I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) is he aware that a labourer named Owen M.'Manus, an evicted tenant of Lord Rathdonnell, has made several representations to the Monaghan Board of Guardians for the erection of a cottage under the Labourers' Act, which representations have all been signed by the number of ratepayers specified in the Act, but that the Guardians of the Monaghan Union have declined to entertain M'Manus's representation; and, (2) in these circumstances, will he take steps to secure the execution of the Act in the Monaghan Union?

The facts, I understand, are correctly stated in the first paragraph. When M'Manus originally applied for a cottage, he was in occupation of about five acres of land, and the Guardians were of opinion his case did not come within the provisions of the Labourers' Acts, and that there was not any want of accommodation for bonâ fide labourers in the locality. The man has renewed his application since his eviction in 1894, but the Guardians have declined to entertain it on the same grounds, and the Local Government Board do not consider the circumstances are such as to justify them in enforcing the compulsory provisions of the Act of 1891.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if arrangements will be continued for the military bands to play in the Royal Parks during the present year; and, whether any payment will be made to the bandsmen giving this pleasure?

Arrangements have been made for two military bands to play in Hyde Park and the Green Park this year on Sundays during the summer months. I shall be able to place a sum of money in the hands of the military authorities, who will distribute it among the bandsmen employed in this duty.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the published Police Returns for the City of Liverpool for the last five years show a steady decline in drunkenness in that city, the convictions for that offence having fallen from 16,042 in 1889 to 5,657 in 1894; (2) whether the Liverpool Police have, between 1888 and 1895 made any, and, if so, what, change in their methods of dealing with cases of drunkenness; (3) whether the Liverpool Police or the Home Office have made any, and, if so, what, change during the same period in the system of compiling or tabulating the statistics of drunkenness; and, (4) whether the Returns furnished to the Home Office by other municipalities show a similar diminution in intemperance?

The figures mentioned in the first paragraph of the hon. Member's question are correct, except that they represent prosecutions, and not convictions, for drunkenness. I understand that in 1889 an important change was made in Liverpool in the system of police inspection of licensed houses, and the Chief Constable believes that this alteration has largely conduced to the diminution of drunkenness. No change has been made in the system of compiling statistics which could materially affect these figures. The Returns from other municipalities do not show a similar diminution, but notwithstanding the marked improvement, I regret to say that the proportion of cases of drunkenness in Liverpool still stands high as compared with the Returns from other large towns.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the Africa (British Colonies) Spirits Return, needed for any discussion on the importation of drink into Africa, will be ready for presentation to the House?

It is desired to include the Returns for British Central Africa, and I learn on inquiry at the Foreign Office that these cannot be expected before the end of next month. Meanwhile the subject has had my careful attention, and elaborate statistics have been prepared in the Office, together with a report on the various suggestions made for the regulation of the traffic. This memorandum will be immediately submitted for observations and suggestions to the Chambers of Commerce of London, Liverpool, Glasgow, and Manchester, and when the correspondence is complete I propose to lay it on the Table.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would include the Belfast Chamber of Commerce.

I should be glad to include the Belfast Chamber, or any other Chamber which has a special interest in the matter, and if the Belfast Chamber can show that it has a special interest in the liquor traffic in Africa, I should be very glad to include it.

And Dublin?

My answer to that is the same.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for the Thirsk Division of Yorkshire, as a Charity Commissioner, whether he is aware that in the Scheme of the Charity Commissioners for the management of Kirkham Grammar School, it is provided that the Governors may only dismiss the head master after six calendar months' written notice given to him in pursuance of a resolution passed at two special meetings held at an interval of not less than 14 days, such resolution being affirmed at each meeting by not less than two-thirds of the governors present and voting on the question; whether, in a scheme by the same Commissioners for the management of an endowed elementary school in the same county, it is provided that the governors may at their pleasure dismiss all teachers without any of the conditions mentioned in relation to the Grammar School; can he state the reason for such difference of treatment; and will he represent to the Commissioners the desirability of providing in all schemes for endowed elementary schools that the teachers employed in such schools shall enjoy the same security against capricious dismissal as is possessed by teachers in grammar schools?

Provisions for dismissal at pleasure of every teacher and officer are, under Section 22 of the Endowed Schools Act, 1869, inserted in schemes for all Endowed Schools, whether grammar or elementary. The regulation of Endowed Secondary Schools is exclusively within the province of the Charity Commissioners, and they deem it desirable to insert in schemes for those schools additional provisions for regulating the exercise, in the case of Head Masters, of the statutory powers of dismissal. Endowed Elementary Schools, on the other hand, form only part of a general system of primary education, controlled as a whole by the Education Department; and it is with a view to avoid possible interference with the jurisdiction of that Department that the Charity Commissioners refrain from adding in schemes for those schools to the statutory conditions of tenure. In these circumstances the Commissioners do not propose to modify their present practice in this respect.

asked whether the hon. Member was aware that the Vice President of the Council had repeatedly stated to the House that he had no control over the dismissal of teachers in primary schools.

replied that the Charity Commissioners felt that in this matter of Endowed Elementary Schools, with regard to which they had only a very limited jurisdiction, they ought not to take action, but ought to wait for the Education Department to move in the matter if it was thought necessary to do so.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, with reference to the insufficiency of the siren on Mew Island, at the entrance to Belfast Lough, whether he is aware that in March, 1894, a loan to the Commissioners of Irish Lights was sanctioned to enable them to carry out experiments on Mew Island; whether, as the result of the experiments, the establishment of a second fog siren was recommended, and this recommendation, having been approved by Trinity House, was sanctioned by the Board of Trade; whether the Commissioners of Irish Lights then promised that the works would be proceeded with at once; and, whether he will now explain the cause of delay, and suggest to the Commissioners the necessity of proceeding with the works forthwith?

The hon. Member is correct in stating that the expenditure for experiments in respect of Mew Island was sanctioned in March, 1894. The Report of these experiments was received by the Board of Trade in May, 1895, and the second siren, recommended therein, was sanctioned in the following July. As regards the subsequent delay, I am informed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights that it is to be attributed partly to the pressure of other urgent work, and partly to the difficulty of working in such an exposed position during the winter months. The Commissioners add that the work is now being proceeded with.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any Russian occupation of Seoul, or any other place in Korea, has taken place, or is apprehended?

No Russian occupation of Seoul or of any other place in Korea has occurred; or, so far as we are aware, is apprehended; 150 Russian sailors are guarding the Russian Legation in Seoul, where the king is still in refuge, his life being in danger from a rebellion which has broken out. There are also 500 Japanese soldiers in the capital.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, (1) whether he can now give the House any information as to the Russian occupation of Seoul, in Korea; and, (2) whether it is true that the Russian Naval forces in the Northern Pacific are being largely increased?

I have already answered the first paragraph of the Question. It is believed that the Russian Squadron in Chinese waters has been increased by five vessels during the last year.

What kind of vessels?

Men-of-war. [Laugher.]

asked, whether his right hon. Friend was aware that the Korean Ministry was now housed in the Russian Legation.

I must have notice.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether he is aware that in a number of Indian jute mills cleaning and repairs of machinery are carried on regularly on Sundays, but that in several mills the engines are stopped on Saturday afternoons for cleaning and repairs to be done, so that the gates are not opened on Sundays; and, whether, apart from any legal question under the Indian Factories Acts, he will recommend the Government of India to use its influence in favour of the entire stoppage of work in the mills on Sundays, except in the case of serious accidents or other emergencies?

