, in moving to recommit the Bill in respect of a new clause (Pensions to Fire Brigade men), thanked the Chairman of Committees and Officers of the House for the great consideration they had given him in endeavouring to repair a very small slip in the Committee on this Bill. The motion was approved by the Dublin Corporation, as the clause was quite accidentally omitted.

I beg to accept the motion on behalf of the promoters of the Bill. Order of the 14th instant for Consideration of the Bill, as amended, read, and discharged:—Bill re-committed to the former Committee; Committee to have leave to sit and proceed forthwith.—(Mr. T. M. Healy.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government intend on the restoration of peace or at any other time to rebuild the 600 farmhouses approxi- mately stated to have been burnt in the Transvaal and Orange Free States in the Return recently published.

No, Sir.

May I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman would approve of Mr. De Wet burning Highbury?

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state when the Report of the South African Concessions Committee will be laid upon the Table of the House.

I am not able at present to fix the date.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can now state whether any decision has been arrived at as to the participation of warrant officers of the Navy in the promotions and honours recently awarded and officially announced in connection with the South African campaign; and whether the statutes of the orders governing the Distinguished Service Order have been so revised as to enable naval warrant officers to be eligible for this distinction, and so place them upon a similar footing to non-commissioned officers and men in the Army.

The question of a decoration for officers of warrant rank in the Royal Navy has now been settled, and steps will be taken at the earliest possible opportunity to give effect to the decision. The arrangements made do not affect the statutes of the Distinguished Service Order.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he proposes to adopt the suggestion contained in the Report of the Royal Commission appointed to consider and report upon the care and treatment of the sick and wounded during the South African campaign to appoint a departmental or other Committee of experts to inquire into and report upon the steps needed to effect certain reforms in the Royal Army Medical Corps; and, if so, whether he is prepared to state the composition of such Committee.

The Secretary of State is preparing various proposals to submit to a Committee of experts, but the composition of the Committee cannot be at present stated.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will grant a dispensation entitling the goat recently presented to the Volunteer Service Company of the Welsh Regiment in South Africa, and now quarantined on board the "Tagus" at Southampton, to be handed over to the officer commanding, notwithstanding the restrictions laid down in the Foreign Animals Order of 1896.

An exception can only be made if the War Office recognise the goat as a regimental pet, in the same way as the goats of the Regular battalions.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to Carry the north boundary fence of the proposed fortifications at Carlingnose, North Queensferry, down to the sea at Port Laing; and whether he is aware that such boundary fence would be an interference with a public right of way from Cruickness to North Queensferry.

There is no intention of interfering with any right of way from Cruickness to North Queensferry, nor have any instructions been given to carry a continuous boundary fence along the north limit of the War Department property.

Will steps be taken to fence in the fortification, seeing that the public now Lave access, and can make drawings and measurements of the work as it proceeds?

I cannot answer that without notice, but I think that what the noble Lord says tends to show that there is a necessity for doing something of the kind.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why the special permission granted to the West Somerset Yeomanry on 9th May to go into lodgings at Taunton and do their training from there was revoked by telegram on 13th May, forty-eight hours before the regiment was to assemble; and whether he is aware that this sudden change at the last has caused the regiment much expense, and the inhabitants of Taunton expenditure in preparations of welcome, and whether he can see his way to granting the officers and men a special allowance to cover the unusual expense they have been put to.

I am afraid I can not at the present moment give an answer to this question. The matter is under consideration, and I hope to be able to give a favourable reply in the course of the next two or three days.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Government will grant a Return showing the exportation of munitions of war and war ships during the last five years.

The most complete informa- tion available as to the exports from the United Kingdom of "Arms, ammunition and military and naval stores" during the last five years is contained in the recently published "Annual Statement of the Trade of the United Kingdom" for 1900, Vol. 1 (Parliamentary Paper, Cd. 549), at pages 307–321, as regards exports of the produce or manufacture of the United Kingdom, and at pages 569–570 as regards exports of foreign and colonial produce. There are no separate particulars as to the value of war ships exported; but figures as to the number and tonnage of such vessels built in the United Kingdom for foreigners are given in the volumes of the "Annual Statement of the Navigation and Shipping of the United Kingdom" for each year. In these circumstances I do not think it necessary that a separate Return should be prepared dealing with this subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can state what steps, if any, the Indian Government is taking to develop the cultivation of rubber-producing trees in Burma; is he aware that in Ceylon and other eastern colonies attempts are being made by private proprietors to develop the same cultivation; and will he say what precautions, if any, it is proposed to take to prevent the results of the Government operations interfering with the success of private enterprise.

