I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether it is intended to introduce a short Bill admitting periodicals issued at intervals exceeding seven days, including reviews, magazines, and trade organs, to the privilege of postage at a halfpenny per copy as registered publications; whether he is aware that high class and useful literature of this kind is conveyed either gratis, or at specially reduced rates, by the American and Colonial Post Offices, with a view to encourage the diffusion of learning and useful information; and whether he will consult the Colonial Postmasters General as to the beneficial results to the public of such gratuitous or assisted circulation, especially in promoting religion and morality, in imparting technical knowledge, and also in enabling home manufacturers to meet foreign competition?

There is no intention to introduce such a Bill. Periodical publications of all kinds are conveyed either gratis, or at specially reduced rates, by the American and some (so far as is known only two) Colonial Post Offices; but successive Postmasters General of the United States have drawn attention to the great loss arising from these low rates, and in the last Report issued by the United States Post Office the Postmaster General expressed his earnest hope that some Measure might be passed during the coming Session of Congress which would remedy this state of things. The Postmaster General of Canada is, it is understood, introducing a Bill at the present time with a similar object. Under these circumstances, the Postmaster General does not think it necessary to consult the Colonial Postmaster Generals as to the beneficial results of such gratuitous or assisted circulation of periodical publications.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, during the past ten years, numerous inventions and devices for preventing, by means of a mechanical check, the abstraction of letters from postal pillar boxes have been submitted to the Postmaster General, and whether he has now made his selection of the best and most effectual of them; whether one or more of the checks so submitted have long been in use on the Continent; whether, during the ten years referred to, the pillar boxes in the chief towns of this country have been systematically pillaged by thieves, young and old, no protection being afforded by the Department beyond the occasional employment of a detective, and the affixing to pillar boxes of a notice cautioning the public against entrusting valuable letters to them; and whether, in default of a perfect device, he will adopt that which approaches most nearly to perfection?

During the past ten years numerous devices for the purpose of preventing, by mechanical means, the abstraction of letters from postal pillar boxes have been suggested to the Post Office, but, so far, none of them have been found to be capable of effecting the object in view, and at the same time to be free from serious objections in other respects. It is understood that some apparatus of the kind is used in Germany. So far from pillar letter boxes being systematically pillaged, thefts from post office letter boxes are very rare, and there is no intention at present of adopting any of the devices in question.

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that last year there were seven convictions for stealing letters from pillar boxes?

Yes, but the number is not large in comparison with the enormous number of pillar boxes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will lay upon the Table the new labour price list which has been used since 1st April, 1897, as the basis of valuation of prison labour?

It would not be in the public interest to do this.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the Prison Commissioners have recently issued a standing order to the effect that the number of books in the library of each prison is in future to be restricted to a proportion of three books to every two prisoners in the class eligible to receive library books; whether it has been brought to his knowledge that those chaplains and schoolmasters who take most interest in their libraries object to this order as crippling their usefulness; and whether, inasmuch as the importance of a good library as a moralising agency is generally recognised, he will consider whether this order should be rescinded or modified?

The honourable Member is misinformed both as to the intention and as to the effect of the recent circular to which I imagine he alludes. A scale, of course, has had to be laid down, but the proportion is larger than he supposes, and is sufficient to supply prisoners with the books to which they are entitled. At the same time the libraries have been purged of a large number of old and unserviceable volumes; and the present provision for supplying literature to prisoners is greater than has ever been attempted before. Exception was taken to the circular by two chaplains apparently through a misunderstanding as to its intentions, which has now been removed.

Is it not the fact that the books in the library at Wormwood Scrubbs average only about two for each prisoner?

There is a certain scale of books based on the prison population. There is a better supply now than there has been for some years.

Do I understand that the proportion indicated in my question is incorrect?

Yes, Sir.

What is the proportion?

At the present time in convict prisons it is two books for each convict, and that is a sufficient number for circulation. In local prisons it varies according to the prison population, and is in some more than two for each prisoner, and in some less.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he is aware that a synagogue is being erected in Wormwood Scrubbs; (2) whether the number of Jews in that prison is sufficient to justify this expenditure; and (3) whether the average number of Jews in the prison population has largely increased in recent years?

Is it usual to give public information respecting the number of prisoners belonging to separate religious denominations?

The answer to the first two paragraphs is in the affirmative. The building is being erected to supply a long-standing need and remedy what has long been felt to be a grievance by the Jewish community. I have no definite information on the point raised in the last paragraph, but the number on Monday last was 37. With reference to the Question of the honourable Member for Islington, it is obvious it would be inexpedient to give information about the religious persuasions of prisoners, and to state whether the number of any particular class of prisoners increases or decreases; but for the purposes of the honourable Gentleman the Member for Bethnal Green I think I have given him all the information he wants.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War (1) whether horses aged four years and under have been lately supplied to regiments in the 1st and 2nd Cavalry Brigades, these regiments being on the higher establishment, and so fit for service at a moment's notice; (2) whether volunteers (having four years' service) have been recently called for from the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers), a regiment in the 1st Cavalry Brigade, to supplement deficiencies in the 5th Lancers, a regiment abroad belonging to a corps different from that to which the former regiment belongs, and whether these trained soldiers will be replaced by recruits; (3) whether a draft has been, or is about to be, ordered of 150 men from the 10th Royal Hussars for service with the 20th Hussars; and (4) whether, if these steps are being taken, it may be assumed that it is not proposed to adhere to the system of cavalry organisation announced this year?

The answers to the first two Questions are in the affirmative. The 6th Dragoon Guards is being prepared for service in India, and the men who volunteered from it to the 5th Lancers would not have had sufficient service remaining to enable them to go to India. They will be replaced by men eligible for Indian service. A draft is about to be sent from the 10th Hussars to the 20th Hussars, but the number of men has not been determined. It will be made as small as possible. It is fully intended to carry out the policy which was announced to the House on the introduction of this year's Estimates, but it is not possible to give effect to it at once in its entirety.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the question of conveying flowers by sample post from the South of France to England was one of the subjects brought by our representatives before the Postal Union Convention held at Washington last year; and why no notice was given of the instructions to our delegates, so as to enable the public to protest against being deprived of the privilege in question by the British postal authorities?

The question of conveying flowers by sample post was not brought before the Postal Union Congress by the representatives of this country, but by the representatives of a foreign State, which desired to get what had been an irregular practice made legal. The Congress refused to adopt the proposal, and the British delegates at once informed the French delegates that the British Post Office would be compelled to act on the decision of the Congress. The honourable Member appears to have forgotten that a protest has been made on behalf of flower-growers in this country against flowers from abroad being allowed to pass by sample post into England, and that he himself, on the 5th of June, 1896, objected to the advantages thus conceded to foreign growers, and asked that equal facilities might be given to our own people for the conveyance of flowers from favoured climates in England and Ireland to London, as are enjoyed by the French peasantry.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that during the past twelve or fifteen years small boxes of flowers have been transmitted by English people, temporarily sojourning in the South of France in the winter, to their friends in the United Kingdom by post at a cost of about 35 centimes each; what is the estimated number of these boxes of flowers sent last year; whether the British postal authorities are aware that the cost of conveying these boxes of flowers by post throughout France, for example from Mentone to Calais, did not and does not exceed fifteen centimes or three-halfpence each; on what grounds facilities for conveying small boxes of flowers at an equally low rate are not given to the small agriculturists of this Kingdom; whether any communication was made or notice given through the London and provincial papers that the privilege of sending small boxes of flowers at the cheap rate from the south of France to this country would be withdrawn on the 1st April of this year; and whether he is aware that in the altered circumstances, while the new regulation will not prevent flowers being sent from the south of France, it will throw the trade into the hands of middlemen?

