said that there were one or two Matters connected with this Measure to which he would like to refer. In the first place he was glad to find that the time for completing the portion of the line that was to be constructed upon public roads was to be reduced from three years to two. It would have been most unfortunate if the time for constructing that part of the line had been allowed to be protracted over three years when two would suffice. This was the first occasion on which a railway company in Ireland had been allowed to run their line along a public road, and the proposed line would run through one of the most beautiful spots in the country. In order to obtain easier gradients the company proposed to deviate in some places some 80 or 90 yards from the existing public roads, and in such cases he thought that the public ought to be allowed to take advantage of the easier gradients that would be made by the railway company, at all events as far as foot passengers and cyclists were concerned. In order to give the railway company time to consider the matter he begged to move that the Debate be adjourned. ["Hear, hear!"]

thought that he ought to say that he associated himself entirely with the views that had just been expressed upon this matter by the hon. and learned Member for Louth. It was desirable in the interests of those who promoted this Measure and of those whom the hon. and learned Gentleman represented that the Debate should be adjourned. He might say that the negotiations between the parties interested were approaching a conclusion, and that in all probability they would result in a satisfactory arrangement being arrived at. He hoped that the House would in these circumstances assent to the Motion for the adjournment of the Debate. Motion agreed to; Debate adjourned.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Waterford Limerick and Western Railway Company, under statutory notice from the postal authorities, are starting the morning mails from Limerick to Ennis at 10.12, or three minutes before the 7.0 a.m. from Tralee is timed to arrive at Limerick, so that for all practical purposes there is now no through communication between the west and north of Limerick viâ Ennis; and, can he cause a notice to be served on the Waterford Limerick and Western Company to detain the Ennis mails for at least 15 minutes, so as to form a connection?

The Waterford Limerick and Western Railway Company, not under statutory notice from the Postmaster General, but under arrangement, are starting the day mail train from Limerick to Ennis at 10.12 a.m., which is, it appears, three minutes before the 7.0 a.m. train from Tralee is timed to arrive at Limerick. A detention of the train for 15 minutes or longer in order to afford a connection with the 7.0 a.m. train from Tralee, which is not a mail train, would be detrimental to the Post Office service, and is not an alteration which the Postmaster General would feel justified in pressing upon the company. It is understood, however, that the company are considering whether by any means they can arrange to bring the 7.0 a.m. train earlier to Limerick and thus effect the desired object.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, what steps, if any, he proposes to take to remedy the inconvenience occasioned in the late delivery of letters throughout the greater part of Connemara since the acceleration of the mails; and whether he will also take steps to have the letters delivered at the houses of the principal people in the various districts, as the present arrangement, by which persons have to send to the post offices for their letters, is most unsatisfactory?

The Postmaster General has made careful inquiry in this matter, and has I believe explained to the hon. Member by letter the cause of the later delivery of letters in Connemara, and the reason why it is not practicable to reduce that delay by more than a few minutes. The explanation of course is that the arrival in Dublin of the day mail trains from the provinces was made 50 minutes later in order to give provincial trains the largest possible intervals for replies to English letters, and as a necessary consequence the dispatch of the night mail trains from Dublin to the provinces was made later to the same extent to maintain the connections between the inward day mails and the outward night mails. The various surveyors' proposals, for extending the delivery of letters throughout the United Kingdom, in accordance with the promise of the Budget speech, are being received; and the proposals, after examination, will be carried into effect without any unnecessary delay. The work of extending the deliveries in all parts of the country must necessarily occupy a considerable time.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the result of the proceedings under Section 31 of the Railway and Canal Traffic Act 1888, on the complaint of the War Office against the South Eastern Railway Company (reported at page 43 of the 5th Report of the Board of Trade of proceedings under that Section presented to Parliament during the present month): whether the War Office complained of excessive charges on stores conveyed to Woolwich Arsenal and Dockyard; whether the proceedings have terminated by the meeting at the Board of Trade between the parties referred to in the Report as being one at which an amicable settlement could not be arrived at; whether an amicable settlement has subsequently been arrived at; and whether, in default of an amicable settlement, the War Office intend to carry their case before the Railway Commissioners?

The War Office did complain of certain charges made by the South Eastern Railway. Correspondence on the subject is still taking place with the Railway Company, and while nego- tiations are pending, it appears undesirable to commit the War Office to any course.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, inasmuch as the Treasury Commission of 1876 reported that the claims of the professional professors of the Queen's Colleges to retiring allowances should be admitted, as in the case of the Scotch Universities; that the public would be at a disadvantage if the activity of the professional professors were limited to their college life; and that professional practice is essential to sound and efficient teaching, and that the Commission recommended that the rule which renders engagements in the professional practice incompatible with a claim to retiring allowance should be re-considered in the case of the Queen's Colleges' professional professors in Ireland, whether he will, in accordance with that Report, re-consider the case?

