Mr. Speaker, I rise to call your attention to a grave mistake on the Order Paper. If you will turn your eye to page 19 to the Notices of Motion on the Committee on Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Bill, you will find that there are two Amendments put down in the name of a person who is not a Member of this House at all; they are down in the name of a person named Doughty. I want to know, Sir, what can be done in this serious difficulty. I cannot, of course, make a suggestion, but I hope that both the Amendment and the amender will be expunged. I ask your advice, Sir, with regard to this serious infringement of the liberties of the House.

The Notice of Motion has been left by inadvertence on the Paper, but I will give instructions that it shall not be there on another day.

And I trust, Sir, that those instructions will be indefinitely extended.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in suitable rural districts of the Metropolitan police area, or of cities and boroughs in England, the use of the bicycle is sanctioned and encouraged either for purposes of inspection by inspectors and sergeants, or for the patrolling of beats twice or thrice as often as can be done on foot?

The use of the bicycle is becoming much more common in the police forces, but chiefly for the purpose of apprehending offenders or conveying urgent messages and despatches. I am not aware that it is used at all for patrolling, or to any considerable degree for purposes of inspection, and I am not sure that, for patrolling, at any rate, it would be altogether desirable.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has considered the memorandum presented by the sheriff substitutes of Scot- land; and whether the Treasury are prepared to increase the salaries to at least £700 per annum?

I have the memorial under consideration, but I am not at present prepared to make any statement on the subject.

On behalf of the honourable Member for North Cork I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether his attention has been called to a memorial largely signed by the inhabitants and traders of the locality asking for the establishment of a telegraphic office in connection with the sub-post office at King Street, Cork, and in view of its proximity to the steamship offices, large mercantile establishments, and hotels, the Department will accede to the request of the memorialists?

The attention of the Postmaster General has been called to the memorial referred to by the honourable Member, but in view of the proximity of the head post office he does not think it would be desirable, or in the interests of the public, to open the King Street, Cork, sub-post office as a telegraph office.

On behalf of the honourable Member for North Cork I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the attention of the Post Office authorities has been directed to the insufficient postal facilities afforded to Rathcoole district, Banteer, county Cork; whether he is aware that the mails are delivered in the district only four days weekly; and whether, in view of the strong representations made by the people of the locality, the Post Office authorities will give a six day delivery to the district?

The attention of the Postmaster General had not previously been called to any insufficiency of the postal facilities at Rathcoole. He has now ascertained that application was made to the postmaster of Mallow, about a month ago, for a delivery on every week day. It is the fact that a delivery is only made on four days a week, and, according to existing returns of the amount of the correspondence, a more frequent delivery would not be warranted, but fresh returns will be taken. The Postmaster General is not able to give a final decision until such returns have been taken. It should, perhaps, be pointed out that owing to the rapid extension of the postal deliveries in Ireland under the "Jubilee" scheme, the surveying officers are greatly overworked, and it is unavoidable that delay should occur in dealing with such applications as that made to the postmaster of Mallow in this case.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what is the estimated extra expenditure for the autumn manœuvres in the south of England for this year?

The large manœuvres to be held this year in the south of England are estimated to cost £140,000.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, on the assumption that recruiting for the Army continues at the same rate as in the last quarter, which is the period during which the new enlistment regulations have been in force, he would inform the House what is the date computed by the authorities for the completion of the increase to the Army, consideration being given to the approaching efflux of men from the Army recently predicted by the Secretary of State for War?

It would be undesirable to give a hypothetical date for completion of the increase on the Army based on so brief an experience of the new conditions, nor is it fair to assume that recruiting during the June quarter affords a criterion of the progress which may be expected during the rest of the year.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he can now give any further particulars as to the intended action of the Board of Trade in connection with removing the sand and stones out of Donaghadee Harbour?

It is not intended to take any steps for the clearing of Donaghadee Harbour during the present year, and no provision has been made in the current Estimates for the purpose. The matter will be fully investigated in time for consideration in connection with the Estimates for next year. The Board of Works do not regard it as a matter of special urgency, as the silting which has taken place is not a source of any danger to the class of vessels which make use of the harbour.

On behalf of the honourable Member for Cork [Mr. J. F. X. O'Brien] I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, in reference to the alleged failures of female telegraphists in Cork post office, whether at least two of those examined in May 1897, passed successfully at the first going off, and received their certificates from the Civil Service Commissioners, and the others failed in only one subject, but being examined a few months later passed also; and, in view of the fact that these telegraphists have been performing superior telegraphic duties for a long time past, some for five years and over, whether he can state the reason for the long delay in giving them their appointments on the staff; and, in regard to the principle of seniority, whether appointments will be given in priority to those who have passed the qualifying examinations at the earlier dates?

It is the fact that the temporary telegraphists at Cork all succeeded last year in passing the Civil Service examination, some in May and some a few months later, but the one officer who has served as much as five years had previously twice failed, namely, in August, 1894, and in September, 1895, in the educational examinations held by the Post Office, and it was her failure on these occasions that prevented her appointment in ordinary course some time ago. Now that the temporary telegraphists have all succeeded in qualifying, it will be possible, as vacancies occur, to appoint them according to seniority in service. I may add that these officers have been treated with exceptional consideration. Strictly speaking, their services should have been dispensed with on their failing to pass the prescribed examination.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can state the annual rent of the premises at present used as the post office in Carlow, and also the annual cost for the past eight years of keeping them in repair; whether he has seen the medical sanitary officers' report of their insanitary condition; whether there are 10 employees of the post office engaged by day, and many of them for most of the night, to the great danger of their health, and the health of the general public who have to visit these insanitary premises; and whether it is proposed to spend public money in altering and adding to these old houses in order to fit them for the postal business of Carlow; and, if so, whether he will take care to satisfy himself that there would be any economy in patching up these old buildings, or whether he would consider me advisability of providing another site, and build a new office, before sanctioning the expenditure of any more money on the present office?

