said, that he wished to read to the House a letter which he had received from Mr. Oman, Fellow of All Souls College, and Proctor of the University of Oxford, with reference to a statement made by the hon. and learned Member for the Maldon Division in the course of Tuesday's Debate. Mr. Oman forwarded a report of the speech of the hon. Member in which he related to the House an incident which he said had occurred while he was at Oxford. It was the case of a young lady who, on leaving the Union with her cousin and two other undergraduates, was arrested by the Proctor's bulldogs and taken to the prison. On this part of the hon. and learned Member's speech Mr. Oman wrote—

"No such case ever occurred in Oxford. It is well known that no arrest of the kind has ever been made—no single mistake of this description is on record for 30 years. Mr. Dodd ought to be made to substantiate his statement by giving names and dates. No women are locked up under the Clarendon building except known prostitutes who have been previously cautioned by the Proctor. The extent of Mr. Dodd's memory of Oxford may be judged by the fact that he speaks of the Proctors walking, as if several were accustomed to parade at once. He also speaks of the bulldogs' as seizing and imprisoning a girl on their own responsibility—a manifest impossibility. We have constables here still serving who were acting all through Mr. Dodd's time. I have questioned them as to any event having occurred which could possibly have been twisted into the shape of Mr. Dodd's tale, and there is no trace of any such thing having occurred. We have a complete record of all women ever arrested and brought to the cells.

"C. W. C. OMAN."

The hon. and learned Gentleman's statement was very definite and explicit, and presumably it rested on some facts. He would ask the hon. and learned Gentleman whether he could reconcile his statement with the letter he had just read.

said, that he was very much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for the considerate way in which he had given him notice of the letter just read. He was glad that the Proctor should have written that letter, because it showed that the University authorities felt that, if such a mistake could occur, the present system was doomed. The facts were exactly as he had stated them to the House. He knew the people well. As to his knowledge of Oxford, he was born six miles out of the city; until a few years ago his father had a house at Oxford: and he himself had always spent a great deal of time there. He had in confidence given the name of the lady concerned to the right hon. Member for Oxford University; the right hon. Gentleman was a man of honour, and the right hon. Gentleman's comment was, "Oh, ray gracious!" [Laughter.] That was as strong an expression as could be expected from the Member for the University of Oxford. But he did not say these things for the sake of raising a laugh. Ever since he had known the story which he had related to the House he had been determined to denounce this system. Of course, it was not to be supposed that such a case would be entered on the books; official blunders are not always found recorded in official books; but the gaoler and his wife were still living—they would know the facts. If he said more, he should betray the name of the lady. He would only add that, though her parents lived at that time in Oxford, after this experience she would never go near the house, if she could help it. At the time she, like the good, honest girl she was, wished her father to make the Proctors and "bulldogs" apologise in open Court; but her father, being connected with the University, did not care for the publicity, and was satisfied with the letters of apology, which were still locked up in his desk. He should be going to Oxford soon, and he should call on Mr. Oman, whose name he knew well. Mr. Oman would see that he had been unwise to dispute his statement. It was perfectly plain that even the Proctors would not like the present system to continue if this story were true; and it was true. Therefore, he asked the House to say that the system should be stopped.

reported from the Committee of Selection; that they had discharged the following Member from the Standing Committee on Law, and Courts of Justice, and Legal Procedure:—Mr. Stanley Leighton; and had appointed in substitution: Mr. Wootton Isaacson, as one of the fifteen Members added in respect of the Church Patronage Bill.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the event of the extension of the Liverpool city boundaries being sanctioned, the number of representatives in the City Council will be enlarged, having regard to area and population, on a proportionate scale to the numerical increase of representatives given to Manchester when the boundaries of that city were extended?

The question as to the representation of wards in the case referred to is receiving consideration, and the Corporation of Liverpool will be informed as soon as a decision has been arrived at.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if promotion from Deputy Governor to Governor in Her Majesty's Prison Service deprives officers in receipt of Army non-effective pay of the protection afforded by Section 10 of the Superannuation Act of 1887; and whether Colonel Partridge, the present Governor of Parkhurst Convict Prison, was, on promotion from Deputy Governor to Governor, deprived of 10 per cent. of his Civil salary, and five years of his service towards a Civil pension, on account of his having retired with a gratuity from the Army, notwithstanding that he was apparently protected by Section 10 of the Superannuation Act of 1887?

An officer is free to accept or to refuse promotion to the office of Governor of a Prison, but his acceptance is conditional on his foregoing one of the rights secured by the section quoted—namely, exemption from any abatement from Civil salary, when received together with military pay or pension. Colonel Partridge, by accepting the office of Governor of Parkhurst Prison, accordingly became liable to an abatement of 10 per cent. on his increased Civil emoluments. He has not been deprived of any years of his service towards Civil pension on account of his having retired with a gratuity from the Army.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Clothing Department, Pimlico, acting through a body called the Devonport Shirt Association (consisting of officers' wives and daughters, and presided over by the garrison chaplain), employs soldiers' wives and widows in making ordinary service shirts at sweating rates of pay; whether he is aware that these shirts are cut out at headquarters, and sent down in bales to Devonport and other naval and military towns for distribution by this and similar Associations among the garrison women, and that the following conditions are imposed upon the workers: that the price allowed for making—namely, 7¾d. per shirt, is only to be paid for shirts that are well made, and, if any fault should be found with the work, the maker of the shirt is to take it home for alteration; that bad workers will be struck off the list if they take no pains to improve; that should any shirt after passing the local committee be rejected at Pimlico, a fine of 3d. is deducted for every shirt so condemned; and that the names of de- faulters in this respect will be posted at the barracks; whether he is aware that out of the sum of 7¾d. the women have to find their own needles and cotton, and in the event of not possessing a sewing machine, have to incur a further expense of 1½d. per garment for machining, and that it takes a good needlewoman not less than eight hours to make a single garment; whether he is aware that there are as many as 300 women in the three towns alone employed in this work, and will he state the total employment throughout the country; and whether, in view of the undertaking given by the Government last year that the terms of Government employment should be beyond reproach, he will cause investigation to be made into this matter with a view to its rectification?

(who replied) said: In order to benefit the wives of soldiers, and for the education of the younger members of their families, the practical needlework Associations of ladies under the direct control of the General Officers commanding have been formed in several districts. To these Associations the Army Clothing Department, considerably to its own inconvenience, issues cut-out materials for shirts, and pays for making them up at rates stated to be 42 per cent. above ordinary trade prices. The Clothing Department cannot go behind the Associations through which it gives employment to the women, beyond laying down strict rules fixing the smallest payment which may be made to the workers. The women have to provide themselves with needles and thread; but there is no prohibition of handsewing. It is estimated that the average time required to make a shirt is two-and-a-half hours with a machine, or five hours without. Bad work is necessarily rejected. It is not known how many women are employed under each Association, but it is supposed that about 3,000 women in all benefit by the arrangement. I may add that the system was adopted and is carried on solely from charitable motives, and that the Clothing Department would prefer to have the shirts made by ordinary contract. The demand for this employment of soldiers' wives much exceeds the supply which can be furnished.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have approved or ratified the Agreement made between King Mwanga of Uganda and the late Sir G. Portal on the 29th of May, 1893, and whether such approval or ratification has been notified to King Mwanga; and whether the final decision of Her Majesty's Government to declare a Protectorate of Uganda has been conveyed to Uganda and notified to King Mwanga, in accordance with Clause 16 of the Agreement of the 29th of May, 1893?

The Agreement has not yet been formally approved or ratified. The decision of the Government in regard to Uganda will be duly notified to Mwanga, but it has not yet been despatched; the last caravan had already started before the announcement of the Protectorate was made.

Is it a fact that Belgian forces, sent by the Congo Free State, are now in occupation of Lado, on the Nile?

I have no definite information on that subject.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have come to any decision upon the proposals submitted to them on the 23rd of June, 1893, by the Imperial British East Africa Company; whether any reply, beyond a merely formal acknowledgment, has been sent to the Company in answer to their letter of that date; and whether the decision, if any, at which Her Majesty's Government have arrived in this matter can now be communicated to the House?