I have no information regarding the number of jute mills at which machinery is cleaned on Sundays. The Indian Factory Act specifically permits the examining and repairing of machinery on Sundays. Moreover, while the Act enforces one holiday a week, it permits the holiday to be, on some other day than Sunday; and, according to the table published in the last Moral and Material Progress Report, 81 of the inspected factories had their holiday on some other day of the week.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in view of the restrictive effect of the present high tariff for telegraphic messages between the United Kingdom and India, he will favourably consider the proposal of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce that the charge should be reduced from five francs to three francs per word, and endeavour to give effect to the recommendation at the forthcoming International Telegraph Conference?

The Postmaster General cannot find that such a proposal has reached him from the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, and he thinks it is more likely to have been addressed to the Government of India, which is directly concerned in the matter. He has, however, received representations on behalf of the merchants and others in this country who use the telegraph to India, and he is in communication with the cable companies on the subject.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether the Land Commission have declined to divide the, annuity payable to them by a tenant purchaser on a property in the county Monaghan, to whom they granted permission to acquire a portion of a holding sold under the Land Purchase Act; and, if so, what security will this purchaser have that he will not be made liable for the entire instalments should there be default on the part of the other purchasers?

Sufficient information is not contained in the question to enable the case specially referred to by Mr. Macaleese to be identified. The Land Commission has no power to apportion a purchase annuity payable under the Land Purchase Acts, save for the purpose of amalgamating small holdings in a congested district, and this is explained in every case when they consent to a sub-division of a purchased holding for the purposes of sale or otherwise. There is, however, nothing to prevent the parties arranging among themselves for contribution to the Land Purchase Annuity and mutual indemnity in the event of default being made by either party, but the Commissioners can take no cognizance of such arrangement.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in view of the fact that the income of the Intermediate Education Board in Ireland in the year 1894 was £42,298, that £10,878 of this amount was given in results fees and £6,476 in prizes, making a total of £17,345 administered, while a sum of £16,428 was absorbed in administering £17,345, if he is prepared to press for a more rigid economy in this matter, so that a smaller amount may be spent in salaries and incidentals and a larger sum be available for the purposes of education?

The question of the hon. Member does not quite accurately set forth the facts. The total income of the Intermediate Education Board from all sources for 1894 was £82,244. Of this sum £45,424 was expended in results fees to managers of schools and £15,104 in exhibitions and prizes to students, making in all £60,528 in results fees and prizes. The expenses incidental to the examinations, including the hire of rooms, printing and stationery, remuneration of examiners and their locomotion expenses, amounted to £11,692, whilst the actual cost of administration was £4,736. For further particulars I would refer the hon. Member to the report of the Controller and Auditor General on the accounts of the Board for 1894, recently presented to Parliament. I am not prepared to say whether a more rigid economy is called for on the part of this Board, nor am I in a position to bring pressure to bear on it.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether it was not possible for him to ask the Board to increase the number of exhibitions and prizes awarded, which was at present very small?

I have no authority with the Board in my capacity as chief Secretary.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, how many Volunteer Corps in England and Scotland are in possession of adequate transport wagons and equipment, and, in the event of a general mobilisation, what steps the War Office propose to take in order to supply those deficient with adequate means for maintaining their mobility; whether, on certain corps applying to the War Office authorities for an increase of officers and men to provide for such an establishment, such application was refused; and, what ground the authorities had for so refusing.

The whole question of transport for Volunteers on mobilisation for war is under the consideration of a mixed committee of Regular and Volunteer Officers. Pending the report of this committee it has not been thought desirable to accede to requests by particular corps for increase of establishment for this specific purpose.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, when the Return the House granted last Session of the illiterates who voted at the last General Election will be issued; and when the Return of the expenses of candidates at the last General Election, also ordered by the House last Session, will be issued?

I hope that the Return relating to illiterates will be presented in about a week and issued in a fortnight. With regard to the Return of Expenses all possible steps with a view to its early completion are being taken, and I hope it may be presented shortly.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that the prohibition of the working of overtime by young persons is inflicting serious inconvenience and hardship upon employers in the printing and allied trades, since it prevents provision being made to meet sudden emergencies and special seasons, it being impossible to work the machinery without the help of young persons, while in many cases it is very inconvenient and expensive, and in some cases impracticable to make arrangements for working two shifts; (2) whether he is aware that the Rules of the Printers Trade Unions do not admit of the members working the full hours allowed by the Factory Act, and that as a consequence many employers are prevented from taking advantage of the full time permitted by the Act; and (3) whether he will consider the advisability of reverting to the overtime allowed by the original Act, viz., 48 days in the year?

The abolition of the working of overtime by young persons was fully discussed by the Committee on the Bill of last Session, and was adopted by a large majority. It must necessarily cause some temporary inconvenience to the numerous industries affected by the change, but less to the printing trades than to others, because they enjoy exceptional powers of employing young persons at night under Sections 58 and 59 of the Act of 1878, and these powers have been extended by Section 30 of the Act of 1895, which sanctions the employment of male young persons in three shifts of eight hours each. I have made inquiry both of the trade society and employers, and cannot find that there are any such rules as are alluded to in the second paragraph of the question; but in any case I am not prepared to propose the repeal of a provision which was so recently adopted by Parliament after the fullest consideration.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can give the House any Returns of the quantity of joinery and carpentry work manufactured or partially manufactured abroad and sold in the United Kingdom; and what quantity comes from the United States and from Germany?

The goods referred to by the hon. Member will be found under the following heading in the import account of the annual statement of trade of the United Kingdom for 1894 (C. 7759) "Wood, House Frames, Fittings, Joiners' and Cabinet work." The total value of such imports, according to the annual statement was in 1894 £668,000, of which £207,000 came from the United States, and £116,000 from Germany. The statement for 1895 is not yet issued, but I am informed by the Customs that the imports in that year were valued at £762,000, of which £262,000 came from the United States and £123,000 from Germany.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether he is aware that pianos manufactured in Germany and elsewhere abroad are carried over railways in the United Kingdom at lower rates than those manufactured in London; and, whether this preference in the transit of foreign-made goods is in direct contravention of the Railway Rates Act?

I am not aware of the practice referred to by the hon. Member, and without the facts of a particular case before me it would be imprudent to express an opinion on the law.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can state the objections to the proposal of the Australasian Postmasters General for an exchange of postal orders between this country and their respective colonies; whether the risk of forgery is the sole objection; whether he has made inquiries as to the possibility of avoiding such risk by the means adopted in the case of bank notes and other securities; whether the Australasian Ministers are willing cheerfully to run the risk referred to; and, whether he will try the experiment of exchanging postal orders between this country and Australia for one year?

The Postmaster General is not aware that any proposal has been made by the Australasian colonies generally for an exchange of postal orders between this country and the respective colonies, though two of these colonies—South Australia and Queensland—have made such proposals. The Postmaster General, therefore, has no knowledge that the Australasian colonies generally would be willing to run the risks which it is thought here might arise from the cashing of forged or stolen orders. In addition to the risk of forgery, there is the risk of theft. If postal orders were stolen here there might not be the same means of stopping payment in Australia as there is here. The cases of forged bank notes and forged postal orders are very different. The former are not, as a rule, negotiated by presentation to an agent of the bank, but to some private individual. The latter would be presented for payment at one of the thousands of local post offices, and the loss would thus probably fall on the post office either of the colony or of this country, as the case might be. The subject, however, is engaging the Postmaster General's attention, though he cannot at the present time hold out any hopes that he will be able to overcome the difficulties to which I have alluded.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state the annual revenue derived by the Department from porterage on telegrams; whether he is aware that a boy employed in delivering telegrams in rural districts and the suburbs of towns frequently earns "porterage" enough in a few hours to cover his week's wages, and that, on the other hand, owing to "porterage," telegraphic communication with remote localities is practically nonexistent; and, whether he will abolish porterage on telegrams, and thus place on equality people living in the country with those living in the towns?

