I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Newfoundland Legislature has passed a Bill selling the railway system of the Colony to a contractor, handing over to him important coal areas and valuable lands, and committing the Colony for 30 years to come as regards its coastal mail service; whether the Bill contains in its Schedule, in paragraph 45, a provision binding the Government of Newfoundland to agree to procure the imposition of a duty upon coal imported into the Colony; whether, by paragraph 82, it is agreed that the contractor shall take over the telegraph lines belonging to the Government, and receive in future the earnings and profits of the lines, receiving in addition an annual subsidy up to 1904, and, after that, receiving the earnings and profits of the telegraphs until the expiration of a term of 50 years; whether, by several paragraphs of the Schedule, the Government undertake to enact legislation to give effect to the spirit of the contract, as for example in paragraph 102; and whether by such a paragraph the freedom of the Legislature of the Colony to accept or reject such legislation is compromised?

The Legislature of Newfoundland has passed a Bill confirming a contract made by the Colonial Government, and set out in a schedule to the Bill, which is to the effect stated in the four paragraphs of the hon. Member's Question. I have not yet received a copy of the contract, but a copy of the draft of it which has been furnished to me by the Governor contains paragraphs differently numbered, but substantially agreeing with the description in the Question. The Legislature having ratified the contract will, no doubt, be prepared to give effect to any promise of legislation which it contains.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is in negotiation with the Governments of Canada, of Australasia, and of South Africa for the better treatment of British goods in those Colonies of the Empire from the 1st of August next, when the hands of Colonial Ministers will be free from the prohibitory clauses of the denounced treaties of 1862 and 1865 with Belgium and Germany; and, in such case, if he has good hopes of the successful issue of such negotiations?

The hon. Member will see, on reference to the second Resolution passed by the Conference of Premiers in July last, that they undertook to confer with their colleagues on their return, with a view to seeing whether the trade relations between the Mother Country and the Colonies can be properly secured by a preference given by the Colonies to the products of the United Kingdom. I have not yet been informed of the result of the action therein promised.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) if his attention has been called to the action taken by the Maltese local authorities in respect to Colonel J. L. Hewson, of the Army Pay Department, stationed at Malta; (2) is he aware that Colonel Hewson was instructed to attend as a witness at the Magistrate's Court at Valetta; that he was requested to sign a declaration of his evidence written in Italian; that he objected, on principle, to sign a document the purport of which he did not understand, but said he did not wish to show any disrespect to the Law; and that, in consequence, this British officer was awarded three days' detention and taken in charge by the superintendent of police; and, (3) as Italian is not the native language of the Maltese, but is as foreign a language as English is in Malta, whether he will take any steps to secure to English-speaking subjects in Malta the right, when called on to sign declarations of their evidence or other legal documents in Maltese Courts, to ask for true translations in English prior to being called on to sign them?

My attention has been called to the case of Colonel Hewson, who was committed by a Malta magistrate for three days' imprisonment for declining to sign a statement in Italian, which he did not understand, of his deposition given in English as a witness in the magistrate's court. The account of the case given in the second paragraph of the hon. Member's Question appears to be substantially correct, except that it should be added that the Italian version of the deposition was really translated into English to Colonel Hewson, and that it contained in a parenthesis, dictated by the magistrate, the name of a person which Colonel Hewson had not mentioned in giving his evidence, and that Colonel Hewson offered to sign the deposition under a protest to be written on the document. It appears from this case that in a British Colony a British officer may be imprisoned for declining respectfully to sign a document which he does not understand, and which is in a language which is neither his own nor that of the majority of the inhabitants of the Colony. I propose to communicate with the Governor with a view to the amendment of the law.

Will any steps be taken to secure redress for this officer?

No, Sir. I do not think it is a question of redress. There is no doubt that the law justified the action, and, in fact, almost compelled the detention. I should add that Colonel Hewson, though condemned to three days' imprisonment, was released by the Governor on learning the circumstances.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, (1) why letters posted at Wady Halfa, fully prepaid in Egyptian stamps, have been charged double postage on delivery in London; (2) is he aware that the reason officially given in one case was that the Egyptian officials had not done their duty in defacing the stamps; and (3) whether he will endeavour to protect British recipients of letters from being punished for the delinquencies of foreign officials?

It is not the practice of the British Post Office to charge letters from Wady Halfa fully prepaid in Egyptian stamps. The Postmaster General cannot learn that any such reason for a charge has been given as that named in the second paragraph. In the case which is believed to be referred to, the reply given was that the letter had been charged because the Egyptian Post Office had treated the stamps upon it as not available for the prepayment of the postage. The post-mark of the despatching office was illegible, and it was surmised that the letter came from the Soudan, where ordinary Egyptian stamps are not available for paying postage; but, on the applicant stating that the letter was from Wady Halfa, the cover was at once sent to the Egyptian Post Office for the purpose of obtaining an explanation. No answer has yet been received. An explanation shall be sent to the noble Lord so soon as the reply of the Egyptian Post Office is received.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he will explain the cause of the delay in distributing the Benin medal to those officers and men who are entitled to it; and if he can inform the House when the distribution is likely to take place?

A certain delay in the distribution of war medals is usually inevitable, owing to the dispersion of ships' companies and other causes. In the case of the Benin Expedition, all the lists were not received from the ships until October, when they had to be carefully examined. The orders to the Mint were given in December, but owing to difficulties in carrying out previous large demands, the Mint have been unable to supply any Benin medals until this month. It is now hoped that the distribution of these medals may be commenced about the middle of next month.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty when he will be able to state the conclusions he has arrived at respecting the Calliope Dock at Auckland, New Zealand; and whether he is aware that the Colony has for some years contributed, and is still contributing, nearly £21,000 a year towards it?

I am not yet able to do so. The Question is being very carefully examined.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he will devise some scheme by which preference will be given to contractors tendering for Army contracts who undertake to provide homegrown supplies for the use of the Army in Ireland, both line and cavalry; and whether he will have special steps taken to encourage local contractors who undertake to supply home-grown beef, mutton, hay, oats, straw, etc., and give them special privileges, in order to encourage as far as possible the use of home-grown and home-made articles in his Department?

Preference is already given, at equal quality and price to home-produced meat and forage in Ireland; and at the Curragh only home-fed meat is supplied. Everything that is possible is done to encourage local purchases of meat and forage.

Have not many complaints been made by soldiers with regard to the innutritious quality of the foreign meat? Is it not of very inferior quality?

No complaints whatever have been received; indeed, I believe that the rations served out to the soldiers are pretty well approved of.