The Government of India have recently authorised an extensive experimental plantation of the Para-rubber tree in the Tenasserim Division of Burma, where the climate and the other conditions are believed to be favourable. I am aware that attempts are being made to develop the production of rubber in Ceylon and elsewhere by private enterprise, but I do not think that this is a reason why the Government of India should not do their best to develop the resources of that country and encourage private enterprise by showing that this tree can be profitably cultivated in parts of India.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether, in view of the fact that the reduction in the Indian telegraphic rate is being delayed in consequence of the obstruction offered by Germany, he would state the reasons which militate against the grant to the German Post Office of the right to land their Emden-New York cable at Waterville.

The cable of the German Post Office from Emden to the West of Ireland at present lands at Valentia. Germany has no cable of its own between Ireland and New York. The question of the transfer of the landing place from Valentia to Waterville is at present the subject of negotiation, and it would not be expedient that any statement should be made on the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that it has been proposed by the Committee of Education in Trinidad to close eight of the Government schools, to transfer fifteen others to Roman Catholic, seven to Church of England, and one to Presbyterian management, and to only maintain the remaining twenty-six Government schools for the present; whether this change in educational policy has been discussed and approved by the inhabitants of the colony; whether it has received the sanction of the Colonial Office; and whether the correspondence on the subject can be produced.

I am aware of the proposals referred to by the hon. Member. Objections to these proposals have now been raised in the Legislative Council, and I am awaiting a further report by the Governor before arriving at a final decision in the matter.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if information has reached the Foreign Office concerning a massacre of Christians by Kurds in the Tiyari district, vilayet of Mosul; whether a Kurdish chief named Reschid Bey, after murdering fifteen Christians in the said district, has, with 1,000 Kurds, withdrawn to the mountains, with the object of attacking other Christians; and whether any representations to the Porte have been or will be made.

The British Consular Agent at Mosul reported towards the end of April that 10,000 Kurds had gone to the Tiyari mountains with the intention of robbing and killing Christians, of whom fifteen were said to have been already massacred. His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople at once brought the matter to the notice of the Porte, and was informed that peremptory instructions had been sent to the local authorities to hold the Kurds in check, and to prevent outrages. Sir N. O'Conor has since been informed by the Turkish Government that there had been a long-standing feud between the people of Tiyari and some neighbouring tribes, and that on learning recently that there was danger of an outbreak the Vali of Mosul had taken steps to prevent a collision. He had also addressed a warning to the Kurdish Chief, which had resulted in the removal of the cause of dispute between the two parties. The reported massacre of fifteen Christians was denied.

On the occasion referred to were any Kurds massacred?

I do not know.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of any treaty or any other international document giving either to Great Britain or to any other foreign nation the right of maintaining its own post office in Turkey; if not, by virtue of what authority is the British post office maintained there; does the maintenance of foreign post offices in Turkey deprive the Turkish Government of any portion of the postal revenues which would otherwise accrue to it; is he aware that the mails consigned to these foreign post offices, and distributed by them, often convey packets of watches and other valuable articles, which thus evade the Turkish customs duties; and do His Majesty's Government propose themselves to continue to maintain in Turkey a system of foreign post offices which lends itself to an evasion of duties and a diminution of a portion of the securities pledged to foreign bondholders.

In pursuance of the provisions of the treaty of 1783 the Russian mails have been distributed by a special Russian post office in the Consulate General for many years. French, British, and German post offices were subsequently established on the ground that those countries are entitled under their Treaties with the Porte to the same privileges as are enjoyed by others. These arrangements, therefore, are of long standing, and have been necessitated by the absence of any secu ty that the Turkish Government can efficiently replace the foreign post offices. No doubt the Turkish revenue suffers to some extent in consequence, but it is quite understood that articles which would otherwise be liable to Turkish Customs dues are not transmissible by letter post through our post office in Constantinople, and articles sent by parcel post are delivered through the Turkish Custom House. In accordance with what I have said above, His Majesty's Government are not prepared to admit that any portion of the securities pledged to the bondholders are infringed. With regard to the continued maintenance of the foreign post offices, I have nothing to add to my answers of the 9th and 13th instant, in which the attitude of His Majesty's Government was fully explained.†

