said, he wished to call Mr. Speaker's attention to the Votes for last Tuesday, so far as they related to the proceedings on the London County Council (General Powers) Bill. He found nothing in the Votes relating to Tuesday which showed in any way that a clause to which objection was taken, and which was struck out of the Bill in consequence, was so omitted. The point being a most important one, he had to ask Mr. Speaker that the entry might be amended so as to show upon the face of the Votes that the clause really was omitted from the Bill.

I suppose a new clause was inserted in the Bill.

There was no new clause carried, Mr. Speaker.

The entry is "Amendments made," and such entry covers the fact of an old clause being struck out.

No; the Motion was carried without a Division.

I do not see anything irregular in the entry.

said, there could be no doubt that the facts were as stated by the hon. Member for Bethnal Green (Mr. Howell). The clause to which the hon. Member referred was omitted, and no new clause was inserted in the Bill.

I had no notice that this subject was to be brought forward, but I will look into the question and see if there has been any irregularity in the entry. If there has been any irregularity I will see that it is rectified.

thanked Mr. Speaker for his statement, and said that he was sorry he had not been able to give notice of the question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether any recommenda- tions were made by Lord Roberts, when Commander-in-Chief in India, with regard to the grievance of officers of the Indian Staff Corps who are exposed to constant supersession in the course of their duties by officers of the British Service, owing to the more rapid promotion in that Service; and, if so, would he state what the recommendations were; whether the complaints of the Staff Corps have been duly considered by the Indian Government and the Secretary of State; and what, if any, decision has been arrived at; and whether he will lay upon the Table the Papers on this subject, including the Memorandum issued on behalf of the Staff Corps, and submitted to the Commander-in-Chief and Government in India?

The promotion of officers in the Staff Corps is still the subject of correspondence with the Government of India. Until that correspondence is complete, Papers cannot be presented to the House.

When is the correspondence likely to be published?

I am sending out an important Despatch by tomorrow's mail. This is a very difficult question, and it is receiving most careful attention both at Simla and Whitehall.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether a convict of the name of O'Leary has recently been discharged from gaol in Ireland; whether this man was convicted in connection with the murder of Head Constable Whelahan; and, if so, what was the term of the imprisonment to which he was sentenced; and whether he has now been discharged in the ordinary course, or as a matter of indulgence before the expiration of his sentence?

The convict named was released on licence on the 12th instant. He was convicted at the Wicklow Winter Assizes of 1887 of the Whiteboy offence of attacking a dwelling-house, arising out of the murder of Head Constable Whelahan, and was sentenced to 10 years' penal servitude. The other three men convicted for the same offence had been released on licence some time ago, and in view of this I thought the time had arrived when this man might also be released. In the ordinary course he would have been eligible for release in June next year.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that at the British Settlement and Treaty Port of Tien-Tsin, China, the English inhabitants have no postal arrangements provided for them; whether he is aware that the Germans, the French, and the Russians have Post Offices there; whether 90 per cent, of the whole mail matter of the Settlement is British, and the trade with Great Britain and her Dependencies amounts to several millions sterling annually; whether he is aware that the British mails which now arrive at that important Treaty Port of Tien-Tsin are now handed over to the German Post Office there for distribution; and whether he will at once communicate with Hong Kong regarding this grievance?

Tien-Tsin is a Treaty Port, and not a British Settlement. The question of the establishment of a post office there is one for the consideration of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India what were the latest dates on which the troopships with the reliefs for the regiments serving in India arrived in Bombay during the present season?

The last four troopships arrived in India on the 17th of March, the 23rd of March, the 7th of April, and the 8th of April. These dates were exceptionally late, owing to the breakdown of the troopships.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state the number of Petitions for arrangement filed each year since 1888 in the Local Bankruptcy Court, Belfast; the number of these which have been confirmed; the number which have been turned into bankruptcy; the composition offered in each case of the debtors; and the dividends paid to creditors in each case turned into bankruptcy?

I am informed that 192 Petitions for arrangement were filed in the Belfast local Court of Bankruptcy between January, 1889, and the present date. Of these, 130 were confirmed, and 37 were turned into bankruptcy. I cannot, within convenient limits, state the amount of composition offered in each case, but I may state it varies from Is. in the £1 upwards. The dividends paid were likewise of variable amount, the lowest being about 8½d. in the £1. Several estates have not yet been closed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman grant a Return of the dividends paid?

I do not think there would be any objection to stating the sums without indicating the names.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the three years' contract for the printing for the Grand Jury for Westmeath expires at the ensuing Summer Assizes, and that there was no presentment on account of this contract made at the County at Large Presentment Sessions on Saturday last; and whether he will take steps to see that this contract is properly advertised for competition according to law, and is not given away privately to favoured contractors?

The Secretary to the Grand Jury informs me that he received instructions on Saturday last from the County at Large Presentment Sessions to publicly advertise for tenders for printing. These tenders will be laid before the Grand Jury at the next Summer Assizes.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a policeman, named Reardou, stationed at present at Gowran, County Kilkenny, holds a farm, situate in Lar-kinstown, near Wexford, which was taken by the policeman's mother-in-law, Mrs. Margaret Culleton, after the former tenants had been evicted, and made over by deed on Constable Reardon: and whether policemen are allowed to hold farms from which the former tenants have been evicted?

I understand that Mrs. Culleton holds the evicted farm referred to, but has not assigned it to Sergeant Reardon. No special Regulations exist in reference to the holding of evicted farms by members of the Constabulary. They are not permitted to hold farms (evicted or otherwise) in the counties in which they are serving, but there is no Regulation prohibiting them or their wives from holding land elsewhere.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury when the Bill dealing with compulsory age retirement in the Law Offices at the age of 65, and which he stated in the House on the 2nd of April was to be at once introduced, is to be brought in?

The Bill is being prepared, but it is impossible to give at the present time the precise moment of its introduction.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the great congestion of business in some of the Metropolitan Police Courts, due to the increase of Local Government cases, he will authorise the cost of the necessary clerical assistance to Justices of the Peace to enable them to hold special Sessions for hearing School Board cases and summonses under such Acts as "The Public Health (London) Act, 1891," the Metropolis Management Acts, Adulteration of Food Acts, and the Housing of the Working Classes Act; and whether the jurisdiction of the Justices in such cases has been affirmed in a recent case in Kensington?

