I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a statement, published in The Pioneer Mail, of Allahabad, that M. Pasteur has expressed, through the Secretary of State, his willingness to send out one of his experts, with the object of introducing vaccine for the prevention or mitigation of anthrax into India; whether he is aware that Pasteur's vaccine for anthrax has been officially declared, in a Report of the Local Government Board of London, "perfectly ineffective" for the purpose proposed; and whether it is true, as stated in The Times of India, that two animals have been "flayed alive" before a public audience in Calcutta; and, if so, whether there are any means of restraining such proceedings in future?

Yes, Sir; M. Pasteur's offer to send out a qualified investigator has been accepted by the Government of India. The Secretary of State cannot trace the words quoted by the hon. Member from a Report of the Local Government Board. As to the alleged flaying alive of animals, the Secretary of State has no information, nor has he been able to find a statement quoted in The Times of India. The attention of the Government of India was called last Autumn to the desirability of legislating on the lines of the English Act of 1876 for restricting experiments on living animals.

Will further inquiry be made with respect to the flaying alive?

Yes, Sir.

I wish to ask the Secretary to the Local Government Board a question of which I have given him private notice. It is whether it is not a fact that the Report referred to in the question is 11 years old; that since that time Pasteur's system of inoculation against anthrax has been so much improved that many thousands of animals have been successfully inoculated in France and other countries, with the result that the cattle plague is now rapidly disappearing from places where it had been prevalent for years?

The Report in question is, I believe, 11 years old. As representing the Local Government Board, I have no official knowledge of the statements made by the hon. Member; but I believe, from personal inquiry, that they are correct.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can take any steps to prevent the face of the country being disfigured by the advertisements of vendors of quack medicines and unguents?

I share the views of the hon. Member with regard to the inartistic results of the practice in question; but I have no power to interfere in the matter, and I cannot say that I am surprised that owners and occupiers of agricultural lands should, under existing circumstances, be unable to resist the temptations offered to them by advertisement contractors.

If the farmers take to cultivating crops of pictorial and other advertisements, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of bringing in or supporting a Bill in order that the amenities of rural scenery may be preserved?

I am not prepared to admit that the power of the Board of Agriculture extends over the face of the country in that way, nor am I sure that such a duty would properly fall within my province.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the case of J. F. Sleap, late colour sergeant of the 4th V. B. Royal West Surrey Regiment, who was dismissed the corps after 28 years' service; whether he was guilty of any serious infringement of the Volunteer Regulations, or was only absent from the Easter Manœuvres on account of temporary ill-health; whether he is aware that Colonel Haddon has had inserted in the regimental orders that Mr. J. F. Sleap should be recommended for honorary rank and permitted to retain his uniform, and why was this order cancelled without any explanation being given; and whether he is prepared to grant a Court of Inquiry, so that the whole question may be investigated?

It is the case that Mr. Sleap was dismissed by his Commanding Officer from the corps in question after having served 28 years in it. The power of dismissal rests absolutely with the Commanding Officer, as is laid down in Section 21 of the Volunteer Act of 1863, the words of which are these—

"The Commanding Officer of a Volunteer corps may discharge from the corps any Volunteer, and strike him out of the muster roll, either for disobedience of orders by him while doing any military duty with his corps, or for neglect of duty, or misconduct by him as a member of the corps, or for other sufficient cause, the existence and sufficiency of such causes respectively to be judged of by the Commanding Officer."

Colonel Haddon, in the first place, called upon Mr. Sleap to resign, and intimated his intention to recommend that Mr. Sleap should have leave to retain his rank and uniform; but, on Mr. Sleap refusing to resign and incurring dismissal, this recommendation was not made, and the order was withdrawn. This is entirely within the discretion of the Commanding Officer. I should have been glad if Colonel Haddon had seen his way to make this recommendation in the case of a non-commissioned officer of so long service, whose dismissal did not imply any imputation on his character. Courts of Inquiry are only allowed in very special cases. They are not in the nature of a Court of Appeal, but are merely intended to ascertain the full facts of a case; and as, in this instance, there is no doubt as to the facts, no occasion arises for inquiry.

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his very explicit answer. But do I understand that the War Office can afford no means of redress to this colour sergeant? Is he aware that the feeling in the corps is so strong that for months it was found impossible to induce anyone to accept promotion in order to fill his place?

Everything done by the Commanding Officer was perfectly regular and in accordance with the Regulations.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Report of the British East Africa Company that the unfortunate position in which it finds itself is due, amongst other things, to the indefinite postponement of the consideration by Parliament of railway construction, to which, assuming the survey to be satisfactory, the previous Government was pledged; and whether there is any record of this pledge in the Foreign Office; if so, whether Her Majesty's present Advisers intend to give effect to it? I wish also to ask a further question, of which I have given private notice— whether any communication has been received from Sir Gerald Portal confirming the statement published in The Times of to-day from its Correspondent in Uganda, that the Soudanese troops have been enlisted in Her Majesty's-Service, and that Captain Macdouald has been appointed Resident; also whether the telegram in The Berliner Tageblatt is correct in stating that Sir Gerald Portal has hoisted the British flag and proclaimed a British Protectorate over Uganda; and whether it is competent for Sir Gerald Portal to do that, or to take any steps which would involve this country in the assumption of a Protectorate?

No information whatever has been received by the Foreign Office since the arrival of Sir Gerald Portal in Uganda either as to the truth of the statements alluded to by the hon. Member or otherwise. As to the Instructions to Sir Gerald Portal, they are before the House, and hon. Members are as well qualified to pronounce an opinion as to their scope as is the Government. With regard to the question on the Paper, the attention of the Secretary of State has been called to this statement; but there is no record of any such pledge beyond what is contained in the Correspondence between the Foreign Office and the Treasury which has been laid before Parliament in Blue Book Africa No. 2, 1892. In answer to the last line of the question, I have to say that the Report by Captain Macdonald of the survey of the route from Mombasa to the Victoria Nyanza has been received by the Treasury, and was presented to Parliament yesterday. No decision upon it will be taken till Sir Gerald Portal's Report has been received and considered by Parliament.