It is not so.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware of the want felt among the poorer classes in Ireland for a trained nurse in each dispensary district to supervise the nursing of the sick in their own homes; (2) whether this want has been recognised and pointed out by the medical faculty and by numerous boards of guardians; and (3) whether he can see his way to having such officers appointed and to paying their salaries out of the large saving that has been effected on the Judicial and Royal Irish Constabulary Votes, Ireland?

The answer to the first and second paragraphs is in the affirmative. A clause was introduced into the Poor Relief Bill of last year enabling boards of guardians to assist to subscribe to nursing institutions for the benefit of the sick poor in their districts. I hope some time to be able to introduce a Measure containing many of the provisions of the Bill of last year. The reply to the second part of the third paragraph is in the negative.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that large quantities of French milk are imported into this country from Cherbourg, and that 36,000 gallons were so imported in the month of December last; whether any sanitary supervision or inspection is exercised over the dairies from which this milk comes; whether the milk is inspected in any way on arrival in this country; and whether any outbreak of disease has been traced to the consumption of this milk?

According to our own Customs returns we imported 3,348 cwts. of fresh milk and cream from France in December last, of the aggregate value of £1,179. In January the quantity fell to 1,867 cwts., of the value of £469, and last month it was 2,608 cwts., and the value £650. It cannot, therefore, be said that at present these imports have attained any serious dimensions. Any question as to their sanitary supervision or inspection, and as to their effect upon human health, falls within the province of the Local Government Board rather than my own, but I may say that I have communicated to my right hon. Friend the results of an examination of certain samples of the milk, which I arranged should be taken by the Customs officers, and I have been informed that he is in communication with the Foreign Office on the subject generally.

On behalf of the hon. Member for West Donegal I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) is he aware that on the 7th February the house of Widow Anne M'Cole, Keadue, Burtonport, county Donegal, was burned, by order of the Board of Guardians, While Mrs. M'Cole and her seven children were inmates of the Glenties workhouse hospital; that on the 9th February the whole family were discharged, although it was known to the Board that they had no house to go to; and that they had since been obliged to live in an outhouse which a charitable person permitted them to occupy; (2) is he also aware that the Guardians allege they cannot rebuild the premises unless compelled by an action at law, a proceeding which the poor family in question are utterly unable to have recourse to; and (3) whether, under these circumstances, he will direct that steps shall be taken by the Local Government Board to provide another dwelling for Mrs. M'Cole and her children, or otherwise compensate them for the destruction of their home by order of the local authorities?

I understand the facts are as stated with substantial accuracy in the first and second paragraphs. It would not, in my opinion, be proper to require this poor woman to embark in costly litigation, which the course suggested by the Guardians would involve, and an intimation has been conveyed to the Guardians that the Local Government Board are unable to concur in the views expressed by them. The Board consider that it is competent to the Guardians to take action in this case under the Labourers Acts, and have recommended them to adopt this course. The matter will again be considered by the Guardians at their next Meeting.

On behalf of the hon. Member for South Donegal I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the repairs promised to be effected on the Oratory on Skellig Michael, off the coast of Kerry, have been successfully carried out; whether the superintendent of ancient monuments, Ireland, has inspected these ruins lately; and, if not, whether, in the cause of antiquarian knowledge, he will shortly do so; and when, if the repairs have been effected, a report thereon from the Superintendent of Ancient Monuments will be laid before Parliament?

The repairs referred to have been successfully carried out, except that the resetting of the steps on the approach to the summit has not been completed, and a portion of the protecting wall on the south side of the church has not yet been raised to its proper level. These portions of the work have been delayed, owing to the difficulty of approaching the rock by boat in winter, but they will be resumed and completed at the earliest opportunity. The superintendent of national and ancient monuments has not inspected the ruins recently; but they were inspected last summer by one of the Board's surveyors, who is secretary to the Royal Society of Antiquaries, Ireland. In accordance with the usual practice, the substance of the superintendent's report upon this and other monuments will be given in an Appendix to the annual report of the Commissioners of Public Works, and it will deal with the work done, and the condition of the ruin.

On behalf of the hon. Member for South Donegal I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Committee of National and Ancient Monuments in connection with the Office of Public Works, Ireland, is still in existence; and, if so, whether he will give the names of those serving on the Committee and by whom they have been appointed, also the date of the last monthly meeting of the Committee and when it is proposed that the Committee shall meet again?

The Committee is still in existence. Its members are: The Chairman of the Board of Works, or in his absence a Commissioner; the Inspector of National and Ancient Monuments, Lord Walter Fitzgerald, and Mr. J. R. Garstin, who are appointed by the Royal Irish Academy; Dr. P. Wright, who is appointed by the Royal Society of Antiquaries, Ireland. The last-mentioned Society had a second representative on the Committee until the end of last year, when he resigned, and his place has not yet been filled. The last meeting of the Committee took place on the 6th December last, and the next will be held on the 4th of next month.

On behalf of the hon. Member for South Donegal I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether his attention has been directed to the letters of the Bishop of Clogher and Canon M'Kenna, describing the great distress existing in the parish of Petigo, county Donegal; whether the distress has been aggravated by the issue of ejectment processes; and whether he will direct an inquiry into the state of things existing there?

My attention has been directed to the letter in question. As regards the alleged distress, it appears from the latest official returns that there are only 36 persons in receipt of outdoor relief in the entire Donegal Union, in which Petigo is situated, the population of the Union, according to the last Census, being 22,891. The average rate on the Union is less than 11d. in the £, and it seems to me, under the circumstances, that any isolated cases of distress can easily be provided for by the Guardians out of the resources of the rates. I have no information as to the number of ejectment notices issued in the district, but I have called for a Report on the subject as well as on the statements in the letter of Canon M'Kenna.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can now make a statement as to the placing of the orders for the four armoured cruisers of the Cressy class, which he described to the House in July last in proposing the Additional Estimate of £500,000; and, in particular, can he give the names of the contractors and the contract date for the delivery of each ship at one of Her Majesty's dockyards?

Tenders from the following firms for the four armoured cruisers of the Cressy class were accepted, subject to certain conditions, on the 23rd inst.—namely, Fairfield Company, two, one to be delivered in 30 months, the other in 33 months; Vickers, Sons, and Maxim, one, in 33 months; Clydebank and Company, one, in 30 months.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Cork City (Mr. MAURICE HEALY), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been called to the complaint of the Lord Chief Baron at the Cork Assizes on the 21st instant, that he had desired an advertisement to be inserted in the newspapers that jurors would be called on juries that morning, but was told that there was no fund out of which the cost of the advertisement could be paid; (2) whether advertisements similar to that suggested had been habitually inserted at previous assizes; and (3) by whose instructions and for what reason, funds for the publication of such advertisements are now refused?

