To ask the Lord Advocate if the Secretary for Scotland will consider the expediency of recommending parish councils throughout the Highland crofting counties, by means of circular or otherwise, to make arrangements such as will admit of parochial medical officers obtaining an annual holiday as in other parts of the United Kingdom. (Answer.) I am informed that this subject was considered by the Local Government Board in 1900, and that their views are fully stated in their Report for that year at page xxv. The Board do not propose to do more than is there stated.—(Scottish Office.)

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will state when the remaining battleship of the 1901 or last year's programme is to be commenced. (Answer.) All the battleships of the 1901–2 programme have already been commenced. The keel of one of them (H.M.S. "Commonwealth," for which the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company are the contractors) has not yet been laid, but it is expected to be laid within the next few days, and a considerable amount of casting and other preliminary work has already been done in connection with the vessel.—(Admiralty.)

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he will state what steps have been taken by the Education Department, under the discretion claimed for it on the 17th March, 1897, with a view to make the audit of the accounts of voluntary schools effective; and whether the Department would be prepared to consider an Amendment to the Education Bill to introduce public audit by the district auditors. (Answer.) On 15th June, 1897, the Education Department issued a Minute requiring an audit of the accounts of every school receiving a share of the Aid Grant. This was superseded by a Minute, applicable to all voluntary schools, issued on 6th June, 1898; and now by an Article of the Code, which is as follows:—

"85 (d) The accounts of the receipts and expenditure of every school not provided by a School Board must be annually audited by a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, or of the Society of Accountants and Auditors, or by a banker or bank manager, or, on special application to the Board, by some other person, not being a manager or treasurer of the school, whose competency is proved to the satisfaction of the Board."—(Board of Education.)

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he will explain why the news of peace was not telegraphed on the evening of Sunday 1st June to all telegraph offices in the country for the information of the public. (Answer.) The Postmaster General was not in a position to say beforehand that the news of peace would be received, and he could not therefore make arrangements for carrying out the suggestion of the hon. Member. The number of telegraph offices at which attendance is given on Sunday evenings is relatively very small.—(Post Office.)

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he will state what was the amount of lavatory accommodation on the 1st April, 1897, and what it is now for the postmen at the East Central District Office; whether he is aware that the lavatories are also used by telegraph messengers, refreshment bar employees, and others, and, seeing that the library is available only to subscribers of all classes of postal employees belonging to the East Central District Office, the foreign and registered and other sections, will he state what the total number of these subscribers is, and when the additional retiring room space will be available for occupation. (Answer.) On the 1st of April, 1897, he lavatory accommodation for the postmen at the eastern Central District Office contained sixteen washing basins. There are now twenty-nine basins. In 1897 there were eighteen water-closets used by the postmen and sorters; there are now fifteen closets for the postmen only. The lavatory is not used by telegraph messengers, and the refreshment branch servants only use it occasionally to draw water, but it seems that during the day time some telegraph messengers have improperly used the closets. The refreshment branch servants are provided for elsewhere. The number of subscribers to the library is understood to vary between 400 and 600, of whom about one-half are postmen. The additional retiring room referred to has already been occupied.—(Post Office.)

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will state how many officials participated in the division of the special grant recently placed at the disposal of the Board of Customs; whether the payment of these bonuses absorbed the balance of the savings on the Customs vote; whether the recipients were the only officers not ordinarily entitled to overtime who rendered special services in connection with the sugar and coal duties; whether any officials, and if so, what officials received also increases of salary; whether the special grant referred to, and the selection of the recipients, were made on the initiative of the Treasury or the Board of Customs; and, if the latter, whether the Board recommended for recognition any member or members of the Outdoor Department of Customs for services rendered in connection with the coal and sugar duties; and can he explain why, while an increase in salary was granted to the superintendent of messengers in the Indoor Department, no such recognition was obtained by any of the officials of the Outdoor Department. (Answer.) The number of officials who participated in the special grant was eight, and seven others received increases of salary. These were the only officers who were considered to have a claim to special recognition for the services in question. The payment of the bonuses did not absorb the balance of the savings on the Customs Vote. I must respectfully decline to answer questions as to the nature of any confidential communications which may have passed between the Treasury and the Board of Customs.—(Treasury.)