The gross annual revenue is estimated at £60,000. The reply to the rest of the hon. Member's question is in the negative; but I may add that the Postmaster General is making inquiry with a view to ascertain whether, by an extended use of bicycles, a reduction cannot be effected in the charges for the longer distances, in which delivery is at present effected by man and horse.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that increasing discontent is caused by the exaction of a fine of 2d., or four times the deficient postage, in the case of the delivery of an unstamped private postcard; whether, in the event of the delivery of an unstamped copy of The Queen, The Builder, or other heavy registered newspaper, or of an unstamped book-post packet weighing under two ounces, the fine levied is 1d., or twice the deficiency; and whether he will give the exact words of any Statute, or warrant having statutory authority, which justifies or requires the imposition of a fine of four times the deficient postage in the case of a private postcard, while in the case of an unstamped letter, newspaper, or book-post packet only twice the deficiency is charged?

The Postmaster General is not aware that increasing discontent is caused by the regulation referred to. Newspapers and book packets posted unpaid are charged double postage on delivery. The words of the Treasury warrant of 24th August, 1894, made under the Post Office Act, 1875, bearing on the point raised by the hon. Member, are as follow:—

"The expression 'Private Post Card" means a postcard bearing an adhesive stamp. The postage payable on every private post card must be prepaid. If any post card is sent by post otherwise than in conformity with this warrant it shall be forwarded to its destination charged on delivery with postage as an insufficiently paid letter of the same weight."

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, when considering the best means of expediting the transfer of the mails to and from the mail packets at Kingstown and Holyhead, he will consider the advisability of transferring the mail vans belonging to the Great Southern and Western (Irish) Railway Company and the London and North Western Railway Company to and from the mail boats, and have the mail vans proceed with their cargoes from Queenstown to Euston, and vice versa?

The gauge of Irish railways being different from that of English lines, the mail vans could not be bodily transferred as suggested by the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) whether he can state the circumstances under which James Henry, J.P., Draperstown, got possession in 1890 of the farm of John. M'Kenna, an evicted tenant of the Drapers' Company, London; (2) when did James Henry become purchaser of the farm under the Land Commission; what title did he show to satisfy the Land Commissioners that he was a bonâ fide, tenant before they sanctioned the purchase, or was any opportunity given the evicted tenant to become purchaser; (3) has it come to the knowledge of the Land Commission, and was it with their consent, that James Henry has since sold this farm for £350 to Patrick Trollan, of Cahore, Draperstown; (4) has any difficulty arisen about the transfer of the title deeds from James Henry to Patrick Trollan; and, (5) if so, what is the difficulty; and, what action will the Land Commission take in the matter?

The Land Commission inform me that Mr. Henry entered into an agreement in January, 1891, to purchase his holding, of which he was in possession as a yearly tenant under the Drapers' Company, for £140. The Commissioners were informed that Mr. Henry had acquired the interest of the previous tenant, John McKenna, under a decree which he obtained as a mortgagee in 1889. The holding was duly vested in Mr. Henry, and his vesting order has been registered under the Registration of Title Act. A purchaser under the Purchase Acts can sell his holding without the consent of the Land Commission. The Commissioners have no information as to any sale, as alleged in the third paragraph, and they see no grounds for taking any action in the case of the sale of the holding to Mr. Henry which appears to have been a bonâ fide sale to a tenant in occupation under a contract of tenancy.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, inasmuch as the most recent Official Returns from Bengal show that during the past five years, out of a daily average of 17,945 prisoners in the gaols of that Presidency, there were 1,169 deaths, of which only 207 were from cholera, will the Government endeavour more effectually to secure the introduction into the generality of Bengal prisons of those special sanitary improvements which have lately been eminently successful at the Hooghly District Gaol and also at Bhagalpore, where deaths from dysentery and other malarial diseases have, in consequence, been reduced to a minimum?

The hon. Member has quoted figures which apply not to the last five years, but the 51 years from 1844 to 1894. The corresponding figures for the last five years would be 16,576, 622, and 51. The average death rate per mille of average strength in those five years was only 37, a rate so low that it goes far to confirm the statement which I made last week that the Lieutenant Governor is doing all that lies in his power to make the gaols more healthy. I am not aware what are the special sanitary improvements to which the question refers; but I will cause the question to be brought under the notice of the Lieutenant Governor.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he has observed that at the late Cumberland Assizes three causes were left untried although the Judge on the last night of the Assize sat until 10.30 p.m.; whether the same Judge at the Westmorland Assizes had no work except to sentence one prisoner who pleaded guilty; whether the same number of days were allotted to each county; and, whether means will be adopted in the future to insure that sufficient time is given for the trial of causes at Carlisle.

The facts referred to in the hon. Member's question had not been brought to my notice, but I may state that the number of days allotted to each place in a circuit is arranged by the Judge himself, who goes the circuit, with as close adherence, however, as possible to the scheme of dates which was settled by Order in Council on the recommendation of the Judges. It is practically impossible to be certain beforehand how much time will be required at each place, but I am assured that the greatest care is taken by the Judges to insure that sufficient allowance is made.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office, whether the route marching which has been practised during the last winter has proved that the boots now supplied to the infantry are defective in quality; and, what is the principle on which these boots are now supplied to the Army?

There have been no special reports on the ankle boot during the past route marching season. It is known, however, that the Infantry boot does not give satisfaction and, as I have already stated, extensive trials of new patterns are now being made.

asked the right hon. Gentleman whether, before the Army Estimates came on, the House would be in possession of a copy of Lord Methuen's observations on the boots provided for the Brigade of Guards during the Marches?

said he could not answer that question without notice.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office, whether contracts for the uniform of the Army have for some time been given to contractors who employ what is termed "sweating" labour; and, if so, what steps the Government propose taking to put a stop to such a practice?

No, sir. The Fair Wages Resolution of the House is embodied in all Contracts, and there is no reason to think that it is disobeyed.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether there is any intention to alter the uniform of the Army; and, if so, when the changes will come into effect; and, whether any preliminary intimation can be given so that those corps affected may not provide new articles of clothing or equipment which would shortly become obsolete and require replacing, and thus involve fresh expenditure?

Some minor alterations of uniform are under consideration; but no decision has yet been come to. In carrying out any changes which may be sanctioned the consideration of giving preliminary intimation so as to avoid fresh expenditure will certainly not be lost sight of.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board when the Report of the Royal Commission on Vaccination is likely to be issued?

I can only say—as I have stated already, in reply to either two or three different questions—that I am informed that the Royal Commission on Vaccination are actively engaged in the consideration of their Report, and that they hope to be able to present it before long.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether his attention has been called to the remarks of the Judge of Assize on the Oxford Circuit, in charging the Grand Jury of the County of Gloucester, to the effect that, the local authorities had been guilty of unjustifiable conduct in failing to enforce the laws in regard to vaccination; whether, in consequence of the prevalence of small-pox at Gloucester, the Assizes for Gloucestershire were, by direction of the Lord Chancellor, held at Cheltenham; and what steps will be taken by the Local Government Board to ensure the observance of the Law by local authorities?