I beg to ask the Under Secretary @

† See preceding volume, pages 1152 and 1457.;

Some information on this subject is contained in the Report No. 2,573, Annual Series, issued last month. If the hon. Member desires further particulars, and will specify them, I shall be happy to endeavour to procure them.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, owing to disquieting rumours, of possible disturbances in the Yang-tsze provinces, the usual triennial literary examinations to be held this summer are to be abandoned by Imperial decree; and whether the Government have any further information as to the source of the expected trouble.

We have not heard of the issue of any Imperial decree to the effect mentioned. With regard to the last paragraph of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on this subject on the 6th instant†—we have no later information.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is in a position to make a statement as to the settlement of the question of ownership of the land at Tientsin which occasioned the recent Anglo-Russian railway dispute; whether, despite the temporary agreement agreed to by the two Governments to suspend work on the land referred to, the Russians are proceeding to make roads through the land claimed by the railway company; and whether, in view of the grave issues, at stake, the Government are able to give an assurance to the House that a speedy settlement will be arrived at and that the rights of the railway company will be fully maintained. @

† See preceding volume, page 749.

No settlement has yet been arrived at with regard to the ownership of the land referred to; but under the agreement with the Russian Government all questions of title and propri tary rights are reserved for discussion between that Government and ourselves; and the claim of the railway administration cannot be prejudiced by any work carried on by the Russian authorities meanwhile.

Was it not stated there was to be some kind of arbitration on this matter?

I have no information beyond that contained in my answer.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether a public tender for the construction of the Chefoo—Wei-hai-wei cable was asked for; and whether he can explain why, in the interests of the public service and in view of the terms granted to the contracting company, the Government did not undertake the construction and working of the cable.

(1) The question of calling for public tenders was carefully considered, but it was found that the arrangements between the Chinese Government and the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Telegraph Companies as to landing rights in China, etc., rendered competition impossible. (2) The Chefoo—Wei-hai-wei cable forms a spur to the existing system of the Eastern Extension Company in China, and the advantages of having it worked by them, under due restrictions as to the nationality of the staff, etc., are held to greatly outweigh any disadvantages resulting therefrom. The agreement provides for the termination of the working agreement at any time at short notice if the arrangement is found unsatisfactory. (3) At the time the cable was laid the need for communication was urgent, and the Eastern Extension Company were in an exceptionally good condition to do the work expeditiously on behalf of His Majesty's Government. I should like to add that we have every reason to be satisfied with their readiness to meet our wishes.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the London Wholesale Sugar Dealers Association, a body of influence upon the trade, has decided to add an extra charge of 6d. per cwt. to the 4s. 2d. duty per cwt. placed on sugar by the Budget resolution, and whether he is prepared to allow rebate on contracts, made under the rules of this association which were current before the duty was imposed.

I have no knowledge of any such extra charge as that indicated in the question; but, if such addition were made, it would be outside the letter of the law, and its payment must depend upon the free will of the contractees. I see no ground whatever for allowing any such rebate as suggested.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the increase in the more serious forms of lead poisoning, and decrease in the less serious, shown by the Return Lead Poisoning (Parliamentary Paper, No. 126), can be accounted for by any reasons which can be stated to the House in reply to a question.

I cannot accept without qualification the hon. Baronet's statement that the more serious cases of lead poisoning have increased. The most serious cases—the fatal ones—have, as appears from the Return, been reduced by one half—from sixteen in 1899 to eight in 1900. In the current year, up to the present only two deaths, have been reported. With regard to other serious cases, there was an increase among males and a decrease among females of cases of paralysis; a decrease among males and an increase among females of cases presenting brain symptoms. These are the accidental fluctuations which will always occur in dealing with small numbers. The truth seems to be that, owing to the greater precautions now adopted, there has been a general decrease of lead poisoning, which in the more serious cases is qualified to some extent by the effects of conditions extending back to former years.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a recent death in a prison van, and whether he will consider the propriety of abolishing or improving this method of conveyance.

