To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the attention of the Admiralty has been drawn to the fact that the derelict steamer "Dunmore," which was abandoned by her crew several weeks ago, is drifting in the Atlantic on the direct route between this country and North America, to the danger of vessels trading between these countries; and whether steps will be taken by the Admiralty to have her destroyed as soon as possible.

( Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson. ) The reports recently received have shown that the "Dunmore" is in the track of Atlantic traffic and is drifting rapidly eastwards, and, though the Joint Committee of the Admiralty and Board of Trade of 1894 came to the conclusion that the number of well-established casualties from collisions with derelicts in the open sea is very small, in this case it is thought desirable to take action, and the Fourth Cruiser Squadron is at once to receive orders to search for the "Dunmore."

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will explain why the manager of the agricultural farm at Athenry, acting under instructions received from the Agricultural Board, is importing newly-made cars and carts from Aberdeen, while articles of the same shape and pattern, but of a better and cheaper make, are sold and manufactured in the neighbourhood.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed that it is not the case that the manager of the agricultural station at Athenry is importing newly-made cars or carts from Aberdeen. Only one such cart was imported last year; and it was brought over with the object of affording the apprentices at the station an opportunity of comparing a Scotch type of cart with those in use in Ireland and England. Of the six carts at Athenry, four were made in Ireland, one in Scotland, and one in England. The latest cart brought to Athenry came from, and was made in, the King's County. Three carts made in the neighbourhood of Athenry are in use upon the farm.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he will include the established sub-postmasters (head office scale) in the inquiry as to pay and promotion.

To ask the Postmaster - General whether he will distinguish the class of head office system sub-postmasters from that of sub-office system sub-postmasters, the latter of whom are shopkeepers, and designate the farmer as postmasters (second class).

To ask the Postmaster - General whether he will raise the established sub-post offices in towns with a population over 10,000 to the rank of head post offices, so as to give greater scope for promotion to head postmasterships.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) I had perhaps better answer together the hon. Member's three Questions in regard to sub-postmasters paid on the head office scale. It is for the Select Committee on Post Office servants to decide whether they will consider such officers as falling within the terms of their reference. The duties of such sub-postmasters are not parallel with those of head postmasters, nor would the alteration of title which the hon. Member proposes describe their status more accurately than their present designation; but it has been decided that two classes of sub-offices will be called by the more convenient names of "salaried sub-offices" and "commission sub-offices." It is not the population of a town which is the ruling factor in deciding whether or not to institute a head office there, but the amount and character of the post office duty to be performed; and it is not possible in any case to create superior appointments with the view of stimulating promotion.

To ask the Postmaster General whether he is aware that the mail cart drivers in Dublin complain that the Fair Wages Resolution of the House is violated in their employment, and also that their conditions of labour are unusual; and whether he will make inquiries into the matter with a view to having this alleged grievance remedied.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) On receiving complaints in regard to the matter I caused inquiry to be made on the subject. The inquiry is not yet complete; but I am glad to learn that an improvement has already been effected in the conditions of employment, both in regard to hours and wages of some of the men referred to.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he has received the resolution adopted with only two dissentients at a public meeting of the inhabitants of Bangor, county Down, on the subject of the site selected for the new post office; and whether, before proceeding further with the contemplated arrangements, he will take care to ascertain whether they are likely to be productive of great public inconvenience.

To ask the Postmaster General whether his attention has been called to a meeting held in Bangor, county Down, on the 23rd ultimo, in reference to the selection of a site for the post office in that town; whether he is aware that the resolution in favour of the proposed site was carried at the district council by the chairman, who is the vendor of the site in question, giving a second or casting vote in its favour; and whether, as the site is in an inconvenient district and objected to by a large number of the inhabitants, he will take these facts into account before deciding between the various sites.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) In reply to the hon. Member's Question; and to the unstarred Question of the hon. Member for Tyrone (South Division) j which I may, perhaps, answer at the same time, a report of the public meeting referred to has been sent to this Department, and I have also received a copy of the resolution carried at that meeting. I am not aware of the circumstances under which the resolution in favour of the site which has been selected was carried at a meeting of the district council. It is reported that the resolution was finally carried by seven votes to five. The question of a site for the new post office was very carefully considered, and the position of the proposed new office, at the corner of Main Street and Castle Square, is deemed on the whole the most suitable. But under the circumstances I have called for a further Report in the matter.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many motor cars were imported into this country from France during each of the months of January, February, and March, and the value of them; and how many were exported from this country into France during the same months and the value of them.

( Answered by Mr. Kearley. ) The following figures give the information asked for—

Statement showing the number and value of Motor Cars imported into and exported from the United Kingdom in its trade with France during the months of January, February, and March, 1906.

To ask the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to Section 4 of the Board of Education Act of 1899, under which provision is taken for the setting up of a register of teachers to contain the names of the registered teachers arranged in alphabetical order, with an entry after the name of each showing the date of registration, and giving a brief record of his qualifications and experience; whether, under this section, Orders in Council were adopted on March 6th, 1902, and August 11th, 1902, providing for the setting up of a register of teachers in two columns, one confined to teachers eligible for service in public elementary schools, and the other to teachers eligible for service in schools other than elementary; and whether, in view of the difference between the terms of the Act and the terms of the Orders in Council, he proposes to take any steps in the matter.

( Answered by Mr. Birrell. ) My attention has been called to the discrepancy referred to. I am satisfied that the register in its present shape, even if legal, which seems to be doubtful, gives justifiable dissatisfaction to various branches of the teaching profession. Further, no alterations which would remove these objections have been found possible, and it has therefore been decided that a clause should be inserted in the coming Bill which, if passed by Parliament, will have the effect of bringing the register to an end. Arrangements will be made for returning the fees.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if his attention has been called to the case of the King v. John Brown, at Ballickmoylar, Queen's County, petty sessions, on the 16th instant, the defendant being charged with assault; whether he is aware that when Brown was brought before a local magistrate, the doctor certified that the person assaulted was not seriously hurt; that substantial bail, offered for Brown's appearance at petty sessions, was refused by the magistrate, on the application of the policeman who brought the charge; and that Brown was handcuffed and driven a distance of twenty-two miles, without an overcoat, to Kilkenny Gaol, and kept there for nine days; can he say how many magistrates were present at the hearing of the case; did the doctor swear that the wound was caused by a blow of the hand, and that he did not consider it dangerous; was the accused discharged by unanimous decision of the bench; and whether, in view of the irritation in the district caused by the conduct of the acting sergeant in charge at Doonane station, steps will be taken to prevent the law being strained to magnify simple offence into serious crime; and what are the costs incurred in the case, and will the costs be charged on the county rates.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed that in this case the accused was charged with a serious assault. The local police opposed bail in the first instance because the injured person was confined to bed, suffering from an incised wound in the head, and the doctor would not certify that his life was not then in danger. I am informed that Brown was handcuffed and driven twenty-one miles to Kilkenny Gaol without an overcoat, but that he had ample time and opportunity to provide himself with one. After a week's remand the accused was admitted to bail, as the doctor then certified that the injured man was out of danger. The case was eventually heard by six magistrates, who unanimously convicted the accused, but, as he had already suffered a week's imprisonment they ordered him to be kept in custody until the rising of the court only. The doctor's evidence was that the wound was of an incised nature, but might have been caused by a blow. He also stated that he did not consider the wound to be dangerous. The Inspector-General is not aware that any irritation has been caused in the district, and he is of the opinion that the local police were justified in the action taken by them. The cost amounted to £2 12s., none of which is chargeable to the county rates.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners will arrange to have printed on the back of the paying-in orders a table of redemption amounts, showing the redemption annuity of multiples of £10 up to £200.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Land Commission that the proposal contained in the Question is not practicable, having regard to the provisions of Section 46 of The Irish Land Act, 1903. The amount to be paid for the redemption of an annuity in any particular case depends upon the price of Guaranteed 2¾ per cent. stock at the date of the application for redemption.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what amount per cent. of premium a tenant purchaser would have to lodge in cash to redeem his holding on the date of commencement of his advance; to what credit such premiums are placed; and whether, having regard to the fact that the premium discourages tenants from redeeming, it is intended to continue the existing practice.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) This Question appears to be based upon a misapprehension. I am informed by the Land Commission that tenant purchasers are not required to pay a premium on redemptions. Having regard to the provisions of Section 46 of the Act of 1903, a purchase annuity may be redeemed by payment of the difference between the amount of the accumulated sinking fund and the sum sufficient to purchase the requisite amount of stock to replace the amount of stock issued to provide the purchase-money for the advance. The amount to be paid, therefore, depends on the price for which stock was issued at the time of the advance, and the price at which it can be purchased at the date of the redemption.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on Saturday night last, when between Athenry and Moorpark, Constable Gaffney, of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and a herd named Broderick, who is in the employment of Mr. Frank Shawe-Taylor, were fired upon by a person or persons concealed in a wood by the side of the road; whether the constable was wounded; and whether any arrests have been made in connection with the matter.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I have received a police report as to this occurrence, which indicates that the fact is as stated in the first part of the Question. Both the constable and Broderick were injured in the legs by pellets of small shot, but not seriously. No arrests have yet been made.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that four of the nine urban councilllors of Dromore, county Down, are shareholders in the Dromore Gas Company, who are contractors to the urban council; and, if so, what action the Local Government Board proposes to take.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The Local Government Board understand that the facts are as stated. Article 12 (5) (c) of the schedule to the Local Government (Application of Enactments) Order, 1898, provides that a person shall not be disqualified for being a member of a council by reason of being, by himself or his partner, interested in any contract with the council as a shareholder in any joint stock company.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that on Sunday, the 25th March, at Blackslea, Churchill Derrygonnolly, county Fermanagh, an outrage was committed on the cattle of Mr. James Corrigan, by cutting off the tails of three of his cows; is he aware that Mr. Corrigan is a respectable and inoffensive citizen; if he can say whether this and other offences lately perpetrated in that locality have arisen out of the late election in North Fermanagh; and what steps he proposes to take in reference to such displays of intimidation and violence in this district.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the police authorities that, on the date mentioned, the hair was cut off the tails of three cows, the property of Mr. Corrigan, and in one of the cases the flesh also was slightly cut. I do not doubt that Mr. Corrigan is a most respectable citizen. The data at my disposal do not enable me to say positively whether the motive for the injury was a political one, connected with the recent election. It is the fact that Mr. Corrigan took a prominent part in the election. The district in question is in a generally peaceful state, and it does not appear to be necessary to take any special steps for the preservation of the peace.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the system of quarterly payments causes much inconvenience to many national school teachers in Ireland; how often are English and Scottish teachers paid; and could a system of monthly pay-days be established for teathers in Ireland.

