To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the sale of the Granard (county Longford) Estate the various tenants were allotted turbary, which was conveyed in most cases by endorsement on the back of their agreements or vesting orders; and that in the case of Thomas Whitney a portion of bog was so reserved and marked on Derawley Bog No. 2; and will he cause inquiry to be made as to why Whitney was deprived, and is yet deprived, of this turbary. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The facts are substantially as stated in the first and second inquiries. The Land Commission have no information as to the third inquiry, but if it be the fact that Whitney has been deprived of turbary to which he is entitled, his remedy is against those who have so deprived him. The matter is not one in which the Land Commission can intervene.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Estates Commissioners have recently declared the holdings of nine tenants on the Rev. Marshall Vincent's estate at Rapla, near Nenagh, to be a separate estate, although they had previously refused to do so; that, whilst these nine holdings have been created since 1902, the four old tenants, whose predecessors had been on the estate for generations, are not enabled to purchase their holdings; that a condition sought to be imposed by the landlord when negotiating for sale to one of the four old tenants was that he should purchase an evicted farm in addition to his own; and can he state the nature of the correspondence and inquiries which caused the Estates Commissioners to change their mind on the question of the sale. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The holdings in question wore declared an "estate" and vested in the purchasing tenants on August 4th, 1904. The tenancies date from 1902, and were created for the enlargement of the holdings in the occupation of the purchasing tenants. Before finally declaring the lands an "estate," the Commissioners made inquiries as to the lands which the vendor asked to have excluded from the sale; and, on perusing the correspondence which had passed between the vendor's solicitor and the solicitor for the tenants, were satisfied that the application of the vendor was reasonable.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state how much has been expended upon the up-keep of Walmer and Deal Castles, respectively, during the last ten years; and whether the cost of maintenance and repair of these castles will be given each year in the Estimates in future. (Answered by Lord Balcarres.) The average annual expenditure for the years 1894–5 to 1903–4 was as follows, namely: Deal, £145; Walmer, £202. The Answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to insist upon the Sublime Porte's acceptance of the scheme of financial control of Macedonia. (Answered by Earl Percy.) His Majesty's Government, in common with the other Powers, are insisting upon the acceptance by the Porte of the scheme which the Powers are unanimous in considering as indispensable for the tranquillity and good government of the Macedonian provinces.

To ask the Under - Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Finance Commission for Macedonia will have power to secure the dismissal of corrupt officials. (Answered by Earl Percy.) As I informed the hon. Member for Chester on the 25th July†, the Finance Commission will be empowered to deal with all matters affecting the financial administration of the vilayets. Corruption among officials is manifestly incompatible with efficiency of administration.

† See (4) Debates, cl., 186.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will take into consideration the advisability of allowing Members of Parliament, when attending the House, to post free of charge all correspondence from the House of Commons. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) The Act 3 and 4 Vic, c. 96, expressly abolished certain privileges of free postage which Members of Parliament had previously enjoyed. I do not think it would be right to introduce legislation for the purpose of restoring any privileges of this character.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that a Miss M. A. Heary competed at an examination for the position of paid learner and took first place in the Drogheda Post Office and has not yet been appointed, although other learners who failed to pass the Civil Service examination have been appointed, and whether he will inquire into the circumstances why Miss Heary has been passed over; and will he give a Return of the names, ages, and salaries of those now serving in the Drogheda Post Office as sorters or telegraphists who have not passed a Civil Service examination. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) Miss Heary competed for the position of unpaid (not paid) learner at Drogheda and took first place. She will shortly be given paid employment, and she would have been employed earlier if she had not refused to accept unpaid employment, although by so doing she might have qualified earlier for paid employment. None of the other competitors have yet been given permanent employment, but one of them who was already fully qualified has succeeded in obtaining temporary employment as relief substitute. Miss Heary was not, and is not yet, qualified for this duty. There is no sorter or telegraphist in the Drogheda Post Office who has not passed a Civil Service examination.

To ask the Postmaster-General if he will state the number of cases of attempted fraudulent withdrawal of money from the Post Office Savings Bank under the systems of withdrawal by telegraph and by telegraph notice of withdrawal; will he state in how many cases these efforts have succeeded; and of what sum the Department and depositors have been respectively defrauded. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) The statistics asked for by the hon. Member could not be compiled without the expenditure of considerable time and labour in searching the records of the Savings Bank since 1893. I may say, however, that the total loss falling on Savings Bank funds during 1004, as the result of fraudulent withdrawals by telegraph and return of post, was £103 12s. 8d. When it is remembered that the total withdrawals during that year amounted to nearly £42,000,000, while the amount withdrawn by the two methods in question was £901,984, I think it must be admitted that the precautions taken against fraud work very satisfactorily. No loss falls upon depositors in the case of fraudulent withdrawals, except when they voluntarily elect to give a discharge for the amount.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the fact that William Hughes, a clerk in the Lurgan Post Office, marched through Lurgan in an Orange procession on 12th July wearing a sash and regalia; and whether Hughes will be censured for breach of regulations.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he can state how many postal officials marched in the Orange procession in Maghera, county Derry, on 12th July; and whether they have been censured for their action. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) I have no information regarding the Orange procession referred to, and I am not aware that there has been any breach of regulations.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that letters posted in Ballyroney, county Dowrn, frequently take three days in transit to Edinburgh, Manchester, and London, and vice versa; and whether he will direct inquiries to be made with a view to expediting the despatch and the delivery of letters in that district. (Answered by Lord Stanley.) I will make inquiry with regard to the services at Ballyroney and communicate further with the hon. Member.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department it he will state how many male and female inspectors of factories are working in Ireland; whether he is aware that most, if not all, of these officials are English; and whether he will explain why he has not found it possible to appoint an Irishman to the office. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Akers-Douglas.) Six men inspectors, one lady inspector, and two inspectors' assistants are stationed in Ireland; and, in addition to these, other inspectors visit for special purposes. I am unable to say what is the nationality of these officers. Factory inspectors are liable to serve in any part of the United Kingdom, and in the interests of the public service are from time to time transferred from one district to another; and the question of nationality is not considered in connection with their appointment.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether, with a view to giving effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Arsenical Poisoning, the arrangements foreshadowed in his predecessor's statement have now been effected; whether the special inspector and assistant inspector, for whose expenses provision was made in the Estimates this year, have been appointed; and, if so, what is the precise nature of the duties allotted to them. (Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) An inspector has been appointed, and arrangements are being proceeded with as to an assistant inspector. It is the duty of the inspector to advise the Local Government Board as to the administration of the Sale of Food and Drugs Acts and other similar Acts, to deal with matters relating to the purity and adulteration of food which are brought to the Board's notice by public analysts, medical officers of health, and others, to obtain information upon special questions relating to the purity and adulteration of food and the use of deleterious substances therein, and to make suitable inquiries and investigations for this purpose. The inspector will make a report, which will be included in the annual report of the Board's medical officer, under whose direction he will act.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will instruct the Board's medical inspector to report to what extent dust destructors, similar to that erected by the City of Westminster in the vicinity of Commercial Road, Lambeth, are prejudicial to public health. (Answered, by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) The Local Government Board have not received any complaint with regard to the destructor referred to, nor am I aware that there is any evidence to show that modern destructors cause nuisance or injury to the health of the populations in their neighbourhood. I do not at present see any sufficient reason to direct a general inquiry on this subject, but I will instruct one of the medical inspectors of the Board to report to me as to the particular destructor above mentioned.