The statements in the first paragraph are substantially correct. Such notices have always been inserted by the sheriff, and the expenses thereof presented for by the grand jury in respect of county jurors, and I am not aware why the City Grand Jury have not similarly presented for such expenses. In the absence of a presentment the sheriff would apparently be required to defray the expenses out of his own pocket.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to amend the rules relating to the offences for which corporal punishment can be administered in Military prisons at Home, Abroad, and in India, with a view to bring such rules into uniformity with those proposed to be put into force in the prisons and convict establishments of the United Kingdom?

The offences for which corporal punishment can be inflicted are identical in civil and military prisons, but in the latter it must be on the order of three visitors and with the consent of the general officer commanding the district. In the civil prisons the order of two visitors is sufficient. It is not proposed to change the military rule.

Seeing that the rules are about to be changed in regard to the civil prisons, will the Under Secretary for War propose a similar alteration in relation to the military prisons?

If the civil prison rules are changed the military prison rules will also be reconsidered.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) if his attention has been called to the action of the Cork Corporation, who, in anticipation of the visit of Americans to celebrate the centenary of the Rebellion of 1798, changed the name of Nelson Place to that of Emmet Place; and (2) whether there will be any power under the Local Government Bill to revise such a decision and restore the name of a street given to perpetuate the memory of England's great naval hero?

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers the Question, may I inquire if it is not the fact that the Corporation have full power to alter the name of any locality in Cork if they so choose?

I am aware that the Cork Corporation have acted as stated in the first paragraph. Any power to alter the names of the streets at present possessed by the local authority is continued under the Local Government Bill.

May I ask if the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the "'98 Movement" originated in Belfast?

Is there any objection to calling the street Ballykilbeg Place?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland when the judgments in the fair rent applications held by a Sub-Commissioner at Kilrush on the 11th and 12th of last November will be given, and what is the reason of the delay; is he aware that fair rent applications in county Clare served so far back as January, 1897, have not yet been listed for hearing, although two sittings of Sub-Commissioners have taken place in the county since that date; and can he state the cause of the delay?

Judgments have been delivered by the Sub-Commission in all the cases heard at Kilrush to which reference is made in the Question. It is a fact that there are some cases for the county Clare still unheard, in which the originating notices were lodged so far back as January, 1897. A Sub-Commission was engaged in the disposal of cases from that county from 1st October, 1897, to 10th February, 1898, when the claims of other districts had, I am informed, to be considered. The further sitting of a Sub-Commission for county Clare will be arranged at as early a date as possible.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether it is the case that the governor of Barlinnie Prison is and has been for some time incapacitated by sickness from attending to his prison duties; and whether there is any deputy governor to take his place; if not, whether, as prisons in England with a daily average of over 600 prisoners have such a deputy governor, he will see that one is appointed to Barlinnie?

I regret to say that the Governor of Barlinnie Prison, who is an excellent officer, has, in consequence of severe illness, received six months' sick leave, after which time his case will, under the regulations, have to be reconsidered. His duties are at present carried on by the head warder, in whose capacity the Prison Commissioners have perfect confidence.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what will be, under the terms of the Convention connected with the issue of the new loan, the date for the completion of the evacuation of Thessaly by the Turkish troops?

According to the terms of the preliminaries of peace, signed in Constantinople on the 18th September, 1897, by the six mediating Powers, the evacuation of Thessaly must be completed within one month from the date when the Powers shall have recognised that arrangements in connection with an International control for Greek finance have been made in conformity with the principles laid down in the Treaty, and when, further, the date of publication of the loan for payment of the war indemnity has been fixed by the International Commission.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the loan for 8,000,000 drachmæ, to be issued by Greece for the purpose of dealing with certain aspects of the distress in Thessaly after the evacuation of that province by Turkish troops, is included in the total of £6,800,000 guaranteed by Great Britain, Russia, and France, or whether it is a separate loan?

The total of £6,800,000 to be guaranteed by Great Britain, Russia, and France includes provision for all such expenditure as was considered absolutely necessary by the International Financial Commission, which was recently assembled in Athens, and reported on the financial situation. In the Report of this Commission the sum of 12,500,000 drachmæ is noted as an estimate of requirements for assistance to Thessalian and Cretan refugees, for repatriation of the Thessalians, and for help to agriculturists in Thessaly. I have no information concerning any separate loan to be issued by Greece for any purpose whatsoever.

On behalf of the hon. Member for West Waterford, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether, in connection with the salmon fisheries of Ireland, the Inspectors of Fisheries have held frequent local inquiries as to the extent to which poaching is carried on by licensed net fishermen and others during the weekly and annual close times; (2) whether such inquiries have shown that poaching by such fishermen is very generally engaged in, and that the fisheries have, in consequence, suffered considerably; and (3) whether, seeing that the licensed net fishermen practically control the election of all the elective members of the present Boards of Conservators, the Government will consider the advisability of transferring to the county councils it is proposed to establish the powers of the present boards of conservators in relation to the inland and sea fisheries of Ireland?

Inquiries have frequently been held by the Inspectors of Fisheries into the state of the fisheries, and at these inquiries evidence has sometimes been given as to the existence of poaching. But the Inspectors have no reason whatever to think that poaching is carried on by licensed fishermen, or that the fisheries have suffered considerably from the acts of licensed fishermen. On the contrary, the Inspectors believe that the illegal acts complained of have been practised by persons who have not taken out licences. As regards the third paragraph, it is not the intention of the Government to transfer to the county councils proposed to be created by the Local Government Bill the powers at present possessed by Boards of Conservators in relation to the sea and inland fisheries of Ireland.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he will state the full instructions which were lately issued by the Postmaster General to the postal staff in connection with the secrecy of telegrams; and whether any inquiry has been made as to the necessity of erecting one or more small compartments in post offices for the complete secrecy of telegrams?

The following notice was inserted in the Post Office circular of the 22nd instant—

"Counter clerks and others who take in telegrams from the public are enjoined to use every care to ensure privacy. When a telegram is handed back to the sender for the stamps to be affixed, it should either be folded or turned with its face downwards, if other persons are at the counter and are in a position to read the telegram."

In pursuance of the promise made to the hon. Member on the 4th instant, inquiry is being made whether any further precautions in regard to secrecy appear to be necessary; but the Postmaster General does not think it would be desirable to provide separate compartments for the work, as such an arrangement would not, in his opinion, be conducive to the convenience of the public or the efficient performance of the work.

