I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British relief force and the relief forces of any other Powers have yet started from Tientsin. May I also ask if the Government have any confirmation of the reports as to the battle near Tientsin?

All the information the Government have received has been published.

Has the relief force yet started?

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the statement reported to have been made by Li Hung Chang to the effect that the lives of the Ambassadors in Peking would probably be sacrificed if the allied Powers advanced into that city, it is proposed to make any communication to the effect that he will be held personally responsible for their safety.

Her Majesty's Government have informed the Chinese Government that they will be held to be personally guilty if the members of the European Legations and other foreigners in Peking suffer injury. They do not consider that any useful purpose would be served by making a further communication of the character proposed.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say to whom the statement has been made? He said "the Chinese Government."

Have the Government received any confirmation of the statement made by Li Hung Chang on Saturday last that all foreigners had left Peking for Tientsin under escort on the 2nd inst. If that statement is found to be correct, will the allied forces return to Tientsin pending the arrival of the Europeans at that port?

No, Sir; we have no confirmation of the statement.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether all the vessels representing the British Navy now in Chinese waters are of suitable draft for the protection of the approaches to the Yang-tsze River from Woosung; will he also state if any and what type of craft are engaged in patrolling the river, and whether they are adapted for contending with armed forts; and will he be good enough to state what arrangements are being made for a reserve of coal and other stores likely to be needed during the continuance of hostilities.

All vessels of the Fleet in Chinese waters are of suitable draught for the protection of the approaches to the Yang-tsze River. The heavy-draught ships must wait for certain tides. The question under what circumstances men-of-war on rivers would engage armed forts cannot be answered in the abstract, nor is it wise to discuss it. I am not prepared to state the arrangements for our reserves of naval stores at Hong Kong, but they have naturally received the most earnest attention of the Board of Admiralty.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he can now state when the Government will publish the despatches relating to the military operations in South Africa which have taken place since the actions in February last at Spion Kop and at Stormberg.

I hope that if things go well in South Africa the despatches will be published very soon.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give a guarantee that they will be published as originally sent, and not edited for publication?

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, on 6th June, 1896, the cablegrams and letters known as the Rhodes-Hawksley correspondence were, at the Colonial Secretary's request, delivered to him by Mr. Hawksley, who wrote then a covering letter; whether copies of this correspondence have in accordance with practice been retained at the Colonial Office; and, if not, can he say why they have not been so retained; has Mr. Hawksley's covering letter been retained at the Colonial Office; and was there a subsequent correspondence between Mr. Hawksley and the Colonial Secretary; and, whether the Colonial Secretary will now publish the correspondence between himself and Messrs. Rhodes and Hawksley.

I know of no correspondence which can properly be described as the Rhodes Hawksley correspondence, and I have never had any correspondence with Mr. Rhodes in connection with the Jameson raid. I have repeatedly stated that copies of the cables which passed between England and South Africa were sent to me for confidential perusal and return, and were returned accordingly, no copies being kept. The majority of those cables were subsequently produced by the cable company to the Committee of Inquiry. The substance of the covering letter and my reply was stated to the Committee. Several letters passed subsequently between MR. Hawksley and myself which I have offered to show to the Leader of the Opposition and to the right hon. Member for West Monmouthshire if they desire it. I see no reasons for publishing these letters.

Is there a "Hawksley-Chamberlain" correspondence or not?

Order, order!

I wish to ask the Colonial Secretary a question of which I have not given him private notice, but which, I think, he will have no difficulty in answering—whether he has received any communication from the Members of Parliament mentioned as having written letters to the Transvaal, and, if so, whether he is prepared to make any statement with regard to the letters or the course he intends to take.

No, Sir. Copies of the letters attributed to these Gentlemen were only sent to them last night, and I have not had time to receive an answer.

In the event of the alleged writers refusing permission to publish the letters, as the allegation is a serious one, will the right hon. Gentleman give the public an opportunity of judging by himself undertaking the responsibility of publishing them?

I have not given the Gentlemen an opportunity of refusing permission. All I have asked is whether they have any observations or explanations to make.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take an opportunity of publishing them at all?

I told the House on the last occasion when I was asked a question on the subject that when I received replies from the gentlemen Her Majesty's Government would consider the matter.

Will you publish them to-morrow morning for us to discuss them?

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether ho is aware that a number of young men who went out to South Africa at their own expense to join some of the colonial forces, such as Brabant's Horse, the Kaffrarian Rifles, or the Border Horse, are not in a position to defray the cost of the return journey to England; and whether, at the conclusion of the war, arrangements will be made to give these men, who have been serving their country, a free return passage home.

The suggestion will be considered.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he can give the number of deaths from typhoid fever and the number of admissions for that disease at Bloemfontein for the weeks ending 29th June, 6th July, and 13th July; and whether he can state the total number of admissions for typhoid fever among the forces in South Africa up to the end of June, and the number of deaths from that disease.

These figures are not yet available. I will arrange that they shall be communicated to the hon. Member when they are.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he can state the strength of the reinforcement of trained men of the Royal Army Medical Corps which it has been recently decided to send out to South Africa.

The strength of the reinforcements is 300.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is in a position to give the House any information as to the probable end of the war in the Transvaal.

My right hon. friend asks me to answer this question. I must, however, decline to prophesy.

Did not the hon. Gentleman say yesterday it would be over "in a few weeks"?

I may have dropped that phrase. It would be my estimate, but then my estimate is not of any value.

:I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he can now state the total amount of the payments made, or to be made, for stores purchased abroad for the South African campaign up to 31st December, 1899.

I must refer the honourable Member to the answer which I gave him on the 3rd of August† If he wishes to have the information I will arrange for it to be communicated to him unofficially.—In answer to a further question Mr. Wyndham said he would give the totals now and the. details at some later date, when they could be communicated without injury to the public interest.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he can state the quantity of arms of all descriptions which have been taken from the Boers since the commencement of hostilities; and whether the Commander-in-Chief has been asked to report at the conclusion of the war as to the number of Boer guns which may then be unaccounted for.

We have no information of the total number of rifles captured. We have no conclusive information as to the number of guns captured. In regard to the second paragraph, the matter may be left to the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, as the despatches from the generals commanding in the field in South Africa, which the Government consider it is inexpedient to publish, should in accordance with precedent contain the names of officers and men brought to notice for heroism and gallantry in action, and, as delay in making such notice public materially weakens this as a reward for such service, it would be possible as a recognition to those still serving, and as a gratification to the relatives of those who have fallen, that extracts from these despatches could at once be published giving the names of those thus distinguished as well as the particulars of the services rendered.

† See page 634, of this volume.

It would not be easy to separate the passages in which officers' names are mentioned from the context, but we have every hope that it may be found possible to publish the, despatches before long.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the daily forage ration allowed to cavalry and artillery officers in South Africa was ever fixed at 6 lb. oats and 4 lb. hay per horse; if so, how long this regulation was in force, and under whose advice it was so established; whether any protests as to the insufficiency of this allowance, which is less than half the forage ration issued in this country, were made by officers commanding cavalry regiments and batteries of artillery or by the generals, under whose command they served whether any change has been made in the quantity allowed per horse; and whether it is recognised that horses picketed in the open air, and more particularly in a changeable climate, require a larger quantity of food than horses kept in stables.