My attention has been drawn to the observations of the Judge of Assize as to the non-enforcement of vaccination in the Gloucester Union, and I am aware of the fact that in consequence of the outbreak of smallpox the Assizes were held at Cheltenham instead of at Gloucester. I have been in communication with the Guardians of the Gloucester Union on the subject. It is admitted by them that there had been a failure on their part to enforce the provisions of the Vaccination Acts. Since the outbreak of small-pox occurred they have issued notices urging the parents of unvaccinated children to obtain their immediate vaccination. Special arrangements have been made for the attendance of the public vaccinators, and there have been more than 2,000 cases of primary vaccination and revaccination since the outbreak.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, in view of the unsatisfactory results of local and partial muzzling orders for dogs, he is prepared to endeavour to stamp out rabies by issuing a general muzzling order for the whole country, to be combined with a system of quarantine upon the admission of dogs into the country?

I am afraid that I can add nothing material to my reply to the similar Question addressed to me by my hon. Friend, the Member for Plymouth, on the 13th instant. Under existing circumstances, I do not think that the issue of a muzzling order applicable to the whole of the country is either necessary or feasible.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, in connection with his recent decision to grant to the constables of the Metropolitan Police Force a money allowance instead of contract boots, he will consider the advisability of a half-yearly rather than a weekly payment, as the proposed arrangement, necessitating the putting aside of money every week, would press severely upon constables with families who are obliged to pay high London rents?

The question of the manner in which the allowance should be paid was carefully considered; but, I am informed, the objections to any other than a weekly payment were found to be insuperable.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether, in view of the fact that the amount determined by the Treasury to provide against depreciation in the value of the securities to the credit of the Post Office Savings Banks Fund has become each year less in proportion as the price of those securities has risen, he will move for a Committee of this House to consider whether any and what changes are necessary in the regulation by the Treasury of the fund set apart to provide for depreciation in the value of the securities held for account of the Post Office Savings Banks?

If I rightly understand my hon. Friend's question, I think the anxiety suggested in it is at least premature. I must remind him that the assets of the Post Office Savings Banks on December 31st last exceeded the liabilities by over 7½ millions, and that the excess is at the present time considerably above that figure. The margin, therefore, represents something like 7½ per cent. Under these circumstances I am not prepared to move for a Committee.

asked if the excess to which the right hon. Gentleman referred was available in case of necessity for any possible depreciation of Securities?

It is the excess of value of the securities.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he will state how many accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank show a balance of less than £50, and how many show a balance of £50 and less than £100 on 1st January, 1896?

The returns for the year 1895 are not yet completed; but there were on the 31st December, 1894, 5,570, 759 accounts in the Post Office Savings Bank, showing a balance not exceeding £50, and 323,610 accounts showing a balance of over £50 and not exceeding £100. The hon. Member will notice that the accounts are given as not exceeding £50 and £100 respectively, and not precisely in the terms specified in the Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, upon whose recommendation did District Inspector Bain, of Newcastle West, get permission to go upon a war expedition to Ashanti; and is he aware of how many previous police officers were allowed to go upon a soldiering expedition?

also asked the Under Secretary of State for War, if District Inspector Bain, of Newcastle West, was drawing any pay as a volunteer with Sir John Scott's expedition to Ashanti; and, if so how much?

With permission of the hon Member, I will reply to these questions, as Mr. Bain was not sent out by the War Department. He volunteered his services to the Colonial Government, and having obtained leave of absence from Ireland, was allowed by the Colonial Office to go out at his own expense, receiving no pay. There were no other police officers from the Home service employed.

asked, from whom Inspector Bain got his leave of absence?

From his own superior officer, of course. Practically this gentleman preferred to spend his holiday in seeing active service rather than at home.

asked the right hon. Gentleman if two months' leave was allowed to police officers, and had Mr. Bain exceeded that limit?

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer that question. I believe 50 days is the usual period of leave allowed to a police officer. It is sometimes increased to two months, but, where it is so increased, the difference between the 50 days and the two months is taken off the officer's leave in a subsequent year.

asked, whether, after this gentleman had done with freebooting in Africa, he was entitled to come back to the service of the State in Ireland?

Order, order! That is a question which would not be allowed on the Paper in those terms, and it cannot be permitted now.

asked, whether Inspector Bain's substitute was paid?

No additional expense is involved to the public.

asked, whether, if there was any plunder from Ashanti, any of it would be given to Inspector Bain?

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland, if his attention has been called to an article in the last issue of the Sligo Independent, in which it is clearly insinuated that certain persons who are to be tried at the Sligo Assizes, commencing on 7th March next, are guilty of the charges preferred against them; what action does he propose to take in regard to the said article; and, will he take care, in the interests of justice, that the causes of the accused are not prejudiced by an organ, circulating amongst the grand jurors and jurors by whom they are to be tried?

I have not seen the article referred to, but I have been informed that comments on the cases mentioned, not at all calculated to promote the ends of justice, have been freely made in the local Press. I regret to say that as no indictment has been found against any of the accused, and no cause is pending in the legal sense, I cannot, until the assizes take place, take any steps to have any persons, who may by means such as those above-mentioned, seek to prejudice the trials which may take place or obstruct the ordinary course of justice, punished for contempt of Court, but I will inquire carefully into the matter, and, if necessary, take steps to have the place of trial changed if there should be a probability that a fair and impartial trial cannot be obtained in the local venue.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what is the usual course of procedure by the Crown in England in regard to persons charged with indictable offences against whom, after magisterial investigation, informations were refused; and have bills been sent up against such persons in England within the twelve months ended 31st December 1895; and, if so, will he state the number of such cases and the places in which the magisterial investigations were held?

Subject to the provisions of the Vexatious Indictments Act, an indictment may be preferred by any person after a case has been dismissed by the magistrates, which is, I assume, what the hon. Member means by the informations being refused. The Crown in this respect is in the same position as a private prosecutor. Whether or not in any particular instance an indictment is preferred, obviously depends on the circumstances of the case.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to a report in the London Standard of the 13th September 1895, from which it appears that a man named Colin Arthur Harn, of Penton Place, Newington, was fined 40s. at the prosecution of the police for creating an obstruction at South Place, Kennington Park, by speaking in the street; whether he is aware that the presiding magistrate, Mr. Hopkins, informed defendant that he would not be allowed to speak in the streets, as he could not do so without creating an obstruction; is he aware that certain persons known as street preachers have recently occasioned serious obstruction in the streets of Sligo by attempting to speak therein; and will he instruct the police in Sligo to enforce the law in that town as it is enforced in London?

I have not seen a report of the proceedings in the case specially referred to in the question. I am aware that for some time past religious services have been conducted in the streets of Sligo, and that arising out of these open-air services acts of violence have been committed. As to the legality of the services, I would observe that street-preaching perse is no offence by common or statute law, but that if in the practice of it an obstruction of the highway is caused, an illegal act is committed. The police have been instructed to prevent disorder and obstruction of the thoroughfare in Sligo, as in other parts of Ireland where street-preaching has been practised, and this duty they will continue to discharge.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, will he explain why the sub-post office in Jail Street, Ennis, was closed in December 1895, is he aware that since the date mentioned the Post Office authorities have promised to re-open the office in question: and, will he give instructions to have it re-opened as soon as possible.

The office was closed because the sub-postmistress was deficient in her official money, and was unable to make the deficiency good. It has been arranged to open another office in the locality as soon as possible, but at a site somewhat more distant from the head post office.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether his attention has been called to a pronouncement of County Court Judge Orr, Q.C., at Land Sessions in Enniskillen, to the effect that he would assume the judicial rent fixed for the first term was the fair rent then, and that under no circumstances would he go behind it as such; (2) whether he is aware that in a very large number of cases, owing to the absence of necessary witnesses or to the omission in certain cases to have particulars of improvements written on back of originating notice or other causes, rent has been, fixed upon the improvements made by the tenant or his predecessor in title; and (3) whether he will embody in his Land Bill a provision to enable the Court to investigate this matter, and to relieve the tenants from the rents which have been charged on improvements towards which the landlord never contributed anything?