( Answered by Air. Bryce. ) I believe that the system of quarterly payments does cause inconvenience to many teachers. In England and Scotland teachers are paid by the local authorities. The Board of Education inform me that, though they have no direct knowledge, they believe that as a rule teachers are paid monthly by those authorities. The payments made by the Board of Education itself to the local authorities are made annually. The National Board, as I stated two days ago, think that it would be very difficult for them to institute the monthly system in Ireland without enormously increasing their staff. With such an increase the change could no doubt be made. The question is really one of expense.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, having regard to the crimelessness of the district, as evidenced by the recent charge of the judge of assize, and to the fact that the reasons for its erection have ceased to exist, he will suggest to the Inspector-General of the Royal Irish Constabulary the advisability of having the police hut removed from Dromod, near Ballybay, county Monaghan.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the police authorities that the police hut in question was erected nearly twenty years ago for the purpose of protection. It is the case that the immediate purpose, for which the hut was erected no longer exists, but as the nearest police station is five miles distant the hut has been retained as a temporary police station. The locality is very peaceful, and the Inspector-General will at an early date consider the question whether the hut may be abolished.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will press upon the Intermediate Education Board the desirability of completing the publication of the results of their annual examination within a shorter period than six or seven months from the beginning of the examination, as was the case for 1905, and the necessity of annually publishing not later than April, as was originally the practice, its rules and programme for the school year commencing in the following August, seeing that the publication in 1905 was later than it had been before.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Intermediate Education Board that both the pass lists, and the exhibition, and prize lists were published in a little over two months from the conclusion of the examinations in 1905. The hon. Member probably refers to revised exhibition and prize lists which were subsequently issued as the result of the award by the Board of additional exhibitions. The Board expect to publish the rules and programme for 1907 in the course of the present month.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what is the salary of Sir Antony MacDonnell; what is the designation of his present office; what is the patronage at his disposal; is he a Minister of the Crown or a civil servant; and when are his services likely to be dispensed with.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The salary and designation of Sir Antony MacDonnell's office will be found at page 200 of the Estimates for Civil Services, Class 2, for the present financial year. No patronage is at his disposal except the post of his own private secretary, and it is intended to retain his services as long as possible.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many, and what, counties in Ireland have no main roads; in what counties has the no-main-roads declaration been reversed by the Local Government Board; and whether, seeing that the county council and the majority of the rural and urban councils are dissatisfied with the Board's action in the matter, he will ask for a re-consideration of the whole matter.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed that in twenty-two counties declarations have been made by the county councils that there should be no main roads. In sixteen of these counties, the names of which I will communicate to the hon. Member, there were no formal appeals, and the provisional declaration of the county councils, therefore, became absolute without any decision of the Local Government Board. Six cases came under the jurisdiction of the Board. In the case of Antrim, Down, and Waterford the no-main-road declaration was reversed after inquiry and full and careful consideration of the evidence and circumstances in each case, while in the case of Meath, Monaghan, and Tipperary (North Riding), the no-main-road declaration was upheld.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether flogging is permitted as a disciplinary measure in Irish prisons; and, if so, how many cases have taken place during the year 1905, and with whom rests the power of authorising this punishment.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed that corporal punishment with the cat or birch rod is legal, and is permitted in the case of male convicts, but not of local prisoners. One case of corporal punishment took place during the year 1905, namely, at Maryborough convict prison. The power of authorising such punishment is vested by statute in the General Prisons Board.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state how many estates have been sold, or are in process of being sold, in county Clare under the Land Act of 1903.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The Estates Commissioners inform me that agreements between landlords and tenants have been lodged in respect of seventy-seven estates in county Clare. In the case of twenty of these estates advances have been made, and the holdings vested in the tenants. In addition, the Commissioners have had inquiries made into the circumstances of five estates in the same county, with a view to their purchase under sections 6 and 7, and they have, so, far, agreed to purchase one of these estates.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that an estate sold under the Act of 1903, where the price ranges between eighteen and a-half years and twenty-four and a-half years' purchase on first-term rents, and between twenty-one and a-half and twenty-seven and three-quarters years' purchase on second-term rents, there is no inspection by the Government for security of advance, when the price ranges between ten and eighteen years' purchase on first-term rents, prices at which many estates were sold under the Ashbourne and Balfour Acts, the holdings must be inspected to ascertain if there is security for the advance; and whether the Estates Commissioners will be instructed not to sanction sales on first-term rents until an inspector of the Land Commission reports on the question of security for the advance.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that the figures given in the Question as to the limit of the operations of the zone system under the Act of 1903 appear to be correct. The Commissioners are of opinion that they are bound under the statute to make advances within the zones on lands declared by them to be fit to be regarded as an estate. The matter, being regulated by statute, is not within the sphere of action of the Irish Government.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a circular has recently been issued to the Metropolitan Constabularly of London, warning the members of the force against allowing personal considerations of any kind whatever to affect their sworn testimony, and pointing out to them that it is their duty to give not only the facts which tell against the accused, but also to give the facts which tell in his favour, and further stating that a grave view will be taken of any failure in this respect; and whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a similar circular to the members of the Dublin Metropolitan Police Force and the members of the Royal Irish Constabularly.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I understand from the newspapers that the fact is as stated in the Question. I have communicated with the heads of both the Royal Irish Constabularly and the Dublin Metropolitan Police, and I learn that, in both cases, the official regulations contain explicit instructions to the effect indicated in the Question. I have seen these instructions, which deal fully with this very important matter. I am informed that it is it not considered necestary to issue fresh instructions on the subject.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in the case of the estates where sales take place under the Land Act, on the basis of the current gale of rent, the hanging gale and arrears being added to the amount of the purchase-money, the bonus of 12 per cent. is paid on all such additions, as if they were part of the purchase-money; and, if so, will he consent to amend the Act in this particular in any future amending legislation which may be deemed necessary.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) As stated in an Answer to a similar Question, which I gave on the 27th March,† the bonus under the Act is payable in the case put. Whether the law ought to be changed on this point deserves to be considered but I am not at present able to deliver the view of the Government on this subject.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state the number of years' purchase asked by Mr. Thomas Scully for the estate at Tullaroan which he recently offered for sale to the Estates Commissioners, and also the number of years' purchase offered by the said Estates Commissioners and which was refused by Mr. Scully.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I have already informed the hon. Member that the Estates Commissioners made an offer for this estate which the owner was not prepared to accept. The Commissioners do not think that it would be proper for them to disclose the particulars asked for, which they regard as confidential.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the great falling off in the acreage under flax in Ulster, due to the increasing difficult—in procuring a sufficient number of hands, within forty-eight hours, to steep, spread, and gather it, with the result that the fibre was often deteriorated in quality if not entirely lost; whether he will suggest to the authorities in Ulster, who are entrusted with the carrying out of the Labourers Act, the necessity, in the interest of flax cultivation, of planting on the land the labourers who have been driven off it; and whether he will bring under the notice of the Congested Districts Board and the Agricultural Board the advisability of trying flax growing in the congested districts of Connaught, where female labour is cheap and abundant.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Department of Agriculture that prior to the year 1897 there was a considerable falling off in the production of flax in Ulster, but that since that year the production has been practicaily constant. The Department are of opinion that scarcity of labour is a cause, though not the chief cause, of the decline of flax growing in Ulster. The Department's scheme for improvement of the flax-growing industry is in operation in two counties, of which portions are congested, namely Mayo and Donegal. In these-two counties shows of scutched flax have been held for several seasons, and prizes awarded to the growers and scutchers of the best lots, and also to the owners of mills in which the best lots were scutched. The Congested Districts Board do not now carry out general schemes for the improvement of agriculture, their operations in that respect having been transferred to the Department. I trust that the policy of providing better houses for labourers may result in securing a greater supply of labour in the agricultural districts referred to.