To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he is aware that the office inspector of the Customs Department, London, refuses to have members of the Committee of the Customs Assistants Association in his office, and that the junior London inspector openly advises young officers not to join the association; and whether any steps will be taken to prevent any further pressure of this character being used by such inspector.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) I can find no trace of any refusal by the office inspector of the Customs Outdoor Department, London, to assign members of the committee of the Customs Assistants Association to places in his office. Nor can I discover any case of the junior London inspector either openly or privately advising young officers not to join the association. I should be glad if the hon. Member could inform me as to any specific instance on which his Question is based.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the bulk of the French polishing in the Devonport dockyard is now done by women, some being married and having husbands earning good wages; what saving has been effected by the substitution of female for malelabour in this case; and whether this class of work, outside the Royal dockyards, is usually done by men.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state the gross expenditure on naval education and training, specifying how much has been spent under Vote 10, Naval Works Loan Acts, and other Votes in the preparation of ships and colleges in each of the financial years 1901 to 1906, inclusive, with the Estimate for 1906–7.

( Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson. ) The particulars asked for in this Question, which it is understood relates to Osborne and Dartmouth Royal and Naval Colleges (including attached tenders) and the Royal Naval Engineering College, Devonport, are given in the subjoined statement:—

( Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson. ) Women are employed to do the portion of the polishing work which is carried out in the shops. Of the six at present engaged, five are married, and the average earnings of their husbands are 15s. 3d. a week. The saving effected by the substitution of female for male labour in this case is £235 a year. The class of work on which these women are employed is that usually carried out by female labour in the private trade.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that since March, 1905, women have been appointed to do the upholstering work formerly done by men; whether he can state the amount of saving effected by this arrangement; and whether it is usual in this industry, outside the Royal dockyards, to give to women such heavy upholstery work as they are called upon to do for the Government.

( Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson. ) Women have been employed to do the lighter upholstering work at Devonport since March, 1905. This has resulted in a saving of approximately £300 per annum. The work done by these women is lighter than would be required of them in the private trade, men upholsterers being employed to do all heavy work, such as stuffing couches, chairs, mattresses, etc., and cutting out and nailing the skins.

To ask the Postmaster-General why mail car contractors in Ireland are compelled to provide uniforms at their own expense, seeing that all other postal employees are supplied with uniforms free of cost.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) Mail car drivers in Ireland, as in England, are employed by contractors, not by the Post Office. These contractors, in tendering for the service, undertake to supply uniform to the driver; and that condition is taken into account in the amount of the tenders.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he will cause the expenses of removal to be defrayed by the Admiralty for the 225 men who are at present employed at Chatham Dockyard, and for whom employment is now contemplated in other yards; and whether some guarantee can be given to the men in question as to the duration of their new employment.

( Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson. ) The question of affecting the removal of these men is at present under consideration, with the view of minimising any charges that might fall on them. It is not customary to give any guarantee as to the duration of employment to any of the men in His Majesty's dockyards.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many men are employed at present in the construction of the College of Science, Dublin; and whether it is intended to use Irish slates and materials in the building.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) The number of men actually employed on Friday, 6th instant, in the construction of the College of Science in Dublin was thirty-three, in addition to nineteen carters, while the average number of men employed in the last three weeks was forty-three and eighteen carters. As regards the inquiry in the latter part of the Question, I must refer the hon. Member to the Answer which I gave to a similar Question on the 2nd instant.†

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will consider the advisability of introducing a measure to reform and re-organise the Irish Board of Lights, and to grant more liberal terms to its employees.

( Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George. ) My right hon. friend the Chief Secretary has asked me to reply to this Question. His Majesty's Government are not at the present moment prepared to undertake such a measure.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland what was the result of the Inquiry held by the Local Government Board in regard to a scheme for labourers' cottages at Ballygawley, county Tyrone.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) Ballygawley is the name of an electoral division and dispensary district in the Clogher rural district, where, after due inquiry under Section 4 of the Act of 1891, the inspector of the Local Government Board recently reported that the rural district council had made default in making an improvement scheme. Thirteen labourers, on whose behalf representations had been made, attended the inquiry, and the inspector reported in favour of nine of these. The council have adopted a Report of a committee of their body objecting to the inspector's Report. The further action to be taken in the matter is at present under consideration of the Local Government Board.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will state the number of years service as Assistant Land Commissioners of each of the five gentlemen who have now been replaced by others in the appointments just sanctioned.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The number of years service of the gentlemen named as temporary Assistant Commissioners was as follows: Mr. Donovan, nine years; Mr. Grierson, eight years; Mr. Esmonde, six years; Mr. Croasdaile, six years; Mr. Clarke, six years.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether on the Magheradown estate, county Cavan, the Commissioners have sanctioned the advances and have vested the holdings in the tenants; if so, were the conditions as arranged by Captain Sankey, the vendor, carried out of reinstating the evicted tenants, and, if they have not been so carried out, will he explain why this has not been done; and will the Estates Commissioners compel Captain Sankey to compensate the evicted tenants.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that the advances applied for on the sale of the estate in question have not yet been sanctioned. The evicted tenants on this estate have not been reinstated. Their former holdings are in the occupation of other tenants, and there is no untenanted land on the estate. The Commissioners are satisfied that the vendor carried out the conditions on which the terms of sale were arranged, and they have no power to compel the vendor to compensate evicted tenants.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland with reference to the land case of the Marquess of Downshire, landlord, and Andrew T. Blaine, tenant, Record No. 5681, whether he is aware that at the inspection of the holding the Head Commissioner said, in the presence of the landlord's representative, that the tenant was not allowed sufficient reduction on account of drains and flooded ground; and whether he can explain why, under these circumstances, the rent was confirmed.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I am informed by the Land Commissioner that this Question refers to the judicial decision of the Land Commission Appeal Court in a case fully heard and decided under the Land Acts, and they are not prepared to discuss or explain their judicial decisions in reply to Questions in Parliament.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received a communication from the Coach-builders' Society of Dublin asking that a practical coachbuilder should be appointed to the position of hackney-carriage inspector for that city; whether he is aware that the claim of the Coach-makers' Society for this position has been endorsed by several of the Irish trade congresses; and whether, in view of the practical knowledge possessed of the duties by coach-makers, he will see that such a person is appointed when the next vacancy arises.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I have received the communication referred to I am informed by the Chief Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police that the duties discharged by the Inspector of Police in charge of the hackney-carriage department are of a varied character, requiring considerable police experience and knowledge of the hackney-carriage laws and regulations. The minor portion of his duty, which relates to the inspection of vehicles, can be adequately discharged without a practical knowledge of coach-building.