I think the hon. Baronet might have given a more specific answer to that portion of my hon. Friend's question which refers to the competency of Sir Gerald Portal to hoist the British flag in Uganda, or to take any steps which would involve this country in the assumption of a Protectorate. Is it the opinion of the Foreign Office that under his Instructions it is competent for Sir Gerald Portal to do these things?

The Instructions given to Sir Gerald Portal gave him considerable latitude, especially in Clause 8; but I should think that the hon. Member can form his own opinion as to the scope of the Instructions. I have only to say that this question of their exact scope was very fully discussed on the Address in the early part of the Session, and it was then stated that any arrangement which Sir Gerald Portal may make will be provisional until his Report has been considered by the Government.

Surely the hon. Baronet can say whether it is the opinion of the Foreign Office that the Instructions given to Sir Gerald Portal allow the hoisting of the British flag and the assumption of a Protectorate?

These are the words in the Instructions—

"A Mission to Central Africa cannot, of course, be conducted according to ordinary precedent; the infrequency and difficulty of communication may require a latitude beyond what is usual; and in entrusting to you these important duties Her Majesty's Government reckon with full confidence on your meeting with firmness and caution every occasion that may arise."

In the absence of any news from Sir G. Portal, as to what he has done and why he did it, it is impossible for me to say more as to the scope of those Instructions.

This is a most important question. Do I understand that, in the opinion of the Foreign Office, Sir Gerald Portal's Instructions do allow him to hoist the British flag in Uganda and to assume a Protectorate over that country?

I can say nothing about the opinion of the Foreign Office on the subject until we have heard from Sir Gerald Portal.

I am not asking the hon. Gentleman what will be the decision of the Foreign Office on the point after they have received information from Sir Gerald Portal, but whether his Instructions authorise him to do what he has done?

I have already said that what Sir Gerald Portal does will be provisional until his Report has been considered. What he does must be contingent upon the circumstances and condition of things which he finds in Uganda, and until we know what they are I can say no more.

Are we to understand that under certain conditions Sir Gerald Portal has a right to hoist the British flag in Uganda, and to assume a Protectorate ever the country?

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Inspectors of Weights and Measures in Ireland have received any remuneration for their services during the past financial year, in accordance with the Inspector General's Circular of 3rd July, 1891; if not, what is the cause of the delay, when the ex-officio Inspectors will be paid, and if the shares will be distributed as in 1892?

The ex-officio Inspectors of Weights and Measures have not yet, I understand, received their remuneration for the financial year to March 31 last, the reason for the delay being due to the settlement of certain preliminaries. The claims are now being investigated, and the Inspector General expects that payments will be made before the end of the present month.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the attack on a farmer named John Collins, whose house at Cree North, in the County of Clare, was attacked upon the night of Monday, May 22, by a band of disguised moonlighters, and several shots fired into it, whether shortly previous to this outrage notices had been posted in the district, signed "Captain Moonlight," threatening Collins with death if he persisted in exercising his legal rights against his under tenants; have any arrests been made; and what steps have been taken to render Collins and his family protection?

At the same time, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a threatening notice, signed "Captain Moonlight," had been posted on Collins' door some time before the out- rage; whether he is also aware that Collins has recently been obliged to take ejectment proceedings against his subtenants, and had obtained decrees for possession of some small holdings; whether this outrage will appear in the official Returns as an agrarian one; and if any arrests have been made in connection with it?

I am informed that it is true that an outrage of the nature indicated took place on the night of May 22, and that about a fortnight previously a threatening notice was received by Collins. No report of this notice was made to the police until after the attack on his house. Collins has taken proceedings against two of his sub-tenants, but has not, so far, obtained decrees. No arrests have yet been made; the police have taken steps for affording adequate protection to Collins and his family. The outrage referred to has been recorded in the official Returns as agrarian.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if the place at which this outrage was committed is not 30 miles outside the disturbed area which he recently referred to?

I cannot answer that without notice.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire-laud upon what Report his Excellency acted respecting the Memorial presented to him praying for a remission of the sentence recently imposed upon John Carron by the County Monaghan Justices at Clones Petty Sessions?

I very much deprecate putting questions of this nature. As stated in reply to a previous question on this subject a Memorial largely signed on behalf of John Carron was submitted to the Lord Lieutenant, who had also received in the usual course a Report from the Magistrates in Petty Sessions which showed that the assault was a wanton one and committed by Carron on a quiet, inoffensive man. In view of all the circumstances of the case the Lord Lieutenant decided that the law must take its course.

May I ask if it is the usual course in Ireland to invite the convicting Magistrates to report?

Has not the right hon. Gentleman himself been condemned several times in this House for not consulting convicting Judges?

The Lord Lieutenant took the best possible means of getting full information. It is a matter entirely for his discretion.

Did his Excellency consult the Constabulary Authorities?

Without wishing to be discourteous to the hon. Member, I must respectfully decline to answer further questions of this nature.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that there are now in Cardiganshire more than 100 orders to be carried out for the collection of tithe, but that it is impossible to carry them out because the Standing Joint Committee and Chief Constable refuse adequate police protection, trusting to the policy of moral suasion, whereby the intended proceedings are made public, and a force of only four men is sent to protect the bailiff; whether he is also aware that this policy was tried in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, and failed, but that, since the policy of secrecy and of sending a large police force has prevailed, there has been no difficulty in collecting tithe in these two counties; whether he is aware that members of the County Council are present at the proceedings in Cardiganshire, and that, on the 29th of December last, Mr. Morgan Evans, the then Chairman of the County Council and Standing Joint Committee, advised the crowd to do all in its power to prevent the carrying out of the law; and whether he will take steps to compel the Local Authorities to provide adequate police protection, in order that the law may be carried out, and violence prevented?

Is it not a fact that distresses have been carried out much more smoothly and that the peace has been better preserved in Wales since the custom of sending large police escorts has been discontinued?

And is it not a fact as regards Pembrokeshire that since the Act of 1891 it has been the custom for a small force of four police-constables, at the most, with occasionally a Superintendent to accompany the bailiffs in these cases, whereas prior to that date large forces were employed without effect? Also, can the right hon. Gentleman say if the failure to collect tithe is due not to the inadequacy of the police escort, but to the opinions entertained by the Welsh people as to the injustice of the impost?