During some years past small boxes of flowers have been transmitted from the south of France to this country by sample post, and the average postage on the boxes was about 35 centimes. It is estimated that about 15,000 packets were sent in this way from France to this country last year. If by the cost of conveying these packets, the weight of which he does not mention, within French territory, the honourable Member means the cost to the French Post Office, the Postmaster General has no information on the point. No notification as to the strict application of the rules of the International sample post to flowers on the 1st of April was given to the Press in this country, as the rules always had been strictly applied to flowers posted by the public in this country. But full notice was given to the French and other foreign post offices concerned. Since the Budget Reform of last year the public in the United Kingdom has enjoyed greater facilities than the French public enjoy as regards the inland transmission of these articles. Articles sent at the five centimes rate in France have to be open to inspection. Within the United Kingdom flowers can be sent at virtually the same rate—½d. for two ounces, with a minimum postage of 1d.—in closed boxes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any confirmation has been received from Colonel Pilcher of the visit of the French expedition to Argungu, east of the Niger and south of the Say-Barruwa line, since the 21st February, when information was given to the House; and whether any fresh communication bearing upon the matter has been made by the French Government since the Declaration of Lord Salisbury on the 22nd February that that Government did not believe the news to be true, and that the French Minister for the Colonies had assured M. Hanotaux that there were no French troops in the region?

At the same time may I ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he has received any further information relating to the telegram he read to the House on 21st February last from Lieutenant-Colonel Pilcher, that four French European officers and 100 men had arrived at Argungu, in West Africa?

A written confirmation of the assurance given in Lord Salisbury's declaration of February 22nd, referred to in the Question, was handed to Sir Edmund Monson on February 23rd. In it M. Hanotaux stated that—

"According to information obtained from the Minister for the Colonies, no French force has entered Sokoto, or the country of Argungu, and that no expedition has been sent into these regions."

This assurance was repeated to Sir Edmund Monson verbally on the 25th of February, and again on March 6th, when M. Hanotaux reaffirmed that there were no French forces on the east of the Niger south of the Say-Barruwa line, and that the strictest orders had been given long ago that no movement was to be made across the Niger, and that France had no designs on the territory lying east of the river, to the south of the Say-Barruwa line. On the 19th of March Sir Edmund Monson reported that the Minister for the Colonies had that day received from Dahomey information that Captain Casamajou, in spite of the repeated and positive orders of the French Government, did pass through Argungu towards the north; but that he had no European companions, and only a very small following. In a note dated March 25th M. Hanotaux repeated that the expedition under Captain Casamajou was privately organised, and that it had been ordered to keep north of the Say-Barruwa line, but had apparently been forced to go to the neighbourhood of Illo in search of supplies, and to transfer its starting point to that district. This modification of the original itinerary was unauthorised, and the Minister for the Colonies, on receipt of information from British sources, telegraphed to Captain Casamajou, on February 24th, to move northward. I have now received a telegram from Colonel Lugard, from which it appears that a foreign force, presumably French, consisting of 40 troops and three Europeans, had been at Argungu, but had since gone away to the north. It appears from this that both sides were more or less misinformed, as our reports greatly exaggerated the numbers of the expedition—of the presence of which, in Argungu, the French Government were, in the first instance, entirely unaware.

Does the right honourable Gentleman know whether this force with three officers, being the number originally named, is the same expedition as that referred to in the admission of the French Government with regard to one officer, because it was said to be privately organised?

I believe it was an expedition privately organised by Prince d'Aren-berg, and no doubt the reference is to the same force. I have no doubt that this force was reported to us through native sources, as consisting of a large number of men.

The right honourable Gentleman says it was ordered to go north of the Say-Barruwa line. Has any agreement been come to with the French Government as to these lines?

I must ask for notice.

On behalf of the honourable and gallant Member for South St. Pancras, I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to send to the manœuvres any horses under the age of six years; and whether he could state what number of cavalry horses in the United Kingdom are under that age?

It is not proposed to send to the manœuvres any horses under the ago of six years. The number of cavalry horses in the United Kingdom under that ago will, it is anticipated, be, on the 1st May, 1,370.

On behalf of the honourable and gallant Member for South St. Pancras, I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War when it is intended to issue orders with reference to the number of men permanently serving in cavalry regiments, in accordance with his recent announcement?

Orders will shortly be issued to the effect that when a man wishes to serve in a particular regiment he will be allowed to do so if there is room in the regiment for him. Should the regiment he selects be in India, he will be posted to the regiment at home which will furnish the next draft, with a view to his being included in it. The instructions issued from time to time for the preparation of cavalry drafts will provide that the regiment furnishing the draft is not reduced below 350 men.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware that at the last meeting of the Governors of the Carlow District Lunatic Asylum, at which 13 governors were present, on a motion to give Dr. FitzGerald, who is a Roman Catholic, permission to have his wife to reside with him in his quarters, the seven governors who voted against the motion were Protestants and the six voting for it Roman Catholics; (2) whether, out of the seven Protestant governors present, two had not attended a meeting of the Board since 1896; and (3) whether he will, when appointing the Board of Governors for next year, refuse to re-appoint gentlemen who do not attend to the ordinary duties of the Board?—At the same time I will ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he is aware that at the last meeting of the Board of Governors of the Carlow District Lunatic Asylum, the governors, by a majority of one, refused to allow the Assistant Medical Officer, Dr. FitzGerald, to have his wife to live with him in the quarters provided for him, although at no increased cost or expense to the Board; (2) whether he is aware that there has been a very marked improvement in the management of this institution ever since Dr. FitzGerald's appointment, who has been specially mentioned and thanked for his special services by both the Government Auditor and the Board of Governors; and (3) whether, as this is the only institution in Ireland where the assistant medical officer has not been allowed to have his wife to live with him in his quarters, he will request the Inspectors of Lunatics to take the matter into their hands, and authorise Dr. FitzGerald to bring his wife to reside with him in his quarters?

In answer to these Questions, I am informed that the statements in the first two paragraphs of both Questions are in accordance with the fact. There are, I understand, only four asylums in Ireland in which quarters are provided for married assistant medical officers. Without expressing any opinion on the merits of the decision arrived at by the Carlow Board of Governors in the present case, I may say that the matter is not one in which the Inspectors of Lunatics or the Government have any power to interfere. The Board of Governors for 1899 will not be constituted until the beginning of next year, and it is not possible now to state what gentlemen will or will not be appointed on the Board for that year.

Will the right honourable Gentleman bear this in mind in connection with the constitution of the next Board of Governors?

Yes, Sir.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the Clogher Valley Tramway Company employ a manager at a salary of £300 a year and a secretary at a salary of £250 a year for performing services of a very limited kind; whether the company, like other carrying companies, will publish quarterly or half-yearly returns of their traffic receipts and expenditure in the newspapers; whether the company still employ their men at raising ballast, for the purpose of selling same to the Great Northern Railway, instead of using them to keep their own line in a state of safety for the travelling public; and, will he recommend to the company a due limitation of salaries and a periodical publication of their accounts in the newspapers?

I am informed that the Clogher Valley Tramway Company employ a manager at a salary of £250 and a secretary at £225 a year. As to the reasonableness of these salaries in relation to the duties to be performed, I have no information on which to judge. The company are under no obligation to publish quarterly or half-yearly returns of their traffic receipts and expenditure in the newspapers, and there is nothing to be gained by doing so where the price of the shares depends not on the receipts but on the interest guaranteed. I understand that the men employed in raising ballast are not the company's permanent waymen, but men employed specially for the purpose.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade if the inspector recently sent to Belfast to investigate the allegations made of the insanitary state of the spinning rooms in the factories of that city, and particularly the bad quality of the water used in the generating of steam, has made any report; and, if so, will it be printed for the information of Members of the House of Commons?

