To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been directed to the recent deaths, by poisoning, of four inmates of the Portsmouth Lunatic Asylum, and to the evidence given at the inquiry by the coroner, disclosing want of care in the dispensing arrangements in that public institution; and whether, in view of the danger to life involved in leaving the important duty of compounding medicines to unqualified persons, steps will be taken by the Department to ensure that every dispensary under the control of a local authority shall be in the charge of a person holding the qualification under the Pharmacy Acts. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) The inquest in this case is not yet concluded; but my hon. friend may be assured that the point to which he draws attention will be carefully considered.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how many public schools in each of the crofting counties have no water supply laid on to the premises. (Answered by Mr. A. Graham Murray) My only information in regard to the subject of the hon. Member's Question is based upon the observations made by the inspectors of the Education Department in the course of their visits to schools. The matter, however, is primarily one for the sanitary authority, and no exact statistics can be compiled from the inspectors' reports. Many of the schools in these districts appear not to have a supply of water laid on by pipes; but it does not follow that other methods of supply more suitable to the local circumstances may not be satisfactory. Wherever they have reason to think that it is deficient, the inspectors call attention to the fact and urge improvement.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state how many public schools have been closed in each of the crofting counties during the past year on account of an outbreak of infectious disease, the name of each such school, the period during which it was closed, and the nature of the disease. (Answered by Mr. A. Graham Murray.) I am sending the hon. Member a list giving the information asked for in his Question. The list is too voluminous to form part of a printed answer to a Question.