The decision upon this proposal had to be deferred till the policy with reference to Uganda had been determined; and, in the meanwhile, nothing more than a formal acknowledgment could be given. The point was, however, one of the first to come under consideration as soon as the Protectorate over Uganda had been announced, but the Company have just withdrawn their offer, and I cannot at present make any statement respecting their position.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the economy that would be effected in connection with the duties thrown upon Her Majesty's ships in the event of the abolition of the Slave Trade, and in view of the recent Report from the Administrator of the Imperial British East Africa Company that a considerable Slave Trade is now being carried on in the district between Uganda and the coast, Her Majesty's Government will take steps to abolish the legal status of slavery in British East African Protectorates, including the Islands of Zanzibar and Pemba, which now afford a market for slaves brought from the interior of Africa; whether many slaves working on these islands were British protected people before they were kidnapped in Nyassaland; and what steps the British officials are taking to secure the freedom of these and all other slaves whom the Government have admitted are now illegally hold in bondage?

A Report which has been sent to the East Africa Company by its agent at Machakos speaks of capture of Marai women and children by the natives in that neighbourhood, but no evidence is given of any attempt to export them to Zanzibar and Pemba, where slave-markets no longer exist. My hon. Friend is already aware that Zanzibar is not a British Possession, but is a British Protectorate in which Mahommedan law prevails, and that the abolition of the legal status of slavery therefore involves serious political considerations. I can add nothing to previous answers as to this point and as to the measures now in force which it is considered will lead to the discontinuance of the institution of slavery. If any slave was proved to have been kidnapped either in Nyassaland or in any other part of the interior of Africa or to be illegally held in bondage it would be the duty of the British officials to interfere on his behalf.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the amount of revenue derived from the clove plantations in Pemba and Zanzibar; what has been the area under cultivation; and what has been the weight of cloves produced during the years 1892 and 1893 respectively?

Returns as to the Revenue for 1892 and as to the production for that year were given in the Report contained in Africa No. 4 of 1893. The Revenue is there given as 450,237 rupees. The Returns for 1893 are not yet complete, but will be laid in due course. I cannot give the area under cultivation, but information of much interest and detail on the subject of the clove cultivation was given in a Report drawn up by Mr. Fitzgerald, which is to be found in the Commercial Report of 1892, No. 266, Miscellaneous Series.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any, and if so what, steps have been taken in the case of Mr. E. O'Kelly, of Baiting-glass, County Wicklow?

I must ask the hon. Gentleman to defer this question until after the recess. I shall take an opportunity of personally conferring with the Lord Chancellor on the matter in a day or two.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if he was aware that in this case the transfer of the licence had not been confirmed at Quarter Sessions?

I must ask the hon. Member to postpone that question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what the financial condition of the Tralee Union was when the Vice Guardians took charge of it, and in what condition they left it; also, the date of their appointment, and the date upon which their term of office expired; and whether, at the last meeting of the Board of Guardians, the manager of the National Bank reported that the account had again been overdrawn, and requested payment of interest on overdrafts amounting to £446?

When the Vice Guardians were appointed in this Union the liabilities of the Union amounted to about £4,800. The clerk of the Union informs the Local Government Board that on the 25th of March last, when the Vice Guardians' term of office expired, the liabilities of the Union were about £2,000, to meet which there was a balance in treasurer's hands of £1,166. There were also poor rates outstanding and collectible to the amount of £357, and about £1,000 worth of seed rate which the Vice Guardians had advanced out of the poor rates to pay off the seed loan to the Commissioners of Public Works. It is not, however, possible to state how much of this latter sum can be recovered by the Guardians so as to refund the poor rates. The Vice Guardians struck a new rate before ceasing to hold office. The Vice Guardians were appointed on the 23rd of June, 1892, and their statutory term of office expired at the general election of Guardians in March last. At the meeting of the Guardians on 2nd instant the treasurer called their attention to the fact that their account with the bank was overdrawn to the extent of £402, and that a sum of £466 was due for interest on overdrafts. The overdraft by the Guardians appears to have been caused by their making large payments to contractors and others immediately after they came into office, and the collectors did not lodge sufficient rates to maintain a credit balance at the bank. The Guardians have now called on these officers to press forward their collections, so as to discharge the debt to the treasurer and maintain a balance in favour of the Guardians in his hands.

asked if, in addition to an overdraft of £1,000, there was not a sum of £260 for interest left unpaid?

said he could not say as to that.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the decrease in the number of cases of denunciation in Ireland to which he has referred is a decrease in the number of such cases which have actually occurred, or is a decrease in the number of such cases reported to him by the Constabulary?

The Reports which have been made to me by the Divisional Commissioners show that there has been a decline in the number of these cases of denunciation generally. These Reports were based on information in possession of the police as to the cases which actually occurred.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the refusal of Mr. J. F. Kirkconnell, J.F. for Cumberland, to take a statutory declaration verifying alteration of Rules from the secretary of the "T. M. Healy" branch of the Irish National Foresters Benefit Society at Cleator Moor; and if anything has been done to impress upon every Magistrate the necessity of his performing his duties?

(who replied) said: I am informed that the Lord Chancellor inquired of Mr. Kirkconnell as to the matter complained of, and received explanations from him which showed that the complaint was in substance well-founded; but that there were circumstances of ill-health and irritation which might account for his having acted otherwise than he would ordinarily have done in the exercise of one of the duties undertaken by him when he accepted the office of a Justice of the Peace.

asked if the occurrence referred to in the question did not take place nearly a year ago, and whether last December the Lord Chancellor did not accept Mr. Kirkconnell's explanation as satisfactory under all the circumstances?

said, he was informed that a correspondence did take place, with the result already indicated.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that in Liverpool and other large county boroughs the revision of the Register before one Barrister usually extends several days beyond the 22nd of September, the date mentioned in the Parochial Registration Acceleration Bill, and that notwithstanding the Registers are always completed for the municipal elections held on the 1st November, will he, under these circumstances, exclude county boroughs from the operation of the Bill, and thereby avoid the inconvenience and expense incident to the employment of an additional Revising Barrister?

The point referred to was brought under my notice, and I am considering whether it will be possible to introduce an Amendment in the Bill to meet it.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether the local Magistrates for Stornoway have on four occasions refused drink licences for that town; and whether they have been four times overruled by the County Magistrates sitting at Dingwall; and, if so, whether anything can be done to meet the wishes of the Local Authorities at Stornoway?

(who replied) said: The facts are as stated by the hon. Member. I understand that the proprietors of the three hotels to whom licences were refused appealed against the decision of the local Magistrates, and that their appeal was sus-stained by the Justices of Ross and Cromarty. The Court of Appeal at Dingwall is about nine or ten hours journey by sea and rail from the district which is affected by their decision.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if the Government has any information as to the number of compound householder voters who have been dis- franchished in consequence of the compounding landlord not being paid the rates compounded for?

There are no Returns as to the number of compound household voters who have been disfranchised in consequence of the compounding landlord not having paid the rates compounded for.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to give the House any information as to the acute position of affairs reported from Capetown in regard to Swaziland; whether, after consultation with the Indunas of the nation, the Queen Regent of Swaziland has definitely refused to sign any document which would authorise the Transvaal Government occupying that country; and if the British Representative has declined to give the Queen Regent a letter authorising her to proceed to England to lay her case before Her Majesty, or the Government?

): I do not think that, under the existing circumstances of the case, it would be expedient for me to make any statement on the subject.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he will direct such experts as the Keeper of the Marbles at the British Museum, the President of the Hellenic Society, and others to visit the gallery where the casts from the antique are placed at South Kensington, and to report as to its suitability; and whether there was a better place for the display of the tapestries which have been hung in the hall allotted by Lord Spencer to Mr. Capland Perry for the Museum of Casts actually vacant in the new gallery behind the Imperial Institute?