To ask the Chief; Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, with reference to the alleged falsifications which took place in the books of the late Staff Officer Deegan, in the Royal Irish Constabulary Office, Dublin Castle, if he will say (1) whether the falsifications alleged to have been made between the months of September and December, 1903, would have been discovered in the life-time of the deceased if the bank book had been lodged to be made up between these dates; (2) whether seeing that two examinations of deceased's books were admittedly made within the above period, should not the bank book have been made up for; the purpose of each of these examinations,; and, if so (3) why was not the bank book lodged, and who was responsible for the non-lodgment until immediately after the deceased's death, when the deceased could not answer the alleged charge of falsification; and (4) should not there have been monthly audits or examinations of deceased's books, at which the bank book made up to date should have been produced to the auditor or examiner.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) (1) The falsity of the entries made by the deceased staff officer in his bank book, between September and December, 1903, would have been discovered in his lifetime if he had lodged the book in the bank, during the period mentioned, to be written up there, as it was his duty to do. (2) When the accounts of the deceased were examined within this period, the deceased produced his bank book apparently written up, but it was only after his death that it was discovered that the entries in the book had not been made at the bank. (3) The lodgment of the book in the bank was the duty of the deceased himself, and he concealed his non-performance thereof by the entries therein which purported to have been made at the bank. (4) The books and monthly accounts of deceased were examined during the period in question, and the falsified bank book was produced by him to the examiner on each occasion.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state the names, and the extent in statute acres, of the estates purchased by the Congested Districts Board in the county Mayo within the last ten years; whether any of these estates are still in the hands of the Board, and, if so, what are the names, and the extent in statute acres, of such estates; how long have they been in the hands of the Board; and can he give the cause in the case of each estate of their non distribution amongst the neighbouring tenants who live on uneconomic holdings.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) I will obtain and forward to the hon. Member a statement giving the information for which he asks. It will, however, take some little time to prepare it.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any moneys have been placed to the credit of the capital account of the Irish Land Purchase Fund since January 31st; what is their total amount; and how much thereof has been assigned to the capital account of the Irish Land Purchase Aid Fund for the percentage payable under Section 47 of The Irish Land Act, 1903.

( Answered by Mr. McKenna. ) The following sums have been placed to the credit of the Irish Land Purchase Fund since the January 31st last, viz.:—

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether, in view of the prospect of Canadian store cattle being admitted to the United Kingdom alive, if free from disease, and the threatened injury to the Irish cattle trade and consequent damage to the Irish tenantry and non-payment of the rentals, the Government will refuse to provide any more money for the purchase of land under the Irish Land Act of 1903.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) No, Sir; the Government propose to continue to provide money for the purchase of Land under the Act of 1903.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state, in connection with the sale of land in the county of Kerry by landlords, either to the tenants direct, the Estates Commissioners, and the Congested District Board, under the Purchase Act of 1903, the name of the landlord or estate, the average of estate, the valuation of the estate, the rental of the estate, the amount of purchase money, the amount of bonus, the date when agreements were lodged, and the date when sale was provisionally sanctioned or otherwise.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) The Estates Commissioners inform me that their Annual Report and Monthly Returns, now in course of preparation, will give ample information by counties as to all holdings sold under the Act of 1903. I am forwarding to the hon. Member a Return giving particulars of the purchases made by the Congested Districts Board in county Kerry.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that the auditor to the Local Government Board has given notice to the Drogheda Corporation that he will not allow them to make any allowance, in the shape of pay, to any of the labourers in their employment who may be temporarily absent through sickness; will he say by what authority the auditor has made such a restriction; and whether he proposes to take any steps in the matter.

( Answered by Mr. Bryce. ) Inquiries are being made in this matter; but I have as yet no information to give the hon. Member. The Local Government Board inform me that the question of; paying the employees of local authorities during illness frequently arises, and that,; while they have laid down no definite ruling, it is customary for them to point out that under ordinary circumstances workmen are generally regarded as receiving a day's wages for a day's work done, and are therefore in a different position from officers who hold specific appointments during the pleasure of the local authority. In some cases the Board realise that it might be reasonable to allow wages during absences on account of sickness to certain classes of workmen who are regular employees of the local authority; but they cannot quote any statutory authority for making such payments.

To ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state the proportion borne by the amount devoted to education in the Gold Coast Colony to the public revenue of the same; whether out of a population of 2,500,000 people there were until recently only two schools for girls, and that one of these have been permanently closed since the beginning of the year; whether he can assign any reason for this state of affairs; whether he can state what new public work have been undertaken in the Colony since the recent levy; and whether he is aware that all courts of justice in Northern Nigeria and Ashantee are closed to practising barristers, with the result that complaints amongst the natives are numerous as to alleged cases of miscarriage of justice.

( Answered by Mr. Churchill. ) According to the Estimates for 1906, £10,920 is allotted to education out of a total revenue estimated at £697,000. In addition to the two Government girls' schools, there are seven mission girls' schools and seventy-six mixed schools. The reasons given for the closing of one of the Government girls' schools at Cape Coast were that there were sufficient other girls' schools at Cape Coast, that the attendance at the Government school was small and the teaching was unsatisfactory, and that the space was required for an extension of the boys' school. Since the Gold Coast Loan of 1902 was issued the railway from Sekondi has been completed to Kumasi, harbour works are being undertaken at Accra, and a survey is being made for a railway from Accra. Barristers are not allowed to practice in native courts in Northern Nigeria, nor in civil causes between illiterates in other courts in Northern Nigeria and Ashanti except in special circumstances, and in certain other cases the employment of a barrister is subject to the approval of the court. The rules to this effect were made for the protection of the natives, and I have received no complaints that miscarriages of justice have occurred in consequence of them.

To ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether coloured medical men of African origin or descent are excluded from the West African medical service and, if so, can he state upon what grounds.

( Answered by Mr. Churchill. ) Coloured medical men of African origin or descent are ineligible for the West African medical staff, but are eligible for certain other public appointments in the Gold Coast, Sierra Leone, and Lagos. The West African medical staff is constituted principally for the purpose of safeguarding the health of the European officials of the Colonial Governments; and West African native medical officers would not, as a rule, command the confidence of these Europeans.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the maximum working pay for a sergeant or sapper of the Royal Engineers employed on the Ordnance Survey, together with his military pay and perquisites; whether they get paid out of the Ordnance Survey grant or out of the Army Estimates; and whether he is aware that the civilian employees are sometimes reduced or checked in their pay and discharged without gratuity or pension after long service.