To ask the hon. Member for Chorley, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state by whose authority a new inclosure has been formed in the centre of Hyde Park, on the north side of the Serpentine; to what purposes will it be devoted; what is the extent of the piece of ground taken from the use of the public; and whether the inclosure is to be of a temporary or of a permanent character. (Answered by Lord Balcarres.) The new inclosure in Hyde Park, to which my hon. friend refers, is being formed by the Office of Works, and will contain plant-houses and forcing-frames for the plants required for the service of the Royal parks, in place of those now in use, which stand in Kensington Gardens and spoil the architectural effect of the Palace and of Wren's Orangery. Some of; the existing houses are in bad condition, and it is essential that they should be renewed. There has always been a service-yard in Hyde Park, and the same spot was considered to be a far more suitable and central position for plant-houses for the parks. It is therefore determined to remove the plant and frame ground altogether to Hyde Park by an enlargement of the existing service-yard. The work is specially provided for in the Vote for Royal Parks, the first instalment of the cost having been passed in May last. The area now occupied by the houses and frames in Kensington Gardens will, when vacated, be laid out as an ornamental garden. Substantially the public will gain three acres of lawn and flower-beds in exchange for about an equal area of grass-land taken into the new frame-ground. When the works are all finished and the plantations grown there will be also a gain in picturesque effect, both in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that, in a district of country from three quarters of a mile to three miles around Fivemiletown, county Tyrone, there is only a tri-weekly delivery of letters and parcels, the postman passing daily within a few perches of part of the district; and if he will endeavour to have this grievance remedied. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) It is the fact that in a part of the district served from Fivemiletown a delivery is afforded on three days a week only. I have made inquiry on the subject of improv- ing the service, but as regards the greater part of this district it appears that the cost already incurred is relatively high, and that no further expense for increasing the frequency of the delivery would be warranted. The case is not so clear, however, as regards Altagoaghan, Tattinabuddagh, and the neighbourhood, and I am having further inquiry made with the view of ascertaining whether any improvement would be warranted in the service to those places. I will communicate the result of the inquiry to the hon. Member.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board if he is aware that the certificate of the Union Schools of the West Ham Guardians, which in November, 1901, was exceeded by 169 children and in November. 1902, and September, 1903, was still exceeded, is at present exceeded by over 200 children; that the boys are entirely without day-room accommodation; that 144 girls have day-room accommodation of 23 feet 6 inches by 18 feet 2 inches only; that eighty-six infants have a day-room in which they also take their meals of 27 feet 2 inches by 18 feet 2 inches only; and whether, seeing that this overcrowding makes it impossible to isolate infectious diseases, and that skin and eye complaints are present in the same dormitory, he will urge on the guardians the necessity of ascertaining if all those children at present dependent on the rates are entitled to such maintenance, and of providing temporary accommodation by hiring houses in which small groups of children might be placed. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I am aware of the overcrowding at these schools, and have impressed upon the guardians the serious responsibility which attaches to them in this matter. The guardians inform me that they are endeavouring to make arrangements for boarding out some of the children beyond the union. I am still in communication with them, and I have urged them to hire homes in or near the union or to provide temporary buildings in order to remedy at once the present state of things. I have also suggested that they should have a "call over" of the children with a view of ascertaining if the numbers cannot be reduced.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the item on the programme of entertainment at the London Hippodrome, entitled, the Plunging Elephants, where the elephants are forced on to a steep incline and precipitated into the water; and whether he proposes to take any action to stop such a proceeding. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) I have no special power in this matter; but, having made inquiry, I am informed that no force is used in the performance. The elephants, under the direction of a keeper, proceed to the head of the chute, and thence slide into the water. There is no cruelty; and the animals are said to be well kept and cared for.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the statement made by Mr. Bayliss, in his evidence in Bayliss v. Coleridge, that the inspector appointed under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, visited University College on an average once a week during the period Mr. Bayliss was conducting his researches and lectures there; whether he will state the exact number of visits paid by the inspector to University College during the year 1902; whether the inspector is officially connected with University College; and how many times the inspector visited each of the other places registered for vivisection in 1902. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) Twelve visits to University College in 1902 were reported by the inspector; but I understand that owing to his constant attendance at the college he was able to pay many visits to the laboratory; and these, when he found nothing special to report, were not included in his return. The Inspector is Professor of Anatomy in University College, London. During 1902 the inspector and the assistant inspector paid 106 visits to the other registered places in England and Scotland, making an average of just under two visits to each place.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that the inspector appointed under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, only witnessed the whole of one and part of eleven experiments out of the total of 14,906 performed in 1902, he will consider the advisability of increasing the number of inspectors. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) It has to be remembered that of the 14,906 experiments mentioned in the Question, 12,776 were of the character of inoculations or feeding experiments. Further, apart from the actual experiments witnessed, large numbers of the animals have been seen by the inspectors, and their condition after the initial experiment examined. I am satisfied that the inspection is sufficient to keep me fully informed as to the practical working of the Act and the observance of its provisions; but if at any time I come to the conclusion that more inspection is desirable, I shall not hesitate to endeavour to obtain the necessary increase of staff.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state how many Civil Service writers were promoted to the Second Division under the provisions of the Treasury Minute of December, 1886; how many Civil Service writers have been promoted to the establishment as assistant clerks (Abstractor Class) under Treasury Minute of August, 1889; how many temporary clerical assistants have been promoted to the establishment as assistant clerks (New Class); how many senior assistant clerks (Abstractor Class) have been promoted to the Second Division under Clause 15 of the Order in Council of 29th November 1898, and what proportion of these relate to Ireland; and how many assistant clerks (New Class) have been promoted to the Second Division. (Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish.) The numbers are 70, 600, 151, 121 (of whom 18 or 15 per cent., were in exclusively Irish Departments), and 13 respectively.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, having regard to the fact that the unexpended balances of Votes surrendered to the Exchequer by Government Departments during the last ten years amount to £11,613,119 19s. 9d., will he state how much of this sum represents Scottish and Irish Votes respectively, irrespective of the Post Office and Inland Revenue Departments. (Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The unexpended balances surrendered to the Exchequer on Scottish Votes in the last ten years amounted to £204,013 15s. 6d., and on Irish Votes to £718,136 7s. 11d. These figures relate only to Votes which provide exclusively for Scottish and Irish Services. They omit not only the Votes for the Post Office and Revenue Departments, but all other Votes of a general character.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that the Estate Duty Department at Somerset House require payment of Estate Duty in this country in respect of colonial securities belonging to deceased persons domiciled in a British colony where the bonds, debentures, or certificates representing such securities are locally situate in this country, notwithstanding that such securities have already paid Estate Duty in the colony; and, if so, will he remedy this state of affairs by the insertion of a clause in the forthcoming Finance Bill which shall be retro-active, and in the meantime direct the authorities to suspend proceedings for the recovery of Estate Duty in any case where Estate Duty has already been paid in a British colony. (Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) It is correct that Estate Duty is payable in this country in respect of colonial securities belonging to deceased persons domiciled in a British colony or foreign country where the documents of title are in this country at the time of the death and the securities are marketable property here. This rule applied equally to the old Probate Duty, which the Estate Duty replaced, and there seems no sufficient reason for an alteration of the law.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he will say whether a circular which is printed in imitation of typewriting, enclosed in an unsealed envelope, is liable to the letter rate of postage; and, if so, will he explain why a distinction is drawn between such printing and printing in ordinary type. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) Circulars printed in imitation of type-writing and enclosed in unsealed envelopes are admitted to the privilege of the halfpenny post on condition that they are handed in at a head or branch Post Office, that special attention is called to their nature, and that at least twenty copies are posted at the same time. Unless these conditions are complied with the circulars are liable to letter postage. There is no infallible and easily applied test which will enable the Post Office to distinguish between type-written letters and circulars printed to imitate them, and it is necessary to impose the special conditions referred to in order to afford evidence that the halfpenny post is not being improperly used for the transmission of typewritten correspondence.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the period for the annual leave of absence of the supervising body in the postal branches at Edinburgh, which for some years was confined to the six months, April to September, is now to be extended, so as to include March and October; and whether, seeing that on the telegraph side of the same office, with as large a staff of supervisors, no difficulty is found in giving the annual leave within a period of six months, he can see his way to continuing the same privilege to the postal supervising staff. (Answered by Lord Stanley) I am informed that the inclusion of March and October in the period for the annual leave of the supervising officers in the postal branches at Edinburgh is not an innovation. I will inquire whether the present arrangements can be modified; but I fear that it may be impossible to do so without waste of staff.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state whether it is proposed to establish Royal Naval Reserve stations at any other places in the Western Highlands besides Ullapool. (Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) It is also proposed to build a Royal Naval Reserve drill battery at Portree, in the Island of Skye.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will state what progress is being made with the Dingwall and Cromarty Railway. (Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) No progress appears to have been made in the actual construction of the railway, but I am informed that an early meeting of the directors of the company has been fixed to arrange for the issue of the company's capital.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade, in what Parliamentary Paper a succinct statement of the various changes in the tariffs of foreign countries during 1902 and 1903 can be found; and, if such does not exist, whether he will cause such a Paper to be compiled and laid upon the Table. (Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) The Return of Foreign Import Duties issued by the Board of Trade contains a detailed account of the rates of duty levied in the principal commercial countries on the produce and manufactures of the United Kingdom. A summary is prefixed to the Return showing briefly the principal changes since the publication of the previous Return. The last number of this Return (which is now published annually) was issued in November last (Cd. 1735 of 1903), and the previous Return was dated May, 1902 (Cd. 780 of 1902.) Particulars of changes of foreign tariffs are noted as they occur in the Board of Trade Journal. If the information contained in these Returns is not sufficient for the hon. Member's purpose I shall be glad if he will communicate with me.