(who replied) said: My hon. Friend has to-day forwarded me a complaint of the state of the business at one of the Courts which I have Dot had time to look into. Otherwise, I have heard of no complaints of any great congestion of business existing at present in any of the Metropolitan Police Courts, and I think if there had been any such congestion I must have heard of it. If Justices of the Peace have jurisdiction to hear any cases over which Metropolitan Police Magistrates have jurisdiction, the Justices have jurisdiction over all the cases, and they could not be confined to hearing cases and summonses under the Acts mentioned in the question without legislation. It is true that the jurisdiction of Justices has been affirmed in a recent case in Keusington; but the question as to the decision in that case, and the course to be taken in consequence of it, is now under the consideration of the Law Officers of the Crown, and I think nothing should be done till their opinion has been received.

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether ships of the Fleet coaling in the Firth of Forth take their coals from vessels which have brought the coals from Cardiff; and, if so, whether the coals could be had from the Scottish mines close at hand, and so save the expense of bringing the coals all the way from Cardiff?

In nearly every part of the world the normal supply for Her Majesty's ships is Welsh coal, as it is far more suitable than the local coal in most places. But small quantities of the best local suitable coal may be obtained when Welsh coal is not available.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if he will state the amount of money voted for the new buildings for the Post Office at Leeds in last year's Estimates, and the amount actually paid; if he can state approximately the date of completion; and whether it is intended to sell the present Post Office when the new buildings are occupied?

The amount voted in last year's Estimates for the new Post Office build- ings at Leeds was £21,000, and the amount spent was £18,000. It is hoped to finish the buildings by Midsummer, 1895. The intention is to sell the old Post Office.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a circular recently sent to the tenants on the Wallace Estate, Lisburne, requiring, under threat of proceedings, payment of the rent due at November last; whether he is aware that the tenants have been informed that the rents must in future be paid on the 1st of February in each year, as the rents have been judicially fixed, and the tenants have an opportunity of purchasing at a further reduction of 20 per cent, with the fee-simple for nothing; whether he is aware that the rent now required is known as "the lying term," and was not formerly demanded for more than 12 months after it fell due since it was allowed to stand over from the famine years; and whether, considering the practices already adopted on this estate, he will mention to the Laud Commission the desirability of a searching inquiry into the facts of purchases by the tenants in order to save them from paying prices in excess of what the Land Commission sanctions?

The facts, I am informed, are correctly stated in the first three paragraphs. My hon. Friend is aware that in several cases, on the Commissioner refusing to lend more than a certain amount, the balance of the price was demanded from and paid by the tenant, and an agreement for the lesser sum as the price lodged with the Land Commission. This matter was the subject of a Judgment by Mr. Justice Bewley in July, 1893, and since then the Commissioners believe that the cash payments made by the tenants are set out on the agreements for purchase. The Land Commission cannot prevent purchasers paying any prices they choose, and its duties and powers with reference to the security are limited to seeing that the loan is satisfactorily secured, not to seeing that the price is fair, if the tenant chooses to pay part of the price himself.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the result of the consultation with the Inspecting Officers of the Board respecting the carrying of the road leading from Strabane, in County Tyrone, to Lifford, in County Donegal, over the Great Northern and Finn Valley, and West Douegal Railways lines?

The Board of Trade are being advised as to their legal position in this matter. As soon as a decision is arrived at it shall be communicated to the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture what has been the result of his inquiry as regards the accommodation for weighing live cattle at Falkirk tryst or market, in Stirlingshire?

From the Report made to me by the Inspector whom I instructed to visit Falkirk in pursuance of my promise to the hon. Member, it would appear that a weighing machine is available for use at Falkirk tryst; but the information at present before me is insufficient to enable me to determine whether there is a sufficient compliance with the requirements of the Act, or whether the application for exemption from those requirements which has now been made to me ought to be granted. The matter is still, therefore, under investigation, but I hope it will not be long before I am in a position to acquaint the hon. Member with my decision.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a letter was sent to Dublin Castle by Mr. William O'Sullivan, of Newcastle West, County Limerick, complaining of the conduct of Mr. Dawson, clerk of Petty Sessions there, for having used to him, at Newcastle West on the 11th instant, threatening language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace, and of which letter an acknowledgment was received on the 21st instant; whe- ther Mr. Dawson, after having received from Dublin Castle notice of the complaint, did, on the 24th instant (a fortnight after the alleged offence) issue a summons for assault against Mr. O'Sullivan, notwithstanding that a Petty Sessions Court had been held on the 18th instant; whether he is aware of the strong feeling existing in the district by reason of the conduct of Mr. Dawson in connection with this case, and his manner of discharging the duties in connection with his office; and whether he will call the attention of the proper authority to the matter, and inquire as to the very serious charges preferred against this officer under the late administration?

The facts are correctly stated in the first paragraph. It is also a fact that the Petty Sessions clerk has summoned O'Sullivan for assault on the occasion in question; and, under these circumstances, it is undesirable to say anything in the meantime which might be calculated to prejudice the Magisterial investigation.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the occasion of the late Royal review at Aldershot the total strength of the Division was 17,600, and that only 11,600 men were on parade; that the deficiency of 50 per cent, is accounted for by sick 642, guard 187, recruits 815, and other duties 4,600; and whether the 4,600 men employed on other duties, such as servants, cooks, workshops, and clerks, who are not available for duty but who are returned as efficient, could be found by employing the Army Reserve?

On May 17 the strength of the Aldershot Division was 17,864. Of these, 11,639 paraded, so that 6,225, or 35 per cent, of the strength, did not appear. Of the absent, 815 were recruits, 187 on guard, and 642 sick, leaying 4,581 to be accounted for. There were 414 at other stations on command, 100 were on leave, 338 were dismounted Cavalry and Engineers, 669 were men of the Army Service Corps and other services employed on transport and other corps duty; 1,578 men were at Pirbright for musketry practice, 545 were either attending classes, or in prison, or absent on other grounds; and the balance 937, were employed as clerks, servants, cooks, and in workshops. Reservists could possibly take the place of some of these 937 men, but it would be pro tanto an addition to the number and to the cost of the Army.