The daily ration fixed by general orders in South Africa is 12 lb. grain or 2 lb. hay in lieu of each pound of grain up to a maximum of 8 lb. Nothing is known of the ration alluded to in the question or of any protest against it. The only change made was an addition of 2 lb. of grain and hay at depots near the coast when sufficient quantities are procurable. The supplies, available at the base are ample.

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a letter in The Times, dated Cape Town,. 15th June, in which it is stated that while this short ration was being issued, forage was actually being burned?

The ration depends not so much on the amount laid down in the regulations, but on the possibility of supplying it during these rapid marches.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what steps are taken to inform relatives of deceased soldiers in South Africa of the amount of pay that may be due at time of decease; and whether the desirability of increased publicity will be considered by the War Office.

Communications of death are made at once to the next of kin in all cases in which the address is known, and they are told to apply to the War Office for anything which may be due; the amount of the estate as soon as known is distributed. Unclaimed estates of deceased soldiers are published in the Monthly Army Lists, avid at the depots, and in one or two weekly papers best adapted for the purpose.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, considering the part taken by Canada and Australia in the South African War, it is proposed to ascertain the views of the Governments of those countries in regard to the settlement and government of the Transvaal and Orange State when the war is over.

I have already made myself acquainted with the views of the colonies of Canada and Australasia in regard to the main points of the future settlement, and Her Majesty's Government are in complete accordance with them as to the necessity for annexation, the establishment of a Government supported by military force, with the ultimate expectation of an extension to both colonies of representative self-government.

I beg to ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will explain the reason for the early closing this morning of the list of subscriptions for the issue of Exchequer bonds.

The list was closed as soon as it was ascertained that the bonds offered had been amply covered, because I was advised that this course would, on the whole, cause less disappointment than a very small allotment in proportion to-the amount subscribed for. I may say that a part of the issue was already taken. Before settling what the issue should be, I had endeavoured to ascertain, by the usual confidential inquiries whether the terms which I felt justified in offering would be likely to attract subscribers here. I received such very moderate encouragement that I accepted an offer made to me by the leading Anglo-American houses in London to place half, the issue in the United States on the terms at which I had decided to offer it here. I did this not only on financial grounds. But financially it assured the success of the issue; and it had another great advantage. Last Thursday the-reserve of the Bank of England stood at the lowest point at which it has stood at this time of the year for seven years; and I was advised by those best competent to judge that great relief might be afforded here by the movement of gold from the United States, if a large part of this loan were taken there. I regret any disappointment caused to those who were shut out by early closing; but I hope it may be to some extent mitigated by a, consideration of the very important point to which I have just referred.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware of complaints being made that the usual rebate of excise duty was not allowed on consigments of tobacco sent from Dublin to the troops in South Africa; whether he can explain the reason; and will he see that the amount of the rebate claimed is refunded.

No complaints have been received as to the nonpayment of drawback on British manufactured tobacco exported, except with regard to certain shipments by one firm, the particulars of which have been communicated to me by the hon. Member. Before any drawback can be paid the law requires that the shipment and exportation of the goods shall be duly certified by the export officer. In the case now under reply the tobacco was removed under bond by a firm of licensed tobacco, manufacturers at Dublin to Southampton, for shipment for the troops in South Africa, but it was not produced to the officers of Customs at Southampton prior to shipment at that port, and the Board of Customs were consequently unable to sanction payment of drawback. They have informed the firm that on receipt of local evidence from Southampton as to the shipment of the case and of an official certificate of the landing of the tobacco in South Africa, they would further consider the question. No such evidence or certificate has yet been produced, but the Board are awaiting a further communication from the firm.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War who is responsible for the clothing and feeding of the Imperial Yeomanry at the front, and if he can state why the men of Paget's Horse (Imperial Yeomanry) were early in July engaged on convoy duty in a state of semi-starvation, between Smid's Drift and Daniel's Kraal, their daily rations consisting of a small piece of bread and no biscuits, whilst they were taking up convoys of provisions to Sir Charles Warren; and who is responsible for the arrangements under which these men find it impossible to cash postal orders issued from the London post offices and sent out to them, and which it was stated in London could be cashed at any camp post office with the forces, the result being that the men were unable to purchase the abundant food supplies of the rebels and were unable to obtain proper supplies from their own forces. The following questions also appeared on the Paper:—

To ask the Under Secretary of State for War if he is now able to state who is responsible for the continuous non-delivery of warm clothing and other comforts, sent out in quantities weekly since the departure of the Imperial Yeomanry, and extending therefore over some months; and will any opportunity be afforded to persons in this country of giving evidence as to the quantity of such comforts sent out weekly by them, and not one of which has been delivered.

To ask the Under Secretary of State for War who is responsible for the men of Paget's Horse (Imperial Yeomanry) being in a state of rags in the month of July; whether they have yet been supplied with proper clothing, having regard to the severity of the nights in South Africa; and whether, as the men of this and other Volunteer corps gave up their occupations and comforts in order to answer the invitation of the Government, searching inquiry will; be made to ascertain how far the hardships to which they have been subjected I could have been avoided or mitigated by those responsible.

If my hon. friend will permit me I will reply to his three questions together. There is no official information of the want of food or clothing mentioned; the responsibility for getting food and clothing to the front rests with the Commander-in-Chief in South Africa and his staff. In regard to the delivery of comforts I have already explained that an inquiry is being made in South Africa. Food and clothing naturally take precedence of comforts. The General Post Office made arrangements that postal orders issued in London should be cashed at any field post office in South Africa. If there is any evidence of failure in these arrangements I shall be happy to make inquiry. The general questions raised by the hon. Member—namely, whether our arrangements for transport and supply can be improved, and whether they have been turned to the best account during the present war—are of the highest importance and will form the subject of careful inquiry when the war is over.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State' for War whether he is aware of the disadvantage in which our cavalry in South Africa have been placed by the imperfect sighting and deficient range of their carbines as compared with the rifles used by the Boers; whether these carbines are still being manufactured; and whether it is under consideration to rearm the cavalry with a weapon of full accuracy and range, even if it necessitates their carrying a long rifle in place of the carbine.

The question of substituting rifles for carbines cannot be taken up until full reports have been received from South Africa. Such reports have not yet been received, and, for the present, carbines are still being manufactured. The question of sighting has been reported on in this country, and new tests are now under consideration.

; I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether contracts for flour have been recently placed in Hungary for South Africa; and if he will adhere to his policy of giving a preference to home industries to the utmost possible extent in providing the Army with its supplies.

No contracts for the purchase of flour have been recently placed in Hungary by the War Department. My lion, and gallant friend may rest assured that no stores will be purchased outside the United Kingdom that can be as readily and satisfactorily obtained at home.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the 400 Volunteer medical officers serving in South Africa are to be placed on the same financial footing as members of the Army Medical Corps, who receive colonial allowances of 1s. 6d. per day in the Cape Colony, and a larger gratuity of over 4s. a day both in the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal. I beg also to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, as the civil surgeons of the Army do not enjoy colonial allowance, they yet receive the same aggregate amount of pay as other medical men under Lord Roberts's command; and, if an inequality exists, whether he will endeavour to rectify it.