To ask the Secretary to the Board of Education whether it is proposed to transfer either the Royal College of Art or the Royal College of Science to the University of London; and, if so, when such transfer will take effect. (Answered by Sir William Anson.) No proposal is before the Board to transfer the Royal College of Art or the Royal College of Science to the University of London.

To ask the Secretary of State for India will he say the number of coolies working under indentures in the tea plantations, and the dates of the Acts sanctioning their employment; and will he lay upon the Table the regulations under which these indentured labourers work. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The latest Beturns received by me are for the year 1902–3, and show that at the end of June last there were 93,278 coolies in Assam under indenture (out of a total labour population of 650,937). The Acts under which these persons are indentured are Act I. of 1882 and Act VI. of 1901, the latter Act superseding the former except as regards contracts made under the Act of 1882 not yet expired. The regulations applicable to indentured labourers are contained in these Acts, which will be found in the Library of the House. I may also refer to the Return presented by my predecessor in April last in compliance with the Address moved by the hon. Member for the Northern Division of Manchester, which is likewise in the Library.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the proposed sale of 860 acres of the lands of the Cusack estate to certain persons at a figure of twenty seven and a half years purchase requires the sanction of the Estates Commissioners; and, if so, can he state when the matter is likely to be brought before them. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) This estate is administered in the Land Judge's Court. I have no information on the matters alluded to in the Question. But I learn that the solicitor having carriage of the proceedings will apply forthwith to the Land Judge for an order authorising the Estates Commissioners to issue a request under Section 7 of the Act of 1903, with a view to their making an offer for the purchase of the property.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will make inquiry into the question of the coal supplies for the model schools and other public buildings in Ireland under the control of the Board of Works; and if he will state in particular on what system are the coal supplies for the Enniscorthy model schools provided. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) Tenders for coal supplies for model schools and other public buildings in Ireland are invited in the usual manner by advertisement published in the local Press. This course was adopted in the case of the schools specially referred to in the Question.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many Irish National Teachers have been placed on the I pension establishment since the new pension rules came into force on the 1st April, 1900. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The number of teachers retired on pension since the date mentioned is 740.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say who are the electors for the drainage district of Kenagh, county Longford; when the term of the office of the present board expires; and when and where the next election will be held. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The electors are the proprietors of lands in the drainage district. A nominal list of these is open, I apprehend, to the inspection of any person interested, upon application to the Drainage Trustees. The trustees were elected for three years; the date of the last election was 12th June, 1901. I have no information in respect of the precise date and place of the next election.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say, in connection with the sale of the King Harman (Kenagh, county Longford) Estate, whether any outside proposals have been received for the purchase of the village of Kenagh; and, if so, will he direct the Estates Commissioners to give the occupying tenants preference. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) Negotiations are proceeding for the sale of so much of this village as may be sold under the Land Purchase Acts to occupying tenants.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say what is the rule regulating the attendance of resident magistrates at petty sessions held within the districts assigned to them by the Executive Government; and how many petty sessions Courts held at Dungiven, county Londonderry, were attended by the resident magistrate within whose district this petty sessions Court is during the past twelve months. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) A resident magistrate is required to attend the various Courts of petty sessions in his district unless prevented by illness or other sufficient reason. There were twelve such Courts at Dungiven during the past year. The resident magistrate was present at four of these; on four occasions he was absent through illness; and on four occasions he was absent on leave. On every occasion there was a good attendance of local justices.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state why the negotiations for the sale of the O'Brien estate in Cornakelly and Corglass, county Longford, are not proceeding; and whether, seeing that the middle landlord's deeds, loss of which hitherto obstructed the sale, have now been produced, he will direct that the proceedings under the 40th Section of the Act of 1896 be now completed. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The deeds were only recently forthcoming. Negotiations for sale cannot be entered upon until the rental has been settled. There will be no avoidable delay in the proceedings.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he will explain why no funds are available for the completion of the pier at Loughshinny, county of Dublin, seeing that it appears from the latest report of the Irish Board of Works that there were, on the 31st March, 1903, funds to the amount of £12,450, to meet the cost of works in progress and of any additional works to be undertaken under the Sea Fisheries Act, under which the existing Lough-shinny works have been constructed. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The available balance of the Sea Fisheries Fund at the present date is only £7,330. This money will be required to meet the necessities of fishing centres of relatively greater importance than Loughshinny.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland when it is proposed to commence the construction of the piers at Falchorrib and Gortnasate, under the Marine Works (Ireland) Act. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) It is not practicable to fix a date for the commencement of either work. Preliminary plans and an estimate for a breakwater at Falchorrib are being prepared and will very shortly be completed. With respect to Gortnasate, the Government is in communication with the Congested Districts Board respecting the necessary allocation of the funds as between the harbour works and approach road. A decision will be come to without delay.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the Rossbeg fishery in Dowros Bay, county Donegal, is hampered by lack of adequate landing facilities; and whether steps will be taken to improve these by the construction of an additional boat-slip at Port-a-raid or elsewhere. (Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) The question of the sufficiency of the landing accommodation at Rossbeg will be considered by the Congested Districts Board at its next meeting.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any and, if so, what steps are being taken to facilitate immigrants from this country or the Colonies settling upon the land of the recently-acquired territory in South Africa; whether any, and, if any, what special facilities have been given to those who fought in the late South African war, and who were desirous of settling upon the Transvaal territory. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) Settlement on the land in the new Colonies is regulated by the Ordinances printed at pp. 25 and 69 of Cd. 1463. By Section 7 of the Orange River Colony Ordinance and Section 13 (5) of the Transvaal Ordinance a certain preference is given to applicants who have served.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether it is proposed to make regulations to prevent the Chinese coolies in the Transvaal mine compounds being mulcted of their wages by any truck system; if not, will he take steps to prevent it; and whether the officer to be stationed in China to inform the Chinese coolies of the conditions of service in the Transvaal mines will be in the pay of the Transvaal Government or of the mine-owners or their contractors. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyttelton.) Lord Milner informs me that the law of the South African Republic, No. 18 of 1896, provides against truck system and has purposely never been repealed, that the truck system does not now exist on the mines and that its introduction in connection with Chinese labour has never been contemplated. The officer in China will be in the pay of the Transvaal Government.

To ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he will state what steps have been taken by the governors of Queen Anne's Bounty to relieve the poorer benefices from payment of first-fruits and tenths; and whether arrangements can be made under the existing law for giving similar relief from payments of fees for presentation or induction to the poorer benefices out of the funds of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. (Answered by Mr. A. J. Balfour.) The governors of Queen Anne's Bounty are now empowered to make grants to benefices not exceeding £200 a year in net annual income, and still chargeable with first-fruits and tenths, or either of them, to meet the sums from time to time becoming due in respect of these charges. They have communicated with the incumbents of all benefices still chargeable with first-fruits and tenths, and have received applications in respect of 750 benefices. Of these, 366 have been relieved of payment; 85 proved to be ineligible, as exceeding £200 per annum in value; the remainder are under consideration. The suggestion in the second part of the Question cannot be carried into effect without legislation.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state what are the Imperial Military Railways for which £900,000 is asked in the Supplementary Estimates, what will the total expenditure upon them be, and has Parliament approved of the undertakings.

This sum represents the balance of expenditure in connection with the State railways in the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies for the period ending 30th June, 1902, up to which date these railways were administered under the direction of the military authorities.

Has this ever been mentioned to Parliament before?

Yes, Sir, but it has now come into account for the first time.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the reason of certain regiments being shown in recent Army Orders as under orders to move from Sheffield or Lichfield to 1st Army Corps, instead of from one named station to another.

There are various barracks in and about Aldershot in the 1st Army Corps Command and they are of different capacity. It is considered desirable to give the General Officer Commanding a free hand in placing the battalions transferred to his command in such barracks as he may think fit.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will say whether the garrison regiments now stationed in the Mediterranean are under orders for South Africa; and, if so, what is the reason for this change of quarters; what are the stations in South Africa to which these regiments are being sent; and what will be the increased cost of these garrison regiments in South Africa as compared with ordinary regiments.

These garrison battalions are under orders for South Africa and will be quartered at Pietermaritzburg (until quarters are ready at Pretoria), Standerton, Bloemfontein, and Harrismith. It was found impracticable to house more than a few of their families in Malta and Gibraltar, and it was, therefore, held to be preferable in the best interests of the men and their families to remove them to South Africa. The additional cost of a garrison battalion in South Africa as compared with a line battalion is about £20,000 a year; but against this a saving of £10,000 a year now paid as separation allowance to the families which cannot be accommodated in the Mediterranean should be set off.

What is the percentage of married men?

Very large. In one case there are, I believe, 300.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Government have yet decided to dispense with the use of swords for active service in the field; and, if so, will he state by what weapon they will be supplanted.

No, Sir. The cavalry retain their swords. Swords, however, have been withdrawn from the artillery.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state what is the total number of troops now employed in Somaliland; and what is their monthly cost.

The troops employed in Somaliland amount to 1,336 British and 7,026 native, or 8,362 in all. The monthly cost of the operations may be taken at £115,000.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can give the House any estimate of the cost price of the various items which form the excess appropriations in aid of Votes, 6, 7, 9, and 10 of the Army Estimates, the proceeds of which realised £3,230,000.

I am afraid that it is not possible to give this information. An enormous quantity of surplus animals and stores of every description and in various conditions had to be disposed of at the end of the war in South Africa. Large quantities were sold to the Civil Governments of the new Colonies, and the balance was disposed of locally on the best terms possible. But the proportion which the amounts realised bore to the original cost price could not be estimated.

And large quantities of stores were also publicly burnt.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to an appeal made to the Viceroy by Mr. Malabari, editor of East and West, to reconstitute village councils in India, and to the reply given by Lord Curzon; and whether he will give support to a scheme for increasing the usefulness of these village councils.

I am not acquainted with the Paper referred to, and have no doubt that the Government of India will give careful consideration to any scheme of the nature indicated that may be laid before them.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he can state the cost up to the present date of the Aden Boundary Commission, including the cost for troops; what is the number and composition of the troops employed in the protectorate of Aden: and what has been the total loss of life since the delimitation began.

The normal garrison of Aden is about 2,400 men. The total number of troops in the Aden Protector-I ate on the 1st January last were:—2,077 British officers and men; 1,891 native ditto. Of these the troops employed at the present moment, in connection with the demarcation, are:—1,018 British infantry, 1,038 native infantry, 90 native cavalry, 461 native sappers, with six guns of British mule battery and six guns of native camel battery. The casualties reported since the commencement of the delimitation have been:—Killed: Non-commissioned officers and men—four British, seven native, and one native surveyor. Wounded—Officers: Two British, one native; Non-commissioned officers and men: Seventeen British, fourteen native. I have not yet received full accounts of the expenditure.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether he will state the nature of the modifications proposed by the Select Committee of the Legislative Council of the Governor-General in the Official Secrets Amendment Bill; and whether he can now give the House an assurance that the Bill will be confined to naval and military matters, and that the modifications referred to will provide for the retention in the Bill of those clauses in the original Act of 1889 which define the conditions under which a prosecution can be instituted and which place the onus of proving guilty intention upon the prosecution.

I have not received the Report of the Select Committee on the Bill, and do not know whether they have reported or what modifications they have proposed in it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will delay his final assent to the Transvaal Labour Ordinance (Introduction of Asiatics) until he has drawn up, placed upon the Table of the House, and given the House an opportunity of discussing the regulations which are to govern Clause 33 of the Ordinance dealing with the question of the wives and children of the indentured labourers.