The Crown post office at Carlow is held on a lease running till 1919 at a rent of £45 a year. Excluding some alterations and improvements made last year the annual cost of maintenance and repair during the last eight years has averaged about £29. The Report of the local medical officer, which has been seen, does not condemn the premises as insanitary, but indicates the existence of a serious nuisance in an outbuilding. A copy of the Report has been sent to the Board of Public Works, with a request that proper sanitary conveniences may be provided as soon as possible. The indoor staff numbers 11, and some of them are engaged at the office up to 9 p.m., but only one later. It is reported that when the improvements in contemplation are carried out the building will be suitable for its purpose, and that the sanitary arrangements will be satisfactory. Under these circumstances it is not considered necessary to take up the question of providing a new building. In the meantime the postmaster has been instructed to have extra flushing and cleansing done.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that great inconvenience and loss is caused to the farmers supplying milk to creameries in Ireland, and also to the proprietors of these establishments, by reason of the fact that the existing law for the regulation of factories does not permit the employment of female labour on Sundays; and whether, as fresh milk must be attended to on Sundays as on other days, as a necessary work, on farms or places other than Irish dairy factories, he will take steps to legalise the employment of dairy maids in these factories on Sundays, and meantime that the existing law will not be enforced against those engaged on Sundays in such work in the dairy factories?

Yes, I have been aware for some time of the state of things mentioned in the honourable Member's Question. It is clear, I think, that there should be some modifications in the provisions of the Factory Acts which would allow women to work in the Irish creameries for a few hours on Sundays, with a corresponding reduction of the legal hours of labour on week days. I introduced a Bill this Session which would have enabled me to deal with the difficulty, but owing to the opposition which it encountered from honourable Members opposite I have been unable to proceed with it.

Will the right honourable Gentleman see that the law is not unreasonably enforced in the meantime?

I hope it is not the practice to enforce the law unreasonably.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Ben Nevis Observatory is to be closed in October from want of funds; and whether, considering the valuable meteorological observations that have been taken there continuously during the last 15 years, he will, by increased grant or otherwise, secure the permanent maintenance of this, the only highland observatory in the United Kingdom?

The Ben Nevis Observatory has never been directly subsidised by money voted by Parliament, but a sum of £15,300 is annually voted for meteorological research, and paid to the Meteorological Council, who distribute it as seems best suited to attain the purposes for which it is voted. A grant of £350 has annually been made by this Council to Ben Nevis Observatory, and it is open to them, if they think lit, to increase the grant; but I do not think it advisable that Parliament should make a separate grant to Ben Nevis Observatory.

Is it not a fact that before a fixed sum was given for distribution the grant to this institution varied from year to year; and cannot a larger sum be given to maintain this, the only high-level observatory in the United Kingdom?

No, I do not think so; £15,300 is a good deal to vote for private institutions, and if the Meteorological Council do not care to devote more than £350 of that sum to the Ben Nevis Observatory, but prefer to devote it to other purposes, I cannot help it.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty will he explain why apprentices to skilled trades in the Government Naval establishments are, upon completion of their six years' apprenticeship, when entered as journeymen, paid a rate of pay inferior by 2s. per week to that of other workmen, notwithstanding that in almost every case these apprentices receive at the expiry of their indentures a certificate to the effect that they are fully competent, and that man's work has been performed in the last year of their apprenticeship?

Youths who have served their apprenticeship in the Royal Dockyards are, on its completion, entered as probationers on the hired list. As probationers their remuneration is fixed at from 1s. to 2s. a week less than that paid to workmen of more mature knowledge and experience. The superintendents have full power to advance the pay of such youths to the maximum rates of their respective trades as soon as they have shown that their skill and industry entitle them to it.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it is contemplated to improve the status of Naval domestics in the direction of making them continuous service men, with, prospect of assured employment and pension?

The question of the pay and position of Naval domestics is now under the consideration of a Committee, who have been instructed to report upon the subject.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the last meeting of the Londonderry Asylums Board, after the withdrawal of the chairman and other members, a majority passed a resolution in favour of building a new lunatic asylum at the cost of about £110,000; and that the grand jury has since then passed a resolution, by 19 to 4, asking that, pending the coming into office of the county council, the board of control be requested to restrain the governors of the lunatic asylum from taking any further action towards building the proposed asylum; whether the new county council will have to find the £110,000 to pay for this new building; and whether the asylums board, which is a moribund body, is able to incur such an expenditure so shortly before the transfer of its powers.

The reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. No contract has been entered into for the building of the proposed new asylum, and having regard to the changes contemplated in the Local Government Bill the board of control do not propose to take action in this respect pending the election of the new bodies to be created under the Bill.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been directed to a statement in reference to venereal disease, in Dr. Cleghorn's Report on the Health of the Army in India, during the year 1896, that no mechanical or enforced organisation will do good short of such moral influence on the men, as the highest military authorities promised to encouraae; and whether he will lay a copy of that Report on the Table?

I presume the honourable Member refers to the annual Report for 1896, of the Sanitary Commissioner with the Government of India (Surgeon-Major-General Cleghorn), which, however, contains no statement to the effect described in his Question. An abstract of the Report will be included, as usual, in the "Report on Sanitary Measures in India in 1896–97," which will be presented to Parliament in due course.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will lay upon the Table the memorandum from the War Office, dated 28th April, 1898, discouraging immorality in the Army, together with a covering letter, dated May, 1898, addressed by Sir Evelyn Wood, on behalf of the Marquess of Lansdowne, to general officers commanding districts?