That is entirely out of Order.

May I ask whether that portion of the question on the Paper is in Order which says it is impossible to carry out the tithe collections because adequate police protection is refused, and the Standing Joint Committee and Chief Constable "trust to the policy of moral suasion"? Is not that argumentative and controversial?

It may be disputable to say that the Standing Committee trust to moral suasion instead of other forces. I think that part of the question had better be left out.

With respect to the questions put by the hon. Members behind me, and with regard to the second paragraph of the question on the Paper, I have not sufficient information, nor, so far as I know, have I the means of obtaining sufficient to enable me to give a satisfactory answer. I believe it is the fact that a large number of orders for the collection of tithe rent-charge in Cardiganshire have not yet been carried out. I have no reason to believe that the difficulty has been caused by the refusal of the Standing Joint Committee and Chief Constable to give adequate police protection to the bailiff. It is more probably attributable to the fact that the recent Act (as I am advised) does not empower the police to secure entry for a bailiff seeking to levy distress for tithe rent-charge on persons occupying their own farms. I have no information with regard to the second paragraph of the hon. Member's question. With regard to the third paragraph, I have received a telegram from Mr. Morgan Evans denying the truth of the statement there made, and vouching the Chief Constable in support of his denial. I have on more than one occasion impressed upon the Chief Constable the necessity of giving adequate police protection to the bailiff, and I have no reason to think that the Chief Constable does not fully recognise his duty in this respect.

Arising out of the answer, may I ask whether, as these difficulties do exist in Cardiganshire and do not exist in Glamorgan and Pembrokeshire, owing to the fact that a different system prevails, he will take steps to secure that the same amount of protection is afforded in Cardiganshire as in the other counties?

That question involves an assumption and an argument, with neither of which am I prepared to deal.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will now lay upon the Table of the House any Correspondence that has taken place between Her Majesty's Government and Foreign Powers with respect to the position of this country in regard to the Triple Alliance that was entered into in 1887 between Austria, Germany, and Italy, and particularly in regard to any declarations made to Italy which might have induced her to enter into that alliance; and whether any pledges or assurances were given directly or indirectly by the late Government, in any official Correspondence now in existence, implying that in case of Italy being involved in a war with France, owing to her having joined the Triple Alliance, Italy may expect any interference on the part of this country to save her from the possible consequences of defeat?

It would not be in the public interest to publish any Correspondence that may have taken place in previous years with reference to the Triple Alliance. In answer to the second paragraph, I can assure the hon. Member that no pledge unknown to the House has been given as to the employment of the Naval or Military Forces of the Crown. The actual position of affairs seems to have been very fairly explained by the right hon. Baronet the Member for North-East Manchester in an answer given in the House on June 4, 1891; and there has been no change nor any Correspondence since then.

Then I understand there was a Correspondence, which the hon. Baronet declines to give?

I said it would not be in the public interest to publish any Correspondence that may have taken place. That is exactly what was said in previous years by my Predecessor in reply to similar questions.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland why the Scotch Education Department have refused to declare the Ballanoch Public School a centre under Article 21 of the Scotch Code, which would entitle it to a grant of 10s. instead of 4s.; whether Her Majesty's Inspector has passed the school as "good," subject only to some improvements which have been duly executed; and whether he is aware that the school rate in that locality is now abnormally high, being nearly 2s. in the pound?

The question of re-organising this school as a centre under Article 21 was brought before the Department in 1888, and the proposal was refused on the ground that the school staff was insufficient. More recently the request was renewed, but it was felt to be inexpedient to re-open the question at a time when the organisation of centres for Secondary Education is under the consideration of the County Committee. The premises have not been reported as good, and Her Majesty's Inspector has stated that no improvement will render them permanently satisfactory. According to the last Return the school rate in the district was 1s. 10d.

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Govern- ment to give effect to the second recommendation of the Select Committee of the House of Commons on Greenwich Age Pensions (1892) by legislation during the present Session?

The question of giving effect to the recommendation is now under the consideration of the Treasury.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the 1st Scottish Rifles bore with perfect forbearance and discipline the two attacks made upon them, their barracks and officers' quarters, by the men of the Cavalry Brigade at Aldershot on 1st and 2nd May; will he explain on what grounds 1hey have been removed from their barracks to others in the North Camp, at a great expense to the married people and officers, while the Cavalry Brigade, the authors of the disturbance, have been brought back to the same quarters they occupied before they organised the attack; and whether, if this is the case, he will see that immediate steps are taken to have the good name of the Scottish Rifles cleared from any stigma of offence which the officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the battalion feel is laid upon them by reason of this removal?

It is the fact that the Scottish Rifles, in the regrettable outbreak of May 1, bore the attacks made upon them with forbearance and good discipline; and no stigma has been laid upon the regiment by their removal, of the reason for which they are perfectly well aware. That reason is easily explained. It was obviously undesirable after what had occurred that the Cavalry regiments and the Scottish Rifles should remain quartered in immediate proximity to each other. The Cavalry regiments must of course be accommodated in barracks with stabling; when, therefore, they were brought back from being under canvas, these regiments were quartered in the Cavalry Barracks; but each regiment has changed its barrack and occupies a different one from that occupied before, while the Scottish Rifles in the North Camp are entirely separated from them.

I would ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, considering the fact that this regiment does feel that in the public view it has been disgraced by being removed in this way, he will take any steps to assure this gallant and distinguished regiment that it is not disgraced? Could not something be done in the form of a letter written by the Commander-in-Chief to the Colonel of the Scottish Rifles— to be read on parade—which would remove the stigma, which I assure the right hon. Gentleman is felt deeply?

My information is that the regiment are perfectly well aware that there is no slur upon them. The officer commanding stated that to them before the removal took place.

If the necessity for the removal of the regiment was due to the attack upon it why not charge the expenses of the removal against the Cavalry Brigade?

Certainly.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is he aware, as President of the Local Government Board, that certain open drains in Armagh have boon allowed to remain a nuisance and a danger to the public health for many years; that the Poor Law Guardians decided that the responsibility lay with the Town Commissioners, whilst the latter threw it back on the Guardians; and that thus this nuisance is permitted to remain close to a large educational institution, causing blood poisoning and similar diseases; and, if so, what steps, if any, will be taken for the prompt abatement of this dangerous nuisance, so that the lives of those in the locality may not be further exposed?