I am not prepared to give the pledge asked for.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government have now sanctioned the Transvaal Ordinance respecting Chinese labour, whether the regulations connected therewith have been framed; and whether he will now lay upon the Table a copy of these documents.

The answer to all these Questions is, No.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will put into force in the Transvaal the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1897.

The matter is not one in which I am prepared to take any action without consulting the Governor, whose attention shall be drawn to the matter.

I will put another Question on this later on.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the importer will in each case pay for the cost of transit of wives and families of Chinese labourers to South Africa indentured under the Ordinance; and, if not, who will bear the cost.

It is proposed to stipulate that the importer will pay.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will say who will pay the cost of repatriation of Chinese labourers and their wives and families in cases where the indenture has been completed, and in cases where the labourer seeks to return to China before completing the terms of the indenture.

It is proposed that the importer should pay in the case of completed indentures. In that of incomplete indentures the question of the cost of return passages will be taken into account in computing the amount the labourer has to pay for his breach of contract.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the conference proposed in his letter of 15th February to the Foreign Office for the purpose of incorporating the suggestions of the Chinese Minister in the Ordinance for the importation of Asiatic labourers into the Transvaal has yet been held; if not, whether he can say when it will be held; and whether the Ordinance and the regulations which accompany it will be laid before the House in the form as modified by the conference before final adoption by the Imperial Government.

The Conference will be held directly. In answer to the second Question of the hon. Member I am unable to give any undertaking.

As I gather from the answer of the right hon. Gentleman that the Ordinance will probably be adopted before this House has had an opportunity of discussing the details, I will ask permission at the close of Questions to move the adjournment of the House.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the regulations which will accompany the Ordinance for the importation of Chinese labourers into the Transvaal may be varied without reference to the Imperial Government.

Any amendments of the regulations will be communicated to me, and Lord Milner will be instructed that no important amendment should be made without previous communication with the Secretary of State.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has any evidence that General Botha and the other Boer leaders who have protested, in the name of the Boers in the Transvaal, gainst the importation of indentured Chinese to work in the mines, were actuated by unworthy motives; whether,>f so, he will lay that evidence upon the Table of the House; and whether he has replied to the protest of General Botha and the other Boer leaders.

I would refer the hon Member to the reply to the letter of the Boer leaders published at page 22 of Cd. 1899 on Monday last and to my statement in debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday last†

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any attempts to convert the

† See (4) Debates, cxxix., 1543.

I think I may safely undertake on behalf of the Tranvaal Government to answer both Questions in the affirmative.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the telegram sent to him by Lord Milner, in regard to an offer from a Boer to contest with General Botha the Chinese issue in the Transvaal in any district, was paid for out of either the money of the taxpayer in this country or of the taxpayer in the Transvaal, and if so, which; whether, if paid for out of public moneys, General Botha and the other Boer leaders who are opposed to the introduction of Chinese labour will be afforded the same financial facilities to transmit to him their views on questions before Parliament; and whether he has replied to the protest of the Boer leaders, and, if so, will he lay that reply upon the Table of the House.

The letter from Mr. Van Rensburg referred to was, as I understand, telegraphed at the expense of the Transvaal Government just as was the letter from the Boer leaders published with my reply in Cd. 1899. It must be left to Lord Milner to judge what documents are of sufficient importance to justify him in transmitting them to the Secretary of State for his information.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has noticed that the last Paper circulated from the Transvaal contained ten pages of extracts from nine South African newspapers; whether any of this newspaper matter was telegraphed, and, if so, what was the cost of doing so; and whether he will consider the desirability of directing that Colonial Governors should not swell their despatches by the inclusion of such extracts from the Press.

The newspaper matter in question was not telegraphed. I am not prepared to give any such general direction as is suggested.

I beg to ask the Colonial Secretary a Question of which I have given private notice—namely, whether Mr. Perry and Mr. J. 6. Hamilton were on Saturday last, on behalf of the Witwatersrand Native Labour Association, recruiting labour in Tientsin; whether the Ordinance has yet received the Royal Assent; and whether the right hon. Gentleman will order the recruiting to be stopped until the Ordinance and regulations in their complete operative form are before Parliament.

The hon. Member's Question was only handed in about five minutes ago, and then not in the form in which he now puts it. I am afraid I cannot give a complete answer, but I will answer so far as I can. I shall be greatly obliged if hon. Members interested in South Africa who wish for answers to Questions will be good enough to give me somewhat longer notice, as the telegraph communication with South Africa which is necessitated by Questions has been rendered rather difficult. With regard to the Question now put, I did see a paragraph to that effect in a morning paper, and I think it follows that if those gentlemen are now in China they must have gone there before the Labour Ordinance has been passed. The pledges which I gave on behalf of the Government in this House with regard to the appointment of a person responsible to the Government in China in order fully to explain any contract which Chinamen might enter into in China will be strictly adhered to, and manifestly until that gentleman is appointed no complete contract can possibly be made.

Is this person to be all over China or in some particular place?

He is to be in that place in which it is desirable he should be.

Has any definite settlement of this matter been come to with the Chinese Government?

No, Sir. I think hon. Members are in possession of certain requisitions made by the Chinese Government. We hold a conference, either to-morrow or the next day, with the Chinese Ambassador on the subject, and all expedition will be given to these matters, and no difficulty is expected.

Who is to interpret to the recruits in China—is it to be an Englishman understanding the Chinese language, or is the position of interpreter to be handed over to a Chinese mandarin?

The details are not arranged at the present time. I think the hon. Member may rely upon us to secure that sufficient precautions shall be taken to ensure that the contract is fully understood by the men.