I would like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, in the interests of the telegraph clerks and the general public, if he is aware that in the majority of cases where no separate compartment exists the general public write their telegrams on the counter or open desk, and there are no means of secrecy whatever?

Yes, Sir; but full inquiry will be made into this matter.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if the Postmaster General has taken into his consideration the possibility of utilising the 5 a.m. train from Cork to Macroom; and whether letter bags might be sent by that train to Killumney and Dooniskey to supply Lissarda?

The Post Office does use the 5 a.m. train from Cork to Macroom, and inquiry is being made as to utilising it for letters to Killumney and Dooniskey to supply Lissarda.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, (1) if postal bags are dispatched from Cork by Cork and Macroom Railway by the 2 p.m. train for all stations; if letters are now sent from Macroom to Ballincollig, viâ Cork, by the 10.30 a.m. Macroom to Cork train; and (2) if this difference in time between trains entails the loss of a post for letters going to England?

The answer to the first two questions is in the affirmative, but the difference in time does not affect the post to England.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether boys are refused admission to the Navy in consequence of having one or two defective teeth, though in every other way they may be fit for that Service?

): One or two defective teeth do not of themselves constitute a bar to admission to the Navy. The condition of the teeth generally is always taken into consideration, and no boy is rejected except where a definite condition of defectiveness exists.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, seeing there is no reference to county infirmaries in the Local Government (Ireland) Bill, will he state his intentions in reference to the future position and administration of these useful institutions?

I answered this Question last Friday, when I said that if the Bill passes with reasonable speed the Government will bring forward a clause dealing with county infirmaries. I am not, however, in a position at this stage to state what form our proposals, if made, will take.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what is the cause of the delay in obtaining an award in the Delagoa Bay Railway arbitration; will he refer to the previous answers to this Question on the subject to ascertain the replies given in former years by the assessors as a reason for the delay; whether this is the ninth year that the jurists have been in deliberation; and whether the remuneration of the jurists is fixed at £5,000 a year?

My previous answers to similar Questions have been to the effect that the long delays have been due in about equal parts to the successive applications of both parties concerned, but that, as the experts who had been sent out to conduct certain inquiries on the spot had returned from South Africa, there was good reason to believe that the award would not be much longer delayed. The latest information is that these experts have brought their labours to a close, and that their Report has been filed, and will be printed and distributed among the parties to the suit in a month or six weeks' time. The final award may be expected early next autumn. The arbitrators commenced their labours in 1891, but no annual sum was named for their remuneration.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that in several Australian cities telegrams are forwarded for 6d. for 10 words, with names and addresses free; and whether he will now give the same privileges to the inhabitants of London and chief towns of the Kingdom as is enjoyed by the Australian people in this respect, if he is unable to recommend that names and addresses be sent free in all telegrams in the United Kingdom?

The Postmaster General is aware that in some Australian cities there is a local rate for telegrams of 6d. for 10 words, with addresses free; but he is not prepared to propose special privileges for particular towns, or any departure from the principle laid down by Parliament that the charges are to be uniform throughout the United Kingdom.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement of the Dublin Mansion House Committee for the relief of distress in the south and west of Ireland to the effect that the acute distress, which is not universal, but which exists in Ireland west of the ninth degree of longitude, unless generously relieved, is likely to become more acute during the spring and early summer months; and whether, in view of this condition of things affecting a large area, the Government will adopt additional means of relief beyond those already promised?

At the same time I will ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Dublin Mansion House Relief Committee has issued a statement asserting that the existing acute distress in certain localities in the west of Ireland is likely to become still more acute during the spring and summer months unless generously relieved; and whether he intends to take any further steps in the way of additional relief works or other adequate means to lighten the burthen of this affliction?

In answer to these Questions, my attention has been drawn to the statement of the Dublin Mansion House Committee, which is to the effect mentioned. The pressure for relief, especially in periods of distress, always increases during the spring and early summer months. The Government will be prepared to contribute to the cost of relieving any additional number of persons who may be ascertained to be in need of relief as the spring advances.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Austrian troops are about to leave Crete at an early date and the greater part of the Austrian squadron to leave Cretan waters; and, if so, will the guarantee Powers, England, France, and Russia, take steps for the immediate settlement of the question of the Cretan Governorship by the appointment of Prince George of Greece?

Her Majesty's Government have received official notice of the intention of the Austro-Hungarian Government to withdraw their squadron and contingent of troops from Crete by the 15th of April, only leaving a sufficient naval force for the protection of their Consular authorities and nationals. This Measure is stated not to imply withdrawal from the European Concert, nor any departure from the policy followed from the first by Austria-Hungary in the Cretan Question. The Austrian Government will continue to co-operate diplomatically with the other Powers towards a final settlement. The occasion for independent action by the guaranteeing Powers has not therefore arisen.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether wearing the shamrock on St. Patrick's Day is prohibited in the Navy; and, if not, under what conditions is it permitted?

There are no regulations concerning the wearing of the shamrock any more than wearing the rose, thistle, or leek. No deviation from established uniform is permitted without express authority.

May I ask whether a man will be fined or sent to the cells for wearing the rose or the thistle in the same way as one has been fined for wearing the shamrock?

No sailor will be fined unless he disobeys orders. Permission would be given in any of the four cases named.

Would an officer command a man to take the rose out of his coat on St. George's Day—

Order, order! The hon. Member is arguing the Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the evidence taken before the Irish Commission, presided over by Mr. Justice Fry, will be printed and distributed?

I have made inquiries and am informed that the evidence is quite ready, and only awaiting revision of the digest. It will be presented and distributed, I should think, very shortly.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether, inasmuch as the existence of the Board of Visitors for the Science and Art Museum and Royal Botanic Gardens, Dublin, has proved of great advantage in making known to the Government the local opinion on questions affecting these institutions, he has any objection to some such local advisory board acting in association with the Council of the Royal College of Science and for the Metropolitan School of Art, Dublin?

No; these institutions are entirely supported by the State, and the Committee of Council do not think it would be desirable to have a Board of Visitors for either of them.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will cause a map of the Empire of China to be placed in the tea room for the use of Members seeking information respecting that country?

Yes, Sir, I will have pleasure in complying with the request of the hon. Member.

Will the right hon. Gentleman have the map altered so as to suit the present state of China?

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will state when the Government propose to bring in their Bill relating to Agricultural Holdings in England and Wales?

I am afraid there is no immediate prospect of our being able to bring in the Bill to which the hon. Member refers.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the important international question of the defence of merchant steamers in time of war, he is aware that the steamers of the Russian Volunteer Fleet in the Far East are at present equipped for war, with ammunition and armament on board and with efficient gun's crews, partly made up of seamen of the Imperial Navy; and whether these vessels are at the present time commissioned war vessels of the State, or in what category they would stand should war break out?