My attention has not been drawn to the pronouncement of Judge Orr, to which reference is made, but I have called for a copy of his observations on the occasion. As regards the second paragraph, the point raised is under the consideration of the Government, though I am not in a position to make any detailed statement as to the provisions of the Land Bill.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been called to the case of Jones v. Aylword, recently decided in the Irish Courts, in which judgment has been obtained against a tenant for non-title, notwithstanding that he had had a judicial rent fixed, on the ground that the landlord under whom the rent had been fixed was only a tenant for life, and that the tenancy did not bind the remainderman; whether he is aware that in other cases tenants have been actually evicted from their holdings on the same grounds; and, whether the proposed Land Bill will contain any provision redressing this grievance; if so, whether such provision will be retrospective in its operation?

The Land Commission have no knowledge or information as to the case referred to in the first paragraph, but I may state that the question raised by the hon. Member is under the consideration of the Government.

asked, whether before the introduction of a Land Bill steps would be taken to protect the large number of tenants affected.

I have already said that the matter is under the consideration of the Government, but I am not in a position to make any statement with regard to the provisions of the Land Act.

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the particular case to which I have called attention?

Certainly.

I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman, whether, considering the large number of cases of this kind in the North and South of Ireland, he will specially point out the matter to the Land Commission, and see that justice is done?

Would the right hon. Gentleman ask the Land Commission to postpone those cases until after the passing of the Land Act?

ruled the Question out of order.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he has received copy of Resolutions from the Town Commissioners of Newtownards (County Down), adopted at a meeting held on 21st October, 1895, and expressing their dissatisfaction with the state of the law which throws the entire burden of taxation on the owner or occupier of buildings and allows the owner of the ground rents to go "scot free;" and, whether he will consider the question with a view to have the law amended?

Copies of the Resolutions referred to have been received. The question of the taxation of ground rents is clearly one that can only be considered in reference to the United Kingdom as a whole.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate—(1) whether his attention has been called to a communication, signed by fishermen of Hilton, complaining that six trawlers were at work off Hilton on Sunday, 26th January, that 25 were at work off Rockfield, Ross-shire, on the 2nd instant, and that some of these trawlers were scarcely a mile from the shore; (2) whether he is aware that on Sunday, the 9th instant, 48 trawlers were counted off Wilkhaven, Tarbet, and that on Sunday, the 16th instant, 26 were counted off Hilton, that one of this number came quite close to shore, put out lights about 9 p.m., and commenced hauling up the trawl; and, (3) whether the gunboats engaged in the protection of the Moray Firth against trawlers were at anchor on the Sunday referred to; and, if not, whether he will explain how the trawling operations of the trawlers within the three-mile limit escaped attention?

In reply to this question, I can only say generally that complaints of trawling within the three-mile limit have been received from various parts of the Moray Firth. The information given is usually too vague to admit of action being taken, but each case is remitted for investigation. I do not understand that the hon. Member's informants knew beforehand, any more than the commanders of the gunboats, where the trawling was to take place on a given date. In regard to the third paragraph, I am informed that the gunboats were both in harbour on only one of the days referred to.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, whether his attention has been drawn to a communication from the fishermen of Hilton (Ross-shire), stating that, unless the former restrictions are reimposed against trawlers in the Moray Firth, the fishermen will soon be brought to starvation, and that they cannot now proceed to sea before daylight owing to the risk of losing their lines; and, whether additional gunboats or a torpedo boat, will be sent to protect the fishing banks of the Moray Firth within the three-mile limit?

I cannot properly answer any question as to trawling restrictions in the Moray Firth until the High Court has given its judgment in the case recently argued before it. There is no proposal at present to increase the protecting force.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, whether his attention has been called to the fact that, on Tuesday, the 11th instant, trawler No. A 560, steamed close in shore at Wilkhaven, Tarbet, Ross-shire, and cast the trawl about one and-a-half miles from land; and, whether any steps have been taken with a view to a prosecution?

So far as I can discover, the authorities have not been informed of this case of illegal trawling, except through the hon. Member's question. If this be so, it would have been more to the purpose if his informant had reported the case to the nearest procurator fiscal or fishery officer, even at the risk of depriving the hon. Member of material for a question. Even now, if the hon. Member will furnish me with the information in his possession, I will have it inquired into at once.

asked, if a letter, signed by several fishermen, had been received by the right hon. Gentleman?

I am not aware of that.

Will the Lord Advocate inquire if it was sent to the Secretary for Scotland?

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state where and how the Scottish Fishery Board's cruiser New Vigilant has been engaged since 1st October last, what districts she has visited, how long she has remained in each district, and the dates of each visit?

The cruiser referred to has been actively engaged during the whole period since 1st October in fishery duty in the Firth of Clyde district, excepting about three weeks when she was under repair, and four days' leave at New Year.

asked the Lord Advocate if he was aware that the vessel was provided by the late Government for the purpose of protecting the fishing-grounds around the Island of Lewis?

No, Sir; I was not aware of it.

On behalf of the hon. Member for North Sligo (Mr. B. COLLERY), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that, owing to the crowded state of the Sligo and Leitrim Lunatic Asylum in 1868, the Sligo Board of Guardians, at the request of the Governors, took over and have since maintained 20 harmless lunatics, for which they received no remuneration; and whether the Governors of the Asylum were bound to pay for their maintenance, or whether the Guardians are entitled to receive the capitation grant paid for the past maintenance of lunatics in asylums, particularly as those referred to were originally committed to the Asylum?

It appears to be a fact that, in the year 1868, 20 harmless lunatics were discharged from the Sligo District Asylum and removed to the Union Workhouse. The Governors of the Asylum have no power to pay for the maintenance of these persons in the Workhouse, as no special contract was entered into with them under the provisions of the 9th Section of the 38 and 39 Vic., Cap. 67. On the general question of the payment of a grant in aid of the maintenance of insane persons in Union workhouses, I have already informed the hon. Gentleman that the matter is engaging the consideration of the Government in connection with a Bill which they have in contemplation for facilitating amalgamation of workhouses, and for making better provision for certain classes of the destitute poor in Ireland.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade when it is probable the Committee at present inquiring into the Mercantile Marine Fund will make their Report, so that the question whether some improvement should not be made in the position of lighthouse-keepers may be decided by the Board of Trade?

I have every hope that the Committee at present inquiring into the Mercantile Marine Fund will be in a position to make its Report at no distant date. Further consideration of the draft Report will take place when an elaborate Return, which is being prepared by the Trinity House, is received.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether his attention has been called to the fact that, in cases where the application for the Queen's Taxes is not at once met with payment, collectors leave at the house where the application has been made an open paper in which it is stated that, unless the amount be paid or remitted within seven days from this date, there will be no alternative but to use the warrant which has been placed in their hands authorising and requiring them to obtain payment without further delay; and, whether he will cause such a change in these notices to be made as to render it clear that the warrant alluded to is not one that has been granted by a magistrate against any particular individual.

The form to which the hon. Member takes objection will be discontinued, and a new form substituted, in which the misleading term "warrant" is omitted, ["Hear, hear."]

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) if his attention has been directed to the protests of the Corporation and Poor Law Guardians of Limerick against the arrival in the port of the city of Limerick of the steamer North Cambrian, a few weeks ago, infected with small pox; (2) whether, in future, such ships, if any, will be detained in quarantine; and, (3) if the Government will be prepared to join with the local authorities in a grant to erect an intercepting hospital on some island near the mouth of the Shannon?

My reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The Local Government Board informed me that vessels can only be placed in quarantine in accordance with Privy Council Orders under the Quarantine Act to prevent the introduction of Plague or Yellow Fever, and cholera is similarly dealt with under orders issued in pursuance of the Public Health Act. It has not been deemed expedient to make regulations dealing with smallpox as a seaborne disease, inasmuch as that disease is liable to occur inland, and as a matter of fact, is seldom introduced by vessels coming from abroad. Under the existing law, a ship having on board cases of smallpox can be dealt with by the sanitary authority in whose district she is lying, as an infected house, her sick can be moved to hospital if not properly accommodated on board, and she can be disinfected in the same manner as other premises are disinfected. The final paragraph raises a general question upon which I am not prepared to express an opinion without consulting the authorities in England and Scotland.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland (1) if, in view of the recent expressions of opinions of the citizens and solicitors of Limerick, the Government will reconsider the question of establishing a local Court of Bankruptcy in the city of Limerick; and (2) whether Limerick would be a convenient centre for the disposal of bankruptcy cases arising also in the county of Clare and parts of the counties of Cork, Tipperary, and Kerry?

As, according to the information supplied to me, only 12 persons resident in the county and city of Limerick became bankrupt in the years 1893, 1894, and 1895, and only 18 carried arrangements with their creditors, and only eight persons residing in the county of Clare became bankrupt and five carried arrangements within the same period, the Government do not consider it necessary to establish a local Bankruptcy Court at Limerick. With regard to the second paragraph, the counties of Cork and Kerry are included within the jurisdiction of the local Bankruptcy Court of Cork, and any subdivision of counties into districts attached to different courts would occasion much inconvenience.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether it has been brought to his notice that up to a recent date the number of samples analysed under the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893, exceeded 10 in six counties only, that in each of eight counties only one analysis has been made, and that in 10 counties there has been no analysis at all; and whether, in view of the complexity of the Board of Trade regulations prescribing the procedure for the taking of samples and for other matters under the Act, the regulations will be simplified, with a view to preventing agriculturists from being deprived of the advantages which the Act confers?

During the two years in which the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893, has been in operation, the number of samples analysed in Great Britain has exceeded 10 in 37 counties, whilst in nine counties only one analysis has been made, and in 29 counties there have been no analyses. I should be very glad to receive and consider any suggestions for the simplification of the regulations under which samples are taken, but it should be remembered that the analysis may become the basis, not only of civil but of criminal proceedings, and it is, therefore, essential that no mistake should be made in regard to the sample, and that it should accurately represent the article supplied.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland—(1) whether he is aware that Mr. Mark Bradley, of Kells Grange, Thomastown, county Kilkenny, has been repeatedly summoned to Stony-ford Petty Sessions by the Fishery Conservators for not having the gates of his mill raised on certain working days, and that the cases were dismissed by a full bench of magistrates; (2) whether he is aware that Mr. Bradley works his mill under the same conditions as to the opening of sluice gates and waterway that it has been worked for 40 years without interference hitherto by the Fishery Conservators; and (3) whether, considering that Mr. Bradley cannot open the gates as required by the Fishery Conservators without completely stopping his mill during the six working days of the week, and as he is willing to keep them open on Saturdays and Sundays, he will see that no further prosecutions are instituted against him?

I am informed that Mr. Bradley has been summoned on several occasions by the Fishery Conservators for not having his mill sluices raised during the hours prescribed by Statute. On two occasions the cases were dismissed, but on the third occasion Mr. Bradley was convicted of the offence. I have no information regarding what is alleged in the second paragraph. As to the third paragraph, the Crown has no power to interfere with prosecutions of this description, but the Clerk to the Board of Conservators states that unless he considers that the sluices can be raised without injury to the water-power he will not institute proceedings against Bradley.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that Kilmore fishermen are compelled by the County Wexford Grand Jury to pay harbour dues; whether the Grand Jury is vested with compulsory powers in this direction; and whether there is any other place in the three Kingdoms where fishermen are compelled to pay harbour dues?

I am informed that the Kilmore fishermen are required to pay harbour dues by the Grand Jury of County Wexford under the powers conferred upon the Grand Jury by the 7th Section of 16th and 17th Vic. cap. 136. There are other places in Ireland, such as Kinsale, Baltimore and Bingle, where the payment of harbour dues by fishermen is also enforced.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether any evidence can be adduced to show, or any competent authority has declared, that the methods adopted by the Privy Council in the Order of 1895 are of any use in stamping out swine fever; and, if not, will he recommend the discontinuance of this Order?

The same methods have been adopted in Ireland as in England for the purpose of stamping out swine fever. A considerable volume of evidence was given before the Committee of Inquiry in 1893 as to the importance of imposing restrictions on the movements of animals in districts infected with the disease, and it is now generally recognised that the holding of fairs and markets with unrestricted movement therefrom, in districts where a contagious disease is prevalent, leads to the spread of the disease. The Order of January, 1895, referred to, has been applied in 32 Poor Law Unions in Ireland, but, in consequence of the decrease of swine fever, 25 out of these 32 Unions have since been exempted from the operation of the Order, and it is hoped that it may be possible to make further exemptions at no distant date.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he has arranged with the Postmaster General to sanction the sale of Ordnance maps at post offices throughout the country, in accordance with the promise made to the House at the end of last Session in Committee of Supply?

The promise made on behalf of the Government was that the suggestion of the hon. Member should be fully considered when the arrangements for the sale of the Ordnance Survey maps were reviewed prior to the expiration of the existing contract. I may now say that a Departmental Committee, of which my hon. Friend the Member for Fulham is the Chairman, was appointed in October last to report upon those arrangements, and the Committee is, I understand, in communication with the Post Office with a view to ascertain to what extent, if any, it would be feasible to utilise the machinery of that Department for the purpose in question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, whether it is intended to levy the railway passenger duty on the light railways that may be constructed under the Bill of the Government now before the House?

An alteration in the general law in favour of light railways would be attended with considerable inconvenience, and, having regard to the fact that passenger duty is not levied on fares not exceeding the rate of 1d. a mile, the matter is not one of great practical importance in connection with the proposed lines.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, if he will give powers for existing Railway Companies to avail themselves of the Light Railways Bill.

The hon. Member will find that his point is met by my Bill.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, whether his attention has been directed to a complaint made by Mr. Gilheany, of Gubnaveagh, Ballinamore, county Leitrim, that his son, Hugh Gilheany, was killed in Scotland, in the month of June, 1894, while in the employment of Messrs. Duncan and Sons, of Glasgow; that the police officer belonging to the Southern Police Station, in Glasgow, found on deceased's body the key of his trunk, and gave this key over to strangers without communicating with his relatives in Ireland; and, whether he will direct that a full Return of the property left by deceased and taken charge of by the police be furnished to his father in Ireland?

My attention was only called to this complaint by the hon. Member's Question. I have made inquiry, and find that in June, 1894, the deceased, a labourer, aged 22, was engaged in raising stones at a building in course of erection, and was, unfortunately, killed by a crane accident. The key of his trunk was found on his person, but it was not given over to strangers, as stated in the Question. It was handed to his cousin, Michael Deans, his only relative in Glasgow. His father was telegraphed for, and came over from Ireland next day, and the landlady told the police that she saw Deans hand over all the deceased's property to his father. Some time afterwards the father wrote to the police, asking them to make inquiry as to other property which he suspected the deceased had. On inquiry they could find no evidence of his having possessed anything beyond what had been handed over to his father, and they wrote to the father to that effect. Since then, so far as my information goes, nothing has been heard of the matter, and, as the police were never in charge of the property, I am afraid it is impossible to give the Return asked for.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether there has been any falling-off of candidates for commissions in the Army Medical Department; if so, what is considered the cause; whether the same result occurs in connection with candidates for the Indian Medical Service; and, what were the numbers presenting themselves for examination in these Services respectively for the past three years?