Is it you or Lord Milner?

I am responsible for the pledge I gave to this House.

Will the right hon. Gentleman stop recruiting till he can put these regulations into force?

Are we to understand that the details of this arrangement are left to the discretion of Lord Milner?

No, Sir, you may not understand that.

Well, I will understand it.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Hawick Burghs I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction in the new African Colonies owing to the failure of the authorities to honour the military receipts for goods and stock supplied during the war; and whether he can facilitate the disposal of claims with despatch, or authorise interim payments in cases of severe distress.

A certain number of complaints have been brought to my notice, but in view of the complexity of the work I am not prepared to say that there has been undue delay. I am making inquiry as to the progress of the work.

On behalf of the hon. Member for Hawick Burghs I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the action of the authorities of the Orange River Colony in reference to the treatment of a claim by A. J. Griessel, Bloemfontein, for the honouring of military receipts granted during the late war and dated in May and November, 1901; and whether, seeing that the authorities at first denied the existence of the receipts, then admitted the same but refused payment on the ground that two sons of the claimant had rejoined the enemy, and finally, on it being explained that the claimant aged thirty-four had no sons but only a daughter aged four years, promised further consideration, he will state what consideration has been given; and whether, in view of the claimant's circumstances, he can arrange that payment of this claim shall be made.

I have no information with regard to this claim but will make inquiry.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the Government has considered the possibility of reverting to and amplifying the practice of the late Boer Government of remitting or reducing the hut tax in the Transvaal, in proportion to the amount of work done by the natives during the year, such work being proved on production of certificates from their employers, and thus affording them an inducement, by way of extra re- ion, to further the agricultural and industrial development of the country.

This matter is receiving my attention in connection with the evidence given by Boer witnesses before the Labour Commission.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will lay a Return upon the Table, giving the names, ages, salaries, and previous careers and experience of the persons who have been appointed to the position of magistrate in the Transvaal; who is responsible for such appointments, and are any qualifications required from applicants for the post; and, in that case, what are they.

I will obtain the information required from the Governor by whom the appointments are made and will lay it.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House any idea when the information will be ready?

I am afraid not.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has communicated to the Colonial Governments the intimation that it is now no part of the policy of His Majesty's Government to extend preferential treatment to the Colonies.

No, Sir.

Have you communicated with the Colonial Governments on the question of Chinese labour?

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will state the names of the persons to whom a grant of 500 square miles of land has recently been assigned in East Africa; what consideration the Government has received on account thereof; if Government officials in East Africa have made any report on the ad-visibility of such grants; and, if so, will he lay them upon the Table of the House; will he state also what consideration has been given to native rights, and if suitable reserves will be secured out of this grant for the natives; and if any other similar offers or grants of land are now proposed to be made to syndicates.

A lease of 500 square miles of land, on terms approved by His Majesty's Treasury, is now being arranged with the East Africa Syndicate. The selection of the area was made last year by the local representative of the syndicate in consultation with His Majesty's Commissioner. The lease will be subject to the provisions of the East Africa Crown Lands Ordinance, 1902, which is in the library of the House, and under which the rights of natives are fully reserved. Negotiations are also in progress for the lease of certain forest lands in the vicinity of the coast to firms interested in the production and working of timber and rubber.

Do these grants of land carry with them rights of government by the syndicate?

was understood to reply in the negative.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that the British representatives, at a meeting of the Commission appointed under the Brussels Sugar Convention held during the Parliamentary recess on behalf of the exporters of confectionery and preserves in this country, brought forward the claim that the limitations of the surtax should apply to their manufactures, he will state what decision was arrived at; and whether any Report of the Proceedings will be laid on the Table of the House.

At the meeting of the Commission in October last the majority of the Commissioners were of opinion that the limitation of surtax under Article 3 of the Convention applied only to sugar itself, whether raw or refined, and not to sugared products. As, however, the general bearing of the Convention upon the treatment of such products remains in doubt, His Majesty's Government are of opinion that the course most conducive to the public interest will be to defer the laying of any further Papers on the subject until after the termination of the next session of the Commission, which will open on the 10th of March next.

Are we not entitled, under the terms of the Convention, to have a Report of the Proceedings? Will the Government let us know what was the nature of the decision, and give us some account, at least, of the arguments?

I do not know what the hon. Member means by "nature of the decision."

By what majority was it come to?

I have said the Government think it would not be in the public interest to lay any further Papers at present.

Is there not a right of appeal in certain cases, and will the Government consider the propriety of calling a Conference for that purpose?

The whole question is under negotiation, and the question of appeal has not arisen.

But will it be considered?

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any further negotiations have taken place between the Commission set up under the Brussels Sugar Convention and the Russian Government with regard to the treatment of sugar made in Russia, by the signatory Powers, and whether the Government can see its way to cancel the prohibition of the import of sugar from Russia into this country.

The answer to both Questions is in the negative.

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a Question of which I have given private notice—namely whether his attention has been drawn to the report of the presence of Japanese battleships at Wei-hai-Wei previous to the attack on Port Arthur, and, if so, whether he is in a position to contradict the report.

We have been informed by the Commander-in-Chief in Chinese waters that the Japanese men-of-war on their way to Port Arthur were not even sighted at Wei-hai-Wei, and no Japanese ships of war have visited that port since August, when two vessels went there on a complimentary visit for a few hours.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number and value of contracts for rails and railway material placed by the London County Council with foreign makers during the last five years, and what percentage of these contracts were secured by German firms.