I am not aware that the vessels of the Russian Volunteer Fleet are at present equipped for war with ammunition and armament on board, as suggested in newspaper reports. The vessels belong to a private company and sail under the mercantile flag of Russia, with a special device, but officers and men are lent from the Imperial Navy to the company to complete the crews. The position of these vessels in time of war would depend upon circumstances the exact nature of which I am not prepared to anticipate.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether he is aware that the Admiralty issues warrants to yachts belonging to several leading yacht clubs, according to them the privilege of flying what were at the time the red, white, and blue ensigns of Her Majesty's Fleet; and (2) whether this privilege is accorded for the reason that these yachts form in any sense part of the defence forces of the Realm; if not, can he state the reasons for this action of the Admiralty which is permitted by legislative enactment?

The answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. The Merchant Shipping Act of 1854 consolidated the powers exercised under previous Acts, together with powers exercised either by custom or of right by the Admiralty. There does not appear to be any record of the reasons which actuated Parliament in confirming the Admiralty in the exercise of this particular privilege, but it is not now granted for the reason that these yachts form in any sense part of the defence forces of the Realm.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in reference to international negotiations following on the denunciation of the German and Belgian Treaties, the Governments of our self-governing colonies will be consulted, so that full consideration may be given to the interests of those colonies in respect of their growing and important trade with foreign countries?

The self-governing colonies have not been specially consulted, but they are aware that negotiations are in progress, and that any representation from them as to their special interests will receive attentive consideration at the hands of Her Majesty's Government. They will not be included in any Treaty without their consent.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he has received a memorial from the medical superintendents and medical officers of district lunatic asylums in Ireland as to their position under the Local Government Bill; and (2) whether the representations of these gentlemen will receive the consideration of the Government?

The reply to both paragraphs of this Question is in the affirmative, though in making this reply I must not be understood as giving any pledge that the representations of these memorialists will be acceded to.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government received any notice or explanation regarding the withdrawal of Germany and Austria from Crete?

I have already answered the Question as regards Austria. The intention of the German Government under certain conditions to retire from Crete was communicated to Her Majesty's Ambassador at Berlin some time in advance.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he is aware that a site had been given on which to erect a new Voluntary school for 500 children in connection with the parish church of Streatham; that the money has been found, the plans prepared and approved by the Department, quantities taken out, and contract signed; whether he is aware that the London School Board has given notice to acquire the same site under compulsory powers, and propose to build a board school on it at the ratepayers' expense, the only reason given for this action being that there had been some short unavoidable delay in the completion of the arrangements for building the Voluntary school; and whether he can take any action in the matter?

The facts as stated in the Question are substantially correct. The Committee of Council are unable to interfere.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any Papers relating to events in China are to be presented to Parliament this Session; and, if so, when; whether any communication has been addressed to or received from Her Majesty's Ambassador at Pekin by the Government rebating to demands or requests for territorial or other concessions by any European Powers; and, if so, by which Powers; and whether he can see his way to place copies of such communications in the hands of Members before the Easter Recess?

Papers are being prepared and will be laid as soon as possible. They will include the information received by Her Majesty's Government relative to the requests for concessions by European Powers. It will not, I am afraid, be possible to present them before the Easter Recess, the collection not being as yet complete, and reference having to be made in several cases to Her Majesty's representatives abroad.

Will the Papers include all negotiations with China since 1895?

No. I think the idea is that these Papers shall be confined to the negotiations which have been going on during the last five or six months.

Will the Under Secretary consider whether he could not, at some future time, give us the Papers since 1895, since which time we have had no information?

I cannot at the moment recall to my memory what Papers since 1895 may include, but I will consider the matter.

Will they include the negotiations with Japan also?

I do not know that these Questions are quite fair. I cannot at present recollect the negotiations with Japan to which the hon. Member refers.

I will give notice.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, under the regulations of the Plague Committee in Bombay, search parties of British soldiers were employed to visit native houses, and to enter the apartments even of Mahomedan and Hindoo ladies who are by custom secluded from the gaze of men; whether Lord Sandhurst, the Governor of Bombay, was repeatedly warned that this practice was creating much disaffection, which finally culminated in a terrible riot and a general strike; and has he received any explanation why the Governor only cancelled the orders complained of after the riot had taken place; whether the Plague Committee has since resigned; and whether the regulations in question were issued by the Governor of Bombay in pursuance of orders from home?

Up to the 5th of March a certain number of specially selected British private soldiers were employed to visit Hindoo houses if no objection was raised, but in no case did they visit Mahomedan houses; nor did any British soldier, whether officer or private, ever enter the room of a woman of the class referred to in the Question. The Governor of Bombay was never warned that the search operations were creating disaffection, though he was, of course, aware that all the measures taken to prevent the spread of the plague were unpopular among certain sections of the population. I have already stated that the order for the employment of British soldiers was cancelled on the 5th of March, four days before the riot began; certain other changes were, I believe under contemplation when the riot began, and were carried into effect after it had taken place. The Plague Committee has not resigned. The regulations in question were issued by the Plague Committee under instructions from the Bombay Government, and without previous reference to me, but I was aware of their general tendency, and have throughout supported the Governments of India and of Bombay in taking such necessary measures as circumstances may permit for the prevention and alleviation of the plague.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what, according to the latest official Returns in his possession, was the annual value of the goods imported into China from the United Kingdom and the British Empire; and if the duty charged upon such imports was on the scale levied by France in Indo-China, or by Russia in Eastern Siberia, or practically non-existent?

According to the Return of the Chinese Customs Department, the imports into China from the United Kingdom and the rest of the British Empire amounted in 1896 to nearly £27,500,000 sterling, of which more than half, or £15,000,000, were from Hong Kong. Most articles pay Customs duties at the Chinese Treaty ports at rates nearly equivalent to 5 per cent. ad valorem. The Customs duties levied on British imports into French Indo-China are, with certain exceptions, those of the French Metropolitan tariff, which are usually several times as much as the Chinese duties; and the rates on British goods entering the Russian Empire through Eastern Siberia are equally high.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Cork (Mr. MAURICE HEALY), I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is proposed to make provision for giving Clerks of the Peace any extra remuneration for the additional duties imposed on them in the preparation of the register of Local Government electors by the Registration Bill now being passed into law?