Yes, the inspector has made his report. He finds that impure water is not used for the purpose of steaming, and that the atmosphere of the spinning rooms has been remarkably improved by the additional ventilation introduced under the special rules. It is not usual to present to Parliament Departmental Reports of this character.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in the financial year 1897–8, it is estimated by the Government that out of a total sum of £1,324,000, receipts for postage of parcels, £630,000 will be the net sum retained by the British Post Office, while £694,000, or 55 per cent., is to be paid over to the railway companies; whether the money for this annual payment to railway companies is ever submitted to Parliament, or is it paid by the Post Office to the railway companies out of receipts for parcels; and whether he will submit the estimate of Parcel Post expenditure to Parliament in the Post Office Estimates, and afford the means whereby Parliament may be able to judge whether the Parcel Post is carried on at a loss or profit, under the present system of keeping accounts?

In the financial year 1897–8 the total receipts for postage on parcels was £1,425,293 not £1,324,000, the net receipt by the Post Office was £751,887 not £630,000, and the railway companies' share was £673,406 not £694,000. The annual payment to railway companies is submitted to Parliament in the Finance Accounts, and is paid out of the gross receipts in respect of parcels, in accordance with the provisions of 45 and 46 Vic, cap. 71, sec. 5. The Parcel Post expenditure cannot be shown separately in the Post Office Estimates, because the service is necessarily so closely interwoven with the other work of the Department.

Can the right honourable Gentleman point to any part of the Estimates from which we can gather the revenue of this branch?

No, Sir; the only distinction drawn is between the postal and telegraph services.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the rural postmen in Ireland are to get the increase of pay recommended by the Tweedmouth Commission; what is the amount of the rise and when is it to be paid; and could he state to the House what is the maximum and minimum scale of pay for head office postmen and sub-office men respectively?

Speaking generally, the rural postmen in Ireland have already been granted the increase of pay recommended by the Tweedmouth Committee. The amount of the rise varies according to locality and duties, and it is payable (if not already paid) as from the 1st April, 1897. The scale of pay of rural postmen working from head offices and sub-offices varies with the scale of pay of the town postmen working from those offices, the maximum being in each case 2s. a week less than the maximum payable to town postmen. In Ireland the highest scale in force for rural postmen is for those working from Dublin 18s., rising by 1s. 6d. to 28s. a week; the lowest scale in force is 16s., rising by 1s. 6d. to 20s. a week.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can state if anything, and, if so, what, has been done towards the re-opening of the Parsonstown and Portumna line of railway?

The Treasury are concerned with this railway—of which, I believe, all the rails were stolen in 1883—only in connection with the Public Works Loan Commissioners. As I stated on the 22nd July last year, the question of reconstructing the line is one for the Irish Government, not for the Commissioners. The Commissioners received some weeks ago from a Mr. Baldwin an offer to purchase what is left of the line, and this offer included an undertaking to re-open it. But as negotiations have been going on between the inhabitants of the district and the Great Southern and Western Railway, the offer has not yet been accepted.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether in December, 1897, Patrick Gillman, telegraph clerk in the Central Telegraph Office, London, visited the official medical attendant, who stated that he was suffering from cold; whether, after a fortnight's treatment, Gillman sought the advice of a private doctor, who immediately declared that the complaint was pneumonia, and ordered Gillman to bed immediately, and from whence he was afterwards removed to Guy's Hospital; whether, owing to the inattention on the part of the official doctor during the early stages of the illness, Gillman's health has completely broken down, it being doubtful if he will be able to resume duty; and whether he will investigate the whole of the circumstances connected with the case?

Mr. Edmund Gillman, the telegraphist referred to by the honourable Member, was seen on the 18th December last by the medical officer at the Post Office, who states that Mr. Gillman showed no symptoms of serious illness, but was suffering from "cold, cough, and loss of appetite." Mr. Gillman returned on the 21st December to have his medicine renewed, but did not then ask to see the medical officer, as he had a right to do. On the 5th of January Mr. Gillman's brother wrote from Guy's Hospital that his brother had consulted a private medical gentleman, who stated he was seriously ill, and had been suffering from pneumonia, and on the 10th January Mr. Gillman himself wrote from Guy's Hospital enclosing a medical certificate that he was suffering from "pulmonary disease." Mr. Gillman has been on sick leave since the 30th of December, and his private medical attendant in Ireland states that under favourable conditions he may be able to resume duty in about three months. The Postmaster General has already had before him all the circumstances of the case, and, while he sincerely sympathises with Mr. Gillman in his long and severe illness, he cannot but regret that Mr. Gillman should not have given the medical officer a further opportunity of examining his state of health when he applied for more medicine on the 21st December.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether it is competent for a board of guardians, in calculating the retiring pension of their clerk, to take into consideration the fees received by him for preparing fresh valuation lists for the purposes of the Agricultural Rating Act?

The inquiry of the honourable Member is one to which I think I should not be justified in giving an answer. It raises a question which may have to be determined by the Local Government Board, on appeal, under Section 18 of the Poor Law Officers' Superannuation Act. In that case it would be necessary to hear both the guardians and the officers, and I could not properly state what would be my decision beforehand.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that the withdrawal of the facilities which have been provided in Scotland for years for the verification of standard weights and measures will compel the local authorities to send their weights and measures to London, involving carriage and agent's fees, besides delay in getting them back; and whether he will see his way to continue to provide facilities for verification in Scotland, as formerly?

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the method of verifying the standard weights and measures hitherto followed in Scotland is to be altered, and a new plan inaugurated, under which local authorities will be required to send to London to have this effected; and whether he will reconsider this matter, and allow the same facilities in Scotland to remain as have been hitherto enjoyed there?

I will answer the Questions together. They do not convey an accurate representation of the facts, inasmuch as the practice has been to hold occasional verifications in one or two places in Scotland to suit the convenience of local authorities. As a rule, verifications are made in London. The Board of Trade are, however, merely desirous of adopting the most convenient and least expensive course of administration, and, in order to arrive at a fair determination the Department has invited Members of the Glasgow Corporation to attend in London and discuss the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can now state what is the substance of the correspondence, which he said had reached the Post Office authorities, with regard to the contemplated improvement in the mail service to the towns and neighbourhoods of Roscrea, Nenagh, and Birr; and whether any arrangement has as yet been come to with the railway company in question with regard to an earlier train service, or what steps, if any, have been taken in this matter?

The honourable Member is mistaken in supposing that I stated in my previous answer that any correspondence on the subject of the improvement of the mail service in the neighbourhood of Roscrea had reached the Post Office authorities. As a matter of fact, the negotiations with the railway company on the subject have, so far, been carried on verbally, and as the matter is still under consideration, the Postmaster General does not yet feel himself justified in stating the details of their proposal. Inquiries are, however, being made with the view of ascertaining that the arrangements for carrying out the proposal will be convenient to all the district affected.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the practice of the Commissioners in regard to the assessment of income tax on fines paid on the renewal of leases; and if he can give the number of owners who have been allowed exemption from income tax upon fines by satisfying the Commissioners, in accordance with Section 60 of the Income Tax Act,. 1842, that the fines have been applied as productive capital, and the amount of such exemptions during the last five years?

The practice in regard to the assessment of income tax on fines paid on the renewal of leases is in accordance with the Act 5 and 6 Vic, cap. 35, section 60, No. II., rule 5. It is there enacted that such fines are to be assessed on the amount received within the year, preceding, provided that if the party chargeable proves to the satisfaction of the District Commissioners that such fines, or any part of them, have been applied as productive capital, on which a profit has arisen, or will arise, otherwise chargeable under the Act for the year of assessment, the Commissioners may discharge from assessment the amount so applied. I have no figures to show the number of persons who obtained relief under this proviso, or the amount so discharged from assessment.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether he has received representations from the Australian Premiers requesting the privilege of coining silver in the Australian branches of the Royal Mint; and (2) whether he contemplates making the desired concession?