To ask the President of the Local Government Board if the volume of extracts from the information received by His Majesty's Commissioners on the administration of the Poor Laws (1833), and the Report of His Majesty's Commissioners on the administration and practical operation of Poor Laws (1834), can be reprinted and circulated to Members of the House. (Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) I will make inquiry with regard to this and see what can best be done in the matter.

To ask the Secretary to the Board of Trade whether he is aware that it is the custom on the North British Railway system in Peebles-shire to enter the cottages of the surfacemen in the names of the wives, and thereby to deprive the men of the franchise; and, if so, whether he will use his good offices with the board of the North British Railway Company to remedy this state of affairs. (Answered by Mr. Bonar Law.) I have no knowledge of the arrangements to which reference is made, and the matter is not one in which the Board of Trade could intervene.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, having regard to the fact that under the charter of the North British Borneo Company that company is required to have its head office in England, will he state why the regulations under which Chinese coolies are imported, registered, and hired out by the company to tobacco and other planters are not obtainable from that office by the Foreign Office; is he now in possession of information regarding the number of coolies imported into British North Borneo, the percentage of mortality from natural causes, and the percentage of deaths from floggings; and will the British representative arrange for this and other information relative to the government of the company's territory to be given in future in his annual reports. (Answered by Earl Percy.) I have already informed the hon. Member that no coolie contractor is employed by the company. His Majesty's Government have ascertained that the head office of the British North Borneo Company in England is not able to supply the other information required by the lion. Member, but the directors have been requested to obtain the necessary particulars from North Borneo. The company will be further requested to include the matters referred to by the hon. Member in their annual report.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that in offices where overtime is worked assistant clerks (new class) doing similar work to second-division clerks receive the same overtime rates as messengers, viz., 9d. per hour; and whether he proposes to take any steps to remove this inequality.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that messengers are allowed twenty-one days annual leave, while assistant clerks (new class) receive only fourteen days during the first ten years of service, and a maximum of eighteen days throughout the remainder of their service; and whether he proposes to remedy this inequality. (Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish.) I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his Question of yesterday† on the subject of assistant clerks.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that some registered Civil Service writers, who have been promoted to permanent posts in the service, are allowed to count the whole of their previous temporary service towards pension, while others who belonged to the same class and who entered the service under similar regulations as to pensions are allowed on similar promotion to count only one-half of their temporary service, amounting in some cases to thirteen-sixtieths of their salary; and, if

† See page 349.

so, whether he will see that the latter are granted a similar concession. (Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish.) I am not prepared to make any alteration in the existing regulations.

To ask the Lord-Advocate if the Census which was taken upon the night of March 31st, 1901, includes the names of Scottish seamen and Scottish women and children who were on that night in British vessels on the high seas or abroad. (Answered by Mr. Scott Dickson.) Persons on board vessels on the high seas or abroad were not included in the Scottish Census. The shipping population given in the Scottish Census Report includes only persons on board ship in the various harbours, docks, and roadsteads in Scotland or sailing in Scottish waters on the night of the Census, March 31st. 1901.

To ask the Lord-Advocate whether, seeing that payments under the Estate Duty (Agricultural Rates, etc.) (Scotland) Act are not made to the county and parish authorities until the months of November and December each year, and that an unspent balance, amounting to £91,405, was in hand on March 31st, 1905, arrangements can be made to pay one-half, if not the whole, of the grant to the various county and parish authorities at a much earlier date than November. (Answered by Mr. Scott Dickson.) It is hoped to issue the grant in full this year at an earlier date than hitherto, and in future years to issue an instalment of about half the grant about the end of May.

To ask the Lord-Advocate whether he is aware that scholars attending the public schools at Gravir, Lemreway, and Kershader, Island of Lewis, are in the habit of carrying peats to school, regardless of the Order issued some years ago prohibiting this practice; and will he take such steps as he may deem expedient with a view to prevent this Order being allowed to lapse in outlying districts in future. (Answered by Mr. Scott Dickson.) Nothing has been brought to the notice of the Department to show that the views conveyed in their circular of January, 1894, as to the practice of carrying peats to school, are being disregarded. In view of that circular and the subsequent letter to the school board of Lochs in October, 1902, the matter can be further dealt with only on receipt of specific complaints from parents or other sufficient evidence that the views of the Department on the subject are being disregarded.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he can give the total amount of public revenue yielded by the duty on cocoa butter since its imposition; and what was the yield of the duty in the twelve months ending July 31st, 1905. (Answered by Mr. Austen Chamberlain.) The total amount of public revenue yielded by the duty on cocoa butter since its imposition, viz., from August 7th, 1896, to July 31st, 1905, was £23,065. The yield of the duty in the twelve months ended July 31st, 1905, was £1,783.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether, as the establishment of generals and lieutenant-generals for the Indian Army was laid down by the recent Royal Warrant at three generals and five lieutenant-generals, and that there are now two vacancies on the generals' list, two on the lieutenant-generals' list, and four on the major-generals' list, steps will be taken at once to make the necessary promotions; and whether the rule requiring three years service in the rank of lieutenant-general before promotion to the rank of general will now be dispensed with, seeing that under the terms of the Royal Warrant such pro- motion is to be made by seniority, and that no similar rule exists in the British service for retarding the promotion of lieutenant-generals. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) The establishment of three generals and five lieutenant-generals is as stated, but the rule requiring three years service in the rank of lieutenant-general has been made deliberately to prevent either congestion or unduly rapid promotion and consequent injury to officers, and therefore I do not propose to dispense with it. The vacancies among the lieutenant-generals will be filled up in due course. There is no establishment of major-generals, but the number (twenty-two) is a maximum which permits of promotion being made when required. It is obviously not advisable to maintain it continually at its limit.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether the office of Director of Public Instruction in Bengal is likely to be shortly vacant; and whether he will direct that the office shall be filled by some person of experience in educational work in India. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) I would refer the hon. Member to my reply on the 3rd instant† to a Question by the hon. Member for West Donegal on this subject. I see no reason to interfere with the discretion of the Lieutenant-Governor in filling up the appointment referred to.

To ask the Secretary of State for India why cavalry officers in India are ordered to pay for a second charger and saddlery, when horses and equipment are supplied free at home. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) Officers of British mounted units in India are at present permitted to hire one charger each at a rate of £10 a year.

†See page 80.