This appears to be a matter for the Treasury to decide. Any representation submitted by the officials referred to, explaining the nature and extent of any additional duties that may be imposed upon them by the Registration Act, will, of course, be considered.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that a Committee representing the Central Chamber of Agriculture, the Suffolk Horse Society, and the Clydesdale Horse Society, recommended in February, 1897, that Parliament should be asked to make an annual grant for providing premiums for stallions suitable for agricultural purposes, such grants to be entrusted to the Royal Commission on Horse Breeding for administration; and whether he will consider the desirability of proposing a grant for the encouragement of the breeding of agricultural horses?

My hon. Friend asked me a similar question last year, and I can only refer him to the answer I then gave. I cannot speak with any authority, but I am myself disposed to doubt whether premiums for cart stallions are necessary for the purpose suggested in the Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the Report of a Committee of the Common Council of the City of London, from which it appears that Mr. Hart, a member of the Common Council, received two amounts of £25 each from Mr. Berger, a professor in the Guildhall School of Music, in respect of promoting the election of Mr. Cummings to the Principalship of the said School of Music, an office in the appointment of the Common Council; and that Mr. Cummings, after his appointment, recouped to Mr. Berger the sum of £50 so paid by him to Mr. Hart; and whether the Director of Public Prosecutions has investigated or will investigate the case with a view to determine whether he will apply to the Attorney General for his consent to commence a criminal prosecution, under Section 1 of the Public Bodies' Corrupt Practices Act, 1889, against all or any of the parties implicated in these transactions?

I have seen a newspaper report of the matters referred to, and will call the attention of the Attorney General, who is responsible for proceedings under the Act of 1889, to them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he has received by the last dispatches from the Bombay Government any particulars regarding the riots which recently took place in that city; and, if so, will he state the same for the information of the House?

No, Sir. I have not yet received from India any information concerning the Bombay riots, except by telegram. I have ascertained, however, that a dispatch may be expected shortly.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that great destruction is done to crops along the River Erne, in West Cavan, by reason of the overflowing of the river; and whether, seeing that this is a partially congested district in which money could be judiciously expended to relieve distress, he can promise to give any extra facilities to the local drainage board for the carrying out of extra drainage works which would at once relieve distress and be of a reproductive and useful character?

The information before me does not point to the existence of wide-spread distress in this district, nor have I any reasons to believe that the resources of the poor law will be insufficient to deal with isolated cases of destitution that may occur. The question of undertaking the drainage works referred to, for the purpose of relieving immediate distress, does not, therefore, arise.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, can he state the number of purchase proceedings as to estates which at present are pending in the Cavan portion of the union of Bawnboy; and also in how many cases the title to estates has been found to be so defective that the proceedings had to be dismissed?

The records of the Land Commissioners do not specify the Poor Law Unions in which holdings are situate, and it would not be possible to give the information asked for in regard either to a particular union or portion thereof. If the hon. Member desires to have the information for the entire county, I will endeavour to obtain it.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that Joseph Denniston, formerly of the 10th Foot, who was discharged as phthisical patient so far back as 1864, is in a state of great destitution at Longford; whether he is aware that the disease he suffers from is chronic rheumatism contracted whilst serving in South Africa; whether no pension has been granted to him since 1866; and, in view of all the facts, will a gratuity be now granted to him to aid him in his old age?

I can only repeat what I said on this matter on the 26th March, 1897. I have seen the medical discharge certificate of Joseph Denniston. It shows that he was discharged in 1865, after five years and 166 days' service, on account of chronic rheumatism and phthisical tendency not caused by service. He got the usual temporary pension, and he is not entitled to receive more under any warrant. His case has been considered no less than fifteen times, and the Secretary of State must decline to re-open it unless fresh facts are forthcoming.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the mother of Trumpeter Fanning, 19th Hussars, who was killed whilst defending his officer at the battle of El Teb in 1884, is living in great destitution in Longford; that he was her only support and only son; that the Commissioners of the Royal Patriotic Fund, although appealed to, have done nothing; and can he have any gratuity bestowed on this poor woman?

I can only refer the hon. Member to the answer made to him on the 11th May last: The Secretary of State cannot interfere with the decision of the Commissioners of the Royal Patriotic Fund.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War in whose custody the military barracks at Longford now is; and whether, seeing that a large sum of public money has been laid out in the building of this barracks, will the War Office, in the event of its not being again occupied, hand it over to the local authorities to be used for the improvement of the township?

The barracks at Longford are in charge of the military authorities in Ireland, and will probably be again soon required for Army purposes.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Local Government Board what is the total rate on the valuation to which the grants-in-aid to English boroughs amounted on the last financial year for which figures are available, (a) including and (b) not including the grants under the Local Government Act, 1888?

The grants-in-aid to English boroughs in the last financial year for which figures are available were equal to a rate in the £ of 7s. 2d. including the grants under the Local Government Act, 1888, and excluding those grants the average rate was 1s. 4d. in the £. These sums do not include grants under the Agricultural Rates Act, payable in 1897–8. If the sums paid under that Act to the boroughs in the year had been distributed equally on the basis of the total rateable value of the boroughs receiving the grants, the rate on the valuations in force would have been about 1d. in the £.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that large quantities of dairy produce are imported from countries where sanitary regulations may be said not to exist; and what precautions the Government are taking to protect consumers against peril to health from diseased foreign produce?

There is no doubt that dairy produce is imported from countries where there are not the same regulations in force as to dairies and cowsheds as in England. But I am not aware that large quantities of dairy produce are imported from countries where sanitary regulations do not exist. The precautions which are provided for the protection of consumers against peril to health from diseased foreign produce are the same as those in the case of home produce. Medical Officers of Health and Inspectors of Nuisances throughout the country are empowered to examine any animal, carcase, meat, flesh, milk, and a number of other articles, which are deposited for sale, and to seize any such articles which appear to be diseased or unsound or unwholesome or unfit for food, with a view to the same being dealt with by a Justice, and the Justice is empowered to order the same to be destroyed, or otherwise disposed of, so as to prevent its being used for food. A penalty not exceeding £20, or at the discretion of the Justice imprisonment for a term of not more than three months, may be imposed in such cases.

Has that ever taken place?

I must ask for notice of that Question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what progress has been made since last Session towards obtaining the four lights necessary to render safe the navigation of the southern portion of the Red Sea, and that proposed to be placed upon the eastern end of the Island of Socotra?

Her Majesty's Government are in communication with the maritime Powers interested in the navigation of the Red Sea, with the object of obtaining their views on the proposal of the Egyptian Government to establish lights in the Red Sea, but I understand that all the replies have not yet been received. The question of placing a light on the Island of Socotra has not been lost sight of, but Her Majesty's Government are of opinion that it would not be advisable to approach other Governments on this subject until some settlement has been arrived at with respect to the Red Sea lights.