The answer to the first part is yes; and to the second, the matter has been referred to the Treasury, and is now under the consideration of their Lordships.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a woman was killed at Dunmurry Station, Great Northern Railway, Ireland, on a level crossing last week; and, if there is no foot bridge at Dunmurry Station for the use of passengers to cross the line, will he use his influence to have such a bridge made?

It appears from the return of the accident that the deceased was not killed at a level crossing. She attempted to cross from the up to the down platform at Dunmurry Station, and was killed by a through train. She had no excuse for crossing the line as there is an underground passage from platform to platform, for the use of passengers.

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that the underground passage is in such a condition that it is not fit for any person to go through?

I know nothing about the condition of the passage, but if there is one passengers should not be allowed to cross the line.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, at what rate per hour has a postman, making a collection of letters and parcels, to walk, and is the clearing of letter boxes and offices included in that time?

A postman making a collection of letters and parcels is, in ordinary circumstances, expected to walk at the rate of from 2¾ to 3 miles an hour, which should include the clearing of street letter boxes and post office boxes. But in London and the busy parts of large Provincial towns there is no rigid rule, each duty being tested, and arranged for according to circumstances.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he will state the number of cases for the year 1897 in which the telegraph was used for the purpose of giving notice of the withdrawal of money from the Post Office Savings Bank, and the average cost to the depositor of each such telegraphic notice; and will he also state the number of cases in 1897 in which the depositor paid for telegraphic advice of payment as well as for telegraphic notice of withdrawal, and the average cost to the depositor in each such case of payment for two telegrams?

The number of cases in which the telegraph was used for the purpose of giving notice of withdrawal of money from the Post Office Savings Bank during 1897—the withdrawal being made the next day—was 9,389, and the average cost to the depositor in each such case was about 9d. The number of cases in 1897 in which the depositor paid for telegraphic advice of payment as well as for telegraphic notice of withdrawal was 117,507, and the average cost to the depositor in each such case was about 1s. 3d.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state in how many instances, during the year 1897, the Fishery Board for Scotland received complaints of trawlers working without lights, or on other occasions with their names and numbers concealed, and if he can state in how many cases prosecutions have been instituted, and in how many cases convictions have been obtained?

I am informed by the Fishery Board that 12 complaints were received of concealment of letters and numbers, three of fishing without lights, and two of both offences, but the evidence was sufficient only to warrant six prosecutions being instituted, in all of which convictions were obtained, the offenders electing to go to prison rather than pay the fine imposed in two instances.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state when the construction of the lighthouse on Tiumpan Head will be commenced?

I am informed by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses that the contractors commenced operations for the construction of the lighthouse on Tiumpan Head in February last.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he can state when the annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland will be laid upon the Table of the House?

I am informed by the Fishery Board that the final proofs of the Board's Report are in the printer's hands, and will be presented to Parliament shortly.

Will the right honourable Gentleman take care that this Report is in the hands of Members before the Fishery Board Vote is brought on?

That rests with the First Lord of the Treasury, but I think I may almost promise the Vote will not be taken until after the Report has been presented.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, what is the number of appeals pending for hearing before the Chief Land Commissioner in Innishowen Union; whether a great number of men have been served since April, 1897, and What is the cause of the delay; and whether, considering the great number of appeals pending from Innishowen, arrangements will be made for the Chief Commissioner to sit at Carndonagh, to hear those cases, which include a number of Malin Head land appeals listed for hearing, as there are many poor fishermen who cannot afford to travel 40 miles to Londonderry, where the Chief Commissioner usually sits?

There are 65 appeals pending in the Union mentioned, nearly 30 of which have been lodged since the commencement of the present year. The Commissioners will arrange for the hearing of the appeals in question at as early a date as possible having regard to the claims of other districts, and in fixing the place at which the cases will be heard, they will have regard to the convenience of all the parties interested.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, as the post office at Euston Square is now closed, and has been since 31st January, 1898, as stated by public notice, for temporary repairs, it is a fact that those repairs have not been commenced; whether the residents, travellers, and others who have used this post office for a considerable number of years have only facilities in a temporary office in the railway station at Euston, to buy stamps up to the value of 2s. 6d., and have no facilities for any other business as usually conducted at post offices, other than posting letters or sending telegrams; and if he proposes within a short period to remedy this inconvenience to the inhabitants and others using the post office in that locality?

I regret that it is the case that the Euston Square Post Office has been closed since the 31st January, 1898, and that it has not been practicable to commence the alterations and improvements which are necessary, as there is a difference of opinion whether the Department, as tenant, or the Railway Company, as landlord, should bear the expense. It is hoped, however, that this matter will be settled shortly. In the meantime temporary arrangements have been made with the Railway Company for the sale of stamps and receipt of telegrams at their own telegraph office. And it is possible that, at this office, stamps of a higher value than 2s. 6d. are not kept for sale. The Postmaster General is sparing no effort to remedy the inconvenience.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a petition from working potters in Burslem, Hanley, and the districts in which recent deaths, blindness, and other suffering have occurred from lead poisoning, asking that a female inspector be appointed for the potteries; and whether, in view of the large number of women and young persons employed, amongst whom the greatest sufferers from, lead poisoning are found, he will consider the desirability of appointing a female inspector to take charge of the district under the control of the chief inspector?

I have received the petition to which the honourable Member refers, and have consented to receive a deputation from the district on the subject. In these circumstances I should prefer not to make any statement at present.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he could alter the system of paying Army pensioners; whether he is aware that in many cases the money is spent in drink within a day or two, and that for the remainder of the quarter the men are destitute; and whether he would consider the question of paying the pensions weekly in future instead of quarterly?

The reasons against such an alteration have been frequently explained in Parliament. In all cases in which it can be shown that pensioners make habitual use of the unions through spending their pension on drink, and application is made by the guardians to the War Office, the officer paying the pensioners is instructed to pay the men monthly.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will appoint Medical Referees in Scotland, as well as in England, under the Workmen's Compensation Act of last Session; and, if so, whether any special regulations will be made with regard to their qualifications and duties?

I propose to appoint medical referees in Scotland, and the regulations will be the same as in England, with such variations in details as may be made necessary by the differences between County Courts in England and Sheriff Courts in Scotland. On this latter point I am in communication with the Scottish Office.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the recently published statement of the Chairman of the Straits Settlements Association, purporting to disclose a deplorable and alarming increase of disease in the military and civil population of those possessions since, and consequent upon, the repeal of the Contagious Diseases Order; and whether he will inquire into the truth of the matter with a view to the adoption of such precautionary or remedial measures as may be necessary should the facts alleged prove to be well founded?

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government are taking any action as to the state of matters disclosed by the investigations of it local committee of the Straits Settlements Association, and contained in a letter of 8th November, 1897, from the chairman of that association; and, if the statements of that letter are accurate, have the Government decided on the course to pursue?

Will the right honourable Gentleman lay on the Table the correspondence on this subject between the authorities of the Straits Settlements and the Colonial Office, and also the correspondence between the Colonial Office and other Colonies, on the same subject, in continuance of Papers laid on the Table from time to time?

I informed the Straits Settlements Association, in reply to their letter of 8th November last, that I am not prepared to sanction the re-enactment of the Contagious Diseases Ordinance in the Straits Settlements, but that I was conferring with the Governor as to whether other measures can be taken to check the spread of venereal diseases in that Colony. The correspondence with the Governor on the subject is not yet completed.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) whether Wagadugu, in the Mossi district of West Africa, is within the British sphere recognised or claimed; (2) whether it is now occupied by a French post; and (3) whether there is any foundation for a recent report to the effect that the French have been fortifying it, or have strengthened their forces there by an addition of infantry, cavalry, and guns?

