I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the statement of the First Lord of the Admiralty that the Board declines to commit itself to that portion of Lord Cawdor's new scheme of naval training which decided that there was no need for a final division into three branches of executive, marine, and engineer officers, and of the lecture delivered at the war course Portsmouth, by Professor Ewing, Director of Naval Education, in which this decision is ignored, he will say whether the lecture was made public by permission of the Admiralty; and whether he will now take steps to publish the protests made by admirals in command of fleets, and who have recently been in command of fleets, against the new scheme of naval training.

In answer to the first part of the Question, the lecture was made public by permission of the Admiralty. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the negative.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the new scheme of naval training was stated by Lord Cawdor in his statement of Admiralty policy, 30th November, 1905, to be based on the Report of a Departmental Committee appointed on 8th July, 1905, to investigate the question of specialisation and allocation of duties afloat and ashore for executive, engineer, and marine officers, and how best to provide for filling the higher scientific posts at the Admiralty and the dockyards: whether the Committee examined any executive officers, on how many days did they take evidence concerning officers, how many concerning the Royal Corps of Naval Constructors, and how many days were devoted to the examination of witnesses concerning the provision of warrant officers for engine-room duties.

I can only refer the hon. Member to the Report of the Committee recently presented to the House (Cd. 2841), in which he will find full information on all the points in question.

Is it not the case that no executive officers were examined by this Committee?

The Report I have referred to will supply the answer to that question.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the quantity of Welsh steam coal exported to Germany during the year 1905, consigned to agents of the German Government for use in the Navy.

The Admiralty have no information on this subject.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what instructions, if any, have been given to the Committee appointed to advise on the formation of a Territorial Army; whether the Committee have received any guidance from the Army Council as to the part the proposed new Army is expected to play in time of war; and whether the Committee are empowered to make recommendations with respect to the Regular Army.

No formal terms of reference have been given to this Committee, but I propose to ask their advice on a number of questions which I shall put before them. These will not include questions concerning the Regular Army.

asked whether the questions would be laid before the House, and whether the Committee had received any guidance from the Army Council.

The Army Council is represented on the Committee. General Stopford is there with the full confidence of the Army Council. I am asking the Committee specific questions, with a view to a general scheme. When I am able to produce that general scheme I shall be able to answer the questions.

asked whether the reference would permit the consideration of the question of the utilisation of the Militia as an adjunct to the Regular Army.

I have put specific questions to the Committee, and the answers will be the material for my scheme.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the recent prohibition of the sale of spirits in Yeomanry canteens during training is based upon the assumption that the Yeomanry were brought under military law by the Militia and Yeomanry Act of 1901; and whether, seeing that statute makes no change in the military status of the Yeomanry from what it has been since the Act of 1804, he will explain why there should be any change in the canteen regulations.

Under the Army Act, 1881, Section 176 (7) the Yeomanry are subject to military law when being trained or exercised. Accordingly Yeomanry canteens are liable during training to be brought under the regulations for canteens for the Regular Army. I may say that in some cases I have relaxed the regulations for the coming training only.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has received and considered a petition from Chief Nana praying that he may be allowed to return to his own country; and whether, in view of the facts of the case, his petition will be granted.

The petition has been received. Lord Elgin has, on representations made to him before its receipt, asked the Governor of Southern Nigeria to report on the question of allowing Nana to be repatriated, and is awaiting Sir W. Egerton's reply.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been drawn to the operation of the system of Transvaal permits, under which an educated Indian gentleman, a student of the Middle Temple, Mr. Suliman Manga, was lately refused even temporary permission to enter the Transvaal as a British subject, but was subsequently accorded permission to do so as a native of Portuguese territory in India; and whether, having regard 10 the effect produced in India when it becomes known that a native of Portuguese Goa is treated in a British Crown Colony with a consideration which is denied to him as a subject of the British Indian Empire, he will take stops to remove or modify the restrictions which are at present placed upon the movements of British Indian subjects in a British Crown Colony.

The Secretary of State is at present without information upon this case, but he will make prompt inquiry.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if ho can supply a Return stating what provision is made for the teaching of hygiene and temperance in public elementary schools, and for training teachers in these subjects in Canada, Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, West Australia, and in Natal.

Information on the points referred to by the hon. Member is given in the Special Reports on the Educational Systems of the Colonies, Volumes 4 and 5, laid before Parliament in 1901 (Cd. 416 and Cd. 417). I have asked that the hon. Member shall be supplied with these Papers from the Colonial Office, and I hope they will roach him in the course of the day.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what is the acreage of the Crown lands in the Transvaal; what portions thereof are available for State-aided land settlement, and in what parts of the Transvaal such portions are situate; and whether any, and, if so, what steps are being taken to further the policy of colonisation by British settlers upon such lands.

The total area of Crown lands in the Transvaal is, I understand, a little over 30,000 square miles. There is little Crown land on the High Veld, and the majority is on the Middle or Low Veld, which is less suitable for settlement, the latter, indeed, being malarious. The progress of land settlement is shown in the last Report of the Commissioner of Lands, copies of which will be placed in the Library when they arrive from South Africa. Meanwhile, if my have and learned friend desires it, I can arrange for him to have access to the copy we have already received.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether the Government has received any Reports from Dr. Jameson, the Commissioner of Crown Lands in the Transvaal, upon the nature and character of such lands and their suitability for the purpose of agricultural settlement; and, if not, whether he would call for such a Report.