I am unable to adopt the suggestion made by the hon. Baronet, whom I may perhaps refer to my answer of last Thursday to the hon. Member for Deptford. I do not think that the gallery referred to is a better place for the tapestries.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the late Sir John Coode communicated in writing, before the 6th of May, 1891, to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, or to the Crown Agents for the Colonies, his opinion upon the various schemes for the improvement of the harbour accommodation of Trinidad; whether such communication was in the form of a letter or Report, and whether that is the Report referred to in the letter from the Colonial Office to Mr. Joseph Meston of the 30th of April, 1891; whether the Report published and dated 6th May, 1891, is the further Report mentioned in the letter from the Colonial Office to Mr. Samuel Bircham of the 20th of April, 1891; and whether he will produce the first Report or letter above referred to?

As regards the first and second questions, the only official Report that we have in our possession is that dated May 6, 1891; and that is the further Report referred to in the third part of the hon. Member's question.

Can we see the Report of the 6th May, 1891?

I do not know whether it was actually circulated, but it is in existence, and if the hon. Gentleman desires he can see it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he could state to the House what is the average number of skilled men employed at the Woolwich Ordnance Establishments on piece work and what on time work?

(who replied) said: The average numbers of skilled men, excluding foremen, improvers, labourers, and lads employed in the Ordnance Factories, Woolwich, are about 2,950 on piece work and 1,830 on time work.

May I inquire whether the men on piece work have received any increase of pay?

No, Sir. There have been some modifications, but these have been in the direction of reductions.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if the war in South Africa may now be considered as over; and, if so, will he forthwith bring under the notice of the Government for honourable mention and such distinction as are generally conferred upon administrators who have, either in this country or in the colonies, carried wars to a successful issue?

The war in Matabeleland may be considered as over; as regards the latter part of the question, I am not able to make any statement on the matter.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, as the instructions issued by the Commissioners of National Education to their Inspectors in reference to results examinations have an important bearing on these examinations, copies of the instructions are sent also to the teachers; and, if not, would he direct them to be so sent in the future?

The Commissioners of National Education inform me that no special Code of Instructions is issued by them to the Inspectors in reference to the results' examinations. All necessary details relating to these examinations are personally discussed every year between the Commissioners and the Inspectors, and by this means uniformity is secured in the determination of the marks assigned by the Inspectors on the answering of the pupils.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the Customs' messengers, when called upon for overtime after 4 p.m., were paid at the rate of 8d. an hour previous to the Treasury Minute of the 4th of March, 1891; whether £5 a year was given by this Minute for an additional hour of regular service from 4 to 5 p.m.; whether this £5 is withdrawn on promotion to the First Class, though previously members of this class were paid overtime when employed after 4 p.m.; and whether he would consider the case of these messengers?

Customs' messengers, both before and since March, 1891, have been paid at the rate of 8d. per hour when required to attend beyond the number of hours constituting the official day. A personal allowance of £5 a year was sanctioned in February, 1891, to then existing First and Second Class Established Messengers in consideration of their giving seven hours instead of six daily. The Rule of the Civil Service is that such a personal allowance ceases at once on promotion, but subject to the condition that the messenger promoted carries with him his existing salary if above the minimum of the new class. It is impossible to reopen the question.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that copies of the evidence taken before the Royal Commission upon the Amalgamation of the City and County of London have been regularly forwarded to the Loudon County Council, although no such copies have been sent to the Corporation of the City of London; and if he will be good enough to suggest to the Commissioners the propriety of directing that copies of the evidence already taken, as well as of that which will be hereafter received, shall be sent to the City Corporation at the same time as it is forwarded to the London County Council?

Any question as to the supply of copies of the evidence taken before the Royal Commission is clearly one for the Commissioners to determine. I have brought the suggestion of the hon. Member under their notice.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the persistent boycotting of certain tenants upon the estates of Lord Massereene and Fethard, in the Counties of Meath and Louth, through the medium of the Irish National Federation; whether this boycotting has been extended to the transit of their cattle and goods by the Steamship Companies at Drogheda; whether he is aware that the proceedings of the Irish National Federation have been published and advocated in the columns of successive numbers of The Drogheda Independent newspaper; whether the tenants are now, and have been for some time past, under police protection; and whether, having regard to the statement by the Government that there is now no boycotting in Ireland, the Irish Government will now inquire into the circumstances, and consider whether, under the existing law, these tenants can be relieved from boycotting and molestation; and, if not, whether steps will be taken to put in force the provisions of the Criminal Law and Procedure (Ireland) Act?

It is true that attempts have been made from time to-time in the direction referred to in the question, but I am informed by the local Police Authorities that there is no foundation for the statement that the persons mentioned are subjected to persistent boycotting. The Drogheda Steampacket Company have always carried cattle and goods for the new tenants and are doing so still, and no complaint has been made to the police that they have not given every facility to the new tenants for the conveyance of themselves, their cattle, and their goods. These tenants naturally receive special attention from the police, but none of them are constantly protected. The information supplied to me shows that they can transact their business without molestation, and that the police are able to deal under the ordinary law with anything likely to arise.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state to what extent brushes made in German prisons are imported to and sold in this country, and whether articles made in the prisons of this country are to any, and what, extent exported to foreign countries, and whether they are marked as prison made; and, if he cannot give the figures of such imports, if he can cause inquiry to be made and then furnish to this House the result of such inquiry?

I am unable to add anything to the answers which I gave to my right hon. Friend the Member for West Birmingham on the 23rd of last month, and to the hon. Member for the Central Division of Sheffield on the 4th of the present month. The Board of Trade are still in communication with the Foreign Office on the subject. The German Ministries of Commerce and Industry and of the Interior have, I understand, decided to institute inquiries into the effects of prison labour on industry, and by my directions a letter has been addressed to the Foreign Office asking that any information which can be obtained in Germany with reference to such inquiries as may be instituted there shall at once be communicated to the Board of Trade. With reference to that part of the hon. Member's question which refers to the prisons of this country, there is nothing to prevent the export of brushes, mats, &c, made in the prisons of the United Kingdom; but I have no information at present as to whether this is done, and, if so, to what extent.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, as is reported in the local newspapers of the 23rd of February, the Local Government Board rejected a site for a labourer's cottage in Tullamore Union, chosen on a grazier's land, named M'Phelan, solely on the grounds that M'Phelan's farm was a grass farm, and that the supply of water was inconvenient, and the site at too great a distance from the road; under what section of any of the Labourers' Dwellings Acts do the Local Government Board hold that sites should not be chosen on grazing farms; with regard to the convenient water supply, what is the maximum distance allowed by the Local Government Board; with regard to the accommodation of a "public road," do they insist on a county road, or is any road open to the public sufficient; and did the landlord as well as the tenant in the above case object?

The Local Government Board inform me that the application referred to was opposed at the inquiry by both landlord and tenant on the ground that the person for whom the cottage was intended was not an agricultural labourer; that there were already two cottages on the farm; that the farm was a grass farm, and additional labourers were not required there; and that an application for a cottage on this farm had been rejected at a previous inquiry. It does not appear that objection was raised as to the distance of the site from a water supply, or as to its not adjoining a public road. The Local Government Board do not consider that grazing farms are exempt from the provisions of the Labourers' Acts. The Board have not prescribed any distance as a maximum, nor do they insist upon the road being one under Grand Jury presentment. They consider that any road over which a public right of way exists is sufficient.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that the Local Government Board have signified their approval of the extension of the boundary of the City of Liverpool in the scheme agreed between the City Council and the Local Board Authorities, including the municipal representation of the extended portions, he will put forward at once the Provisional Order for this purpose, without waiting for the consideration of the re-division of the wards within the present boundaries of the city; and whether he is aware that important sanitary works in the out districts are being kept in abeyance, awaiting the result of the application for the extension?

The questions which have been raised with regard to the Ward Divisions in the City of Liverpool must be considered in connection with the issue of a Provisional Order, and I am not prepared to make an Order with regard to the proposed extension until these questions have been determined.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the fact that Mr. George Williams, late clerk in the Paymaster General's Office, Dublin Castle, and at present employed by the Irish Church Missions to Roman Catholics as the leader of the Cork street preachers, is now, so far as can be judged, completely restored to health, and that he is only 44 years of age, the Government propose to call upon him to submit himself to medical examination, with a view to requiring him to re-enter the Public Service; and whether there is any objection to lay upon the Table of the House the Papers relating to Mr. Williams's superannuation?