( Answered by Sir Edward Strachey. ) The non-commissioned officers and sappers employed on the Ordnance Survey receive working pay and lodging allowance from the Survey Vote and military pay from the Army Votes. The rates of working pay vary from 6d. to the maximum of 4s. a day. When quarters and fuel cannot be provided the money allowances are:—Lodging Allowance. For warrant officers, married or unmarried, Is. 6d. per diem. For staff sergeant, married or unmarried, Is. 4d. per diem. For company sergeant-majors, married, Is. per diem; unmarried 9d. per diem. For sergeants, corporals, sappers, and buglers, on the married roll, l0d. per diem. For sergeants, corporals, sappers, and buglers, not on the married roll, 4d. per diem. The fuel allowance is issued at winter or summer rates, and varies, according to rank, from 3d. to 9d. a day. The daily rates of military pay are as follows:—Sergeant-major, 6s.; quartermaster - sergeant, 4s. 6d.; company sergeant-major, 3s. 9d.; sergeant, 3s. 3d.; corporals, 2s. 6d.; second corporals, 2s. 2d.; sappers and buglers, Is. 1½d. Checks of pay for bad work or misconduct are imposed both on the military and civil employes. The latter are not discharged without gratuity or pension after long service, except for misconduct.

To ask the hon Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether, approaching the end of each financial year, the employes in the Ordnance Survey Office only are put on overtime; whether this is done in order that a certain ratio of work should be shown, or whether it is to absorb surplus money; and whether he can state what amount of the grant has been expended upon office buildings, stationery, and similar charges.

( Answered by Sir Edward Strachey. ) It is sometimes necessary to resort to overtime in the publication branch of the Ordnance Survey in order to keep pace with the work and to prevent its accumulation when pressure arises, but not for the purpose of showing a certain ratio of work or of absorbing surplus money towards the close of the financial year. The expenditure from the Survey Vote in current repairs of office buildings, including water, gas, and electric light fittings, heating apparatus, etc., amounts to between £400 and £500 a year. Stationery and printing are not charged to the Survey Vote, but are supplied by the Stationery Office. The aggregate cost in 1904–5 was £2,743.

To ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he can state how many men are in the field section with from fourteen to thirty-three years' service, who are classed as temporary civil assistants and also chainmen with no prospect of a pension, and little chance of promotion; whether he can state how many civilians in this department are civil assistants eligible for pensions; and how many of this class will be in receipt of the pension on reaching the age limit.

( Answered by Sir Edward Strachey. ) There are six civil assistants, 200 temporary civil assistants, and sixteen chainmen, with from fourteen to thirty-three years service, employed on the field duties of the Ordnance Survey. The six civil assistants are eligible for pensions on reaching the age limit. The temporary civil assistants can obtain pensions only in the event of their being appointed to one of the posts which carry pensionable rights.

To ask the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the fact that all His Majesty's inspectors of schools in the Cardiff district are monoglot Englishmen; and whether, in view of the fact that the Welsh language is a subject of instruction in all the schools of Cardiff, he can arrange for a Welsh-speaking inspector, preferably a Welshman, to be located in that district.

( Answered by Mr. Birrell. ) I am aware that His Majesty's inspector (there is only one) for the Cardiff district does not speak Welsh, but I believe that he is the only His Majesty's inspector in Wales who does not. Every effort is made by the Board to arrange that Welsh schools are inspected by Welsh-speaking inspectors. There are Welsh-speaking inspectors in all the neighbouring districts, one of them living close to Cardiff, who are available whenever required in the Cardiff district. I do not think, therefore, that any inconvenience can arise.

To ask the President of the Board of Education whether it is proposed in the Education Bill that the term school hours, as applied to public elementary schools, shall mean only the hours between 9.45 a.m. and 4 p.m., during which hours alone attendance will be compulsory; if so, whether the local education authorities will be empowered by law, and have the sanction of the Board of Education, in addition to providing secular instruction during the school hours from 9.45 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide religious instruction, in accordance with a syllabus approved by the Board of Education and consonant with the Cowper-Temple clause, out of school hours between 9 a.m. and 9.40 a.m.; and whether, if this is the case, the local education authorities will have the power to engage the teachers in public elementary schools, at the public expense for the purpose of giving such religious instruction in addition to the secular instruction to be given in the school hours from 9.45 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To ask the President of the Board of Education how often it will be permissible to revise the proposed religious census of parents by which, on the demand of at least 80 per cent., denominational teaching will be permitted in populous districts.

( Answered by Mr. Birrell. ) I must refer the hon. Members to the terms of the Bill itself, which is now available for Members. It does not seem to me a convenient practice to attempt to deal by means of Question and Answer with details of an important measure which is awaiting the consideration of the House. The various discussions on the Bill that must take place in the House will offer ample opportunity for its elucidation.

To ask the Postmaster-General in reference to a resolution adopted at the recent conference of Irish postal clerks, hold in Dublin, as to the appointment to vacant post-masterships in Ireland of the establishment serving in England, what is the number of head post-masterships in England, including Wales, Scotland and Ireland respectively, with salaries not exceeding £100, £200, £300 and £400, in excess of £400 and not exceeding £800 and over £800 per year; and what was the average number of vacancies in these positions arising in each country for the three years ending the 1st January last.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) I am afraid I cannot supply the hon. Member with an answer to his Question; to work out the figures would involve considerable labour.

To ask the Postmaster-General, with reference to the recent selections upon the staff of the telegraph branch of the Belfast Post Office to fill the vacant positions of acting or relieving postmasters, whether written application was made by those appointed in respect of these vacancies; if so, what was the respective dates of such applications, to whom addressed, and with whom did the confirmation of these selections finally rest; whether at the time they were confirmed had applications been received from any other member of either the telegraph or postal sections; if so, from how many; and, if not, can any reason be assigned for none applying; and if it be the practice to invite applications for such vacancies, what was the date upon which this practice was initiated; was it coincident with these vacancies arising; and upon whose authority was the former system of inviting applications for vacancies superseded; and, as there were only three vacancies and three candidates, can he state how the most suitable of eligible officers came to be determined.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) I am afraid I do not see my way to give the hon. Member the detailed information he asks for.

To ask the Postmaster-General whether, during the recent bye-election in the Eye Division of Suffolk, the post office at Knoddishall was used for the purpose of the distribution of political literature in support of the ministerial candidate; whether leaflets distributed were stamped with the official post-mark of the office; and, if so, whether this is in accordance with the Post Office Regulations.

( Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton. ) I am making inquiry on this subject, and I will communicate the result to the hon. Member.

To ask Mr. Attorney-General for Ireland whether the committal of the Hyndham children to the Strabane Industrial School by the justices of Cushendall, county Antrim, was a judicial proceeding by order; if so, were the children released by the Crown on the ground that no evidence existed to warrant the committal; since what date has the Crown undertaken to examine evidence in the case of committals; does such examination extend to criminal convictions, and, if a distinction exists, upon what principle is it based; was a certiorari applied for to quash the order of the Cushendall justices; if not, what official decided that there was no evidence on which the justices could legally act; how is the jurisdiction to examine into the evidence before justices derived; and, were written depositions taken in the present case.