The Report of the 1876 Commission was carefully considered by the Government of the day, who decided that the retention of private practice was inconsistent with the grounds on which public pensions are granted. Their view was that, if the private practice was not considerable it would be of little use in promoting a professor's efficiency, and if it was considerable it would enable him to make provision for himself to the same extent as other practioners. This decision has been maintained by all subsequent Governments. It can hardly be argued that a professor who has the advantages of a private practice should also have the pension rights which are intended to compensate the whole-time professors for the loss of those advantages. I have already explained, in answer to a previous question, that the case of the Scotch professors is not analogous, as they were not pensioned under the General Superannuation Acts but under a special statute, the Scotch Universities Act of 1858, which gave the Treasury no power to require whole time.

asked how the Department knew that these gentlemen did not give their whole time to the public service?

said that if the' Treasury knew that a Professor had undertaken private practice they knew that he could not have given his whole time to the public service.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that some of the professors at the Queen's College, Cork, were medical men who carried on their private practice?

said that he was aware of that fact.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if his attention has been drawn to the present position of the derelict railway from Birr to Portumna, and the position of the Public Works Loan Commissioners in relation thereto, and the impossibility of recovering any portion of the advance; and whether the Treasury will now consider the advisability of taking some steps to enable the property to be utilised?

I am aware of the present position of the railway mentioned. The only step which the Public Works Loan Commissioners could take is to put it up for sale, and I am not sure that anything would be gained by so doing, but if the hon. Member has any definite suggestion to make, it will nodoubt be carefully considered. The question of reconstructing the line is one for the Irish Government, not for the Commissioners, and I understand that my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary explained the views of his Department on that point on the 29th March last.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, in respect to the result of the Tokat Commission, (1) whether any of the 15 prisoners found guilty of participation in the massacre of the unoffending Armenians at Tokat, and sentenced to death (and whose sentences have been confirmed by the Council of Ministers at Constantinople) have yet suffered the penalty of the law; (2) if so, how many; and (3) if not, what is the cause of the delay of the issue of the Sultan's Iradé?

None of the prisoners sentenced to death has, so far, been executed. The last question is one which I am not in a position to answer.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that it is not possible to purchase a stamp, a postcard, or a stamped envelope at the great railway stations at Paddington, Euston, Victoria, Waterloo, Liverpool Street, New Street (Birmingham), Templemead (Bristol), etc., although letters can be posted at most of these places; and whether he will make arrangements forthwith to supply this want?

The Postmaster General is aware that no official arrangements exist for the sale of stamps and postcards within the railway stations named, though post offices are maintained in their immediate vicinity. At Euston there is a post office at the entrance to the station. Hitherto it has not been found practicable to get these facilities provided; but the Postmaster General would be very glad if arrangements could be made for providing them.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would not in connection with this matter open negotiations with Messrs. W. H. Smith and Company?

That has been done some time ago.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, under what Act of Parliament and by what authority the Postmaster General, on entering into a contract with a rural district to supply a telegraph office in return for a money payment from the locality is entitled to alter the contract to his own advantage by substituting a telephone for the telegraph?

In contracts of the kind referred to by the hon. Member there is no provision as to the particular form of instrument to he used. The guarantee for a telegraph extension is based on the most suitable method of serving the office, and if a telephone is used it is because it offers advantages over other forms of telegraph apparatus, such for instance as the lower cost of apparatus and the greater facility with which it can be worked by any sub-postmaster. The working expenses being reduced the cost to the guarantors is also reduced. The hon. Member is no doubt aware that it has been judicially decided that a telephone is a telegraph.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether in view of the recent mortality amongst British officials in Sierra Leone, he will endeavour to allow the same rules as to leave in that Colony which are in force in the Gold Coast Colony; and what extra cost to the Colony this change would involve?

Nothing has occurred to lead me to modify an opinion expressed in the answer which I gave the hon. Member for East Norfolk on March 12. With regard to the cost, additional officers would have to be appointed to supply the places of those absent, and additional expenses would have to be incurred for passages, to say nothing of the indirect loss to the public service through more frequent changes; but the exact amount cannot be stated without reference to the Colony.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been directed to several resolutions forwarded to him by Boards of Guardians, the latest from the Thurles Union, asking for an amendment under the Labourers Acts so far as to equalise all schemes of cottages under the Act, giving acre plots to all; further, that the expense be borne by the Exchequer, as some restitution for over-taxation; (2) and whether any steps in furtherance or favour of these resolutions is in contemplation?

I have seen the resolution passed by the Thurles Guardians on this subject. The reply to the second paragraph is in the negative.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the Government can grant the Return relating to Associations of Voluntary Schools, which stands on the Paper for this day?