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury if, in consideration of the amount of overtime duty performed in connection with the increase of work occasioned by the coal and sugar duties and the preparation of the annual statement of trade, and in view of the fact that Second Division and Port clerks in the Customs receive an additional seven days annual leave after live years service, he will consider an increase of the amount of annual leave granted to the senior clerks in the Customs Statistical Office. (Answer.) Senior clerics in the Statistical Office under standing regulations (General Order 10/1899) are entitled to thirty-six days leave contingent on their giving seven hours daily attendance. It is not considered necessary to increase this amount.—(Treasury.)

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the present advantages of investment with the National Debt Commissioners enjoyed by the friendly societies under the provisions of Sec. 52, ch. 25, 59 and 60 Vic, would be affected by a reduction of interest on savings bank funds in 1903; whether the rate of interest now payable to friendly societies by trustee and Post Office savings banks will be affected by such reduction. (Answer.) When the interest on consols was reduced from 3 to 2¾ per cent., it was provided by the National Debt (Supplemental) Act, 1888, that the interest payable by the National Debt Commissioners to friendly societies upon their investments on account of assurances effected after the 28th June, 1888, should not exceed 2¾ per cent. This left untouched the existing rates of 3d., 2½d., and 2d. a day on assurances before that date. In the event of a reduction of the interest on the savings banks funds next year, it would presumably be provided that the same reduction should apply to all investments which do not relate to assurances prior to the 28th June, 1883, maintaining for those assurances the existing privileged rates. As regards their deposits in the trustee and Post Office savings banks, the friendly societies would be treated like other depositors.—(Treasury.)

To ask the hon. Member for West Salford, as Church Estates Commissioner, whether he can state the aggregate rateable value of the episcopal residences in England and Wales, exclusive of the new archiepiscopal residence at Canterbury. (Answer.) The rateable values of the episcopal residences are set out in the Church Property and Revenues Return (No. 287, of 1891). The Ecclesiastical Commissioners have no later or other information as to such values.—(Ecclesiastical Commission.)

To ask the hon. Member for West Salford, as Church Estates Commissioner, whether arrangements have been made for the sale by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, or on their behalf, of Hartlebury Castle, in the diocese of Worcester; if so, whether he will state the sum to be realised by such sale, and what sum the Ecclesiastical Commissioners propose to spend on the provision of a new residence for the Bishop of Worcester. (Answer.)—The Ecclesiastical Commissioners have not made arrangements for the sale of Hartlebury Castle. They have, however, informed the Bishop of Worcester that, provided that a suitable residence can be obtained, or means be found for erecting such a residence, they are not unwilling to approve of the sale of Hartlebury Castle. No scheme for providing another episcopal residence for the See has been submitted to the Commissioners.—(Ecclesiastical Commission.)

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will cause a reprint of the Navigation Laws to be laid upon the Table, and consider as to whether their re-enactment is desirable in view of the efforts now being made to undermine British merchant shipping, and to transfer it to foreign flags. (Answer.) A comparative statement of the Navigation Laws of 1660, and those in force in 1847, which appears to have been compiled at the Board of Trade, may be found at page 146 of the Fifth Report of the Select Committee of the House of Commons, No. 323, of 1847, and I shall be prepared to have this statement reprinted if the hon. and gallant Member desires it.—(Board of Trade.)

To ask the First Commissioner of Works whether, and, if so, up to what hour, holders of tickets for places on the House of Commons' stands on 26th June will be permitted to proceed to such places by way of the subway leading from the Westminster station of the District Railway. (Answer.) The subways leading into New Palace Yard will be open up to 10 o'clock on the 26th for the convenience of Members and their friends holding tickets for the House of Commons' stands in New Palace Yard and Parliament Square. The police will arrange to pass such seat-holders in Parliament Square up to 10 o'clock, but it will be a distinct convenience if every effort is made to arrive as much before that hour as possible.—(Office of Works.)

To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will state what are the duties of the Commissioner for the Navigation of the Danube, and whether he holds any other office (Civil Service Estimates, Glass A., Vote 1, Item K). (Answer.) By Article 16 of the Treaty of Paris of 30th March, 1856, it was agreed that, with a view to carrying out the arrangements of the preceding Article relative to the navigation of the Danube, a Commission, on which each of the high contracting parties should be represented by a delegate, should be charged to designate and to cause to be executed certain works, and to settle the dues for defraying the expenses connected with them. The British Commissionership has been for many years past combined with the Consular Post at Galatz.—(Foreign Office.)