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the agricultural tenants on the estate of Lamberts Minors, Athenry, county Galway, have been negotiating with the Receivers to the Lord Chancellor for the purchase of their holdings for the past eighteen months; that the negotiations have broken through owing to the demands made by the Receiver; and will he say if a memorial has been received from these tenants asking for a reduction of 20 per cent., which they would have received if the sale had gone through; and, seeing that there is no possibility of an agreement being arrived at as between the Receiver and the tenants, and that legal proceedings have been taken against them, will he request the Estates Commissioners to interfere, in the hope that an amicable arrangement may be arrived at for the sale of this estate.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I beg to refer to my Answer to the hon. Member's Question of 22nd March.† As I then stated, the estate in question is being managed by the Land Judge on behalf of the Lord Chancellor. The registrar of the Land Judge's Court informs me that he has no further information upon the subject than has already been given, but that he will make additional inquiries in the matter. I have already indicated that the case does not appear to be one in which the Estates Commissioners could intervene, having regard to their statutory powers.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have refused to treat the estate in county Cavan, known as the Morley estate, as an estate for the purposes of the Land Act of 1903; whether the syndicate who purchased the property from the late Earl Morley are now proceeding against the tenants for the full rent due, although the rent had been subject to a voluntary abatement of 6s. 8d. in the £.; and whether, under all the circumstances of this case, arbitration and proposed sale having proved abortive, he will represent to the Land Commission the advisability of sending at once a special Commissioner to hear the applications for fair rents which have been lodged by the tenants.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I understand that the estate mentioned is the same estate which was the subject of Questions put to me on 28th March and 3rd April by the hon. Member for West Cavan; and I beg to refer to my replies to those Questions.! It will be seen that only very few applications to fix fair rents on the estate remain undisposed of; that these have been but recently lodged; and that they will be heard at the next sitting for the district. The Land Commission do not think it necessary to hold a special sub-Commission court for these cases, and I have no power to interfere with their discretion in the matter.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in making new appointments to the Irish Land Commission, now contemplated by the Government, or any additions thereto, in future, he will consider the desirability of seeing that some of the appointments would be given to applicants having a knowledge of the Irish language; whether he is aware that inconvenience has been caused to Irish-speaking tenants in these courts in the West of Ireland, where Irish is the spoken language of the people; and whether steps will be taken to remove this inconvenience.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am obliged to the hon. Member for the suggestion he has made. Although I am informed that there are comparatively few tenants who speak only the Irish language, I think it desirable that if possible, and I assume it would be possible, there should be among the Assistant Land Commissioners one or more persons having a knowledge of the Irish language, and this will be borne in mind, subject of course to the prime obligation on the Government of securing the men most competent by their knowledge of land for the work of assistant Commissioners.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland can he say whether the average number of years purchase tinder the Ashbourne Act of 1885 for Cork County is 15·1, and for county Limerick 15·4; whether the average number of years' purchase for these counties under the Acts of 1891 and 1896 is Cork 16·5 and Limerick 16·8 during the period ended 31st March, 1903; what is the average number of years' purchase in counties Cork and Limerick sanctioned by the Estates Commissioners under the Purchase Act of 1903 up to the 1st January, 1906; and how many years' purchase does the bonus of 12 per cent. on these sales amount to.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that the prices under the Ashbourne Acts will be found in the annual reports of the Irish Land Commissioners. The prices sanctioned by the Estates Commissioners up to 31st March, 1905, will be found in their report for the period ending on that date, and the figures for the year now ended will appear in the next annual report, now in course of preparation. The Estates Commissioners inform me that it would cause serious delay in the carrying out of their regular work to detach members of their staff for the purpose of compiling statistics piecemeal, the greater part of which has already appeared.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been drawn to the Resolution passed by the rural district council of Strokestown, county Roscommon, protesting against the removal of the existing restrictions on the importation of Canadian cattle to Ireland; and will he say what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I have received the Resolution referred to. I have already pointed out that the interests of Ireland in this matter will be duly considered. The existing prohibition against the importation of cattle cannot be removed without legislation.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will say at whose instance, and for what reason, on the 11th March a body of police under a county inspector and two district inspectors was drafted into Tulsk, county Roscommon; whether this action of the authorities will entail additional expense upon the district; and whether, seeing that the number of police stationed at Tulsk barracks has been increased from five to eleven, he will state when this number will be reduced, in view of the peaceable state of the district.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) A force of police was assembled, at the instance of the police authorities, on the occasion mentioned for the preservation of the peace in connection with a meeting which it was feared would result in intimidation. No additional expense will be entailed upon the local authorities. It is the case that the police force at Tulsk station has been increased to the number mentioned. This increase is considered by the police authorities to be for the present advisable, but a reduction will be made as soon as the circumstances warrant it.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the paragraphs in the report of the Trinity College (Dublin) Estates Commissioners in which it is stated that what is known as the Provost's estate was not included in any return made to them by the College, although the Government valuation of the lands comprising that property was stated in 1851 to be over £2,600, and that no information was furnished to them in any other form in reference of this particular source of the college revenue; and whether, in view of this statement, the terms of reference to the proposed new Commission of Inquiry into matters connected with Trinity College will be so framed as to secure that full information shall, if possible, be obtained as to the nature and value of the so-called Provost's estate and the objects to which the profits of the estate are devoted.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The terms of reference to the proposed Commission of Inquiry have not yet been definitely settled, but I have announced in general terms that the inquiry will deal with the revenues of Trinity College and the manner in which they are applied. I am not aware whether the revenue from the property known as the Provost's; estate forms part of the college revenues, but if it does the Commission will, of course, deal with the matter.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the fact that a man named Martin May, a shopkeeper living in Ballinrobe, took a grazing farm at Mile Hill, in the parish of the Neale, county Mayo, some years ago, that this farm is now before the courts for sale, and that there are a number of persons in that district who are forced to live on the uneconomic holdings; and whether he will immediately instruct the Estates Commissioners to have the place inspected and taken over from the courts, with a view to having it split up in such a way that some of the holdings of cottier farmers in the locality may be enlarged.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed that the estate in question cannot; be identified from the particulars given either by the Estates Commissioners or by the officers of the courts. If the hon. Member will furnish the name of, the owner of the estate further inquiries will be made.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, if he is aware that on the 17th March last a monument, erected in honour of certain Irishmen, was unveiled in a public street in Cork by the Rev. Patrick Kavanagh, P.P., on which an inscription stated that it was erected in memory of certain men who fought and died in the wars of Ireland to recover her independence, and to inspire the youth of Ireland to follow in their footsteps and imitate their example; and whether it is the intention of the Government to allow this inscription to remain.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I was not aware of the facts stated in the Question, but am willing to believe that they are so if the hon. Member states them. It is not to be assumed that such of the youth of Ireland as may read the inscription mentioned will, under the happier conditions which now prevail, conceive that the welfare of Ireland is to be promoted by any such methods as were resorted to by those whom the monument commemorates. I hope that the time may soon arrive when conflicts and enmities that belong to the past may cease to excite passions disturbing the minds of the present generation.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many evicted tenants on Lord De Vesci's estate, Abbeyleix, Queen's County, have made representation to the Estates Commissioners for reinstatement to their holdings; whether he can state what is the extent of untenanted land upon the De Vesci property let on the eleven months' system; and whether the Commissioners have approached the owner with a view to the purchase of the same; and, if so, with what results.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The Estates Commissioners inform me that they have received nine applications for reinstatement from persons claiming to have been evicted from this estate. No proceedings for the sale of the estate have come before the Commissioners, nor have they sought to purchase it. They have no knowledge of the extent of un-tenanted land on the estate.