Is it a fact that there are 13,000 men who do not perform the duties of ordinary soldiers? What has the War Office done in regard to the recommendations of the Wantage Committee in this respect?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how many of the 900 men he has referred to were officers' servants? There have been great complaints as to the number of these servants.

I will inquire.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the statement in the Journal of the Royal United Service Institution of the 15th of April, 1894, published under the authority of the Council, which includes five Admirals, two Naval Captains, and a member of the Naval Intelligence Department, to the effect that of English cruisers four, the Tourmaline, Ruby, Emerald, and Garnet, ought to be struck off the effective list; and whether these vessels are of such age and in such condition as would warrant this statement; if so, whether the Admiralty propose to withdraw them from active service?

The attention of the Admiralty has not been called otherwise than by the hon. Gentleman's question to the statement quoted by the hon. Member. The vessels named are on the effective list. It cannot be stated when they will be withdrawn from service. The Tourmaline is on the North American Station, the Ruby in the Training Squadron, and the Garnet returning from the Pacific. These ships are efficient for the services on which they have been engaged. The Emerald is not in commission, but is available for service if required.

Have the five Admirals and two Captains had pointed out to them the fact that they have infringed the Queen's Regulations, and will they be censured for having done so?

The hon. Member suggests that, because five Admirals and two Captains are on the Council of the United Service Institution which has published this statement, the Admiralty should censure them. The hon. Member will perhaps put his question down on the Paper.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state when the Index to last year's Official Reports of the Debates will be issued?

As my hon. Friend is aware, the last Session did not end until March 5 of this year, and the Debates filled a quite exceptional number of volumes, more than 13. I am informed that of recent years the General Index has never been issued within less than three months after the close of the Session, and sometimes not until five or six months after. It is hoped that the Index for last Session will be ready in about a month from the present time.

May I ask whether it is possible to have a weekly index of the reports, as, I believe, The Times already give in their reports?

I cannot promise that, but I will consider it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether up to last March in the Legislative Councils of the Governor General, the Governor of Madras, the Governor of Bombay, land the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, the majority of additional members were non-officials; upon what grounds this majority has been now disturbed in the Council of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal by the appointment of an official to the vacancy caused by the retirement of a non-official; and whether the instructions of the Secretary of State impose upon official members the duty of supporting the Government with their vote on all occasions?

No, Sir; it is not the case that there has always been a majority of non-officials among the additional members. For instance, in the first quarter of 1892 the numbers of officials and non-officials were equal both in Bombay and in Bengal, and the same equality continued in Bengal during the second quarter. Under the Statute of 1861 only one-third of the Councillors appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal need be non-officials, but the Rules made under the Statute of 1892 direct that the number of officials shall not exceed 10 out of 20, or one-half. When the Bengal Couucil was enlarged the Lieutenant Governor found it convenient for special reasons to have only nine official Councillors with 11 non-officials, but it was always intended that the number of each class should be equalised at the first opportunity, and this has now been effected. No such instructions as are described in the third clause of my hon. Friend's question have been given by the Secretary of State.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he is aware that a Bill (No. 7 of 1894) to amend the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Acts, 1879 to 1886, was introduced into the Legislative Council of the Governor General in April last; and that the proposed measure is based mainly on there-commendations made in their Report by the Commission appointed by the Government of India to inquire into the working of the Deccan Agriculturists' Relief Acts; and whether he will lay upon the Table of the House the Report of the Commission, with the Appendices containing the evidence in full of the expert witnesses, such as the District Judges, the Special Judge, the Special Sub-Judges, and other subordinate Judges, deputy collectors, and mamlatdars?

The answer to the first clause of the question is in the affirmative. As to the second clause, I will lay the Report, including the Appendices, on the Table of the House, if my hon. Friend will move for it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the apparent discrepancies in the Inspector's Return of Experiments on Living Animals for the year 1893, wherein it is stated, in Table III., that three licence and certificate holders—namely, Messrs. Lin Boon Keug, Otto Lang, and Conrad Gerlaud, made no Return of any experiments performed by them, whereas, in Table I., the first two named are entered as having performed experiments, and, in Table II., the two last named are entered as having performed none; if he can state upon whose information and authority such statements, apparently contradictory, have been made and published; whether he contemplates renewing any licences or certificates attached thereto to any person or persons reported by the Inspector as having made no experiments under the licences and certificates during the preceding year, according to his Return for 1893, amounting to 49 licence and certificate holders; whether he is informed, either by the licence and certificate holders or by his Inspectors, of the number of animals made use of in the course of the 4,046 experiments reported by the Inspector in 1893; and if he will cause a Table to be prepared and laid before the House, showing the number and description of animals used in experiments in 1893, and also in the future?

As stated in Table III. Of the Inspector's Return, no Return was received from Messrs. Lin Boon Keng, Otto Lang, and Conrad Gerlaud, nor from the late Dr. Romanes. The Inspector ascertained in the cases of Messrs. Romanes and Gerlaud, from inquiries at the laboratories where the licences were available, that they had not performed any experiments, and therefore included their names in Table II. From similar inquiries in the case of Messrs. Keng and Lang, he ascertained that they had performed experiments, and therefore included them in Table 1. The licences to persons included in Table II. are renewed from time to time, because for various reasons the licencees are unable to take up that work in one year, whereas they can in another, and some (such as Professor George Thomas Brown) hold such licences in case they may have to perform experiments with regard to the cattle disease, or for judicial purposes. The number of animals experimented upon may be taken as closely corresponding to the number of experiments—namely, 4,046. The names of the kinds of animals are all reported to the Inspector, except those animals that are experimented on under Certificate C, or under a licence without a certificate, all such experiments being upon animals in a state of complete anæsthesia. The information which is to be gathered from Tables II. and III. is, I think, sufficient, and, in my opinion, there is no occasion for any further table.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the statement by the Secretary of the Liberator Depositors' Committee that all the details and necessary materials for a public prosecution, with regard to the Jabez Balfour Companies, were sent to the Treasury by the Official Receiver more than six months ago; and, if so, why no action has been taken?