The Local Government Board have been informed by the Executive Sanitary Officer of the Armagh Union that the existence of the nuisance complained of having been recently brought under the notice of the Rural Sanitary Authority the necessary steps have been taken to abate the nuisance, and the work of cleaning the drain will be put in hand at once. It appears that the drain has been in good sanitary condition until a recent date.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that two families, named Davidson and Connor, occupants of evicted farms at Ballyclough, County Cork, are the victims of boycotting and intimidation; that the arrival of the children of these men at the local national school is made the signal for all the other children to leave the school and march through the village, singing such songs as "God save Ireland "; that these boycotted children have to be protected by police when going to and returning from school and during some of the school hours; and that the parents of those children have been denounced by the local branches of the Irish National Federation for their occupation of evicted farms; and whether the Government propose to take any steps to put a stop to this system of persecution of little children?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that the parish priest has condemned these acts of violence in unmeasured language?

I believe that he has. As to the question on the Paper, I understand that the facts are substantially as stated in the question. The efforts of the police have prevented a renewal of these disgraceful disturbances since May 12, since which date it appears that no children except the O'Connors and the Davidsons have attended the school. Prosecutions have been directed against some of the most prominent disturbers of the peace in connection with this disgraceful matter.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in reference to the arrest and trial of Pastor Thoumaïan and others the British Vice Consul in Angora has sent in the Report he was instructed to make on the subject; whether the Turkish Authorities have satisfied themselves of Pastor Thoumaïan's innocence, and ordered his release; and whether he has yet been released?

I am informed that the trials are in progress, and that M. Thoumaïan's examination has not yet come on. The Turkish Authorities, after some consideration, decided that they could not order the release of M. Thoumaïan without trial.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to a report in The Derry Journal of the prosecution of Hugh Doherty at Rathmullen Petty Sessions, County Donegal, before Mr. Orr, R.M., for not having his name on his cart; that Mr. Doherty proved that he had his name thereon in Irish letters, as he spoke and wrote Irish, but that nevertheless the Resident Magistrate imposed a fine of a shilling and costs; and whether, as some time ago a Donegal farmer had his application for a fair rent dismissed because his name, having no English equivalent, was given in the Irish form in the originating notice, the Government will ascertain what is the analogous practice in Wales and the Highlands, and instruct the police not to bring prosecutions such as that brought against Mr. Doherty, and remit the fine and costs?

I am informed that Hugh Doherty was summoned to Rathmullen Petty Sessions on the 5th May for using his cart on the public road without having his name and residence printed thereon. The case was proved in the ordinary way before the Resident Magistrate and two local Justices, and a fine of one shilling and costs imposed. Doherty did not, I learn, prove he had his name, or any name, on the cart in either English or Irish letters, nor did he produce any evidence to that effect. He appears to have stated in an incoherent manner that his name was on the cart in Irish characters; but the prosecuting constable proved there were no letters of any kind to be seen on the vehicle when found. The Irish Land Commission state they have no knowledge of any application to have a fair rent fixed having been dismissed for any such reason as mentioned in the second paragraph of the question.

Arising out of the question, may I ask whether, in justice to the Irish nation, the Prime Minister will introduce a clause into the Government of Ireland Bill enacting that the Debates in the Irish Legislative Assembly shall be in Irish?

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether any further Returns as to hours of labour of railway servants exceeding 10 or 12 hours respectively have as yet been ordered for any month since December 1891; and whether, in any future Return, the form of the Returns will be modified so as to afford clearer information as to the more serious cases of overwork?

No further Returns have been ordered at present, and I propose to await the passing of the Railway Servants (Hours of Labour) Bill before deciding upon future action. if my hon. Friend will favour me with his suggestions for the amendment of the form of Return they shall be carefully considered.

Before the right hon. Gentleman comes to any decision will he consult practical railway men?

Certainly; I shall take the best advice I can get.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to an inquest held at Uttoxeter on the 17th of May, concerning the death of Thomas Henry Nash, a child nine weeks old, and the verdict of the jury that death was attributable to pyœmia or blood poisoning from vaccination?

(who replied): The Local Government Board have applied to the Coroner for a copy of the depositions in the case, and next week I shall be able to answer the question.

I will put it down for Tuesday.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now state the decision of the Government with respect to the system of classification in Her Majesty's Dockyards?

I am not yet in a position to give a definite reply to this question.

I must remind the hon. Member that this is the third time I have put the question and got a similar answer. On the last occasion he said a decision would be come to before Whitsuntide. Cannot he say something definite now?

I cannot say more than that the question is under active consideration at this moment.

When will the hon. Gentleman be able to 'i Is it a question of weeks or of months. Shall we know before the end of the Session?

I should hope in a very short time.

Then it is a question of weeks?

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state on what grounds the Treasury consented to extend the appointment of Sir F. Burton, the Director of the National Gallery, now aged 76, till next year; and whether, in this case, as well as in the numerous other cases in which the Treasury have sanctioned a departure from the Order in Council of 1890, which lays down the age of retirement as 65, they have duly considered the hardship that is inflicted on the younger men in the Departments involved, through the stoppage of their promotion consequent on the retention above them of officials beyond the limits of the working age laid down by the Order?

The object of the provision for compulsory retirement at 65 was to prevent inefficiency in the Public Service owing to age, and not to provide promotion for younger men. Sir F. Burton is retained because the period of five years for which he was re-appointed has not yet expired.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can now state when the Return of Placemen and Pensioners having seats in the House of Lords and House of Commons will be presented to this House?

The Returns from one Department are not yet complete, but I hope that the whole will be ready in a few days.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty on what ground the relief of H.M.S. Phaeton which has now been in commission in the Mediterranean for over six years, is now a fourth time postponed, and that of the Undaunted has been substituted for it?

The suggestions in the question are not in accordance with the facts. The Undaunted is ordered home before the Phaeton because she has been longer in commission.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Report of the Tuberculosis Commission, which was expected early in May, has yet been issued; whether his Department intend granting compensation to the many owners who have suffered severe financial loss through the confiscation exercised to protect public health; and whether it is the intention of the Government to provide a fund in order to end the present system?