No death, so far as I am aware, has occurred in a prison van. I presume, however, that the hon. Member is referring to the case of James Atkin, who died in Holloway Prison on the 2nd instant. This man, who was suffering from delirium tremens, had a violent struggle with the police in the prison van while being conveyed from the police court to prison, and died in prison from syncope on the same day; but his death does not appear to have been in any way due to the construction of the van, and I see no reason for making any alteration in the present arrangements.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that in the case of Squire v. Sweeney, Under the Truck Acts, the judgment of the Irish court was based upon the decision in Ingram v. Barnes; and, as this was an English case, whether he is advised that his Department may safely continue to take proceedings, if necessity arise, in circumstances similar to those recently found in Cornwall.

The course which, in answer to the hon. Member some days ago,† I indicated my intention of pursuing

† See preceding volume, page 429.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the fact that new milk, heavily charged with boracic acid, is forced by means of a spiral machine into butter to defraud the consumer by greatly increasing its weight and bulk; that a prosecution against Pearks, Ginston, and Lee, Limited, at Bath, for selling fresh butter containing 24·2 per cent. of water failed because the added water might have found its way into the butter by means of milk; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take steps to prevent such practices in the future.

The facts as stated in the question are, I believe, accurate. At Longton, on the day following the Bath decision, a conviction was obtained against the same firm—and I understand that it is to be appealed against. Other prosecutions are being held over until the decision on appeal has been given.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture will he explain why the Board of Agriculture have not yet fixed the standard of water in butter which they have been empowered to do by legislation.

The power of fixing what is somewhat inaccurately described as a standard of milk and butter was first given to the Board in January of last year. It was then decided that a Committee should first inquire into the question of milk, and that Committee was appointed 29th January, 1900, and reported in January of this year. We are now working in concert with the Irish Department in preparing the necessary evidence to submit to a Committee dealing with butter.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has received a copy of a resolution, passed by the members of the Carmarthen Chamber of Agriculture, calling attention to the difficulties in which farmers in the county of Carmarthen and elsewhere are frequently placed owing to agricultural servants in breach of their contract leaving the service of their masters after the winter months are over and before the harvest begins; and whether, owing to the fact that such servants are always engaged by the year, and that they refuse to sign any written agreement, he will consider the question of introducing a Bill to amend the fourth section of the Statute of Frauds so as to make it unnecessary (in order to recover damages for breach of contract) for any agreement of service between farmer and servant to be in writing, even though it be an agreement which cannot be performed within a year of the time of the making thereof.

I do not think that Parliament can reasonably be asked to place contracts for agricultural labour on a different footing to other contracts in respect of the evidence required to prove the contracts by the Statute of Frauds.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury will he state what sums, during the last financial year, were contributed out of revenue derived from Imperial taxation in relief of local taxation, and through what channels were they paid; and in particular, what payments in relief of local taxation were made otherwise than through the local taxation accounts.

I am not sure that I quite understand the hon. Gentleman's question, but I think he will find the information he requires in the Return of National Public Income and Expenditure annually presented to Parliament. The figures for last year are not yet available.

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate if the Congested Districts Board will inquire into the circumstances of the Island of Cava, with the view of affording some relief to the parish of Orphir, of which the said island forms a part, the charges borne by the parish in respect of the said island amounting to £86 19s. 10d., the total gross rent of the island being only £31 5s.

I am informed by the Local Government Board for Scotland, within whose province the matter primarily rests, that in 1891 the population of the island was thirteen—five males and eight females, and there are only three inhabited houses;—the island being only a mile long. Without further information as to the data on which the figures stated in the question are based I am unable to give any reply; but the Local Government, Board's general superintendent will make inquiry into the circumstances when he next visits the parish.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, whether he can state to the House the precise nature of the steps he intends to take, by the acquisition of adjacent land or otherwise, to ensure the collection of pictures in the National Gallery from a repetition of the dangerous fire referred to in the last report of the trustees.

I am taking steps for the acquisition of the premises immediately adjacent to the National Gallery, so as to secure the isolation of that building. Parliamentary powers are needed for this purpose, and a Bill has been for some weeks before the House awaiting Second Reading.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord. Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state if the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction would be prepared to advance money to farmers; in Ireland to help them to purchase machinery for either crop saving or dairying purposes; and, if so, whether he can state the terms of repayment of such advances.