Arrangements are contemplated for allowing in future each officer two chargers under the same conditions. For each authorised charger an allowance of thirty rupees a month is given for upkeep and saddlery. In view of the circumstances of Indian life, in which every British officer maintains one or more horses at his own expense, the issue of chargers free of cost is considered unnecessary.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether in the case of Charles McDermott and others, evicted tenants on the estate of Lord Annaly, in the parish of Rathcline, the Estates Commissioners will make some grants to them for the purpose of assisting them to rebuild their houses and out-offices on restoration after being evicted. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The advances on the sale of this estate were made under the 40th Section of the Act of 1896, and the Commissioners, therefore, have no power, under the Act of 1903, to make grants for the purpose mentioned.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been directed to the action of the Congested Districts Board in the matter of the Brownville Estate, recently purchased by that body; and whether he will explain why the Board has distributed the untenanted land on that estate amongst persons living more than ten miles distant, though there are occupiers living in the vicinity on uneconomic holdings; and why the Board intend putting up for sale one of the houses which they have built on the estate. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) The Board purchased this estate for the benefit of persons from congested districts, who will be migrated to it. There is no power to allot any of the land to neighbouring tenants who do not reside in a congested district. None of the land has yet been distributed. Brownville House, which the Board propose to sell as a residential property, is not suitable for a small landowner. The Board did not build this house; it was bought with the estate.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state who is responsible for the condition of the Royal Canal at Dublin; whether, seeing that this canal was constructed at the public expense to develop the resources of the country, he will say to what extent and by whom it is now used as a means of transit for goods; whether he will have steps taken to compel those responsible, to keep it free from weeds and other rubbish, and to keep its banks in such a condition as will make it safe for pedestrians was king along the canal; and whether he will consider the advisability of utilising the system of canals in Ireland to secure a free competition with the railway companies. (Answered by Mr. Victor Cavendish.) It is presumed the hon. Member's Question refers to the Broadstone branch of the Royal Canal, which is the property of, and is worked and managed by, the Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland. I understand that the company are taking steps to have this branch closed; and this measure, if carried out, should lead to a great improvement in the direction desired by the hon. Member. In this connection I am unable to express an opinion on the question of general policy raised in the last part of the hon. Member's Question.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Tullamore Urban Council, in King's County, having applied for a loan for the erection of labourers' houses, has been called upon by the Local Government Board to adopt a new sewerage scheme which would involve a heavy charge upon the ratepayers; will he say whether such a sewerage scheme and consequent rate is to be made a condition upon satisfying the local want of better housing for labourers; whether he is aware that the amount of irrecoverable arrears of rates, due by tenants on slum properties in Tullamore, is increasing; and whether the Irish Local Government Board will consider the merits of the proposed loan for labourers' houses apart from any general sewerage question, the average health of Tullamore being good. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) In 1900 the Local Government Board had before them a petition from the Tullamore Urban District Council for a Provisional Order to enable them to carry out a scheme under the Housing of the Working Classes Acts, involving an expenditure of £6,500; but, inasmuch as the unexhausted borrowing powers of the council would not enable them to defray the cost of such a scheme, the Board were unable to make the requisite Provisional Order. In December, 1901, the Board approved of a loan of £2,250 for the erection of twelve, houses. This loan was sanctioned on the understanding that a margin of borrowing power was to be rendered available for the purpose of improving the sewerage of the district, which was in an unsatisfactory and defective condition. Before considering the application which has been made for a further loan, the Board have asked the council to ascertain definitely what expenditure is necessary for sewerage purposes.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether tenders for the erection of the tobacco barn near Tullamore, as proposed by the Agriculture and Industries Department, have been invited by advertisement in the local Press; whether any tender has been accepted, and, if so, who is the contractor and what is the amount of the tender; upon whose estate will the building be erected, and will it be fitted with steam-heating plant for curing the tobacco leaf; and whether he can state the estimated cost of the King's County experiments and the number of acres of land to be acquired for tobacco growing. (Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) Tenders were not invited by advertisements in the local Press, but a few contractors were asked to submit estimates. The tender of Messrs. T. P. and R. Goodbody was accepted, the amount being £625. The barn will be erected on the farm of Messrs. P. and G. Richardson, Mullacrew, Tullamore. The system of heating has not yet been decided on. It is estimated that the cost to the Department of the experiment will not exceed £1,000. Ten acres will be utilised for the purpose.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies if the negotiations he was carrying on regarding the proposal to appoint an independent Commission to inquire into and report on the whole subject of the status and treatment of British Indian residents in the African Colonies have terminated; and, if so, will he state what decision he has arrived at. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Lyitelton.) The question of the appointment of a Commission is still under consideration, and I am not in a position to announce any decision at present.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can say if the 4th West Yorks Volunteer Artillery will be provided at an early date with modern efficient guns, in whatever capacity they are to continue to exist. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) It is not possible at the present time to give any definite reply to this Question, for reasons which have already been explained to the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for War, having regard to the remark in the last Report of the Inspector-General for Recruiting that statements as to impending changes in the Militia have detrimentally affected recruiting, if it is possible to make any announcement with regard to the future of the Militia, such as might have been made upon the Government Bills recently withdrawn; whether recruiting for those Garrison Artillery Militia units in Ireland, which had been suspended pending decision as to the retention of the units, has been resumed; or whether Militia recruiting in Ireland remains partially suspended. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) I informed the House some time ago that, owing to the steps which had been taken by the Army Council to enforce a higher standard of qualifications in the recruit, it was probable that some falling off in the numbers recruited would be at first apparent. I am glad to be able to state that this falling off, which was noticeable in the earlier part of the year, is now rapidly disappearing, and that in the week ended July 29th more men were recruited for the Militia than in the corresponding week of last year. No change is at present contemplated in the constitution of the Militia, the Bill authorising the enlistment of Militiamen for service abroad in time of war having been withdrawn. Recruiting for the four units of Garrison Artillery Militia in Ireland, referred to in the Question, is still suspended.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the War Department have purchased or are in negotiation to purchase, or are proposing to purchase, 350 or any number of motor-cars of foreign make; and, if so, what are the particulars. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The reply is in the negative.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is in contemplation to reduce the number of British ships of War upon the China station; and, it so, in regard to what class of ships and to what extent in each class. (Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) No further reduction is contemplated.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will consider the advisability of placing in the Naval Exhibition specimens of the cat-o'-nine-tails which are kept and the birches and canes which are used on board ships of the Royal Navy, in addition to the other articles associated with life on board the King's ships.

No, Sir, I do not think the general public take as much interest in these articles as the hon. Member does.

The hon. Gentleman is aware that these articles are paid for under Vote 8 of the Navy Estimates. On that account, ought they not to be seen by those who pay for them? I will make a fair compromise. Will the hon. Gentleman show them to the officers and men of the French fleet?

Could they not be placed in the tea-room, so that we may inspect them?

Can they not be placed at the service of the Patronage Secretary of the Treasury?