In reply to the two questions asked by the lion. Member I about the pay of civil medical practitioners serving in South Africa, I may say that the position of these gentlemen differs in one important particular from that of officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps. The latter receive rates of pay which are calculated with reference to the general services which they have to perform at all times and in all parts of the world. The conditions of the present war are, however, unusual as regards the specially high cost of living in South Africa, and it was therefore thought reasonable that special colonial allowances should be granted to them to enable them to meet this extra expense. The case of the civil surgeons is quite different. They made a special contract for service in South Africa during the present war, and there is therefore nothing unforeseen in the conditions of their service which we feel called upon to meet by an alteration in their favour in the terms of the contract. As a matter of fact they receive higher emoluments than many of the officers of the Royal Army Medical Corps. My attention has been called to the fact that civil veterinary surgeons are receiving colonial allowances. That is so, the reason being that they are paid at the rate of Army veterinary surgeons, and not at a special rate calculated with a view to the present war.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if his attention has been called to the case of Jane Edith Owen, wife of 2481, Private J. T. Owen, 2nd Battalion Scots Guards, now on active service with Her Majesty's forces in South Africa; and whether he is aware that before enlisting Private Owen was promised that his wife should receive, during his absence, a sum of 1s. 1d. per day separation allowance and 2d. a day for his child; that this promise was confirmed by a letter to Mrs. Owen, dated 24th March, 1900, from Captain King, of the Scots Guards; and that the only sum now received by Mrs. Owen and her child is a sum of 6d. per day allotted to her by her husband before leaving for the war.

An inquiry is being made into this case.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster Genera], whether the Post Office has yet come to any decision with regard to the establishment of penny postage to the Orange River Colony, especially in view of the surcharges which have been frequently made on poor recipients of letters; and whether it would be possible to establish penny postage with the Transvaal so soon as its annexation is proclaimed.

No decision has yet been come to. Although the 2½d. rate of postage must, for the present, remain applicable to the letters of the general public, those sent from or to the British forces serving in South Africa are specially exempted from surcharges.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the Militia battalions now encamped at Bulford have been in the last six months repeatedly moved, or have received orders to move, which have been at the last moment countermanded, thus entailing much trouble and expense to individuals; whether it is intended to move these battalions repeatedly in the next few months, and whether such frequent changes were and are unavoidable on public grounds; and if the Secretary of State will consider whether they are calculated to discourage recruiting and re-engagements.

My information does not confirm the statement that there have been repeated moves, or that orders have been given and countermanded at the last moment; but a certain number of moves have been necessary in order that the ground might be cleared for building huts. I have explained to the House on former occasions that the deficiencies in our barrack accommodation, which we are spending a great deal of money to remedy, render such shiftings unavoidable.

Can the hon. Gentleman say how long the Militia are to be kept up?

There are several questions down as to that. I cannot give-the date of their disembodiment.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to disband those regiments of Militia which were embodied, in November last before those that have only been out since May; and can he state how long the embodiment is likely to continue, inasmuch as employers of labour are anxious to know whether they are likely to got their old hands back again for the winter, or whether they will have to fill up permanently the places of the men who are now embodied.

I have already explained that it is impossible at the present time to state when disembodiment will take place, but the battalions first embodied will have a strong claim to be the first released.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State-for War if he will state how long it is, intended to keep the Militia Artillery regiments, which were embodied at the beginning of May, under canvas; how long the authorities mean to keep them: on active service; and, if they are to be retained on active service after 30th September, what the War Office moans to-do with them.

I can add nothing to the reply to a similar question put by-the hon. Member for the Montgomery District on the 3rd instant.† The Militia will not be kept in tents after the camping; reason is over. It is not possible at the present moment to say when the Militia will be disembodied.

I beg to, ask the Under Secretary of State for War if any progress has been made with the furnishing of officers' mess and married

† See page 637 of this volume.

men's quarters in the United Kingdom, so as to decrease the cost of home transport and the difficulty of moving officers and regiments from one station to another.

The question of furnishing officers' mosses and quarters is one factor in the general problem of reducing officers' expenses, which, as I have explained, must be treated as a whole. I Some progress has already been made in dealing with it, and the hon. Member may be assured that the matter will receive attention during the autumn.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the dressing room and sanitary arrangements provided for officers of the Militia and Volunteers at the school of instruction at Chelsea Barracks have been improved; and, if not, can he say when it is proposed to carry out these improvements.

No complaint has been received as to the accommodation at Chelsea Barracks for the officers referred to. As I pointed out in reply to my hon. and gallant friend on the 10th, July last year, any representation on the subject should be made through the General Officer Commanding Home District; and pending the receipt of such representations action cannot be taken.

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware that I had the honour of making a complaint?

It should have been made to the General Officer Commanding the Home District. This House is the court of appeal—it cannot be made a court of first instance to deal with minor details.

I made written complaint to the General Officer Commanding the Home District, and he promised to do something in the matter.

My information is that no complaint has been received.

As a matter of fact, I made one.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether, in the event of a General Election, railway warrants will be issued to men doing duty with the colours in the United Kingdom, in order that they may record their votes.

In the event of a General Election the question will be considered.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War what compensation will be paid to the representatives of a member of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, the South Wales Borderers, recently encamped on Salisbury Plain, who was killed by lightning on 28th July; and whether he will consider the propriety of extending the present regulations applicable in this case, and also in all similar cases where death results in performance of their military duties, and when subject to military law.

The regulations do not admit of the grant of "compensation in such cases oven to Regular troops; but, as I have informed the House, this subject is now under consideration.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether better transport arrangements in connection with camps on Salisbury Plain will be effected by another year, as inconvenience and loss have resulted to Volunteer regiments this summer. I beg further to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the provision for Volunteers on Salisbury Plain for washing purposes; and if steps will be taken to remedy this grievance in future. I beg also to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he can make any general announcement with regard to the intentions of the Government as regards their future policy towards Volunteers, e.g., respecting regimental camp allowances, brigade camp allowances, pay and allowances to officers and men, capitation and other grants, and minimum and maximum duration, and whether optional or obligatory of camps in future.

Any changes in the existing regulations and provisions for Volunteers and their camps must necessarily be based on the experience derived from the camps now being held. The information in our possession does not lead to the conclusion that the arrangements made this year have, as the hon. Member supposes, been inadequate; and even if it were possible to frame a scheme before the camp trainings are complete, and to report on them to hand, the proper time for presenting it would be when asking Parliamentary sanction for the Estimates of the year. I need hardly remind my hon. and gallant friend that the arrangements for the camps this year are for this year only.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether the medical officer of the Duke of York's School has been re-appointed at the expiration of his term of appointment, and whether ho has been recommended for such extension by the Director General of the Army Medical Department and the Commandant of the Duke of York's School.