The memorandum can be presented to Parliament, but the letter sending it to general officers is a mere administrative detail which it is not necessary to present.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether an article, entitled "The English Prison System," by Major Arthur Griffiths, Her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons, which appears in the current number of the North American Review, was published with his permission, or by the authority of the Prison Commissioners; whether his attention has been drawn to the statements in the article that one of the fiercest complainants has been a notorious felon who has repaid extreme consideration by libelling the treatment that gave him a new lease of life and strength; and whether the person who obviously is here referred to was treated in prison with exceptional favour; and, if so, upon what grounds, and by whose authority?

My permission was not obtained for the publication of this article, but Major Griffiths had the consent of the chairman of the Prison Commissioners to his accepting the invitation of the editor of the Review to write an article on the English prison system. I much regret the insertion of the statement referred to, which seems to me to be very injudicious. It is not the case, however, that the prisoner referred to was treated with exceptional favour; the prison regulations were only modified in his, as in any other, case, by considerations as to his mental and physical state.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the arrangement under which New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland have each contributed £5,000 per annum towards the administrative expenses of British New Guinea expires in September next; whether an amended financial scheme of administration has been devised; and has it been approved by the Governments of the contributing Colonies; and whether, with a view to prevent a recurrence of recent friction, the relations between the Governments of the contributing Colonies and the Lieutenant Governor of British New Guinea will be more strictly defined?

Yes, Sir, the arrangement expires in September. The question of the future arrangement is under consideration.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received from the Council of the Royal Jamaica Society of Agriculture and Commerce a memorial setting forth the present financial condition of the Colony of Jamaica; whether he proposes to take any steps to carry out the suggestions made therein for the restoration of the Colony's credit and prosperity; and whether there is any objection to Jamaica being represented in London by a special agent, with a view to the promotion of the Colony's interests in Great Britain and Ireland?

The memorial has not yet been received. I have no reason to think that the appointment of a special agent is likely to promote the interests of Jamaica, but, even if it were so, the financial position of the Colony would not justify the expenditure.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade what has been the number of railway servants killed by accidents in which the movement of vehicles used exclusively on railways was concerned in each year since the Return No. 166, of 1894; and what has been the number of such fatal accidents investigated in each such years by inspectors or sub-inspector of the Board of Trade?

The information is as follows—

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he can state if undertakings made regarding the permanent retention of a minimum of 350 men in each cavalry regiment have been redeemed; and whether an order to that effect has been issued?

Yes, Sir. The Secretary of State has instructed the adjutant-general to maintain this minimum, and no further orders are necessary.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if arrangements could be made by which, in the course of the present cruise of the Channel Squadron, the vessels of that squadron could visit Blacksod Bay, as they did in 1892, 1893, 1895, and 1897, on their passage from Lough Swilly to Bantry Bay?

No, Sir, no such change is possible.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty, as one of the governors of the King William IV. Naval Asylum at Penge, why the vacancy for a widow, or orphan daughter, of a master, R.N., or the equivalent of that rank, which occurred in the autumn of 1897, has not been filled; whether the cottage has been vacant for the last 10 months; why the election to fill the vacancy did not take place in December last; whether the incoming tenant is, or is not, responsible for the internal repairs of the said cottage; what becomes of the annuity which has not been paid during the time the cottage has been vacant; and when steps will be taken to fill the vacancy in this Naval charity?

The governors have been anxious that the meeting should be held as usual, under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, but His Royal Highness's illness and absence from England has caused unexpected delay. The cottage has been vacant for nearly 12 months. The incoming tenant is not responsible for the internal repairs of the cottage, but owing to the inadequacy of the Repair Fund the tenants have for some years past voluntarily done certain repairs. When the cottage is vacant, the annuity goes to the Repair Fund, which enables the trustees to obtain the means for putting the cottage in repair before its occupation by a new tenant. Steps will be taken to fill the vacancy at the earliest moment. The list of candidates will very shortly be completed for the consideration of the governors.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the proposed agreement between the South Eastern and London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Companies; whether the Board of Trade have considered the question whether an agreement of this character, which practically amounts to a fusion of two great companies, ought to be brought before Parliament for its approval; whether it is the present intention of the directorates of the two companies to submit their agreement to Parliament; and whether, if such is not the present intention of the two companies, the Board of Trade will represent to them the propriety and the desirability, in the interests of the companies themselves, as well as of the districts affected, of obtaining the approval of Parliament to an arrangement of such magnitude, which must exert a great influence upon the convenience of the travelling public generally, as well as upon the large and important districts which these railways serve?

I have received a letter signed by the secretaries of these two companies jointly, in which I am informed as follows—

"In reply to your letters of yesterday, we are instructed to say that the proposed agreement between the South Eastern and London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Companies, therein referred to, is made in pursuance of powers conferred upon them by various Acts of Parliament, and it does not therefore require further Parliamentary sanction. There is no reason to apprehend that the operation of this agreement will subject the public using the respective lines to any disadvantage; on the contrary, it will enable the two companies to make some reduction of fares and also to give their customers many important facilities and advantages which could not otherwise be afforded. The agreement does not in any sense constitute an amalgamation of the two companies, but the directors believe that when the public have had some experience of the united working it will be so generally popular as to justify them in applying for Parliamentary authority for a complete fusion of the two undertakings."

I have not gathered from the answer of the right honourable Gentleman what the view of the Board of Trade is. I think we should have some indication of that.

Yes, Sir; I have told the right honourable Gentleman what the views of the two companies are, and the Board of Trade are not yet in possession of sufficient information to be able to express an opinion.