(who replied) said: The head of the Department in which Mr. George Williams served has satisfied himself that Mr. Williams is incapable of performing clerical duties, and I scarcely think there is reason for calling upon him to submit himself again for medical examination. I shall be happy to show my hon. Friend the Papers relating to Mr. Williams's superannuation.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General why it is that weekly trade journals, although each copy may weigh a little under 14 ounces, can be posted for a halfpenny each anywhere within the limits of the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Channel Islands, and monthly trade journals must pay a halfpenny for every two ounces; and whether he will take some steps for the purpose of equalising the rates of postage of both weekly and monthly trade journals?

Newspapers published at intervals of not more than seven days are entitled by Act of Parliament to transmission by post for a halfpenny each irrespective of weight, while monthly publications are liable to the same rate of postage as books or other printed matter. In the present condition of the Postal Revenue, I cannot see my way to recommend any extension of the existing newspaper privilege.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the instructions to the commanders of British and United States war vessels in Behring Sea, in reference to the warning and seizure of sealing vessels, are practically identical in terms; whether power is given to exclude sealing vessels from that portion of the North Pacific, or only to stop sealing; and whether he can present copies to the House?

The instructions are practically identical so far as they can be in view of certain differences in the Acts passed respectively by the British and American Legislatures. No power is given to exclude sealing vessels, but only to seize vessels either sealing or bearing indications of having sealed contrary to the Regulation of the Behring Sea Award. There is no objection, so far as we are concerned, to publication, but we must consult the United States Government as to making public their instructions.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can present to the House a copy of the Treaty now negotiated between the United States and Russia for the protection of seals in Russian waters; and whether any negotiations for a similar treaty with the United Kingdom are in progress?

We have not yet received the text of the Treaty referred to, which we are informed is similar to the Agreement now in force between the United Kingdom and Russia.

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the second part of the question?

No further communication has been received beyond the agreement of last year.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, with regard to the steamship Havel, which arrived in the port of Southampton from New York this week with more than 50 passengers, whether, in the case of this vessel, the Regulations were complied with as enacted, for instance, in Clauses 4, 14, 100, 101, and 103 of the Act 18 & 19 Vic, c. 119, which specify what space, accommodation, and so forth, are to be provided for passengers, and certified by the authorities of the port?

My attention had previously been directed to this vessel, which, however, only arrived at Southampton yesterday morning. The Havel was boarded off Calshot by one of the emigration officers acting under the instructions of the Board of Trade, and he reports this morning that the number of steerage passengers on the lower passenger deck was in excess of the number allowed by "The Passengers Act." The vessel, which is foreign owned, was on her way to Bremen; but, as she landed passengers at Southampton, I will call upon the agents of the Company in this country for an explanation.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, with regard to the treatment of the labourer McNamara by the Edenderry Board of Guardians, whether it is to be understood that when a labourer has fulfilled all the conditions prescribed by law to obtain a cottage and plot of ground it is open to the Board of Guardians without reason to ignore his claim, and give possession to another labourer who has taken no steps towards having a cottage erected; and whether, since the Local Government Board have constantly interfered with the discretion of Boards of Guardians in Ireland on other matters, they will use in this case their discretionary powers of control, and cause the Edenderry Board of Guardians to reconsider this case, with a view to determining the present tenant's occupation and the restoration of McNamara to the house which was built on his representation?

Under the existing law the Board of Guardians may act in the manner referred to in the question. The course adopted by the Guardians is, however, contrary to the spirit and intention of the Labourers' Acts, and when complaints respecting the action of Boards of Guardians in this respect are made the Local Government Board inform them to this effect, and point out that by adhering to their decision the object of the Act would be defeated. A communication in this sense will be addressed to the Edenderry Guardians.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether tenant purchasers who bought prior to the passing of the Registration of Title (Ireland) Act are obliged, when registering their title under that Act, to pay the cost of registry searches, whereas in the case of purchasers since the Act the titles are registered by the Land Commission without any expense to the purchasers; whether a great deal of the delay in answering requisitions on title has arisen owing to this cause; and whether, in order to facilitate registration, and in view of the fact that the Act imposes on prior purchasers a burden not contemplated by them when purchasing, it would be possible to deal with such purchasers so far as the cost of searches is concerned in the same manner as purchasers subsequent to the Act are dealt with?

In the cases of tenants who have completed their purchases since the passing of the Act, these are forthwith registered without expense of searches, no searches being necessary. In the cases of sales completed before the passing of the Act, the cost of searches, amounting generally, I understand, to a few shillings only, and of clearing the title, if there has been a devolution, falls on the applicant, unless he has sent in his application through the Laud Commission, who are authorised to have the searches made without charge. One thousand two hundred and thirty-four applications of this sort have been filed by the Land Commission, while 7,762 purchasers have lodged applications themselves. It is probable that some of the delay in answering requisitions is caused by the unwillingness of applicants to incur the cost of searches. As regards the cases of purchasers prior to the passing of the Act, and the possibility of freeing them from the cost of searches, which is being done in many cases by the Land Commission, it seems to be a question for the Treasury whether all such cases shall be treated in this way.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether there has been any change within the past 12 months in the practice of the American Post Office in the selection of vessels for the carriage of mails from America to the United Kingdom; and whether it is the fact that whereas until recently the mails were despatched from New York by the vessel having the fastest record, whether sailing to Liverpool or Southampton, the mails are now in all cases sent to Southampton unless in the case of letters specially addressed?

Now that there are packets sailing under the American flag, the United States Post Office does not always select in absolute accordance with the records of the respective steamers. When, for instance, the Paris or New York sails with the Teutonic or Majestic, and the disparity of speed is not great, the United States Post Office sends the bulk of the mails by the American packet, and the Irish and specially addressed letters by the English steamer; but when there is a marked difference between the speed of two steamers, the faster takes the bulk mails, whether bound for Liverpool or for Southampton.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, in reference to a letter from the Colonial Office to the Board of Agriculture, dated 26th April, 1894, in which Lord Ripon states—

"That he has great difficulty in accepting the view that it is merely a type of contagious pleuro-pneumonia, and that it is not a disease due to the hardships and' exposure of the journey to this country. That he regrets, therefore, that the Board have not felt themselves in a position to acdept the recommendation in the letter from this Department of the 15th ultimo, that the restrictions should be removed on the opening of the trade for the approaching season.…That, as he understands that the importation of store cattle does not usually begin till July or August, he hopes that the period of special examination which the Board propose to fix will not be extended beyond the middle of June, so as to allow time for making arrangements for that trade after the expiry of the period if no further suspicious cases should be found;"

and whether a reply has been sent by his instructions to that letter, what is the date and the nature of that reply, and whether he will lay it upon the Table? At the same time I will ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the facts disclosed in the correspondence between the Board of Agriculture and the Colonial Office recently laid upon the Table, that a case of undoubted pleuropneumonia was found in an animal landed at Deptford in this country from Canada on the 22nd of October last, not seven months ago, and that the Board, in their letter of the 15th of August, 1893, have pointed out that that disease may remain undetected for a period of 15 months, he will reconsider his determination to exempt Canadian animals from slaughter at the ports, provided that no case of disease is disclosed by the special examination which is to commence on the 18th of this month, but which is not to be protracted?

No reply has as yet been sent to the letter to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, and I do not know that any "will be necessary. If I find that a reply is expected and would be desirable, I will certainly include it in any further Papers to be laid before the House. Nothing has occurred during the past three weeks which leads me to modify the statement I made to the House on this subject on the 23rd ultimo, and with reference to the period of incubation, I may refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply I recently made to the hon. Member for North Down, when I stated that some of the witnesses examined by the Committee of 1888 are said to have asserted that they had known cases of the development of the disease after no less a period than 15 months, but that no properly authenticated case of the kind was known to the veterinary officers of my Department. The evidence of those officers before the Committee points to a very much shorter period as necessary for safety.

Arising out of the question, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman what period of freedom from any case of imported disease is, in the opinion of the Department, necessary before Canadian cattle can be landed without being at once slaughtered and without exposing the cattle in this country to the risk of disease?

I must ask the right hon. Gentleman to put that question on the Paper.

Has there been any conflict of opinion among the Veterinary Authorities on the subject dealt with in his answer?