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, though the Government has a large farm at Lusk, county of Dublin, on which a large amount of hay is annually grown, the hay so grown was sold previous to the recent military manœuvres in the neighbourhood whether foreign-grown hay had, in consequence, to be bought in Liverpool for the use of the calvary; if so, why was the home-grown hay sold, and at what price was it sold, and at what price (freight included) was the foreign hay bought; was the beef supplied to the troops during the manœuvres obtained in Ireland or abroad, and at what price; does the contract allow the contractor to supply home or foreign beef; were any complaints made of the beef supplied, or was any condemned as unfit for use; do the medical officers inspect and report on the foodstuffs supplied to the troops; and who is responsible for the forage and food arrangements respectively.

Only nineteen tons of hay, which was two years old and reported to be unsuitable for feeding the horses, were sold to make room for the new crop. The farm produces 150 tons a year. As regards the supply of beef, home-bred beef is always insisted on in this command, and no complaints have been made and no meat has been condemned. It is not usual for medical officers to inspect rations for troops at any station; the responsible officers are those appointed specially for that purpose in each command and district.

I bog to ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the death-rate among the 3rd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers, stationed in Pretoria, and to the fact that as many as fifteen men have died in three weeks; and whether he can give any information upon the subject.

No information to the effect mentioned in the Question has reached the War Office. A special report has been called for.

If the report is to the effect that the statement in the Question is true, will my right hon. friend institute an inquiry as to the cause and remedy?

I should like to know the facts before giving an Answer to that Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet received the promised report upon the case of cruelty to a native by a contractor at the Crœsus Gold Mine, Langlaagte, on May 8th last; and whether he can now inform the House what steps will be taken to prevent a repetition of such cruelty.

I have not yet received the report. I would refer the hon. Member to what I said in the discussion on the Colonial Office Vote as to the determination to put down any such illegal practices.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is yet in a position to announce when a railway is to be sanctioned in Northern Nigeria from a point on the river to Zaria; and whether the proposed railway will be a light or a heavy one.

No decision has been arrived at as to the construction of a railway in Northern Nigeria.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will make representations to the Government of Natal as to the dissatisfaction in many districts of that colony amongst the white population, on account of the number of stock thefts which are committed by Kaffirs, and for which Kaffirs, when caught, receive no adequate punishment; and as to the insufficient protection afforded to white women from, criminal assaults and outrages at the hands of Kaffirs.

I am not prepared to make such representations. I have already pointed out that these matters rest with the responsible Government of Natal. If there is ground for the dissatisfaction to which the hon. Member refers, the matter would naturally be brought up in the local Legislature or by way of petition from the inhabitants addressed to the Government.

asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the farmers, being unable to get adequate protection from their own Government, were contemplating a system of lynch law.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he can state whether, in the new treaty arrangements recently concluded with Tibet, opium is made an article of commerce; if so, under what tariff or other regulations; and where the details can be found.

The Tibetan Convention of September 7th, 1904, provided for an amendment of the Regulations of 1893 as to trade, but the question of such amendment has not yet been discussed with the Tibetan government. The Regulations of 1893 provided that the import and export trades in certain articles, including narcotic drugs, "may, at the option of either Government, be entirely prohibited, or permitted only on such conditions as either Government on their own side may think fit to impose." The trade returns of the Government of India and those of the Chinese Imperial Customs Department show that there is no traffic in opium between India and Tibet.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he can state the new conditions adopted for the Government sale of opium in Burmah; in what respect they differ from the system previously in existence; and where full particulars can be found.

Opium is now bold by selected vendors at a fixed price and under stringent regulations supervised by resident Excise officers. Formerly the licences were auctioned to the highest bidders, who were under no effective restrictions and were not supervised. The object of the new system is to prevent the sale of contraband opium, and to have more hold over the licensed vendors. The number of licences has been increased, while the preventive staff in the districts has been greatly strengthened. The new system is described in the Burma Administration Reports for 1902–3 and 1903–4 and in the Burma Opium Manual. I will have copies sent to the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Government of Bengal has decided to abolish the out-still system throughout the province, and to introduce the contract distillery system; if so, whether he will state the grounds upon which this decision has been arrived at; and whether the new system is to be experimental or permanent.

The contract distillery system has this year been experimentally introduced into the Orissa Division. If it should prove satisfactory, its gradual extension to areas at present under the out-still system is contemplated. The Bengal Government considers that if the out-still system can be successfully replaced by a stricter system the Excise administration will gain.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in regard to the decision arrived at as to the partition of Bengal, he will state the line of demarcation and the territories actually to be transferred to Assam; whether he will state what is the form of administration and the name of the new province and when the new system of government will come into operation; what is the estimate of the cost connected with the creation of the new system of government and the increased annual charge to be incurred in the maintenance of the administration; whether an inquiry will be held with a view of ascertaining the feeling of the large populations affected by the change of administration; and whether, in view of the opposition of the inhabitants affected, he will suspend the operation of the Orders passed until further consideration has been given to their representations.

The territories to be transferred from Bengal to the new province consist of the districts of the Chittagong and Dacca Divisions, those of the Rajshahi Division except Darjeeling, and the district of Malda. The line of demarcation will follow the present boundaries of those districts. The new province, which will be a Lieutenant-Governorship, will be called "Eastern Bengal and Assam." The new system will come into operation as soon as the necessary arrangements can be completed, but I am not able at present to mention the date. The increased annual charge is estimated by the Government of India at rather more than ten lakhs of rupees, and the initial cost of buildings at Dacca at ten lakhs; there will probably be other expenses, of which no estimate can at present be given. The question has been under the consideration of the Government of India for more than two years, and has been the subject of a number of memorials and meetings. The Viceroy has personally visited some of the districts affected, and has replied in a series of speeches to the points raised, and is fully aware of the opposition to be encountered. I have laid on the Table the Resolution of the Government of India describing these changes, and a perusal of it will, I think, make it clear that no good could result from further inquiry.

Has the right hon. Gentleman received information as to a large number of influential meetings which have been held in Bengal in order to protest against this Order?

Yes, Sir, I have had a number of resolutions forwarded to me which have been passed at a large number of meetings. I am aware that there is great anxiety about this question. I hope the publication of the Resolution may have some effect in allaying that anxiety, and I have no doubt the Viceroy will do what he can to make the change palatable to the population concerned.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether, in accordance with the precedent followed in the case of the formation of the North-West Frontier Province, he will include in the Papers to be laid in reference to the partition of Bengal, in addition to the Resolution of the Government of India, the whole of the correspondence between the Viceroy and the Secretary of State upon the subject; and whether these Papers will be in the hands of Members before the rising of the House on Friday next.

Every case in which it is proposed to present Papers to Parliament is necessarily considered on its own merits. I hope that the Papers which on this occasion it is possible to publish may be in the hands of Members this evening. No time has been lost, so far as I am concerned, in laying them, as the Resolution only arrived yesterday.