The Report of the Tuberculosis Commission has not yet been issued, and I must remind the hon. Member that in my reply to his question on March 17 last I stated that I was informed that it was expected that the microscopical investigations which were being made on behalf of the Com- mission would be completed and the Reports of the three sub-inquirers be in the hands of the Commission before the end of the present mouth; that the deliberations of the Commission thereon would follow; and that their Report would be presented as soon as possible afterwards. The Government are not prepared to make proposals to Parliament until the Report of the Commission is presented.

When may the Report be expected?

If the Local Government Board were the Commission I should be able to fix it.

Will the right hon. Gentleman point out to the Commissioners the desirability of reporting as quickly as possible?

I have asked the Commissioners over and over again, and their answer is that they will report when they have completed their inquiries.

Is there no way in which this Commission can be compelled to do its duty?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a copy of a Resolution passed by the county at large Presentment Sessions for the County of Cork applying for the reduction of the extra police force for that county; whether he is aware that eight of the nine Magistrates and cesspayers who assented to the Resolution are Unionists, and the Chairman, Mr. Savage French, J.P., is a prominent member of the Cork Landlords' Union, and that the Chairman observed that he did not see the necessity for any extra police at present; and whether, in view of this Resolution, and of the peaceful condition of the county, steps will be taken for the reduction of the extra police force?

It appears from a local newspaper report that at the Cork Presentment Sessions held on May 21 the Magistrates and ratepayers drew attention to

"the charge for Constabulary for the half-year to March last, with a view to the reduction of the Force at the earliest possible period if the. state of the county would permit."

I have no knowledge of the political opinions of the gentlemen who carried the Resolution, though, of course, it is quite possible the hon. Member's surmise in this respect is correct. It is true that the condition of the county is generally satisfactory and peaceful. But, as already stated by me, there is an area which does not bear favourable comparison with the rest of the county; and the local Constabulary Authorities, taking into consideration the nature of the duty to be performed by the police over so extensive a county as Cork, cannot at present recommend a reduction in the extra force.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the exhibition of boxing at the National Sporting Club on Monday last; and whether the police intend to take proceedings against all or any of the persons concerned?

The police cautioned the manager of the club and the principals that they would be held answerable for any disorder, or any illegal act, as is always done on such occasions. Nothing occurred to warrant the interference of the police; there was no disorder, nor, so far as the police are aware, any illegality. If evidence is forthcoming to show that the exhibition was of an illegal character, proceedings will, of course, be taken.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of Her Majesty's Government has been called to the recent action of French troops in occupying Siamese posts upon the Mekong River; whether they have invited or received any explanation on the matter from the French Government; whether the French claim to all territory lying upon the left or east bank of the Mekong River is recognised by Her Majesty's Government; and whether Her Majesty's Government consider those proceedings of the French inimical to the political or commercial independence of Siam?

Her Majesty's Government have received Reports from different quarters with regard to the recent action of the French troops on the Mekong. They have not thought it desirable to address to the French Government any request for explanations on the subject, and the French Government have not as yet offered such explanations. So far as Her Majesty's Government know, the French have not distinctly intimated what territory they claim on the east of the Mekong, and in the present state of the question Her Majesty's Government are not in a position to express an opinion as to the effect which these proceedings may have on the political or commercial independence of Siam.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Board of Customs propose to recruit the First Division staff of their Secretary's office by direct appointment from outside the Service; and whether he will direct that the recommendations of the Ridley Commission in favour of filling First Division vacancies in the Revenue Departments by promotion from the Second Division shall be put into force in the Customs Department?

One Upper Division clerkship has been added to the Secretary's office of the Customs, which it is considered necessary to fill by the appointment of one of the successful competitors at the recent Class I. examination. The action taken does not appear to me to be inconsistent with the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to whether the Walsall Bluecoat Schools are practically higher grade schools for the town of Walsall; and, in the event of this being the case, whether he will re-consider his refusal to sanction the imposition of fees under Section 4 (1) of "The Elementary Education Act, 1891"?

The school in question is not a higher grade school in any greater degree than many others in which education is completely free. There is no sufficient evidence that it would be for the educational benefit of the district to allow the school to charge fees under the section of the Act named.

Did the right hon. Gentleman get the information that this was not a higher grade school from local sources?

I inquired carefully into the case. I had all the evidence before me, and I came to a decision on that evidence.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it is true that there has recently been a serious outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia at Hendon, in the Metropolitan District; and how long a period has elapsed since the last outbreak of the disease in that district?

Yes; I regret to say that it is the case that a somewhat serious outbreak of pleuro-pneumonia has been reported from Hendon, 10 animals on a dairy farm there having been found to-be affected with the disease. The cattle in contact have been slaughtered, and the usual precautions taken, and we are making careful inquiry with a view to discover the source of infection. No previous case of pleuro-pneumonia has been reported in the Metropolitan Police District since October 1 last.

Will the Government take steps to try the efficacy of inoculation against pleuro-pneumonia?

I must have notice of that question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he can state the arrangements which have been made by the Board for the examination of the lungs of the Canadian cattle which are landed in Great Britain?

The arrangements made for the examination of the lungs of Canadian cattle landed in Great Britain are embodied in an Order made by the Board of Agriculture on the 17th ultimo, a copy of which I shall be happy to supply to the right hon. Gentleman. The Order is being carried out by the Inspectors at the various ports where the cattle are landed, with the assistance of a staff of Commissioners specially engaged for the purpose. I may add that the Order was published in the London Gazette of the 18th ultimo, and that the usual steps were taken to give publicity to its provisions, in accordance with the undertaking I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Dundee.

Would it be convenient to the right hon. Gentleman to say what has been the result of the inquiry up to the present time? Does it point to the sanitary condition of Canadian cattle, or whether they confirm the continued existence of pleuro-pneumonia in that country?

I must ask for notice of that question.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can say whether the Report of the Commission on Indian Currency has yet been completed; and if he is now able to name a time within which the Government will be able to lay it upon the Table?