No, Sir; the Committee of Council do not expect to be in possession of the necessary information for several months.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he will state what is the present position of the proposed mail service to Canada: what is the limit of time allowed the contractors to complete the proposed arrangements; and, whether they have deposited the amount (£20,000) necessary as a guarantee of good faith for the carrying out of the contract?

The contract has been approved by Her Majesty's Government and the Dominion Government, and ratified by the Dominion Parliament. Two steamers are to be ready to commence the service before May 31, 1899, and the remaining two not later than May 1, 1900. The contractors have agreed to deposit with the Minister of Finance, Canada, within 60 days of the notification of the approval of Her Majesty's Government, the sum of £10,000 sterling and a guarantee to the satisfaction of the Minister for a further sum of £10,000 as security for the performance of the contract. The period of 60 days has not yet fully elapsed, and Her Majesty's Government have not yet been informed that the deposit has been made.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Postmaster General is aware that, in connection with the vacancies on the classes of assistant superintendents, clerks, and sorting clerks whilom first class, General Post Office, Dublin, aspirants for these positions are energetically exercising extraneous influence with the authorities to secure the same; and if he will state upon what claims he will base the promotions when they are made, and when they will be announced; also, considering the dissatisfaction that was created in April 1896, by promoting a number of officers over the heads of large numbers of senior and better qualified officials, he will examine into the recommendations of the officers in this case; and, further in the event of any officer being passed over, will he supply such officers with the reasons for their supersession?

The Postmaster General is not aware that aspirants to promotion in the Dublin sorting office are energetically exercising extraneous influence to secure promotion. If this is the case and the facts are brought to his notice they will seriously affect the claims of those officers to promotion as they will be guilty of a distinct breach of the rules of the service. I do not understand the reference to sorting clerks whilom first class, as the sorting clerks are now all one class. The basis on which the promotions will be made will be the selection of those considered to be the best qualified for the duties to be performed. The Postmaster General makes a point of examining the recommendations which he receives of officers for promotion and he will follow the same practice in the present case; but he cannot undertake to supply any officer who may be passed over with the reasons for his supersession.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) if his attention has been called to the memorial of the Queen's County Grand Jury, dated the 30th of last month, praying the Lord Lieutenant to confer on the Governors of the Maryborough Lunatic Asylum some power of checking the expenditure of the Board of Control; (2) is he aware that one of the halls in the asylum which was used as a refectory had to be closed in consequence of the inferior wood used in the flooring, also that the Governors have no voice in controlling the expenditure of the money which they are bound to provide; and (3) whether, seeing that the Governors have more local knowledge than the Board can have of the requirements of the institution, the Government will grant the prayer of the memorial?

I have received a resolution passed on the 30th ultimo by the Queen's County Grand Jury on the subject referred to in the first paragraph. It is true that one of the halls of the asylum was closed for some time, though this was not in consequence of the inferior wood alleged to have been used in the flooring, but, according to the information supplied to me, because of the ill-usage to which the flooring had been subjected. No work, with one important exception, has been undertaken by the Board of Control in connection with this asylum without the approval of the Governors as a body, who had before them plans and estimates of the cost. The exception referred to was the case of the hurried provision of sanitary accommodation on the outbreak of an epidemic in 1891. It has been the practice of the Board of Control, in all cases, to confer with the Governors before undertaking works at the asylum, and this practice will be continued.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any and what steps are being taken to check the spread of beri-beri in the Richmond Lunatic Asylum? Is he aware that the disease originates in long overcrowding, and that, though the Inspectors of Lunatics as far back as 1891 made a special report to the Governors, complaining that the Board of Control had taken no action to meet in any way the urgent requirements of the institution, with its vast population, for increased accommodation, nothing has been done to meet the requirements beyond the erection of a few wooden sheds at the Richmond Asylum and a few temporary structures at Portrane, both condemned as insanitary and insufficient by Dr. Manson and Sir Thornley Stoker; and whether the first section of the permanent structure which the Board of Control is erecting at Portrane will not be available till March 1899; and, if so, what steps will be taken in the meantime to relieve the congestion?