Then on some future occasion, when the Board of Trade have had time to consider the subject, I shall endeavour to elicit the views of the Board of Trade.

As chairman of one of the contracting railways, I think I might ask leave to supplement the answer of the right honourable Gentleman.

Order, order! That would not be in order.

Can the arrangement be completed without the Board of Trade making up its mind as to whether it is legal or not?

Order, order! The honourable Member is discussing the Question.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, seeing that the Royal Gun Factory has been without any head for more than six months, he will state if there is any precedent for keeping that appointment vacant so long; whether an assistant of the director general is receiving the salary of the superintendent of the Royal Gun Factory for the nominal discharge of the superintendent's duties in addition to his own; and whether the duties of the head of the National Gun Factories are such as to demand the whole time and energy of the most accomplished artilleryman whose services are obtainable?

During the last few months Commander Chevallier, who is first military assistant at the Ordnance Factory, has, under the director general, acted as superintendent of the Gun Factory, his duties as military assistant being discharged by Captain Barlow. He has previously occupied the same position in the absence of the late superintendent, and there is no question as to his competency. He temporarily receives the pay of the superintendent, but not in addition to the pay of his own appointment. The vacancy for a superintendent has not been filled up pending the establishment of a design branch which is to be created. Meanwhile the Gun Factory is turning outwork rapidly, and of a character which gives entire satisfaction to those concerned.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War to state the ranks of the officers and the arms of the service to which they respectively belong who are now engaged at, or on their way to, Wei-hai-Wei to inquire and report upon that place, distinguishing between those already there and those en route?

The Secretary of State does not think it is for the good of the public service to give details as to officers who may be sent to particular stations for purposes of this kind.

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that the names of some of these officers have already appeared in the Press?

Some unauthorised statements have appeared in the public Press, and if all such statements are to be corrected in the House it would prove a task of some magnitude.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the territories of the King of Wam, in the hinterland of the Gold Coast, have recently been invaded by the French; and whether the King of Wam is under British protection, and his territory within the British sphere; and, if so, whether Her Majesty's Government have taken, or propose to take, any steps to vindicate British rights and interests in the case of This last movement by the French?

I will answer this Question. We have heard nothing of the reported invasion, and if it were true the governor would have heard of it and reported it.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade the reason of the delay in issuing the order necessary to enable the Dornoch Light Railway Company to proceed with the work of carrying out the scheme of a light railway from Dornoch to the Mount in Sutherland, which was sanctioned by the Light Railway Commissioners many months ago?

The Order is ready for issue subject to settlement of one point as to the agreement with the Highland Railway to construct and work the line. The settlement of this agreement is a condition precedent to an advance by the Treasury.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the troops engaged in the autumn manœuvres on Salisbury Plain are to be provisioned entirely by a London firm of caterers; and, if so, whether the War Office has considered the desirability of giving the inhabitants of Salisbury and district an opportunity of tendering through the Commissariat Department for the food supply of the troops; and why the War Office has not availed itself of such an exceptional opportunity of testing the organisation of the Commissariat Department?

The contracts for the bread and meat were placed in the ordinary manner after advertisement, and have been given to firms out of London. The contract for canteen supplies, over which usually the War Office exercises no control, was put up to limited competition by the general officer commanding the southern district, among firms considered to be specially competent to undertake a large contract under somewhat exceptional conditions, and was obtained by a firm whose headquarters are in London.

May I ask the honourable Member whether the forage for the horses will not be obtained locally?

The general rule applying to contracts for forage, under which the commanding officer is requested to make local contracts if he can, will apply in this case also.

Will the honourable Gentleman reply to the last paragraph?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings of the guardians of the Mullingar Union on Thursday last, when notice was given that on that day fortnight the board would take action with regard to a speech made in Parliament by the honourable Member for Roscommon, which they characterise as vile and unclerical, with a, view to having the honourable Member and his reporters excluded from the meetings; of the board and his paper deprived of the local advertisements; and whether the Local Government Board can take any steps to prevent guardians from refusing to give their advertisements to local papers on account of the political utterances of the proprietors and refusing to allow the Press to report their proceedings?

My attention has been drawn to a report of the proceedings referred to in the first part of the Question. The selection of the newspapers to which guardians may give their advertisements is not a matter in which the Local Government Board have power to interfere, nor have the Board any authority to interfere with their discretion respecting the admission of representatives of the Press to report their proceedings.

Arising out of that, I desire to ask again, and in order to explain the Question perhaps, Mr. Speaker, you would allow me to read in full the resolution referred to.

I presume the honourable Member is referring to a question of privilege and not of order.

I would rather first of all read the resolution of the Mullingar Board of Guardians on Thursday last. It is as follows—

"Mr. John Brennan moved, and Mr. Denis Shanahan seconded—'that on this day fortnight the board take action in regard to the vile and anti-cleric speech made by Mr. John P. Hay-den'"—

I think the honourable Member, before he proceeds to read an extract to the House, should first state with reference to what he is about to read it.

Yes, Sir. I wish to ask whether it is a breach of the privileges of this House to attack and threaten an honourable Member with pains and penalties because of a speech he delivered in this House.

Yes, that is a point which can be raised.

(continuing to read)—

"The speech made by Mr. John P. Hayden last week in Parliament with a view to having his paper deprived of the advertisements of this union in future, and himself and his reporter excluded from our meetings."

I desire to point out that the honourable Member for South Roscommon is not the Member for the division in which this union is included. This is practically a threat to deprive him of the means of earning his daily bread, because in the exercise of his duty in this House he made a speech in which he expressed not only his own opinions, but the opinions of the people of the whole county of Roscommon. I wish to know whether that is not a breach of privilege, and also what remedy has the honourable Member, and what period of time must elapse to deprive him of his right to move it as a matter of privilege?