( Answered by Mr. Cherry. ) These children were committed to Strabane Industrial School under the provisions of the 11th section of the Industrial Schools Act, 1868, on the grounds that they were found wandering and that they were not under proper guardianship. Written depositions were taken and a regular order of committal was made by the Cushendall justices. A certioriari was not applied for to quash the order of the justices. The children were discharged by the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenaut under the powers conferred on him by the 33rd section of the Act.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the complaints amongst anglers in the upper waters of the Tweed regarding the operation of the Tweed Acts; and, if so, whether he will, in due course, consider the advisability of amending these Acts.

( Answered by Mr. Sinclair. ) I am aware of these complaints, and shall be glad to consider in due course the question of legislation.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that dissatisfaction prevails amongst the Liberal ratepayers of Peeblesshire, who are in a majority, at the action of the clerk of the County Council in appearing in the registration courts and at election times as paid Conservative agent; and, if so, whether he possesses statutory power to prohibit a practice which is peculiar to that county, and which is persisted in in spite of continued protest.

( Answered by Mr. Sinclair. ) I am aware of this dissatisfaction, which seems on general grounds to be reasonable, and, I understand, has in its support the almost unanimous practice of the county councils of Scotland. But the Secretary for Scotland has no statutory powers in the matter.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that Messrs. Mowlem and Company, of Westminster, supply Government and municipal contracts from their granite quarries in Guernsey, Channel Islands, where a workman, named Lemaitre, was killed last month; and whether, as his widow had no claim to condensation under any existing law, he will extend the provisions of the Workmen's Compensation Bill so as to make it apply to workmen employed in the Channel Islands who are engaged in carrying out British contracts.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone. ) The case mentioned has not come before me. I will consider the hon. Member's suggestion, but must first consult the authorities of the islands.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether complaints have been made as to the employment of underpaid youths by certain district collectors to perform the duty of calling upon the public for taxes; and, if so, whether it could be arranged that firms in large industrial centres should pay direct to the chief collector of Inland Revenue the taxes under Schedules A, B, C, D), and E.

( Answered by Mr. Asquith. ) The Board of Inland Revenue have heard of no complaint of the kind, and have no knowledge of any such practice, which would be quite contrary to the instructions issued to collectors of taxes.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the grant proposed under the Education Bill for dealing with voluntary schools in England, it is intended to provide an equivalent grant for Scottish education.

( Answered by Mr. Asquith. ) As the financial arrangements under the Education Bill will not come into force during the present financial year, it would be premature to come to any decision on the question raised by my hon. friend.

To ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that dissatisfaction exists amongst the labourers employed in the Army Ordnance Department in Ireland, on account of the rate of wages earned by them and owing to dismissals of civilians from employment; and whether he will explain why six notices of discharge were served recently at Island Bridge depot.

( Answered by Mr. Buchanan. ) The question of the rate of pay for labourers is now the subject of inquiry between the War Office and the General Officer Commanding in Chief in Ireland. The dismissals referred to are in consequence of reduction of civilian establishments.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that it is the custom for soldiers stationed at the Curragh Camp, Kildare, to exercise three horses abreast on the public roads, to the danger of pedestrians; whether he is aware that the rural district council have passed a resolution condemning the practice, and have written a remonstrance on the matter to the Assistant Adjutant General, commanding the district without redress; and whether he will make inquiry into the complaint and have an immediate remedy applied.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane. ) These matters must necessarily rest with the local military authorities, with whose discretion I am not prepared to interfere.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether the whole of the money voted for the Tidworth Barrack scheme has been expended; if not, why a hospital, for which plans have been prepared for some months, has not been built in order to obviate the inconvenience and suffering of moving sick soldiers four miles to Bulford; and whether any church or chapel for the 3,000 troops stationed at Tidworth is immediately contemplated, as none exists.

( Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane. ) The allocation of funds for the provision of a hospital at Tidworth is at present receiving careful consideration. The sick are transferred to the military hospital at Bulford, and no complaints of inconvenience or suffering have been received. It is not proposed at present to construct a church or chapel for the troops at Tidworth.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Article 606, Pay Warrant, which states that under special circumstances determined by the Secretary of State for War the retired pay of an officer may be suspended or withheld, enables a Secretary of State to prevent criticisms adverse to the Army Board or to individual members; whether he is aware that this regulation places retired officers in a less secure position than officers on the active list, who can claim a trial by court-martial; and whether he will undertake not to interfere in any way with the free expression of opinions by retired officers.

^* : The exercise of the power referred to in Article 606 of the Pay Warrant does not place retired officers in a disadvantageous position, as compared with officers on the active list, in the manner suggested, as the latter cannot claim a trial by court-martial. It has not been customary to interfere unreasonably with the expressions of opinion of retired officers, and I am not prepared to give the undertaking suggested in the Question.

May I ask my right hon. friend what redress of any kind retired officers have?

^* : I am not aware that any unreasonable interference has occurred. It is only on grave grounds that interference takes place.

May I ask whether any reason exists for subjecting retired officers of the Army to disciplinary provisions which do not apply to his Majesty's Civil servants?

^* : I am not aware of any concrete case of the kind suggested, but it is right that in such cases there should be some control. After all, an officer of the Army, even if he is on the retired list, is in a responsible position, and more importance is attached abroad to what he says than to what a civilian says.

Would not this question arise on the discussion of the Estimates?

^* : If I have done anything which my hon. friend thinks is unreasonable it is quite competent for him to raise this Question upon the salary of the Secretary of State for War.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why was the work of completing the contract of building the military station, etc., at Ebrington, Londonderry, suspended; what amount of money is yet to be expended; and whether he will now take steps to have the work proceeded with.

^* : The buildings at Londonderry have been completed and no work is now in hand. There is no money yet to be expended. It is not therefore understood to what the hon. Member alludes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the members of the 3rd Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Militia) who reside in the Island of Lewis recently received notice summon- ing them to Fort George between the 2nd and 4th instant, and directing them to travel by the mail steamer leaving Stornoway on the night of Monday as there was no special boat this year, and stating that all would certainly not be allowed to travel by the mail steamer leaving Stornoway on Tuesday night, and that those who did not travel on Monday and found themselves crowded out of Tuesday's mail boat could not arrive in time for the assembly, and would render themselves liable to punishment; and, seeing that there are about 700 of the Militia in the island, and the steamer will only accommodate 250 men, will he explain by whose authority the notice was issued; and why the men were threatened with punishment if they did not arrive in time.