To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will say what are the duties of the international Slave Trade Bureaux or Bureau at Brussels and Zanzibar. (Answer.) The duties of the Bureaux in question are defined in Chapter V. of the General Act of the Brussels Conference, signed 2nd July, 1890, and published in the "Map of Africa by Treaty," Volume 1, p. 48. In this Act the Bureau is directed to draw up regulations with a view of securing the object of the institution, namely, the centralisation of documents and information which may be required for the repression of the slave trade in the maritime zone.—(Foreign Offire.)

TO ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will explain why £500 is set down for the year 1902–3 in respect of a subsidy for a steam service on the Karun for six months up to 31st December, 1901. (Answer.) The subsidy was only payable in case of a deficit being shown in the accounts of the Steamship Company for the six mouths ending 31st December, 1901. It could not, therefore, be paid until the audited accounts of the Company for that period had been presented.—(Foreign Office.)

To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British Guiana and Brazil arbitration has yet commenced. (Answer.) No, Sir. It is provided by Article V. of the Arbitration Treaty between this country and Brazil that the cases of the two parties shall be delivered to the arbitrator within a period not exceeding twelve months of the exchange of the ratifications of the Treaty. The ratifications were exchanged on 28th January last.—(Foreign Office.)

To ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will give the sum set down for unforeseen missions and services for each of the ten years preceding 1901–2. (Answer.) The amounts estimated for unforeseen missions and services during the ten years preceding 1901–2 are as follow:—

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that some national teachers in Ireland who taught evening schools have not yet been paid for the term which ended in April; and whether he can state definitely when the money will be paid. (Answer.) Payment of the capitation rate in respect of evening continuation schools is made after an examination of the reports of the Board's inspectors. The sessions of nearly 400 such schools ended in April, and payment has already been made in the cases of some 200 of these. The work of examining the reports in the remaining cases is proceeding as rapidly as possible, and payment will be made without avoidable delay.—(Irish Office.)

To ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state whether there is any intention of putting the packers in the Royal Army Clothing Department, Pimlico, on piecework; whether the women machinists were recently asked to complete more quickly the new pattern shoulder straps, for which they were paid at the rate of 2s. 1d. for ten pairs; and whether the authorities are now reducing the rate to 1s. 8d. per ten pairs, in consequence of the fact that certain skilled hands succeeded in getting through an unusual amount of work in the week. And, whether he will consider the advisability of allowing the supervisor to issue two garments instead of one, seeing that, under the present system, the hand-sewer who is on piecework is frequently compelled to wait until the machinists have finished the stitching. (Answer.) The question of putting the packers on piecework is under consideration. Recently there was a pressing demand for the new pattern shoulder straps, but no unusual pressure was put on the women machinists, who were paid 2s. 1d. for ten pairs. Tin's rate will shortly be reduced to 1s. 8d., owing to the large number of pairs which the average machinist has proved able to turn out. As regards the last paragraph, it is the general rule to issue two garments in all cases where praeticablc.—(War Office.)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state to whom, and in respect of what loss, £200 is paid for compensation allowance, in consequence of giving up the Orange River Territory in 1854. (Answer.) I understand that the compensation allowance is paid to Percy Crause, whose office of Secretary to the Government of the Orange Liver territory was abolished when British Sovereignty was withdrawn in 1854.—(Colonial Office.)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will indicate the nature of the payments made in respect of the three West African De-limitation Commissions, payments which appear to average about "£500 per month for each Commission. (Answer.) The payments are made on account of the salaries, allowances, and passages of the Boundary Commissioners and their assistants, and of their camp equipment and scientific instruments, and they also include a considerable item for the carriers who have to be provided locally to transport the Commissioners and their stores.—(Colonial Office.)

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether he will state when the Education Return, referring to the model course of physical training in public elementary schools, presented to the House on 14th May, will be placed in the hands of Members of the House. (Answer.) The Return is in the Library of the House of Commons, and can be seen there. No copies have been circulated, because a new edition of the model coarse is shortly to be issued.—(Board of Education.)