To ask the Secretary of State for War what is the total annual cost of the British battalion now stationed at Maritzburg, including a due allowance for the cost of training and provisioning of the troops; and how much of that total is contributed by the colony of Natal.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane. ) The battalion now stationed at Pieter-maritzburg is the remnant of the Royal Garrison regiment, and the cost may be estimated at about £13,000 a year, towards which Natal pays £4,000.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether it is to be understood that the tactical survey of portions of the coast line of the United Kingdom have already been completed, but that the survey of the probable lines of advance from the likely landing-places along that coast line, and of the defensive positions commanding those lines of advance, have not been, and are not to be carried out, although forming an integral and essential part of the original scheme; and whether he will consent to modify his decision to suspend this survey, at any rate to the extent of permitting the scheme of work already commenced to be completed.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane. ) The tactical reconnaissance of some portions of the coast line and the country in its immediate vicinity has been completed. It has been decided that the remainder of the original scheme, including the reconnaissance of the principal lines of advance, should be modified and concluded by next 1st December, by which date the work should be finished, so far as the more important positions are concerned. This decision was reached after full consideration, and I am not prepared to recede from it.

To ask the Secretary of State for War if he can state how long it would take the staff hitherto employed upon the tactical survey of the United Kingdom to complete the work of surveying the probable lines of advance from the likely landing places along the coast line, and of the defensive positions commanding those lines of advance; and what total sum of money would be required for this purpose, excluding the regimental pay of the officers and men employed.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane. ) I am afraid that it is not practicable to give an accurate estimate of the time and money required for the completion of the original scheme.

To ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state under what votes and sub-heads in the Army Estimates for 1906–7 is the provision for the expenses of the tactical survey of the United Kingdom to be found.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane. ) The provision for the expense of this tactical reconnaissance has been taken under Vote 1, Sub-head C, Vote 6, Sub-head E, and Vote 13, Sub-head A.

To ask the Secretary for State for Foreign Affairs, whether nominations for the next examination for appointments in the General Consular Service will be limited to candidates actually engaged in business; or, if nominations will not be so limited, whether such candidates will be given an advantage in the conditions of the examination when placed in competition with those who have had their time free, as recommended in the Report, dated July 1903, of the Committee appointed to inquire into> the constitution of the Consular Service.

( Answered by Secretary Sir Edward, Grey. ) At the next examination for the general consular service, a proportion of the vacancies will be reserved for competition amongst candidates who have had actual commercial experience.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, what are the import duties in Cape Colony, Natal, and the Transvaal on cotton goods and woollen goods, including Kaffir blankets.

( Answered by Mr. Churchill. ) The item of the Customs Union Convention which appears to cover the Question of the hon. Member, runs as follows:—37. Blankets and sheets or rugs, cotton or woollen, or manufactures of cotton and wool, commonly used as cotton or woollen blankets or rugs, the single article, in pairs or in the piece; and coats, jackets, or other apparel made of blanketing or baize, per £100, £25. Other cotton or woollen goods would come under the general 10 per cent. ad valorem rate.

To ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. J. M. Sarbah, an unofficial member of the Legislative Council of the Colony, accompanied by a servant, trespassed on premises in the occupation of the Gold Coast Aborgines newspaper, and did damage to the printing press thereon; and whether he proposes to make any representations to the Government of the Colony on the subject.

( Answered by Mr. Churchill. ) The Secretary of State has received no information with regard to this matter.

TO ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether the same power of excluding undesirables during martial law can be exercised in Natal as was used during the War in the Transvaal; if so, does this power reside in the Imperial Government or in the local authorities; does the same right of press and telegraphic censorship exist in Natal during martial law as was the case in the Transvaal, and in whom does its exercise rest; and can the names of recent transmitters of press messages be ascertained, or a description of their status or character be given.

( Answered by Mr. Churchill. ) 1. Such a power is undoubtedly exercisable during martial law; but the Secretary of State has no reason for supposing that it is being exercised at present in Natal. 2. The power resides with the local authorities. 3. The right exists under martial law for this as for any other arbitrary proceeding, but the Secretary of State understands that it is not being actually exercised. 4. The Secretary of State is not able to give this information.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he can give the names and places of birth (as furnished to the Civil Service Commissioners on appointment) of all examiners, assistant examiners, and occasional examiners, and assistant examiners, if any, at present employed by the Civil Service Commission.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can give the names, places of birth, and education (as furnished to the Civil Service Commissioners on appointment), and special qualifications of all technical officers nominated, appointed, and at present employed by the Board of Public Works, Ireland.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, whether he can give the names, places of birth, and education (as furnished to the Civil Service Commissioners on appointment), and length of service of all officers in the Board of Public Works, Ireland, in receipt of salaries of not less than £500 a year.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) For a reply to these three Questions I must refer the hon. Member to the Answer which was given to him last Thursday.†

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that, whilst second division clerks on entry into the Civil Service with a salary of £70 per annum are paid for overtime at the rate of 1s. 6d. per hour, assistant clerks (new class), who are in receipt of salaries varying between £85 and £100 per annum and who have served between nine and twelve years, receive only 10d. per hour for overtime; that under the present regulations an assistant clerk when he arrives at his maximum salary will be receiving a much lower rate of overtime pay than does the new entrant to the second division, although the latter would be in receipt of less than half the salary of such an assistant clerk; and whether he will consider the advisability of paying the overtime of the assistant clerks (new class) at one and a quarter times the rate awarded for ordinary work as was laid down by the Tweedmouth Commission of 1896 with respect to postal servants, and acted upon by the Government.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) The overtime rate of 1s. 6d. an hour is applicable to all second division clerks with salaries between £70 and £190, and was fixed at a time when there was only one rate for the whole of that division. It is no doubt excessive in the case of clerks drawing salaries at the lower end of the scale, and ought in strictness to be reduced. I am not, however, prepared to level up the overtime rate of the assistant clerks.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland, if, pending the introduction of a Bill dealing with local taxation in Scotland, resulting from the Report of His Majesty's Commission published in 1902, he will introduce this session a short Bill repealing the provisions of the 37th section of The Poor Law (Scotland) Act, 1845 (8 and 9 Vic., c. 83), so that parochial rates, like other assessments, may be levied on the annual value appearing in the valuation roll, without the deductions required by that Act, such repeal having been recommended by the Royal Commission and repeatedly urged upon the Government by parish councils, as, owing to the present state of the law, confusion is caused both to ratepayers and local authorities, and expense in litigation is hereby caused.

( Answered by Mr. Sinclair. ) No, Sir. I regret that I cannot at present give any such undertaking.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the post office at Donegal Square, South Belfast, closes every evening at six o'clock; and whether, in view of the fact that this is the only office in Belfast that closes so early, and the inconvenience caused to business people in the locality, he will make inquiries, with the view of keeping this office open till the same hour as other sub-post offices.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) No complaint has been received in regard to the office in question. The district is not a residential one, but chiefly consists of warehouses, and specially those of the linen trade. The warehouses do not open before nine and are closed at six p.m.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether, in the event of an adult night messenger receiving an established appointment, his service as messenger will be recognised towards stripes and increments.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) Adult night messengers are not included in the classes to whom good conduct stripes are awarded. Unestablished service does not count towards stripes or towards increments.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether his attention has been called to the inconvenience and expense suffered by Mr. Thomas Moran, of Linenhall Street, Castlebar, county Mayo, owing to the delay in the delivery of a postcard to a man in his employment who resides at Lahardane postal district, near Castlebar: whether he is aware that, on Sunday 7th January, Mr. Mo ran posted a card in Castlebar, and it was not delivered at Lahardane until Tuesday, 9th January, and that Mr. Moran posted a card on 14th March to the same man and it was not delivered until 16th March; and could he give the cause of the delay in both cases.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) My attention had not previously been drawn to the matter; but I have now called for a Report, and on its receipt I will communicate with the hon. Member.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that John Condon, a postal messenger at Ballyhahill post office, in the county of Limerick, does an average of six miles every day, and that his hours of duty are from 8.30 a.m. to 10.40 a.m.; that his wage is 4s. 6d. per week; and, in view of the fact that he cannot find other work to do in the interval owing to the hours he has to spend in the service, whether he will consider the advisability of increasing his wage to enable him to live.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) I will have inquiry made on this subject and will acquaint the hon. Member with the result.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the head messenger in the Secretary's Office at the General Post-Office was appointed by the then Postmaster-General (the Duke of Norfolk) with an allowance of 4s. per week, in addition to his wages, and that the allowance was withheld from October, 1900 to October, 1905; and whether he will consider the advisability of making, these arrears good.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) I have already had this case under my consideration. The allowance of 4s. a week is being granted, but unfortunately the allowance cannot be made retrospective.

To ask the Postmaster-General will the conditions of employment and rates of pay of the adult night messengers, particularly in the provincial towns in Scotland, be considered by the Select Committee, and evidence on their behalf be laid before that Committee.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) As I informed the hon. Member for the College Green division of Dublin on the 28th ultimo, † it is for the Select Committee to decide whether they consider that this class should be included in their inquiries.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade in how many cases on the Metropolitan District Railway have the axles of vehicles in use on trains for the conveyance of passengers broken since the commencement of electric traction power; have any inquiries been held into the cause of the failure of such axles; and can he say what is the cause of the breakages.

( Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George. ) Eight cases have been reported to the Board of Trade of broken axles of vehicles running on electrically-worked trains on the railway in question. As stated in a reply given to the hon. Member for Fulham yesterday, an inspecting officer of railways has been appointed to hold an inquiry in this matter, and when his Report is ready for issue I will forward a copy to my hon. friend.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will cause inquiries to be made of the Conference Shipping Lines in this country, with regard to the rates quoted by the Continental Shipping Lines, which are in the Conference, as to the freights charged on cement to ports in Cape Colony; whether he is aware, that, up to the end of July last, the rates from England and the Continent, by all the lines in the Conference to ports in Cape Colony, were on the same level, but that on the 1st August, 1905, the Conference raised the rates on this side by 2s. 6d. per ton, which is equivalent to about 5½d. per cask, although the Continental shipping lines, whilst being in the Conference, refused to raise their rates; and whether he will point out to the Conference lines on this side how they are hampering our export trade in cement by not reducing their freights to the level of the Continental rates, and thus endeavour to secure such reduction.

( Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George. ) Yes, Sir. I will make the inquiries of the Conference Lines as suggested by my hon. friend.

To ask Mr. Attorney General for Ireland whether his attention has been called to the difficulty experienced by the justices in Ireland in dealing with persons arrested in betting or gaming houses, the Acts of 1845, 1853, and 1854 providing penalties only for the keeper of the house and his assistants; and if he will call the attention of the authorities to the 33 Henry VIII, Cap. 9, Section 9, as being applicable to the offence.

( Answered by Mr. Cherry. ) The Statute of Henry VIII. referred to does not, in my opinion, extend to Ireland, having been passed between the date of Poyning's Law, 10 Henry VII, and the Legislative Union?

To ask the President of the Local Government Board, if he will grant the Return relating to local authorities standing on to-day's Notice Paper.†

( Answered by Mr. John Burns. ) I am not able, at present, to answer this Question. The notice for the Return only appeared in the Notice Paper this morning, and the matter is one which needs consideration.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Department will consider the advisability of issuing a circular letter to clerks to justices informing them whether, in the opinion of the Department, an applicant for a certificate of exemption, who satisfies two justices in petty sessions that he has a conscientious objection, so as to entitle him to such certificate, can be refused it on the ground that the majority of the justices present are not so satisfied.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone. ) I am advised that where a majority of the justices sitting in petty sessions are not in favour of granting a certificate of exemption from vaccination it would not be proper for any minority to grant the certificate unless the other justices present abstained from adjudicating in the case. The point is not one that I can decide, and I am not prepared to issue a circular on the subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received a statement prepared by the Association of Municipal Corporations, showing the increased burden thrown upon police authorities outside the Metropolis, in consequence of the increase in the number of pensioners chargeable to the pension funds created under The Police Act, 1890; and whether he will take into consideration the desirability of increasing the present annual grant of £150,000 fixed by Parliament in the year 1890 to an amount which will bear the same proportion to the total payments out of the pension funds as the amount granted bore to those payments in the year 1892.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone. ) I have received the statement, and will give it my best consideration, but the question forms part of the far larger question of the incidence of local taxation, and I can hold out no hope of its being treated separately. I may perhaps add that when the present grant was fixed, in 1890, it was fully understood that a large and rapid increase of the pension charge was to be expected, and it was with that increase in view that the grant was settled.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will state what has been the revenue derived during the last financial year from the import duty on fruits preserved in syrup, and the estimated cost of collecting the same; and whether he will consider the advisability of abolishing this tax upon this article of food.

( Answered by Mr. Asquith. ) The revenue from the duty on fruits preserved in syrup collected during the calendar year, 1905 (the figures for the financial year 1905–6 are not yet available), was as follows:—

No estimate can be framed of the cost of collecting the duties on these fruits as distinct from other heads of revenue. The cost of collection of the Customs revenue as a whole is about £2 10s. per cent. The repeal of these duties could only be considered in connection with the question of the repeal of the fruit and sugar duties of which they form a part.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will consider the desirability of devoting a portion of any surplus he may have to deal with when he introduces his Budget statement in carrying out the recommendations of Sir Alexander Binnie as to relieving the flooding caused by the overflowing of Lough Neagh and the river Bann.

( Answered by Mr. Asquith. ) I am unable to consider the suggestion that a special grant from the Exchequer should be made for this purpose. The service is one which must be provided for, if at all, out of the Ireland Development Grant.

To ask the Secretary of State for India what salary and emoluments do the Catholic and Protestant chaplains respectively receive from Government for their services in connection with the Lawrence Asylums; whether the Catholic chaplain resides on the premises; and, if not, how far is his residence from the asylum, and what carriage allowance is given in each case.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley. ) I have not in my possession such information about the management of the Lawrence Asylums as would enable me to answer the hon. Member's Question, but I will refer it to the Government of India.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the fact that the Port and Docks Board of Dublin and the Corporation grant pensions to their worn-out employed, he will arrange a similar method, instead of a compensation allowance, to the worn-out employees of the Board of Works.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) I am not aware what the pension schemes of the local bodies referred to may be, but I am not prepared to make the alteration proposed, which could not be done without affecting several other public departments and involving heavy expenditure.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many days in the year the dredger works in Kingstown Harbour; whether he is aware that the dredger has been removed from the west pier to Carlisle Pier, and what is the reason; and whether he is aware that a ship which came for coal recently went aground at the Victoria Wharf owing to the want of dredging; and whether he will arrange that the necessary amount of dredging work will be done in future.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) There is no fixed number of days to be worked in the year. The number depends partly on the weather and partly on the programme of work for the year. The moorings at which the dredger lies when not working have been changed to a more convenient part of the harbour. The change has no reference to or effect on her programme of work. The reference in the latter part of the Question appears to be to a steamer which went aground in the harbour (not at the Victoria Wharf) through not having a pilot on board. She drew twenty-one feet of water and the point at which she grounded is marked on the chart as having a depth of sixteen feet at low water.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether New Year's Day has been struck off the list of holidays for the employees of the Board of Works in Kingstown; and, if so, whether facilities will be allowed to the men to attend mass on the holidays of obligation in future, and during the time of a retreat, without stoppage of pay.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) St. Patrick's Day has been substituted for New Year's Day as a holiday at Kingstown Harbour Works. It is understood that the men can attend to their religious duties during the breakfast hour. In other cases, although considerable inconvenience arises from alterations of settled hours of work, the Board in 1905 instructed the superintendent in the case of men presenting themselves at 7 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. to record them as absent with leave, subject to a deduction of pay for one hour. I am informed that this goes beyond the practice of private employers, who give no special facilities.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will explain why the contract for the supply of boxes, hitherto given to the Bookbinders and Machine Rulers Consolidated Union, Dublin, has been taken away and granted to another firm.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) Formerly there was no contract for the supply of these boxes. When it was determined to resort to contract, tenders were invited in the usual way, and the contract was placed with the firm that offered the most favourable terms.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say whether a tenant of a labourer's cottage to the district council, under the Labourers' (Ireland) Act, can become a district councillor of the union to which the cottage is situate.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Local Government Board that, according to a decision of the King's Bench Division in 1901, no legal disqualification for the office of councillor attaches to a person by reason of his being a tenant of a labourer's cottage.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that a great part of the teaching of Irish as an extra subject in the national schools is performed by extern teachers whose sole occupation is the teaching of Irish, and who, to qualify themselves for this work, have attended the Munster and Connaught Gaelic Training Colleges, where instruction is given in the most modern methods of language teaching; and whether, in dealing with the question of Irish in the national schools, he will see that nothing is done which will deprive the schools of the services of these specially trained expert teachers.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that, in the year 1905, Irish was taught in 2,408 national schools, but in 209 cases only was the teaching performed by extern teachers. The commissioners are not aware whether the teaching of Irish is the sole occupation of these teachers, but most of them hold certificates from the commissioners, obtained at the July examinations. The present system will remain in operation until the 30th June next, and matters have not yet reached a stage at which I can make a definite statement as to what change may then be made.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can say whether legal and lay Sub-commissioners have been appointed for the purpose of fixing fair rents in connection with the Land Law (Ireland) Acts, 1881 and 1887; if so, what are their names and qualifications, and the counties to which they belong; whether they have been appointed in substitution for Sub-commissioners whose tenure of office has expired; and, if so, whether he will state the names of the latter.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I have fully dealt with this matter in the reply which I gave to-day to a Question put by the hon. Member for Mid Armagh.† Of the temporary assistant land commissioners whose terms of office had expired, two legal and twenty-one lay commissioners have been reappointed. Their names were published in the Dublin Gazette of the 3rd inst. Five temporary lay assistant commissioners have not been reappointed, namely, Messrs. J. Clarke, L. Croasdaile, R. Donovan, T. L. Esmonde, and P. H. Grierson. Five gentlemen have been newly appointed as lay assistant commissioners, namely, Messrs. Mathew Flanagan, J.P., farmer, county Roscommon; John Gill, J.P., farmer, and member of agricultural committee, county Down; Jeremiah J. Howard, J.P., farmer and land valuer, county Cork; Patrick Lafferty, J.P., farmer, county Down; and Thomas Linehan, farmer, county Cork.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will see that, in the enforcement of Rule 127b in Irish national schools taught by two or more teachers, the vested interests of such teachers are safeguarded by recommending that the future promotions and increments of principals, and the retention and emoluments of assistants, is based on the average in attendance for the year 1905, or the mean of the averages for the last three years.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Commissioners of National Education that, in the case of national schools taught by two or more teachers, Rule 127b is not enforced if the probable effect of the rule would be the loss of an assistant to the school. So long as the rule is not applied all the existing interests of the teachers are, of course, secure. When there is no danger of the loss of an assistant by the application of Rule 127b the vested interests of the principal, in whatever grade salary he is receiving, are also secure. In one case alone, viz., the case of a principal who is a candidate for the first division of the first grade, the application of Rule 127b may imperil the teacher's chances of promotion to that grade. In such case, also, the residual capitation grant accruing to both principal and assistant may be somewhat decreased, but the teacher of the school to which pupils under seven are transferred, under the operation of Rule 127b, will benefit in a corresponding degree. The Commissioners do not think it necessary to introduce any additional safeguards in connection with Rule 127b. and they cannot consent to the proposal to base future promotions and increments of principals, and the retention of emoluments of assistants on the average attendance of pupils for the year 1905, or on the mean of the averages for the last three years.

To ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the increase in wages from 21s. to 23s. weekly to labourers in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, may be taken to include all such men in the ordnance factories, including Waltham Abbey and Enfield Lock.

( Answered by Mr. Buchanan. ) The increase applies to all labourers in the employ of the War Department at Woolwich, both in the Royal Arsenal and the ordnance factories, but does not include those at Waltham Abbey and Enfield Lock.

To ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether there is a receiving depot at Island Bridge Barracks or at Mountpellier Hill, Dublin, where supplies for the Army are largely stored; whether, if so, arrangements will be made to enable Irish contractors to have their goods inspected and delivered in Dublin instead of sending them to Woolwich; and whether he is aware that the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland stated to a deputation from the Parliamentary Committee of the Irish Trades Congress that he considered this a reasonable request.

( Answered by Mr. Buchanan. ) There is an ordnance depot at Island Bridge Barracks where stores for the Army are stored. It is proposed to initiate tentatively a system of local inspection for such stores as it is considered can be advan- tageously obtained and passed into the service at Island Bridge, and the necessary buildings for this purpose will be commenced in the present financial year. I have no knowledge as to the statement in the third part of the Question.

To ask the First Lord of the Treasury, in view of the fact that this House, upon 8th March, 1904, unanimously resolved that means should be afforded to fishermen, seamen, railway servants, and others to record their votes at Parliamentary elections, when by reason of their calling they will be absent on duty on the day of the poll, whether the Government will, in their Plural Voting Bill, or on other suitable occasion, endeavour to give effect to this Resolution.

( Answered by Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman. ) This is not a matter which can be dealt with in the Plural Voting Bill; but it is one which deserves favourable consideration in a further measure dealing with registration and qualification.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the decision to disband the Chinese Regiment at Wei-hai-Wei, he will ascertain whether employment as police at Singapore and other Colonies, where Chinese form a large portion of the population, could be found for some of those men trained at public expense.

I am advised that there is no likelihood of being able to employ the disbanded men of the Chinese Regiment in the manner suggested.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps, if any, are being taken to open up the Munshi country, in Northern Nigeria, to trade; and what steps are being taken to bring to justice the natives who, last January, sacked the Niger Company's station at Abinsi; and whether Papers will be laid upon the Table.

With regard to the earlier part of the hon. Member's Question, I have to refer him to the Answer which I gave yesterday to the hon. Gentleman the Member for Mid. Armagh.† The correspondence is not yet complete, as the Secretary of State has asked Sir F. Lugard for certain further information as to the origin of the disturbance; when this is received, Papers shall be laid.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether Kaffirs working on the Premier Diamond Mine are strictly confined to compounds, and, if so, whether this is the only mine in the Transvaal where the compound system is enforced; whether, in view of the declaration of Ministers relating to the compound system in South Africa, and that the Transvaal Government hold six-tenths of the claims, and are entitled to 60 per cent. of the profits of this mine, he will instruct Lord Selborne to abolish the compound system, and work the mine for the future entirely with white Labour; whether he is aware that the chairman of this company, at the annual meeting held in Johannesburg on February 27th, 1906, stated the working costs per load were 3s. 9d. and the profit 10s. per load, and that the net profit for the mine for the year 1905 was £622,633, and that additional profit was anticipated when the new washing plant was completed in June next; and whether he will instruct Lord Selborne to obtain from the State mining engineer a Report of what diminution of profit, if any, would be lost to the Government if the mine was worked entirely with white labour.

Kaffirs working on the Premier Mine are, I understand, confined to compounds under the Ordinance of 1903, which enacts inter alia that no coloured person shall be kept in

† See (4) Debates, clv., 497.

any compound except under a contract voluntarily entered into by him and not running for a period exceeding three months at a time. I am not aware whether this system exists on the other I diamond mines. The Secretary of State is not prepared to give the instructions suggested. I have not received any official report on the financial working of the Premier Mine, but I have seen the report in the local Press of the annual meeting. The Secretary of State will ask Lord Selborne to obtain from the mining engineer the report which the hon. Member desires.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies in how many cases Chinese coolies who have been illegally flogged in the Transvaal were subsequently informed by the Superintendent of Foreign Labour, or by the inspectors, that they had a right to recover damages for assault.

I am not able to say, but the Secretary of State will make inquiry.

I beg to ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether it will be within the instructions of the Committee about to proceed to South Africa to inquire what would be the effect produced in the composition of the representative assemblies of the new Colonies by the substitution for single-member districts of larger districts returning three, five, or more members, with provisions for securing the representation of the diversities of parties within each enlarged constituency; how far such substitution would affect the importance of the issue which has been raised between distribution of seats according to population, and according to voters; whether the Committee will have power to ascertain how far such substitution would be acceptable to the several political parties in the Colonies, or would tend to diminish the animosities between them, or would allay the anxieties of those classes of residents who are afraid they may get no representation in the new assemblies; and whether, for the purpose of facilitating the execution of their duties, the Committee will be furnished with the latest information as to the operation of the different methods of electing representative assemblies which have been tried and are in practice in European countries, the United States of America, and our own Colonies.

^* : The terms of reference have been so drawn as to allow the Committee to include the matters raised in the hon. Member's Question within the scope of their inquiry. It will be within the discretion of the Committee to furnish itself with all such available information as it finds it necessary to obtain for the discharge of the duty imposed upon it.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies on what specific charge warrants were issued to the police for the arrest of the natives at Byrnetown, Natal, whose attempted rescue led to the recent affray.

^* : The warrants of arrest of these natives were, the Secretary of State is informed, issued for being armed in breach of the law.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many cattle and how much land have been taken from native tribes in Natal, in fines or otherwise, during the period of martial law; how the cattle and the lands taken have been disposed of; and what has become, or is likely to become, of the natives who were living on the land which has been taken away.

The Secretary of State is not yet informed as to the total number of cattle and the exact amount of land taken from the natives. He has not learned the manner in which the cattle have been disposed of. As regards the land of Gobizembe and his tribe, I would refer to the Answer I gave to a written Question on 29th March.† The natives residing on the land will not necessarily, I understand, be removed in consequence of the deposition of Gobizembe. Those who are removed will be in the position of other natives not living in locations, who are the majority of the

† See (4) Debates, cliv., 1247–8.

native population. There are about 250,000 natives living in locations and mission reserves, and over 400,000 natives living on private farms, where they pay rent from £1 upwards.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies how many men have been flogged by sentence of court-martial, or otherwise by sentence of magistrates, during the period of martial law in Natal.

^* : The Secretary of State is not yet in possession of this information.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state who were the persons with whom Mr. Lyttelton negotiated the lease of the Ceylon pearl fisheries to a syndicate for twenty years; and whether the intention to lease these fisheries was notified in either the London or the Colonial Gazettes, or otherwise, so that tenders might be made by capitalists in general.

In answer to the first part of the Question, the matter was first brought to Mr. Lyttelton's notice by Sir West Ridgeway. Subsequent negotiations both in this country and in Ceylon were with representatives of Messrs. Derenburg and Company, and Sir West Ridgeway only joined the syndicate at a later stage. The Answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

Who are the members of the syndicate?

I cannot say, but if my hon. friend will put down a Question, I will inquire.

I wish to ask if it is true that at the execution on Monday of twelve Kaffirs the natives of the surrounding districts were compelled to come in and witness—

^* : Order, order! The hon. Member must give notice of that Question.

But there may be more of these murderous scenes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether a regulation has lately been made by the Indian Government, whereby the children of a school-going age of deceased warrant officers, in destitute circumstances, are compelled to seek admission to a Lawrence asylum in order to draw the maintenance grant, even though they belong to the Catholic Church; if so, for what reason has the sanction for maintenance grant for such children been withheld from Catholic institutions which, until such regulation was made, had been permitted to entertain such children and to receive the maintenance grant from the military authorities for their support.