I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the members of the Ross-shire Militia, 3rd Seaforth Highlanders, were recently summoned to attend at Fort George between the 2nd and 4th instant, with the result that 400 men gathered into Stornoway from all parts of the island on Monday the 2nd instant for the purpose of proceeding that night to Fort George; whether he is aware that, as the steamer would only accommodate 250 men, the remainder, many of whom had travelled long distances to the town, had the greatest difficulty in finding accommodation for the night; and will he state who is responsible for having failed to make suitable arrangements, and in what way the men have been compensated for their outlays.

I beg further to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that the 3rd Seaforth Highlanders (Ross-shire Militia), which is almost entirely composed of Lewis men, were summoned to Fort George between the 2nd and 4th instant, and that there are about 700 of the Militia in the island, he will explain why no special boat was chartered for their conveyance, seeing that the mail steamer would only accommodate 250 men, and that it was, therefore, impossible for all the men to reach Fort George by the date specified.

There is no information in the War Office in regard to the matters mentioned in these three Questions, but reference has been made to the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Scotland.

This is a matter of serious and urgent importance. There are 750 of these Seaforth Highlanders at Lewis. I should have thought that the right hon. Gentleman might have gone to the expense of a sixpenny telegram to have made the inquiries. In consequence of the very unsatisfactory nature of the Answer I shall raise this Question on the Motion for the Adjournment.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, the amount of money expended on plant and machinery in the Sparkbrook factory during the last ten years; and whether he will state the sum to be paid for the same by the purchasing syndicate.

The total amount spent on plant and machinery in the last ten years was about £37,000. The sum to be paid for the same by the purchasing factory cannot, as I have already explained, be at present disclosed.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what time will be specified in the Regulations under the Chinese Ordinance which must elapse before the 16,000 coolies not yet arrived in the Transvaal may apply for repatriation after coming to the mines.

^* : This is one of the points of detail as to which information cannot be given until the drafting of the actual regulations is completed.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what was the largest number of Chinese coolies employed in South Africa since the Transvaal Labour importation Ordinance was introduced, aud how many are employed now; whether the Chinese coolies now employed are still forbidden to engage in skilled labour in any of the fifty-seven kinds of employment mentioned in Schedule 1 of the Ordinance; and whether, if this prohibition is no longer in force, it has been explained to the coolies that they are at liberty to engage in them; whether the Chinese coolies are still forbidden to be employed on any but unskilled labour in the exploitation of minerals within the Witwatersrand district; whether the Chinese coolies are still prohibited, under penalty of fine and imprisonment, to leave the premises on which they are employed, unless by permission of an agent of the importer, and in no case for more than forty-eight hours after the issue of the permit; and whether in any, and, if so, in what ways the terms of the Ordinance have been varied, or its provisions relaxed in favour of the Chinese coolies.

^* : The number employed on February 28th was 50,000, and was the largest number employed up to the present. There has been some wastage since, but the Secretary of State has no later official figure. The labourers are still subject to the disabilities enumerated in the Question. It was never proposed by His Majesty's Government to remove the prohibitions against the Chinese engaging in skilled labour during the period of the continuance of the existing Ordinance. The removal of such prohibition would no doubt be of great advantage to the mineowners as enabling them to substitute a much cheaper form of skilled labour for the skilled British labour now employed. But it would certainly not be in the interests of the white community. The objectionable provisions in the amending Ordinance of 1905 which are being removed are ( a ) the holding of trials on mine promises; ( b ) deduction of fine from wages; ( c ) fining of head boy for not reporting offences; ( d ) collective punishment. Lord Selborne has telegraphed that practical effect has already been given to all these amendments of the Ordinance; but it is possible that legislation may be required to regularise one or two of these amendments, and such legislation must be delayed until the Legislative Council meet.

Does not the hon. Gentleman know that the mineowners were opposed to the use of Chinamen for skilled labour from the beginning? In his Answer the hon. Gentleman would seem to have suggested that the mineowners were in favour of it. ["No."]

^* : I certainly did not intend to make any suggestion of that kind; I merely pointed out that it would be to the interest of the mineowners and conducive to cheaper working if Chinamen were allowed to be employed in all forms of work, skilled and unskilled.

Is it not the fact that Mr. Woods, secretary of the Johannesburg Miners' Association, has repeatedly complained of mineowners attempting to place Chinamen on skilled white work.

[No Answer was returned.]

When will Papers be laid upon the Table to show the number of Chinamen employed in the mines?

^* : If that means when further Blue-books on the Chinese Ordinance are to be laid, I cannot say. A Blue-book was published at the beginning of the session upon this Question, and I think it would be better to wait a little longer before publishing another.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Governor of Natal has made any representations to His Majesty's Government in justification for the prolonged period during which martial law in Natal has lasted; and whether any steps are being taken to withdraw the martial law proclamation.

^* : The proclamation of martial law by the Governor has taken place on the advice of his Ministers who will have to justify their action to their own Parliament in regard to both its proclamation and its duration. The Secretary of State is not aware that steps are as yet being taken to withdraw the proclamation. With regard to the administration of martial law, the Secretary of State has received a telegram from Sir Henry McCallum stating that five cases of death sentences passed by a court-martial, for sedition and insurrection on the south coast have been considered by the Executive Council. The Governor explained the facts of the case, and how the case differed from the murder of the police officers. In all five, cases the Council advised him in favour of clemency, and he accepted the advice tendered to him.

As the Government declared the native question to be an Imperial one and not entirely a Colonial one, I beg to ask whether in future any imposition of taxation on the natives likely to cause them to rise in rebellion——

^* : The hon. Member must give notice of that Question.

I beg to ask whether the Under-Secretary's attention has been drawn to the fact that martial law, having been proclaimed on February 9th, has been made retrospective so as to cover acts done on the 8th, whether there are any precedents for such a use of the Royal prerogative, and whether any representation has been made to the Governor of Natal on the subject.

^* : I think that if the hon. Member will consider that martial law is the total or partial suspension of the ordinary law, he will realise that there is nothing to prevent court-martial from dealing with acts committed prior to the proclamation of martial law. Acts done in pursuance of martial law are not done by use of the Royal prerogative, but are illegal until confirmed by an Act of indemnity.

; Would the hon. Member answer the second paragraph as to whether there is any precedent for the retrospective action of martial law.

^* : I am not aware. But as I explained to my hon. friend the use of the Royal prerogative is not brought in.

I should like to ask whether, seeing that the ordinary Courts are still sitting, the Government intend to advise the withdrawl of the proclamation of martial law.