The outbreak of beri-beri in the Richmond Asylum has been fostered by overcrowding, consequent on the rapid increase in the number of patients. Steps have been taken to meet this overcrowding by erecting temporary accommodation at the asylum, and also at Portrane, county Dublin. The patients attacked have, as far as possible, been isolated, and the buildings occupied by them bave been disinfected. The present outbreak is, so far, of a very mild type. There has been only one death attributed to it, and the general death-rate of the institution was never lower. The disease, though fostered by over-crowding, does not, it is believed, originate de novo from that cause, at least in this climate. The inspectors of lunatics did not make any complaint in 1891 that the Board of Control had taken no action to meet the urgent requirements of the institution for increased accommodation; but in their first memorandum of inspection they called the special attention of the Board of Governors to the overcrowding, and discussed the question of how increased accommodation could best be provided. Consequent on the reports of the inspectors numerous conferences were held between the Board of Control and the Board of Governors, and it was ultimately decided to build a new and fully-equipped asylum to accommodate 1,200 patients at Portrane. This asylum is now in course of erection, and it is anticipated that the first portion of it will be ready for the reception of patients in about 12 months. In addition, temporary accommodation has been provided at the Richmond Asylum for 298 patients, and at Portrane for 224, and further buildings are now being erected, which, it is anticipated, will make the total accommodation sufficient for the numbers at present in the asylum. The inspectors state that they are of opinion that these temporary buildings have been erected with the greatest care, and with every precaution that sanitation requires, and that they are similar to those erected recently at the London County Asylums to provide temporary accommodation.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider the desirability of getting a specialist to examine into and report upon this strange disease or whether the right hon. Gentleman had already obtained the opinion of a specialist with regard to it?

I am under the impression that a specialist did visit the asylum, and did report upon the disease, but the actual cause and origin of the outbreak still remains obscure.

asked whether that document was public property?

I am not quite certain on the point, but I will make inquiries with regard to it.

asked whether it was not the fact that there were in the asylum several hundred more lunatics than the building could conveniently hold?

No doubt there is over-crowding in the asylum, and all possible means are being taken to reduce that over-crowding.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) how many applications for re-examination for results fees in the Irish National Schools in district 12 (Sligo) have been made since the present inspector took charge of it in May 1896; (2) how many of these have been refused, and on what grounds; (3) is there any other district in Ireland in which so large a number of similar applications have been made and refused within the same period; and (4) what is the total number of schools and of pupils examined for results fees, and the amount of results fees awarded in district 12 (Sligo) for each of the years ending 30th April, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, and 1897?

Three applications were made of the nature indicated in the first paragraph, of which one was withdrawn and the remaining two were refused, as the Commissioners saw no sufficient reason for ordering a re-examination. A similar number of applications were rejected in the cases of several other districts. I have forwarded to the hon. Member the statistics asked for in the fourth paragraph, as it would not be convenient to give the information in the form of an answer to a question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been directed to the condition of the Crookhaven fishery pier; (2) is he aware that Mr. M'Carthy, a local boat-owner, has expended a sum of money on it in order to prevent it from tumbling down; and (3) whether, in view of the fact that Crook haven is an important fishing station, he will recommend that the pier be put into an efficient state of repair, and also that Mr. M'Carthy be recouped the amount of his outlay on it?

I am informed that the pier at Crook haven is private property. The Board of Works have no power to take any steps with reference to the repair of the pier, inasmuch as it is not one of those vested in the Grand Jury under the 16 and 17 Vict. cap. 136. The hon. Member has supplied me with information to the effect stated in the second paragraph, but the Board of Works have no power to recommend that Mr. M'Carthy be recouped any expenditure he may have incurred. Some years ago the Grand Jury presented the sum of £120 for the repair of the pier, and it was subsequently proposed to supplement this amount by a local subscription of £150, and then to apply for a further presentment for £300—making £570 in all, for the improvement of the pier. Whether effect was given to these proposals I am not aware, though I am making inquiry.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether trawling is legal in Dundalk Bay; whether several trawlers nightly fish the bay, destroying the nets and lines of legitimate fishermen; whether the coastguards at Dunsany Point are frequent witnesses of the proceedings of the trawlers, but being only three in number arc unable to interfere; and if the Government will take any steps to prevent a recurrence of such proceedings?

The use of the trawl nets is illegal in Dundalk Bay. It is true that trawlers have occasionally been observed by the coastguard at work in the bay; but I am not aware that any complaints have been made this year by fishermen of the destruction of their nets or lines. The question of the protection of the fisheries in this and other waters against the encroachment of trawlers is receiving the consideration of the Government.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Government mean to give effect to the recommendation of the Tweedmouth Committee that the salaries of head postmasters should be increased; and if so when the Government proposes to inaugurate the change?

The hon. Member is inaccurate in supposing that there is any general recommendation of the Tweedmouth Committee that head postmasters' salaries should be increased. The Committee recommended that, in cases where the work of a postmaster was stationary, and he has derived consequently no advantage from the improvement of salary normally accorded for increase of business, some consideration should be shown for length of service, and that for each ten years of completed service a postmaster in receipt of less than £500 a year should receive a 10 per cent. increase of salary. Effect is being given to this recommendation.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in view of the fact that Arthur Whitaker was in 1894 irregularly informed by an officer then in the service that he would probably receive an appointment as postman, and was by that promise induced to give up an engagement, the Department can extend to him some consideration for the financial loss he has sustained since 1894 by giving him an appointment on the staff at an early date?

