thought, the 4th of March would not give sufficient time for the County Councils to meet. He suggested that a later date should be fixed, for it was necessary that the Councils should get the Common Seal affixed to their Petitions.

recognised the propriety of the request of the hon. Member, and said that the object of the County Council was to afford public bodies directly interested all reasonable opportunity of petitioning and presenting their case. He had reason to believe that if the date in the Motion were extended to the 14th of March it would meet the circumstances of the case, and he would move that that date be substituted for the 4th of March.

pointed out that there were District Councils very deeply interested in the matter. In the constituency he represented in Essex were two District Councils affecting populations of 78,000 and 60,000 respectively, that would be largely affected by the Bill, and he thought their interests ought to be safe guarded, as well as those of County Councils. He, therefore, moved as an Amendment that District Councils be inserted in the Motion.

said, the Amendment raised a wide and difficult question. There would already be a large number of petitioners, and it might be inconvenient to extend their number. Still, the County Council would be ready to Consider the claims to a hearing of any persons or bodies who could show that they were reasonably entitled to it by their interests being directly affected. The Amendment, however, had been Drought to his notice only 10 minutes ago, and he could not assent to it at the moment, but might say that if the hon. Member would confer with him on the matter something might be done at a later stage to meet his views.

said, it would be found that the number of District Councils that desired to be represented were not many; but there were several which were greatly concerned in the matter, and it would be very unfair that they should be shut out.

said, West Kent was more interested in the question than East or Mid Kent, and that it was more important that West Kent should be represented than Kent as a whole.

said, the proposal of the hon. Member for Shoreditch was a fair one, for he had said that the County Council were anxious that all direct interests should be fairly represented before the Committee. The Committee did not meet until after Easter, and possibly if the point were postponed for a few days the Council might in the meantime be able to do something to meet the wishes of hon. Members with regard to the District Councils, of which, it appeared only a certain number were affected. No prejudice would ensue if the matter were postponed for a few days.

said, he believed the County Council would have no objection to the representation of a District Council in regard to any particular Bill by which it was directly interested.

moved, that the Debate be adjourned until Monday.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the inconvenience to the farmers and general public which arises from the possibilities of artillery firing being practised on every day of the week in the summer months on Dartmoor, he will take steps to prevent any artillery firing on Dartmoor on Saturdays?

Steps have been taken to restrict firing on Saturdays as far as is possible consistently with batteries completing their course of instruction within the period of their encampment. The local notices issued by the military authorities at Dartmoor state that as a rule no firing takes place on Saturday except when there has been much foggy or wet weather during the week. I am informed that it would be impracticable to prohibit entirely firing on Saturday without endangering the success of the programme of instruction for the season. Dartmoor derives many advantages from its military camps, and these advantages must, I fear, have attached to them this one counterbalancing inconvenience, but every care will be taken to reduce it to a minimum.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the drainage of the barracks in the Tower is of a defective character, and that the drains are in an insanitary condition; and whether he will cause an immediate inspection, with a view to their reconstruction on scientific principles, so as to avoid any dangerous consequences which may arise from the drains remaining in their present state?

A thorough inspection of the Tower drainage was completed last month, with the result that the system generally was not found to be defective. Some minor defects were detected which are receiving attention.

said, the inspection was carried out with the assistance of an accomplished professor of sanitary science.

asked if the right hon. Gentleman knew that some of the sanitary work previously done was imperfectly carried out, that the population of the locality was very dense, and that the health of the people had been injuriously affected by the defective drainage?

said, it was true that a small portion of the work of certain alterations which were carried out a short time ago was imperfectly done, but those defects had now been remedied.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the case where a parish meeting has had conferred on it all the powers of a parish council, in pursuance of section 19, subsection 10, of the Local Government Act, 1894, the decision on matters that may come before it is to be by a majority of the votes of the members present as at a Parish Council, or whether a poll may be demanded as at a parish meeting?

It appears to the Local Government Board that any powers of a Parish Council conferred on the parish meeting under section 19 (10) of the Local Government Act, 1894, must be exercised by the parish meeting subject to the rules in part I. of the First Schedule to the Act, and that, consequently, a poll may be demanded of any question to be decided by the meeting in the exercise of such power.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of that Department has been drawn to the application made at the Worship Street (London) Police Court, on 22nd February, by a girl who stated that, having been induced by erroneous statements to accept a situation at the Café Royal, Amsterdam, and being desirous from what she there discovered to leave at once, she was not permitted by the proprietor to remove her personal property; and, having appealed to the British Consul, Mr. Robinson, was by him referred to the Dutch police authorities, without obtaining justice; whether he has any information from the Consul on the subject; and whether British Consuls have been, or will be, instructed to afford applicants under such circumstances the utmost assistance in their power?

The Consul has been asked for a report, and would, in any case, give all the assistance in his power if the circumstances were as stated.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been called to the grievance of Crofters who are required to pay 7s. 6d. for a licence to keep a dog for the protection of their holdings from the depredations of sheep and cattle who trespass upon their ground and destroy their grass and green crops; and, whether it would be possible to grant a general exemption, instead of leaving the question to be determined by the local Revenue Officer?

There is no exemption from the Dog License Duty granted by law in favour of Crofters as such. The relief is directed to be given "in the case of dogs kept and used solely for the purpose of tending sheep or cattle on a farm or in the exercise of the calling or occupation of a shepherd." This exemption is interpreted liberally, and the Authorities are always ready to consider cases of individual hardship. It would not be possible to grant such a general exemption as is referred to without an alteration of the law; and on this point I would remind my hon. Friend that the yield of these licences goes into the Local Taxation Fund, not into the Exchequer.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman, if he does not see his way to grunt the exemption, whether he will not reduce the rate to very small holders, so that it may bear some proportion to the 7s. 6d. annually paid by the very large farmer?

As I said, that change would require an alteration of the law, and it would have to go much further than the hon. Member anticipates. There is no reason why, if it should extend to the Crofter, it should not extend to any person in the country having a small holding, or even an allotment.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the condition of the roadway of the Thames Embankment; and, if he will bring pressure to bear on the London County Council to compel them to put it in proper order?

I think this is a question which the hon. Member may more properly ask his representative on the London County Council to put at the next meeting of that Council.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that London carmen are fined, and, in addition, lose a day's wages, for leaving their vans unattended while delivering goods, and that when single handed they cannot in many instances avoid leaving their vans; and, whether he will consider what steps can be taken to put an end to this grievance?

Section 54, Sub-section 4 of the Metropolitan Police Act, 1839, provides that any person having the care of any cart or carriage, who shall be at such a distance from such cart or carriage as not to have complete control over every horse or other animal drawing the same, shall be liable to summary prosecution and to a fine not exceeding 40s. This seems to me to be a very proper provision for the public safety: the police only take action under the section where the public safety renders proceedings necessary, and I think that any relaxation of the existing Law would not be in the public interest.

I should like to ask the Home Secretary whether he is aware that hundreds upon hundreds of vehicles are left unattended in the streets of London daily; and whether the arbitrary and haphazard selection of a minute proportion of these cases tends either to greater safety in the streets or greater respect for the law; and considering that these cases which come into Court mostly result from inexperienced or over-officious constables, whether he will take into consideration the advisability of sending a circular to the Metropolitan Police suggesting that they should not summon men when they have a chain on the wheel, or when they are only absent for such a time as may he considered reasonable to enable them to deliver goods?

The principal consideration in this matter is the public safety. I cannot admit either haphazard or arbitrary action on the part of the Police, but if my hon. Friend will bring forward any case of real hardship I will make inquiry in regard to it.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will cause to be supplied in the Tea Room or Library, a map setting out the boundaries dividing the territories of the Niger Coast Protectorate and of the Royal Niger Company; and, whether he will permit a Return to be presented to the House setting out a comparative statement of duties now existing in the territories of the Niger Coast Protectorate, the Royal Niger Company in Lagos and the Gold Coast, and the German Tariff in the Cameroons.