The medical officer of the Duke of York's School was re-appointed in May, 1899. The recommendation for such extension was made by the Commander-in-Chief after a special inquiry into this officer's efficiency.—In answer to a further question the hon. Gentleman said he would not be justified in going into the facts upon what the Commander-in-Chief made his recommendation, but he did appoint a special inquiry to ascertain whether the medical officer was efficient or not, and the conclusion arrived at by those charged with the duty was that he was perfectly efficient.

Was it referred to the Board of Patronage of which we have heard so much?

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Joseph Black enlisted at Dumfries in 1855, and as sergeant volunteered at Aldershot when serving there in 1858 to the 11th Hussars, and served continuously in that regiment till 1871, and that he served again in the 5th Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers from 1873 till 1894, being; colour sergeant for the last fifteen years; whether he is aware that Black's pension on discharge is 8½d. per diem by reason of the last period only of his service being computed; whether Black has represented to the War Office that he engaged for the last period on the assurance given him, by H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge, the late Commander-in-Chief, through his Colonel, Sir G. C. Walker, K.C.B., that, the whole of his service should be reckoned, for pension on discharge, and if inquiries have been made as to the accuracy of that, representation; and whether 8½d. a day is, according to War Office Regulations, the proper recompense for so long a, service.

This case has been frilly explained to the House on a previous occasion. The man received the pension to which he was entitled under regulations which apply to his service, and no one had any power to make any such promise as that referred to.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the promise was distinctly made by the Duke of Cambridge?

:I am not aware of that.

Then you ought to be.

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to make use of the cultivated ground on Salisbury Plain for military purposes, inasmuch as during the last month there has been no room for brigade drills at Bulford Camp, although certain battalions lost two whole days, out of twelve working days, in travelling to and from Salisbury Plain, and that the musketry shooting could have been done nearer home and at less cost to the public.

A scheme has been formed, and is being carried out, by which all cultivated land on Salisbury Plain belonging to the Government, outside certain areas, will revert to grass. But to carry out such a scheme in accordance with the terms of the leases and without injury to tenants naturally takes a considerable time.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a Return, after the close of the Volunteer year, giving the following information, namely, the acreage, rateable value, and population of each county in England, Scotland, and Wales, respectively, and the number of efficient members of the Yeomanry and Volunteers, respectively, on the rolls at the end of the last Volunteer year, and also on the rolls at the end of the current Volunteer year; also of the Militia, those resident in each county, those non-resident; also (for Yeomanry and Volunteers) columns giving particulars of regiments represented in South Africa, and distinguishing those which have earned the special grant, together with the percentage of attendance of their enrolled strength; also stating the financial position of each corps, and enumerating their assets, such as ranges, drill halls, machine guns, transport, and other accessories in different columns.

Information on some of these subjects is being collected, and I hope to be able to issue a Return which will contain a part at least of what the hon. and gallant Member asks for.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, in some of the reserve battalions, majors in the Army have been put on duty as subalterns; that in the reserve battalions seniority is not regarded, and the latest joined officers are put over the heads of officers senior to them in the Army; and that in the reserve battalions officers and men from different regiments are mixed up indiscriminately in the same reserve battalion, to the detriment of regimental esprit; and if there is any reason why there, should not be a reserve battalion for each regiment of the Line, formed exclusively from officers, non-commissioned officers and men who have served together in that regiment before.

As there were hardly any officers of the rank of subaltern in the reserve, majors have been obliged to do duty as subalterns. Seniority in the reserve battalions within each rank depends on the date of joining such battalion for duty. Officers and men are not mixed up indiscriminately; the various territorial corps have been grouped to form battalions, as the unequal numbers joining from the several corps have rendered the formation of a reserve battalion for each regiment impossible.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can now conveniently inform the House as to the constitution of the Committee to inquire into the boilers of Her Majesty's ships, and whether he can also inform the House of the terms of reference to the Committee.

I am composing the Committee as follows. It will consist of seven members:—The President, Vice-Admiral Sir Compton Domvile, who has had under his command fleets of ships with both cylindrical and water-tube boilers, and will have them again; Mr. List, the superintending engineer of the Castle Company; Mr. Bain, the superintending engineer of the Cunard Line; MR. Milton, chief engineer surveyor of Lloyd's Registry of Shipping (this gentleman sat on the former Admiralty Committee on Boilers in 1892); Professor Kennedy, formerly Professor of Engineering at University College, now an engineer in large practice, with special experience in the trials of engines and boilers; sixthly, an engineer of the Royal Navy holding the rank of inspector of machinery. As regards the seventh member of the Committee, I am still engaged in making the selection. The instructions to the Committee will be to the following effect, though I do not pledge myself to the precise wording of the reference:— To ascertain practically and experimentally the relative advantages and disadvantages of the Belleville boiler for naval purposes as compared with the cylindrical boiler; to investigate the causes of the defects which have occurred in these boilers and in the machinery of ships fitted with them, and to report how far they are preventable either by modifications of details or by difference of treatment, or how far they are inherent in the system. Also to report generally on the suitability of the propelling and auxiliary machinery fitted in recent war vessels, and to offer any suggestions for improvement, stating at the same time the effect as regards weight and space of any alterations proposed. To report on the advantages and disadvantages of the Niclausse and Babcock and Wilcox boilers compared with the Belleville as far as the means at the disposal of the Committee permit, and also to report whether any other description of boiler has sufficient advantages over the Belleville or the other two types mentioned, as a boiler for large cruisers and battleships, to make it advisable to fit it in any of Her Majesty's ships for trial. For the purpose of making direct experiments between ships fitted with Belleville and cylindrical boilers respectively, the "Hyacinth," fitted with Belleville boilers, will be placed at the disposal of the Committee. A cruiser of similar type fitted with cylindrical boilers will also be placed at the disposal of the Committee when required for the purpose of comparison. For the investigation of defects, copies of the reports of all the defects of machinery and boilers which, have occurred during the naval manœuvres will be placed before the Committee, and they will be able to inspect the ships spe- cially commissioned for the manœuvres. On the arrival of the "Europa" from Australia it is proposed that the investigation into the causes of her high coal expenditure should be conducted under the directions of the Committee, and that she should afterwards be put through such trials as they may think necessary. Information on any special points connected with the behaviour of the boilers or machinery of water-tube boiler ships on ordinary peace service which the Committee may desire to have can be obtained from any of Her Majesty's ships in commission, and opportunities can be taken when the Channel Squadron is in any of the home ports to examine the boilers and machinery of the "Diadem," "Arrogant," and "Furious, "which have Belleville boilers, and the "Pactolus, "which is fitted with the Blechynden boilers. The "Pelorus, "fitted with Normand boilers, which has recently returned from three years continuous service in the Channel Squadron and at the Cape of Good Hope, and the "Powerful" will also be available for examination during their refits. The "Sharpshooter," fitted with Belleville boilers without economisers, the "Seagull," fitted with Niclausse, and the "Sheldrake" with Babcock and Wilcox boilers, will be employed in training stokers, and will be available for examination, and, if necessary, for any comparative experiments between these boilers that the Committee may wish to make. It is particularly desired that any conclusions the Committee may arrive at should be supported by experimental proof as far as possible, and that they should propose any further experiments they think necessary for this purpose.