Offensive language, accompanied by threats with reference to a speech made by an honourable Member in this House, may raise a question of privilege, the decision of which would be entirely for the House. If the honourable Member desires to raise a question of privilege, let him hand in to the Clerk at the Table the report of the offending matter, and move upon it as a question of privilege. I am not giving any advice except upon procedure. It is a matter entirely for the House.

I thank you, Sir, for what you have said. The honourable Member for South Roscommon is absent, and I want to know within what time is it necessary for him to move?

I can only say that it is always desirable in matters of privilege to act promptly.

I will endeavour to consult the honourable Member on the matter as to whether I shall raise the question myself.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will see that no refusal to pay, or unnecessary delay in paying, occurs with reference to the three quarters' wages when on sick pay to which the Customs watchers are entitled under General Order 21, 1896; and whether, with a view to carrying out his promise, he will cause to be issued the revised conditions under which watchers will be entitled to a gratuity, without being compelled to make 300 working days in each year.

The Board of Customs have no reason to believe that any unnecessary delay takes place in connection with the issue of sick-pay, and certainly such pay, when due, is never refused. The new instructions in regard to the conditions under which watchers will be entitled to a gratuity have now been issued to the ports in the same way as were the original instructions.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of placing Army nursing sisters upon at least as favourable a footing as regards pension and age of retirement as Army schoolmistresses, seeing that the duties of the former are quite as onerous and far more dangerous than those of the latter?

I must refer the honourable Member to the reply on the subject made by my honourable Friend the Financial Secretary on the 27th June.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the successor to the retiring Director for Art will be required to give his whole time to the public service?

No change in the duties of the Director for Art has been yet determined on.

Then may I assume that he will give his whole time to the public service?

The noble Lord is entitled to assume nothing except that no charge in the duties has been made. I cannot answer for what may be done hereafter.

On behalf of the honourable Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Bocarna Road, in the electoral division of Kilcaskin, Bantry Union, still requires to be extended to join with the recently constructed Mansion House relief road at Cooleragh; whether the Government some time since offered two-thirds of the cost, if the guardians would contribute the remaining third out of local rates; whether this arrangement can now be carried out; and will the Government initiate this much-needed work; and whether he is aware that this employment is urgently wanted owing to the labour strike in Wales?

I have no information as to the first paragraph. In January last the Government offered to afford financial aid to the Bantry guardians in relieving the poor if they would adopt a labour test, but the guardians declined to avail themselves of the offer. Most of the relief works in operation in the west of Ireland have been closed, and the Local Government Board cannot now authorise a board of guardians to institute a labour test. No representations have been made to me as to the absence of employment in Bantry owing to the labour strike in Wales.

On behalf of the honourable Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Government have considered the advisability of connecting Castletown, Berehaven, with Kenmare by laying down a railway; whether any survey has been made; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?

I am unable, without inquiry, to say whether the question of railway connection between the points mentioned has been brought before the Government; but in any case no survey has been made, and as there are no funds available for further railway construction, it is not proposed by Government to take any action in the matter.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether telegraph clerks, are awarded a double increment upon passing the examinations for technical telegraphy (ordinary grade), City Guilds, and the elementary stage of electricity and magnetism (elementary stage), science and art; will he explain why clerks passing second class in technical telegraphy, and likewise holding the first-class certificate for electricity and magnetism, are eligible for the increment, while clerks passing second class in electricity and magnetism and first-class in technical telegraphy are disqualified; and whether the Postmaster General will consider the advisability of removing this restriction?

This Question only appeared on the Paper this morning, and I cannot undertake to answer Post Office questions at such short notice.

I will put it on Thursday.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that a request was recently made by the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association, London branch, for an interview with the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office, for the purpose of presenting a petition from the members of the staff, but that the Controller declined to receive a deputation, on the ground that he could not receive a deputation from the Telegraph Clerks' Association; and whether, in view of the official declaration of the late Postmaster General regarding the right of combination enjoyed by the Post Office employees, the decision of the Controller will be reconsidered?

Yes, Sir, in accordance with the ordinary rule, the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office recently told some of his officers that, while he would be happy to receive a deputation from members of his staff, he could not receive a deputation which purported to come from the Postal Telegraph Clerks' Association. The officers in question have now applied to be received as members of the staff, and the Controller of the Central Telegraph Office will receive them in due course.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, if he will name the 14 tricycle makers who have been asked to tender for Post Office tricycles; whether any Irish firms are included; and whether he is aware that Messrs. Pierce and Co., of Wexford, have large tricycle works in Wexford capable of turning out 150 high-grade machines per week; and whether they will be invited to tender?

It would be unusual to publish the names of the firms who were recently invited to tender for bicycles. No tricycles were ordered. It does not appear that any Irish firm was included. A note will be taken of the name of the firm mentioned by the honourable Member, and the questions of inviting the firm to tender, and of enlarging any future competition, will be carefully considered.

My point is whether, in a matter of this kind, the Post Office intend to limit the tenders to a small number of firms, instead of throwing them open to all; do they intend to make any invidious distinction by only inviting English firms to tender?

I am not sure I can answer that without notice.

I will repeat the Question in a few days.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Russian Government has abandoned its intention of spending a large sum on increased naval armaments; and, if this be so, whether he will reconsider or modify the scheme for building a number of new battleships which he lately explained to the House?

I have received no information confirmatory of the rumour to which the honourable Member alludes.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, can he now give the name of the person who has been appointed to the position of postmaster of Castleshane, county Monaghan?