The question of granting loans to farmers for either of the purposes mentioned is under consideration by the Department.

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to be in a position to make an announcement of the point?

I hope shortly. I am in communication with the Department.

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether he can explain why the magistrates at petty sessions held in Ballivor, county Meath, on 12th January last, dismissed four summonses brought by Toad contractors, acting under the county surveyor's instructions, to compel the defendants to cut and trim their hedges along the roadside; is he aware that, while the small occupiers obey the surveyor's orders, some of the largest owners neglect to do so, to the injury of the roads in the district; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to empower magistrates to enforce obedience to the surveyor's orders by both occupiers and owners.

The four summonses referred to were brought against two defendants, one of whom is a landowner and the other a tenant farmer. Both defendants had endeavoured to comply with the road contractor's requirements to a certain extent. The summonses were dismissed on technical grounds and mainly because the notices which the moving party is bound to serve, and upon which the preceedings were founded, were informal. The law is clearly laid down in such cases in Section 9, Sub-section 8, of the 14 & 15 Vict., cap. 92, and no further legislation is called for.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can explain why the programme and rules for the intermediate examinations of 1902, due about 1st April, are not published yet, though the announcement of some important changes, and the prospect of others, makes ample notice particularly necessary; and whether, as the delay in this and previous years has been complained of as causing inconvenience, the introduction of changes will be deferred until notice can be given.

The programme and rules for 1902 required very careful consideration by the Intermediate Education Board. They are now, I understand, practically settled, and will shortly be made public.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the estate of Mr. Vesey Stoney, of Rosturk Castle, county Mayo, has been sold to the Congested Districts Board; and that, since the purchase, Mr. Stoney has prevented the tenants taking seaweed off the shore adjoining to and part of the estate; whether such action has been taken with the knowledge or by the authority of the Board; and whether the Board will take steps to prevent such action in the future.

The Congested Districts Board is negotiating for the acquisition of the seaweed rights on this property, already purchased, and until these rights have been acquired the Board could not intervene as suggested.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a sworn inquiry was, twelve months ago, held in Rathdrum (county Wicklow) Union into a scheme for the erection of labourers' cottages, and that no arbitrator has yet been sent down by the Local Government Board; that an inquiry into a second scheme has been held, and that a third inquiry is pending; and whether he will advise the Local Government Board to remove the block in the way of erecting labourers' cottages in the Rathdrum Union by sending an arbitrator to complete the necessary preliminaries.

A Provisional Order was made by the Local Government Board on the 28th February last confirming the scheme which formed the subject of inquiry in July, 1900. An arbitrator can only be appointed upon the application of the district council, and no such application has yet been made. A second inquiry was held in March last; a third inquiry is not pending. The responsibility for delay in appointing an arbitrator does not rest with the Local Government Board.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of police officers and head constables of the Royal Irish Constabulary in receipt of pensions, and amounts paid respectively to each.

The numbers and amounts are:—Officers, 99, £27,207; head constables, 588, £46,320.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Returns regarding the number of Irish speakers in Ireland, as disclosed by the last Census, could be laid before the House before Tuesday next.

I am informed that it would be quite impossible to give this information before Tuesday next.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether, as the sale of land is blocked in Wexford for want of funds, and as he has promised to bring in a Bill to make special arrangements for such cases, he can inform the House when he will be able to bring in the Bill.

I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state what are the intentions of the Government with regard to facilitating land purchase in county Wexford; and when he proposes to introduce a Bill to deal with the situation in that county.

The Government has framed a Bill to remove the existing obstruction to further sales in county Wexford, and to provide against similar contingencies in the event of their arising elsewhere. I propose to ask leave to introduce the Bill on Monday at the commencement of public business.

Are there any funds at present available?

There are some funds available, which the Bill will release.

On behalf of the hon. 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, owing to the Great Southern and Western Railway Company omitting to carry out their statutory obligations to put through rates in force viâ Dublin, Irish produce from that district is debarred from the most expeditious and safe service; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs. I beg also to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the question of the provision of facilities by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company, Ireland, under Section 34, 63, and 64 Vic, of 1900, for through traffic to and from stations on what was originally the Waterford, Limerick, and Western Railway, through the port of Dublin and port of Waterford respectively; whether he can state what facilities are being provided by the Great Southern and Western Railway Company for the stations aforesaid, and whether he is aware that the Port of Dublin is being injuriously affected; and whether he will take any steps to have the Act of Parliament duly carried into effect.