The answer to the first two Questions is in the affirmative. I have received no information in the sense of the third.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. L. Doyle, B.L., Legal Sub-Commissioner, has been recently appointed Chairman of the County Kildare Sub-Commission; if he will state for what reason he was removed from another county to Kildare, and if his attention has been called to the fact that Mr. Doyle was one of the Sub-Commission who fixed the first judicial rents which he is now engaged in revising for the second statutory term; and if he will suggest to the Land Commission the reconsideration of Mr. Doyle's appointment to county Kildare?

No change has recently taken place in the district in which, the Sub-Commission presided over by Mr. Doyle, as legal Assistant Commissioner, is empowered to work under a delegation order of the Land Commission, the county Kildare having, for a considerable time past, formed part of his district. It is a fact that Mr. Doyle was engaged in the earlier years of the Commission in fixing judicial rents for a first statutory term in the county Kildare, but the Commissioners state they see no reason why he should not now take part in the hearing of applications which may be made in any of those cases, for the purpose of fixing a fair rent for a further statutory term.

Is it not a fact that in county Down a gentleman who recently acted as a Sub-Commissioner—

Order, order! That does not arise out of the Question on the Paper.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, owing to the number of troops at present quartered in Scotland being very small and out of proportion to the garrisons maintained in the other countries of the United Kingdom, the Government propose to augment the Scottish garrison, more especially in view of the sanctioned increase of the Army; and, if so, to what extent; and also if he could inform the House of the actual number of troops quartered in England, Scotland, and Ireland respectively?

With a view to efficiency, it is considered desirable to station troops, as far as possible, at places where they can be trained in large bodies and are most available for mobilisation. As Scotland does not provide special facilities for these requirements, it is not proposed to increase the number of units there. The distribution of the troops in the various commands is published monthly.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state the result of the inquiry, promised by the Postmaster General in 1895, into the rate of pay of the younger telegraphists after five years' service; and why, though an increased rate was strongly supported by the Departmental witnesses before Lord Tweed-mouth's Committee, no allusion is made to this matter either in the Committee's Report or by the Postmaster General in his recent circular?

This subject was not dealt with in the circular of 15th March last because it had been already dealt with in the previous circular of 10th August last. In consequence of the further concessions then made by the Postmaster General and myself, a telegraphist may, on attaining his 21st year and completing five years' established service, obtain three increments on his scale of pay—viz., (a) the ordinary increment allowed on a certificate of general good conduct and efficiency; (b) an additional increment on passing a qualifying examination in sorting as well as telegraphy, and being ready to place his services, as may be required, at the disposal of the authorities on either section of duty; (c) an additional increment on passing an examination in technical telegraphy. Thus a London telegraphist of five years' service may qualify in his sixth year of service for three increments of £6 each, or £18 in the aggregate, and a provincial telegraphist for three increments of 2s. a week, or about £16 in the aggregate.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consent to lay upon the Table of the House the general official instructions issued by the Secretary of State to the Factory Department, as is done in France, Austria, and Germany?

I do not know what are the French, Austrian, or German instructions to which the honourable Member alludes; but it must be remembered that in these countries many matters appear in administrative regulations which in this country are determined by Acts of Parliament. It is not the practice, and obviously inexpedient, to make public all Departmental instructions, but I shall be happy to consider whether it will be possible, on particular points, to furnish the honourable Member with the information he wishes.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the words "comity solicitor" in Section 72 of the Local Government (Ireland) Bill means the Crown Solicitor for the county?

The expression "county solicitor" refers not to the Crown Solicitor, but to the solicitor of the grand jury.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that it is seven years since the tenants on Sir Thomas Finlay's estate in the parish of Templeport, county Cavan, purchased their holdings, and that they have not yet received their vesting orders; and will inquiry be made as to the cause of the delay?

The agreements to purchase from the estates mentioned in this Question were received on various dates between July, 1894, and April, 1898. In 30 of these cases the holdings have been vested in the tenant purchasers; in four cases the applications were either withdrawn or dismissed; in 19 vesting orders have been prepared and will be executed immediately; and in the remaining cases the solicitor having carriage of the proceedings has been called upon to close the matter by an early date. There has been no delay on the part of the Land Commission.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any proposals have been received for the purchase by the tenants of the Finlay estate, in the town lands of Cirrlough and Brackley, in county Cavan?

The answer to this Question is in the negative.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether he has received copies of resolutions adopted by all the Poor Law Boards of county Cavan asking for powers under the Local Government Bill to be given to the county councils to appoint a mining expert or engineer as one of the county officers; and (2) can he include such an office in the appointments to be made under the Bill?

I have received copies of the resolutions referred to in the first paragraph. I do not see my way to accepting the suggestion in the last paragraph.

On behalf of the honourable Member for South Down, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state what number of fair rent appeals were disposed of by the Chief Commission at its last sitting in Belfast; and in how many cases were the judicial rents reduced or increased respectively?

There were 95 cases on the list to be disposed of by the Commissioners at their last silting at Belfast. In 57 of these cases the rents fixed by the Sub-Commissioners were affirmed, in 22 cases they were increased, and in two cases they were reduced. Of the remaining cases three were withdrawn, two were struck out, three were settled by mutual agreement between the parties, and one case stands adjourned.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the negotiations now pending between the United States and the West India Islands, there is any suggested or contemplated preferential customs treatment of dutiable merchandise imported into the West Indies from the United States as compared with the same or similar merchandise imported from the United Kingdom; and, if so, whether he will give the names of the articles which it is suggested should receive such preferential treatment?

I am unable at the present time to give any information as to the negotiations, of which I have no full report, and which are not completed. No such arrangement, however, has been proposed or contemplated by Her Majesty's Government.

Has any such arrangement been proposed by the other side?

The honourable Gentleman, I think, had better restrain his curiosity until I am able to lay upon the Table the whole account of the negotiations.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he has read the reports of the agent of the Manchester Committee on the condition of the school children in the distressed districts in the West of Ireland; and, if he has, whether the Irish Government have decided to take any steps to deal with the state of things disclosed in those reports?—At the same time I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether his attention has been directed to the report of the last meeting of the Dublin Mansion House Committee reported in the Dublin newspapers of 26th April; (2) whether he is aware that the funds of the Committee were reported to be exhausted and the accounts overdrawn, and that the Committee were obliged to refuse all applications for relief; (3) whether a return was laid before the Committee of the cost of supplying the children attending school in 15 very distressed parishes with one pennyworth of bread daily, amounting to £965 13s., and whether the Committee were unable to do anything, and postponed the matter; and (4) what steps the Government propose to meet this emergency?

I have seen the reports, which were of a confidential nature, of the agent of the Manchester Committee relative to the condition of the school children in distressed districts in the west of Ireland. In the early part of this month I instructed the Local Government Board to issue directions to their inspectors requesting them to call the special attention of relieving officers to the condition of children with a view to the exercise of their powers of affording provisional relief in food, blankets, medical attendance, etc., to children in all cases in which it appeared that they were in the condition alleged in the report of the Manchester Committee. In answer to the second Question, I have read a newspaper account of the proceedings at the meeting mentioned, at which statements are reported to have been made to the effect quoted in the second and third paragraphs of the second Question. As regards the last paragraph of that Question, I have nothing to add to the statements made by me in the House on Friday last or to my reply to the inquiries addressed to me on the subject on Tuesday by the honourable Member for the St. Patrick Division.

Is the right, honourable Gentleman aware that the distress funds in Cork and Kerry are also exhausted?

I have no information before me to that effect.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the fact that county councils in England and Wales have power to hold their meetings at such places, either within or without their counties, as they may from time to time direct, he will insert a similar provision in the Local Government (Ireland) Bill?

Article 34 of the Order in Council adapting the English Enactments contains a provision to the effect mentioned in this Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he has any objection to present to Parliament such of the official Minutes of the late Sir Henry Maine respecting the relations between the British Government and the Indian feudatory States as can now be published without detriment to the public service?