To ask Mr. Attorney General whether he will explain why the Governors of the Bank of England and other bodies refuse to recognise and act on the office copy of a power of attorney, duly attested, stamped, and issued by the High Court of Judicature; and whether he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to put a stop to this practice. (Answer.) The production of the original power of attorney is necessary to guard against the danger of forgery. I do not think that it would be for the public advantage that the present practice should be altered.—(Mr. Attorney General.)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the police refused to allow a horse that had been seriously injured in Piccadilly to be destroyed by anyone but a licensed knacker, though a veterinary surgeon had given the requisite certificate; and whether he will take steps to make the police acquainted with the provisions of The Injured Animals Act, 1804, which authorises a constable in such a case to destroy the horse himself or cause it to be destroyed: and whether he will instruct the police to carry out all the provisions of that Act. (Amwer.) I am in communication with the Commissioner of Police respecting this Question and hope to be able to give a further reply at a later date.—(Home Office.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received any protest from the Prime Minister of Cape Colony in relation to Lord Milner's action in recommending both to the loyalists and to a private Member of the Capo Legislative Council that his Ministry should be dissolved by the suspension of the Constitution.

I have no reason to believe that Lord Milner has taken the action imputed in the Question, and in any ease I have received no protest from Sir Gordon Sprigg.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to a public statement made by Mr. A. Wilmot, a Member of the Legislative Council of Cape Colony, to the effect that Lord Milner desires to establish a nominated Legislative Council in Cape Colony, and has recommended that this policy be adopted; and if he has any official information respecting this statement.

Neither Mr. Wilmot nor any one else is authorised to express Lord Milner's views, and I have no statement to make on the subject at present.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will state what is the extent of land held by the Government in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, and how much has been acquired by purchase, confiscation, or succession from the Governments of the late Republics; whether the Government are purchasing land in either of the above colonies and what steps are being taken to make an English Settlement on such lands, and what is the total number of applicants with experience of farming and without previous experience respectively.

Information as to Government lands is published at pages 69 and 245 of Code 627, and I have no later information. These lands passed to the colonial administrations upon the annexation of the Republics. No land has been acquired by confiscation. Lord Milner has acquired by purchase in the Orange River Colony a number of blocks of farms amounting altogether to over 60,000 morgen. The question of the exact steps to be taken with regard to settlement is still under consideration, and I cannot at present make any Statement. The number of applicants both with and without farming experience is large, but I cannot at present give the numbers.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the general inquiry into the war and the publication of the results of inquiries into surrenders, whether he will state what form of inquiry, and what date of publication recommend themselves to His Majesty's Government.

The Government are pledged to a general inqury into the war, if it is is desired, and they recognise that there is a desire for such an inquiry. They think the best form that such an inquiry could take would be by a small Royal Commission.

Will a special inquiry be held into the meat contract for South Africa?

I do not think it would be desirable to proceed with a general inquiry and a series of special inquiries.

Can the right hon. Gentleman name a time when the appointment of the Commission will be proposed?

No, Sir, it is not possible now to mention any date.

Will the proposed Commission be an open or a secret inquiry?

That is a matter which must have careful consideration. In all probability there will be some parts of the inquiry which will have to be conducted in private.

Are we to understand that by this Royal Commission there "ill be a universal inquiry into all subjects, including military questions, such as the surrenders? Will the same Commission inquire into questions, say, of discipline, as well as such other questions as contracts?

I am not prepared at this moment to give the terms of the reference, but they will, no doubt, be of a general character.

Will there be any opportunity of considering whether a Royal Commission or a Committee of the House would be bettor for the purpose of the inquiry? I would also ask whether the inquiry would not be better if it were sub-divided. This would be better than a roving inquiry over the whole field.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will cause a Return to be prepared and issued during the present Session, giving details and totals of the various financial and fiscal measures taken to maintain the war in South Africa, both before and after October 1899, and to include the expenses after the cessation of hostilities, with a view to showing the cost of the war up to the establishment of a normal state of affairs in South Africa.

All the information that could at present be given is included in the Return moved for by the hon. Member for the Poplar Division, in my revised Budget statement and in the revised statement of Army Expenditure recently circulated. If the hon. Member will communicate with me on the subject later on in the session I will consider whether any further details can then be supplied.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether he will consider the advisability of publishing the names of the Reservists selected to return home to represent the Army at the Coronation.

The "Bavarian" will not reach Southampton until the 25th instant, and I am afraid it would be impossible to obtain the names of the men in time for circulation to the press. I do not think the great expense of having the names telegraphed would be justifiable.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he will state what are the amount and character of the allowances of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army, in addition to those given in the Estimates.