The papers referred to were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, not by the Official Receiver, but by the Board of Trade, on dates varying from the 30th of October, 1893, to the 25th of April, 1894. The discretion as to proceedings rests with the Director of Public Prosecutions, who, I understand, is acting under the advice of the Law Officers. I have nothing to add to the answer already given to a similar question by the Solicitor General.

May I ask whether, seeing that these Papers have been presented by the Department over which the right hon. Gentleman presides, he will put pressure on the Director of Public Prosecutions to take steps in this very important matter?

The matter rests not with the Board of Trade, but with the Law Officers, and it is on them pressure, if any is necessary, should be brought to.

I will put a question to the Attorney General on the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether certain Second Division Clerks in the Registry of Deeds, who have been called on to discharge the higher duties of the office, have been recommended for promotion by the head of the Department; whether he is aware that the Royal Commissioners, who reported upon the office in 1881, bore testimony to the high class of duties performed by the officers of the Department, and expressed an opinion as to the fair remuneration of these officers, and recommended the amalgamation of the Second and Third Classes of the old establishment to secure it to them; also that the Treasury Committee of 1885 strongly urged the adoption of the recommendation of the Royal Commissioners, and that the amalgamation was approved by the Treasury and carried out; and whether, having regard to the remuneration for these duties then so fixed, and to the pledges given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and by himself on the 29th of March last, he will see that effect is given to the recommendation of the Department for the promotion of these clerks?

The duties of the clerical staff of the Registry of Deeds are such as are covered by the scale of salary of the Second Division and of staff officers of that Division. The old Upper Division establishment is, therefore, moribund, and no further appointments can be made thereto. It follows that the pledges of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and myself, to which the hon. Member refers, have no bearing on the present case.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps, if any, the Board of Trade proposes to take respecting the correspondence passed between the Board and the Railway Companies bearing on the subject of the method of sight testing practised by the Companies; and is the Board satisfied that every precaution is now being taken for the public safety?

The correspondence already before the House shows that the Companies are fully alive to the importance of this subject, and are endeavouring by a system of tests to do what is necessary in the interest of public safety on the lines of the recommendations of the Committee of the Royal Society. The Board do not propose to take any further action at present, but the matter shall not be lost sight of.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether any, and if so what, steps have been taken to carry out the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Westminster Abbey, dated the 24th of June, 1891, that no time should be lost in removing the houses in Old Palace Yard, which not only conceal to a great extent the architecture of the Chapel of Henry VII. and the ancient Chapter House, but are also a constant source of danger to the Abbey from fire; and whether he will give the House an assurance on the part of the Government that no step of any kind shall be taken which would involve any of the ground so cleared being built upon without the matter being fully discussed and decided by the House of Commons?

For some time past negotiations have been in progress for acquiring the property required for the removal of the houses in Poet's Corner and Old Palace Yard which were condemned by the Royal Commission on Westminster Abbey. Arrangements have already been arrived at for the purchase of certain interests, including that of the freeholders, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners; and in other cases there is a good prospect of early settlements being effected. I do not think it will be found necessary to apply to Parliament for compulsory powers of purchase. When possession of the property has been obtained, which cannot be before the middle of next year, it is intended as soon as possible to demolish the buildings. The public will then be in the best possible position to judge what ought or ought not to be done. I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government will not come to any final decision on the question of a monumental chapel without giving Parliament a full opportunity of expressing its views thereon.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education when the new Scheme for the administration of the Hanbury Charity at Langton, which has been in hand two years, the first draft of which was published in March, 1893, and the amended draft submitted to the Committee of Council on Education on the 10th of February last, is likely to come into force?

Various objections and suggestions with reference to the Scheme were received during the month of publication, and the Department are at present in commuuication with the Charity Commissioners on the subject of proposed amendments. It is hoped that the Scheme may be very shortly approved.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, in arranging the conditions on which new tenders will be asked for the mail services between Loudon and Kingstown, the principles laid down in the Treasury Minute of the 19th of October, 1855, will be acted on by providing for the most perfect passenger communication, and the use on the cross channel passage of large and commodious steamboats ensuring the greatest comfort, convenience, and speed; and if it will be made a condition that the mileage rate of passenger fares by both railway and steamboat shall not exceed the current mileage rate of passenger fares by unsubsidised express trains between London and Edinburgh?

The comfort and convenience of passengers will not be overlooked, and parties tendering will be asked to give particulars of the accommodation for passengers which they are prepared to provide, as well as of the dimensions and sea-going capabilities of the vessels offered. I am afraid I can give no pledge that the passenger fares between London and Dublin shall be adjusted to the current rates chargeable between London and Edinburgh.

When will the right hon. Gentleman be in a position to give out the tenders?

I cannot say. The matter is being very carefully considered.

Is the question of acceleration by land as well as by sea being considered?

Yes.

Will an effort be made to provide third class carriages on these lines?

That is not a matter which affects the Post Office, and could not be made a condition of the contract.

What degree of acceleration will be required? Will it be specified in the forms of tender?

We propose to ask for tenders at varying rates of acceleration.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General why an additional postage is charged on circulars in open envelopes for re-direction from the House of Commons to the private residences of Members; and whether, in view of the number of these circulars received by Members of Parliament, he can see his way to abandon this charge?

Under the present Regulations, which were decided upon by the late Government, all halfpenny postal matter is liable to additional postage when re-directed. I have no power to make an exception in favour of hon. Members.

Could not the charge be remitted on postcards?

And on newspapers too?

Why not charge an increased rate?

Will the right hon. Gentleman give instructions to the Postmaster not to forward circulars, but to leave them here till called for?

If there is a general wish I will do so, but I believe they are not forwarded at present to Members who do not wish to have them. [Cries of "Yes."] Any hon. Member can ask the Postmaster not to forward them.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his Department is issuing instructions appointing the clerks of Boards of Guardians the Returning Officers for the elections of the new Urban District Councils, instead of leaving the appointment to the existing Urban Sanitary Authorities, as apparently contemplated and ordered in "The Local Government Act, 1894"?

The Local Government Board have not yet proceeded to prepare instructions as to the elections referred to, which cannot take place before November next. The question as to Returning Officers, with several other questions which have arisen as to the Regulations, will be carefully considered in connection with the preparation of the Order.