Particulars of this nature do not, in the ordinary course, come to the knowledge of the Board of Trade. I have, however, been supplied with a statement on behalf of the London County Council, which I will read to the House. "The total value of all contracts let by the London County Council for tramway works is about £2,000,000, of that amount £150,000, or ½ per cent., represents foreign work. The Council began by restricting the tenders for this work to British firms, but owing to the limited number of tenders and the high prices, it then adopted open competition, and, as the result, all materials are now being obtained in this country and at much lower prices. Altogether the Council estimates that it has saved, in rails alone, about £40,000 by its policy of open competition. No contracts have been sent to Germany."

I beg to ask the Postmaster - General whether his attention has been called to the dissatisfaction expressed in many quarters with the introduction of the cash-on-delivery system by the postal authorities; and whether, having regard thereto, he will withhold his sanction from the proposed system.

Representations have been made to me expressing dissatisfaction with the prospect of the introduction of a system of cash on delivery; and I have received others in support of such an arrangement. I have the question under consideration, and am collecting evidence as to the working of the system in the countries in which it is already established and its probable effect if instituted in the United Kingdom. I have as yet come to no decision on the scheme; and I do not propose to sanction its introduction unless, and until, I am satisfied that such a course would be for the benefit of the community in general.

Will the noble Lord take the opinion of the House before he sanctions the experiment?

I certainly shall not introduce the system before the Estimates are introduced.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for North Huntingdonshire, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether any arrangements have now been arrived at between the Board and the railway companies whereby consignors of agricultural produce within the United Kingdom, either individually or in combination, may be enabled to secure for themselves better terms and facilities for the carriage of their goods.

The conferenec between my noble friend and the general managers of the railway companies, of which the hon. Member is already aware, was followed up by a circular letter in which the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries asked for the companies' observations upon certain suggestions and difficulties which had presented themselves. The reply to this letter has only recently been received, and my noble friend proposes that this correspondence shall shortly be presented to both Houses of Parliament. Several companies already offer facilities for the aggregation of consignments of farm produce whereby lower rates may be obtained by the consignors of the individual lots included, and it is to be hoped that the ventilation of the subject resulting from the friendly discussion between the Board and the companies may lead to an extension of these facilities.

Will the noble Lord communicate with his colleagues in the Cabinet who are railway directors?

On behalf of the hon. Member for East Edinburgh, I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that notices have been issued in Scotland demanding payment of income-tax within seven days, failing which the amount will be recovered by a sheriff's officer, with costs; and whether he will say if similar notices have been issued all over England, and whether recovery will be made by warrant on the expiry of the seven days in England with costs.

The instructions to collectors of income-tax, which are practically identical for England and Scotland, require that if the tax be not paid by the second week in February, steps should be taken for enforcing payment by legal process—and no doubt therefore, notices in the sense named in the Question have been issued by this time both in England and Scotland. But, whether in England or in Scotland, action on the notice would not be taken in the case of a person who can show reasonable cause for further delay, and who can promise payment at a fixed date within the next few weeks. There must, however, be some excuse for nonpayment which the collecting authorities can properly accept, and in the absence thereof recovery would be made, with costs, on expiry of the seven days notice, both in England and in Scotland.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether be will appoint a Committee of analytical experts to fix a legal standard in the case of whisky, such as is done in other articles of consumption, in order to protect the public against spurious substitutions.

The Board of Inland Revenue do not think that it would be of any practical use to attempt to fix a legal standard for whisky. There is already a minimum legal standard of strength below which whisky may not be sold without notice, and other conditions must necessarily vary widely according to the taste of consumers.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will include the three Welsh Colleges, which are hindered in their work by lack of funds, in the list of University Colleges to receive increased grants during the current year; and on what principle these grants will be allocated.

The grants to the Welsh Colleges have been based on a different principle from that applicable to the Enlish Colleges and on a more liberal scale. I will consider the matter further; but at present I think that it will not be possible to increase the Welsh grants.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to a disturbance near Doonbeg, county Clare, on the 11th. inst., in reference to some work on the West Clare Railway line; and, seeing that a force of police was present on the occasion, whether 'he can state the circumstances which gave rise to the disturbance, and in what way the police were employed in reference to the matter and by whose orders.

Owing to the flooding of the railway line near Doonbeg, which endangered the public safety, a number of workmen in the employment of the railway company were sent to cut a drain for the purpose of carrying away the water. The farmers objected to the surplus waters being conveyed to their lands adjoining the line, and showed their resentment by assembling with pitchforks, sticks, and stones. Acting under the orders of their superior officers a force of police was present to preserve the peace.

Are the railway company exercising a legal right in this work? What remedy have those who will be flooded in consequence of it?

I can hardly be expected to express an opinion on the legal merits of the question. Those who are injured have a remedy at law.

As this affair has caused some excitement and disturbance may I ask whether it is usual to supply a large force of police to enable work to be carried out before it has been decided whether those doing it have a legal right.

Order, order. That is a general argument.

But were the authorities satisfied that in giving the assistance of the police they were enabling legal work to be carried on?

I am quite satisfied that it was the duty of the Executive Government to send the police in view of the hostile attitude of the people. Whether the railway company have a legal right can be determined by process of law.

By whom were the police sent?

By their superior officer.

I shall call attention to this again.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is proposed during the present session to take any steps to give effect to the Unionist policy propounded in 1887 in regard to the arterial drainage of Ireland, and if anything will be done by Estimate or otherwise to provide funds for dealing with the flooding of the River Bann.

I am not in a position to take up the general question of arterial drainage. I do intend to submit certain proposals in respect of the River Bann.

Did not the Unionst policy refer to the Barrow and not to the Bann.

It referred to the whole country.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will immediately introduce the promised measure dealing with labourers in Ireland so as to afford ample time for the consideration of its provisions by those specially interested in the matter.

I shall endeavour to introduce this Bill at the earliest date consistent with the demands on the time of the House for concluding the financial business of the year.