There are no such allowances.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether on 1st March, 1900, a communication was received from the Chartered Company, that the Company had received a cable from Bulawayo to the effect that a rising of the natives of Rhodesia was anticipated, and whether on the same day the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs received a letter from Lord Grey, urging that artillery and troops should be sent at once from the Cape to the assistance of the Chartered Company; and, if so, will he state whether the Government at that particular time acceded to this request, and whether this cost was paid by the Chartered Company.

The request of the Chartered Company for such assistance was communicated to Lord Roberts on the 28th February, 1900. It was, however, impossible for the Commander-in-Chief to give any such assistance at the moment.

Now that the war is over, may I ask if the right hon. Gentleman will publish the correspondence which took place. He has not answered my Question, whether the communication was received from Lord Grey.

I do not think there is any necessity to publish the correspondence. I have answered the Question fully.

I beg to ash the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any information that compulsory labour is again being enforced in Rhodesia, and seeing that Sir Richard Martin reported to the late Lord Rosmead in January, 1897, that one of the causes of the Rhodesian rebellion of 1896 was due to the Chartered Company's officials, with the knowledge of the Company, obtaining compulsory labour by force, whether His Majesty's Government will order an inquiry into the causes which have again necessitated their sending armed forces to assist this Company in suppressing rebellion among the native population.

I have no such information. I am not aware of any rebellion among the native population, nor of any despatch of armed forces by His Majesty's Government to assist the Company in an emergency which has not arisen.

Arising out of that answer, and following on my Question to the Secretary for War, may I ask whether any communication passed between the War Office and the right hon. Gentleman on the date mentioned—March 1st, 1900, in reference to the rebellion in Rhodesia.

That has nothing to do with the Question on the Paper, which refers to the present time. The hon. Member is now referring to something that took place two and a half years ago.

My Question is whether the Government will order an inquiry into the causes which necessitated sending armed forces to the assistance of the Chartered Company in 1900. I will put another Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether arrangements are being made by the Admiralty to enable the Colonial and Indian contingents of troops that will be present in this country, to visit the Coronation Naval Review at Spithead.

Arrangements have been made to enable the Colonial and Indian troops present in this country to visit the Naval Review. The Colonial troops will embark at Southampton on the morning of the 28th inst, in the steamship "Bavarian," and the Indian troops in either the "Roslin Castle," or the "Dilwara."

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether he will state what are the amount and character of the allowances of the First Sea Lord of the Admiralty in addition to those given in the Estimates.

The Senior Naval Lord of the Admiralty is not in receipt of any allowances in addition to the emoluments indicated on Page 154 of the Naval Estimates.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign A flairs whether all claims by British subjects against the Turkish Government in respect of losses incurred during the Armenian massacres and the disturbances incidental thereto at Constantinople have been settled.

His Majesty's Ambassador at Constantinople has reported that these claims have been paid.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any, and, if so, what further steps have recently been taken by His Majesty's Government, either with or without the co-operation of other Powers, to further protect large game in those parts of Africa within the spheres of British influence; in particular, what big-game reserves are now established in South, Central, and Eastern Africa, and by what means is the sanctity of such preserves enforced; also whether a licence is now required to kill big game in any parts of British Africa, and, if so, under what restrictions and conditions such licences are issued.

Regulations for the preservation of large game in the British Protectorates in Africa administered by the Foreign Office have for some time been in force, The present regulations are modelled on the conclusions of the International Conference which met in London in May 1899 and have been published in the several Protectorates. Copies are obtainable at the Foreign Office, and I shall be glad to supply one to my hon. friend. They fix certain reserves within which no shooting is allowed, and establish limitations of the amount of game which may be shot elsewhere. These regulations are protected by penalties. In East Africa an officer entitled a Game Ranger has been appointed, whose duty it is to see that the Regulations are enforced. Any one visiting the Protectorates for the purposes of sport is required to pay for a licence; in East Africa and Uganda £50, in Somaliland £33, and in British Central Africa £25. There are regulations for the protection of game in South Africa and British West Africa, but questions as to these regions should be addressed to the Colonial Office.

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General whether his attention has been called to the variety of practice as to the charging of fees for a certificate of exemption from compulsory vaccination, and as to the doubts which exist as to the payment of such fees; and whether he can suggest any method for abolishing such fees.