A map will be supplied. A comparative statement of Import Duties in the Niger Coast Protectorate, Niger Company's Territories, Lagos, Gold Coast, and Sierra Leone will be found in Diplomatic and Consular Reports on Trade and Finance, No. 1,144, pp. 21–22. There have been no changes since which would affect the value of this statement for purposes of comparison. We have not got a recent list of the Cameroons Tariff.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that the Zetland Pier, built at Adrigole as a relief work in 1891, at a cost of £5,000, is being constantly covered by the spring tides, and that a great portion of the work is being washed away; and, whether he intends to take any steps to prevent the injury being done to this pier by the spring tides?

I am informed that some of the gravel inside the pier referred to was washed away recently, but that the injury is very slight and no damage was done to the concrete. The matter has been brought under the notice of the county surveyor.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that a man named Ned Brady, of Ballinaglera, County Leitrim, who was convicted of assault at last petty sessions in Dowra, and placed under a rule of bail, holds a licence to carry arms; and, will he order inquiry to be made as to whether Brady is a proper person to possess a licence to carry arms?

My attention has been drawn to the circumstances leading to the conviction in this case, and I am inquiring into the matter referred to at the end of the question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Congested Districts Board has recently launched a new steam yacht at a cost of £10,000 for cruising about the west coast of Ireland; what was the sum allowed by the Treasury for a steam cruiser for the west coast of Scotland; and what is the value of the fish caught on these coasts respectively; has he observed the statement in the Board's Reports that the cost of administration of their income of £45,000 a year amounts to close on £9,000 a year; and would he state what is the amount given by the Treasury for defraying the salaries of secretary, assistant secretary, and staff of clerks, and how many of the latter are there; will he furnish a Return of the items of administration as passed by the Auditor General, and especially of the sum of £1,367 5s. 5d. for an expenditure of £1,589 10s. in connection with the Irish Reproductive Loan Fund, and of £768 13s. 4d. for an expenditure of £957 10s. 4d. for piers, roads, bridges, &c.; is it intended to allow the expenditure of £9,000 a year of the Board's income being spent on a stud farm in County Wicklow; is it the case that the Board has given £600 for the improvement of the town of Donegal, which is not in a congested area; and will he state the terms of the contracts which have been entered into for the approaches and ironwork of the viaduct over the Gweebara Estuary in County Donegal; and, are cheques signed by members of the Board, and how are powers of surcharge exercised by the Auditor General?

I would ask the hon. Gentleman to postpone this question until after the next meeting of the Congested Districts Board to be held on the 15th March.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether his attention has been directed to a statement made by Annie Nightingale to Mr. Bushby at the Worship Street Police Court on Friday last, indicating a system of sending girls to the Continent for immoral purposes by an agent in York Road, Waterloo Road; whether he has caused inquiry to be made into the facts; and, whether he can inform the House what means, if any, are taken, or can be taken, to prevent such a traffic from being carried on.

As I said in reply to a question on this subject on Tuesday last, the police are making a thorough inquiry into the case, and I must defer my answer till I get their report.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General, if his attention has been directed to the circumstances of a late appointment of a second class telegraphist, transferred from Killarney to the city of Limerick, and promoted to a first class appointment over the heads of the whole of the second class staff in that city; what were the special reasons and recommendations for such appointment; if the Limerick staff have protested against such practice of introducing outside officers over their heads; and, if further inquiry will be made in the matter, with a view that the claims of the local officials for promotion will not be ignored, and that no such further appointments be made.

The telegraphist to whom the hon. Member refers was transferred from the Killarney staff to a vacancy at Limerick caused by the promotion of a first class telegraphist from that office to a clerkship at Killarney. The staff at Limerick have appealed against this exchange, which was necessary in the interests of the Service, but, I think, without good reason, as one of their number has been promoted to a more valuable appointment at Killarney.

; I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention has been called to the non-payment, since July last, of interest on the External Debt of the Republic of Guatemala; whether he is aware that the sum arising from the duties specially allocated to the payment of debt has been impounded under the pleas of the depreciation of silver, that the Government is constructing railways and telegraphs, and that generally the country is very prosperous; and, what steps, if any, Her Majesty's Consul General has taken to urge the Government to pay the interest due to its creditors?

Attention has been called to the suspension of the service of the Guatemalan External Debt. Mr. Gosling, Her Majesty's Minister in Guatemala, has been instructed by telegraph to inform the Guatemalan Government that the Council of Foreign Bondholders urge that a commissioner should be sent at once to this country to treat with the bondholders, a mode of proceeding that seems well calculated to bring about a settlement. Mr. Gosling has also been authorised to recommend, unofficially, that the Guatemalan Government should come to terms with the British creditors, and he has been authorised to present a letter addressed to the President of Guatemala by the chairman of the Council of Foreign Bondholders urging that a representative should be despatched to England, or that the President himself should make a reasonable proposal to the bondholders.

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, whether any steps have been, or are being, taken to advance duly qualified engine-room artificers to the position and rank of warrant officers; and, if so, what steps have been taken in this direction; whether he can state to the House why candidates from amongst the ranks of the engine-room artificers were not allowed to compete for the position of temporary service engineers, a body now wholly drawn from outside sources; and, whether the Board of Admiralty will consider the advisability of instituting an intermediate grade of engineer artificers who shall occupy the status of assistant engineers, with avenues to promotion according to merit, upon passing the ordinary examination suitable to such rank?

The inquiries made by the hon. Member on the subject of the present status and rank of engine-room artificers cannot be conveniently dealt with in the limited scope of an answer to a question. I will therefore ask him to wait until the Navy Estimates come on for discussion in the House. I may, however, state that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension as to engine-room artificers not being allowed to compete for the appointment of temporary service engineers. Provided that an engine-room artificer possesses the qualifications laid down in the Regulations for the entry of these engineers, the Admiralty have no wish to discourage them from entering into competition with other candidates whenever the convenience of the Service allows of it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has considered the Report of the Committee on the Cab Service of the Metropolis; and whether he is prepared to take steps to carry out the administrative and legislative changes recommended; and, if so, when the former will come into operation?

I am in communication with the Commissioner of Police on the subject of the administrative changes. He has the matter under immediate consideration, but has not as yet been able to furnish his report. I hope in the course of the Session to introduce a Bill to deal with the practice known as "bilking."

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, having regard to the proved danger to life of the manner in which shot firing is now carried on in many coal-mines, and the investigation, report, and recommendations of the Royal Commission on Explosions from Coal Dust in Mines, he is prepared to introduce and press forward a Bill dealing with the subject?

I have prepared a Bill dealing with fiery and dusty mines and with the precautions to be taken in firing shots in mines. The recommendations of the Royal Commission have been attended to in framing the Bill, and I hope to introduce it at an early date.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the Mala Real Portugueza Company, which became bankrupt nearly two years ago owing some hundreds of pounds to the British engineers in its service, has been spending considerable sums out of its funds in Court, but has refused to satisfy the claims of the men in its employ; and that the British Minister at Lisbon has recently given orders to the lawyers he engaged to proceed no further in pushing the claims of the engineers; what is the reason of this action; and whether Her Majesty's Government is able to do any- thing to assist the men in question in recovering the wages due to them?