A selection of the Minutes of Sir Henry Maine on the subjects referred to in the honourable Member's Question were reproduced in the "Life and Speeches of Sir Henry Maine," published by Mr. John Murray in 1892. Those Minutes which, on account of their comparative unimportance, or of their confidential nature, were omitted from that collection should not, in my opinion, be published.

On behalf of the honourable Member for South Down, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, (1) with reference to the £5,000 granted by the Secretary to the Treasury towards the repair or reconstruction of the pier and harbour works at Newcastle, county Down, on condition that the grand jury of Down would present for the balance of £8,000 or £9,000 to complete the work, whether he is aware that the grand jury had no power to present for a new work which the approved plan of Mr. Vernon Harcourt, C.E., involved by reason of his suggested extension of the harbour works for the sake of safety; and (2) whether he will provide in the Local Government Bill to give power to the county councils to raise money for any such necessary new work, subject to the approval of the Local Government Board?

The grand jury had no power to present for a new work at Newcastle, and the extension referred to comes within that description. The question raised by the second paragraph requires careful consideration, and I am not at present prepared to say whether provision will be made by the Bill in the direction suggested.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether a large number of applications to have fair rents fixed, made by small farmers in the county Armagh, are still unheard, though some of them date so far back as October, 1896; (2) whether an application was lodged by Mr. Wm. Conser, of Armagh, in January, 1898, to have a fair rent fixed and listed for hearing by the Land Commission for the 26th April instant; (3) why was such a preference given to Mr. Conser in this instance; and (4) will he prohibit this case from being taken out of its ordinary turn?

I am informed that a comparatively large number of applications from the county Armagh is still awaiting to be heard, but that there are no cases unlisted for hearing in which the applications were received by the Commissioners in 1896. In the case referred to in the second paragraph the application was received by the Commissioners in January last, and a special Order of the court in Dublin was obtained, directing that the case should be listed for hearing at an early date, owing to the existence of special circumstances. The Commissioners sea no reason for varying the Order made in this case.

Has the right honourable Gentleman any objection to stating what are the special circumstances?

I really do not know myself what they are. This is a matter for the Commissioners, and I cannot interfere.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether on 5th December, 1897, a telegraph clerk at Liverpool named Hardingham sought the advice of the medical officer; whether after a week's absence Hardingham was instructed to resume duty; whether in consequence of his inability to do so Hardingham called in a private practitioner, who at once stated that he was suffering from typhoid fever, and ordered his immediate removal to the Corporation Infectious Disease Hospital; whether he is aware that Hardingham remained an inmate of the hospital for 11 weeks; and will the Postmaster General institute a special inquiry into the case, and direct that the expense incurred by Hardingham in obtaining medical advice be refunded, as post office employees are entitled to free medical attendance?

It was on the 7th and not on the 5th of December last that Mr. Hardingham saw the medical officer at Liverpool. The medical officer reported on that date that Mr. Hardingham was suffering from gastric catarrh, but was able to perform his official duty; Mr. Hardingham, however, as a matter of fact, did not resume duty, and was visited by the medical officer on the following day. The medical officer then reported that Mr. Hardingham would not be fit for duty till the 13th of December. He subsequently visited Mr. Hardingham on various days between the 10th and 20th of December, on each occasion extending his certificate by stating that the patient would not be fit for duty for a week. On the 14th of December, however, Mr. Hardingham consulted a private medical gentleman, who stated that he was suffering from "enteric fever," and ultimately ordered his removal to the hospital. He was in the hospital from the 21st of December till the 18th of February. The medical officer at Liverpool reports that Mr. Hardingham did not follow his directions either as to taking the medicine or observing the diet which he prescribed, and that he aggravated his illness by taking a pork chop in lieu of the milk and farinaceous food which had been ordered for him. The Postmaster General sees nothing in the case calling for special inquiry, and he is unable to pay Mr. Hardingham's private medical adviser's fees. Gratuitous medical advice and attendance were provided for Mr. Hardingham, but he preferred to have recourse to private medical advice. This he was quite at liberty to do, but the Department cannot undertake to pay the cost.

I beg to ask the secretary of Slate for India when the Papers concerning the Plague in India will be issued; and when he will lay upon the Table of the House the Acts recently passed in India dealing with the Indian Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the Post Office?

The Papers in question were laid on the Table on the 24th of March, and copies were issued to Members of the House nearly throe weeks ago. As regards the other Papers asked for, they will be presented so soon as the Acts referred to have been considered by the Secretary of State in Council.

Can the noble Lord say about how long that will be?

I hope in the course of a few days.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that considerable doubt has arisen respecting the reason why the words "or to some nearer destination" have been inserted in Rule 3 of his Letter addressed to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; and will he be good enough to stale the effect of these words, and, in particular, whether they are intended to cover the case of the supply of coal in a British port to a ship of war of either belligerent when the destination of such ship, being nearer than the nearest port of her own country, is a point for hostile operations against the other belligerent?

The words to which the honourable Gentleman refers have been contained in all recent proclamations. Their meaning is clearly not that which the honourable Gentleman attributes to them. They are intended to limit, not to increase, the amount of coal which a belligerent may take in at one of our ports. The fundament al principle underlying these provisions is that neutral ports should not be made the basis of warlike operations.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is in a position to state what action the Treasury propose to take under Section 8 (2) of the Compensation Act, 1897, with regard to framing a scheme enabling such Government servants as may desire to do so to contract out of the provisions of the Act?

Yes, Sir; a Treasury Warrant is in course of preparation enabling Government servants to contract themselves out of the provisions of the Act if they so desire. The Warrant will contain a scheme of compensation which will be submitted for the certificate of the Registrar of Friendly Societies as required by the 3rd Section.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury (1) whether it is intended that a grant of £150,000 shall be provided in this year's Estimates to build a Science and Art Department in Dublin; and (2) whether it is intended that the Department shall be in connect ion with the foundation of technical education in Ireland?

The Report of the Departmental Committee which inquired last year into the question of providing new buildings for the Royal College of Science in Dublin is still under the consideration of the Science and Art Department. It may be presumed that any building scheme which may be adopted will involve as a preliminary the acquisition of compulsory powers of purchase; and consequently there is no present necessity for any financial provision to be made. I understand that the Question referred to in the last paragraph is also receiving the attention of the Committee of Council.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the Report of the Departmental Committee appointed to inquire into the site of a Science and Art Department, in Dublin has been received, and, if so, will he state its purport; and whether the Department is to be placed under Irish control and in connection with technical education?

The Report relating to the Royal College of Science in Dublin has been received, and is under the consideration of the Committee of Council. I cannot yet state whether it will be laid before Parliament. The Committee of Council have no information as to any intended Departmental changes.

Is the Department to be placed under Irish control?

I have said we have no information on that point, and it is not for us to suggest it.

When will the Committee of Council have the information?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Laird Lieutenant of Ireland (1) whether certain recommendations have been made respecting the defective arrangements and accommodation for prisoners under arrest by the Dublin Metropolitan Police; (2) whether he is aware that a grant has been made to carry out the necessary reform, and to assimilate the system with that now existing in English cities; and (3) whether he can state if these improvements have been commenced, and when they will be perfected?

The first paragraph is a repetition of a Question put to me by the honourable Member on the 21st instant. I am, of course, aware of the fact stated in the second paragraph. On the 21st instant I informed the honourable Member that negotiations for a site for the proposed Central Bride-well were in progress.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, before the 15th September, 1895, Her Majesty's Ambassador in Paris was informed by the French Foreign Minister that the French Government could not entertain a claim on behalf of the widows and children of the British officers slain at Waima; and whether, under those circumstances, the French Government have subsequently accepted negotiation on the subject?