May I ask whether the words in the earlier part of the reference—namely, "causes of failure in the boilers"—includes examination as to the sufficiency of the engineers and stokers who attend them. Should not that naturally be in the reference to the Committee? Is it not the intention of the Admiralty to inquire into the question of the personnel?

No, Sir. It would not be naturally in the reference to the Committee. Of course, if there are any defects discovered which are due to the causes the hon. Member suggests, the Committee will be at perfect liberty to state them.

Have any of the engineers of the companies named had any experience with water-tube boilers?

No, Sir; neither in the Castle Line nor in the Cunard Line. On the other hand, the naval engineer and inspector of machinery will have had experience of the water-tube boiler.

Will the professor of engineering have had experience?

The professor of engineering is, I believe, looked up to as a great authority on all these questions, and has examined them scientifically. I believe ho has already been engaged in trials with regard to waste of water and matters of that kind which will make his assistance particularly valuable.

Will the Report of the Committee deal with the manœuvres of last year as well as this?

No, Sir. I do not think their labours ought to be extended beyond the limits I have laid down. Otherwise it might be ages before they report. My hon. friend will see that the work I have cut out for them is very considerable.

Is it intended to invite the hon. Member for Gateshead to serve on this Committee?

No, Sir. I have not proposed to place any Member of Parliament on the Committee. If the hon. Member for Gateshead were placed on the Committee, other Members of Parliament would be equally entitled to a place. I look upon this as a practical scientific investigation, to be kept entirely apart from anything which has passed in this House. This will leave hon. Members of this House real liberty in discussing the Report of the Committee.

:I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty if he can see his way to state what investigations are being made in this country into the question of submarine boats; and whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to proceed with the building of any experimental submarine ship as is now being done in the case of at least two foreign navies.

I must refer the hon. Gentleman to my previous statements in the House in answer to the hon. Gentlemen the Member for West Newington and the Member for Bolton on the 6th April and 3rd May last.†

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Amiralty if he will state the quantity of naval steam coal at present stored at ports in the United Kingdom and in British coaling stations abroad; and whether such coal is protected by covering sheds or otherwise from the disintegrating and wasting effects of atmospheric action.

It is not in the interests of the public service to give the information asked for in the first paragraph of the question. Coal at foreign stations is generally protected by covering sheds, but not in the home ports where the turn-over is rapid.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he has any further information about the rainfall in the districts affected by the famine in India, and whether the prospects of the ensuing crops are improved; and if he has received from Lord Curzon any reports regarding his inspection last week of the affected provinces in Western India.

The Government of India telegraph to-day as follows—

"Famine. Very decided improvement in last ten days through sudden opportune I renewed advance of the monsoon. The rain which has fallen is ample for present agricultural requirements in Gujarat, also in the greater part of Rajputana and Central India. Sowings Being actively prosecuted so far as

† See The Parliamentary Debates [Fourth Series], Vol. lxxxi., p. 1402; Vol. lxxxii., p. 583. scarcity of plough bullocks permits. If present favourable conditions continue considerable autumn crops will be secured and tension will relax."

On the 6th August the Governor of Bombay reported that—

"Rainfall continues in affected area. Agricultural operations are progressing satisfactorily in Gujarat, Panch Mahals, and Kathiawar. Elsewhere agricultural prospects are encouraging. Numbers on relief works and gratuitous relief increased."

I have not yet received from the Viceroy any special reports regarding what he has witnessed during the inspections he is now making of the famine districts.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether any proposals have been made or projects prepared for conservation by dams or reservoirs of the waters of the Nerbudda and Tapti rivers, the monsoon floods of which are now rushing to the sea through the Central Provinces and Gujerat, where the people and cattle have been perishing for want of water; and if no such plans have as yet been proposed, will the Indian Government consider whether it may even yet be practicable to store and utilise some portion of the volume of water which will otherwise be largely wasted.

If the hon. Gentleman wishes it, I will consult the Indian Government upon this matter; but so far as I know, neither of these rivers could be associated with large and effective irrigation works.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in the transactions whereby the property and interests of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company were taken over and acquired by the Government of India, account was taken of the debt due to the State in respect of sums advanced from India's general revenues to make up the dividends guaranteed to the company or for other purposes; and seeing that the aggregate total of these advances to the three remaining guaranteed companies (including the Great Indian Peninsula) still amounts to over Rx. 35,000,000, can he state what means, if any, there are by which the Indian revenues may recover the amount of those advances.

Under contract of 30th November, 1870, between the Secretary of State for India in Council and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company, the company gave up its right to more than half the surplus profits in the event of advances of interest being entirely repaid, and in return the Government abandoned all claim to repayment of such advances in any other manner. Similar arrangements were made with the Bombay, Baroda, and Central India and Madras Railway Companies.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether he can state when and whence the proposals originated to the effect that the Law and Finance Members of the Supreme Executive Council in India are each to have pensions of £750 after their five years of office terminate, and whether the present incumbents of those posts are to receive these new pensions; and by what authority has this permanent addition to Indian expenditure been imposed, and will Parliament have an opportunity to consider the proposal for these new pensions.

No resolution to the effect suggested has been passed, though the question of adding to the pecuniary attractions of these two appointments for persons not in the permanent employ of the Government has been under consideration. Should it be deemed advisable to take the action indicated, the Secretary of State in Council will be guided by the requirements of the statutes defining his powers in respect of Indian expenditure.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been called to a Despatch No. 15, P. W., dated 28-1-90, from the Government of India, dealing with matters to be brought before the Select Committee of the House of Commons, and specially affecting the claims of the Cooper's Hill Engineers; and whether the evidence therein contained was laid before that Committee; and, if not, why it was with held.

The question as to the selection of Papers to be laid before the Select Committee in 1890 was, I believe, very carefully considered by my predecessor in office, and all Papers bearing on the subject under discussion which it was thought could be published without prejudice to the interest of the public service were produced. I am not prepared, at this distance of time, to reopen the question.

Was this particular despatch laid before the Committee?

was understood to answer in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether any alterations have been made recently in the regulations for the admission of students to the Royal Engineering College, Cooper's Hill; and, if so, will he state the particulars regarding the same, and also whether they tend to impose any restrictions on the entrance of students from India to the college, and on their passing through it to the several departments of public service for which they have been hitherto eligible.

The college was established to supply from this country officers for the Public Works Departments in India. Colleges were also set up in India to supply native officers for the same departments, and at these colleges no Europeans were allowed to be trained. Recently there was a rush of Indian students to the Cooper's Hill College. Finding that in the past few years one native student had on the average got into the Public Works Department through Cooper's Hill, I fixed for the future two as the number to be annually competed for by them. Thus the main object is maintained for which the college was established—namely, the annual provision of European officers for these departments, whilst at the same time no restriction is imposed upon the limit of Indian students.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Suffolk, Lowestoft Division, I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade why the evidence taken by the Select Committee on the Sea Fisheries Bill has not been circulated with the Report, seeing that the evidence was completed nearly a month ago, and was printed and circulated amongst the members of the Committee from day to day.