It is unfortunately true that owing to the methods pursued in the administration of bankrupt estates by the Portuguese tribunals the creditors of the Mala Real Company have as yet received nothing, and that among those creditors are a number of British engineers who were in the Company's employ. The case has throughout been watched with care by the British Minister at Lisbon; the employment of a lawyer has been discontinued, as it did not seem that for the present his services were likely to be of use, but Her Majesty's Minister will take any opportunity that may offer of pressing the men's claims. The delay which is occurring is highly discreditable, but as the matter is in the hands of the Judicial Authorities, and the legal remedies of the claimants are not exhausted, it is difficult to make out a proper case for diplomatic representations.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether, in view of Sir Claude Macdonald's statement, that the Brass Natives have been deprived of their means of subsistence by the action of the Niger Company, and in view of the present Military operations and total destruction of the Brass towns, ho will cause immediate inquiry to be made into the alleged practice of "sniping" or shooting British-protected Brass Natives at sight when they make use of those creeks of the delta of the Niger, through which the whole of their trade has been conducted from time immemorial, and thus reach the territories of the Niger Company; and, whether it would be possible to avoid the present difficulties on the frontier of the British protectorate, and that of the territory of the Niger Company in the delta of the Niger, Informing of them a single Customs' territory without any intervening Customs' barrier, in such manner that one duty shall be levied within them, as provided in the somewhat similar case of the Gold Coast Colony and German Togoland by the 1894 Convention?

Before the hon. Gentleman answers that question, may I ask him whether it is not a fact that the recent affray was in consequence of an attempt to introduce intoxicating drink into the country, contrary to the regulations of the Royal Niger Company?

The first paragraph of the question conveys a very grave accusation, which cannot be entertained without some evidence. The whole question of the outbreak—who was responsible for it, how the arms of precision were supplied to the natives, and how just grievances can be remedied, will be fully considered when details are received. In answer to the supplementary question, I am aware that the statement which the hon. Member has just made has been made by others, but that, of course, will be inquired into when the inquiry is made to which I have referred.

May I ask whether the inquiry will be conducted in England, or oil the spot?

On the spot, certainly.

On behalf of the hon. Member for East Belfast (Mr. Wolff): I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty, how many Belleville boilers are fitted in the Sharpshooter; can he state how long ago they were fitted, and how often they have been worked; and, what is the greatest number of consecutive hours they have worked at a time?

The Sharpshooter was fitted with eight Belleville boilers twelve months ago, and these were first tried on board under steam, in February, 1894. Seventeen steam trials were made at various powers and durations up to 30 hours. The ship was commissioned in September 1894, and whilst on service with the Channel Squadron, has made two special twelve-hour trials, and the usual quarterly 24-hour trial, and the result, as regards the Belleville boilers, has in each case been most satisfactory.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, if it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill for the reform of Private Bill Procedure in Scotland; and, if so, if they have resolved to press it forward and pass it into law, during the present Session?

The Government have prepared a Bill for the reform of Private Procedure in Scotland, which they will introduce, and hope to pass into law.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether it is the intention of the Government during the present Session to take steps for the setting up of a Scottish Standing Committee, similar to that which last year so successfully dealt with the Committee stage of the Local Government (Scotland) Bill?

The Standing Committee for the consideration of Scottish business, as finally arranged by the House last Session, did such excellent service, that the Government will propose its re-appointment in the same terms as last year. This will be done as soon as a suitable Bill has reached a stage in the House appropriate to its being referred to the Standing Committee.

said, that when the right hon. Gentleman proposed the Motion he should feel it his duty to oppose it, because it was unreasonable to suppose than any hon. Member could be in more than one place at the same time.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman could say what Bills the Government would consider suitable for reference to the Committee?

said he could not do so at the present moment. When a Bill arrived at a particular stage he might perhaps propose to refer it to the Committee.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give any further information as to the appropriation by Congress, before its rising, of the moneys necessary for the payment of the sum of 425,000 dols. agreed to by the Government of the United States under the Behring Sea Arbitration Award as compensation to British sealers?

A telegram has been received from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Washington, reporting that, on the 25th instant, the proposed appropriation for the payment of 425,000 dols. as compensation to British sealers had been rejected in the House of Representatives by an adverse vote of 143 to 112.

asked, whether the hon. Gentleman had any information as to further steps being taken by the Government of the United States?

was not sure whether this rejection was absolutely final, but if it was final, of course the claims would have to be inquired into by the Commission in detail.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is now in a position to state the total amount of liabilities incurred by this country in the Behring Sea Arbitration; whether the whole amount was paid by this country; and, if any portion of the costs were paid by the Canadian Government, will he state what that proportion was?

The total amount of expenses paid by this country was £36,661 15s. 4d. This, however, includes payments to be shared by the Canadian Government; but the accounts with Canada have not yet been finally adjusted. As soon as they have been settled a Return will be laid.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether, under existing regulations, the repairs of Parcels Post baskets in use in Ireland are now executed at the Tele graph Factory in London; and whether arrangements could be made under which the work could be dune in Dublin?

Under existing regulations the simple repairs to Parcel Post receptacles in use in Ireland are executed at the General Post Office, Dublin, but the heavier repairs are executed at the Telegraph Factory, London. I have, however, given instructions that all repairs to these baskets which can be conveniently so executed shall, for the future, be executed in Dublin.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is intended, in response to the urgent requests made by the Visiting Committee of Her Majesty's prison at Liverpool, in their Reports for the years 1893 and 1894, to renew the appointment left vacant in 1890, of a Deputy Governor to the prison?

I am in communication with the Treasury with a view to the appointment of a Deputy Governor at Liverpool prison.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a schooner, the Forest Oak, was wrecked off the coast of Essex on Wednesday, 16th January, and the crew rescued in an exhausted condition by the volunteer lifeboat, True to the Core, but that the lifeboat crew have received no compensation, whereas the crew of the National Institution boat, which arrived too late to be of service, have received £2 5s. each; and, whether the Board of Trade will grant a reward to the crew of the True to the Core?

My attention has been called to the case to which my hon. Friend refers, and the Board of Trade are making inquiries with a view to deciding whether it is a proper one for reward. I am not aware whether the crew of the National Lifeboat Institution boat have received any reward. That is a matter entirely for the institution itself. They have received nothing from the Board of Trade.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he could state the system under which sorters are promoted to clerkships in the Post Office; and, whether, in such promotions, seniority and long service are taken into consideration?

Promotion to clerkships from the position of sorting clerk in the Post Office is regulated on the general principles which govern promotion throughout the Department. The promotion is given to the officer who, having regard to all the circumstances of the case—among which seniority and long service are always taken into consideration—appears to be thoroughly qualified and most deserving of the vacant situation.

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether a petition from the coopers employed in the Victualling Yard at Deptford was received in November; what answer has been made to it; and whether it is intended at once to make any change for their advantage in the terms of employment of these men?

A petition has been received from the coopers at Deptford. The decision of the Admiralty thereon, arrived at after full consideration, will be shortly communicated to the yard, when the other petitions have been settled.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Government to pay to their employés. especially to those employed in the victualling yard at Deptford, a minimum wage of 24s. a week; and whether, if the men desire it, such a wage would be paid on their giving up the present privileges, bonus, and allowances?

The minimum wage at present in force was settled as part of the general scheme of wages at the Government yards in 1893, and the Admiralty have no present intention of altering the same. The second part of the question being hypothetical, is not one which can be properly answered.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether Dr. Moffett was in October last called upon by the Irish Government to resign his offices as President of and Professor in the Queen's College, Galway, on the ground that the Order in Council of 15th August 1890, applied to him as holder of such offices; whether Dr. Moffett declined to tender his resignation, stating that he was advised by high legal authority, including the late Law Officers of the Crown in Ireland, that the Order in Council did not apply to his case, and praying that an opportunity might be afforded to him of trying the question before a legal tribunal; whether, on the 24th of January of this year, a Queen's letter was sent to Dr. Moffett, dismissing him from his offices of President and Professor; whether before such letter takes effect (namely, on the 25th of next month), the Government will refer the question raised by Dr. Moffett to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; or, if they are not prepared to take that course, they will institute inquiry whether the case of Presidents and Professors of the Queen's Colleges is within the policy of the Order; and whether the Order in its present form ought to apply to such cases?