Can the right hon. Gentleman not give us more definite information? It is of the utmost importance that we should have the terms of the Bill in our hands at the earliest possible moment.

I have said that I shall introduce the Bill at the earliest possible moment, but in the absence of the Prime Minister it is quite impossible for me to arrange the business of the House.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that members of the Royal Irish Constabulary have been employed in conveying cattle to, and herding cattle on a farm near Glanquin, county Clare; and will he say whether the employment of police in this manner has been sanctioned by the authorities.

The hon. Member has not been correctly informed. There is no foundation for the suggestion in the Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state how many extra police are stationed in Cappawhite district, county Tipperary, and for what reason; whether he will say for what official use a. special transport car provided at Cappawhite is employed, and whether the head constable has authority to use it for his private business; and whether he is aware that this official recently used it to take him on a canvassing tour with reference to an expected vacancy in the clerkship of petty sessions.

The police force in this district was augmented in 1902, but the necessity for the additional men having passed away they were withdrawn some time ago. The transport car is still required for patrolling purposes. It has never been used by the head constable except when engaged on duty. The reply to the concluding inquiry is in the negative.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord- Lieutenant of Ireland whether it is intended to introduce this session any Government measure to make under-sheriffs in Ireland permanent officials under the Crown, and to provide them with a staff of competent assistants; and, if not, whether the Government will afford facilities for a Bill of that character if introduced by a private Member.

Legislation with the object stated would entail a considerable expenditure of public money, and I cannot hold out any hope that the Government will undertake such legislation in the present session. The question of affording facilities for a private Member's Bill is one that should be addressed to the Prime Minister.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say what steps have been taken by the Land Commission in reference to inquiries as to whether accommodation for labourers is needed on any estates for the purchase of which applications have been made to them for advances under the Irish Land Act, 1903; on how many estates have such inquiries been made up to the 1st instant; in how many cases has a scheme been framed under Section 96; and whether a copy of the Report of the Land Commission in reference to such accommodation on any estate can be obtained on application.

The inspectors are instructed to make the inquiries contemplated by Section 96. Such inquiries have been made to the present date in the case of fifty-three estates. On one estate the accommodation for labourers is reported to be insufficient, but no scheme has yet been framed by the Estates Commissioners. It would be contrary to established practice to publish these Reports, which, being departmental, are regarded as confidential; but I am considering whether the results of the investigations can be published in a summarised form.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the promise made by Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask Parliament in this session to double the grant to University colleges in England in receipt of Parliamentary grants, he is prepared to submit to Parliament a proposal to establish in Ireland a University acceptable to the majority of the people of that country, and to which grants by Parliament could be given.

I cannot at the present moment usefully supplement my recent statement in this House on the subject of Irish University education.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of Margaret Dolan v. the Earl of Erne, heard before the County Court Judge at Enniskillen on Thursday the 28th ult., when the judge strongly commented upon the action of the landlord in consequence of the tenant having a fair rent fixed by the Land Court; and, if so, whether he proposes to take any action to prevent such actions being brought.

My attention has been directed by the Question to a newspaper report of the proceedings. I am unable to say whether it is accurate. The landlord was within his right in suing for a. year's rent which the tenant admitted to be due. The Judge gave a decree, on her consent, payable in two instalments.

Did not the Judge comment severely on the action of the landlord?

I have seen the newspaper report which states so. It is not for me to say whether the statement is accurate.

The report is absolutely correct.

Did not a similar case occur in King's County and the County Court Judge refuse to give costs?

Order, order!

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will explain why, in the recent regulations issued by the National Board, steps were taken to prevent the teaching of Irish in primary schools as an extra subject.

I am informed by the Commissioners that they have recently issued revised programmes in extra subjects, including the Irish language, which it is proposed to bring into operation on the 1st April, 1904. If, however, managers of National Schools are not satisfied with these programmes they are at liberty to submit alternative programmes for the approval of the Commissioners. The programmes and regulations were not issued with the intention of preventing the teaching of extra subjects, but, on the contrary, to make instruction in these subjects more efficient.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what are the position and duties of the Public Trustee under the Land Purchase Act; in what way are moneys realised by sale of lands and invested in his name secured for the beneficiaries; are the Government responsible for his integrity; is his sanction required in case trustees themselves desire to invest the proceeds of sale where the vendor is tenant for life; and whether in cases in which he acts as trustee of the purchase money can he invest the proceeds without the approval of the vendor.

If the hon. Member will refer to the 52nd Section of the Irish Land Act he will find most of hi3 Questions answered. Rules are being framed which, when approved of, will answer the others. These rules will be published when finally settled.

What were the previous qualifications of this Public Trustee?

I have answered that before. He had had extensive ex perience as a land agent.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to a resolution of a meeting of the Killaghter Branch of the United Irish League, held on 10th February, over which the Rev. P. B. Dunlany presided, urging, that inasmuch as the Congested Districts Board have had in their possession for the past three years two grass farms of about 280 acres on the Tredennick Estate, St. Colin's Point, that the Board should immediately take steps to divide these farms into suitable holdings for the fishermen of St. Colin's Point, who have now no land, and to build houses for them at reasonable purchase prices, and deprecating the use of those farms for grazing purposes; and, if so, will he say what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.

The lands referred to in the Question will be rearranged and sold with the least possible delay.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why two female learners, who entered the Cork Post Office in September, 1898, who have qualified in every respect, and have been employed as acting telegraphists for the past four years, are now classified and paid as learners; and why, seeing that these girls had risen from an initial wage of 5s. per week in 1898, to 16s. 6d. in 1904, this amount has been reduced to 10s. per week since 18th January, 1904.

In consequence of a falling-off in telegraph work at Cork, it was found necessary to discontinue the full time duty of these two learners, but it has now been found possible again to give them full time duties.