I have no doubt that the evidence will be circulated in due course. I have no control over the printing, of course, but I am told there has been no unusual delay. After the evidence is completed it has to be indexed.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether the attention of the Government has been directed to the Report of the Select Committee on the Sea Fisheries Bill, whose first recommendation is that no effort should be spared to arrange for international treatment of the subject of sea fisheries, and especially for the regulation of the North Sea area; and whether the Government will initiate negotiations for the assembling of a conference of the North Sea Powers for this, purpose.

This matter is receiving consideration, but further knowledge is necessary before negotiations can be opened for a conference.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the falling off in the North Sea fisheries, and seeing that in their special Report the Select Committee to whom the Sea Fisheries Bill was referred stated that the subject of the diminution of the fish supply was a pressing one, and that the situation was becoming worse, and that no effort ought to be spared to arrange for international treatment of the subject generally, and especially for regulation of the North Sea area; and to provide for the adequate equipment of the Government Departments in charge of the subject, so that they might effectively pursue scientific investigation, and ascertain what has been done either in the way of scientific research or in the matter of practical legislation by other inquirers and by other countries, with the view of determining whether any, and if so what, legislation may be desirable to effect the objects of the Bill, whether he will press upon the Government legislative action, as the diminution in the supply of this article of food is of national importance.— In putting this question the hon. Member said: I am aware the question has to some extent been answered in the reply to the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire; but I wish particularly to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the falling off in the North Sea fisheries; if ho knows that many of the fishing vessels are now being laid up in the ports of Hull and Grimsby, thereby causing great distress, which may possibly increase in the near future; and if he will consider the importance of dealing with this matter by legislation, which has been too long deferred.

I am not aware whether the hon. Gentleman's latter allegation is correct, but I do know there has been some falling off in the fishing industry in the North Sea.

What do the Government propose to do?

It is much too early for the Government to state what it proposes to do. There has not been time to consider the evidence and the Report of the Committee.

How many years has this question been before the Government?

Is the Government aware that the German Government have decided to appoint a Special Commission of nine experts, with a view to bringing before the manufacturers of that country improvements in machinery displayed at the Paris Exhibition, and will he consider the desirability of advising the British Government to take a similar course?

I have no knowledge of the facts stated in the question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether the quarantine regulations issued by the Board of Agriculture compel a dog owner to keep his dog muzzled day and night indoor and outdoor for six months; whether he is aware that, in carrying out these regulations, the police have entered houses at all hours of the day and night; and have instructions been given to the police, and, if so, will he state what the instructions are.

My right hon. friend asks me to say that the regulations made by the Board of Agriculture ordinarily require that an imported dog shall be kept muzzled when in any public place or in contact with other dogs, but not at any other time. Where, however, a dog has been illegally landed or removed from the proscribed place of detention the dog is required to be muzzled at all times, except whilst being fed, until satisfactory arrangements for its detention have been made. It is the duty of the police to execute and enforce the Orders of the Board of Agriculture, but it rests with the various police authorities to take the necessary steps for this purpose, and the Board have issued no instructions on the subject. The answer to the hon. Member's second question is in the negative.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if the restrictions with regard to swine and markets in the district of Weshpool have been withdrawn; if not, whether he can give any information as to the likelihood of an early relaxation of the present restrictions.

My right hon. friend desires me to say that the restrictions referred to have not yet been withdrawn. The improved position of this district as regards swine fever-leads him to hope that he may be before long in a position to relax them; although it is impossible to intimate beforehand the particular date when the restrictions can be withdrawn.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he has any information that a seam of steam navigation coal has been found at Dover which on analysis has been pronounced equal to the best Welsh steam coal; if any report thereon has been or will be made by the Government Inspector of Mines; and if it would be possible to secure this coal for the service of the British Fleet.

I have been asked by my right hon. friend to answer this question. It is a matter of common knowledge that a company has been seeking coal in the neighbourhood of Dover, and that seams have been found. The Government have no information as to the quality of the coal.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to a statement by the superintendent of the Brown Institution, that the inoculations with rabies performed in that institution were of no use except for the purpose of compiling statistics; and whether, seeing that those inoculations with rabies inflict suffering on a number of animals, he will; take the necessary steps to prevent their continuance in that institution in future.

The superintendent of the Brown Institution states that the question does not accurately represent any opinions expressed by him. He considers that the inoculations referred to afford the only means of determining the existence of rabies in a suspected animal.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the warders, some retired and some still serving in Maidstone prison, who were in the prison service when the control of the prisons was taken over by the Home Office from the county authorities, were guaranteed by agreement that they would, when retiring, receive a pension equal to two-thirds of their salaries; whether this arrangement was kept in the cases of all old service officers who retired up to two years ago, when MR. Bishop was given a pension of £61 10s. for twenty-five years service; was the arrangement departed from one year ago when MR. Searle, who had twenty-six years service, and received only £43 pension; whether he is aware that MR. Broderick, who has served over twenty-four years in the prison service and twenty-one years in the Army, is about retiring, and is only to be allowed £36 10s. 4d.; can he say why these officers should not be paid according to the agreement and on the scale given to the other officers; and will he see that MR. Searle and MR. Broderick and all remaining old officers in Maidstone are pensioned at the higher rate.

There was no agreement such as is suggested in the question. There are considerable legal difficulties affecting these and similar cases, and the whole question is now under the consideration of the Departments concerned.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received and considered a Report from the district inspector of mines with regard to the testing of tubs at the Hapton Colliery on 21st June.

The hon. Member intends, as I understand, to refer to Hapton Valley Colliery. The inspector mentions in one of his Reports, which has been before the Secretary of State, that the tubs in that colliery were tested on the 21st June. The matter forms part of the larger question into which the Secretary of State has promised to institute an inquiry.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether the inquiries into the possibility of the reduction of the number of workhouses in the county of Montgomery have been completed; if not, when does he hope to complete the same.

Inquiries have been made upon this subject, but no representations by any of the local authorities, or by the ratepayers interested, have been received by the Local Government Board on the matter.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what have been the total expenses of the guardians of the unions of Machynlleth, Caersws, Forden, and Llanfyllin, respectively, in the county of Montgomery, in respect of public vaccination in each of the three years ending 31st December, 1897, 31st December, 1898, and 31st December, 1899; what have been the amounts of the fees to public vaccinators and vaccination officers; and what have been the expenses of prosecutions under the Vaccination Acts in each of the three years named in the said unions.

I replied to three precisely similar questions relating to other unions only yesterday, and I have nothing to add to the answers I gave then. I will furnish my hon. friend with a copy of that reply, if he desires it.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the number of certificates of successful primary vaccination received by the vaccination officers during the year 1899, as compared with 1898, and the number of such certificates received for the first six months of this year as compared with the similar period of the years 1898 and 1899.

The number of certificates of successful primary vaccina- tion received by vaccination officers during 1899 was 669,349, as compared with 500,314 during 1898, being an increase of 169,035, or 33.8 per cent. I have not received Returns as to the number of such certificates during the first six months of the present year.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether Her Majesty's Government will consider favourably the question of introducing legislation to enable a Dissenting minister to be placed upon the register on taking up his residence in any locality, thus giving him the privilege already possessed by the clergy of the Established Church.