In answer to the right hon. Gentleman, I have to say that the Government consider the proposed or suggested reference to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as impracticable. The technical possibility of such a reference is open to some doubt, and, even if it were otherwise, the Government consider that in any case to authorise or to institute such a reference would be to set a very bad precedent. But as there appears to me to be some question as to the policy of the Order, as distinguished from the terms of the Order, regarding which there is no doubt, the Lord Chancellor will examine into the merits of this question, and by the decision at which he arrives the Government will abide.

asked whether he was to understand that the whole question would be referred to the Lord Chancellor, with a view to ascertaining what were the real intentions of the Commission?

said the Order in Council, though no doubt to some extent influenced by the report of the Commission, was an order of her Majesty; and, that being so, it could be examined by the Lord Chancellor without reference to the Ridley or any other Commission.

How, then does the right hon. gentleman propose to throw light upon the intention of the Order?

The Order stands upon its own footing. No doubt the Ridley Commission had an influence in the framing of that Order, but the Order itself is a document not to be interpreted by any other order.

asked how soon the right hon. gentleman would be able to obtain information on this subject.

said that no time would be lost in the matter.

asked whether there was to be a specific and definite question referred to the Lord Chancellor—namely, whether the Order applied to such an office as was held by Dr. Moffett.

said the whole policy of the Order, and that was a comprehensive term, would be referred to the Lord Chancellor.

asked whether the Lord Chancellor had expressed the opinion that the order did not apply to offices of this description, and did not apply to Sir Thomas Brady?

did not reply.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he can inform the House what court will inquire into the loss of the steamship Elbe; whether that court will be competent to judge of the many intricate and important technical questions that may arise in the evidence accounting for this disaster; and, whether he can state the probable date and place of the inquiry.

An inquiry into the loss of the German steamship Elbe has already been opened at Bremerhaven. The Board of Trade have ordered a formal investigation into the circumstances of the damages sustained by the British steamship Crathie. This latter inquiry will be held before a magistrate and competent nautical assessors—a court specially constituted by the Merchant Shipping Act to deal with such cases. The inquiry will be held in London, but the date cannot be determined until after the conclusion of the coroner's inquest, which now stands adjourned.

asked, whether a nautical assessor had been appointed. He had been informed that an incompetent officer, who had never commanded ship, had been given the appointment.

The name of the nautical assessor has not been submitted to me; but I am certain, from what I know of the case, that the person appointed would be a proper person.

asked, whether the right hon. Gentleman would invite the owners of the Elbe and Crathie to put in such plans as would indicate the position of the bulkheads of those, vessels, together with the doors of the bulkheads, and the exact point at which the collision took place?

did not know how far they could go into that, as it was not substantially within the jurisdiction of the Board of Trade.

said that civil proceeding had already been begun by the owners of the Elbe.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the Associatiation of Municipal Corporations, representing 238 corporate towns in England and Wales, passed a resolution on the 21st instant, urging the municipalities to request their representatives in Parliament to support the Motion for the Appointment of a Select Committee of this House on the subject of Telephones; and, whether he will give consideration to this memorial in coming to a decision in the matter?

So far as I am aware, no copy has been received by me at the Post Office. I understand, however, that a resolution to the effect stated has been passed by the Council of the Association, but that it by no means represents the views of all the municipalities in England and Wales.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General, whether it is possible so to arrange the periods of annual leave for postmen as to secure for them 14 days, exclusive of Rank Holidays and Sundays?

To do as the hon. Member suggests would, in effect, be to increase the period of annual leave, and I am afraid that, in all the circumstances, I am not prepared to do this.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the case of William O'Brine, of Lurganshannagh, Mullhaney, in the electoral division of North Clonleigh, Union of Strabane, whose house was inspected under the Labourers Acts, and his application, founded on a duly signed representation, investigated by Mr. Kelly, the Local Government Board Inspector; whether he is aware that, consequent upon O'Brine's application for a cottage, his landlord gave him notice to quit his house and refused him employment, whereby he was compelled to go into the Letterkenny Union adjoining; and whether the Local Government Board will allow the Labourers Acts to be evaded in this regard by this means.

The case of the person named in the question was duly investigated by the Local Government Board's Inspector, who, however, found that the applicant did not reside at the place at which he was represented to reside, nor in the electoral division of Clonleigh North, for over twelve months past. No further action, therefore, was taken upon this representation, as it was informal. I have no information on the matter referred to in the second paragraph, but I would point out to my hon. and learned Friend that the Local Government Board cannot prevent the service of notices to quit.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that at an inquiry held under the Labourers Acts at Newcastle West, on the 21st August last, the Inspector of the Local Government Board approved of the erection of 24 cottages under the scheme; and what is the cause of the delay in not giving effect to the recommendation?

The number of cottages recommended by the Inspector was 24, as stated. Objection, however, was raised by the guardians of some of the electoral divisions concerned to the sites proposed for four of the cottages, and it is expected that this point will be arranged in a day or two. The order in respect of the scheme is drafted, and will be issued immediately on this matter being definitely settled.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Galway City (Mr. J. Pinkerton), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that steam trawlers are now fishing in Galway Bay, going inside the boundary line under cover of darkness and fishing that portion of the Bay allowed to sailing trawlers; whether it has been reported by the skippers of the sailing boats that the steam trawlers cover their official numbers, and sail without showing any lights so as to avoid detection, thereby causing a serious danger to life and property by being in the course of steamers and sailing vessels entering the port of Gal way; whether it has been reported to the Customs in Galway that, on the 22nd January 1895, one of these steam trawlers was fishing inside the boundary line, and her official number given as "Deal Castle, H 195;" whether any steps will be taken against master and owner of said trawler; whether a report has been made to the Customs that three steam trawlers were seen within the Bay on the 18th and 19th inst. and on other occasions; and if he will advise the Fishery Board to order a gunboat to visit the Bay at night and to seize any steam trawler found fishing there, and also request the coastguards at Arran Islands, Costello Bay, and Ballyvaughan to watch and report illegal trawler-fishing within the boundary line?

The Inspectors of Fisheries inform me that the facts are as stated in the first three paragraphs. The owner of the particular trawler referred to asked that, as this was a first offence, the proceedings should be stayed, and undertook that the offence would not occur again. The Inspectors accordingly did not press the case, but warned the owner that a repetition of the offence would be differently dealt with. A report of further illegal trawling has been received by the Inspectors, who, I understand, are about to apply to the Government for the services of a cruiser. The coastguard at the places named will report any breaches of the law that come under their observation.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a copy of a resolution adopted recently by the Board of Guardians of the Kenmare Union, in which they direct his immediate attention to the great poverty prevailing amongst small farmers, artisans, and labourers within the area of the, union; and whether the suggestions of the guardians in connection with the opening of relief works and other remedial measures will receive his favourable consideration?

I am informed that in some of the poor and congested districts about Sneem, in the Kenmare Union; the partial failure of the potato crop may render it necessary for some of the smaller occupiers of land to seek relief, and should this be so, the Guardians will be authorised to extend outdoor relief to these classes. The Congested Districts Board are, I believe, expending money on works in this locality, which will meet the demand for employment at present.

asked, whether the Chief Secretary would use his influence with the Board of Works to secure a relaxation of their hard and fast rules, so that some beneficial improvements might be effected in this wet part of the country?

said, that question should be addressed to the Treasury, who, no doubt, knew their own rules in this matter best.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the fact that no notice has been sent to the Derry Union with reference to a loan for seed potatoes; could he explain what is the reason for this omission; and whether he will direct the issue of such notice?

The circular relating to the seed potato supply was only forwarded this year to Boards of Guardians of Unions in which there was any reason to believe that a supply of seed would be required owing to the failure of last year's crop. Londonderry was not one of these unions. From parts of this county strong remonstrances were raised against the prohibition of potatoes exported to Malta, and it was represented that the crop was generally a good one. I may also mention that this union did not apply for a loan under the Seed Act of 1890. In accordance, however, with the request of the Guardians, copies of the circular and rules have now been sent to them.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can give the House any information as to the object and proceedings of the Russian Mission to Abyssinia?