Miss Lizzie Henthorne has been appointed sub-postmistress at Castleshane, Monaghan.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he will inform the House of the extent to which it has been found possible to enlist three-year men under the present conditions of pay, etc.; and if he will make a statement on the subject on the War Office Vote?

From the 1st of April to the end of last week the number of three-year men enlisted has been 1,936, of whom 1,324 have been for the Infantry of the Line.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether any payment, other than the ordinary yearly rent charge, has been made to the Government on foot of the Baltinglass rectory glebe loan?

The answer to this Question is in the negative.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that the competition on some classes of goods in China is serious and menacing, and has forced a restriction on the import of certain classes of fabrics of which this country once had a monopoly; whether the Government intend to take steps to secure every available river, lake, and canal in China being thrown open to steam navigation without any restriction as to place of call; whether the Government contemplate any means by which steps will be taken to obtain the opening up of the River Yang-tsze and the surveying by the Government of same with a view to its being proved suitable for steam navigation, and whether charts showing the width, depth, and configuration of banks for every 10 feet of rise of water will be prepared; whether he is aware that the Yang-tsze regulations in respect to maritime customs are invidious and hampering, and require immediate revision; whether any communications have been made to the Chinese Government in regard to same, and whether it is the intention of the Government, considering the great trade concessions obtained by Russia and other foreign Powers in China, to take any steps to further British commerce in that Empire; and when and how the same will be done, and on whom will the responsibility rest?

This Question only appeared on the Paper this morning, and I must ask for longer notice.

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that the Question is based on the Report of the Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, of which I sent him a copy?

Yes; but I only received it this morning, and, busy as I have been, I have had no time to look into the matter.

I will repeat the Question on Thursday.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that the postmaster at Prestatyn, Rhyl, is unable to obtain a post- man to deliver letters in the rural district; whether he is aware that such district is seven miles in extent, and the remuneration for a daily delivery 5s. 6d. per week; whether the postmaster has been notified that in the event of his not being able to secure a postman at the present wage he must perform the duties himself; and whether he will cause inquiries to be made into same, with a view to proper remuneration being given?

The Postmaster General was not aware that the sub-postmaster of Prestatyn was unable to obtain a postman to deliver letters in the rural district, nor can he, without local inquiry, state the extent of the district in miles. A rural delivery near Prestatyn was revised last May, and the allowance was raised from 5s. to 5s. 6d.; probably this is the delivery to which the honourable Member refers. It is not known what instructions may have been given to the sub-postmaster on the subject, but the Postmaster General will have inquiry made.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many British consuls and attachés have been appointed for China, and the amount of salaries that are paid to same for watching British commercial interests; and whether he is. aware that in no case is the salary sufficient to provide for such attaché without his engaging in trade; and. whether he will, considering the great interests at stake, appoint extra commercial attachés who shall devote the whole of their time to furthering the development of British trade in China?

The honourable Member must have been altogether misinformed with regard to the China consular service. There are British consuls at all the chief ports in China, with salaries ranging from £800 to £1,200 a year. The total strength of the consular service in China, including assistants and student interpreters, is 75, and the salaries paid to them yearly amount to £44,350. They are all appointed to watch British commercial interests, which they do very efficiently, as is shown by their annual reports; and they are not permitted to engage in trade. Perhaps if as much attention were paid to the perusal of these reports by merchants in this country as is done to their preparation by the consuls in China, British, trade might be perceptibly the gainer. In reply to the concluding Question, Her Majesty's Consul General at Shanghai has been appointed Commercial Attaché for China, but the question, of the appointment of a separate commercial attaché who would be able to devote his whole time to commercial matters is at present under consideration.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education what is the reason that the Education Department did not give those primarily interested notice of its intention to strike plan No. 10 out of the Education Department Provisional Order Confirmation (London) Bill; and is he able to quote any precedents for the course adopted in reference to the Bill?

The decision of the Committee of Council was not arrived at in time to give notice to the London School Board of their intention to strike out plan 10. No unusual course was adopted in reference to the Bill.

Had not the Committee of Council fully three months' notice that this plan was included in the Bill?

No, Sir; the attention of the heads of the Department was only drawn to the fact very recently.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he can now state when the Motion for a Select Committee with, reference to compulsory shop clubs will be taken; and if, considering the late period of the Session, and the consequent improbability of a Select Committee being able to conclude the evidence and present a Report, he will consider the advisability of substituting a Departmental Committee which could sit during the Recess?

I had thought that a Select Committee of this House would be the most satisfactory method of examining the case of the friendly societies, and I am not sure that it may not still prove to be so. Having, however, seen the representatives of these societies and clearly ascertained from them their wishes, which I had desired to meet, I propose, especially in view of the late period of the Session, not to proceed with my Motion now; but meanwhile I shall do my best, by way of a formal Departmental Committee or otherwise, to look carefully into the case during the Recess.

Will the terms of reference to the Departmental Committee be the same as those proposed in this House, or will they be widened?

And will the right honourable Gentleman take steps to secure that the Committee report before the meeting of Parliament next year, so that action may be taken and a Bill brought in to secure the desired object as quickly as possible?

The reference will deal with the complaint made by the friendly societies, and I do not see that the terms of the reference need widening. I saw the representatives of the friendly societies yesterday, and I did not understand them to say that the terms of the reference were not wide enough, I will refer the Committee to the memorial sent in by the friendly societies.

Is the right honourable Gentleman not aware that the great friendly societies do not consider the terms of reference as they appear on the Paper wide enough?

They have made no such statement to me.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland is he aware that Michael M'Mahon, of Loop Head, his wife, and eight children were evicted on the 14th July, and his house rased to the ground, also that Matt Fennell, of Kilbalgowen, with his eight children, was evicted on the 15th July and his house rased to the ground; and can he take steps to stop evictions in this part of Clare, where distress is greater than in any other part of Ireland, and to prevent the eviction of people who for months past have been in receipt of relief?