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer this. Since this matter was raised in Committee of Supply I have refreshed my memory with regard to it. It is true that the fees referred to vary in different places; but so also—and to a greater extent do other fees similarly fixed by Tables prepared by local authorities. When the Tables are submitted for the approval of the Secretary of State every effort is made to secure uniformity, but his power does not extend to enforcing it. I am not aware of any doubt as to the power of the local authorities to fix such fees; but I may say that the Northamptonshire Standing Joint Committee have recently submitted to me a Table from which it would appear that they do not desire that such fees should be charged within their jurisdiction. The matter is receiving consideration.

Under what statute is the fee charged?

I have not in my mind the particular statute of the general law which gives power to charge fees for certain services.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the premises at 67, Queen Victoria Street, where the fire took place on the 9th June by which ten persons lost their lives, was a work-; shop within the meaning of the Factory Act; and can he state whether the premises were erected after the 1st January, 1896, and whether forty people were employed there.

No part of the buildings in which the fire took place was registered as a workshop under the Factory Act. The question whether any part was used for purposes entailing an obligation to so register the premises is a difficult one and I am causing enquiry to be made. The premises were erected before 1896, and even if any part ought to have been registered as a workshop, I understand that only twenty-two persons were employed in that part.

If the premises were not so registered, what was the reason of the omission? Is it possible for anybody to carry on business in a workshop without registering his premises?

Yes, I am afraid it is possible to do so. It is the duty of the owner of a factory to give notice to the Inspector for the purpose of registration, and if he does not give notice he is, of course, liable to a penalty.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the lives lost in the fire at 47, Queen Victoria Street, whether he intends to take such steps, by legislation or otherwise, as will in future secure the safety from fire of persons employed on the upper floors of high buildings.

The matter is a very serious one, and I shall fully consider the question whether legislation is necessary; but before arriving at any decision I must await the result of the inquest in the case under notice. In the meantime I will communicate with the London County Council, the authority primarily responsible in this matter.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now state the steps which have been taken in redemption of his promise of the 13th of August, 1901, to secure protection for workpeople engaged in painting with inflammable paints.

As the hon. Member is well aware the Act of last session greatly extended the responsibility of the Factory Department in many directions: and of the new questions with which the Department has to deal none has presented greater difficulties or has received more attention than its extended duties with regard to docks and shipping. I hope soon to be in a position to issue a circular to dock and ship owners, and possibly to propose regulations in the interest of safety. When I do so, it is my intention, in accordance with my promise, to make recommendations with regard to the use of inflammable paints in ships. As the hon. Member is aware, I have no compulsory powers on the last point and can only make recommendations.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, seeing that the output of coal in Fifeshire has doubled during the last twenty-five years, and looking to the number of colliery disasters in the county recently, he will appoint additional inspectors of mines and make it a condition that one at least shall reside in Fifeshire.

Last year I authorised the removal of the headquarters of the East Scotland Mining District from Glasgow to Edinburgh, and the transfer of a part of the Lanarkshire coalfield from that district to the West Scotland district. These steps were taken chiefly in order to give the Inspectors for East Scotland easier access to Fifeshire, and to allow them to devote more time to inspection in that county. I am satisfied that these measures are sufficient, that the Fifeshire mines receive adequate inspection, and that the Inspectors are within reach of any mine where their presence is required.

J. beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether he will cause an inquiry to be made with a view to ascertaining whether the recommendation of the Tweedmouth Committee, that it is undesirable that the wages of a supervising officer in the Postal Department should be lower than the wages of the class that he is supervising, is being carried out.

The Postmaster General does not think any enquiry necessary on this point, as it is a general rule of the Service that the scale of supervising classes should exceed that of the classes subordinate to them. If the hon. Member can cite any instance in which this rule is not observed, he will perhaps be good enough to let the Postmaster General know of it.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he can state what is estimated to be the increased cost of paper, printing and binding due to the present method of carrying out the new rule with regard to Questions to which oral answers are not desired.

On the assumption that the number of Questions remains on an average about the same as during the last few weeks, the Controller of the Stationery Office estimates the increased cost at about £1,700 for a session of ordinary length.

Will the hon. Gentleman consider the possibility of effecting economies under this head?

That Question should be addressed to the House, and not to me.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state the number of police doing duty under ordinary circumstances on what are called the associated estates in the west of Ireland, the number employed at the present date, the cost under ordinary circumstances, and the cost of the added force; and whether the district has to pay for the extra men now employed.