No, Sir; they are unanimous in the opinion.

Has not a case of anthrax recently occurred in South Essex?

I do not see how that arises out of the question on the Paper.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Waterford I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he has observed that the Special Report of the Inspectors of Lunatics on the alleged increase of insanity, recently presented, conflicts with their statutory Reports, annually laid before Parliament, on the subject of increase, and whether any explanation of the difference can be given; and whether he will lay upon the Table the Reports of the resident medical superintendents of the several district lunatic asylums, upon which the special Report in question has been founded, for the information of hon. Members who take an interest in the subject?

I regret I am not in a position to reply to this question to-day, as owing to the absence of the Inspectors of Lunatic Asylums from Dublin there has been some delay in communicating with them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why men employed in the building works department at Enfield Lock are being discharged and their places filled by contractors' men?

(who replied) said: A few men have been discharged from the buildings works department at Enfield Lock because there is not sufficient work for them. None have been replaced by contractors' workmen.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he is aware that the salary for over seven months (8th February to 13th September, 1893) of Andrew D. Murray, an officer of Customs, has not yet been paid; whether he will now order payment; and whether, as this officer has now fully regained his health, he will order his re-instatement to suitable duty in the Customs, in accordance with the Treasury Minute of 27th August, 1889, which states that an officer may be recalled to duty on his health being restored?

No salary is due to Mr. Andrew D. Murray, formerly boatman in the Customs. He had been continuously absent from duty on account of illness since the 24th of September, 1892, and his pay ceased from the 8th of February, 1893. He was discharged from the Service with the gratuity for which his service qualified him on the ground that he was medically certified to be incapable of performing his duties. There is no intention to re-employ him.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that beam trawlers have been constantly at work during the winter months within the prescribed limits in the Firth of Clyde: and that, on the 27th of April, a fisherman, by name William Leckie, lost lines of the value of £6 by beam trawlers; and whether he will take steps to see that the law is enforced, and that the owners of beam trawlers are made amenable to justice for infringing the law?

(who replied) said: The Fishery Board inform me that the commander of the Vigilant reports to them that if the beam trawlers have been constantly at work during the winter months he has not heard of it, though he has inquired at the visited ports; neither has he observed any trawlers at sea except sailing trawlers of not more than eight tons as permitted by Board's bye-law. The Board have no-information as to the lines alleged to have been lost by William Leckie, who should have reported his loss when it occurred, if he had good grounds of complaint. As regards the last paragraph of the hon. Member's question, I may mention that the Fishery Board have recently purchased a new steam cruiser for service on the West Coast.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign affairs whether the suggestion with respect to arbitration in the case of the Costa Rica Packet has been brought under the notice of the Government of the Hague; if so, how was it received; if not, and if there is no prospect of an early conclusion to the present negotiations, will he press the proposal for arbitration on the attention of the Government of the Hague, with a view to expediting the settlement of claims arising out of the seizure and detention of the captain of the Costa Rica Packet by the Dutch Authorities in the Moluccas?

Instructions have been sent to Her Majesty's Minister at the Hague to renew the claim preferred by Her Majesty's Government in this case, and to press for the settlement of it without delay. I cannot make any further statement until the reply of the Netherlands Government has been received.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state how many stage carriage licences are in force in London; how many stage carriage drivers' and conductors' licences are at present in force in London; and whether he will consider the advisability of regulating the issue of drivers' and conductors' licences so as to correspond to the number of licensed carriages, and of only issuing such licences to men over 20 years of age who have already had experience of driving on the streets?

On December 31 last there were 3,439 stage carriages licensed. On the same date there were licensed 6,454 stage drivers, 8,534 conductors, but of these very many held both licences, and act as driver or conductor, according to circumstances. The suggested limiting would have no margin for sickness or other causes of abstention from work; and as licences cannot be granted without due inquiry into character, &c, there would be constant delays and complaints that stage carriages were thrown out of work for lack of drivers or conductors, and unlicensed men would be employed. The minimum age allowed by law for drivers is 16, but no one is licensed by the Commissioner who is under 17 years of age, and this only in exceptional circumstances and for country districts on the special application of a proprietor, who undertakes to find the man employment.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will suspend the apportionment of the expenditure upon Richmond Asylum by the Privy Council until the Law of Settlement has been altered; and whether he will arrange a ratio of expenditure based upon the number of patients coming from the County of the City of Dublin, the County of Dublin, the County of Wicklow, the County of the Town of Drogheda, in view of the fact that under the present proposition an increased burden would be cast upon the citizens of Dublin in connection with this asylum?

The increased accommodation in connection with Richmond Asylum is an urgent necessity and must be provided forthwith. It would not be practicable to defer the apportionment of the expenditure in the manner suggested. The mode of apportionment has received the careful consideration of a Committee of the Privy Council in Ire-land, before which the parties interested were duly represented.

The right hon. Gentleman promised me to give this matter his individual attention. Inasmuch as great injustice is being inflicted on the City of Dublin, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of reverting to the old system?

said, the matter had been very carefully considered, and he thought the best possible conclusion had been arrived at.

What additional representation is granted to Louth?

I cannot say, but I believe it will pay a dimimished contribution.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the serious rioting which took place on last Saturday evening at Whitehouse and Whiteabbey, County Antrim; whether he is aware that two Nationalist bands, while marching down the Shore Road, were subjected to an unprovoked attack of stones thrown by an Orange crowd at White-house; that an attack was made on the bands at Whiteabbey, where the police were compelled to fall back into the main street, after which they had to make a baton charge; that they were obliged to accompany the bands from White-abbey; and that both the police and the bands were persistently stoned for some distance after leaving Whiteabbey; whether any of the police or the people sustained injuries; and whether steps will be taken to bring to justice the ring-leaders of the crowds who are so frequently attacking peaceable and orderly bands along this road?

My attention has been drawn to the disturbances referred to, which resulted in the breaking of window panes and the infliction of personal injuries on both sides. One policeman was also struck on the head with a stone, but his wound is not considered dangerous. A number of persons can be identified by the police as having participated in the disturbances, and I am now in communication with the Law Officers as to the proceedings to be instituted. Under these circumstances, my hon. Friend will agree with me that It is inexpedient to prejudice the hearing of the cases before the Magistrates by entering into further details at present.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a letter from the Secretary to the Local Government Board to the Larne (County Antrim) Board of Guar- dians, subsequently published in The Irish News of the 3rd instant, in which it is stated that there are, in the infirmary of the workhouse, 62 patients, of whom 27 are lunatics in charge of one nurse who is unable to go about the wards without the aid of a stick; whether he is aware the letter alleges that this infirm nurse is assisted by three female inmates of an inferior class, two of whom are of immoral character; that on the male side three old and infirm men are the only assistants; and that the Inspector found in a ward with five female imbeciles an infant, one and a-half years old, in charge of a pauper attendant who belongs to the same class she is supposed to mind; and whether immediate steps will be taken to make such nursing and other arrangements as the necessity of the case demands?

The facts are as stated. The Local Government Board in the letter referred to requested the Guardians to summon a special meeting to consider the question of improving the present nursing arrangements in the workhouse, and this meeting will be held on the 16th instant. The Board will await the result of the Guardians' deliberations before taking further action.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Land Commission in hearing appeals in Cavan acted on the Report of Mr. Bomford, whose connection with landlords in the county has been the subject of comment, or whether they obtained any independent evidence; whether he can say in how many cases recently heard in Cavan the rent was raised and in how many lowered; and whether any intimation of the general feeling against the employment of court valuers in places where they are connected with the landlord's interest has been communicated to the Land Commission?

The Secretary to the Land Commission informs me that it has been found necessary to refer this question to Mr. Justice Bewley, one of the Commissioners, who is absent from Dublin. My hon. Friend must, therefore, postpone the question till after the recess.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is he aware that at the International Court at Bangkok, in May last, two Siamese subjects were charged with being members of a gang who waylaid and seriously injured Mr. Lillie, a British subject; and, on a conviction, were let off by the Siamese Judge with a fine of about £16 each; and whether, in view of the Treaty between Great Britain and Siam, which guarantees British subjects, under Article 1, full protection and assistance to enable them to reside in Siam in all security, the Government propose to take any action in the matter?