I have no information as to the evictions mentioned in the Question, or as to the circumstances under which they were carried out. The honourable Member must be perfectly aware that I have no power to stop evictions in this part of Clare, or, indeed, in any other locality.

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that there are a large number of people in this distressed district either evicted or threatened with eviction? Will he take steps to stop the evictions?

I will take no such steps. Nor do I believe the facts are as stated.

Will the right honourable Gentleman instruct the constabulary not to assist in the demolition of houses?

I press for an answer, "Yes" or "No."

That is not the Question on the Paper. The honourable Member must give notice.

I will give him a bad quarter of an hour.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the rules to be issued by the Admiralty with regard to the obligations and service of boys enrolled in the Royal Naval Reserve, mentioned in the new clause proposed by him in the Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Bill, are rules at present in force or new rules; and, if the latter, whether he will state what those rules are to be, or will lay a copy of them upon the Table of the House before the discussion of the new clause?

I have consulted the First Lord of the Admiralty respecting this Question, and am informed that some new rules on points of detail are under the consideration of the Admiralty, but cannot be stated at present.

Will the right honourable Gentleman postpone the consideration of the clause until the rules are issued?

No, Sir. I propose to take the Bill to-morrow. I hope the House will assent to the clause. The new rules are under consideration, and I hope tomorrow to be in a position to give a general outline. When they are ready I will place them on the Paper.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to fill up the vacant appointment of Director of the Army Clothing Factory; and, if so, whether the Secretary of State for War will confer it upon a gentleman who has commercial experience, with some knowledge of the cloth trade and is able to follow the prices in the wool market, and purchase supplies for soldiers' uniforms on the best possible terms?

Are not these appointments always conferred on the private secretaries of War Ministers, irrespective of their commercial or other abilities?

An officer has already been designated for the position of director of the factory, but the purchase of stores will not form a part of his duty.

I beg to ask the Secretary for State for India whether he will obtain and lay upon the Table of the House a copy of the Government Resolution authorising and prescribing the duties of Press Committees at Poona and elsewhere in India?

I am in correspondence with the Government of Bombay on the subject of the Measures to which the honourable Member's question refers, and until that correspondence is complete I cannot undertake to lay any Papers on the Table.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can state if both the Commander-in-Chief at home, as well as the Commander-in-Chief in India, recommended the grant of a medal for the operations against the Katchin tribes during the cold season of 1892–3; upon what grounds the recommendation was refused, and the rank and file who lost 120 killed and wounded thus left unrewarded, while the senior officers received brevets, and all officers were allowed to count the campaign as war service; and whether the medal was granted for all operations up to April, 1892, while denied for those during which the heaviest fighting took place?

The grant of a medal for the operations in question was recommended by the Commander-in-Chief in India, but no recommendation was received from the Commander-in-Chief at home. The grant was refused on the ground that the operations, though attended in the case of the military police by considerable casualties, were not of sufficient extent and importance to justify the issue of a medal.

Arising out of that answer, does not the noble Lord think that operations which entail a loss of 120 in killed and wounded sufficiently severe to justify official acknowledgment?

I can add nothing to the answer I have given.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he is aware that in December last the General Medical Council passed a resolution disapproving of the employment by medical men of unqualified assistants, in consequence of which a large number of such assistants, who have been trained for the medical profession, many of whom have families, are and will be deprived of the means of obtaining a livelihood; and if there are any means whereby he can intervene and provide that those now or recently so employed shall be permitted to continue their vocation?

In answer to the honourable Member, I have to say that the Medical Council, as I am informed, passed a resolution against the practice of employing unqualified assistants for certain purposes, which resolution might in some cases have the effect which the honourable Member desires to prevent. But the resolution is not to be so applied as to restrict the proper training of pupils, or to prevent the employment of certain unqualified assistants under the immediate supervision of registered medical Secretary of State for India. practitioners. The Privy Council has no official knowledge of the matter, and cannot interfere, but it is understood that every case brought before the Medical Council will be dealt with on its merits.

On behalf of the honourable Member for the Northwich Division of Cheshire I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can arrange for the distribution amongst Members of this House of the Secondary Education Bill after it has been printed for the other House?

I understand that it will be possible to effect the distribution desired if arrangements are made in the Vote Office here. The matter is one for the discretion of Mr. Speaker, and I believe that if there is a general wish that such distribution should take place there will be no difficulty about satisfying it.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in the Recess, the Government will consider the Report of the Select Committee upon Money Lending, with a view to proposing legislation in the ensuing Session?

The Report of the Select Committee, in which my honourable Friend takes so much interest, will be considered by the Government; but, of course, I cannot promise legislation upon the subject.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when the Law Charges Vote will be taken, so as to give an opportunity of discussing the action and want of action of the Public Prosecutor?

The Law Charges Vote will not be taken in any case this week, but I have some hope—although I cannot give an absolute pledge—that I may be able to put down Class 3 of the Civil Service Estimates one day next week.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether Her Majesty's Government have made any communication to any of the great Powers suggesting the advisability of some plan of mutual disarmament on land and sea?

No communication of the kind recommended by the honourable Baronet has been made by this Government; nor do I think it could be made with any hope of a successful result.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when the Lords' Amendments to the Benefices Bill are to be considered?

These Amendments will not be considered this week, but I cannot make a definite statement as to when they will be taken.

Will notice be given of the day set apart for their consideration?

I am unwilling to give too many pledges about notice, because if the progress of business permits particular Bills to be brought on it is inconvenient not to take advantage of the opportunity. I will, however, do my best to meet the wishes of the honourable Member.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury when he will be able to fix a day for the Report of the Foreign Office Vote?