An endeavour will be made to find an established place for Arthur Whitaker, but in view of the claims of other men, the Postmaster General is unable to make a definite promise on the subject. I explained on the 15th inst. that A. Whitaker, after employment on Sundays for about a year, became an auxiliary postman at Leeds in 1894, and that he appears to have been irregularly informed by an officer, no longer in the service, without the knowledge or sanction of the Postmaster of Leeds, that he would probably receive an appointment as postman; but no actual promise was made to him.

asked whether he correctly understood that the Department would endeavour, if no harm would otherwise result, to carry out that promise?

Oh, yes; certainly.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, on what date the petition of the sorting staff of the Cork Post Office with regard to their hours of duty was received by the District Surveyor, and when it was forwarded by the Surveyor to headquarters, what the cause of the delay in so forwarding it was, and whether it is usual for surveyors to delay forwarding petitions of this kind; in what portion of the building the particular room in the Cork Post Office alleged to be available to the sorting staff as a retiring room during the interval from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. is situate, and whether the room is used for any other purpose; and whether he can state in detail the nature of the experimental re-arrangement of duties said to have been recently adopted with a view to bridging over the midnight interval, when it came into force, and how many sorting clerks it has, so far, relieved from the interval in question?

The petition referred to was addressed to the Postmaster of Cork, and not to the Postmaster General. It reached the District Surveyor on the 5th March, and has been held over by him until the effect of the recent change in the hours of duty arising out of the acceleration of the mails can be seen. A memorial of this character, only addressed to the local postmaster, is not necessarily addressed to headquarters. But the present memorial will be so forwarded when the Surveyor is in a position to report on the change mentioned. The delay is believed to have created no inconvenience, and the staff were aware of the cause. The retiring room mentioned is on the second floor of the office and is used by the telegraph staff. The Postmaster General cannot state in detail the nature of the experimental re-arrangement of the duties of the sorting staff—i.e., the combining of the duties of sorting clerks and telegraphists. It has been begun, and, so far, two officers have been afforded relief from tire midnight interval.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade why the Report of the Board of Trade as to complaint of increased rates (which is embodied in the Board's recent Report of their Proceedings under the Conciliation Clause issued this month) contains no information as to the terms of the settlements which have been arrived at between the traders and the railway companies; and whether, having regard to the fact that Reports of the Board of Trade respecting the Conciliation Clause have always explained the terms of the settlements, and also to the impossibility of ascertaining the effect of the important Act of 1894 and the present position of the increased rates question in the absence of such information, he will see his way to rectify the omission by the issue of a Supplemental Report at an early date?

My hon. Friend is not quite accurate in stating that the Conciliation Reports "have always explained the terms of settlement." In the case of specific complaints under Section 31, as to one or two rates, it was sometimes possible to do so, but it is not possible to attempt anything of the kind with reference to the complaints filed under the Act of 1894. The Board of Trade received over 1,800 complaints of increased rates, couched in very general terms, not affecting a few specified rates, but in many cases the rates from the place where the complainant carried on business to the station of every town where he had a trade. To have endeavoured to give the terms of settlement of such cases would have involved a disquisition on many thousands of rates. The Board of Trade, after bringing the parties together, had very often to leave them to work out the details of settlement, and the Report states, as a rule, the ultimate action on the complaint in the terms communicated to the Department by the complainant himself.

I beg to ask the Civil Lord of the Admiralty whether a considerable extension of the Naval Establishment at Hong-Kong is contemplated; and whether he is aware that a large quantity of valuable machinery, liable to much risk of damage from climatic causes, has been landed in an unprotected condition before the erection of the proposed new engine-shops has been commenced?

The answer to the first Question is yes, and to the second that consignments of machinery have been landed at Hong-Kong for use in case of emergency. The machinery can be erected in the open, but, if necessary, it will be protected by cheap temporary coverings until the new buildings are ready, as is usual in many private establishments in this country, so that no damage will result from climatic causes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the Papers embodying all that it has been thought desirable to publish in connection with the recent conferences with the Colonial Premiers will be issued before the close of the Session?

I hope so, but cannot say for a few days yet.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the long standing difficulty with the Government of Western Australia in reference to the control and management of the aborigines of that colony has been satisfactorily adjusted; and, if so, whether there is any objection to stating the terms of the settlement?

The difficulty has been adjusted satisfactorily. The Colonial Government and Parliament have agreed to create a special Government department to look after the interests of the natives and to superintend the distribution of the funds provided for their relief.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for the Thirsk and Malton Division, as representing the Charity Commissioners, whether a scheme has been fully prepared for some time for the reorganisation of the Leeds Grammar School Charity, and if so, what is the nature of the opposition that has hitherto prevented the scheme being put in operation; whether he is aware that a similar scheme has been working very successfully for some time in connection with the Bradford Grammar School; and if anything can be done to extend to Leeds the benefit of such a reform?