Her Majesty's Government received a Report from Her Majesty's Minister at Bangkok on this incident, and also full reports of the proceedings with regard to it in the Consular and International Courts at Bangkok. The case occurred more than a year ago, and more than one question was put in the House of Commons at the time. It appears from the evidence that Mr. Lillie was stopped and subjected to some personal violence by several Siamese who had greatly resented the contemptuous expressions applied to the Siamese Government and nation by the newspaper of which he was the editor. Two of the Siamese concerned were brought up for trial and fined as stated, and half the amount was received by Mr. Lillie in compensation.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is he aware that, on the 25th of April, 1893, in the British Court at Bangkok, a man, called Ahamat, was convicted by a jury of having been one of a gang who waylaid and beat Mr. Lillie, editor of The Siam Free Press; that the official medical attendant swore that the wounds inflicted on Mr. Lillie constituted grievous bodily harm; and that it was proved that it was the prisoner who stopped Mr. Lillie's carriage and struck him with the butt end of a whip; and whether, in view of the fact that prisoner was sentenced to a fortnight's imprisonment with hard labour, although the Consul was bound, under Sections 6 and 49 of the Siam Order in Council, 1889, to administer justice in accordance with the practice of English law, the Government propose to take any action in the matter?

The report of the trial does not show that Mr. Lillie's medical attendant swore as stated. On the contrary, he stated in evidence that the bruises had disappeared in six days. The jury found Ahamat guilty of a common assault.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland why the widows Cabalan and Moran and Mrs. P. Moran, evicted tenants on the De Freyne estate, have not been paid the amount of the bills they furnished to the District Inspector of the R.I.C. for hay, turf, and timber destroyed and burned by the constabulary whilst gruardinsr the ruined walls of the evicted houses; and if he would undertake to have those people paid their claims without further delay, as they are now sorely in need of provisions?

I am afraid I cannot add anything to the reply which I gave to a similar question addressed to me by the hon. Gentleman on this subject on the 22nd of March last.

On behalf of the hon. Member for South Monaghan, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state how many medical officers are at present employed at Mount-joy Prison, Dublin; what the duties were which they were employed to discharge at the time of their appointment, and what duties they now perform; what are the salaries paid such officers; whether these exceed a total of £1,000 per annum; and if any such sum is paid for medical attendance in any other prison accommodating only a similar number of prisoners?

There are two medical officers and an assistant attached to the local and convict divisions of Mountjoy Prison, and their salaries amount in the aggregate to £910 per annum. The Prisons Board inform me that there is no other similar prison in Ireland with which to compare that at Mountjoy; but they observe that the salaries paid for medical attendance in Maryborough Invalid Convict Prison are much higher in proportion to the average number in custody than the salaries paid at Mountjoy. With respect to the second paragraph, which enters into matters of detail, I shall be happy, if the hon. Gentleman so desires, to supply him with a statement of the duties referred to.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the Report of the Commission on Bovine Tuberculosis is ready for publication, or when its issue may be expected?

I am informed by the Commissioners that satisfactory progress is being made with the Report, which may shortly be expected.

Can the right hon. Gentleman fix a date, because I have been asking questions upon this subject ever since I have been in the House?

I cannot add to the answer I have already given.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the present system of rate receipt forms and of checking rate collectors' accounts is inefficient in preventing embezzlement by dishonest rate collectors in different Unions in Ireland; whether he is aware that in Baltinglass Union the clerk has introduced a plan of having the rate books laid on the Boardroom table for the information of the Guardians at their weekly meetings, with the amounts paid during the week duly set forth; and whether the Local Government Board are prepared to recommend the general adoption of this plan, or some better one, by Boards of Guardians so as to prevent serious loss to the ratepayers through defalcations by dishonest rate collectors?

The Local Government Board do not think the present system of rate receipt forms and of checking collectors' accounts is inefficient in preventing embezzlement of the rates, but that it is rather the inefficient working of the present system which has resulted in losses to the ratepayers in certain Unions. The Board have no objection to the adoption by other Unions of the system referred to in the second paragraph, but they do not think that its adoption would result in any real advantage such as would justify them in officially recommending it to Boards of Guardians. In order to be beneficial the system would require to be very fully carried out, and the Board are inclined to believe that in time the inspection by the Guardians might become purely formal. It will be found, as a rule, that defalcations on the part of collectors are rare in well-managed Unions where there is a competent and careful clerk.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has inquired what are the grounds on which the Board of Works officials refused to let to Thomas Butler, of Jamestown, County Leitrim, the portion of land in their control which was lately in the possession of Mrs. Revnolds, who emigrated in March last to America; and whether he is prepared to state the reasons, if any, for such refusal?

The Board of Works inform me that they have arranged to let the land in question to a tenant whom, after full inquiry, they considered more suitable than Mr. Butler, and whose garden immediately adjoins it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that, in the case of the recent Local Government Board inquiry into the scheme for labourers' cottages of the Nenagh Board of Guardians, a site for a proposed cottage on the lands of one Thomas Moloney, in the Ballina division, was objected to in the Inspector's Report, on the ground that, in his opinion, the selection of the site was injudicious, and that, if the plot was acquired, the occupier would, in all probability, be subjected to considerable annoyance; whether he is aware the cottage in this case was sought to be pro- vided by the Guardians (acting on the representation of 12 ratepayers in the district) for a labourer, named Hackett, who, with a family of five, has been obliged to live in lodgings for the past two years, there being no house available in the district; whether the Guardians, by resolution of their Board on the 26th of April last, appealed to the Local Government Board not to abandon this site for a cottage, stating that, in their opinion, there were no just grounds for so doing; that the objections raised by Moloney on the inquiry were not in accordance with the facts: and that they (the Guardians) were satisfied that there were no grounds for the suggestion that Moloney, in the event of the cottage being built and occupied by Hackett, would be (as the Report stated) subject to any annoyance; and if he will advise the Local Government Board to respond to the Guardians' request for a further inquiry into the facts of this case?

The facts stated in the question are correct, but the main fact of the case has been omitted—namely, that the person for whom the cottage is proposed was evicted from a house on the same lands about three years ago. The Local Government Board Inspector considered that the selection of a site for a cottage for this man on this particular farm was injudicious, as, in all probability, the occupier of the farm would be subjected to annoyance if the labourer who had been evicted were put back on his lands.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Peterborough, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in view of the orders given by the Secretary of State for War for field hospital training to be given at Aldershot, similar orders will be given for field hospital training in India?

In accordance with the reply given to my hon. Friend on the 21st December last a copy of the scheme for the field hospital training to be given at Aldershot has been sent for the consideration of the Government of India.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the grave import to our shipping industry of any inquiry into the question of the manning of the ships of our Mercantile Marine; whether he will now state definitely the precise scope of the inquiries to be instituted by the proposed Committee on Undermanning; what is to be the constitution of the Committee; whether it is, or is not, his intention to ask Members of Parliament to serve on that Committee: and whether, in such case, the different branches of the shipping industry will be duly represented?

Yes, Sir. We are fully aware of the grave import of the inquiry into the question of the manning of the ships of our Mercantile Marine, and I am glad to be able to state that we have undertaken this inquiry with the assent of all parties interested. The Committee will be appointed to inquire and report whether any amendment of the existing law is necessary in order to secure as regards British ships—(1) The proper manning of such ships; (2) The detention of such ships if proceeding or about to proceed to sea undermanned from ports in the United Kingdom; (3) The punishment of persons sending or taking or being parties to sending or taking such ships to sea undermanned. It will consist of four Members of Parliament:—The hon. Member for Cardiff, Chairman; the right hon. Gentleman the Member for the Ormskirk Division of Lancashire; the hon. Member for West Perth; and the hon. Member for Middlesbrough. Two representatives of the Board of Trade—Sir Digby Murray, baronet, and Mr. Ingram B. Walker, Assistant Secretary of the Marine Department of the Board of Trade. Three representatives of shipowners—Mr. Thomas Scrutton, Mr. G. A. Laws, Mr. Charles Barrie. Two representatives of seamen and firemen—-Mr. T. B. Butcher (Hull) and Mr. Thomas Counorty (Liverpool). One representative of shipmasters—Mr. William Davidson (South Shields). One certificated engineer—Mr. James Orr Sinclair. A barrister of high standing—Mr. F. W. Raikes, Q.C., L L.D. I had hoped to be able to arrange for one representative of the underwriters, but I am at present without the advice enabling me to do so.