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether, at last examination for candidates for the Army Medical Service, there were more vacancies than candidates; whether there are at present at the Irish Medical Schools any intending candidates for the Army Medical Service; and, has he any information showing to what causes the falling-off in candidates is attributable, especially of candidates from the Irish Schools for a Service hitherto so popular?

This question has been also brought to the notice of Lord Lansdowne by the learned Member for Dublin University. In proportion to the vacancies offered for competition there was a falling-off in the number of candidates in 1895 as compared with 1893 and 1894. The same result occurred, though in a less degree, for the Indian Medical Service. The candidates during the last three years have been:— for the Army Medical Staff, 59 for 26 vacancies, 51 for 22 vacancies, and 40 for 27 vacancies; for the Indian Medical Service, 63 for 27 vacancies, 69 for 28 vacancies, and 70 for 34 vacancies. At the last examination for the Army Medical Staff 18 candidates competed for 17 vacancies. The causes of this diminution, especially in the number of Irish candidates, are engaging the serious consideration of the Secretary of State, and I hope to be in a position to make a statement upon the subject in introducing the Army Estimates.

suggested that the falling-off of Irish candidates was due to the fact that there were no representatives of Irish Medical Schools on the examining board for either the Indian Medical Service or the Army Medical Service.

also asked for the cause of this "boycotting" of the Services by young medical men from Ireland.

said the matter should be investigated.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, referring to the correspondence that has lately taken place between the Lord Bishop of Limerick and himself, as published in the Irish papers, whether he will state in what state the Scheme No. 90 framed by the Educational Endowments (Ireland) Commissioners now stands; and, whether, seeing that this House on 17th May, 1895, decided that the said Scheme should pass into law with the exception of paragraph 6, which gave a right of pre-emption to the Rev. W. Gregg, of Limerick, of certain premises at Roxborough, Limerick, and that the Corporation of Limerick, as the proper local authority under the Act, based their dissent to the Scheme by petitions to this House against only that part of the Scheme expunged by the said Resolution, he will explain what reasons exist for not carrying into effect the said Resolution and giving the Scheme immediate practical operation?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers, I would ask him whether, considering the grave and serious charges made against him by the Most Rev. Dr. O'Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick, in the correspondence recently published in the Freeman's Journal, he has any explanation to offer to the House?

My letter of the 18th instant, addressed to the Bishop of Limerick, and published with the other correspondence to which the hon. Member refers, contains a detailed statement of the position and of the circumstances under which a revision of the Scheme is to be submitted to the Privy Council. To that letter I have nothing to add by way of further explanation.

At what time does it come into operation, or is it to be definitely postponed; and will any effect be given to the Resolution of the House of Commons of May last?

If the Scheme meets with the approval of the Privy Council it will in due course be laid on the Table of House, and hon. Members will have an opportunity of discussing it.

Is it this Session?

I should think that in all probability it would be this Session.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he is aware that the existing law as regards cookshops presses severely upon certain classes in the poorer parts of the Metropolis; and that until recently the law has not been strictly enforced, the time being usually extended by from 30 to 40 minutes on Saturdays to meet the convenience of the public; and, whether he can see his way, since the Licensing Act of 1874 was directed chiefly against what were then known as night-houses, to give instructions to the police to show some little indulgence to the class of shopkeepers in question.

It has always been the practice to enforce the closing of these shops at the time required by law, and the time has not been extended as stated in the Question. Very few complaints have been received in recent years in regard to this requirement of the law, and I have no reason for supposing that it presses hardly on certain classes in the poorer districts.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, whether he can grant a Return of the regulations with regard to religious instruction given in public elementary schools other than board schools, on lines similar to the Return given in February 1895, by the Education Department in relation to board schools?

The Committee of Council found great difficulty in obtaining the information necessary for the return of February, 1895. In the case of voluntary schools it would be almost impossible to obtain this information; and it is, therefore, not practicable to give the return asked for by the hon. Member.

Would the right hon. Gentleman grant a return for a few selected counties?

That is quite another thing. I must have notice of the Question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he can state what has been the result of the experiment in the transmission home of seamen's wages from Foreign ports of discharge, which was to be made at the port of Dunkirk for one year expiring in August, 1895; and whether he has received petitions from many, and, if so, how many, seaports, and Officers and seamen, in favour of the extension of the system to other Continental ports of discharge; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter?

Between August 2, 1894, and December 31, 1895, 685 British and 166 Foreign seamen availed themselves of the advantages offered and transmitted a sum of £14,515 to the United Kingdom. Of course only a comparatively small portion of this sum can be credited to the operation of the new scheme, because there is at work side by side with it the old system, under which the men can remit by means of money orders. Taking the two systems together, there has been an estimated increase in the number of men discharged who have sent money of between 10 and 11 per cent., while the sum sent has increased by between 12 and 13 per cent. I have received 26 petitions in favour of an extension of the system to other Continental ports, and these will receive careful consideration. But, as I stated to the House in reply to a Question of my hon. Friend on August 20 last, the experiment at Dunkirk has been to a large extent made under exceptional circumstances, and it will, therefore, be continued until August next before any further steps are taken.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, from whence the water supply for the new barracks at Parkhurst is to be obtained; and whether he is satisfied that the supply will be wholesome?

These barracks have been supplied with water from the Parkhurst Forest Reservoir since October, 1894, when the supply of water then drawn from Newport was cut off, owing to enteric contamination, from which the Forest Reservoir was reported to be free. No complaints have been received.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in consequence of the shooting rights in Parkhurst Forest being let, the regiment quartered at Parkhurst has to march sometimes three miles, and oftener four miles, for military training, thus spending about two hours and three-quarters in useless marching; and whether, considering that Parkhurst Forest is quite close to the barracks, and admirably adapted for military training, he will take steps to prevent the right of shooting from being let in future?

The General Officer Commanding has been called upon for a Report on this Question.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, whether he is aware that a Committee, appointed by the Admiralty in 1885, to inquire into and report on the Education of Naval Executive Officers, strongly condemned the present mode of education by means of H.M.S. Britannia; that a similar recommendation was made by a Committee on Naval Education which sat in 1875; and that a like recommendation was also made by a Committee which sat in 1870; and whether the Government have taken any and, if so, what steps to carry into effect the above recommendations and to terminate a system of education of Naval Officers which has been condemned by the Committees of different Boards of Admiralty as expensive, inefficient, and wholly un-suited to the requirements of the Service?

I am giving my attention to the subject, and hope to make a statement on the Estimates.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, whether it is a fact that retired Volunteers desirous of keeping up their shooting are liable to prosecution and fine if they use the range without first obtaining a gun licence; and, if so, whether he can see his way to obtaining a relaxation of the law in their favour?

I fear that we could make no case for exempting from the liabilities of other civilians Volunteers who have entirely severed their connection with their corps. But, in our opinion, the case of Volunteers who have been enrolled as reserve men under Article 183 of the Volunteer Regulations is different, and the Secretary of State will communicate with the Inland Revenue authorities with regard to their liability.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he could state to the House how many assistant engineers joined the Navy from Keyham in each of the years 1893, 1894, 1895; what was the length of training of these engineers, and how many engineer students there are at present at Keyham; and how many appointments as temporary and probationary engineers were offered; how many candidates presented themselves; and how many received appointments in each of the above years?