The normal establishment of police in the area mentioned consists of thirty-nine men, whose cost would be about £260 per month. Owing to the agitation against the payment of rent on the De Freyne and Murphy Estates, and the necessity for affording protection to the sheriff's officers and other persons in the pursuit of their lawful avocations, as well as to tenants who have left the combination, the normal force has been largely increased, and there are at present eighty-three Police employed. Of the added force, twenty-two have been supplied from the country and their cost will be defrayed from the Constabulary Vote. One-half of the cost of the remaining twenty-two men, amounting to £63 3s. 7d. per month, is recoverable from local rates.

By what authority do the police assist bum bailiff's and rent warners to collect back rents in Ireland?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of fair rent cases that have been heard and determined by assistant Commissioners during the year ending 31st March, 1902, the number of Commissioners employed for this purpose, and the average reduction on the previous rents.

The number of first term rents fixed was 2,242, and the average reduction on previous rents was 14 per cent. The number of second term rents fixed in the same period was 7,852, and the average reduction on previous or first term rents was 21 per cent. The number of lay assistant Commissioners engaged upon sub-commissions during the year was sixty-two.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of applications under the Land Purchase Act of 1891 during the year ending 31st March, 1902, the number of sales completed in that year, and the average price paid by the purchasers; also the number of applications received by the Land Commission since the introduction of the Land Purchase Bill in March last.

The number of applications under the Acts of 1891 and 1896 lodged during the year ended 31st March last was 5,151. The number of sales completed in that period was 7,786. The average number of years purchase of the rent was 17·9. The number of applications for loans received between the 25th March when the Bill was introduced, and the 31st May was 1,011.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the number of agricultural holdings sold in the Land Judges' Court during the year ending 31st March, 1902, distinguishing those sold under the fortieth section of the Act of 1896 and those sold under the ordinary powers of the Court; also the price paid by the purchasers and the amount added by the judge to the price as fixed by the Land Commission.

There has not been sufficient time, in the brief interval since this Question appeared, to obtain information in respect of the full year mentioned. But during the eleven months ended 28th February last the number of holdings sold in the Land Judges' Court under Section 40 was 1,059. The amount of purchase money in guaranteed land stock was £262,794. The number of holdings sold otherwise than under Section 40 was 1,328, and the amount of purchase money in land stock £388,337. Information respecting the amount of cash added by the Land Judge is not readily available, and to procure it would, in the opinion of the Land Judge, make such a demand upon the time and labour of his staff as would seriously retard the working of the Court.

Are not the figures referred to in the last part of my Question already in existence in the annual Report, which is overdue?

I have given the hon. Member all the information that has reached me. An official would have to be specially detached from his normal work in order to get what is asked for.

But the figures are in the Report of the Land Commission, which is overdue. Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into that?

Yes, I will inquire.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Commissioners of National Education still maintain that all national teachers have been paid the balance of residual grant for the year 1900; and if so, will he explain why the case of Mr. Edward Graham, late principal teacher of Killeevan National School, county Monaghan, who retired from the service on 30th June, 1900, never came under the new system of payment, and was therefore entitled to six months balance at the time of his resignation, but has not yet been paid any portion of it; and whether, as formerly promised, he will grant the appointment of an independent auditor to inquire fully into this matter.

Acting on information previously supplied, I have informed the' House that the residual grant for the year 1900–1 had been paid in every case. I now learn that there have been some instances involving exceptional causes of delay. I have, therefore, asked for further particulars of these cases. The sum of £1 12s. 6d due to Mr. Graham was, through inadvertence, not paid. It has now been remitted to him.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many officers of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been appointed resident magistrates in Ireland since the appointment of the present Government, and how many of them profess the Roman Catholic religion.

There have been five such appointments since July, 1895. None of the officers appointed are Roman Catholics. Of other persons appointed to the Resident Magistracy in the same period, three are Roman Catholics.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Annaghmore rioters who have been returned for trial will be tried at the Armagh Assizes, or whether it is intended by the Crown to move for a change of venue.

The accused were returned for trial to the Armagh Assizes. The question whether the venue should be changed will be considered when the depositions have been received in due course from the Crown Solicitor.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the proceedings at the recent sittings of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council where appeals under the Labourers Acts were upheld because, as alleged, the Rural District Councils had not made out their case: and can he explain on what grounds this order is reversed by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council; and why the petitioners are not required to prove their appeal.