I have no information regarding the withdrawal of a maintenance grant for children at Catholic institutions. I will address an inquiry to the Government of India.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the British delegate at Algeciras was able to bring the question of slavery in Morocco before the Conference ; and, if so, can he state the decision arrived at.

At the suggestion of the British delegate, the Conference resolved to make a communication to the Sultan, expressing the earnest hope that His Majesty would take into consideration the question of slavery in his Empire, and would adopt such measures as he might deem suitable with the view to limit and gradually abolish the system of slavery, and especially with a view to prohibit the public sale of slaves in the towns of his Empire.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can state who has been appointed to succeed Ras Makunan as Governor of Harrar.

His Majesty's I Government have as yet received no information as to the appointment of a successor to Ras Makunan.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he can now give any information as to the negotiations with the Sublime Porto with reference to Tabah.

I am unable to add anything to the reply given to the hon. Member on March 28th.† The negotiations are still proceeding.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any answer has been received from the Porte to the Note delivered on 5th March, containing proposals for the increase of the powers of the Gendarmerie in Macedonia; and whether, in the event of an unsatisfactory reply, His Majesty's Government will take steps to secure their acceptance.

No answer has yet boon received. In case it should be unsatisfactory, His Majesty's Government will consider, in consultation with the other Powers, what steps can be taken.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether offences committed by Chinese against British subjects in the British concessions of Hankow and certain other British concessions in China are tried in the British consular courts presided over by a Chinese magistrate, sitting with a British consular officer as assessor; whether the Chinese prisoners tried before these courts are dealt with according to Chinese law, the punishments including flogging with bamboos and torturing with the cangue, being sanctioned by the assessor before the prisoners are handed over to the Chinese authorities for the infliction of the sentences imposed.

These cases are not tried in British consular courts.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the cangue with which, according to the report of the superintendent of police of Hankow, seventy-six persons were punished by the magistrate sitting in the British consular court at Hankow during 1905, is a square wooden collar from twenty pounds to sixty pounds in weight, and measuring three or four feet across, with a round hole for the neck, rendering the convict unable to reach his mouth or defend himself from insects; whether the British consular agent sat with the Chinese magistrate as assessor in the court when the sentences of the cangue were imposed; and whether he sanctioned those sentences.

I have nothing to add to previous Answers. These sentences are not given in the consular court, but in the Chinese court, by a Chinese magistrate, who is not under British authority.

Arising out of that Question, may I ask whether it is not the fact that under the agreement between the Government of China and the British Government, made at Chifu in 1876, specific authority was given to the assessor sitting in these courts to take exception to these proceedings or the details of the proceedings?

The duty of the assessor is to see that the trial is properly conducted. He cannot control the court or the sentences. As a matter of fact, there was the other day at Shanghai a case in which the assessor did interfere beyond what had been the usual practice, and the Chinese magistrate thereupon closed the court, and there were riots in which several persons were killed and injured. It would be most unsuitable at the present time to try to infringe on what has been the established Chinese usage.

Is it not in the power of the Government under the right hon. Gentleman's direction to give instructions to our Consuls not to assent to these sentences, which are against British sentiment and practice?

^* : May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the fact that these punishments are the same as those inflicted on Chinese coolies in, Africa?

These punishments are inflicted under Chinese authority. If the hon. Member opposite can bring me any evidence that the British authorities are responsible for these sentences being inflicted, I will, of course, inquire into the matter. I have made inquiry of the Government at Peking, and I have been informed that these sentences are inflicted by Chinese magistrates.

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the propriety of giving instructions to the British consular agents sitting as assessors in these courts not to give their assent to these sentences?

The sentences are inflicted whether they assent or not. I cannot give instructions to interfere with the Chinese magistrates.

gave notice that he would call attention to this matter on the Estimates.

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not the fact that those Chinamen are taken into custody by British police?

They are taken into custody by the municipal police—the police of the municipality of the British community—but there is no power to have thorn tried except by Chinese magistrates acting under the Chinese law. I would suggest that before these Questions are repeated hon. Members should get some evidence that it is in the power of the British community to alter the law or the sentences, because to repeat these Questions without making such inquiry is to reflect unjustly on the British communities in these foreign settlements.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if His Majesty's Government proposes to be represented at the trial of the action for libel which an officer of the Congo Government is taking against the Rev. Mr. Stannard; and whether the Government intends to instruct any representative who may attend the trial on its behalf to furnish a full report of what takes place to the Government.

Vice-Consul Armstrong has been instructed to attend the hearing of the case, to watch the proceedings carefully, and to report anything in connection with the trial which should, in his opinion, be brought to the notice of His Majesty's Government. We have also telegraphed to inquire whether Mr. Stannard has been arrested, but have not yet had a reply.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his attention has been called to the Report of the Income-Tax Commissioners, and to the fact that British investments in foreign industrial enterprises have more than doubled during the last ten years; and whether, in his approaching Budget, he can see his way to submit proposals whereby the income-tax shall be so graduated that the profits upon such investments may be made to pay income-tax upon a higher scale than will be charged upon the profits of similar investments in this country.

I have not been able to trace the source of the hon. Member's information, and I cannot say whether it is, or is not, correct. In either case, I see no sufficient reason for differentiating for income-tax purposes in regard to persons residing in the United Kingdom between incomes earned in this country and incomes earned abroad.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, having regard to the fact that foreign investors in this country when domiciled abroad are exempted from income-tax, and that foreign manufacturing concerns whose wares are imported free of duty in competition with those of our manufacturers are exempted from income-tax upon their own profits made in this country, and pay only in respect of the remuneration of their resident representatives, he will, in his approaching Budget, submit proposals for the removal of these exemptions.

Foreigners resident abroad are not exempt from income-tax upon income derived from money invested in the United Kingdom, unless their total income from such investments is less than £160 per annum, nor are foreigners carrying on trade in the United Kingdom exempt from income-tax on the profits from such trade. It would not, in my opinion, be practicable to extend the scope of the tax in the manner suggested.

asked whether it was not the case that foreign holders of British railway stocks did not pay, and that foreign manufacturers carrying on business with this country paid only on their manager's salary.

No, Sir. That has been very carefully investigated.

I am sure the right hon. Gentleman is wrong.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in the forthcoming Budget, he will take into consideration the case of married persons with small incomes, with a view to affording them greater relief from income-tax by extending the limit on which exemption or abatement would be granted.

I cannot make any statement in anticipation of the Budget.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if, when he is in a position to remit a portion of the income-tax, he will consider the claims of persons residing in this country who derive their incomes from trade and industry in British Colonies and Dependencies; and whether he will grant a substantial rebate on all such incomes which have already been mulcted in income-tax in the country of origin.

I will certainly consider the claims of any class of taxpayers who can make out a case for special relief, if and when I am in a position to remit a portion of the income-tax. But I am, as at present advised, by no means certain that the incidence of the tax is unfair to the particular class of investors to which the Question refers.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if his attention has been called to the increasing burden of local and other taxation now borne by the food-producing and manufacturing industries of this country; and whether, in his approaching Budget, he can see his way to submit proposals whereby foreign importations of competing productions which at present escape taxation in this country shall be made to contribute in like proportion to the revenue.

I am aware that the burden both of local and of general taxation has greatly increased of recent years, but what effect this increase may have had upon the cost of production of commodities is too complicated and controversial a topic to discuss within the limits of a reply to a Question. As regards the second part of the Question, I cannot make any statement in anticipation of the Budget.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the inconvenience caused to intending candidates by the present uncertainty regarding qualifying examinations for factory inspectorships, he will state when and under what syllabus the next examination will be held; and whether he proposes to fill any of the impending vacancies in the staff of inspectors with assistants, for whom special examination papers will be set.

The next examination for factory inspectorships will be held under the new scheme and will take place probably early in the month of June. I do not think that any inconvenience or uncertainty can have been caused with regard to the syllabus, because as soon as the new scheme of examination had boon settled copies of the now syllabus were at once issued to all the candidates whose qualifications gave them any prospect of receiving a nomination. A note was attached to each of these copies stating that this new syllabus was to be substituted for that hitherto in use. These candidates were also invited to furnish any further particulars as to their qualifications which they might desire to make known, and a fresh form of application was enclosed for the purpose. The proposals made by the hon. Member in the last part of his Question shall have my careful consideration.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now say what he proposes to do in regard to Standing Order No. 727 of His Majesty's Prison Regulations, and what rights of combination, if any, he is prepared to grant to prison officers.

Perhaps I may be allowed to answer at the same time the Questions put to me on March 15th by the hon. Members for Stockport and for East St. Pancras.† I have decided to cancel Standing Order 727 and to replace it by a now order which will allow prison officers, with the sanction of the Governor or of the Prison Commissioners, or on appeal of the Secretary of State, to moot and discuss among themselves questions relating to their duties and position in the prison service. I have modified certain others of the Standing Orders in the same connection.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether flogging is permitted as a disciplinary measure in English prisons; and, if so, how many cases have taken place during the year 1905, and with whom rests the power of authorising this punishment.