But is not this question of appointment clearly defined in Section 79, Sub-section I?

We think not.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, considering the exceptionally high price of straw, he can see his way to allow licensed victuallers who have to provide billets for Her Majesty's troops to supply moss litter instead of straw, or, failing this, to raise the price allowed for billeting?

Moss litter is not generally approved of by the Military Authorities, and probably the price of straw will not remain at its present high rate.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is a fact that he has notified the City of Worcester that allowances paid to constables as firemen being of a fixed and permanent character they should be taken into account in reckoning pensions, subject to the ordinary deductions; and, in such case, if he will cause a Circular to be issued to the various Constabulary forces on the subject, or other notification made, so that the present divergent practice in this matter may be made more uniform?

I have intimated to the Watch Committee of Worcester, who, in pursuance of Section 2 of the Police Act, 1893, have directed that certain members of the Force shall be employed partially as firemen, and shall receive in respect of such service certain fixed weekly allowances; that such allowances, being permanent and in the nature of extra pay, should be made subject to the usual rateable deductions, and should betaken into account in reckoning pensions. In other boroughs, however, the allowance to police employed as firemen are not of this fixed and permanent character, and cannot, therefore, be so taken into account. Such a Circular would not be required for counties, nor even for all boroughs, but only for those in which the powers given by Section 2 of the Police Act, 1893, had been exercised, and certain constables had been told off to act partially as firemen. The Home Office has no evidence of great divergence of practice, and the Circular hardly seems necessary.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether lie is aware that in the town of Rosslea, County Fermanagh, which is a polling centre at times of Parliamentary elections, and where large fairs are held, there is no telegraph station; and that the nearest one is four miles distant, involving an extra cost of 3s. on each telegram to and from Rosslea; and whether, inasmuch as less important places have telegraph stations, will inquiries be made with a view to establish a telegraph station at Rosslea?

I find that in January, 1886, the residents were informed that a telegraph office could not be established at Rosslea unless a guarantee wore forthcoming to secure the Post Office against loss. In April of the same year a statement to the same effect was made in answer to a question in this House. I shall be glad to cause fresh inquiries to be made, and will let the hon. Member know the result.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire- land whether pupils attending National schools under the control of the Commissioners of Education, or attending any of the model schools, pay school fees; and if any request has been made to pupils in these schools to pay fees?

The Education Act of 1892 provides that where the average school fee in 1891 was in excess of 6s. such excess might be charged to the pupils, but such excess only. In 1,071 schools there was such excess, and in all these cases the excess fee may be charged. As a matter of fact it is charged in a great number of such schools, including all the model schools but one. The number of schools to which the Act applies is 8,234, and of these school fees have been entirely abolished in 7,163.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ire-laud whether any steps have been taken to prepare the Return granted respecting the valuations of electoral divisions of Parliamentary polling districts; and when may it be expected that it will be laid upon the Table of the House?

The Commissioner of Valuation reported that the preparation of the Return referred to at the present time would necessitate the employment of additional clerks, and suggested that he might be allowed to defer it until about the 10th of July, when the present pressure on his Department would be relaxed and the work could be taken in hand by his permanent staff without extra expense. To this arrangement I have, under the circumstances, assented. The Commissioner expects to complete the Return by the end of July.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill for the purpose of starting the Veterinary College in Dublin with a sum of £15,000; and whether that measure will be immediately introduced?

The introduction of the Bill referred to awaits the completion of a necessary preliminary now in the hands of the promoters of the scheme.

I beg to ask the Parliamentary Charity Commissioner whether any official information exists as to the charities and their annual value which have been diverted from such objects as food, doles, work for the unemployed, apprenticeships, or clothing, by the operation of or under the Endowed Schools Acts to educational purposes, and showing the nature of such education, whether elementary, or middle class, or other; and where the information is to be found?

The information down to December, 1885, is to be found in Appendix 7 of the Endowed Schools Committee, 1886–87. It is brought down to date in the paper handed in by Mr. Richmond to the Committee now sitting, and will be printed together with his evidence.

Is there any objection to having the Paper printed now, so that we can see it before the Committee report?

That is a matter for the Treasury, whether it is worth while to have re-printed a document which is already accessible to hon. Members.

It was only printed for the Committee and not for the public. The newspapers did not publish it, because they could not get at it.

It will be public in the course of a few weeks.

What is the amount of the funds which will have to be added to the Return referred to?

I can only give the figures approximately. The amount mentioned in the Return of 1886–87 represents an income of rather more than £15,000 a year. The funds mentioned in the paper will probably increase it by £5,000.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the evidence at the coroner's inquest, on the 28th instant, upon the death of William Wyatt, who was killed while in charge of the gates at the Stray Park level crossing at Camborne; whether he is aware that it appeared that the deceased was a coal heaver, who worked as a rule in the Company's coalyard at the station, 300 yards away, and was only taking the duty of gatekeeper at the crossing as a relief for the regular gatekeeper; that for years it had been the custom for coal porters to relieve signalmen after their regular day's work as coal porters was over; that, except on special relief days, when they worked for 11½ hours, the shortest day's work for the gatekeepers would be close upon 15 hours; and that there was no telegraphic or other communication between Cam Brea station and the Dolcoath crossing, so that the deceased had no notice of the approach of the train, which on this occasion was a special; and whether he has power, and, if so, will he exercise his authority, under "The Railway Regulation Act, 1893," to require the Great Western Railway Company to adopt proper precautions for the safety of the public and of their officials, and to shorten the hours of their servants, in harmony with the rider appended by the coroner's jury to their verdict, in which they state that the Railway Company are guilty of great neglect of duty in not having either interlocking signals or telegraphic communication at Stray Park crossing, and that the hours of gatekeepers are much too long?

The Board of Trade have not yet received the Coroner's Return in this case, but they have communicated with the Railway Company with regard to the accident. The General Manager states that he will make inquiries into the arrangements for working the crossing and inform the Board of the result. He adds that the man had been on duty 9 hours 42 minutes. If any representation is made to the Board of Trade under the Act referred to alleging that the hours worked by the gatekeepers are unreasonable it shall receive attention.