I understand the question of the hon. Member to relate to Parliamentary registration; but this is not a matter coming within the province of the Local Government Board.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if lie is aware that the managers of the Metropolitan Asylums Board have recently reduced the normal accommodation for patients at Caterham and Leavesden Asylums; that in consequence of this reduction, and owing to the Metropolitan Asylums Board having otherwise failed to make adequate provision for the reception of imbeciles, many such cases in Bethnal Green have been detained in the workhouse there; and that such cases include a number of boys and girls to whose interests detention in the workhouse is injurious; and whether, under these circumstances, he proposes to take any steps to remedy this state of things.

Perhaps my hon. friend will allow me to answer this question. The reply to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. I am informed that there are six children in the Bethnal Green workhouse who should be removed to an imbecile asylum if there were vacancies for them. The asylum managers are alive to the necessity of further provision being made for imbeciles, and pending the acquisition of the Sutton schools they are making temporary provision for imbecile children.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in addition to the old class of writers, the ordinary temporary copyists who were registered and employed by the Civil Service Commissioners between September, 1870, and August, 1871, although they had not belonged to the old class of writers mentioned by the Secretary on the 5th of April last, are allowed on appointment to permanent positions to reckon all their temporary service towards pensions under the Treasury Minute of the 1st June, 1882.

There were no "copyists" employed before the Order in Council of 19th August, 1871. There were certain writers registered for general service between 4th June, 1870, and 19th August, 1871, and such of them who fulfilled the conditions of Treasury Minute of June, 1882, would count all their writer service for pension; otherwise they would only count half of it.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, when it is expected that the undivided pillar and wall boxes in the E.C. District will be divided so as to avoid the necessity for letters from these boxes being carried first to St. Martin's-le-Grand and then to Mount Pleasant, and the delay resulting from such transmission.

Divided street letter boxes are being provided in the Eastern Central District as rapidly as the contractors, who have had the order for a considerable time, can supply them. It is hoped that the supply will be completed by the middle of October. Meanwhile collections from the undivided boxes are being dealt with specially in order to prevent delay as far as possible.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Post-master General, whether the members of the old first class of countermen and telegraphists, who are entitled under the Tweedmouth scheme to payment for work performed on bank holidays, are in future to be compelled to accept a corresponding number of hours off during the winter months; and whether such work should not be paid for in accordance with the decision of the Departmental Committee, as is at present the custom.

The arrangement referred to by the hon. Member forms part of a scheme by which the main part of the annual holiday of the whole staff would be taken between 1st March and 31st October, instead of being spread over the whole year as now; but it is made on condition that this generally beneficial scheme shall only take effect with the practically unanimous consent of the staff affected.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Anglesey Standing Joint Committee and the Anglesey County Council have called his attention to the lack of telegraph facilities in Gaerwen, Anglesey; and whether, seeing that the London and North Western Railway station, which is a considerable distance from the village of Gaerwen, is the only place within the district from which telegrams can be sent, and taking into account the interests of the public and the difficulty of communicating with the police in the Gaerwen district, he will take steps to place telegraph facilities within reach of the inhabitants of Gaerwen without requiring any financial security.

The Postmaster General is unable to trace any application from the local authorities referred to, but his attention was drawn by the hon. Member himself a month or two ago to the need of a telegraph office at Gaerwen, and on the 19th ult. the terms on which such an office could be opened were stated. The estimated telegraph business is too small to justify the opening of the office without guarantee. The railway station, where telegrams are received for despatch, is slightly under a mile from the village, the station. There is no delivery from the station.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is yet in a position to say if the Lords of the Treasury will make the necessary grant for the erection of a pier at Tramore for the landing of fish; and, if so, what amount the Treasury will grant, and when the work will commence.

I have not yet received a Report upon the application in question.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of the danger to the travelling public resulting from the absence of proper shunting accommodation at Kirkcaldy and Sinclairtown stations, and the accidents which have already resulted therefrom, he will take immediate steps to compel the North British Railway Company to provide increased accommodation.

The Board of Trade have no powers of compulsion, but they have communicated with the company several times on this subject. As recently as 20th July they addressed a letter to the general manager and received a reply intimating that the matter was still under consideration. The company shall be pressed to arrive at some conclusion.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether the procurator fiscal for the county of Bute received his appointment on the condition that he would devote his whole time to the duties of his office, and that he would not directly or indirectly engage in private practice as a law agent; whether he is aware that the procurator fiscal has appointed two deputes, who, besides being depute procurator fiscal, carry on the business of law agents within the procurator fiscal's office, and that one of these deputes, who is not a qualified law agent, appeared for the procurator fiscal in the public interest at the Bute County Licensing Court, whilst the other depute appeared on behalf of an applicant for a licence in Arran, the procurator fiscal himself being absent for weeks from the county as adjutant of a Volunteer corps for which he received payment; and whether this is in accordance with the terms of procurator fiscal's appointment.

The procurator fiscal for the county of Bute is restricted from private practice, but may hold public offices with the approval of the sheriff. He has two deputes. They, as is invariably the case with deputes, are not restricted. In the licensing case referred to in the question I am informed that neither of the deputes appeared in the Justice of Peace Court as depute sheriff's procurator fiscal. Neither depute holds a commission in this court. It is the case that the procurator fiscal is adjutant of a Volunteer corps with the approval of the sheriff. I am informed that it is not the case that he has been absent from the county for weeks or any one week in that capacity.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Board of Works have not provided the necessary temporary additional accommodation in certain departments of the Royal College of Science, Dublin, and that the department of physics is inconvenienced by the want of accommodation, although there is plenty of space available; and whether it is intended to carry out the recommendation to put up a shed to provide room for apparatus and other requisites.

The subject of providing temporary additional accommodation for the physical laboratory of the Royal College of Science is under the consideration of the Board of Works and the Department of Agriculture. There is no foundation for the suggestion that the Board of Works have failed to provide additional temporary accommodation in other departments of the institution; no proposal to this effect has been made to the Board.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that MR. Warden, of Sneem, county Kerry, has served a writ on a tenant named Patrick Sullivan, Kealariddig, for £54 3s. 2d., and that the amount of the writ is calculated on the old rent of £18 per year, including old arrears, although the judicial rent is only £14 per year; whether he is aware that Patrick Sullivan was proceeded against a short time since before the county court judge of Kerry, by whom an order was made that Patrick Sullivan should pay the amount of the process by instalments; and whether, seeing that Patrick Sullivan has since punctually complied with the order of the Court by payment of the instalments, ho will state what stops the Government will take to prevent MR. Warden from executing under the writ for the recovery of money which is already being paid by order of the county court judge by instalments.

The facts are as stated in the first paragraph, but the judicial rent was only fixed this year. I have no information as to the second paragraph, and, as regards the third paragraph, the Government have no power to take any action such as suggested. I may, however, inform the hon. Member that the amount of the writ has been paid in full.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the recent awards made by MR. Ryan, arbitrator under the Commissioners for Public Works in Ireland, in respect of the lands taken from the farmers by the Belfast Water Commissioners, near Carrickfergus, and to the difference between the amount of his awards and the awards by the juries on traverse at the county of Antrim assizes at Belfast; whether he is aware that in the case of a farmer called Legg the arbitrator awarded £20 only, and on traverse the jury at the assizes increased his award to £167, with £15 for costs; and, having regard to the dissatisfaction caused among the farmers by the awards of this arbitrator, whether he will consider the desirability of having the appointment of this arbitrator reconsidered and a man of larger experience appointed in his place.

