of taking their names, or allow some discretion to the police, at any rate, where the driver himself reports the occurrence?

promised to make inquiries on the subject.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in the event of vacancies arising in the Chairs of the Irish Queen's Colleges, the claims of properly qualified Queen's College students will be taken into account; and if the Queen's Colleges are unable to turn out men so qualified, will the Government consider the propriety of decreasing (or discontinuing) grants to these Colleges?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the education given in the Queen's Colleges in Ireland has been proved by all possible tests, such as the examinations for the Indian Civil Service and other public appointments, to be equal or superior to that of any other colleges in the Empire; whether he is aware that the Queen's Colleges cannot always produce the best men for their own professorships owing to the fact that the Queen's Colleges have not got fellowships which would enable their students to pursue their studies to such an extent as to fit them for professorships; and whether, in view of this excellence on the part of the Queen's Colleges, as far as their endowments enable them to go, he will, in the event of the Queen's College students not being found sufficiently learned for any professorships that may shortly become vacant, consider the propriety of increasing the grants to these colleges so as to found fellowships connected with them?

The claims of all properly qualified Queen's College students who may be candidates for vacancies in the chairs of the Irish Queen's Colleges will receive careful consideration. There is no reason to suppose that these colleges are unable to turn out men so qualified, but in promoting the usefulness of these institutions it is considered advisable to open the chairs to all comers, and to select from among them the man who appears best qualified for the duties. The students of these colleges have in all professions and in the public competitions acquitted themselves with honour to themselves and with credit to their colleges.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Local Board at Enniskillen, by whom the Lough Erne works of arterial drainage and navigation have been carried out during a period of ten years, was under the supervision and control of the Commissioners of Public Works in Dublin; were all moneys advanced by the Treasury disbursed by the Commissioners of Public Works; is he aware that the Commissioners, although in 1880 they approved an estimate of £74,000, to be repaid from 17,500 flooded acres, on 9th October 1890 sanctioned an outlay of £178,330, and that, in addition, there is a yearly charge of £1,000 for the maintenance of the works, repayable in 98 half-yearly instalments of £3,631 3s. 2d. each; is he also aware that the Commissioners have made this award upon accounts furnished without date, audit, or signature; and whether, having regard to all the peculiar circumstances of the case, the Government will grant a sworn inquiry into the matters, to be held in Enniskillen, the central town of the drainage district?

The Lough Erne Drainage Works were carried out by the Local Drainage Board, who were not under the supervision or control of the Board of Works. The loans sanctioned by the Treasury for the execution of these works were advanced to the Local Drainage Board by whom the money was disbursed. The first estimate was £74,000 The excess over that amount was sanctioned be the Board of Works on the application of the Drainage Board. Of this excess about £25,000 arises from the accumulation of interest on the advances, owing to the delay which took place in executing the works. The cost of maintaining the works will vary, and under good management by the Local Board may be considerably less than £1,000 per annum. The accounts of expenditure have from time to time been furnished to the Board of Works by the Drainage Board, properly signed and dated, and have been duly audited by the Board of Works Accountant.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that numbers of the poor people in the Division of Selerna were struck off the relief works at this most critical period of the year, leaving them without any sustenance whatever; if he will instruct the Local Government Board to have them at once reinstated to prevent widespread, distress; and if he will also take steps to provide relief works for the starving people of Leam, who have been deprived of work in consequence of one of the gangers being sent away, no work having been laid out for him?

I believe it is the case that a number of persons have been struck off the relief works at Selerna, but only after a careful inquiry into the circumstances showed that the continuance of relief was not necessary. As to the last paragraph of the question, perhaps the hon. Member will put it down again, further defining the district.

In reply to MR. SEXTON,

There is no date fixed for the continuance of relief works, but the condition of the different localities is taken into account.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if it is true that a number of relief works instituted by the Government in West and South Cork will be left unfinished, and that it is proposed to tax the cess payers of the County of Cork, as suggested by the County Surveyor to the West Riding of the County of Cork, to supply the alleged deficiency; and, if so, which of the works in course of construction will be left unfinished?

I have not yet been able to obtain the information that would enable me to answer this question.

At what date will the right hon. Gentleman be prepared to answer it?

Probably tomorrow.

Then I will repeat the question to-morrow.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture which of the proposed remedies for potato blight is considered the best for use in Ireland, namely, the sulphate of copper dressing, the sulphate of iron, or Bichon's patent remedy; and whether, in the opinion of experts, any of these dressings can be successfully applied without complete destruction of all infective refuse and thorough preparation of the soil where an infected crop has been recently grown?

What is most desirable in Ireland is a matter, I think, more for the opinion of the Chief Secretary than mine; but, generally speaking, I may say that the question of the best remedy for potato blight is now the subject of a series of experiments which are being carried out for the Board of Agriculture by the Royal Agricultural Society in England, and by the Highland and Agricultural Society in Scotland. I believe that further experiments are also being made in Ireland. Until these experiments have been reported on, I shall not be in a position to give a definite reply to the hon. Member's question. All the information in the possession of the Board of Agriculture respecting foreign experiments and the steps to be taken as to the destruction of infective refuse has been published in the Report of the Intelligence Department of the Board and in a recent leaflet, and in that Report special attention is directed to the necessity of destroying all infective refuse.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will communicate to this House the terms of the Report of the Experts on the sanitary condition of Tullamore Prison?