I am informed that there is no trace, either in the Foreign Office or in Her Majesty's Embassy at Paris, of any such communication as that alluded to in the Question; nor have Her Majesty's Government information that any such communication has been made.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether the harbour of Kin-chau, on the Gulf of Liaotung, is included in the territory on the Liaotung peninsula leased to Russia; (2) whether the agreement which embodies the terms of the lease of Port Arthur and Talienwan to Russia states that the southern portion of Talienwan is to be an exclusive naval base not open to foreign ships of commerce; and (3) whether fortifications at Talienwan have been already begun?

The answer to the first Question is, I believe, in the affirmative we have not yet received the terms of the agreement referred to in the second Question, and, therefore, have no precise or authentic information as to its details Her Majesty's Minister at Pekin has reported to us having heard that a portion of Talienwan Bay is to be fortified, but we have no knowledge of any fortifications having been yet commenced.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether it is a fact that the Russian authorities have property in Port Arthur, and have ejected the Chinese residents; (2) whether the Russians have insisted on the dismissal of the British instructors in the Chinese naval schools and their replacement by Russian naval officers; and (3) whether Russian engineers have surveyed Port Adams, near New-chwang, with a view to establishing a railway terminus there?

We have no information as regards the first and third Questions. The answer to the second is in the negative.

Will the right honourable Gentleman be so good as to inquire for information on this subject?

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Russian Government is converting the southern half of the harbour of Talienwan into a fortified naval base, unopened to foreign ships of commerce?

I have already answered that.

I wish to ask the right honourable Gentleman whether he will be so good as to make inquiry of Her Majesty's representative at Pekin as early as possible, so that, in view of the coming Debate, the House may have full information on these important questions, especially in regard to Talienwan?

I do not know that our representative at Pekin has any means of obtaining information. We have no Consul at Talienwan. I can only say that there were actually in existence certain fortifications at Talienwan.

Are we to understand that there has been any change in the pledges of Russia with respect to Talienwan being an open port, because, of course, a fortified naval base is a very different thing from an open port?

The House has all the information with regard to the intentions of Russia that is in the possession of Her Majesty's Government. I certainly should not, without consideration, commit myself to the proposition that the fortification of any part of Talienwan prevents it being an open port.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the British Government spontaneously intimated to the German Government that it had no intention of calling in question the German rights or interests in the Province of Shantung; and that, in particular, it had no intention of laying down railway communication with the interior from Wei-hai-Wei. or from the territory which appertains to that port?

The declaration referred to was suggested by me to prevent misconception. It states the exact truth—that the occupation of Wei-hai-Wei. though it is in Shantung peninsula, was not directed against German rights in that province. As the House knows, the reasons for the occupation were strategical and political, and not commercial. They had nothing to do with Germany or Germans interests, and it seemed right to say so. The declaration neither recognises rights which do not exist, nor adds anything to those which do.

The right honourable Gentleman omitted all reference to the last part of the Question, as to whether the British Government spontaneously intimated to the Gorman Government that it had no intention of laying down railway communication with the interior from Wei-hai-Wei.

Yes, Sir. I stated that the communication was what is called spontaneous—that is, that it was initiated by Her Majesty's Government. With regard to railway communication, I believe it to be impracticable, and that was staled in the course of the communication to the German Government.

Are we to understand that British subjects are not to have the same rights to carry on commercial business at Wei-hai-Wei that the Russians have intimated they will have at Talienwan?

Any British subject who is foolish enough to go to Wei-hai-Wei for commercial purposes will have every facility.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that there is a Bill before the Congress of the United States to increase the Tonnage Tax to eight times its present amount; and whether this tax will be Applied to British vessels, but not to the vessels of all nations; if so, will Her Majesty's Government enter into negotiations with the United States, with a view to preventing so heavy a burden being laid on British shipping?

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury (1) whether he is aware that a Bill is now before Congress which proposes to increase the Tonnage Tax on shipping to eight times its present annual amount, namely, from 30 cents to 2 dollar 40 cents per annum, or per voyage from 6 cents to 30 cents; (2) whether he can state if it is proposed that the shipping of countries hitherto admitted into United States ports free from any Tonnage Tax shall continue to be free from the increased tax, while the full amount of the increased tax is to be exacted from British shipping; and (3) whether, if the above inquiries, or either of them, be answered in the affirmative, he will cause representations to be made to the United Stales Government as to the injurious effect which so burdensome an imposition is calculated to have upon trade between the United Kingdom and the States, and the exceptional severity with which it will press upon British shipping?

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that a Bill is now before the Congress of the United Stales of America winch proposes to increase the Tonnage Tax on ships entering United Slates ports to eight times its present amount, amounting in maximum to 2 dollars 40 cents per ten per annum; and whether, inasmuch, as the ships of some other countries are admitted into United States ports free from such Tonnage Tax, Her Majesty's Government will make representations to the Government of the United States in this sense?

Her Majesty's Government are aware that a Bill is new before the United States Congress for an increase in the Tonnage Tax on shipping, but no information has been received officially with regard to the exact provisions of the Bill. The question is engaging our attention.

Will the right honourable Gentleman kindly answer the third paragraph of the Question of the honourable Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool, as this matter is very important to all engaged in the shipping interest?

I think my answer really covered all three paragraphs. Her Majesty's Government are aware that there is a Bill before Congress—I do not pledge myself as to the precise accuracy of my honourable Friend's figures—but it is a Bill undoubtedly enormously augmenting the charges upon shipping. With regard to the second paragraph, no information has been received officially as to the exact provisions of the Bill, but I believe it is true that there is an exception in favour of those countries which do not exact light dues. As to the third paragraph, the question is engaging the attention of the Government, and we will do whatever we can to protect the interests of the British shipping trade.

I do not think the right honourable Gentleman has realised the importance of the Bill, especially to the owners of steamers running from Liverpool to Atlantic ports—

Order, order! The honourable Member is now really arguing upon the Question.

May I ask the First Lord whether he has thoroughly realised the importance of this Bill? Will he consent to receive a deputation from those interested in the American trade?

I think that if a deputation is to be of any great value it ought to be addressed to those who are not already fully seized with the views of the members of that deputation, and who are not already in thorough agreement with them. As I have already indicated, we do desire to protect the interests of British shipping in this matter. The persons who have control over this matter are not Her Majesty's Government, but Congress and the Government of the United States.

I think the First Lord of the Treasury still does not realise the importance—

Order, order! The honourable Member is not entitled to comment on the answer.

May I ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the action in Congress, he will consider if he cannot alter ins Light Dues Bill and remove that charge from shipping?

I desire to ask the First Lord of the Treasury a Question, of which I have given him private notice, (1) whether it is the case that the date for the announcement of the Greek Loan is May 2, and the date for the issue May 10; (2) whether the evacuation of Thessaly by the Turkish troops will, consequently, commence on May 2; and (3) whether it will be superintended by the International delegates?

It is, I believe, understood that the publication of the Greek Indemnity Loan is fixed for May 2, and the issue for May 10. The evacuation of Thessaly will, in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Peace, take place within vine month from the former date. The answer to the last paragraph is in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any progress has been made with the negotiations for the settlement of the Alaskan frontier with the United States, a question which has been left unsettled by the Foreign Office for over 30 years?

The question is now under discussion with the United States Government. As I think my right honourable Friend the Secretary for the Colonies has stated, there is reason to believe a modus rivendi will be agreed upon pending a definite settlement.

May I ask if the Foreign Office will endeavour to get this very important Question settled as promptly as possible?

Of course we are quite alive to the extreme importance of the Question, and are anxious to bring it to an end.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will state the nature of the response which has been received to the representations which, in the 15th Annual Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland, are stated to have been made to the Governments of Russia, Austria, and the United States, with a view to a reduction of the high duties on cured herrings imported into those countries?

I gather that representations have been made to the Governments of Russia and Austria. In answer to various Questions put by the honourable Member last year it was stated that, in the opinion, of Her Majesty's Government, no useful purpose would be served by such a course. Representations were made by Her Majesty's Minister at Washington to the United States Government in January, 1897, and the duty on salted herrings in the United States remains at half of a cent. per pound, being the same rate as that previously in force.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether negotiations have been reopened with the United States Government with a view to arranging an Arbitration Treaty?