Her Majesty's Government have been informed that the expedition is not official or connected with the Russian Government, but has been sent by the St. Petersburg Geographical Society for scientific purposes. M. Leontier, a celebrated traveller, is the head of the expedition, assisted by several scientific officers, and accompanied by a Russian Archimandrite, who may very possibly be charged with some religious mission from the Russian Ecclesiastical authorities. The expedition went to Constantinople, thence to Cairo, from which place it is understood that they proceed to Oboka en route for Harrar.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that a serious breach has been made in the pier of Wicklow Harbour during recent gales; whether he is aware that an expenditure of several thousand pounds is absolutely necessary to save the harbour and present the total loss of some £40,000 already spent on the harbour by the locality; and whether, seeing that the locality is unable of itself to advance any more money, Her Majesty's Government will propose a grant from the public funds for this harbour, which is a harbour of refuge for coasting vessels as well as being of great benefit to the locality?

It is true that damage was done by recent gales to the pier in Wicklow Harbour, which for some time past has shown signs of weakness. Considerable expenditure will in all probability be required to place the harbour in a satisfactory condition. The Harbour Commissioners have had plans prepared for the purpose and are in communication with the Board of Works on the subject, but the question of the provision of money for executing the needful work is not yet ripe for arrangement. I cannot, however, admit that the locality is unable to advance any more money, especially as the negotiations have proceeded on the opposite basis.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Dinizulu, Tchingaan, and others have yet been released?

No, Sir, they have not yet been released.

reminded the hon. Member that two and a-half years had elapsed since the present Government undertook to favourably consider the release.

replied that arrangements were made for the return of the chiefs to the interior, but the Natal Government unfortunately objected, on the ground that Zululand should first be incorporated with Natal before the release took place. The British Government did not consider the present time opportune to attach Zululand to Natal. Unquestionably, Zululand would be attached to Natal when it ceased to be a Crown colony. Under the circumstances, the chiefs were not being allowed to return.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether any and What steps have been taken in compliance with the provisions of Section 18 of the Ballot Act and Section 9 of the Act 27–8 Vic., c. 22, to carry out the Order in Council confirming the establishment of new polling-places in County Donegal, which were published about a month ago; and whether he will take steps to secure that the law is obeyed?

I have not received sufficient information to enable me to reply to the question to-day, and will therefore ask my hon. and learned Friend to repeat it to-morrow.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) Whether he is aware that, of the two sanitary authorities within the Derry Union, the urban seeks to throw upon the rural the burden of providing for the poorer classes of persons afflicted with infectious diseases; (2) whether he is also aware that the urban sanitary authority recently erected a hospital entirely isolated, which is to be used only for better-to-do persons; (3) and whether the Local Government Board can take any steps to prevent the urban authority refusing to take the poor into their own hospital because they are poor?

(1) It is the duty of a Board of Guardians, as the guardians of the poor, to make provision for the treatment of the sick poor suffering from infectious disease within their district. They cannot transfer any share of this responsibility to the urban authority. (2) the Londonderry Urban Authority have, under section 155 of the Public Health Act, provided a hospital for the treatment of patients suffering from infectious disease within their district, but they can determine the class of persons they will admit to such hospital. (3) The Local Government Board cannot take any steps as suggested by my hon. Friend in the third paragraph, but it is open to the Guardians, as a Rural Sanitary Authority, to approach the Urban Authority and endeavour to make an arrangement with them under the section above referred to, to admit poor persons to their hospital in terms to be agreed to by both authorities.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the cordite plant sent to India has been successful in producing reliable cordite; whether the use of cordite manufactured in India is considered satisfactory by the authorities there; and, will he lay upon the table any correspondence thereon?

(1) So far as I am aware the cordite plant has not yet been erected. (2) No cordite has been manufactured in India. (3) The question as to the manufacture of cordite in India is still under consideration, and I cannot undertake at present to lay the correspondence on the Table of the House.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, what is the estimated amount in rupees of the charge laid upon the Indian Exchequer during the coming financial year for the training of troops in this country, in addition to the cost of the whole of the troops in India itself, and all the charges connected with their passage to and from India; and whether it is intended to reduce this amount, which last year was nearly £600,000.

The capitation rate payable to the War Office for recruiting, depot and other charges in respect of the British Forces serving in India, was fixed by Lord Northbrook's Commission in 1892 at £7. 10s. per head. By agreement between the India Office and the Treasury that rate has been continued, and I expect will be maintained during the coming financial year, and the amount would be £548,250. The question whether the capitation rate should be increased or reduced is one of the matters to be considered in the forthcoming inquiry.

Has an arbitrator been appointed?

No, the Government have agreed to appoint a Royal Commission.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether it is the fact that, while the Colonial Office costs British taxpayers about £40,000, the Foreign Office about £67,000, and the Treasury about £60,000 annually, the India Office alone, besides the expenses of Government in India, costs about £130,000 a year to the India Exchequer; to whom are the detailed accounts of the India Office presented; and whether he will lay upon the Table an Estimate of the Annual Expenses, Salaries, &c., of the India Office, similar to those showing the cost of the other Departments of the State?

I cannot admit that there is any analogy between the expenses of the Offices to which the hon. Member refers and the expenses of the India Office, which include the Civil and Military, Financial, Political, Judicial and Public Works Departments of the whole Indian Empire. The accounts are presented to and are audited by the Auditor of Indian Home Accounts, and when audited are laid before Parliament. An Estimate of the cost of the India Office is annually laid on the Table of the House.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the limited period during which discussion of the Education Code is possible under the Rules of the House, he will undertake not to present that Code to the House until it is ready for circulation to Members?

At the same time that the Code is presented it will be placed in the hands of the Officers of the House for distribution. The arrangements for this cannot be made until it appears in the Votes, but not more than three or four days ought to elapse before distribution.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is in a position to inform the House at whose cost the surveys for railways at Sierra Leone and the Gold Coast, and also at Lagos, have been made; and if they are made at the expense of this country, is it with the view of those railways being constructed under an Imperial guarantee by the Colonial Government or by private enterprise?

In each case the whole cost is defrayed from Colonial funds.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the attention of the Foreign Office has been called to the despatch contained in The Daily Telegraph of the 27th inst., from the special correspondent of that journal at Mush, confirming from trustworthy evidence, in their essential features, the accounts of the outrages committed in the Sasun district; whether note has been taken of the statements that long before the delegates arrived, and when Consul Hallward was endeavouring to reach Sassoon, efforts were made by the authorities, especially by the responsible military commander, Zekki Pasha, to conceal all traces of the massacre, the very occurrence of which Zekki persistently denied; that an attempt was made to obliterate the pit dug behind the house of a village chief of Djellyegoozan, in which hundreds of mutilated bodies lay piled on each other, and that numerous witnesses have been on various pretexts imprisoned or conveyed to distant places under Turkish supervision; whether it is true that the inquiry is expected in official quarters to last at least two months yet; and whether in view of the urgent necessity for securing the safety of the Christian population, having regard especially to the threats of an impending massacre during the month of Ramazan, which begins at the end of February, and on the strength of the information already in possession of the Foreign Office on the subject of the prevailing misgovernment and oppression in Armenia, Her Majesty's Government will forthwith take steps, in concert with such of the Powers as are chiefly concerned, to bring such pressure to bear upon the Porte as will lead to the immediate introduction of reforms under European supervision, in accordance with Treaty obligations?

wished, before the hon. Baronet answered, to ask whether it was a fact that the telegram in Wednesday's Daily Telegraph purporting to have been sent from Mush on February 23, via Kars, was received in England on February 26; whether Kars was 345 kilométres from Mush, and eight days' journey in good weather by rapid courier from Mush; and whether, under those circumstances, the telegram could possibly have been received in the way stated.