^* : I have every reason to believe that the Government of Natal are very anxious to withdraw the proclamation on the earliest possible opportunity. I believe that opportunity will not arise until their Parliament has met, which I think, is on May 3, when a Bill of indemnity can be introduced. In the meantine, the application of martial law is being restricted to the disturbed districts, although technically in operation over the whole country. It will be seen from the telegram I read in answer to an earlier Question that martial law is being administered with care and consideration by the responsible Ministers of the Natal Government.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the proposed sanction by the responsible authorities in the Transvaal of a new railway from Nelspruit, or Alkmaar, to Pilgrim's Rest, which can only benefit the mining community, in preference to the railway planned by the late Boer Government, from Belfast, via Dullstroom and Lydenburg, to Nelspruit, which would benefit both the agricultural and mining interests of the Transvaal Colony; and what action, if any, the Colonial Office propose to take in the matter.

^* : It is within the knowledge of the Secretary of State that railway construction in the district referred to will be considered by the local authorities if suitable proposals are made by persons interested, but no information has been received as to the exact points raised by the hon. Member. The decision as to the precise route to be followed by a railway is a matter which may properly be left to the local authorities and their export advisers. I may add that Lord Selborne has shown himself keenly alive to the desirability of developing the agricultural resources of the two new Colonies by means of railways, several of which have been planned for the especial purpose of bringing the agricultural districts into contact with the industrial centres, which are of course their chief markets.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury if he is aware that the Inter-Colonial Customs Conference in South Africa has decided to propose to the several Colonial Governments an increase of the preferential duty for English merchandise from 2½ per cent. to 5 per cent.; whether such increase will be approved in the case of the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony by His Majesty's Government; and, if so, whether His Majesty's Government will be prepared to offer any and what compensation to the inhabitants of these Colonies for the sacrifices which this increased burden will entail upon them.

My right hon. friend has asked me to answer this Question for him. There has not yet been time to receive the decisions of the Customs Conference, which will, of course, be subject to approval by the legislatures of the respective Colonies.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the conditions under which this country would be ready to resume diplomatic relations with Servia have been specified in writing to a Servian agent; and, if so, what are those conditions.

The question of the renewal of diplomatic relations between England and Servia cannot be discussed between the two Governments so long as the regicide officers hold official positions and influence the Servian Government. In the event of these officers being withdrawn from their positions and of the King agreeing to send a representative to Belgrade, it would of course be understood that the officers in question would not be reinstated.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that police constables who happened to be in the Reserve, and who were called up to do service for their country in July 1882 in the Egyptian campaign for periods varying from two to twelve months, are not allowed to count this time as service in the police, although police constables in the Reserve, when recently called to serve in South Africa, had such time of absence counted for pension as though they had not been absent; and if he will take into his consideration the adjustment of this difference of treatment.

Yes, Sir, I have had this point under my consideration. As I informed the hon. Member for the Kennington Division on 12th March,† it is a matter that requires legislation and is dealt with in Clause 3 of the Police Superannuation Bill now before Parliament. A special Act (the Police Reservists Act, 1902) was passed to meet the case of police called out for service in South Africa.

Then I take it they are reinstated.

Yes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that twelve months have elapsed since the hairdressers and barbers of Lambeth presented a petition to the Lambeth Borough Council in favour of early closing, and that the Lambeth Borough Council made an order for early closing on March 29th last; and is he now prepared to approve that order, so that it may be put into force forthwith.

I believe that this matter has been under the consideration of the Lambeth Borough Council for about a twelvemonth. They have now, on the 31st ultimo, submitted an order to me for confirmation. The order must, in pursuance of the Regulations, lie in my Department for a month for the receipt of objections. At the end of that time I will without delay take the question of confirming the order into consideration.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether twelve

†See (4) Debates, cliii., 921.

manacled convicts, in convict dress, were recently conveyed in an omnibus from Wormwood Scrubbs to Waterloo Station, exposed in crowded streets to the public view; and, if so, whether he will consider the advisability of making other provision so as to avoid spectacles of this nature.

I find on inquiry that a party of prisoners who were being moved to Winchester, were conveyed last Wednesday by omnibus from Wormwood Scrubbs Prison to Waterloo Station, but I am informed that the curtains of the omnibus were drawn, and that the exposure of the prisoners to the public view was avoided as far as possible. The Governors of His Majesty's prisons have very explicit orders to guard against any undue publicity in the transfer of prisoners from one prison to another; and I am satisfied that they do their best to comply with these orders. I will consider, in connection with the Estimates, the possibility of using prison vans in future at Wormwood Scrubbs, though this would involve considerable extra expense.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that the Central Body (London) under the Unemployed Act is almost at a standstill for lack of funds; and whether he proposes taking any action to enable it to continue to register and find work for the unemployed of the metropolis.

The Unemployed Workman Act does not contemplate that application for assistance under it will be received, or that such assistance will be provided, at all times. The Distress Committees in London were only required by the central body to receive applications during the period ended March 31st last, and the central body resolved that after that date no application should be received except in respect of colony works and emigration. They further resolved not to start new work, subject to certain exceptions, and that, apart from work in which the training is an important element and from work recently started, existing work should be discontinued after Easter. But I do not understand that the central body are almost at a standstill. On March 31st the number of men at work was 3,390, and it is expected that the closing of the work, which will be gradual, will not be completed before the end of June. As my hon. friend is aware, the Government have intimated their intention to introduce a Bill to amend the Act, but I cannot give any intimation at the present time as to what the proposals of the Bill will be.

May I ask when the Bill is likely to be introduced?

The Bill will take its proper place in order of precedence in the programme of the Government.

May I ask whether there is any indication as to when this Bill is likely to be introduced?

There is no indication.

Then I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to this matter on the Motion for Adjournment.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the report of an inquest held at Poplar on 5th April to inquire into the death of a seventy-five-years old dock labourer named James Eaton, who had previously resided at Limehouse, whose death, the jury agreed, had been brought about by want of food, and to the statement of the relieving officer that the guardians could do nothing, because Mrs. Macdonald, the deceased man's daughter, with whom he had been living, and who was earning only 10s. per week, out of which she had to pay 4s. 6d. per week for rent and maintain two children, had been deserted by her husband; and, if so, whether he will advise such an Amendment of the law as will give the poor law guardians sufficient discretionary powers to enable them to grant such out door relief as will in future obviate such an incident.

I understand that on the 29th March application was made to one of the relieving officers of the Stepney Union for the admission of the deceased to the workhouse, that he was removed to the infirmary of the workhouse on the same day suffering from bronchitis and old age, and that he died there on the 3rd instant. I have not seen the report of the inquest, but I understand from the clerk to the guardians that what the relieving officer stated at the inquest was that if Mrs. Macdonald would apply for relief her case would be submitted to the guardians, and that if relief were given a warrant for the apprehension of her husband, who has deserted her, would be applied for. If Mrs. Macdonald is in need of relief it is competent for the guardians to give her relief out of the workhouse, but I am informed that no application has yet been made by her or by any one on her behalf.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he has received further requests from towns in the North of Ireland to establish a mail to England via Greenore and Holyhead; and whether he is now in a position to announce that this additional facility will be granted.