Will the right hon. Gentleman carefully examine the evidence in this case? It was stated that not only this man but other men worked inordinately long hours—sometimes as many as 15 hours? Will the right hon. Gentleman also direct his attention to the absence of telegraphic communication between the crossing and the station, seeing that danger is caused to the public owing to trains coming along without notice?

If any statements bearing on the subject of hours of works are forwarded to the Board of Trade they will be considered. We will also consider anything calculated to ensure the safety of the public.

Were the Board of Trade represented at the inquest?

I must ask for notice of that.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland how many officials connected with the Government in Ireland, and how many employés in Dublin Castle, are over 65 years of age, and why the rule for their retirement when past 65 years of age is not enforced?

said: The Order in Council of the l5th of August, 1894, which prescribes compulsory retirement at 65, applies only to persons coming within the definition of

"all permanent officers in the Civil Service drawing salaries or placed on scales of salary in excess of those of the Second Division."

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the offer of the strip from Lake Tanganyika to Lake Albert Edward was first made to this country by the Congo State; whether, by a Despatch of August, 1892, Egypt reserved her rights over the Equatorial Province; and if it is true that Germany and France have both lodged protests against the Agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the King of the Belgians as representing the Congo State?

I must defer answering the first two questions, which have only just appeared on the Paper, until to-morrow. The French Ambassador has addressed a Note stating that France makes full reserve in respect of the Agreement. No communication has been made to us by the German Government. This answer applies to a question on the same subject by the hon. Member for the Ecclesall Division of Sheffield.

Have the Government heard from Berlin that communications have been sent from there to Brussels?

I cannot make statements as to communications addressed to other Powers.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if gunboats of the Niger class are to continue through this season to protect the fishing in the North of Scot-laud, and Orkney and Shetland; and if these gunboats are taken off this service will they be replaced by vessels of at least equal speed and endurance?

No departure from the usual arrangements for protecting the fishing in the North of Scotland, and Orkney and Shetland, is contemplated. Subject to unforeseen exigencies, the Niger will take up those duties shortly.

I bog to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been directed to the three applica- tions which have been made by the Hackney Board of Guardians in reference to the remuneration of Mr. E. Robinson, the vaccination officer for the East District of the Hackney Union; whether he is aware that such officer has to devote the whole of his time to his duties, and received for his services last year only £43 17s. 4d.; and how the Local Government Board has dealt with such applications?

The Local Government Board has three times refused to sanction the increase of the salary of the vaccination officer of Hackney. The diminution in the income of this officer has arisen no doubt from the Guardians not living: instructions for the prosecution of offenders under the Vaccination Acts; and the ground of the Board's decision has been that they consider that the hardship so far as regards the vaccination officer should be met by the Guardians discharging their duty in the enforcement of the law instead of by increasing the rate of payment to the officer.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make such a representation to the Hackney Guardians?

We have addressed a strong representation to them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what is the rule at the Government factories as to the employment of police; whether they are members of the Metropolitan Police; and whether they are periodically changed; and, if so, at what intervals of time?

At Woolwich, Enfield, and Waltham Abbey the Metropolitan Police are employed; at Birmingham the local police force takes the duty. The arrangements of the force as regards personnel are entirely under the Police Authorities.

Are the police, as a matter of fact, ever changed?

I believe that men of good character are sometimes employed at the factories for long terms. Whether, and when, the police at these factories should be changed is for the Metropolitan Police Authorities to determine.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to a letter, dated 3rd March, 1894, addressed, by order of the Governor of Hong Kong, by Mr. J. M. Thompson, Colonial Secretary, to the Guardians of the North Dublin Union, in reference to the deportation from Hong Kong of Mary M'Gann, a destitute Irishwoman, of weak intellect, resident in that Colony; whether he will cause inquiry to be made into the circumstances of this case; and whether he intends to propose legislation to remedy the present state of the law regarding the deportation of destitute Irish-born persons who have settled in England or the Crown Colonies?

I have been furnished with a copy of the letter referred to in the first paragraph. It appears the woman left Ireland some 32 years ago for America, whence she proceeded about five years ago to China in company with a lady. She returned with this lady to England, her passage being provided by the Hong Kong Government, and was sent from Portsmouth to Dublin by the Salvation Army. The only other case resembling this, of which the Local Government Board have cognisance, is a removal from the Channel Islands in 1884. I have already stated that I am considering the propriety of introducing legislation, should a suitable opportunity arise, regarding the deportation of Irish born persons from Great Britain.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he has given formal notice to the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company and to the London and North Western Railway Company, or to either of them, of his intention to seek for new tenders for the accelerated mail service between London and Dublin?

Yes, Sir; I have.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will instruct the Superintendent of the Government Cordite Factory at Waltham Abbey to limit strictly the explosion of the Settling Pond, so as to ensure a minimum of inconvenience and alarm to the inhabitants of the town?

The intervals of time at which these explosions are effected are limited; but the action of the waste nitroglycerine is somewhat capricious, and an occasional loud explosion takes place. Measures are being taken to reduce this inconvenience as much as possible.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will make arrangements for granting to members of Volunteer Corps, employed in the Civil Service, the same opportunities for leave of absence for the purposes of attending camps of instruction or drills of their regiments as are extended by many employers of labour to their men?

I am afraid that I cannot go beyond the answer given by the late Government on April 5, 1892, to a similar question as regards Easter. It was then pointed out that as the services of the gentlemen referred to are required by one employer—the State—in two different capacities, it was not possible to lay down a general rule such as the noble Lord desires; but it was added that heads of Departments would no doubt do their best to give reasonable facilities, subject always to the exigencies of the Public Service.

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether, under the 16th section of "The Merchandise Marks Act, 1887," which prohibits the importation of goods bearing the name or trade mark of any manufacturer, dealer, or trader in the United Kingdom, unless such name or trade mark is accompanied by a definite indication of the country in which the goods were made or produced, the Commissioners of Customs have power to admit a foreign-made article, bearing the name of a trader in the United Kingdom, unaccompanied by an indication of origin?

said: No, Sir; the Commissioners have no such power.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that, under the present system of collection of the Income Tax, an owner of lauds or tenements in his own occupation, whose total income is under £150 a year, and who has borrowed upon mortgage a portion only of the value of the property from a Building Society, whose total income is also under £150 per annum, repayable by monthly instalments to cover principal and interest, in which the interest is less upon each payment, and is not distinguishable from the principal, is compelled to pay Income Tax under Schedule (A) upon the whole annual value of the property, and is unable to obtain a return of the tax; and whether he can state in what way a return of the tax in such a case can be obtained?