A copy of this article has been sent to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople, but I cannot express any opinion upon the statements contained in it pending the progress of the inquiry. It is not probable, considering the difficulties of travelling, that the work of the Commission can be finished before the period mentioned. Her Majesty's Government will, in the meanwhile, do all that is possible, in conjunction with other Governments, who may be ready to assist, to urge upon the Porte the adoption of proper measures whenever necessary for the protection of the Christian population. The question of the introduction of reforms is fully kept in mind, but it cannot be treated with advantage except upon complete and authentic information.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether Her Majesty's Government have now received the words of President Kruger's speech, in which, at the German banquet on 26th January, he repudiated the suzerainty of the Queen; whether the Boer President then said that he came to England in 1884, and that the then British Government had the suzerainty altered; that previously the Boer President could not enter into any treaties with other countries without Her Majesty's consent, but that the British Government in 1884 altered the Treaty and relinquished the suzerainty; whether the Queen's suzerainty has been abrogated in any Treaty or public document; and whether Her Majesty's Government have sent a formal protest against these assertions of President Krüger?

We have received the local newspapers containing reports of President Krüger's speech of January 26th. As regards the question of suzerainty, it is a somewhat doubtful question as to what extent the suzerainty, created under the Convention of 1881, was continued by the Convention of 1884. But the matter is not one of much importance, inasmuch as the essence of the suzerainty was contained in Clause 4 of the Convention of 1884, which deals with the external relations of the South African Republic. This clause remains in full and effective force; and, as I have stated on two occasions lately in the House, under Article 4 of the London Convention of 1884, the South African Republic, as regards its foreign relations, is, and remains, within the sphere of British influence, and can conclude no Treaty or engagement with any state or nation (with the exception of the Orange Free State) until the same has been submitted to Her Majesty the Queen for Her approval. This statement, made in the House of Commons and on the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government, appears to us to be a sufficient notice of President Kruger's speech made on the social occasion in question.

asked, whether any compensation had been paid to British subjects resident in the Transvaal who were commandeered and sent to the front on the authority of the Boer Government?

said, he did not think this arose out of the question. If the hon. Member would give notice of the matter he would attend to it.

said the hon. Gentleman had not answered whether the Queen's suzerainty had been abrogated by any Treaty or public document.

repeated that it was a matter of doubt whether the Convention of 1884 had not superseded the preamble and the clauses of the Convention of 1881.

Does not the hon. Gentleman know whether there is a suzerainty or not?

I have already stated the question about which there is doubt. But, as regards the practical question, really the only matter of any importance is fully confirmed by Clause 4 of the Convention of 1884, which we certainly intend to uphold.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has received a letter from the Rev. Arthur Symonds, Rector of St. James, Stockport, with reference to the refusal of the Stockport Magistrates to commit Church of England children to industrial schools other than the Stock-port Industrial School, which has been closed by the committee to Church of England children. Whether he is aware that Colonel Turner and other Magistrates refused, on 18th September 1894, to commit a boy named Charles Edward Briscoe, who had been remanded three times in order that an industrial school might be found willing to receive him, although the Essex Industrial School was willing to receive him; and, whether he will take such steps as may be necessary to secure that no difference shall be made by the Stockport Magistrates on account of religion in the administration of the law.

I received Mr. Symonds' letter, which I referred to the Magistrates. In reply I received an intimation from Colonel Turner that the reason for not committing Charles Briscoe was because the Magistrates did not consider it a fit case for an Industrial School, but that the Guardians of the Poor were the proper authority to take charge of him. There appear to be some differences of opinion between Mr. Symonds and Colonel Turner, but it is not necessary to go into these matters, in view of the reason assigned by Colonel Turner for the Magistrates' decision, with which I have no power to interfere.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Gloucester Board of Guardians have decided upon opening a stoneyard in order to find temporary work for the unemployed, half the cost of which is to be paid to the men in cash, and the other half in goods; and whether this payment will disfranchise any voters receiving it; if so, whether he has any power to prevent this disfranchisement; or, if not, will he bring in a short Bill giving him the power to do so under certain exceptional circumstances?

The Local Government Board have not been informed by the Gloucester Board of Guardians of their decision to open a stoneyard with the view to a labour test for adult able-bodied persons in receipt of outdoor relief, but I have no reason to doubt that the fact is as stated in the question. The receipt of relief from the Guardians, although accompanied by a labour test, will disqualify persons for the Parliamentary Franchise. Until the Committee on Distress from Want of Employment have made their Report, I feel unable to give an answer on the question as to disfranchisement.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether any addition to, or alteration in, the Building Rules of the new Code of this year affect existing schools, either Board or voluntary; and whether they will add to the expense of new schools that may be built in the future?

The additions and alterations in the Building Rules of the new Code only affect new buildings or enlargements, and do not apply to existing schools, whether Board or voluntary. The changes are few and of an unimportant character, and are mainly rather by way of suggestion, than compulsory. The Consulting Architect of the Department, by whose advice they were made, states that they will in no way add to the expense of new schools or enlargements. I may call attention to one change, which requires that the doors of schools shall open outwards. In view of the possibility of panics or fire, now that evening meetings in many schools are very frequent, it is desirable that this rule should be applied to all schools as far as possible.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Chester (Mr. R. A. Yerburgh), I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will grant the Return of Dissenting Endowments in Wales and Monmouthshire which stands on this day's Paper?

I was asked last Session by the hon. Member for the Oswestry Division of Shropshire if the Government would assent to a Return of Dissent Endowments in England and Wales, and, on the ground that the information could only be obtained at an expense and trouble out of all proportion to its value, and without any adequate security as to its trustworthiness, I informed him that the Government did not see their way to his Motion. I am afraid I must give the same answer to the hon. Member who puts this question.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman did not think that such a Return would be most valuable this Session, when the Welsh Disestablishment Kill was being pressed forward?

The question is whether it would be trustworthy.

I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the rates for parcel post in some great Continental countries are much lower than in the United Kingdom, that in some cases they are not above one-third of the charges here; and whether, having regard to the public convenience, and the necessity for facilitating the traffic in small farm produce, and of the need for increased employment for a large number of persons, he will consider the advisability of decreasing the present scale of parcel post charges?

The minimum charge for parcels in this country is much lower than the minimum rate in nearly every other country, but as the rates abroad rise by kilogrammes, whereas they rise here by pounds, heavier parcels are carried more cheaply abroad than here. In two or three instances, foreign rates may be found which, in the case of the heavier parcels, are not above one-third of the rates in this country. The late Government considered the question of introducing a lower scale of charges, chiefly with the view of facilitating the, traffic in agricultural produce, but they did not take any steps in this direction. I should myself be indisposed to establish preferential rates, and the time does not appear to me to have come for a general reduction of the tariff. The chief difficulty in the way of a reduction in this country lies in the large payments which the Post Office is compelled to make to the Railway Companies under the Agreement made in 1884, which does not expire for several years.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he has any reason, to doubt the statement in Return No. 192, of 17th May 1892, from which the following result is obtained, viz., that the total amount of annual allowances (whether in the form of salary, pay, fees, emoluments, or pensions) of not less than Rx.1,000 for each person, of Europeans, whether resident or not resident in India, is about Rx. 170,000,000 (taking payments in sterling at 1s. ld. per rupee), and what is the total amount of similar annual allowances to Europeans, whether resident or not resident in India (including the personal expenditure on soldiers besides their pay) at less than Rx.1,000 for each person?

The Return of 17th May 1892 comprises not only payments by the State for the civil administration of India, but similar payments for the Military and Public Works Departments, and also the payments made by the Railway Companies, whether State or Guaranteed. The further information for which my hon. Friend asks will probably be called for in the forthcoming inquiry.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Burial Boards of Bishop's Stortford, Weston-super-Mare, Walton-on-Thames, and Aylsham are acting under tables of fees and charges in which, contrary to the Statute, fees are charged in the unconsecrated parts of their cemeteries equal in amount to the fees paid to the clergy in the consecrated parts; and whether steps have been taken to put an end to these illegal exactions; and, if so, with what results?