There will be no objection raised on behalf of the Government if the hon. Member desires to move for a return of Reports of Sir Charles Cameron and Mr. Kaye Parry on the drainage of Tullamore Prison.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he has received any resolution or memorial from the inhabitants of Labasheeda, county Clare, in reference to the building of a pier at Red Gap on the Shannon, from which to ship and unload the imports and exports of that locality; and whether, having regard to the fact that when the Lord Lieutenant was on his late tour in that district, Colonel Lloyd and Mr. Reeves brought him to Red Gap, pointed out the necessity for the pier, and obtained His Excellency's promise that it would be erected, and also to the fact that there is neither pier nor landing stage nearer Labasheeda than 7 miles on the one side and 12 on the other, he will advise or authorise the erection of a small pier at this point?

It is the case that a memorial signed by Mr. Reeves, Colonel Lloyd, and others, praying for the construction of a pier at the place mentioned was forwarded to the Lord Lieutenant; but there is nothing to suggest that His Excellency gave a promise of the nature stated. On the contrary the memorial expresses regret at his inability to visit the place. On the general question, however, I may say that having regard to the large sums of money recently provided by Parliament for public works in Ireland the Government would not feel justified at the present time in bringing forward proposals for further grants.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland how many prosecutions of men on strike have been made under the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act?

Perhaps the hon. Member will repeat the question on a later day. I have not been able to obtain the information.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General what was the exact amount which the proposed acceleration of the mails to Skibbereen and West Cork would cost; and whether the Cork and Bandon and West Cork Railway had offered any facilities in the matter?

^* : The Railway Company expressed their readiness to afford the suggested acceleration of the day mail train for a further payment by the Post Office of £2,703 a year, to that extent increasing the cost of a service on which there is already a loss of £1,680 a year.

Will the Home Secretary lay on the Table a copy of the judgment of the Court of Appeal in the Plymouth Trade Union case?

If an authentic copy of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal in the Plymouth Trade Union case can be obtained, I shall have no objection to cause it to be issued as a Parliamentary Paper.

I wish to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can now answer the question which I put to him yesterday, whether, in the event of his Motion for the suspension of the Twelve o'clock Rule being accepted, he will on the part of the Government undertake to oppose after 12 o'clock all private Members' Bills as to which notice of opposition may have been given?

If private Members will not come down to air their obstructive tactics after 12 o'clock, is it the business of the Government to do anything to assist them?

^* : Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer include the Hanover Chapel Bill in those measures which the Government will oppose after 12 o'clock?

The question put by the hon. Member for Dundee (Mr. E. Robertson) really concerns the House more than the Government, and I can well conceive that there may be two opinions on the subject. There are, as the hon. Member is aware, certain Bills which are almost unanimously approved by the House. There is one private Member's Bill, for instance, on which there is a considerable feeling on both sides, and that is the Betting of Infants Bill. Members on both sides almost unanimously desire to see that Bill passed. If it were the general wish of the House, I should cheerfully accede to the view of the hon. Member, but I am reluctant to exclude all possibility of Bills being advanced which the House almost unanimously desires to see passed, and I should not like to exclude them without further consideration and inquiry. I will make further inquiry, and endeavour to ascertain the views of hon. Members in all parts of the House on the subject.

^* : Will the Army and Navy Votes be taken after the Civil Service Estimates?

When will the Lords' Amendments to the Irish Land Purchase Bill be taken?

^* : The right hon. Gentleman has not answered my question in reference to the Hanover Chapel Bill.

The Hanover Chapel Bill is a private Bill, and must follow the ordinary procedure. It is proposed to take the Lords' Amendments to the Irish Land Purchase Bill on this day week, if that falls in with the general wish of the House. It is not proposed to take the remaining Army Votes until Class 4 of the Civil Service Estimates has been passed.

When will the Education Statement be made?

It will be made when we reach Class 4.

It is usual to give notice beforehand.

I will endeavour to meet the view of the right hon. Gentleman.

May I ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to pledge the Government that when Government business extends to one o'clock, private Members' Bills shall then be opposed by the Front Bench, so that Members who have given notice of opposition shall not be compelled to attend after that hour?

The latter proposal I will accept at once. If the House has gone on sitting beyond one o'clock there ought to be no necessity for any hon. Member to come down. I thought that was understood.

Will Classes 2, 3, and 4 of the Estimates be taken in regular order?

Yes, without interruption.

When will the Irish Estimates be considered?

They will be taken in their order. I cannot forecast the time which will be occupied with the Estimates which intervene, but I hope it will not be long.

May I ask, Mr. Speaker, whether the half-past 12 o'clock rule still obtains, or whether it has been repealed?

^* : The half-past 12 o'clock rule does not exist.