Will the Government consider the urgency of seeing that this great waterway of 800 miles of the Red Sea, infested as it is with dangerous rocks and shoals, is properly lighted?

I have no doubt these lights are urgently required, and Her Majesty's Government are doing everything they can to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if it is a fact that an abnormally high rate of invaliding, 45.52 per 1,000 of strength of the Cork garrison, has been reported and accepted; if this is the result, as alleged, of over route marching; and if attention has been given to the recommendation of the medical officer in charge that if they (the men) were allowed to take things more quietly the high rate of invaliding might be avoided?

The rate of invaliding among the garrison of Cork was 45.53 per 1,000 for the year 1896. No complaint was made by the medical officer of over route marching, but he expressed an opinion as to the effects of route marching in bringing out the weak points of the men, and he compared the system of route marching during the few winter months with the system of shorter marches once or twice a week all the year round. The point is being carefully watched, and the returns for 1897 will show the results of any of the medical officer's recommendations which have been adopted.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether any report has been given by the Army medical authorities complaining of the insanitary conditions prevailing at Ballincollig Barracks; if attention will be paid to the ablution rooms stated to be, as reported, dark and damp; and if, after the expense incurred recently in providing efficient water supply to the barracks, no water is laid on to the infectious disease ward of the hospital?

No report has been received of insanitary conditions within Ballincollig Barracks. In the latest sanitary report the ablution rooms were described as in a satisfactory condition, and water was, at the time, being laid on to the infectious disease ward.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War when the long-promised removal of St. George's Barracks will take place; and whether in the meantime any steps are being taken to lessen the risk from fire by the close proximity of the canteen to the Turner room of the National Gallery?

The partial evacuation of St. George's Barracks will take place as soon as the barracks at Millbank are ready, and a portion of the building will then be handed over to the Office of Works. It is unlikely that this can take place before the end of next year. The canteen is at some distance from the National Gallery. There will be a space of 15 feet between the National Gallery and the barracks when the alterations have taken place.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether Her Majesty's Government have received confirmation of the statement that the Chinese Government have accepted the Russian demands, which include the lease of Port Arthur as a fortified naval base, the lease of Talienwan as the fortified terminus of the Trans-Siberian' Railway, and the right to make a railway from Petuna to Port Arthur?

Her Majesty's Minister at Pekin telegraphs that the Russian agreement with China was signed yesterday. We are not yet aware of the actual terms.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, is he aware that a strong feeling of dissatisfaction exists among the inhabitants of Andersonstown, a suburb of Belfast, in relation to the insufficient deliveries of letters; and will he direct that, in future, letters posted in the city in the afternoon will be delivered at Andersonstown by a special service at 8 p.m.?

The postal arrangements at Andersonstown were recently revised, and the Postmaster General has been made aware by subsequent representations that the revision sanctioned does not give entire satisfaction. The question of granting a late evening delivery is receiving attention, and the decision shall be communicated to the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he will state whether the alteration made in Section 4 of the Indian Penal Code by the new Sedition Law will make a Native Indian subject of the Queen triable in India, and after his return to India, for anything supposed to be seditious which he may write in a British journal, or speak on a British platform, during his residence in this country?

The enactment referred to exactly follows the words of the Statute 32 and 33 Vic., cap. 98, sec. 1, which gives the authority to make such a law. The hon. Member is as competent as I am to form an opinion whether the authority extends to such a case as he has supposed. I need only add that I do not conceive it possible that such a case should arise.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is now able to state what aid the Government of India are willing to give towards constituting and maintaining a nursing staff at the Aden Hospital, in respect of house accommodation and in respect of maintenance?

Arrangements have been made to build and furnish quarters for a nursing staff in the European General Hospital at Aden, the cost being partly met out of donations from the large shipping companies using the port, and from other subscribers. The Admiralty has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to contribute one-fifth of this expenditure, and also a fee for each patient admitted from the Royal Navy. The annual cost of maintenance will be defrayed as far as possible from fees and private contributions; if there be any deficit it will be made good from Aden Port Funds.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Papers relating to recent changes made in the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Post Office Act will contain the Debates which took place in the Legislative Council during the passage of those Bills.

All the proceedings of the Legislative Council are published and regularly supplied to the library of the House, where hon. Members can at any time refer to them. It does not appear to me, therefore, to be worth while to reduplicate them by laying them on the Table of the House.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if treaties of commerce are under negotiation with Germany and Belgium to replace those denounced by Her Majesty's Government on 30th July, 1897, as prohibiting the preferential treatment of British goods by British Colonies; and if the terms of the proposed new treaties will be submitted to this House and to Colonial Governments before being finally decided upon, in order that no accident of language may as before bar the conclusion, as soon as the self-governing Colonies are so disposed, of a complete Customs union within the British Empire?

Yes, Sir. Negotiations with Germany and Belgium are now proceeding. It would be contrary to all practice to submit the terms of the new treaties in advance to Parliament. But the Governments of the self-governing Colonies will, of course, be consulted, through the Colonial Office, as to their wishes with regard to accession to the treaties.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland what is the amount collected on foot of the local taxation licences scheduled in the Local Government (Ireland) Bill within the city of Dublin for each of the last three financial years, and also the amount collected on foot of the Dog Tax and Hackney Tax for the same period?

The first part of this Question was referred to the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, who have kindly informed me that the amount of local taxation licences scheduled in the Bill and collected within the city of Dublin in each of the last three financial years was, for the year 1894–95, £25,619; for the year 1895–96, £25,849; and for the year 1896–97, £26,055. The revenue derived from the Hackney or Carriage Tax during each of these years was £2,816, £2,923, and £2,956, respectively; and the produce of the Dog Tax in the city was £449 in 1895, £485 in 1896, and £472 in 1897.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the reported speech of Sir Alexander Mackenzie, Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, made in the Viceroy's Council on the occasion of the passing of the new Sedition Law on 18th February, and particularly to the comparison of certain classes of the Indian people to the carrion kite and jay; and whether, in view of the present state of public opinion in India, in reference to the new Press Law, he will take note of language used under such circumstances by a responsible ruler of an Indian province?

The only mention of jays, kites, and eagles made by Sir Alexander Mackenzie was in a poetical quotation from Lord Macaulay. I am not prepared to lay down the rule that members of the Viceroy's Legislative Council are to be prevented for the future from quoting poetry in their speeches.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he can state the amount of each grant given hitherto and at present in aid of all local rates in Ireland; and (2) what portion, if any, of these grants will be withdrawn in future in consequence of the operation of the Local Government Bill?