I will answer these questions together. If the hon. Member will be good enough to read Sub-section 5 of the section to which he refers he will see that a special remedy is provided and can be applied at the instance of the Dublin Port and Docks Board or other persons or bodies named therein.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, with reference to the vacancy for a postmaster or postmistress in Kilrush, will he state whether any appointment has yet been made; and, if so, who has been appointed; if not, can he say whether it is intended to fill the office by appointing the person now in the employment of the postal service.

No appointment has yet been made to fill the vacancy for a postmaster at Kilrush, nor can it yet be stated who will be appointed.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the grade of provincial clerk in charge is still in existence at Cork post office; whether the duties of this class are confined to the same portion of the staff; and what are the qualifications necessary to entitle one of the staff to those duties; and whether he will have the names of those possessing the necessary qualifications placed on a list, and the list posted in the office, and the qualified officers deputed to fill those duties in turn.

The class of provincial clerks in charge is being allowed to die out, and no new appointments are made to it. There are officers of the Cork staff who still retain the title. The duties of the class are performed by those persons who still remain on it, and also by any other officer who may be selected by the surveyor from time to time to take charge of an office, and a list of suitable officers is kept by the surveyor. Those persons, are selected for the duty whose character and knowledge of the duties to be performed are held to justify their selection. It is not proposed to make any alteration in the existing system.

I beg to ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the exclusion of Ireland from the extent of the Bill in Clause 11 (1) of the Education Bill will suffice, under the general rule for construing a statute by its intent, to keep alive the Technical Instruction Acts, 1889 and 1891, in Ireland, notwithstanding the unqualified terms in which those Acts are repealed by Clause 10 and the Schedule.

My right hon. friend wishes me to say that the answer to this question is in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he will state whether it is the intention of the Government to ask the House to renew the Agricultural Rating Act and the Tithe-Rent (Rates) Act this session in one Bill, or will separate measures be introduced for this purpose.

I hope the hon. Gentleman will wait till the Bill is introduced. It is not very convenient to give a preliminary account of the form which legislation is to take. The proper occasion is when the Minister brings in the Bill and declare the policy of the Government.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will state when he proposes to conclude the debate on the Second Reading of the Finance Bill, and whether he proposes to have a morning sitting of the House on Friday next. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will also say what will be the course of business next week.

It is not possible to forecast accurately the course of business next week. We propose to begin on Monday the discussion of the Finance Bill, and I think, from such inquiries as I have been able to make, that there ought to be no difficulty in arriving at a decision on the Amendment to be moved from the front Opposition bench at or before the conclusion of the morning sitting on Tuesday. If the House would be content to allow the Second Reading to be taken at the same time, it would be, I think, for the general convenience of Members. With regard to the remainder of the week I propose to take the motion for the holiday adjournment as first Order on Thursday; and I hope before we separate to get the Second Reading of the Civil List Bill, the very small fragment of the Committee stage of the Demise of the Crown Bill which still remains to be taken, and Vote 10, and, if possible, the Ordnance Vote for the Army. The House will rise on Friday, but I do not know whether it will be possible to have a morning sitting on that day. There is an intention, I believe, on the part of the Irish Members to raise the question of the financial relations upon the Second Reading of the Finance Bill. That would not be a very convenient opportunity for taking issue upon that subject, because the possibility of dividing on an Amendment will be exhausted by the division which will take place on the Amendment of the right hon. Member for East Wolverhampton. But this is a new Parliament, and I think that an opportunity should be given for the discussion of the question. I therefore propose to a find a day for that discussion before the end of the session.

Will the Army Votes be taken on Friday?

On Thursday or Friday.

Is it proposed to continue the discussion on the Finance Bill after twelve o'clock on Friday night?

I do not contemplate a long sitting, but I do not think the debate need stop when the clock strikes twelve.

Can we have notice when the Local Government Board Vote will be taken?

I will endeavour to give notice. I suppose the hon. Member will be content with the ordinary notice at the commencement of the week, when I usually state the business for the following Friday.