On behalf of the hon. Member for East Perthshire, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India when are the proposals for a tax on jute for carrying out municipal improvements in Calcutta to come before the Government of India; and will he give an assurance that they shall not be assented to until after the House has had full information on the subject.

The Government of India have accepted the tax in principle, but the scheme for the improvement of Calcutta, of which it forms a part, has still to be considered by the municipal corporation and other bodies interested before it can take the form of a Bill. I cannot give the undertaking asked for in the last part of the Question, but full opportunity for making representations will be given to the classes affected.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will endeavour to obtain an approximately accurate estimate of the increased charges on local rates for the maintenance of roads arising from the greatly increased wear and tear of the roads, due to their use by motor vehicles of great weight and high power and speed, and from the cost of additional police services to check infractions of the law by motor vehicles, respectively; and whether, in preparing fresh financial proposals for next year, he will place such increased duties on motor vehicles, and so graduate the increased duties in proportion to the weight, power, and speed of such vehicles, as will probably meet the estimate of the increase caused to the rates by their use of the roads, and make to the several local authorities such grants towards the cost of road maintenance as will approximately meet the increased charges on the rates estimated to arise from motor traffic.

I cannot in any way anticipate the Budget proposals of next year. The hon. Member is aware that a Royal Commission is now being appointed to consider the whole question of the regulation of motor traffic.

Will it be the duty of the Royal Commission to consider the cost imposed on the ratepayers by motor traffic?

That is a Question as to the terms of the reference to the Commission, and it had better be addressed to the President of the Local Government Board, who is necessarily more familiar with the subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will now state what concessions he is prepared to make in answer to the petition of the Customs watchers.

The Treasury has notified to the Commissioners of Customs certain concessions which it is prepared to sanction in the case of the Customs watchers. These will be published in the usual manner by the Commissioners of Customs.

When?

I hope almost immediately.

; Cannot the hon. Gentleman state the nature of the concessions to the House? These men have been kept waiting a long time.

If the hon. Gentleman will put down an un-starred Question, I will give the details.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if there is any rule of the Post Office prohibiting its servants from wearing small badges or tokens of associations to which they may belong; is he aware that at Manchester a certain supervisor has ordered men to remove tokens from their private clothes; and does he sanction such an order.

I would refer the hon. Member to my Answer to a Question on the same subject asked by the hon. Member for Merthyr Tydvil yesterday.†

Will the noble Lord tell me what the Answer was? I was not here.

It was circulated with the Votes.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state how much has been expended upon the up-keep of Walmer and Deal Castles, respectively, during the last ten

† See page 341.

years; and whether the cost of maintenance and repair of these castles will be given each year in the Estimates in future.

The average annual expenditure for the years 1894–5 to 1903–4 was as follows, namely:—Deal, £145; Walmer, £202. The Answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative.

As the noble Lord the Member for Ealing has Deal Castle for life in addition to a political pension of £2,000 a year, he ought to pay the cost of the repairs.

Who pays the rates?

asked for notice.

I beg to ask the Lord-Advocate whether, in view of the injury now annually done to the fishing industry of the West of Scotland by the capture of herrings out of season, the Secretary for Scotland will enforce the Act 28 and 29 Vic. c. 22, Section 2, providing a close time from the 1st day of February to the 31st day of May in each year, between the Point of Ardnamurchan and the Mull of Galloway.

Is it not the fact that many of the fishermen think the enforcement of a close time would be ruinous? Will the right hon. Gentleman appoint a Commission to inquire into the matter?

An investigation on the migrations of herrings in the Clyde area is now in process, and in view of this fact, and that there is a considerable diversity of opinion among the fishermen themselves, it is not proposed at present to take the steps suggested by the hon. Member. In reply to the hon. Member for the Ayr Burghs, I have to say I cannot hold out any I hope of a Commission of inquiry.

I beg to ask the Lord-Advocate whether he is aware that the Highlands and Islands Commission, reporting in 1895, recommended that no less than 1,782,785 acres within the crofting counties of Scotland should be scheduled for new holdings, for the extension of existing holdings, and for moderately sized farms, and that a very large proportion of this acreage was then included within deer forests; whether he is aware that between 1898 and 1904, fifty-two wholly new deer forests have been formed, extending to 424,957 acres, while only 15,485 acres appear to have been taken from deer forests for other purposes; whether he can state what is the total number of acres provided for new holdings, or extension of holdings, or moderately sized farms by the Crofters Commission since 1895, and what number of acres so provided were taken out of deer forests; and whether he will consider the advisability of legislation next year to check the extension of deer forests, and to give effect to the recommendations of the Highlands and Islands Commission.

I am, of course, acquainted with the terms of the Report and of the Return referred to by the hon. Member. I am in communication with the Crofters Commission as to the information desired in the 3rd paragraph of the Question, and on receipt of this I will send it to the hon. Member. Any Question as to legislation for next year should be addressed to the First Lord.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman reply to the latter part of the Question? Will he do so if I put it down for Thursday?

I hope so. I expected to be able to do it to-day.

Then I will put it down for Thursday.

The right hon. Gentleman has offered to supply the information to the hon. Member privately. That will not do. I also want it.

If a starred Question is put down for Thursday, as I have suggested, I hope I may be able to give a full Answer.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the County Down Assizes, on July 12th, two Orangemen, named Halliday and Bingham, indicted for unlawfully assaulting two Nationalists, and causing them serious bodily harm, were acquitted; whether he can state the number of jurors ordered to stand aside in this case; whether he is aware that the jury was composed exclusively of political sympathisers with the prisoners; and whether he can explain why the representatives of the Crown omitted to challenge William J. Dologhan, an Orange politician avid lecturer, who acted as foreman of the jury.

One juror was ordered to stand aside by the Crown, and four were challenged by the prisoner, who apparently saw no reason to object to the jurors sworn, or he could have challenged two more of them. The foreman of the jury was not William J. Dologhan, but one Joseph Anderson. The juror ordered to stand aside came from the locality, and was only ordered to stand by lest he might be prejudiced owing to the strong feelings which prevailed there in reference to the crime. There is no reason whatever to believe that the jury were composed of political sympathisers with the accused.

Was Dologhan a member of the jury?

I believe so.

Why was an Orange politician and lecturer allowed to serve on a jury empanelled to try Orangemen?

No juryman is set aside on account of his religious convictions.

Is it not a fact that in the South of Ireland men are ordered to stand aside because they are members of the United Irish League?

No.

Why, you have said so in this House over and over again.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what explanation can be offered of the fact that, at the trial at the Down Assizes of two Orangemen named Halliday and Bingham for a stabbing outrage near Banbridge, the Crown omitted to examine two witnesses named Hillen, who assisted in taking the knife from one of the accused; and whether he is aware that the withholding of this evidence secured the acquittal of the accused.