My attention has been called to certain irregularities in the tables of fees under which the four Burial Boards named in my hon. Friend's question have been acting. I have written to the Boards explaining that the only burial fees of a compulsory character are the Board's fees approved by the Secretary of State, which are the same whether the burial is in consecrated or unconsecrated ground, and the ecclesiastical fees for interment in consecrated ground approved by the Bishop of the Diocese; and that all other payments, however customary, are entirely voluntary, and must be left to private arrangement. The Burial Boards for Walton-on-Thames and Weston-super-Mare have already submitted to me tables of fees revised in accordance with my suggestions, and I am expecting answers from Aylsham and Bishop's Stortford.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case in the Court of Session in Scotland, at the instance of Mrs. Margaret Polland, or Brannan, residing in Larkhall, and others, against Hamilton M'Culloch and Company, coalmasters, Glasgow, wherein the jury awarded damages to the pursuers under the Employers' Liability Act as compensation for the loss of three men who were killed owing to a crab, winch, or crane used in raising arid lowering the men in the shaft not having been provided with a brake or brakes, or with an indicator; whether the Presiding Judge (the Lord President) directed the Jury that the crab, winch, or crane used, having been worked by manual and not by mechanical power, did not fall under the 30th General Rule of the Coal Mines Regulation Act, 1887, which requires an adequate brake, or brakes, and a proper indicator for every machine worked by steam, water, or mechanical power, and used for lowering or raising persons, and, consequently, that the Jury were to ignore common law, but might consider the case under the Employers' Liability Act; and, whether (assuming the law to be as stated by the Lord President) he will, in the interest of safety and with the view of preventing avoidable accidents, bring in a Bill to extend the 30th General Rule of the Coal Mines Regulation Act to all mechanical appliances used for lowering or raising persons?

The facts are as stated by the hon. Member. The accident appears to be due partly to the crane being out of order, for which the owners have had to pay damages, and partly owing to its unskilful and negligent use. I am advised that even had a brake existed the accident would probably still have happened, for no statutory requirements can be of avail if machinery is kept out of order and misused. I am also advised that, though brakes are necessary to steam-winding gear to check the speed at the end of the journey, such brakes, if fitted to hand gear, would be likely to encourage the men to trust to them and leave go of the winch handles, which would be very dangerous. I have powers under Section 42 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act of 1887 to require anything which threatens or tends to the bodily injury of any person to be remedied, and if it could be shown that hand cranes without brakes are dangerous I should be prepared to put these powers into operation.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a report in The Times of the 19th instant of a prosecution before Mr. de Rutzen, in the Westminster Police Court, of a grocer named David Jones for selling so-called "adulterated cocoa" at 1s. per pound, which was alleged to be composed of 50 per cent. starch and sugar and 50 per cent. of cocoa, the defendant being fined 10s. and 14s. 6d. costs; and, whether, in view of the fact that the said was sold at its true value, and was of precisely similar quality to that supplied by Her Majesty's Government to the seamen of Her Majesty's Fleet as "soluble cocoa," which is so manufactured at Deptford by the Admiralty, and consists of 25 per cent. sugar, 25 per cent. sago flour, with 50 per cent. of cocoa, he will be pleased to remit the penalty imposed upon the aforesaid David Jones?

I have inquired into this case, and I find that the offence for which the defendant was fined was for selling an article not of the nature and quality demanded by the purchaser. The purchaser asked for cocoa, and not for "soluble cocoa," and in the opinion of the Magistrate, from which I see no reason to differ, he was entitled to have cocoa. I find on inquiry from the Admiralty, that they supply to the men in the Navy cocoa in two forms: one is ordinary cocoa, which forms the usual ration and is made of pure cocoa and sugar only; the other is "soluble cocoa," which is only issued as a special ration (to men oil duty at night, or under circumstances of unusual exposure), and this contains a percentage both of sugar and arrowroot.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire whether an offence has really been committed in this case, the article sold being identical in substance with an article manufactured by the Government, and if an offence has been committed, will he ask the Law Officers of the Crown whether the First Lord of the Admiralty ought not to be indicted for supplying goods of this class to the Navy?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a number of small farmers waited on the Bantry Board of Guardians, and stated that, in consequence of the failure of the potato crop, they were in a state of destitution; and that the Bantry Board of Guardians unanimously passed a resolution requesting the Government to open reproductive works in the Bantry Union; and, what steps, if any, he purposes taking to carry out the request of the Guardians?

The facts are as stated in the question. The Local Government Board's Inspector has been directed to again visit this Union and make a further report on the condition and prospects of the poorer classes.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, in view of the extreme distress existing among the agricultural labourers in the districts of Newcastle West and Rathkeale, he will consider favourably the resolutions passed by the Guardians with the object of providing employment, viz., the repairing of the old road from the, town of Abbey feale to John O'Donnell's house in Cahir Hayes, in the Union of Newcastle West, this being in the centre of a very distressed district, and the draining of the River Deel, Rathkeale, so as to relieve from flooding the 3,000 acres of land which are under water during the winter months?

The Local Government Board's Inspector consulted with the Guardians of the Newcastle West Union on the 21st instant, as to the advisability of applying for authority to relax the restrictions on outdoor relief. The Guardians, however, considered this course undesirable and thought it better to leave to the relieving officer the duty of providing for the wants of the destitute poor. I understand that if the weather, which has shown an improvement, continues mild for a few days longer employment will be plentiful in this district. The Local Government Board, upon the information at present before them, do not consider it will be necessary to recommend the opening of relief works in the districts of Newcastle West or Rathkeale.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether, on behalf of the Government, he intends to put down any Amendments to the Lands Valuation (Scotland) Acts Amendment Bill, down for Committee this evening; and, if so, when these Amendments may be expected to appear on the Paper?

I think it will be desirable that some Amendments should be made on this Bill, and I am in communication with my hon. Friend the Member for the St. Rollox Division, who is in charge of the Bill, and my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Dumfriesshire, who has put certain Amendments on the Paper, with a view to arranging as to the Amendments which should be proposed for the consideration of the Committee.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in the Return (No. 300) showing the amounts received by the county and borough treasurers in Ireland from the clerks of the peace in respect of the sale of copies of the registers of voters and supplemental lists, no receipts appear to have been credited for the years noted in the Return for the counties of Westmeath, Cork, and Gal-way, and the boroughs of Cork and Galway; whether it is the practice of the clerks of the peace in these constituencies to charge for copies as required by statute; and could he explain why the amounts have not been placed to the credit of the county and borough treasurers respectively; whether he can state if in any of these cases any moneys have been credited since the passing of the Act requiring the same to be done in 1850; and how it has happened that the responsible Auditors of the Local Government Board, who audit the Grand Jury accounts twice a-year, have not called attention to the matter; whether he is also aware that in the Return no sum appears anywhere audited under the heading of "Fines" for bogus claims and objections, although it is notorious that these are made in thousands annually; and, who is to blame for the neglect?

I regret to be obliged to ask my hon. Friend to again defer this question. Some inquiries are still pending, and if he will repeat the question on Monday, I hope then to be in a position to reply.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that Her Majesty's Government supply the seamen of Her Majesty's Fleet with "soluble cocoa," manufactured by the Admiralty at Deptford, of a standard quality composed of 25 per cent. sugar, 25 per cent. sago flour, and only 50 per cent. cocoa, he would issue a Circular to County Councils, acquainting them with the fact, and that the Local Government Board deem it inexpedient that legal proceedings under the Adulteration of Food Act should be instituted against dealers in prepared cocoas where the analysis shows that the said cocoa mixtures are up to the aforesaid Government standard?