No such negotiations are at present in progress.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Colonial Office Vote can be placed as first Order on Friday, 6th May?

Will the right honourable Gentleman kindly bear in mind that there is something of an understanding that the Irish Estimates shall be taken while the Local Government (Ireland) Bill is in Committee?

Yes; and I think that would be a very convenient course; but I believe that by general consent Friday week has been set apart for the discussion of the Colonial Vote.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it is a fact that the Admirals at Canea have telegraphed to their Governments demanding the reinforcement of the European garrison and the withdrawal of half the Turkish forces from the island?

A communication has been addressed by the Admirals to their Governments to the effect indicated in the Question.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it is the intention of the Government to take the Second Reading of the London University Commission Bill before Whitsuntide?

I cannot give any definite promise, having regard to the condition of public business, but I certainly would not discourage the idea that we might have a chance of bringing this Measure on as early as some time before Whitsuntide.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is the fact that the Petty Session Courthouse at Pettigo is used for the meetings of the Orange Lodge; and whether, as the Court-house is paid for by the ratepayers of the county, the Irish Government will take any and, if so, what steps to prevent meetings of a party character being held in the Court-house.

I am informed that the fact is as stated in the first paragraph. The magistrates' room is rented by the Grand Jury pursuant, to the provisions of Section 8 of the Petty Sessions Act, and I have no reason for believing that the occupation of the room for party purposes is with the sanction of the magistrates. On the contrary, I believe it has always been the practice of magistrates throughout the several Petty Sessions districts in Ireland not to permit their Court to be used for party purposes where the building is under their control. In the present instance that appears not to be the case, but I am making further inquiry into the matter.

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that the records of this Court are open to the inspection of the members of this Lodge?

I should think that that is very improbable.

I do not propose to trouble the Committee with more than a few arguments. The right honourable Gentleman stated yesterday that rural district councils would have an opportunity of returning a member to the county council. There are little towns where the tenants have their holdings purchased under the Ashbourne Act, and the result will be that those tenants will have to pay the whole of the county cess and the whole of the rural cess. To my mind, if you take the small towns of this class they will have to be added to the rural area. I think it is only fair to the ratepayers in towns that the chairmen of town boards should be ex officio members of the county councils. I give this as my opinion, having had some experience in this matter, and I hope the right honourable Gentleman will see his way to accept this Amendment, because the number of members that will be added to the county council will be very insignificant. I think it will be placing every hardship on the ratepayers in towns, and the cess payers who pay the whole of the county cess and the whole of the poor rate, if they have to be put alongside of the rural districts in electing a member of the county council. There are certain towns whore the tenants are holders of their property in fee, and those people have to pay for the entire county cess and the entire poor rate, and to put those people along with tenants who get the land and get half of their poor rate paid by the Government is, to my mind, scarcely fair. I think it would not be fair treatment to the tenants in towns who hold their property in fee, and I hope the right honourable Gentleman will see his way to accept the Amendment.

If all the counties are situated as county Louth is, this Amendment might be accepted. As far as I understand, in county Louth you have three places in which the Amendment will apply. But in a certain other county there will be 15 urban councils represented, and the county council will be largely dominated by chairmen from all these different places. Therefore, seeing that the interests of the urban districts have not the same concerns as the rural districts, and seeing that there is not the same need for representation, owing to a close connection between urban district councils and county councils as there is between rural district councils and county councils, I think it is extremely unfair, in the interests of the farmer, that certain county towns should send in 15 men who would be far more likely to attend the council than the men who came from the country districts. It is quite possible that in county towns we might find chairmen from the urban district councils ruling on certain occasions in a majority of the entire councils. I feel certain that that consideration did not enter the mind of the honourable and learned Gentleman who proposed this Amendment. In the case of such a small number as county Louth would return, no one would object to give the chairman of the urban district council any added dignity by being on the county council. But it is a serious matter in some cases. I hope the Government will not accept the Amendment of my honourable and learned Friend. I make these remarks because of the statement made several times yesterday that the Chief Secretary had accepted this Amendment, seeing that he had the support of the entire Irish representation. It is true that one Irish Member spoke on behalf of it, but I understand that the Unionist representatives from Ireland are almost all against it.

I do not desire to retard the progress of this Bill by prolonging the Debate. I am proud to facilitate its progress; but, before we pass away from this clause, I rise to make an appeal to the Chief Secretary on behalf of the Chairman of the Town Commissioners of Enniskillen, of which I am a member. I am convinced that the right honourable Gentleman docs not intend that this Bill should be a disabled Measure, but if Clause 3 passes in its present form it will curtail the privileges and it will diminish the statutory rights of the Enniskillen Corporation. This Enniskillen Corporation for which I appear is a Unionist corporation; and, so far as I am concerned, I do not care whether it is Unionist or Nationalist. I only want to do what is right under all the circumstances; I am prepared to advocate the interests of a Unionist Corporation, as well as of a Nationalist Corporation. The Enniskillen Town Commissioners, I may state for the information of the right honourable Gentleman, if I can get his attention, are constituted under an Act of George IV., under the Town Improvement Act of 1854, and under a special Act of their own, passed in this House in the year 1870. The 25th and 26th Sections of this special Act provide for three things. They provide for the contribution of the town of Enniskillen to the general county expenses at large; secondly, for the mode of assessment; and, thirdly, for the representative rights of the Commissioners in the outlay of this contribution. If the House will not think it too long, I should like to read this 26th section—

"The amount of the contribution of the borough towards the amount presented as aforesaid shall be proportioned to the valuation of property in the borough as compared with the valuation of property in the county, and the amount of such contribution shall be certified in detail under the hand of the treasurer of the county, such certificate to be delivered to the clerk of the Commissioners at the time when the warrants for collecting are delivered to the collectors of county cess and six weeks at least before the commencement of each assizes for the county. Provided always that the chairman of the Commissioners for the time being shall be entitled to sit and act as one of the associated cess payers at every county-at-large presentment sessions and to represent the borough at every such sessions."

Now, Sir, under these two sections we pay from £250 to £500 a year, and as the valuation of the town increases our contribution will be more. As the result of this 26th. Section our chairman sits and acts and votes as an associated cess-payer. Under your Bill there will be no associated cess payers; so that the rights of the Commissioners, as such, under the 26th Section of this Act, will be abrogated without the gain of any equivalent rights. If we accept the Amendment, and constitute the chairman of the Commissioners a member of the county council, he will still sit and act in the outlay of the Commissioners' contribution to the county at large. I say now to the Chief Secretary that it would be most unfair to deprive us of our legal rights. It would be most unfair to deprive the Chairman of the Enniskillen Urban District Board of his statutory rights, and to confer these rights upon the chairman of a brand new body, which hitherto had no existence and no rights, and which was not so deserving. I noted the right honourable Gentleman yesterday made use of two arguments in favour of rural chairmen as against urban chairmen. First, he says the urban district will be represented on the county council. The second argument was that the chairman of the rural district council would be perfectly familiar with the wants of the district. But surely the right hon. Gentleman must see that these arguments apply with greater force in favour of the chairman of the urban council being ex officio a member of the county council than in favour of the chairman of the rural council; for all the area covered by the district council will be represented on the county council, and the chairman of the Commissioners will assuredly be more perfectly familiar with the affairs of the urban district council than the chairman of the rural district council can be familiar with the affairs of the rural district. I ask, in justice to the Chairman of the Enniskillen Commissioners, that he be not deprived of his legal rights, and that the Chief Secretary, in the interests of the town of Enniskillen, and other towns similarly situated, will see his way to accept the very modest Amendment proposed by the honourable Member for North Louth.