Edward McGovern, who took the knife from the accused, was examined, as well as three or four other witnesses, who proved that they actually saw the accused use the knife. The evidence that the knife was used by the accused was absolutely conclusive, and, indeed, was so treated by the counsel for the prisoners, who contended that his clients were, under the circumstances, justified in using the knife in self-defence, and the jury acquitted the accused on that plea. The evidence of the Hillens, who had not made any depositions, could not have added to the strength of the Crown case on the point of the use of the knife, as that fact was already established beyond controversy. There is no foundation whatever for the statement in the last query. The accused were acquitted, not because the jury did not believe they had used the knife, but because they believed that, though it was used in fact, its use was justifiable in self-defence.

Is it not the fact that the representatives of the Crown wanted to get these men acquitted, and therefore packed the jury and suppressed the evidence?

No, Sir.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the trial of a man named Hassan at the last County Derry Assizes on a charge of matricide, whether there was any political or religious element in the case; whether he is aware that the jury found that the accused was insane when he committed the deed; and whether he can state why all the Catholic jurors were ordered to stand aside.

There was no political or religious element in this case. Five jurors in all were ordered to stand by. One of them, when he came to the box, stated he objected to capital punishment, and was ordered to stand by on that account. Another in the same manner stated that he was a publican living in the district where the murder was committed, and that the merits of the case had often been discussed in his presence. In consequence of that statement he was ordered to stand by. The three remaining jurors were ordered to stand by because it was believed by the Crown Solicitor that if sworn they would not give an impartial verdict. I have no information as to the religion of these jurors, and none of them were ordered to stand by on political or religious grounds, and I believe the prisoner did not exhaust his challenges.

Is it not a fact that the only Catholic juror was challenged, and that it was an exclusively Orange jury?

I do not know what was the religion of the challenged juror. I deny altogether that an exclusively Orange jury was empanelled.

It was the usual packed jury.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the circumstances of the prosecution of an Orangeman named Edwards at the last Portadown Petty Sessions; whether he is aware that one of the witnesses for the defence swore that the people of the district would make it hot for any Catholic going to live there; whether it has been brought to his knowledge that the house of the complainant, a Catholic, was attacked and the windows broken, and that a claim for compensation for malicious injury was rejected by the Court; whether, in view of the fact that Edwards and the witnesses for the defence admitted that he had used Party expressions by cursing the Pope, he can state if the police intend to prosecute on this charge; and what special steps the authorities have taken to protect the lives and property of Catholics in this district.

I have seen a newspaper report of the proceedings in regard to this petty squabble, from which it appears that summonses for abusive language were taken against each other by two rival blacksmiths who reside two miles from Portadown. The magistrates dismissed both cases, which they said ought never to have been brought into Court. It is not the case that the complainant's windows were broken. There are no grounds for any police prosecution, nor are any special police measures necessary. The Protestant and Catholic people of the locality are generally on the most amicable terms.

Does the right hon. Gentleman say, in fact, that no windows were broken?

Yes, I said so.

It is not true.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the state of public opinion in Ireland on the subject, he will cause independent inquiry to he made into any further promotions that may be attempted in the staff of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland.

No, Sir; the Department is quite competent to deal with questions affecting its staff.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how do matters, as to sale and purchase, stand as between Mr. Lefroy, the landlord, and the town tenants of Cahirconlish, county Limerick; has Mr. Lefroy made any offer of sale to the Estates Commissioners; have thirty-five plots been apportioned to as many labourers, of one statute acre each; if so, under what Act or procedure are those lots to be given to the labourers; and will he use his influence that the town tenants may as soon as possible obtain the purchase of their houses and a division between them of the adjoining demesne.

A preliminary inspection of the demesne has been made, but no decision as to purchase has been arrived at. The Commissioners understand that the district council are negotiating with the owner for the purchase of thirty-four acres of land for labourers' plots.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland can he say what progress has been made as to the sale and purchase between Colonel Gascoigne, owner of the town of Kilfinane, county Limerick, and the town tenants thereon; has the landlord, now that he is preparing to sell to the rural tenants, made any overtures of sale to the town tenants, seeing that the entire estate is one which comes within the scope of the Land Purchase Act of 1903; has he made any offer of sale of the estate to the Estates Commissioners; and can he say what are the prospects of the tenants becoming real owners of their own houses.

Proceedings for the sale of the Gascoigne Estate were instituted before the Commissioners on March 28th last, but the town tenants are not included in those proceedings. The Commissioners have no information upon the remaining points raised in the Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland is he aware that negotiations for sale of the estate of the Synans in Carnane, Fedamore, county Limerick, have been in progress for some time through the Court of Chancery, with the view that this untenanted land may be apportioned in small farms to the labourers and farmers in the district, which is a congested one; is he aware of a public requisition having been made, through the Court, of letting the crop of those lands to the surrounding tenants, pending final disposition, rather than to hand it over to the eleven months graziers; and will he take steps to secure that the people of the locality may as soon as possible get possession of those untenanted lands.

I refer to the reply given to the hon. Member's previous Question of April 13th.† I am informed that as the conditional order for sale of this estate has not yet been made absolute, negotiations for sale through the Court would be premature.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland is he aware that the Estates Commissioners have bought from the Nevin family their estate in Mount Shannon, county Limerick, for the purpose of quartering evicted tenants thereon; can he say how many acres, I.P.M., is supposed to be in the estate, and how many acres have been already allocated to evicted tenants; and have they, as yet, got any claim or title to their portions; or if not, what has been done with the lands for this season; have any other evicted tenants besides those in county Limerick been designated as the occupants in prospective; and will he expedite proceedings for the relief of the evicted tenants.

† See (4) Debates, exlv., 82.

The question of the purchase of this estate is under consideration, and of course no allotment of the lands has been made. The owner is in occupation of the lands, which comprise 867 statute acres, or about 535 acres Irish plantation measure.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland where Constable Cryan, Royal Irish Constabulary, is located; and whether, as Cryan was an accomplice of Constable Masterson, who has absconded, in the assault upon Carroll at Somergrove, Mountmellick, on March 17th last, he proposes to retain his services as a peace officer.

Constable Cryan is at present stationed in county Wexford. I am making inquiry as to the remaining part of the Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on the 11th and 12th ult. the Orange Hall and certain houses occupied by Protestants in Emyvale, county Monaghan, were covered with crosses of tar; and what steps, if any, have been taken to discover the aggressors.

The fact is as stated. The police have used every effort to discover the offenders, but so far without success.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if all the police stationed at Emyvale and Scotstown, county Monaghan, are Roman Catholics; and, if so, will he consider the advisability of a proportionate number of Protestants being stationed in these districts.

The fact is as stated in the first inquiry. The county inspector has already taken steps to secure the allotment of a proportionate number of Protestant members of the force to these stations.

Have these steps been taken since the Question appeared on the Paper?

I should imagine that they were taken before that.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in all future appointments the proper proportions of Catholics and Orangemen are observed?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that applications were made, and sites selected, for the building of labourers' cottages, about two years ago, in the districts of Clady and Markethill, county Armagh; and whether he will explain why the erection of these cottages has not been proceeded with.