The number of assistant engineers who joined the Navy from Keyham in the years specified was as follows:—In 1893, 31 (22 of four years' service and nine of five years' service); in 1894, 29 (20 of four and nine of five years' service); in 1895, 26 (15 of four and 11 of five years' service). There are at present 176 engineer students at the Keyham College and six students of Naval construction. As regards assistant engineers for temporary service no appointments were offered in 1893. It was subseequently decided to enter a total number of 40, spreading the entry over two or three years, but no limit to the number of appointments in each year was stated. In 1894 34 candidates, selected from a number of applicants, were examined, 12 of whom were entered. In 1895 there were 41 selected candidates, and of these 17 were entered. As regards direct entry of probationary assistant engineers, no limit to numbers was stated. The actual entries in 1893, 1894 and 1895 were two, 10 and eight respectively, from a total of selected candidates in the respective years of seven, 20 and 12.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether any communications have passed between the British and Russian Governments since the latest dispatch in Turkey, No. 2, 1896, with reference to the conditions on which Russia would undertake to occupy and police those provinces of Asiatic Turkey in which massacres have principally occurred, and in which a recrudescence of trouble is to be feared?

The answer is in the negative.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether Her Majesty's Government will consider the desirability of taking the initiative in seeking the approval of the signatories to the Berlin Treaty to the Russian occupation of those provinces in Asiatic Turkey in which recent massacres have occurred?

asked whether such an occupation as the question contemplated would not be a violation of four separate treaties?

I do not think it necessary to make any such historical investigation as the hon. Member for King's Lynn suggests, because, as a matter of fact, Her Majesty's Government have no intention of doing what is proposed in the question on the Paper.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he is aware that in May 1894 the tenants on Lord Annaly's county Longford estate purchased their holdings on the understanding that an immediate reduction in rent, pending the completion of sale, would follow, but that no such reduction took place; will he inquire what is the cause of the delay in completing these sales; and will he draw the attention of the Land Commission to the necessity of immediately completing these sales?

I understand that this estate is for sale in the Land Judges Court, and that until the rental has been settled the Land Commission cannot make an offer to purchase. The Commissioners have no knowledge as to any understanding with the tenants regarding their obtaining an immediate reduction in their rents pending the completion of the sale, which, as I have pointed out, is not yet pending before them. I shall look further into the matter, however, in order to ascertain whether anything can be done to expedite the proceedings elsewhere.

asked whether it was a fact that an application had been lodged with the Land Commission?

Apparently not, Sir. But I am not quite certain.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether his attention has been called to a statement that, by a treaty concluded recently between Russia and China, the former Power obtains the right to construct and work, under Russian management and administration, the Nertchinsk-Tsitsihar-Vladivostok and Tsitsihar-Port-Arthur Railways, together with other commercial advantages to which the most-favoured-nation clause is not applicable; and, whether he has any information confirmatory of that statement?

Her Majesty's Government have been informed by the Russian Government that there is no truth whatever in the statement referred to.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether his attention has been called to the prevalence of enteric fever amongst the European troops in India; and, whether he will cause inquiry to be made as to the disposal of the night soil and manure collected in the bazaars and districts of the various cantonments where such enteric fever exists, and in particular as to the size and extent of the manure yards, and how far the night soil and manure are buried, and the seasonal cultivation of the land neglected?

The subject of the prevalence of enteric fever among the British troops in India was considered by a Special Committee in India a few years ago, and the Government of India are fully alive to the importance of taking all sanitary precautions, including those referred to in the second paragraph of the question, to check this disease. The subject is one which is constantly engaging their attention.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, whether the Government intend to introduce a Bill this Session for bringing Gipsy or Tinker Children in Scotland within the compulsory provisions of the Education Acts, or otherwise for dealing with the education of such children?

The subject referred to in the hon. Member's question is one of great difficulty, and while the Government fully recognise its importance, and have had under consideration the recommendations of the Departmental Committee which lately reported, I am unable to give an assurance that the subject will be dealt with this Session. But the Department will be glad to receive suggestions from School Boards on the subject.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, what was the total amount of guaranteed land stock issued on 31st December last; how much on this stock was held by the National Debt Commissioners; and, how the figure of £2,099,000, given by the Registrar General in page 15 of his last Return as the amount of guaranteed land stock held in Ireland, was arrived at?

I am in communication with the National Debt Commissioners in reference to this matter, and if the hon. and learned Gentleman will be good enough to postpone the question until Monday, I hope to be then in a position to reply to it.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board, whether an application has been received by his Department for a Provisional Order, with the object of carrying into effect the desires of the constituent authorities of the Uxbridge Joint Hospital District; and, if so, whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Inspector to hold an Inquiry into the circumstances of the case; and, whether he is aware of the length of time that has elapsed since such an inquiry was promised by the Local Government Board?

The Inquiry by the Inspector of the Local Government Board as to the application referred to has already been held. Notice of the Inquiry was given by advertisement on the 8th February, and the Inquiry was held on the 21st February.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate, (1) whether there is likely to be much further delay in filling up the office of Sheriff Clerk of Sutherland; (2) whether, in making an appointment, provision will be made for confining the Sheriff Clerk strictly to the duties of his office; and, (3) whether, other things being equal, preference will be given to Gaelic-speaking candidates?

I anticipate that this office will be filled up within a few days. The restriction pointed out in the second paragraph is more stringent than has been adopted in some recent appointments; but I shall consider the terms of the commission carefully, with due regard to the amount of the salary. Among other qualifications for the office, a knowledge of the vernacular is taken into account.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether there have been any complaints from County Councils in the Highlands as to the number of dog exemption certificates issued by supervisors of Excise, thus diminishing the monies accruing from the issue of dog licences, which go in aid of county rates; and, whether he would state the names of the County Councils, if any, which have made complaint?

I am not aware of any complaint having been received from a County Council in the Highlands on this matter.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, what progress has been made with the construction of the railway to Uganda from the East Coast of Africa, and when it is estimated the railway will be completed?

Mr. Whitehouse, the Chief Engineer, and his staff arrived on December 11th at Mombasa, and at once commenced preliminary operations on the island; 1,100 coolies have since been engaged and despatched from India, and active work has already begun. In the meantime, detailed surveys have also been prosecuted on the mainland. Orders have been given for the supply of tools, stores, locomotives, rolling stock, and 100 miles of permanent way. The estimated duration of construction in the Report of 1893 was four years. The Railway Committee hope that the line maybe completed in a less period.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether there is any intention to adopt the suggestions of the recent Prisons Commission, and in particular the recommendation that chief warders in charge shall be called governors, with all the privileges attaching to that office?

A recommendation has been made to the Treasury for the purpose of carrying out, with some slight modification, the recommendation of the Prisons Commission, to which the hon. Member particularly refers. The answer to the general part of his question will be given in the statement which I have promised to lay upon the Table of the House.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department— (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings at the Thames Police Court on Wednesday last, on the hearing of charges brought by the police against two licence-holders, named Hayes and Keife, for failing to report themselves, when the magistrate in discharging both men is reported to have said that he did not believe either of them had any intention of concealing his address, and as regards Keife, it was to be very much regretted that such a prosecution had been brought; and he would see that Keife, who had been anxious to do all he could to earn an honest living, and was so doing at the time of his arrest, did not suffer; (2) whether the prosecution of Keife and Hayes received the express sanction of the Assistant Commissioner at Scotland Yard, in accordance with the regulations; (3) whether it is true, as stated in evidence, that forms requiring licence-holders to report themselves personally at a police station once a month were forwarded in bulk from Scotland Yard, with the Commissioner's signature already stamped upon them; and (4) whether Inspector Drywood, who, on the 15th January, served Hayes at the Shadwell Police Station with one of these forms, was authorised by the Chief Commissioner to do this act in his behalf; and, if so, what was the date and the form of such authorisation?