From a communication which I have received from the Admiralty, it would appear that the constituent parts of the soluble chocolate manufactured by the Admiralty are not those stated in the question. The matter is not one in which I should deem it right to issue a Circular as suggested.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he is aware that, in order to meet the pressure in Voluntary schools in the north of England, after the issue of Circular 321 by him, the School Management Committee of the Newcastle Diocesan Society formed an organisation for supervising all communications between the Department and the Voluntary schools of the county of Northumberland, and of assisting these schools to resist undue pressure or to meet the demands which might fairly be made upon them; whether he has seen the Report issued for the year 1894 by the Education Committee of the Society, in which it is stated, amongst other things, that in 21 cases in the county of Northumberland the building requirements of the Department were, upon local explanation, either modified or withdrawn at a saving of £4,240; and if he will explain how it happened that these demands, which were subsequently reduced, were originally made by the Department?

I have seen the Report issued for 1894 by the Education Committee of the Newcastle Diocesan Society, which appeared in The Times of the 7th of last month. In the article in which the report is quoted, and which is written by a member of the committee, I observe that it is explicitly stated that the demands of the Department were not arbitrary or capricious, and that in no one instance had it met representations by other than fairness. The fact that requirements and suggestions made by the Department had by the aid of this committee (which not only advised managers in every detail, but supplied them free of cost with the most economical plans for carrying out alterations) been modified, at a large saving to the particular schools, is cited in the article, as showing the need of some organisation on the part of school managers in order to help the Department to understand the local situation in each case. The figures mentioned are not capable of being verified officially, but I have no wish to throw doubt on them, especially as they come from what I may fairly call such a friendly source.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, will he explain how it was that whereas, in accordance with the Report of Her Majesty's Inspector upon St. Edmund's Voluntary School, Southwold, Suffolk, for the year 1893, which suggested that the school buildings were not worth repairing, the Department urged upon the Managers to provide new premises altogether, at a cost of at least £1,500, the Department subsequently approved of plans for the alteration of the present premises at a cost of only £450; and, if he can explain why this course was not recommended by the Department in the first instance?

I do not think that there has been any inconsistency in the action of the Department in this case. To make the school efficient large alterations were necessary, and the Department suggested to the Managers that they should consider whether it would not be better to build a new school, the existing building being old, cramped, and ill designed. The Managers, however, preferred to carry out the required alterations, and their plans for doing so were approved last September. As to the figures mentioned, the Department has no information, but I do not wish to throw any doubt upon them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether he has sanctioned those provisions of the Indian Police Bill now before the Viceroy's Council, whereby the landlords of any district in which religious or other riots have occurred are liable, at the discretion of the resident magistrate, for the cost of extra police and for the damages caused by the riots, even in cases where the landlords are absentees, or in which the district judge has held that the landlords have been in no way to blame for the riots; whether his attention has been directed to the speech on this subject of the Maharaja of Darbhanga, the first elective member of council, in which he declared that in Native opinion this was a slur on judicial authority; whether the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal and the Commissioner of the Patna Division of Behar have both opposed the section on the ground that it may be worked so as to appear to give the victory to the Hindus or to the Muhammadans in cases of religious riots; whether the modification of the section consented to by Sir Antony Patrick MacDonnell has satisfied these dissentients; and, whether the Correspondence on the subject can be laid upon the Table of the House?

The provisions of the Indian Police Bill, as originally introduced, were communicated to me, according to the established practice, by the Government of India, but I have given no opinion upon them. I have seen the report of the discussions to which the hon. Member refers, but I am not as yet aware of the modifications (if any) which have been adopted. As soon as an authentic copy of the measure is sent home, as required by law, I shall give it my careful consideration

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether his attention has been directed to the proposed extension of the Cork and Muskerry Light Railway to Nad from Donoughmore, and also to Ballinagree from Peak, both in the county of Cork; and (2) whether, if satisfactory security be received from the landed proprietors as well as the rated occupiers within the area proposed to be served, the Treasury will materially help the proposed reproductive works in a district where distress prevails.

With regard to the first part of this question, I am informed that any proceedings having in view the construction of the railway extensions referred to, and involving a security on the rates, would require to be taken in the manner prescribed by the Tram ways Acts, and the work of construction could not be commenced in the present season even if those proceedings were successful. It is to be observed that there are no moneys available for a Treasury contribution under the Act of 1883.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether his attention has been called to a bad outbreak of small-pox on the reformatory ship Clarence? Whether he is aware that early in November there were cases of fever among the boys; that a boy named John Carroll was certified by the surgeon of the ship to be suffering from chicken-pox, and on convalescence was allowed to go to sea in a sailing ship, which, on arrival at Rio de Janeiro, was placed in quarantine for having had small-pox on board; that many other boys were down with fever at the time and subsequently; and that the captain, the schoolmaster, and others urged strongly that something serious was the matter, but that the surgeon persisted in declaring the fever to be at worst chicken-pox; will he explain why it was that although on the 24th November the captain insisted that in the case of two boys, Thomas Sexton and Patrick Doyle, further medical advice should be obtained, it was not till the 26th that the ship's surgeon brought off the medical officer of the port of Liverpool, who, without hesitation, at once declared the cases to be small-pox, and 18 boys were forthwith transferred to the Port Sanitary Hospital; And, whether he has instituted or will institute an official inquiry into these reported facts of dangerous neglect of an infectious disease?

My attention has been called to this case. The facts are substantially as stated in the question, though one or two points have not yet been confirmed from independent sources. I have directed the Inspector and Assistant Inspector of Reformatory and Industrial Schools to make an official inquiry into the matter. They went to Liverpool on Monday, and will report to me as soon as possible.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether, having regard to the decision of Her Majesty's Judges in the High Court of Justice in Ireland, in re Doherty's presentment, the Irish Government intend to propose legislation with reference to the payment of road contractors in Ireland in respect of maintenance contracts.

The case referred to in the question was decided against the contractor upon the construction of his contract with the Grand Jury, not upon any defect in the Grand Jury Laws. The Court of Appeal in Ireland yesterday decided on an appeal in the case that it is competent to the county surveyor to give a certificate for part of the money to which a contractor would be entitled had the contract been completed. No Legislation, I am advised, seems to be necessary.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been drawn to the inquest on the death of Mrs. Mary Linge, at the Poplar Workhouse on the 23rd inst., when the jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from heart failure, and that the separation of the old couple accelerated her death; and whether the rules of the workhouse necessitated the separation of Mr. and Mrs. Linge, who were stated to have lived in the parish all their lives, the man earning his living and keeping the home going until the present year, when for the first time, he being in his 70th and his wife in her 68th year, they sought outdoor relief, until eventually they had no resource but the workhouse, upon entering which they were separated?

My attention has been called to the case referred to, and I have been in communication with the Guardians with respect to it. The Guardians state that the deceased had been in receipt of outdoor relief for about eight months prior to her admission to the workhouse, and it was on the advice of the medical officer of the district, based upon the insanitary condition of her home and her increasing infirmity, that it was considered to be essential that she should enter the infirm ward of the workhouse. It is stated that when she was admitted to the workhouse on the 11th February she was feeble but did not complain of illness. The nurse states that she required considerable attention, and would not have been a suitable case for the married couples quarter, and that she made no complaint to her during the time she was in the workhouse of being separated from her husband. At the same time, it appears that there is only accommodation at the workhouse for eight married couples living together, and the Guardians are endeavouring to provide increased accommodation of this kind. I am also informed that the Guardians resolved at their last meeting that the workhouse should not be offered to aged couples, but that adequate outdoor relief should be given in all such cases, until additional accommodation for married couples had been provided.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether Her Majesty's Government have been able to reconsider the question of charging a share of the Opium Commission expenses to the Indian Revenues?

I have considered this subject in all its bearings, and I have come to the conclusion, in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, that, viewing all the circumstances of the case, the cost of the Commission should be borne by the English Exchequer and not by the Indian Government. The cost of the Commission will be among the Supplementary Estimates, which I hope will be laid on the Table to-night and circulated to-morrow.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if, in filling up the vacant office of Commissioner of Woods and Forests, the Government will attach special weight to the person they select having practical experience and knowledge of forest management?