As I have stated in reply to another Question, copies of the last Report of the Commissioner of Lands will be placed in the Library. The Report will be found to contain information of the nature referred to.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the number of deaths and desertions among the Chinese coolies on the Rand; whether ho has any official information showing that last month the number of desertions reached 750 and of deaths 250; and whether ho can assure the House that adequate measures are being taken to arrest this increase.

I have no official information as to the numbers for last month. The figures of convictions for desertions for February were 771 and of deaths seventy-nine, with a population of 49,995 Chinese. The number of deaths for April is given in an unofficial telegram as eighty-six, and I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of this figure. I should add that the great majority of eases of so-called desertion would be more accurately described as absences without leave.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will provide copies of the Report of the Director of Land Settlements recently issued to the Legislative Council of the Transvaal.

The Colonial Government has been asked by telegraph for copies of the last Report of the Commissioner of Lands, which will be placed in the Library when received. In the meantime I shall be happy to give my hon. friend access to the copy in the possession of the Colonial Office whenever ho may wish to consult it.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will state approximately what is the percentage of bananas imported from Jamaica entering English ports since the subsidy has been granted by this country for a direct line of steamers for this trade; what is the amount of the subsidy; what is the cost of transit as compared with the value of the fruit; and who benefits by the transaction.

The proportion of bananas imported from Jamaica to the total import of bananas into the United Kingdom, since the contract for a direct line to Jamaica was signed, has varied from 27 per cent, to 10½ per cent., the average having been affected by the hurricane of August, 1903. The contract provided for an annual subsidy of £40,000, of which £20,000 is paid by the Imperial Government. The cost of transit as compared with the value of the fruit can only be ascertained from Messrs. Elder Dempster. The contract was designed in the interests of the Jamaica fruit grower and the British consumer. But the importance of a direct mail service of steamers between the West Indies and this country is not to be measured merely by the value of the cargoes carried, and still less by any particular commodity included in these cargoes.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what cases of claims for compensation for capture or sinking of British ships by Russian vessels in the recent war are still awaiting settlement.

The cases under consideration are these of the "Allanton," "Ardovar," "Calchas," "Cilurnum," "Hipsang," "Ikhona," "Knight Commander," "Malacca," "Oldhamia," and "St. Kilda." The Russian Government have throughout maintained, and still maintain, that all cases of compensation in connection with the seizure or sinking of neutral vessels must be considered by a Prize Court, and they have declined to consider claims presented through the diplomatic channel. These cases are either still under consideration, or are actually sub judice, and I am therefore unable to make any further statement on the subject at present. I may, however, add that as regards the vessels which were sunk and were not taken in for adjudication, His Majesty's Government have from the outset reserved their right to press for compensation, irrespective of what the Prize Court's decision may be.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether His Majesty's Government has been informed that a party of British missionaries travelling on the Upper Lomako River, in the Congo Free State, in January last, were summoned to retire instantly by the agent of the A.B.I.R, Company at Lingundo, on pain of being prosecuted for trespass; and whether His Majesty's Government will ensure that the rights of British subjects to travel in the Congo territories shall no longer be infringed.

My attention has been called to this matter, and His Majesty's Minister at Brussels will be instructed to request that a full inquiry may be made into the circumstances.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he can supply a Return showing what provision is made for the teaching of hygiene and temperance in the public elementary schools, and for training teachers in these subjects, in Sweden, Denmark, and the United States of America.

His Majesty's representatives will be requested to supply this information.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will instruct the British Legation at Washington to furnish such a Report as to Liquor Laws Legislation in the United States as will bring up to date the information contained in previous Foreign Office Reports on that subject in 1888, 1890, and 1894. (Miscellaneous Series, Nos. 78, 154, and 324).

Instructions will be given to furnish a Report such as my hon. friend desires.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has received any explanation from His Majesty's Charge d'Affaires at Pekin of the Chinese Imperial edict of May 9th appointing Tieh-liang Superintendent of Customs; and if he can state whether that appointment introduces any and, if any, what alteration in regard to the functions exercised by Sir Robert Hart as Inspector-General of the Imperial Maritime Customs.

We have received a reply from the Chinese Government, in which they maintain that the recent appointment of an Administrator General is a matter appertaining to the internal government of China, and that they are within their rights in giving him control over the Customs service. They disclaim any intention of not adhering to the Loan Agreements of 1896 and 1898, which stipulate that during their currency the administration of the Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs is to remain as at present constituted.

May I ask whether by reason of this Edict 1,500 Europeans employed in the Chinese Customs Service recently under the control of Sir Robert Hart have now been transferred to the control of a Chinese official?