Seeing the great importance of this subject, will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a second representative to represent the shipmasters and officers, and also a second representative to represent the engineers and firemen, both of 'whom shall be practical men who have been at sea? I would further ask whether, as the three shipowners do not represent cargo steamers, the right hon. Gentleman will appoint a shipowner to represent this class of vessel?

The hon. Gentleman asks me to largely increase the size of this Committee. There are five shipowners on the Committee, three of them nominated by agreement with the shipowners of London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and elsewhere, and the shipowners themselves are quite content with the shipowners who represent them on the Committee. With respect to the engineers, they are quite content with the certificated engineers nominated by the Engineers' Union. I think the sea officers have also nominated a representative. This is a deliberative Committee of Inquiry, consisting of 15 Members, and it would be impossible to add to that number without making it practically unworkable. All parties are satisfied with the representatives on the Committee.

What Society does Mr. Sinclair represent?

The Society of Working Engineers—a Union of 12,000 men in London, Shields, Glasgow, and elsewhere. He is their selection.

asked if the Committee would receive instructions to deal with the case of other than British ships?

The Committee have nothing to do with the International aspect, and the Government cannot legislate on the question of manning for other Mercantile Marines than our own. The Committee will inquire and report upon what they consider necessary and desirable should be done.

Almost every Society and every class want separate representation; but I think it will be agreed that the Committee is fully representative.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War who was appointed chemist to the War Office on the retirement of Sir F. Abel; whether Dr. Dupre was appointed as adviser only, and was already fully occupied with his duties at the Home Office; what, if any, is the control exercised by Dr. Kellner of the Woolwich Laboratory over the work at Waltham Abbey; whether the head of the Waltham Factory is a military man, with no scientific chemist under him; whether the deputy manager is not a scientific chemist, but a practical man trained in the routine work; whether the foreman, who was unfortunately killed in the last explosion, was a scientific chemist; and when was the Report on the former fatal explosion signed, and why has it not been sooner presented to Parliament?

(who replied) said: When in 1888 the Explosives Committee was formed with Sir F. Abel as president, the distribution of the work of the Chemical Department was re-arranged, the ordinary work being taken over by Dr. Kellner, and the larger questions connected with explosives falling to the Explosives Committee. When the Explosives Committee came to an end in 1891 Dr. Dupre succeeded Sir F. Abel as an associate member of the Ordnance Committee. He is also the adviser of the Director General of Ordnance Factories when consulted on questions relative to explosives. I understand that Dr. Dupre's duties at the Home Office leave sufficient time for the required purpose. Dr. Kellner is not attached to the Ordnance Factories, and exercises, therefore, no control at Waltham. He is, however, frequently consulted. The superintendent at Waltham Abbey is a military man, but he is assisted by a staff of practical chemists with special knowledge of explosives. The Report on the former explosion was signed on April 25, presented on the 30th, and distributed this morning. I may add that Lord Sandhurst's Committee has been requested to make a full inquiry into the administration of the factories dealing with nitroglycerine, guncotton, and cordite. The committee will report as expeditiously as possible, and the Secretary of State will then promptly consider what changes may be expedient.

Will the Report on the last explosion at Waltham be circulated among Members?

It will be sent, in the first place, to the Secretary of State, who no doubt will have it circulated.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he has any objection to lay upon the Table a short Return showing the number of so-called Doyle or contributory Unions now existing, with their respective populations and rateable value, and also showing the method in which the casual paupers are treated in these Unions?

No such Unions as are suggested have as yet been constituted.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office what work, if any, will be found for the men deprived of work by the last explosion at Waltham Abbey; what were the qualifications of the chemist in charge of the nitro-glycerine at the time of the explosion; what sum, if any, will be received by the relatives of the unmarried man killed during the last explosion; and if, when the new buildings to replace those destroyed are erected, the work will be leased to contractors?

It is hoped to find employment for the men whom the late explosion at Waltham Abbey has deprived of work. The chemist in charge of the nitro-glycerine factory is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemists and has several competent chemists under him. As explained in another reply to-day, the question of grants to relatives will be considered when full details are obtained. The new buildings will not be erected by contract.

What compensation will be given to the owners of private houses whose property has been injured by these explosions?

I must ask the hon. Member to put that question on the Paper for some day after the Recess.

asked if, in addition, to take the ordinary precautions imposed on private factories, the War Office did not claim to be exempt from liability for damage done to adjoining property?

I must decline to answer questions of so much importance without notice.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether a correspondence has been proceeding for upwards of a year between the War Office and the Treasury upon the subject of promoting the writers in the War Department to the position of abstractors and assistant clerks; and whether he can now state what decision, if any, has been reached?

(who replied) said: It is understood that a decision has been arrived at by the Treasury. I expect to receive it very shortly.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether any, and if so what, County and Borough Councils have delegated to the Justices their powers and duties, under "The Local Government Act, 1888,"with respect to the licensing of houses or places for the public performance of stage plays; and whether it is competent for any Council, which has so delegated its powers and duties, at any time to withdraw such delegation and thenceforth to exercise such powers itself?

I have no information as to the cases referred to, and the Local Government Board have no authority in the matter. I may, however, state generally that it would appear that a power to delegate would include a power to withdraw such delegation.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a resolution of the Galway Board of Guardians, affirming the necessity for relief works in the Arran Islands, owing to the extreme destitution now prevailing there; and whether he has yet provided for the institution of such works?

I have received a copy of the resolution referred to. Since I replied recently to a previous question of my hon. Friend in regard to the state of things in the Arran Islands, the Local Government Inspector has again visited them, and, with the assistance of the parish priest and his curate, distributed the seed potatoes provided through the hon. Member for Northampton. The Local Government Inspector has found nothing to alter in his former Reports, nor anything that would justify the Government in asking Parliament to adopt the very exceptional course of specially providing relief works.

Am I to understand that the Government think there are now the means of subsistence for the people in these islands until the harvest ripens?

That is the best judgment that can be formed of the opinion of the Inspector.

asked if the answer of the Chief Secretary meant that the Government could not see their way to spend a few hundreds in instituting relief works in the Arran Islands at a period when the people of Ireland were taxed £250,000 for the Navy?

I am afraid my logic does not enable me to see the connection between this extra taxation and the granting of a few hundred pounds to the Arran Islands. The case of the Arran Islands must be judged on its merits.

asked whether the Chief Secretary had received any information on the subject of the condition of the people of these islands from the Rev. Father McDonnell, the priest of the district, who had complained very much of the indifference of the right hon. Gentleman?

It is quite true I have received various communications from this rev. gentleman complaining of what he considers my indifference. I have not been indifferent. I have paid the very closest attention, and I have formed the best judgment I could on the facts laid before me by officers and officials of experience, in whom I have entire confidence.

Are we to infer that he places in this matter greater reliance upon the information afforded to him by the Local Government Board Inspector, who is only a stranger, than he does upon the information provided for him by the Rev. Father McDonnell, who has lived amongst his people all his life, and knows all about them?

I am not sure how far it is true that this rev. gentleman has lived all his life there. He is the parish priest, no doubt; but the gentleman who was parish priest when these circumstances first arose died about, three or four weeks ago.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman will make further inquiries as to the advisability and usefulness of constructing two boat-slips which have been recommended by several persons?

I am making inquiries to-day upon the subject, and any charge of indifference or callousness against me is entirely without foundation.

May I ask whether the Report of Major Fair says anything either to affirm or deny the statement of the parish priest—namely, that of these people, or the small minority on the middle island, who are able to obtain work are now working for a wage of 2d. a day?

I cannot say whether it is true that they are working for a wage of 2d. a day; but no facts were brought before us which would justify us in coming to Parliament and asking for funds to start relief works.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the changes recently made in the hours of labour at some of the Government Departments at Woolwich constitute a maximum eight hour day or 48 hour week; whether the men are compelled under ordinary circumstances to be at work every day during the whole time; how the hours are reckoned, and whether meal-time is included; and if a 48 hour week, what are the highest maximum hours in any one day inclusive of mealtime?