I understand that the Report of the Commission was signed yesterday. It will be necessary to obtain the opinion of the Indian Government upon it, but no time will be lost, either by the Indian Government or by Her Majesty's Government, in coming to a decision upon that point.

I assume that the Report will be laid on the Table before any action is taken in the matter?

I believe so, but I cannot say definitely.

Is the statement correct in the newspapers that the Report is unanimous?

I cannot answer for any statements in the newspapers.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the report of a special meeting of the Invergordon Borough Commissioners, in The People's Journal of Saturday, 13th May, at which the Borough Surveyor's Report with regard to the foul water supply was considered, from which it appears that the sewer-drain going through the Nonikiln burying-ground and the sewer-drain of Nonikiln steading and house runs into the water which supplies the town, and that on a recent Sunday the state of the water was such with sheep dip, &c., that many in town were rendered sick, and quite a number lost their dinners, the water being almost thick with filth; whether he is aware that this state of matters has been in existence during a lengthened period; whether the County Medical Officer of Health has made inquiry into the state of affairs; whether he has reported thereon; if so, will the Report be laid upon the Table of the House; and whether immediate steps will be taken to deal with the matter?

Upon inquiry, I find it to be the case that upon a recent Sunday the water supply of Invergordon was undrinkable through sheep dip having been poured into the source of supply. The water supply of the burgh has apparently been subject to pollution from the causes mentioned by the hon. Member during a lengthened period. The County Authorities are not responsible for the purity of the burgh water supply and no complaint has been received by them until after the Sunday in question; but on receiving complaint the District Sanitary Inspector at once issued notices requiring removal of the nuisance, and, if necessary, prosecutions will follow. The County Medical Officer has twice visited the place and approved of the action taken. The Police Commissioners have intimated to the Board of Supervision that they are about to borrow for the purpose of improving their water supply; and, meanwhile, they have received an assurance from the tenant of Nonikiln that he will do his utmost to prevent the recurrence of the special contamination by sheep dip. It is also understood that the tenant is prepared to divert the drain from his house and with it any matter proceeding from the churchyard. Since the question was on the Paper, I have written to the Board of Supervision on the matter, and have been informed in reply that the Engineer employed by the Board to report with a view to the proposed loan has been requested to examine the source of supply and to suggest means for the purification of the water.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Government has decided on the action to be taken on the Report of the Evicted Tenants Commission; and, if so, when he proposes to announce it?

I am not in a position at present to make any statement as to the prospects of legislation in connection with this question; but the Government do not lose sight, and are not likely to lose sight, of a question so important.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Treasury Minute, dated 26th April, 1866, is still in force; whether he is aware that the Board of Customs have refused to permit the Clerks of the Second Class in the Customs Departments in the Outports to forward to the Lords of the Treasury, according to the terms of that Minute, a Memorial which was submitted to the Board of Customs on the 6th January, 1893; and whether he will be prepared to submit such Memorial to the Lords of the Treasury for consideration, and to protect the memorializes in the exercise of their rights secured to them by such Treasury Minute?

The Minute is still in force, and I am in a position to inform my hon. and learned Friend that the Board of Customs have now given permission to the clerks in question to forward their Memorial direct to the Treasury.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if steps have been taken to cause a careful inquiry to be made into the disastrous casualty that occurred to the steam trawler Dogger, of Hull, which vessel, while engaged in trawling off the coast of Holland on 24th April last, was run into and sunk, the crew of nine men being drowned, by the German barque Thekla, of Hamburg?

The Doggerbank is missing with all hands, and her owner alleges that the German barque Thekla caused the disaster. I am advised that as the Thekla is now on a voyage to Chili with all the witnesses of the alleged collision on board no evidence is for the time available, and any formal investigation in this country would be useless at present. But I am strongly of opinion that the fullest information as regards the cause of the loss of the Doggerbank should be obtained, and I have taken every means to obtain such information, and have communicated with the Foreign Office and asked that the matter may be brought under the notice of the German Government without delay.

Will the Government take further steps to secure this information?

I have already communicated with the Foreign Office with that object.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the Government intends to send a training ship to Cork Harbour, as it was formerly used as a suitable place, and would be beneficial to a number of boys and the neighbourhood generally?

I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Admiralty will accede to the requests made to them by the Corporation of the City of Belfast, the Harbour Commissioners of Belfast, and the Chamber of Commerce of Belfast, to place a training ship for the Royal Navy in Belfast Lough; and whether, in view of the fact that Belfast is by far the largest port in Ireland, that a suitable berth for a training ship has been offered by the Harbour Commissioners, and that a ship in Belfast Lough will conveniently serve both Irish and Scottish candidates for the Navy, their Lordships will give a favourable consideration to the request made, in the event of their not having; already decided to accede to it?

I have to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a strong public feeling exists in the South of Ireland in favour of the establishment of a training ship in Cork Harbour; is he also aware that a large number of lads annually join the Navy from the South and West of Ireland, even though compelled to make their way to English ports for that purpose; and whether, under these circumstances, and also in view of the fact that Queenstown is the headquarters of the Royal Navy in Ireland, the Admiralty will consider the advisability, in the interest of the Service, of complying with the desire which has been so unanimously expressed on this subject?

At the same time, I will ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the resolution passed by the Cork Incorporated Chamber of Commerce and Shipping in favour of establishing a training ship in Cork Harbour; and what action the Naval Authorities intend to take in the matter?

There is no present intention of increasing the numbers of boys' training ships. Should any need for increase arise, the relative advantages of Cork, Belfast, and other places in the United Kingdom as stations for training ships will be considered.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are no training ships in the whole of Ireland, although both England and Scotland possess some?

That is so; but, as I have already stated, should there be any occasion for an increase in the number of boys' training ships, the claims of suitable stations in Ireland will be considered.

And will the Admiralty take into consideration questions of economy in selecting the site?

Certainly, all such circumstances will be taken into consideration.

And will the authorities consider the desirability of placing a ship at Stornoway?

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether an order has been given within the last three months to Messrs. Whitworth and Co. for a considerable number of air vessels for 18-inch torpedoes; and whether private tenders were invited; if so, was the lowest tender accepted; if not, will he explain on what grounds?