In reply to the first paragraph of the Question, I would refer the hon. Member to the Returns of Local Taxation in Ireland annually presented to Parliament. The only Exchequer grants-in-aid that will be withdrawn under the provisions of the Local Government Bill will be the grant in aid of the maintenance of pauper lunatics in asylums; the contribution of one-half of the salaries of medical officers in workhouses and dispensaries, and one-half of their salaries as sanitary officers; the whole of the salaries of schoolmasters and schoolmistresses in workhouses; and the payments of one-half of the cost of medicines and medical and surgical appliances. The respective amounts of these grants will be found in the annual Estimates, and the Appropriation Accounts show the actual expenditure under each head.

As some doubt seems to exist on the subject in Ireland, may I ask whether it is intended in withdraw the Probate Duty grant of 1888?

No, Sir.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the governing bodies constituted under the Voluntary Schools Act have power to compel schools, as a condition of their receiving aid under the Act, to accept visits from an organising master?

No, Sir.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the whole number of Provisional Orders included in Confirmation Bills introduced by his Department into Parliament during each of the last five years; what number were opposed in either House of Parliament; and what number were rejected?

The numbers are as follows:—

Year	Number of Provisional Orders included in Confirmation Bills.	Opposed.		Number rejected.
		In one House.	In Both Houses.
1893	55	2	1	—
1894	56	3	—	—
1895	49	2	1	1
1896	70	2	2	1
1897	96	2	1	—
Total	326	11	5	2

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he is aware that payments have been requested from candidates for labour certificates within the area of the Glusburn School Board and in the neighbouring districts; that the Clerk to the Glusburn Board has acted as secretary for the Glusburn and surrounding school authorities in the matter of labour certificate examinations, and has received these payments, and that the Glusburn School Board recently expressed approval of the charges; and that these charges have not been enforced in the Glusburn School District at the last three examinations because the teacher, believing them to be illegal, has declined to collect them, and is in consequence now being pressed by the Clerk to make good the loss; and can he state whether the Board or their Clerk have any power to enforce such charges?

The charges referred to have been made, but the Board have recently been informed that they must be discontinued.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether any British warships have visited Khiaou Chau since its occupation by Germany?

Yes, Sir.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate what Minority Report of the Joint Committee of 1888 is referred to in the Memorandum attached to the Private Bill Procedure (Scotland) Bill, and upon the lines of which that Bill is stated to be largely drawn?

The Minority Report referred to by the hon. Member was the Draft Report submitted to the Joint Committee for consideration by Lord Balfour of Burleigh. See page XIII. of Parliamentary Paper, No. 276, Session 1888.

Was not this draft Report merely formally read and not afterwards considered by the Committee; is there any evidence on the face of it that it had the approval of any other member of the Committee?

The hon. Member will find the answer to his Question in the Paper issued with it.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether any steps have yet been taken to supply Volunteer position batteries in Scotland with lighter guns?

The Volunteer batteries are allocated to defensive positions, and it is not possible at present to make any change in the armament.

On behalf of the hon. Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government will give Irish Members an opportunity of recording their opinions before consent is given to increase the demand and value of gold for monetary purposes for any portion of the British Empire under the control of this House? At the same time I may also ask on behalf of the same hon. Member whether the Government will undertake to consult the views of the Members of this House before giving consent to any fresh departure in the experiment of trying to introduce a gold standard into India?

In reply to these Questions, they will be dealt with in the statement to be made on the part of the Government in to-morrow night's Debate.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can state the amount expended by the Government in the years 1895, 1896, and 1897 upon the encouragement of the study of Oriental languages; whether he is aware that Russia maintains at the cost of the central government a constant succession of pupils intended for the civil, naval, and military services, who receive regular instruction under competent masters in the living languages of the East; that the German Government has established a College of Oriental languages in Berlin; that Austria has established an Oriental College at Vienna; and that France has in Paris an Ecole pour les langues orientales vivantes; and whether, in view of the fact that the British Empire includes some 300,000,000 of Eastern subjects, the Government will consider the desirability of establishing in the metropolis a fully endowed and adequately equipped Oriental College?

I am informed that there will be considerable difficulty without detailed examination in stating the amount expended by the Government in any one year for the study of Oriental languages. Much is being spent in tuition at the Universities of Consular officers who are about to proceed to Morocco and the Levant, and the remainder on the tuition on the spot of Student interpreters who have already proceeded to China, Japan, and Siam. I believe that the facts are as stated by the hon. Gentleman in the second paragraph of the Question, but I have no reason to suppose that the present system does not satisfy the requirements of the public service.

I beg to give notice that in consequence of the right hon. Gentleman's answer I will raise this Question on the Estimates.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will introduce a Bill giving power to Her Majesty's Government to exercise the option of purchase in the case of any war-ship constructed in the United Kingdom, whenever such ship is not delivered to the Government, company, or individual by whom it was originally ordered, and is offered to any other State, company, or individual?

Certainly, the Government have no reason to suppose, and I for my part do not believe, that any English firm would refuse to give the option of purchase to the Government if the necessity should arise.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, whether he will undertake to borrow an official map from the German Government showing the territory claimed by Germany in China?

I will endeavour to ascertain whether such a map is obtainable.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether any private negotiations with the Irish Roman Catholic Hierarchy, for the establishment of a State-endowed Roman Catholic University are being carried on; and if he can give to the House any information as to the present position of the question?

There is no change in the position since the matter was last before the House.

Then I may assume that the statements of the Irish Daily Independent are false?

Order, order!

I wish to ask a question of the Chief Secretary of which I have given private notice, and in doing so I should explain that I have received a telegram from Manchester stating that no communication has been received from the Chief Secretary with reference to the distress among the school children in the West of Ireland. Has the right hon. Gentleman taken any steps to obtain information in the possession of the Manchester Relief Committee as to the alleged existence of semi-starvation among school children in the west of Ireland?

According to my recollection, I promised to obtain a copy of the Report of the Manchester Committee. It has only reached me this morning, and it will be examined without delay.

My telegram was from the Secretary of the Manchester Relief Committee.

I wish to ask whether the First Lord of the Treasury can give the House any idea when the Second Reading of the Vaccination Bill will be taken?

When is it proposed to take the Second Reading of the Reserve Forces Bill?

If there is any chance of taking the Bill to which my hon. Friend refers to-night, I would be very sorry to lose it. But it is not one of the Bills which in some points are most pressing. With regard to the Vaccination Bill, for many reasons I am anxious to press that Bill forward. I cannot, however, yet say on what day it will be taken.

Will it be taken before Easter?

It will be placed second on the Orders on Thursday.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the Scotch Private Bill Procedure Bill will be taken?

I hope that will be the first Order on Thursday.