The Commissioners of Public Works are not responsible for the awards of the arbitrator, but only for his appointment. It is an essential feature of his post that he should occupy an independent position. The Board have no power under the circumstances to revoke the appointment.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he will explain why it has-been decided to discontinue the post office at Ballygawley, which has been established for fifteen years, and is as much required for the public convenience now as hitherto; and seeing that the present postmaster, MR. Bernard Kelly, who took up the office in succession to his mother, and has held it for ten years, when he got the appointment made at the request of the postal authorities structural alterations in the premises at a cost of £25, the Postmaster General, if the office is to be closed, will consider the question of refunding this amount to MR. Kelly.

There are two post offices at places named Baltygawley in Ireland; but in neither case is Kelly the name of the sub-postmaster. The Postmaster General is not aware of any proposal for abolishing either of these offices. If the hon. Member will communicate to the Postmaster General the full particulars on which the question is based, inquiry shall be made on the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the Postmaster General will reconsider the question of relieving the, postmen in Bray, Kingstown, and Howth of the loads of parcels which they are; now obliged to carry, by providing handcarts or other vehicles for their conveyance and delivery

As stated in the reply given to the hon. Member on the 2nd instant, care is always taken to provide against any postmen being overloaded; and he may rest assured that when it becomes necessary to provide handcarts at the places he mentions they will be supplied.

I will show the right hon. Gentleman a picture of these overloaded postmen.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Commissioners of National Education (Ireland) received a memorandum from the teachers at present at the course of hand and eye training in Marlborough Street, requesting an increase in the personal allowance of 3s. per day given them while in Dublin attending the lectures; and, if so, what action have the Board taken on the matter; have the Board acknowledged the receipt of that memorandum, or communicated their decision on it to those teachers; and can he state whether the teachers who attended a course of lectures in 1883 to prepare them for the office of organiser received 7s. 6d. as personal allowance per diem, and have the Commissioners refused to grant even 3s. per day to the majority of Dublin teachers attending the course; and, seeing that those teachers have sacrificed their annual holidays, and in many cases have provided substitutes in their schools at their own expense, to forward the new scheme of the Board without any prospect of personal gain, whether he will recommend that proper allowance is made in all cases. I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Springtown Evening School, county Longford, Roll No. 8470, has been recognised by the Commissioners of National Education for the six months ending 30th April, 1900, and that the emoluments of the teacher, as set forth by National Board's circular, were to consist of salary, results fees, and customs and excise grant; and whether, seeing that, although the inspector examined and reported favourably on above named evening school, the teacher has only received salary as yet at the rate of £1 per month, any further sum will be paid him in lieu of abolished results fees and the customs grant; and, if so, when will the payments be made.

These questions were only placed on the Paper this morning, and there has not been sufficient time to obtain reports upon them to-day from Dublin. The desired information j has been called for, and will be privately communicated to the hon. Member when received.

Will it be possible to give an answer to-morrow?

I cannot say.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to a resolution adopted unanimously by the guardians of Mitchelstown Union on the 2nd instant, respecting the public inconvenience caused by the want of magistrates in the petty sessions district, and to the fact that only one justice resides in the town, and he is disqualified to adjudicate in certain cases; and whether he will cause inquiry to be made with a view to remedying the inconvenience complained of.

I have seen the resolution referred to. There are four justices, I understand, already resident in or near Michelstown, and I am not aware that any inconvenience has been caused to the public, as alleged in the question. The Lieutenant of the county will consider the names of any suitable gentleman who may be recommended to him for appointment to the Commission of the Peace in the district.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if ho has received a resolution adopted by the Belmullet Rural District Council, on 21st July, in which a resolution previously passed by the Mayo County Council was unanimously endorsed, calling on the Government to construct a line of railway to Belmullet for the purpose of developing the industries and resources of the localities through which the proposed railway would pass; if he knows from personal acquaintance with the districts around Belmullet that such a railway would be of advantage to the commercial and industrial needs of the people of that union, as well as to the people of the neighbouring unions; and if, seeing the want of adequate means of transit in the unions in question, he can hold out any hope that the Government will proceed in the direction indicated by the resolutions of the Belmullet Rural District Council and the Mayo County Council.

The resolution referred to has been received, but there is no money available for the purpose, and I am not in a position to hold out any hopes on the subject. I may remind the hon. Member that the question of railway communication to Belmullet was carefully considered some years ago, and that the Government, while unable to approve of the application of funds for the construction of a railway, have established steamship communication between Belmullet and Sligo.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he has seen a letter of MR. Kirkland, manager of the Grand Canal Company, in which he states that, although his company pays over £2,000 a year in tolls to the Government through the Irish Board of Works, they refuse to reduce the tolls or afford facilities for carrying on their trade with Limerick: that in the year 1898, the towing-path on the Government Canal between Killaloe and Limerick was so flooded that the Grand Canal Company's traffic was stopped, and that their boat cargoes had to be sent by rail from Killaloe to Limerick; also, that the crane at Banagher recently broke down, killing a man; and also that the Grand Canal Company have been charged tolls on as much as five tons per boat more cargo than they got freight for themselves; and whether he will inquire into the truth of these complaints, and see that such a reduction of tolls is made and such facilities of trading is afforded where the Government have control (notably under the Board of Works) as will enable the Grand Canal Company's trading competition to be maintained in the public interest.

This question only appeared on the Notice Paper to-day, and I have been unable to obtain any information with regard to it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how long it is since MR. Wardan, of Sneem, county Kerry, signified his intention of erecting the store at Sneem Pier; what steps have been taken by MR. Warden to carry out his intentions; and, if nothing has been done, will the Government make a representation to MR. Warden to allow others who are prepared to do so to erect this store for the protection of traders' goods.

I am not aware that MR. Warden stated it was his intention to erect a store at Sneem Pier, but in July, 1899, he informed the Congested Districts Board that it was the intention of the owners to build a store; at their convenience. No representations have since been received from MR. Warden, but the Board will communicate with him in the matter.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will introduce a Bill to render operative at the earliest possible date the register of electors which in the ordinary course will be completed in the month of October, and come into operation on the 1st January next.

I think the hon. Gentleman is very sanguine if he thinks that on the day of the Committee stage of the Appropriation Bill we could introduce a Registration Bill.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in view of the continued effect of the Continental bounty system upon the British sugar refining industry, as evidenced by the closing of two more important refineries at Liverpool during the past year, Her Majesty's Government intend to take any decisive measures for the relief of that industry from a system which is calculated to result in its extinction.

Before I can give any answer about the decisive measures of which my hon. friend speaks in his question, I ought to have some clear idea of what those measures are.

I should like to ask whether the Government will consider the advisability of entering into negotiations with bounty-giving States with a view to prohibiting the use of bounty-fed sugar under a penal clause.