Will time be found for the discussion of Class 5, which includes the Diplomatic and Consular Vote, the Vote for African Protectorates, the Colonies (Grant in Aid) Vote, and the Vote for Cyprus?

May I ask whether, having regard to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's answer as to the discontinuance of Ben Nevis Observatory, an opportunity for some discussion of the subject will be given on the Learned Societies Vote?

I cannot give a promise to the honourable Member who has just sat down, but I believe there is some chance that the Votes in Class 6 will come on for consideration. With regard to the right honourable Gentleman's question, of course. I should be happy to meet his wishes on the subject of the Report of the Foreign Office Vote on any evening at a late hour, if that would meet the views of the House. But, if a long discussion is desired on foreign affairs, I would suggest that perhaps the Appropriation Bill would afford a more fitting opportunity for such discussion than the Report stage of the Vote. I hope to find time for the consideration of the Diplomatic and Consular Vote, but I cannot promise that a whole evening will be devoted to it.

No doubt there could be a general discussion on foreign affairs upon the Appropriation Bill, but I put the Question standing in my name on the Paper in the interests of honourable Gentlemen on both sides of the House, who desire to discuss foreign affairs on the Report of the Vote. I am afraid there may be one or two gentlemen who do not intend to remain in London until the introduction of the Appropriation Bill. If there should be such gentlemen they would prefer the course which I have suggested.

When, will the Vote for the West Indies be taken?

The Colonial Service Vote will be taken, on Tuesday, and I might also put down the Report of the Foreign Office Vote for that night. But I should be reluctant to bring it forward too early and still more reluctant to continue the discussion very late, because the House has been working very hard recently, and I should wish, if possible, to prevent a repetition of the late sittings which we have been having.

When will the Lords' Amendments to the Irish Local Government Bill be considered?

In any case they cannot be taken this week. I understand there are no great questions of principle involved In the Amendments passed in another place, so I hope it will not be held necessary that I should give very long notice of the date when those Amendments will be considered.

I should like to ask the right honourable Gentleman if he has any idea when the Third Reading of the Vaccination Bill will be taken?

My hope is that by arrangement we may put it down as the first order on Monday. It is, however, impossible for the Government to pledge the time of the House far ahead, because nobody can foresee the course of business. I think there ought to be some discussion on the Third Reading at a reasonable hour.

What will be the business for to-morrow?

The Merchant Shipping (Mercantile Marine Fund) Bill is to be proceeded with to-morrow, and the Prisons Bill will be the second order if it is not disposed of to-night.

Although I have no power to pledge anyone but myself, I must say I think that two or three hours will suffice for the discussion on the Third Reading of the Vaccination Bill.

I hope that no arrangement limiting the discussion to two hours will be made.

There has been no bargain, on the subject. I have only expressed a hope that there will not be a long discussion.

Will the Customs and Inland Revenue Bill be taken to-night?

No, Sir.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether the attention, of the Commissioners of Inland Revenue has been called to the fact that Roderick Macaulay, a publican in Claddach, Kirkibost, North Uist, whose application for renewal of his certificate was not granted by the statutory licensing court, of the district (Lochmaddy) in April last, continues to exercise his calling despite the non-renewal of his certificate; and whether the local excise authorities have allowed Macaulay to deposit with them the licence duty, and permit him to carry on his business as a publican notwithstanding the lapse of his certificate; and, if so, under what authority this disregard of the provisions of the Scottish licensing laws is permitted?

Macaulay's application for renewal of his certificate was delayed by mistake, and the delay would probably not have occurred if the justices' clerk had sent him an application form in advance, as had formerly been the practice. His petition to be allowed to continue his business until the nest sittings was endorsed and recommended by the magistrates who formed the Licensing Court; and they stated that, but for the technical irregularity, his application for renewal would have been granted unanimously. In these circumstances the Inland Revenue Board accepted payment of the amount of the licence duty and instructed their officers not to interfere with Macaulay carrying on his business till October.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether his attention has been called to the clerical error in the 12th section of the Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1868, where the word "less" is used in place of the word "more," thus enabling the Mont-rose Commissioners to keep up Morphie Sluice to any height they please, to the great injury of the Upper Proprietors of the River North Esk, thereby wholly depriving them of the weekly close time; and, seeing that this Act is a general one, what remedy he proposes to adopt under the circumstances?

My attention has been called to the use of the word "less" in the 12th section of the Salmon Fisheries (Scotland) Act, 1868, and I think it was used in error. But, after a lapse of 30 years, without any previous serious complaint, I am of opinion that it must be a matter of deliberate consideration, after due inquiry, whether an alteration can now be made, and, if so, what form such alteration should take.

On behalf of the honourable Member for East Cavan, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Thomas Reilly, who has been carpenter to the Cootehill Board of Guardians for the past 46 years, has been refused a superannuation allowance of £12 per annum owing to his being a Roman Catholic, although the same guardians voted superannuation to a doctor, who was a Protestant and worth £20,000; and whether he will direct the Cootehill Board of Guardians to again consider the case of Reilly with the view of granting him some superannuation, and thereby prevent him from having to enter the workhouse?

It is true that the Cootehill Guardians have refused to allow a retiring allowance to the late carpenter of the workhouse, but the Local Government Board are not aware of the grounds on which the action of the guardians was based. Nor have the Board any information as to the religious denomination or private means of the medical officer of this union, who is in receipt of a superannuation allowance. The question of granting such allowances to union officers rests altogether with the Board of Guardians, and the Local Government Board have no power to direct the guardians to reconsider the matter, as suggested.