The Charity Commissioners some time ago submitted a scheme for the Leeds Grammar School to the Education Department, and it is to that Department that inquiry should be addressed as to the opposition to the scheme and the further steps necessary to its progress. I am aware that the Bradford Grammar School is now working with conspicuous success under a scheme framed like that for the Leeds Grammar School under the provisions of the Endowed Schools Acts.

I beg to ask the Attorney General for Ireland whether it is the practice in Ireland for County Court Judges and Recorders of cities to supply the Judges of Assize, before the hearing of appeals, with extra judicial information in regard to cases heard and determined by said Judges and Recorders?

No such practice as is mentioned in the Question, as far as I know, prevails, nor until I read the Question of the hon. Member was I aware that it had ever been suggested that it did prevail. And I may say that I do not believe that the Judges of either the Superior or County Courts are capable of resorting to it.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that a charge of 2s. 6d. is made by rectors to parishioners for the inspection of tithe maps kept in their custody; and whether the tithe map being one of the public books, papers, and writings of the parish, any such charge can be made for its inspection under Clause 17, Sub-section 8 of the Local Government Act 1894?

The Tithe Act 1836 provides, by Section 64, that persons interested shall have access to the award—which includes the map—"on reasonable notice to the person having custody of the same, and on payment of 2s. 6d. for each inspection." The Local Government Board have no jurisdiction to determine questions of this character; but they arc advised that if the award and map are in the custody of the rector of the parish, he is entitled to charge this fee for each inspection.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can now state what decision has been arrived at with regard to the establishment of a sub-post office at Lissavaird, county Cork?

There has been no time, since the hon. Member's Question on the 16th instant, to deal with the applications for the establishment of a sub-post office at Lissavaird. It is necessary in each case to obtain accounts of letters and other information and a personal visit of a surveying officer is not un-frequently required, all of which involves time and opportunity. No needless delay will occur in dealing with the matter.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether better postal arrangements will be made at Castletown, Berehaven, with a view to facilitate replies to letters on the day of their receipt?

Inquiry is being made, as promised on the 13th instant, in order to ascertain whether any alteration can be made in the arrangement of the post to Castletown, Berehaven, with a view of enlarging the interval for replying to letters on the day of receipt, and as soon as a report is received and a decision upon it arrived at the hon. Member shall be informed of the result.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the fact that the Black Prince has been placed at her moorings in Cork Harbour, it is intended to dock her at Haulbowline previous to sending boys on board?

It is not intended to dock the Black Prince previous to sending boys on board.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will be good enough to state the comparative frequency of changes in the teaching staff in the school board schools and the non-public State-aided schools in Scotland respectively, as shown by the annual returns in Form IX. for the last five years?

I am afraid I cannot answer the Hon. Member's Question. To endeavour to obtain the information desired would entail enormous labour, the examination of from 16,000 to 17,000 documents; nor could it be obtained in such a form as to make an accurate comparison possible.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Ambassadors at Constantinople have suspended negotiations with the Porte regarding the new frontier; and, whether the Porte has offered to accept a line within that of the Peneuis?

Negotiations have not been suspended; a reply to the proposals of the Ambassadors having been received from the Porte last night.

said that the right hon. Gentleman had not answered the second part of his Question, and he should be glad if the right hon. Gentleman could say whether the reply was a favourable one or not.

The reply having been received by the Admirals only last night I have not seen it, and therefore I cannot answer the right hon. Gentleman's Question to-day.

said that the right hon. Gentleman might at all events answer the second part of his Question.

The latter part of the hon. Gentleman's Question is as to the contents of the reply, which, as I have already informed him, I have not seen.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether protocols arc drawn up of the sittings of the Conference of Ambassadors now being held at Constantinople with reference to the conditions of peace between Greece and Turkey; and if not, whether any other means are being taken, and if so, what means, to secure a record of the proceedings of the Conference?

No actual procèsverbaux have been made of the conferences between the Ambassadors and the Turkish Foreign Minister, the Porte having originally been unwilling to acquiesce in such a proceeding. It has, however, subsequently been agreed that memoranda of the points discussed should be drawn up by one of the Ambassadors at the termination of the meetings for communication to the Turkish Foreign Minister, and the decisions arrived at are communicated to us by Her Majesty's Ambassador.

Which of the Admirals draws up this procès-verbal or minute?

I do not think any particular Admiral does it. The duty is undertaken by different Admirals at different meetings.

But the right hon. Gentleman said that the documents were drawn up at the end of the meeting.

I said at the end of the meetings.