If the hon. Member will postpone this Question until after the Easter recess I will give him his Answer then.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he has now received the memorial from the majority of the urban district councillors of Bangor, county Down, pointing out that the site proposed for the new Post Office is the most unsuitable and most inconvenient that could be selected; and whether this site will now be abandoned.

I have received the memorial, and as I stated in this House on the 5th instant,† in reply to a previous Question by the hon. Member, I have called for a further report in the matter.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he will explain why he has refused, to receive a deputation from the night operators of the Telephone Department, who desired to lay their grievances before him.

The night operators placed their case before me very fully in writing; and I considered it carefully. I did not think that any advantage would be gained by a deputation or fresh light thereby thrown on the question, especially spending the sitting and report of the Select Committee on Postal Servants.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the assistant superintendent in charge of the St. Leonards sorting office was withdrawn from his duties to test a rural postman's walk on the 31st of March last, no substitute being provided to cover his duty, which had in consequence to be performed by other officers in addition to their own duties; and whether he will explain why the test in question was not performed by the inspector of postmen.

This Question involves local inquiry, which is being made. I will give the hon. Member the desired information as soon as I can.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if he is aware that Lord Stanley made a promise to a deputation from the Postmen's Federation, on the 26th January, 1905, that special allowances would be granted to selected officers employed at the larger provincial towns, for performing indoor duties; and can he see his way to redeeming this promise.

I am aware that the matter was referred to on the occasion in question. It is still in an experimental stage, and I hope soon to be in a position to say whether it is practicable to adopt it generally at some of the larger offices.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state what is the estimated value of the Turner pictures lately discovered, and exhibited at the Tate Gallery.

It is imposible to give such an estimate.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether he will institute a Parliamentary Inquiry into the alleged grievances of the second-class examining officers in the Customs Department.

No, Sir. I see no necessity for such an inquiry.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether the Board of Education has ruled that it falls to the managers of a non-provided school to provide the furniture of such school; whether that ruling is in accordance with previous rulings of the board; and, if not, on whose advice the later ruling was given; and whether by an unofficial letter the Minister of Education has expressed his willingness to recommend a modification of the later ruling in the case of a school erected by Mr. Cadbury and, if so, in what direction and for what reason.

I must refer the noble Lord to the Answer I gave on Monday, the 9th inst., to a written Question on this subject from the hon. Member for Kerry, S.† Since that Answer was given, the Government have now been definitely advised that the arrangement referred to in that Answer. and in the unofficial letter quoted in the noble Lord's Question is not legal possible, having regard to the fact that a school must, as the board are not advised, be properly equipped as public elementary school before the local authority can properly maintain it. I am sorry this should be so, as I should

† See col. 967.

like to have seen carried out proposals made before the new ruling, but this seems now impossible both in Mr. Cadbury's and other cases.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, in view of the fact that at least £1,000,000 would be necessary for the purposes of the Education Bill introduced by him today, what amount will be allocated to Ireland by way of an equivalent grant, and to what purposes it will be devoted.

The hon. Gentleman's Question is entirely premature, and I cannot give any Answer to it at present.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, whether he will allow the engineer's Reprot on the Crinan Canal, which was brought before the Canal Coommission by the secretary to the Commissioners for the Crinan and Caledonian Canals, to be printed and laid upon the Table of the House.

The publication of such Reports lies with the Commissioners, and is not within the jurisdiction of the Secretary for Scotland.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether members of the Royal Irish Constabulary are required to swear that they will not join any secret society; whether this regulation applies to freemasonry; and, if not why such a distinction is drawn.

The Answer to the first inquiry is in the affirmative, and to the second in the negative. The terms of the oath are prescribed by statute, 6 William IV., cap. 13, section 17, the Society of Freemasons being expressly excluded from the prohibition applying to secret societies.

Are not the members of the constabulary forbidden to join the Good Templars? I understood so from the right hon. Gentleman the other day.†

I understand the Good Templars would come under the category of secret societies.

asked who had the delicate duty of deciding what is a secret society.

I presume that the constabulary authorities give the best interpretation they can of the terms of the statute.

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiry and see whether it is not the fact that this has been the cause of much of the unpopularity of the force?

[No Answer was returned].

I beg to ask whether the Chief Secretary can state what percentage are registered as Catholics in the various ranks of the Royal Irish Constabulary, including constables, acting-sergeants, sergeants, head constables, district inspectors, and county inspectors.

I am informed by the Inspector-General that on December 31st last the percentages of Catholics in the various ranks of the Royal Irish Constabulary were as follows:—Constables, seventy-five; acting-sergeants, sixty-seven; sergeants, seventy-two; head constables, sixty-seven; district inspectors, twenty-nine; and county inspectors, eleven.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state where Constable Anderson, late of Kiltimagh, is now stationed; and whether any complaints have been made against him since his transference from Kiltimagh.

I am informed by the Inspector-General that Constable John Anderson, formerly of Kiltimagh, was

† See Col. 517.

stationed at Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, up till the 10th inst., when he was transferred to County Meath. It would be contrary to practice to give information as to any disciplinary complaints made against a constable.

Can the right hon. Gentlemad say why he was removed from Meath?

No, that is exactly what I cannot say.

I could tell him.

Do I understand that the man has been removed from his position>

Yes, Sir.

I am glad to hear it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Land Commission have made any, and, if so, what, effort to ascertain if the Earl of Annesley and the Marquess of Downshire have withdrawn their scales of voluntary reductions for second-term rents in the county of Down; whether the withdrawal is attributed by the Land Commission to the fact that the Sub-Commission, of which Mr. M'Connell is a member, have been giving smaller reductions than the landlords themselves were willing to agree to; and, if not, whether he can state for what reason the scale of voluntary abatements was withdrawn.

I have referred this Question to the Land Commission, who inform me that they have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's similar Question of Wednesday last.† Hon. Members may supply themselves with information. Obviously I have none.

You did not reply then.

Yes, Sir, I did. I replied that the Judicial Commissioners could not give any reply.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received from the. Portadown Urban District Council a representation setting forth the impossibility of collecting rates from poor people occupying houses valued at £4 and under; and whether he will introduce a Bill to amend the Law relating to the collection of rates, so as to make the landlord responsible for the payment of rates on this class of property.

I beg to refer to the Answer which I gave to a similar Question put by the hon. Member for West Cavan on Wednesday last.‡

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland how many applications were received for appointment to the positions of temporary Assistant Commissioners in the Land Commission; who conducted the examination into the capability and experience of the candidates; what tests were applied; and whether the Report of the examiner will be laid upon the Table of the House.