An order for forgings for air vessels for 18-inch torpedoes was recently given to Messrs. Whitworth and Co. Tenders were invited in the ordinary way, and that of Messrs. Whitworth was accepted in view of the reliability of the forgings previously supplied by them, and the better rate of delivery offered, although there was a small difference in price between them and another firm.

Were the tenders invited by public advertisement?

The number of firms capable of supplying these forgings is well known, and invitations were sent to all of them.

Is it the custom, when inviting firms to tender, to accept the lowest tender?

Not necessarily.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, under the grant by Order in Council of responsible government to the Colony of Natal, any change will be made in the relations between Natal and Zululand, and what powers the Ministers responsible to the Natal Legislature will have over the Zulus; and whether the Governor of Natal will exercise an independent authority in Native affairs?

My hon. Friend will see from the Natal Papers recently laid before the House of Commons (they were distributed on the 17th), that the Bill which was approved by Her Majesty's late Government, and which has now been passed by the Colonial Legislature, does not affect Zululand, which is a Crown Colony entirely distinct from Natal in its constitution. He will also see from the same Paper that that Bill does not contemplate any change in the present position and powers of the Governor as Supreme Chief of the Natives.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, as the 6 and 7 William IV. c. 38, s. 8, uses the words that a publican shall not display any sign, flag, or symbol, colour, decoration, or emblem, whatsoever, "except the known and usual and accustomed sign of such house," he will have a test case from Deny submitted to Petty Sessions, and a case stated thereon to the Superior Courts, with a view to decide whether this section imports that it is lawful to fly a particular flag from licensed houses but forbids others?

The Government have no power to call on the Magistrates to state a case for the Superior Courts in the event of the decision being in favour of the prosecution. This can only be done by the defendants.

It was done in the case of the Lord Mayor of Dublin?

I am told that it can only be done by the defendant.

But under the Coercion Act, when the Lord Mayor of Dublin was acquitted, the hon. Member for Dublin University, who conducted the prosecution on behalf of the Government, demanded a case, although there was an acquittal.

I will inquire further.

As I have been personally referred to, I will ask the right hon. Gentleman if it is not a fact that in all cases the Attorney General has a right to demand that a case shall be stated. It was under the ordinary law that I insisted on that being done in the case referred to by the hon. Member for North Louth.

I cannot answer a legal question of that kind without consulting the Attorney General of the present Government.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the officer who held a sworn inquiry at Dunshaughlin Union into the alleged illegal voting of George Murphy, J.P., and John Wilkinson, J.P., upon a contract in which they were financially interested, has reported to the Local Government Board; and whether the facts alleged were proved; and, if so, what action the Local Government Board intend to take in the matter?

The Report of the Inspector who conducted the inquiry referred to has been submitted to the Local Government Board, and it is clear from this Report that the ratepayers of the Union will gain by the acceptance of the tender of the Dunsany Company for the Union meat supply, and that nothing was adduced at the investigation to slow that the Guardians who hold shares in the Company do so from any other motive than to keep down the prices of articles consumed in the district. The gentlemen named in the question are shareholders to the amount of £5 and 10s. respectively; and, assuming that the Company paid a dividend of 10 per cent., which has never yet been exceeded, the yearly interest due to Mr. Murphy would be 10s., and to Mr. Wilkinson 1s. It further appears that the Company has been in the habit of declaring a bonus to its customers. The last bonus declared was at the rate of 1s. 6d. in the £1 on the amount purchased by each buyer; and it is evident, therefore, that the ratepayers will gain by the acceptance of the tender. Under all the circumstances, the Local Government Board are of opinion that the present is not a case in which they should initiate proceedings for the statutory penalties, but that it should be left to the trader whose tender was rejected, or to any other ratepayer, to do so.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to the discontent which prevails among the telegraph clerks in Edinburgh, especially those of the Second Class, with reference to slowness of promotion, uncertainty of prospects, and other causes; and whether he will personally inquire into these grievances with a view to their redress?

An application was made in January last by 10 of the telegraphists of the second class at Edinburgh on the subject referred to by the hon. Member, and a reply was sent to them on the 14th February last. I have already given careful attention to the organisation of the Telegraph Service, and have made known my intention to adhere to the lines settled in 1890. I regret, therefore, that I am not prepared to depart from that decision. I may add that no officer in the Second Class at Edinburgh has yet reached his maximum, and it will take nearly four years before the senior officer will do so. The last telegraphist promoted was getting 32s. a week, and, therefore, was in receipt of 8s. below his maximum when his promotion occurred.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is the intention of the Government to supply the vacancy now existing in the barracks at Tipperary, which has been empty almost since the removal of the 1st Battalion of the East Surrey to Malta last February; and whether it is intended to have a regiment sent early in June, as the traders are anxious to have the military in the place?

It is proposed to move the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders from Fermoy to Tipperary in the summer. There are three companies of Infantry at Tipperary —namely, one Company of the 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment, and two of the 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the Great. Southern and Western Railway Company are charging 4d. per firkin more than last year for single firkins sent from Ennis to Cork and intervening stations; and whether he will make any representation to the company on the subject?

I have been in communication with the Railway Company, and have received a further letter and two more telegrams on the subject, which I shall be happy to show my hon. Friend. The information, however, is still incomplete.

I shall put the question again next week.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the defective state of some of the men-of-war of the Mediterranean Fleet; whether it is a fact that the guns and gun carriages of some of the ships composing that Fleet are in such a condition that with some of their 6-inch guns they can only fire half-charges of 24 lbs.; whether in firing these guns with a reduced charge of 36 lbs. accidents have ensued; and whether it is proposed, and, if so, when, to put these guns and mountings into a condition that will enable them to be fired with their full charge of 48 lbs.?

There is only one ship in the Mediterranean to which the question is applicable in any degree, which is the Phaeton, and arrangements were made some time ago to bring her home and replace the guns and mountings with those of new pattern which are ready for her.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the proceedings of the Sarsfield Branch of the Irish National League, reported in The Limerick Leader of May 26, at which a resolution was adopted stating that the Sarsfield Branch of the Irish National League, having warned by resolution all persons connected with the grabbing of Miss Morrison's farm that if they persisted in retaining possession of the same they would be denounced by name and circulars sent throughout the country branches branding them as land grabbers; and that, such persons having disregarded the warnings, nothing remains but to-publish the names of the grabbers, which are: "Messrs. Wheatley and Joynt, Starr-Bowkett Society, and Mr. Bate-man, butcher, Roche's Street;"and also-to the editorial comment of the same newspaper on the meeting to the effect that if, after repeated protests in a quiet manner, parties refuse to conform to popular opinion, they have only themselves to blame for any consequences that may accrue; and if the Government intend to take any action under which these intimidatory proceedings may be stopped and their authors punished?