The Inland Revenue have entered into an arrangement with certain Building Societies, the effect of which, shortly, is to limit the payment of Income Tax to such profits as accrue to persons with taxable incomes. They are prepared to extend the terms of that arrangement to any Building Society. Some of the Societies to whom it has been offered have declined it. This loads to hardship to borrowers in certain cases. The Inland Revenue are now considering the whole question, with a view to remedy such hardship.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the decisive vote given on Friday last in favour of the payment of official expenses in connection with Parliamentary elections, it is the intention of the Government to bring in a Bill to carry out the Resolution of the House?

The Government are considering this matter. I must ask the hon. Member to postpone the latter part of his question.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, under the provisions of the Finance Bill, the widow and children of Civil and Military officers, who have subscribed to provident funds, will be unable to receive any portion of the annuities secured to them until they have paid Estate Duty, which would be equal to from six to nine months' pension; and whether he is prepared to mitigate the grievance thus caused to persons deserving of special consideration?

I will consider what steps can be taken to prevent undue delay in the payment of such annuities consequent upon the imposition of the Estate Duty.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Estate Duty, to be levied under Clause 2 of the Finance Bill, on property situated out of the United Kingdom, will be levied on the full capital value of such property as it exists, before, or after it has been subjected to the payment of Death Duties in the country or colony in which it is situated?

Legacy or Succession Duty is not now payable on the sum required for the payment of Death Duties in any foreign country or colony, and as Clause 2 of the Finance Bill only requires—

"Such property when situate out of the United Kingdom to be included if it is liable to Legacy or Sucession Duty,"

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that German spirit is conveyed in large quantities from Belfast and elsewhere to Bristol, where it is converted into so-called Irish whisky and put into Irish whisky casks previously shipped for this purpose as empties from Glasgow and Greenock, and then re-shipped from Bristol to Belfast and other places in Ire- land as real Irish whisky; and whether,, in the interests of native manufacturers and consumers generally, an inquiry will be instituted respecting the manipulation and sale of this foreign mixture sold as Irish whisky?

I am informed by the Revenue Authorities that German spirit is not conveyed in large quantities from Belfast to Bristol, the whole quantity of such spirit imported at the former port being small and practically all used for methylation; that the greater part of German spirit imported at Bristol (averaging about 80,000 gallons a year) is used for British compounds, which could not be converted into "Irish whisky." The rest is used for general trade purposes. After careful inquiry, no trace can be found of the conversion of German spirit into so-called Irish whisky at Bristol. With regard to the casks, the only empty spirit casks which can be traced as coming from Glasgow or Greenock to Bristol are used by a Bristol firm for storing and maturing spirits of their own production, produced under supervision of the Inland Revenue. The only spirit which can be traced as being sent from Bristol to Ireland is spirit produced by the Bristol company above referred to. If the Board of Trade were provided with any information of a sale of spirits under a false trade description in contravention of the Merchandise Marks Act they would inquire into the matter and take such steps as may be necessary.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether any, and if so what, products of the United Kingdom are admitted duty free into France, or are otherwise favoured by the tariff of that country, in consequence of the reduction of the duty on French wines, which has been effected in pursuance of the Treaty of 1860 and subsequent agreements with the French Government?

said: The Treaty of 1860 is no longer in force, and the subsequent arrangements between Great Britain and France do not contain any stipulations in regard to the tariff. The rates of Customs Duty now levied in France are regulated by the domestic law, and not by any Treaty with Great Britain. The last Treaty was negotiated in 1882, and was laid before Parliament then, but it contains no stipulations with regard to Customs Duties.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade when, where, and by whom any inquiry was held into the loss of the Grimsby smack Sobriety, with four hands, last April; and why no intimation of such inquiry and its result has been communicated to the widows or relatives of the deceased fishermen, or can be obtained by them at present?

Depositions on oath were made on the 9th of April by the skipper and boatswain of the Basset Hound before the principal officer of Customs at Hull, A deposition on oath was also made on the 10th of April by the second hand, who was the only survivor of the crew of the Sobriety. Copies of those depositions were supplied to the solicitors for both vessels, and would also be supplied to the relatives of the deceased persons if they applied for them. A statement was also made and signed by the second hand of the Sobriety before the Superintendent of Mercantile Marine at Grimsby on the 9th of April. Reports were made to the Department by the Board's officers at Hull and Grimsby; but as they were based on ex parte evidence, the Board do not think it desirable to communicate them to the parties, especially as a formal inquiry has been ordered into all the circumstances of the case.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that the question of an immediate inquiry into any loss of life at sea was thoroughly and most carefully considered by the Royal Commission on the Loss of Life and Property at Sea, and that they unanimously recommended in their Report that whenever a ship comes into port on board of which an accident has taken place at sea which has occasioned loss of life, some public judicial inquiry, in the nature of an inquest, should be held forthwith by an independent judicial officer, who should receive evidence on oath as to the causes of such accident, and that the evidence so given might give occasion to further proceedings of a criminal character by the Director of Criminal Prosecutions; and that the Report of the Royal Commission was drawn up by the present President of the Local Government Board, and signed by the present Secretary to the Board of Trade; and under what Statute or authority the Board of Trade are empowered to postpone an official or judicial inquiry, in view of possible litigation between shipowners in the Courts of Law?

I am aware of the recommendation to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, and the Board of Trade have endeavoured without legislation to give practical effect to that recommendation by arrangements the details of which I shall be happy to explain to-the right hon. Gentleman if he so desires. With regard to the last paragraph of the question, the Admiralty Division of the High Court is (under the "Shipping Casualties Investigation Act, 1879,") a Court of Appeal from decisions of Courts holding official inquiries resulting in the suspension or cancellation of the certificates of masters or officers. In collision cases where proceedings are pending in the Admiralty Division official inquiries are postponed in order to avoid the possibility of conflicting decisions, and the consequent necessity for a second resort to the Admiralty Division by way of appeal.