The total number of applications received was very large, and could not be given without a long search through the books in which the applications are recorded. It would be contrary to practice and precedent to state in detail the methods employed for selecting the best candidates, but I may say that the capacity and experience of land of each of the twenty-seven assistant commissioners whose term of office was expiring were carefully inquired into. The same process was followed with twenty-two new candidates of whom the five possessing the highest qualifications were selected. No formal Report was prepared. The responsibility for the appointments rests entirely with the Irish Government, which has satisfied itself that the changes in the staff of the Land Commission now effected will lead to increased efficiency.

Is the right hon. Gentleman responsible for the appointments?

Certainly.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Mullingar Board of Guardians, for the third year in succession, have given their printing contract to the person whose tender was the highest submitted; whether this Board last year was surcharged by the auditor of the Local Government Board the difference between the accepted tender and the lowest sent in; whether the contractor refunded the amount of the surcharge; and whether he will state the name of this contractor, and on what grounds his contract was accepted.

The Local Government Board understand that the facts are substantially as stated. The Board are unable, however, to say whether the contractor refunded the amount of the surcharge. The name of the contractor is Mr. J. P. Hayden, Mullingar. His contract was accepted for the year 1905–6, on the grounds that he had a printing office in Mullingar, that he employs local labour, and that he pays the maximum rate of wages, thereby benefiting the district. The guardians also stated as grounds for accepting this contract, the convenience of checking proofs, giving instructions, etc., and that Mr. Hayden had given satisfaction in the past.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware of the need which exists for the extension of the railway from Killala to Ballycastle, in the county of Mayo, to develop the industries, especially the fishing industry, in a poor and populous district; and whether, seeing that the railway from Ballina to Killala, built by State aid and worked by the Midland Great Western Railway, has proved a success, and that the company has expressed its willingness to work an extension of the line to Ballycastle, he will give the matter his early attention.

I am informed that the question of railway extension from Killala to Ballycastle has frequently been brought under the notice of the Irish Government. I understand that Ballycastle is a market town of some importance, but that there is not much sea fishing carried on from it. I am not aware that the Midland Great Western Railway Company has expressed its willingness to work an extension to Ballycastle. In reply to the concluding inquiry I can only say that the claims of the district will receive consideration in conjunction with those of other districts, if further funds for railway extension should become available.

^* : I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether Mr. Justice Meredith, in giving judgment in seventy-three fair rent cases from county Down on Friday last, raised the sub-commission rents in thirty-two cases, reduced them in four, and confirmed thirty-seven cases; and if he can state who were the assistant, legal, and lay commissioners who fixed the rents appealed against; what is the name of Mr. Justice Meredith's assessor; and if he has had any experience of Ulster farming.

I regard this as a judicial matter. I am informed by the Land Commission that the cases referred to in the Question were the subject of judicial decisions by the Land Commission Court of Appeal. The cases were heard and the decisions pronounced in open Court, and the results appeared in the daily newspapers. I have no further information in the matter.

^* : Is it possible to got the information as to who fixed the rents originally and as to whether the assessor who sat with Mr. Justice Meredith had any experience of Ulster farming when he reduced them?

The Commission consider that this was a judicial function and. it is not for them to give the information

^* : Is the assessor a judicial functionary in any sense of the word? And can the right hon. Gentleman tell us whether his salary is a matter subject to discussion in this House?

That is a Question.

^* : Very well, Sir; I can only say that I beg to give notice that immediately after the resumption of business after the Easter recess I shall call attention to this matter.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether these rents were not fixed originally by Mr. Commissioner Bailey and whether he was not quite as good a judge of these matters as Mr. Commissioner Meredith.

No, Sir; I do not know who fixed them.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state if, at the time of his appointment as relieving officer by the Lame Council, county Antrim, Magowan was ineligible; and, if so, why the Local Government Board has not annulled the election instead of waiting till Magowan became eligible, meanwhile leaving the poor and destitute of the district without a relieving officer.

Mr. Magowan was ineligible at the time of his appointment, but as he informed the Board of Guardians that he would dispose of his licensed premises, the Local Government Board, in accordance with their usual practice, gave him an opportunity of doing so. He has since done so, but until the licence has been legally transferred, the Local Government Board will not ratify the appointment. In the meantime it is the duty of the Guardians to make temporary provision for the discharge of the duties of the relieving officer.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will say what special consideration, on the abolition of the results system in April, 1900, the Queen's scholars received who obtained special distinction at the final examinations in July 1897, 1898, and 1899, and who were thereby entitled to be placed in the second division of first, class after two years highly efficient service; how many of these, on becoming principals of second grade schools and having received their training diplomas, have been promoted to second grade; whether many of these teachers were placed at the minimum of third grade when the salaries were finally fixed in April, 1901; and whether all the cases of this class, who now only receive third grade salary, will receive special consideration at the forthcoming revision of salaries.

Queen's scholars who passed with special distinction in 1897 or 1898 and had two years good service to their credit either immediately before or immediately after April 1st, 1900, were as a rule granted the equivalent of the difference between second class salary and second division of the first class salary in their consolidated incomes under the new rules. Teachers who passed with special distinction in 1899 could not complete two years highly efficient service on or about April 1st, 1900, and in these cases the consolidated incomes were fixed under the new rules which provide for increments and promotions in connection with which passing with special distinction under the old rules receives consideration. The Commissioners inform me that each case was dealt with on its merits, and that they have plenary powers which have been liberally exercised, to raise on appeal the grant of consolidated income in cases in which the operation of the rule is deemed inequitable. No national schools are recognised as second grade schools; promotion in grade depends mainly on length and efficiency of service. Though in some cases training is essential, the possession of a training diploma does not in itself warrant promotion. The figures for which the hon. Member asks cannot be given without a careful examination of the records of the office which would take much time. The Commissioners inform me that they cannot promise special consideration at the forthcoming revision of salaries to teachers of the kind referred to who now receive third grade salary only, but they will consider any particular case brought under their notice which has not already been fully investigated.

I desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a Question of which I have given him private notice. Namely, whether a settlement of the Bahr-el-Ghazal difficulty has been arrived at with the Congo Government.

A final settlement has not been come to, but a modus vivendi has been arranged pending negotiations for a definite settlement which will begin after Easter. In the meantime arrangements have been come to which will prevent any difficulty arising between Egyptian and Congo State posts and any confusion as to the administration of the country.

I beg to ask whether Congolese troops are now in occupation of Sudanese territory, as has been the case for some time past.

The modus vivendi is roughly this: any post occupied by a Congo State force subsequent to a certain date, about a year ago, will be withdrawn. Those that were there prior to that date will for the present remain, but the Administration of the disputed territory will be Sudanese.