The changes referred to in the hours of labour at Woolwich constitute a 48 hours week. Men are ordinarily required to be at work the whole time during which their services are required. In all cases the hours for leaving off work are the hours for leaving the shops or places where the men are actually at work. For coming to work, the hours named are the times for depositing the tickets in the ticket-boxes, which are placed as near as possible to the men's work. On five days the men work from 8 a.m. till 1 p.m., and from 2 p.m. till 5.40 p.m. They have, therefore, a free hour for dinner, and the actual work covers eight hours and 40 minutes. On Saturdays the work is from 8 a.m. to 12.40 p.m."

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether it is his intention to appoint a Select Committee to consider the dairy industry?

Has the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been directed to a Motion I have down on the Paper for the appointment of a Select Committee? I put it down in pursuance of his reply to a deputation.

The hon. Member for East Northamptonshire has a Motion down for a Committee on this subject, and I am in negotiation with him as to the terms of it.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will take steps to prevent the overcrowding of workmen's trains on the existing lines of railway in and about the Metropolis; and whether Her Majesty's Government will be prepared to recommend this House to amend its Standing Order by adding to Standing Order 181A, which provides that all new Railway Bills shall contain provisions for rehousing of the working classes, a Standing Order that such Bills shall also contain provisions that, if there is not sufficient third-class accommodation on workmen's trains, holders of workmen's tickets may use any other available carriages, that the Board of Trade may regulate the accommodation on such trains, and that a Company failing to comply with such regulations shall be liable to a fine of £50, recoverable summarily by the County Council?

The difficulty of overcrowding of workmen's and indeed of other trains on the lines of railway in and about the Metropolis is a physical one. The Companies do their best to meet the demands made on their accommodation, but find great impediments in the way of increasing that accommodation. If any specific case is brought under my notice I will look into it; but I have no legal or actual power to prevent overcrowding. I am not prepared to propose amendment of the Standing Order in the direction suggested by the hon. Member. I not unfrequently find at certain hours first-class carriages are overcrowded by Members of this House who prefer standing to waiting five minutes for a following train.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is now prepared to lay upon the Table of the House the Papers relative to the so-called blockade of Siamese ports by France last year; and, if not, whether he can state what the reasons are for continuing to withhold this information in respect of matters which occurred so long ago; and at what date he proposes to lay it before the House?

The Papers relating to the blockade will be included in the Blue Book which has been promised; the issue of this has been delayed till the trial of the alleged murderer of Inspector Grosgurin has been concluded.

pointed out that this matter was concluded a year ago. Surely Papers dealing with the blockade were ready now?

The blockade was only an incident in a much wider question. It is desirable the Papers should not be presented until they are complete.

I beg to ask the Attorney General what authority, if any, controls the action of the Judges in respect of their attendance or non-attendance at the Courts of Law; and whether any Rules exist stating the conditions, such as ill-health or otherwise, upon which such attendance is dispensed with?

The Judges make their own arrangements, and there is no controlling authority; neither are there any Rules in existence such as are suggested in the question.

Is the Attorney General aware that a part-heard case was adjourned from Monday till Thursday; that the Judge was absent from his Court on both days, being present at Newmarket races; and will he direct the attention of the Lord Chancellor to the matter?

I know nothing about that matter. I am afraid it would be useless to refer the matter, as (he Lord Chancellor exercises no jurisdiction.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether it is proposed to take the Second Reading of the Equalisation of Rates (London) Bill during the week commencing 21st May; and, if not, whether he can state when it will be taken?

I hope I may be able to take it in that week.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Commissioners for the Reduction of the National Debt are charging the Irish Church Temporalities Fund interest at 3½ and 3 ¼ per cent. on loans amply secured, the excess of the interest over 3 per cent. amounting to £18,000 a year; whether he is aware that other Irish Public Bodies under popular management, especially the Dublin Corporation, have been able to borrow in the open market at a lower rate of interest; and whether he will take steps either to induce the National Debt Commissioners to reduce the rate of interest to 3 per cent. or, in the alternative, empower the Land Commissioners to raise a loan at 3 per cent. to pay off the debt owing to the National Debt Commissioners?

I cannot, on the information before me, add anything to the answer given by the Secretary to the Treasury on Monday last. I will, if the hon. Member wishes it, have further inquiry made.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the provision in the Finance Bill raising the Death Duties on estates between £150 and £300 from a fixed sum of 30s. to an ad valorem duty of 1 per cent. will press very hardly on small farmers in Ireland whose farms are valued for probate at or under £300; and whether he will consider the advisability of so modifying the Bill as not to increase the burden on a class already severely weighted with rates, as well as indirect taxation?

I am not aware that the change in question will press hardly on small farmers in Ireland, nor can I conceive that it will press-hardly on anyone. The hon. Member must not forget that it is only when an. estate is under £300 gross that the 30s-payment at present applies. If a farmer has property of £350 and £100 of debts, he pays £5 on the present system, whereas in future he will pay only £3.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that serious loss will be sustained by persons who have purchased reversionary interests prior to the proposed Finance Bill; and whether, in such cases, the application of the Bill will be made non-retrospective?

Persons who have purchased reversionary interests prior to the passing of the Finance Bill will not be affected at all if the reversionary interests are in property which has already paid Probate and Account Duty (see Section 17) (1). Purchasers of other reversionary interests will not be more affected than they were by the Succession Duty Act, which imposed rates varying from 1 to 10 per cent., or by the present Estate Duty, or by the additional Succession Duties of 1888.

Will not the Estate Duty on these reversions vary according to the aggregate of the estate whereof they form part?

Yes, Sir.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if it is intended by the Finance Bill to allow owners of cottage property who, although not occupiers, are directly assessed to the Income Tax (Schedule A) under General Rule IV., Section 60, of the Income Tax of 1842, the benefit of the one-sixth abatement; and in such case, if he will cause such amendment to be inserted in Section 33 as shall make it quite clear that this is the case, and that the benefit is not to be limited to cases where the tax is charged or paid by the occupier?

The intention is as indicated in the first part of the question, and, if necessary, I will insert such words in Clause 31 as will make the intention perfectly clear.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he has considered the practical results of carrying into effect Clause 8 of the Finance Bill; and whether, having regard to its results as they would affect the trade and industries of the country, he will abandon that clause?

I am not prepared to abandon Clause 8, but I will consider any alteration or modification of it that may be shown to be necessary. There are some alterations which I think will have to be made.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a large quantity of German spirit (said to be purchase able now at 8d. per gallon) is imported into Scotland, and is constantly conveyed from Scotland to Ireland, mainly to Belfast, in Irish whisky barrels previously brought as empties to Greenock and other places for that special purpose, and is then retailed or exported as genuine Irish whisky; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made into these matters, and take measures to protect native manufacturers-and consumers from such foreign competition?

I have directed inquiry to be made into this matter.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Government propose to send any Bills for the consideration of the Grand Committee on Trade (including Agriculture and Fishing), Shipping, and Manufactures, during this Session?

I believe there are such Bills.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the disproportion at present existing in the Metropolis between the annual value of many properties occupied by or for the purposes of Her Majesty's Government and the estimated value upon which grants made by the Treasury in lieu of local rates are calculated, he will undertake to make adequate provision in the present Budget for such grants to be brought more into accord with the values upon which rates would be paid if the properties were in the occupation of ordinary tenants?

was understood to say that, in the absence of details of specific cases, he was unable to express any opinion on the point raised by the hon. Member.

But in regard to the public buildings, are they not taken at lower annual value by the Government than their real value? And are not the graats made to those localities less in consequence than the rates which would be paid were the buildings in private occupation?

I am afraid I cannot discuss these facts now. It is quite true that in respect of Millbank Prison, having in view the proposal to erect working-class dwellings, I did authorise the sale to the London County Council for a sum less than the property would have fetched in the market.

And will not the result be that Westminster will receive from the Treasury a smaller local grant than it is fairly entitled to?

I do not understand that. If the hon. Member can supply me with any details I will look into the matter.