Oh, yes; certainly.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether in the Presidencies of Madras and Bombay salt used for curing purposes is supplied from the Government salt works at cost price and free of duty, whereas in the Presidency of Bengal the full duty of two rupees eight annas per maund (equivalent to nearly £5 per ton) is imposed; and if so, whether he wilt undertake to consider the removal of this inequality between the Presidencies, with a view to the encouragement of fish-curing in the Presidency of Bengal and consequent increase of food supplied?

Salt is supplied to persons working at fish-curing yards in Bombay and Madras at a price of 8 to 10 annas per maund duty free. Similar fish-curing yards have not been opened on the Bengal coast; but, if there were likely to be a demand for such facilities, the Government would gladly encourage a fish-curing industry by granting the same privileges as in Madras and Bombay. The salt preventive staff is now being strengthened on the Bengal coast, and the management of fish-curing yards there will become easier.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education (1) whether he can state the number of schemes which, since the passing of the Endowed Schools Act, 1869, have been approved by the Education Department and by Her Majesty in Council: and, (2) how many of such schemes have given an undenominational character to endowments which the Court of Chancery had treated as denominational?

One thousand one hundred and fifty-five schemes have been approved by the Education Department since 1869 and 1127 have been approved by Her Majesty in Council. The Charity Commissioners inform me that it would involve many months of labour to obtain even approximately the return asked for in the second paragraph; and that, owing to the uncertainty attaching to the words "denominational" and "undenominational" the return could not be of a satisfactory character.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a meeting, composed almost exclusively of Unionists, was held on Friday last in the Central Hall, Belfast, and that resolutions were passed censuring the Government for appointing a Royal Commission to inquire into the working of the Irish Land Acts; whether he is aware that the appointment of Dr. Trail to serve on the intended Royal Commission was strongly condemned, as well as the fact that Mr. Morrough O'Brien is not allowed to try Ulster land cases; and whether he can state what course he intends to take to give effect to the desires of this Unionist meeting?

I have received copies of resolutions passed at the meeting in question. It is not the intention of the Government to take any steps such as suggested.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware that the chairman and three other members of the Belmullet Board of Guardians have already resigned, and that a special meeting of the Board has been called to accept the resignation of the remaining members; and (2) whether the Local Government Board of Ireland are taking any steps to discharge the duties of the Belmullet Board of Guardians?

I am aware of the facts stated in the first paragraph. A sealed order was issued by the Local Government Board yesterday dissolving the Behmullet Board of Guardians, and the management of the Union will at once be placed in the hands of paid Vice Guardians.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if, under the scheme of autonomy for Crete, resolved on by the Concert of Europe, the European Governor will be elected by the Cretan people or their representatives, or appointed exclusively by the Concert?

No final decision has been arrived at on this point.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it accords with his information that, on a recent date at Canea, under orders of the Admirals now protecting Crete, by leave of the Sultan, 20 Mahomedans were embarked in chains on board European ships; whether those persons have been tried and sentenced for any and for what offence; and what further steps the Admirals are about to take with reference to these prisoners?

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, on the 19th July, 20 Mahomedans, who had been implicated in the destruction of property in Canea, were embarked in chains on board the European ships?

A telegram just received from Admiral Harris reports that at the request of the Italian Captain, Commandant General at Canea, the Admirals had decided to embark on the ships of the International Squadrons a certain number of Turkish prisoners, as their supervision by the Turkish authorities was inadequate. They were to be conveyed to Benghazi by first opportunity on board a foreign man-of-war. The Admiral states that this measure has produced a good effect. The above is all the information we have received on the subject.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether they have been merely arrested, or whether they have been tried?

I have given to the House the words of the telegram—all the information I have received; but I draw from the use of the words "prisoners" the inference that they have been imprisoned, and from that we may assume that they have been tried and sentenced. [Laughter.]

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Mahomedans of Retimo made a raid on the night of the 16th July on a Christian village at two hours' distance from Retimo, killing eight and wounding two, and carrying off 300 head of cattle; and whether any attempt has been made, or will be made, to bring to justice the organisers of the raid?

Before that question is answered may I ask whether the Representatives of the Powers in Crete have been enabled as yet to take any effectual steps to restore to the beleaguered Mahomedans the land and cattle of which they have been robbed by the Christians?

Order, order! I must call attention to the growing practice, when a Question is asked with regard to the conduct of the Mahomedans in Crete at one particular place, to meet it by asking a counter-question with regard to the conduct of the Christians in another place. The one does not arise out of the other. [Cheers.]

I am referring specifically to the Cretan Mussulmans who are beleaguered at Retimo, and generally, of course, to the others.