My attention has been drawn to the newspaper paragraphs referred to, which are correctly set forth. The local police do not anticipate that these references will have any evil effect on the persons named; but the case will be carefully watched, and any steps which it may be deemed necessary to take in their interest will be promptly taken.

I beg to ask the President of the Hoard of Trade whether, when he informed the House that the French Chamber of Deputies rejected the Bill for carrying out the North Sea Liquor Traffic Convention of 1887, on the ground of an alleged opposition of Great Britain to French influence in Egypt, be was aware of the date of the alleged opposition; and whether he can state in what year or years the alleged opposition took place?

I was, of course, perfectly aware that the allusion to English opposition to French influence in Egypt made in the Report of the Commission of the French Chamber of Deputies was introduced by a reference to occurrences in the time of King Louis Philippe; but I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by examining into the allegation.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if, having regard to the general desire of Her Majesty's loyal subjects to give expression by personal presence to the national satisfaction in the approaching marriage of His Royal Highness the Duke of York with Her Serene Highness the Princess Victoria May of Teck, and the necessary limitation of the route to be traversed by the wedding procession, he will consider the desirability of promoting much-needed employment by causing stands to be erected, either by the Office of Works or a lessee, within the railings of the Green Park from Walsingham House to Constitution Hill, and devote the large sum certain to be realised by the sale of places to the Samaritan Funds of St. George's and Westminster Hospitals, or other charitable objects?

I have considered the suggestion of the hon. Member, and have come to the conclusion that it would not be a legitimate use of the Royal Parks to turn them to account in the manner proposed even for the purpose of making money for charities.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what were the terms of the communication made by the Treasury to Sir Thomas Brady relative to his pension upon deprivation of office; and what reply, if any, has been received from him?

Such communications are confidential, and I can say no more than that it is the intention of the Treasury to ask Parliament to vote a substantial sum in addition to the full pension for which the Superannuation Acts provide, in consideration of the services rendered by Sir Thomas Brady.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in accordance with Article 16 of the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England, the Scottish Mint at Edinburgh was to be continued; and if, as the Scottish Mint no longer exists, he can say whether the Government intend to carry out and maintain Article 16 of the aforesaid Treaty?

The provision in Article 16 of the Treaty of Union for the continuance of the Scottish Mint at Edinburgh was repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act of 1867, and the Article as now in force only provides that the coin shall be of the same standard and value in Scotland and England alike.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state when the accounts of the Metropolitan Gas Companies for 1892 will be laid upon the Table?

The Return to which my hon. Friend refers has been received from the printers to-day, and it shall be laid on the Table at once.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received a copy of an Opinion of Counsel (Sir Walter Phillimore, Q.C., and Mr. Walton, Q.C.), on the subject of the legal liabilities in connection with the Side Light Regulations issued by the Board of Trade, and pointing out that the Regulation which is new is inconsistent with other Regulations, and would work unfairly to foreign vessels in British Courts; and whether he will now re-consider the whole question, with a view to establishing uniformity in the Regulations?

I have received a copy of the Opinion referred to, and I have decided to refer it to the Law Officers of the Crown. On receiving their Report I will consider what further steps may be necessary.

I bog to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, pending the consideration of the Financial Clauses of the Government of Ireland Bill, he will undertake that no more money shall be advanced from the Imperial Exchequer to enable Irish tenants to purchase their holdings?

(Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE, Edinburgh, Midlothian): The Government have no power and no intention to interfere with the sale of land in Ireland under the Laud Purchase Acts.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade under what Parliamentary powers the Railway Companies claim the right to force on the traders the new Regulation they have issued with respect to the repairs and renewals of private railway wagons; whether he is also aware that the private owners of wagons look upon the Regulations as impracticable, and if attempted to he enforced likely to cause heavy loss to them as traders with- out achieving any satisfactory result; and whether he will confer with the Railway Companies on the subject?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask whether it is not a fact that the Railway Companies have thousands of wagons of their own which do not comply with these Regulations; and whether, in seeking to enforce the Regulation upon private owners, they are not displaying an undue preference in their own favour? Will he take steps to prevent that injustice?

Under Sections 117 and 118 of the Railways Clauses Act, 1845, carriages are to be constructed according to Regulations, and such Regulations are to apply to all carriages running on the railway. Provision is also made for arbitration in the event of dispute between a Company and the owner of a carriage "as to the construction or condition thereof." Last year the Board of Trade drew the attention of the Secretary to the Railway Association to a letter of complaint from the Association of Private Owners of Railway Rolling Stock, and furnished that Association with Sir Henry Oakley's reply. The Board of Trade have no powers bearing on the question.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Departmental Report relative to the allowances to be paid to Clerks of the Crown or Peace in Ireland for the carrying out of the Local Registration of Title Act has yet been received; and, if not, what is the cause of the delay; and have any, and what, steps been taken to expedite the presentation of such Reports by the Treasury Officers in Ireland?

I hope to receive the Report next week; but I should explain that the unavoidable delay which has occurred has in no way affected the officers interested, as the allowances will date from 1st April and are not payable till 1st July.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, as he is not prepared to place a post office at Doonaha, Comity Clare, he will consider the feasibility of some arrangement by which the letters of the inhabitants of that place could be conveyed to Kilkee Post Office?

Arrangements are being made for the letters for Doonaha to be conveyed from Kilkee by mail cart, as desired, and the hours of service will be so fixed as to afford an interval for reply by return of post. It is also intended to place a wall letter box at Doonaha Cross.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General what number of letters, newspapers, and parcels were received during the years 1890, 1891, and 1892 from Great Britain for distribution in Ireland, and the number received from Ireland during the same period for distribution in Great, Britain?