The petitions against nine cottages were upheld as stated, but in eight cases the petitions were dismissed, and in thirty-one others settlements were effected between the parties. The Judicial Committee invariably hears the evidence of the petitioners against a scheme, and of the District Council in support. The Committee, in allowing or disallowing an application, acts in pursuance of its statutory powers and does not announce reasons for its decisions.

Is it not the fact that the Committee, in giving judgment, said the Rural District Councils had not made out their case?

I believe the proceedings were public. I am told the Committee gave no reasons.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Irish labourers have no representation on the Privy Council, which is the ultimate court of appeal?

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether the vacancy caused by the death of the late postmaster of the branch post office at Rutland Street, Limerick, has been filled up, and, if so, by whom, what are the qualifications of the person appointed, and has the person so appointed a residence in the locality.

Miss Sarah O'Dell has been appointed sub-postmistress of the Rutland Street T.S.O., Limerick. She has had considerable business experience, and bears an excellent character; she was the best qualified candidate for the post, will devote her whole time to the duties, and offers suitable premises, of which she will become the tenant.

Has she a residence in the locality?

She offers suitable premises; of course they must be in the locality.

I beg to ask the Vice President of the Committee of Council on Education, with respect to Clauses 8 and 13 of the Education Bill, whether he will state with whom will rest the power to prescribe fees, if any, in schools not provided by the authority, and who will be responsible for their; collection; also, in whom will reside the authority to remit fees in a fee-paying school. The following Questions also appeared on the Paper:—

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, having regard to Clauses 8 and 13 of the Education Bill, will he state whether the money will be advanced in lump sums to the managers of schools to be accounted for afterwards, or will the local authority directly pay the teachers' salaries and bills for school maintenance; and, in the former case, will the details of expenditure of grants from the local authority to schools, not provided by that authority, be subject to the audit of the Local Government Board Auditor.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, whether, in the event of there being more than one Education Committee for elementary education, as provided for in Clause 12 of the Educational Bill, each such Committee will have the power to fix the expenditure in its own district.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, whether the local authority will have power under Clause 8 of the Education Bill, to amalgamate neighbouring Schools belonging to the same denomination, in a locality, or to reorganise their departments; and will the local authority have power to give instructions at centres in such subjects as cookery, and manual instruction.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, what are the incidental or consequential provisions of the scheme or provisional order, under Clause 16, sub-section (2), of the Education Bill; and do these affect the powers of the Committee, or only its constitution.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education, whether, under Clause 8, sub-section 1, of the Education Bill, it will be the duty of managers to buy furniture in the case of a new denominational school or to replace furniture; and will the local authority have power to decide that such furniture shall be suitable for elementary school purposes.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether, under Clause 10 of the Education Bill, any elementary day school with an average attendance of thirty children be eligible at any time to claim recognition from the Board of Education.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the local authority have power, under Clause 7 of the Education Bill, to establish regulations for the management of schools as given at present under Section 15, under the Act of 1870, for their own schools and for schools not provided by the authority.

To ask the Vice - President of the Committee of Council on Education whether the local authority have power, under Clause 8 of the Education Bill, to make regulations dealing with school staff, salaries, and qualifications of teachers.

To ask the Vice-President of the Committee of Council on Education whether, in areas in which Part III. of the Education Bill is adopted, school teachers at present occupying positions on Borough or County Councils will be required to resign such positions as a condition of their continued employment by the local education authority; whether teachers employed in ex-board schools or in schools erected by the local education authority will be eligible for election to Borough or County Councils; and, if not, whether similar disabilities will apply to teachers engaged in other schools in the same areas.

Owing to some misunderstanding my right hon. friend is not here, but I have been in communication with him about this long series of Questions, and we are certainly of opinion that it is extremely inconvenient to anticipate discussions in Committee stage by long interrogatories. I therefore hope hon. Members will reserve their Questions as far as possible till the Committee stage.

I would only point out that there are matters of detail on which the Bill gives no information whatever.

Yes, but it is extremely difficult to deal with them by way of Question and answer.

Does the right hon. Gentleman's answer apply to the following Questions on the Paper?

Yes, Sir.

Could not the right hon. Centleman deal with these Questions in a general statement?

In my opinion there are points in which the Bill will require to be modified, but they can be dealt with when we reach them in Committee.