Representations as to the labourers' cottages in question were considered by the Armagh Rural District council on September 27th last. The Local Government Board understand that the council have decided upon plans and have selected most of the necessary sites. The Board are in communication with the Council on the subject.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, since it has been stated that the Catholic clerks of the veterinary branch of the Irish Agricultural Department who have eleven years service and salaries of less than £100 a year receive the salaries of the grade to which they belong, will he give the names of any officers serving in the Department who since April 1st, 1900, have received scales of pay in excess of those in operation on that date, with the reasons for any such excess, the present scales of pay, and those in force immediately prior thereto.

No, Sir. It would be contrary to precedent to give any such. Return, and I must therefore decline to give it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can now state whether the sale of Lord Listowel's estate in North Kerry has yet been sanctioned by the Estates Commissioners; and whether he can state what action have the Estates Commissioners taken in connection with the applications of cottiers and other small tenants on the estate who have applied for a division of the grazing lands, so as to enlarge their uneconomic holdings, in Pilgrim Hill and other districts.

The estate has not yet been inspected. It will be taken in order of priority.

Have the Estates Commissioners taken any steps, or must they await the inspection?

Obviously they can do nothing without an inspection of the estate.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to a speech delivered at an Orange meeting on July 12th by Dr. McMaster, of Broughshane, county Antrim; and, seeing that McMaster is a dispensary doctor, whether the attention of the Local Government Board will be directed to the matter.

The Board's regulations do not prohibit a dispensary medical officer from addressing meetings so long as his attendance at such meetings does not interfere with the performance of his official duties. It is not alleged that such was the case in the present instance.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether complaints have been made on behalf of the executive committee (under The Diseases of Animals Act, 1894) of the Dublin Corporation, that horses suffering from glanders and others suspected of glanders have been brought from the county of Dublin area into the area of the city of Dublin without the licence of the city authority; whether this was done with the sanction of the veterinary branch of the Department of Agriculture; and whether steps will be taken in future to prevent the rights of the local authority in the city from being thus set aside and the property of the citizens being endangered by the unauthorised introduction into the city of glandered horses.

A complaint to the effect mentioned was received, and it was found that the horses referred to had been removed into Dublin for immediate destruction upon a licence issued by the veterinary inspector of the county local authority and endorsed by the acting veterinary inspector of the city local authority. The sanction of the Department was not given, and it was not necessary. The matter referred to in the final paragraph is one for arrangement between the city and county local authorities.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can say if the Estates Commissioners, when they acquire untenanted land for the purpose of settling evicted tenants thereon, have power to make free grants for the purpose of stocking farms; can they also make loans for this purpose; and, if not, will he lay upon the Table the Treasury instructions, if any, which hamper their discretion.

The whole question of the power of the Estates Commissioners to make free grants and loans was considered by Mr. Justice Meredith on questions referred to him by the Commissioners in the Wills-Sandford Estate. The judgment of the learned Judge is reported in the 5th new Irish Jurist Reports, page 281, and is, I am informed, to the effect that grants or loans may be made for such a purpose as that mentioned in the Question, but that the loans can only be repaid by an addition to the purchase annuity where the estate has been purchased by the Land Commission. In all other cases this must be done by an agreement with the purchaser made at the time. The Treasury regulations, which only refer to the first class of cases, are consistent with this judgment, and in no way hamper any discretion vested in the Commissioners. There is no necessity, therefore, for laying the regulations on the Table.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Board of Intermediate Education for Ireland has any objection to the production, for the information of Parliament and the Irish public, of full copies of the Minutes of the meeting or meetings at which it was determined to place at the disposal of the authorities of Trinity College, Dublin, not only the marks obtained by the most distinguished students at the intermediate examinations, but also the written answers of the students; and whether the Board will furnish such information to every institution and every individual founding a scholarship to be held at a University college in Ireland.

The question will be brought before the next meeting of the Board on Thursday.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that an inspector from the Land Commission, named Cunningham, called on the representatives of the late Patrick Byrne, of Tully, an evicted tenant on Lord Lansdowne's estate, Luggacurran, Queen's County, at their residence, Woodstock Terrace, Athy, on June 22nd, 1905, and stated that he had only fifteen acres of land to offer them; and whether he will take steps to secure that a larger holding shall be given to the representatives of Patrick Byrne, who was evicted from a holding of 120 acres in 1887, owing only one half-year's rent and the hanging gale.

The representatives of the evicted tenant claimed a holding of 120 acres. The inspector explained that it would only be practicable, having regard to the number of other applicants, to consider a claim for a small holding of from fifteen to thirty acres. No such claim was preferred, and the inspector, who carefully considered their circumstances, felt unable to recommend any allotment to them.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether nearly two years have elapsed since the Government informed the Beard of Intermediate Education for Ireland that the question of carrying out the Intermediate Education Act of 1900 by the establishment of a permanent inspectorate would not be entertained until the parts which examination and inspection should play in the distribution of State aid in the schools had been settled; and for what further period is it intended to defer the settlement of this point.

The Report of the Commission on Intermediate Education in Ireland recommends several substantial alterations in the system, and is adverse to the establishment of a permanent inspectorate, both on educational and financial grounds. I have already informed the hon. Member that a settlement of the question of inspection must await the result of the consideration of the Report of the Commissioners. I have no further statement to make in the matter at present.

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered either part of my Question.

Obviously until a scheme carrying out the Report can be devised it would be improper to adopt any system of permanent inspection.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that so long ago as 1902 (October) the Intermediate Board asked the Government to sanction a scheme and the Government has done nothing in the matter.

Of course I am aware. I have stated many times that subsequent information has shown the necessity for a different scheme altogether, and hence it would be absurd to carry out the recommendation of 1902.

May the Government scheme be expected by 1910?

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state if any cases of killing animals were recently reported to the police at Shilnavogey, Broughshane, county Antrim; whether he is aware that the owner was the only Nationalist farmer in the district; and whether the perpetrators have been brought to justice.

Two animals were recently found dead at this place. The owner has lodged a claim for compensation for malicious injury, and pending the hearing of that claim it would be undesirable to make any statement on the subject.

Is this man the only Nationalist farmer in the district, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the representative of this constituency has condemned the outrage?

I cannot say.

I can tell you he has not.

Then why ask the Question?

I thought you would like to know.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Irish fund described as the Reserve Fund in Section 43 of the Irish Land Act, 1903, is invested; and, if so, what is the amount of the annual interest thereon, and what becomes of such interest.

The Purchase of Land (Ireland) Reserve Fund is invested in Consols, and the dividends accruing thereon were similarly invested until January, 1904. The Consols now held on account of the fund amount to £263,212 7s. The dividends thereon, amounting to £6,580 6s. a year, are employed in making the advances authorised by Section 43 of the Irish Land Act, 1903.

Then the interest has not been paid to any other purpose?

Up to 1904 the dividends were invested. Since then they have been applied to the purposes I have mentioned. If they are not required for that we can take to investing them again.