I do not think I have anything to say in reply to the Question of the hon. Gentleman. [Laughter.] In regard to the Question on the Paper, the British Vice Consul at Retimo has reported that Christians had been raided by Mussulmans on the 16th at Onithe, with the result that eight Christians were killed and two Mussulmans wounded, 300 head of cattle carried off, and two Mussulmans wounded. We have not heard that complaints have been made with regard to the conduct of the Turkish Governor. The Russian Commandant commands the European troops at Retimo, and on receiving news of the outbreak the Russian Admiral proceeded there with the Vali. We do not know what further steps have been taken.

I beg to ask the Attorney General whether new Judicature Rules will come into operation in October next; and, if so, whether they can be issued before the vacation, so that practitioners may become acquainted with them before the Michaelmas Sittings?

I am informed that any new rules which are intended to come into operation next October will be issued before the Long Vacation. The rules as to the summons for directions (Order XXX.) and delivery of pleadings in the Long Vacation (Order LXIV.) have already been made public by The Gazette.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that recently, on a Sunday afternoon, a Roman Catholic procession walked through the streets from the Roman Catholic church to the convent in Queen's Road at Peckham; that images with flags were carried through the streets followed by a cross-bearer, acolytes, etc., singing a hymn to the Virgin Mary, and followed by a number of Roman Catholics, many of whom were dressed specially for the occasion; and that this is by no means the first of these processions which have taken place in the outskirts of London; whether the law permits a Roman Catholic religious procession to walk outside the walls of any Roman Catholic building in this country; and, whether, if it is against the law, any proceedings will be taken?

The Question of my hon. Friend relates to a matter of law of which I am really not competent to give information — [laughter]—but if he will be good enough to put it down on some subsequent day my learned Friend the Attorney General will give him an answer. [Laughter.]

asked the Under Secretary of State for War a Question of which he had given private notice—whether, in view of the facts which had recently come to light as to the losses sustained by the officers and men in the wreck of the Warren Hastings, the right hon. Gentleman was in a position now to give further compensation to the officers and men.

The Secretary of State has now received fuller reports as to the losses on the Warren Hastings, and, in view of the fact that nearly all the officers have had to completely re-equip themselves and that the men are alleged to have been put to some expense before their losses could be made good, it has been decided to issue to every officer the full amount laid down by the regulations for compensation (on the assumption that he will have to replace the whole of his equipment) as well as £30 in respect of clothing for which no allowance is made by regulations. The men have already received new clothing and a new kit, and 10s. in money, which, in view of the circumstances named above, will be increased by £1 for each non-commissioned officer and private soldier. The exact extent of the losses by the band, mess, and institute require further investigation, and Lord Lansdowne will consider whether any further grant is necessary in these cases. I may mention that the compensation already authorised amounts in all, including the cost of re-clothing the men, to £12,134, and the additional amount which will now become payable amounts to £2,348.

, who had given private notice of the Question, asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it had been brought to his notice that the firms of Messrs. Thornycroft, Penns, and Earles had approached the Government with reference to the finding of artificers or engineers for trial trips at Chatham and Devonport; and whether he would consider the advisability of declining to meet their wishes, on the ground that the Government would not be justified in practically ranging themselves on the side of the employers—[cries of "Order"]—at a time when a conflict of the first importance was taking place between employers and employed in the engineering trade. [Cries of "Order."]

That is a Question of which Notice ought to be given.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury in what order Army and Navy Votes will be taken To-morrow?

On Friday the first Vote will be the War Office Vote, and the remaining Army Votes will be taken in regular order, beginning with Vote 8, on which the Financial Secretary to the War Office will make his statement in regard to wages.

asked when the Navy Votes would be taken?

The Shipbuilding Vote and the remainder of the Navy Votes will probably be taken on Tuesday next.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he can state when the Supplementary Education Estimate will be taken?

I propose next week to take both Tuesday and Friday for Supply, but I cannot state for certain whether the Supplementary Education Vote will be taken on Tuesday or Friday. I think it will be more convenient to take it to-morrow week.

asked when the Colonial Vote would be taken?

I cannot say for certain. There will be three more days after to-morrow for Supply; and on Tuesday, August 2nd, the Report of Supply will be taken. I will endeavour to allocate the days I have at my disposal in the most convenient manner, but I cannot say whether there will be a day for the Colonial Vote.

asked whether one of the three additional days for Supply would be given to Irish Supply?

No additional day can be given to Ireland. I would remind hon. Gentlemen from Ireland that there have been four days devoted exclusively for Irish Supply.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the latest news from Constantinople and Crete, he will take the Report of the Foreign Office Vote at a reasonable hour to-night?

So far as we know there is nothing in the latest news from Constantinople or Crete which would supply fresh material for Debate; but I hope if we make good progress with the Public Health (Scotland) Bill, we will be able to bring on the Report stage of the Vote at an hour at which hon. Members can give expression to their views.

moved "That three additional days be allotted to the business of Supply." Motion agreed to.