Corporal punishment is inflicted in English prisons under the restrictions imposed by Section 5 of the Prison Act, 1898, and the rules made thereunder, to which I beg to refer the hon. Member. An order for such punishment can only be made by a Visiting

† See (4) Debates, cliii., 1410 ("Prison Warders' Grievances.")

Committee or the Board of Visitors of a prison after an inquiry on oath, and cannot be carried out until it has been confirmed by the Secretary of State. The number of cases during the year 1905 was: in local prisons twenty-seven, in convict prisons sixteen, total forty-three.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state in how many cases has the clemency of the Crown been exercised on his advice in regard to persons sentenced to death by the courts of the United Kingdom.

The Answer is eleven.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is in a position to make a statement as to the number of public-houses of which the licences have been discontinued under the Act of 1902.

The figures are not yet quite complete; but I believe that about 500 licences will be found to have been extinguished for the year 1905 under the compensation provisions of the Licensing Act, 1904. The volume of Licensing Statistics, which I hope to publish very shortly, will show the operation of the Act during last year.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many aliens arrived in England in the last two weeks; how many of these were allowed to land; and how many were refused admission as undesirable.

The statistics covering the first two sentences of the Question are not yet available: when they are I doubt whether it will be worth while to select a particular fortnight and show the figures separately. As regards refusals of leave to land, the figures have not yet been finally checked, but I believe that in the two weeks ending March 31st, nine aliens failed to obtain leave.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the death of an Austrian Jew, named Nathan Cohen, who died in the Mill Road Infirmary at Liverpool, and was buried by the Poor Law authorities in a Christian burial ground; and whether, in view of the fact that the deceased was on his way to Austria from the United States, he can say why the custom of recognising the religious beliefs has boon disregarded in this case.

My right hon. friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I understand that the deceased was admitted to the infirmary from the steam ship "Merion," that he was unable to give any information, but that the ship's steward who brought him to the relief office stated that he belonged to the Church of England. I am informed that one of the nurses who had been in Russia was able to converse a little with the patient, and that this led to a communication being sent to the Rabbi of the Hope Street Synagogue, Liverpool, but that no reply was received until a fortnight after the man's death. I am further informed that the body was kept in the mortuary for five days before interment, and that it was not until some days after the funeral that the minister of the Princes Road Synagogue called at the infirmary and stated that he had received a letter from the wife of the deceased and that the man was a Hebrew.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he has made, or will make, arrangements for the district auditors throughout England and Wales to count and certify the net cash balances in the hands of all treasurers and accounting officials whose accounts are subject to the District Auditors Act, 1879, and its applied provisions, on March 31st in each year, or upon such other date, if any, as the accounts are made up to and balanced.

I am afraid that it would not be practicable to give effect to the arrangement suggested.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will state the number of district auditors employed under the Board, and the number of districts assigned to each district auditor, distinguishing between the areas of the administrative county of London and the rest of England and Wales.

I beg also to ask the President of the Local Government Board if he will furnish the names of the municipal corporations complete accounts of which are subject to audit by auditors appointed by the Local Government Board, the number of auditors assigned to the work thereof, with the names of their respective audit districts.

The complete staff of district auditors and assistant auditors consists of fifty auditors and twenty assistants. The names of the municipal corporations, all the accounts of whom are now or will at the expiration of the present financial year be liable to audit by district auditors are Bournemouth Cheltenham, Merthyr Tydfil, Plymouth, Poole, Southend-on-Sea, Swindon and Tunbridge Wells. The particulars asked for as to the number of local authorities in the districts assigned to the auditors respectively, and as to the arrangements for the audit of the accounts of the corporations above mentioned would be too lengthy to be given in reply to Questions, but I shall be happy to send the hon. Member a statement on the subject if he desires it.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the reason of the delay in the presentation of the Report of the Royal Commission on Motor-Cars.

I am informed that the draft Report is in course of preparation.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state how many Lascar seamen died on British ships in consequence of smallpox during the year 1905.

^* : The number of Lascars reported to have died from smallpox during the year 1905, in ships registered in the United Kingdom, is five.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state how many Chinese and Lascar seamen committed suicide on board British ships during 1905; and whether any medical inspection of Chinese and Lascar seamen takes place prior to their being engaged on board British ships.

^* : The numbers of Lascars who were reported to have committed suicide, or were supposed to have committed suicide, or were missing during the year 1905, in ships registered in the United Kingdom, are as follows:—Suicide, seventeen; supposed suicide, twenty-six; missing, twenty-one. The Board of Trade have no information with regard to the medical inspection of Asiatic seamen at ports in the East. Facilities are provided in this country for such inspection under Section 203 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state how many Lascar seamen died in consequence of heart failure and apoplexy on British ships during the year 1905.

^* : The number of Lascars reported to have died from affections of the heart and apoplexy during the year 1905, in ships registered in the United Kingdom, are as follows:—From heat apoplexy, ten; from diseases of the heart, fifty-two.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state how many Chinese and Lascar seamen died on board British ships during the year 1905 in consequence of beriberi; and whether he is aware that this disease is largely due to insufficient feeding and bad accommodation.

^* : The number of Chinese and Lascar seamen reported to have died from beriberi during the year 1905, in ships registered in the United Kingdom, is sixty. From a recent Report of a Committee of the Royal College of Physicians it appears that while the cause of beri-beri has not been definitely ascertained the best precautions against the disease are good food and good hygiene.

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration, when the Shipping Bill is in Committee, the question of improving the food and accommodation for Lascars and of securing proper inspection.

^* : No doubt these things will be considered, but I cannot give a definite pledge.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade how many Asiastic seamen died on British ships during the year 1905 in consequence of bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and other chest diseases.

^* : The number of Asiatic seamen reported to have died from bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and other chest diseases during the year 1905, in ships registered in the United Kingdom, are as follows:—bronchitis, five; asthma, none; pleurisy, two; pneumonia, thirty-two; phthisis, thirty-two.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state whether there is any inspection now made of the weights and measures used on board British ships in connection with the provisions supplied to the crews.

^* : The Board of Trade have issued a special caution to owners and masters with regard to the inspection of weights and measures. The local authorities who appoint the inspectors of weights and measures are about to be communicated with on the subject.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a similar order was sent out by the late President of the Board of Trade and that inspections have taken place up till now?

^* : I am not aware of that. The matter shall be inquired into.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that on the last voyage of the British steamer "Feeny Lodge" it was stated in the articles of agreement that the crew were to receive a certain allowance of butter per week; whether he is aware that instead of the crew being supplied with butter they were supplied with margarine; whether he can state if there are any powers under the Merchant Shipping Bill which would allow of his taking proceedings against owners who supply ships' crews with margarine instead of butter; and whether he is aware that recently a shopkeeper at Aston was fined £50 and costs by the magistrates for selling as butter a mixture containing fifty per cent. of foreign fat.

I have ascertained that the facts as to the "Fenay Lodge" are as stated in the Question. If the articles of agreement stipulated butter and margarine was supplied it was a breach of contract and the men have their legal remedy. In the Merchant Shipping Bill now before Parliament butter is one of the articles comprising the statutory scale, and no substitute will be permitted. I have no information with regard to the case at Aston to which the hon. Member refers.

Will the Board of Trade consider the desirability of giving seamen the right to sue for breach of contract in those cases, and of imposing a penalty on any shipowner who supplies margarine instead of butter, I in the same manner as a small shopkeeper I is treated?

I think the Bill now before Parliament will safeguard seamen in that respect.

Is it not the fact that the margarine is often much better than the butter?

Would the hon. Gentleman, who is, I believe, a judge of butter, like to taste a sample of this abominable stuff which is supplied as butter?

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to a case tried at Ramsgate police court on March 30th, when two foreign sailors, serving on board a British ship, were charged with theft; whether he is aware that the case had been adjourned from a previous hearing in consequence of the two seamen not being able to speak or understand the English language, and that it was with difficulty an interpreter could be found who could understand the language spoken by the men; and whether he can state the name of the vessel and the port at which the two seamen in question were engaged and their rate of wages per month.

The case to which the hon. Member refers is, I believe, that of the "Vivid," with regard to which I answered a Question put to me by the hon. Member for the Isle of Thanet yesterday. The seamen (whose names are Singi and Lood) were engaged at Sunder-land at £2 10s. and £1 10s. per month respectively. They are natives of the Baltic provinces and spoke Esthonian. As no one available knew both English and Esthonian, two interpreters had to be made use of.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he will furnish a Return showing the form of the register of seamen stated to be kept by the Registrar-General of Shipping and Seamen, how each seaman's service is entered, and the cost of maintaining the register.

The lists of crews delivered into the custody of the Registrar-General constitute the register which he is required to keep of all persons who serve in ships. The lists vary in form according to the employment of the vessel; but they contain the description and; service of all seamen the cost of I maintaining the register is not separately assessed from the total cost of the work of the Registrar-General's staff.