I do not want to press the right hon. Gentleman unfairly, but is it not the fact that under Section 45 of the Act of 1883 the Local Superintendent of the Board of Trade is bound to inquire into the statements of the surviving hands of a vessel which has been run down, and either to endorse their statements or make such representation as shall enable the Board of Trade to take proper action?

I have not the Statute before me, but I do not think there is anything inconsistent in what I have said with such a provision.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government have yet considered the case of Sir Watkin Williams Wynn, who was con- victed of cruelty to a horse on the 5th of March?

I understand that notice of appeal from this conviction has been given. Until the appeal has been determined, it would be premature for the Government to take any action. My hon. Friend may rest assured that the matter will not be lost sight of.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether in the County of Midlothian and other Scottish counties there are any Inspectors under the Food Adulteration Acts; whether he is aware that milk supplied to the ploughmen and other farm labourers in lieu of wages is believed to be often adulterated with a large percentage of water; and whether he will have these matters inquired into, with a view to the law being properly enforced?

I have made inquiry into this matter, as it affects the County of Midlothian, and am informed that several complaints of adulteration of milk and cream have been made to the County Medical Officer, and that the County Council have now resolved to appoint an analyst and an Inspector under the Sale of Food and Drugs Act. Analysts have already been appointed in 14 other Scottish counties.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board what action has been already taken by his Department in connection with the Newton Abbot Work-house inquiry; and what further action, if any, he proposes to take in this matter?

As the result of the inquiry into the complaints preferred by the late nurse of the Newton Abbot Workhouse, the Local Government Board have required the immediate resignation of the matron of the workhouse. The medical officer and some of the other officers of the workhouse have also tendered their resignations, but the Board have directed that the inquiry should be re-opened, with a view to the fullest investigation of the whole administration of the workhouse.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he can hold out hopes of the introduction of a Bill during this Session supplementing the Local Government (Scotland) Bill, whereby educational affairs in each parish under a given limit of population might be placed under control of Parish Councils?

I doubt whether such a measure could be carried this Session. The Local Government Bill for Scotland now before the House will remove the most important difficulties that would now attend such a measure by establishing a Parish Council, or Committee of a Parish Council, in all but a very few School Board areas.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is the case that, by an Army Order of November last, all Majors not promoted before the 1st July will be required to pass an examination; whether the effect of this Order will be that a considerable number of senior officers will be obliged to go through an ordeal from which officers of less service will be exempt; and whether, so as to reduce any necessary hardship or anomaly of this kind to a minimum, he will consent that all Majors who were second in command at the time the Army Order of November last was issued, maybe excused from passing the new examination for promotion to Lieutenant-Colonel?

After June 30 no officer will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel until he has shown that he is qualified to perform the duties attached to that rank; for which purpose he would have to be examined by a Board of superior officers in subjects which every Major is expected to know. Sufficient warning has been given to enable officers to prepare for this examination, and facilities are afforded for exercising command over the three arms; but as promotion is not by seniority, it is inevitable that whenever the new system starts some officers of less service will have been promoted, while Majors of longer service have thus to prove their capacity. I should not be willing to sanction the delay suggested by the hon. Member, inasmuch as an examination in professional knowledge which is essential for a Commanding Officer cannot be regarded as a hardship.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that a naval pensioner at Swansea, named Griffiths, having been imprisoned with respect to a debt owing by him, has, during his imprisonment, had his pension of 7s. per week stopped by the Admiralty; and whether he will see that the money detained is paid to Griffiths?

said: The amount of pension withheld has been repaid to Griffiths. It was stopped under a misapprehension.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether he is aware that several members of the Faculty of Procurators in Glasgow in practice and holding solicitors' licences act as Justices of the Peace in the County of Lanark; and whether this is in strict conformity with Scotch Law?

If the statement in the question is correct, I do not think that the action of the Procurators referred to is in conformity with the provisions of the Act 6, Geo IV., c. 48.

I will repeat the question on Tuesday.

On behalf of the hon. Baronet the Member for the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether any list is kept at the India Office of firms who are invited to tender for supplies for the Government; and whether the issue of notices inviting tenders is confined to firms on such list; and, if so, what are the qualifications which enable a firm to be placed on the list?

A list of firms known to be capable of executing contracts for stores required for Indian service is kept at the India Office. The issue of invitations to tender is confined to firms on this list, except in cases where the requirements are notified by public advertisement. The only qualifications for admission to the list of contractors is proved ability to execute contracts.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the Kirkdale Division of Liverpool, I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that early in the year a small amount of cement was landed from the ss. Edenmore in the docks of Liverpool to be re-shipped in the same Company's ss. Kilmore, for Kunstendjie; that this cement was found not to be properly labelled under the Merchandise Marks Act, and has been confiscated by the Customs Authorities, although it was only on the quay for transhipment, and although everything was done and promised to be done to remedy the unintentional defects in the marking; and whether he will cause this case to be inquired into and due restitution made?

Two hundred and forty-three barrels of cement were imported at Liverpool ex Edenmore, from Antwerp, on the 7th of March last, and were entered on the usual Free Entry. The barrels were labelled "Portland Cement, First Quality," without any qualifying words indicative of the country of production. The importation, therefore, was in direct contravention of the provisions of Section 18 of the Merchandise Marks Act, 1887, and the goods were accordingly seized by the Board of Customs, who have declined to release them. Goods in transit are liable to the same restrictions under the Merchandise Marks Act, and the Regulations made to give effect thereto, as goods imported for home use in the United Kingdom.

I beg to ask you, Mr. Speaker, with reference to the Motion for the Derby Adjournment, which has been defeated on the last two occasions, whether you are of opinion that it is competent for a private Member to again make such a Motion, which has previously been permitted as a matter of custom, though not according to the strict Rules of Order of the House?

I do not think the defeat of the Resolution last year affects the right of a private Member to bring it forward again if the hon. Gentleman thinks there is anything in the circumstances of the present year which makes it different to those of last year.