I understand that interest has been paid on the fund since it reached the sum of £250,000.

I think the hon. Member is more familiar with the subject than I am. Perhaps he will communicate with me privately.

It is easily explained. This fund was created by the Land Purchase Act, 1891. Several years ago it reached the limit of £250,000—

Order, order! If Questions are to be explained in this way it would be unfair to hon. Members who have Questions later on the Paper.

I only explained because I was asked to do so.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury what is the reason for the disemployment of a number of men connected with the Phœnix Park; how many of the men so disemployed were Catholics and how many of them were Protestants; Low many of them were entitled to and will receive superannuation, and how many of them Would have been so entitled had they been allowed to remain at their work a few years longer; did the Irish Commissioners of Works, as a body, consider each individual case; and can any Minute on the subject be furnished to the House.

There has been no special disemployment of labourers at the Phœnix Park. Of the men retired this year all have received or will receive gratuities under the Superannuation Acts, except one who was dismissed for irregular attendance after less than four years service. Nothing is known as to the religious beliefs of the employees. Every case of retirement or dismissal is directed by the Commissioners as a body. I see no reason for issuing a Minute, as suggested by the hon. and learned Member.

The hon. Gentleman has not answered my Question —how many men would have been entitled to a pension had they been allowed to remain at work a little longer time?

There is only one who will not receive a gratuity.

That is not the point. I am asking about pensions. It is the Treasury way of getting rid of these men and escaping the liability for pensions.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he hopes before the end of the session to be able to make any statement with regard to the land recently purchased by His Majesty, for the public enjoyment, as an addition to the Phœnix Park; or will the arrangements connected with the user of the new acquisition be shortly published.

The land in question has been purchased by the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, and will be let on lease to the Board of Works, whose duty it will be to preserve it in good condition, so as to secure the amenities of Phœnix Park.

How soon will the terms of the arrangement be made public?

I hope the arrangement will be completed before long.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture by how many has the staff of the Irish Ordnance Survey been diminished within the last five years, and by how many has the Southampton staff been increased; was it in Southampton or in Dublin that the maps connected with the Report of the Trinity College Commission were prepared, and who selected the place where the work should be done.

The number of men employed at the Ordnance Survey Office in Phœnix Park is now 250, as compared with 282 five years ago, but the aggregate number employed on survey work in Ireland as a whole has increased from 924 to 1,154 during that period. The Survey staff at Southampton has been reduced by 145, viz., from 922 to 777, during the last five years. The maps connected with the Report of the Trinity College Commission were printed at Southampton, some of them being too large for the printing machine at Dublin. The Director-General of the Survey is responsible for the division of the work as between the two offices.

Surely that demonstrates the necessity for improved machinery at Dublin?

Why has work been taken away from Ireland?

On the contrary, the figures show that the work in Dublin has increased during the last five years

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether, in. view of the fact that he has dismissed from employment, after seventeen years service, a man named Daniel Scully, of the engineering department of the General Post Office, Dublin, on a charge of forgery and embezzlement of a sum of £2 odd, he will pay whether Scully was ever given any form of trial, and whether he was confronted with his accusers and allowed the opportunity of cross-examining them; whether he is aware that Scully has denied that he is guilty of either of the charges preferred against him, and has asked that he should be given such an opportunity of vindicating his character as would be afforded by a criminal prosecution; and whether he will now say that he will prosecute Scully or restore him to his employment.

As I have already explained to the hon. Member by letters of the 6th and 26th June and 26th July, I went very fully into the case to which he refers before coming to a decision, and I find no reason for departing from that decision.

The noble Lord admits, I take it, that he has discharged this man, who is charged with forgery and embezzlement. I presume he has evidence in his possession to justify that charge, or has he not?

I have the right which belongs to every Postmaster-General to get rid of any man from the postal service if, for reasons which he thinks sufficient, that man is not capable of offering efficient or honest service.

That is not my Question. Will the noble Lord answer straightforwardly, has he evidence in his possession justifying the charge of forgery and embezzlement?

I have nothing to add to my Answer.

At the first opportunity I shall call attention to the cruelty practised by the Postmaster- General in dooming this man and his family to ruin on evidence which he is afraid to produce.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether he is aware that, owing to the refusal of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge to grant to women degrees corresponding to their courses of study, and the opening by the University of Dublin of all its courses of study, degrees, prizes, fellowships, and other offices to women, and the agreement between the three Universities that students educated at one University are taken in by another as of the status to which they are entitled by their educational exercises in the first, and that this includes the conferment of degrees known as ad eundem by the second University on all applicants applying to it as graduates of the first, since 1904 nearly 200 Englishwomen from Oxford and Cambridge have gone to Dublin for their degrees in accordance with this arrangement; and whether, having regard to these facts, he will take steps, by legislation or otherwise, to induce the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge to grant to women the degrees to which their educational proficiency may entitle them.

I understand the present position is that ladies get education at Oxford and Cambridge and pay their fees for the degrees at Trinity College, Dublin. That seems to be a good arrangement for Trinity College. As regards Oxford and Cambridge, the Government have no power of offering advice to these great and learned bodies, and I certainly cannot give any pledge that legislation will be introduced.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, as Scotland has a separate Poor Law system and had a separate Commission of inquiry on the last occasion, he will consider the expediency of having a separate Commission for Scotland no

I have to say that the matter is under consideration, but I frankly admit that I am disposed to think that the Commission to inquire into the subject would be better constituted if all the three kingdoms were represented upon it, and if they were enabled to deal with a problem common to all. The fact that the Poor Law system is different in Scotland, England, and Ireland seems to me not to be conclusive against that view. On the contrary, there might be some advantage in having persons on the Commission who were intimately and practically acquainted with the working of the system in the three countries.

Is it not the fact that there were separate Commissions for the three countries seventy years ago?

The hon. Member no doubt refers to the great Commission on the Poor Law which was conducted on the principles he has suggested. Whether, when we are dealing with the industrial aspects of the case and wider problems than they had under consideration, we should have a separate Commission, is a different point. Though I do not pretend that the Government have arrived at a final conclusion, I think the fact of a single precedent on the other side ought not to be conclusive in the direction which the hon. Member desires to see adopted.

But having regard to the fact that the population of Great Britain is mainly urban, while that of Ireland is mainly rural, might not questions arise involving different treatment for each country?

No doubt the proportion of rural and urban population is different in Ireland from what it is in Great Britain, but there is an urban population in Ireland and a rural population in England and Scotland also.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the members of the Royal Commission to inquire into the working of the Poor Laws have yet been appointed; and whether, seeing that the subjects which they are to consider necessarily include the question of out-door relief and the problems of the unemployed and pensions for aged deserving poor, he will, before appointing them, consider the expediency of including members of public bodies who have had experience of these and cognate matters.

The Royal Commission is not yet constituted, but the suggestions that have been made by hon. Members will receive careful consideration.