It does not appear that Sir Robert Hart's position is affected in any way.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that the New Hebrides are being depopulated of British colonists owing to adverse trade conditions, brought about by the practical closing of the Australian market, owing to the prohibitive taxes on the importation of coffee and maize, and seeing that the French Government are able to maintain a flourishing community in these same islands by securing for French traders on open market in Noumea, and by the grant of subsidies and bounties, His Majesty's Government are taking any steps with a view to safeguarding British interests in the New Hebrides, having in view, not only their commercial potentialities, but also their strategical value as dominating the Australian trade route of the future through the Panama Canel.

The Draft Convention respecting the New Hebrides recently drawn up by an Anglo-French Commission is intended to make an equitable settlement between British and French interests in these islands. His Majesty's Government are now awaiting the observations of the Australian and New Zealand Governments on this proposal. The attention of the Common- wealth Government has been more than once drawn to the effect of their tariff on British interests in the New Hebrides.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Homo Department whether his attention has been called to the unanimous recommendation of the Physical Deterioration (1904) Committee to the effect that legislation should be introduced for the purpose of dealing with the evils of juvenile smoking; and whether he will suggest to the Prime Minister the desirableness of appointing a Select Committee to consider how best effect may be given to this recommendation.

Bills on this subject have been introduced both in this House and in another place. If either Bill is read a second time there would be no objection on the part of the Government to its being referred to a Select Committee.

Is it necessary the Bill should be read a second time before this step is taken?

Yes.

On behalf of the hon. Member for East Wicklow, I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the secretaries and accountants of the public lunatic asylums in England, Scotland, and Wales are directly responsible to their several committees of management for the due performance of their duties, or to the resident medical superintendent; and if ho alone is responsible to the committee and exercises, complete control over these officers under his committee.

There are no secretaries or accountants in public asylums in England and Wales. The officers who deal with the supply and distribution of stores, the keeping of certain books and documents, and of the accounts of receipt and expenditure, are (1) the clerk and steward, the two offices being almost invariably held by the same person; and (2) an outside independent auditor. The former being resident is visually subordinate and immediately responsible to the medical superintendent, who has paramount authority in the asylum subject to the supreme control of the committee of management, statutorily called the visiting committee; the latter is responsible, and reports to the visiting committee alone. The clerk of the asylum is entrusted by statute with the keeping of accounts, books, and documents, in respect of which he is therefore directly responsible to the visiting committee. As regards Scotland, clerks and treasurers of district lunacy boards are naturally solely responsible to these boards.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the increased number of receptions at Pentonville Prison has resulted in the overcrowding of that prison, and the removal therefrom of prisoners to country prisons necessitating the absence of many officers from Pentonville Prison.

There has been a great increase in the number of receptions, but overcrowding has been prevented by the removal of prisoners to country prisons. The staff provided for the prison allows a reasonable margin of officers for escort duty.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the number of prisoners received at Pontonville Prison for the years ending March 31st, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906; and whether there has been any increase of the staff of Pentonville Prison.

The number of receptions has increased steadily from 12,314 in the year ending March 31st, 1901, to 18,746 in the year ending March 31st last, but this increase has been met by removals lo country prisons; and the increase in the population of the prison has been very slight. The daily average population in the year ending March 31st, 1901, was 1,059, and in the year ending March 31st last was 1,087, an increase of only twenty-eight prisoners. No increase of staff has been required.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will suite whether the separation of the star class, of the second division, and of juvenile adults from other prisoners throws heavier work upon the prison officers.

The improved classification of prisoners no doubt entails greater care and exactitude in the work of prison administration; but there is nothing in it that can in any way affect the hours of duty of prison warders.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has any official information showing that arrangements are now being made by emigration agents at Libau for the shipment to England during the coming summer of 80,000 Russian Jews and others in a manner and under conditions designed to evade the Aliens Act, and that steamers of the Lassman Line have been chartered to run between Libau and the English ports for this purpose; and, if not, whether he will cause inquiries to be made by His Majesty's Consul at Libau on the subject, with a view of informing Parliament.

I have in my possession a Report from the British Consul at Libau to the effect that emigration from the Baltic Provinces promises this year to be on a large scale, and I understand that shipping companies are making arrangements accordingly. A large proportion, no doubt, of the passengers will be proceeding to destinations beyond the United Kingdom. The total numbers can at present be but a matter for speculation; and I do not clearly gather what the arrangements for evading the Aliens Act which the hon. Member has in mind can be. I will take care that the matter is closely watched so that any evasion will not escape observation.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that Mr. Denman acquitted Madame D'Angely and Sub-Divisional Inspector Mackay stated in evidence that he had made every possible inquiry, with the result that ho found Monsieur and Madame D'Angely bore high characters for respectability, he will direct that an apology be now tendered to Madame D'Angely for the treatment to which she has been subjected; or whether it is proposed, in spite of the above facts, that the charges made by the police are to be repeated before the Commission.

I am not in a position to admit the accuracy of the statements contained in the Question. The matter is one which I must leave to be dealt with by the Royal Commission about to be appointed.

Did not the magistrate acquit Madame D'Angely, and did not the inspector state that she was a lady of the greatest respectability?

All these facts will arise before the Royal Commission appointed to examine into the case.

Is this lady to wait months for an apology?

Is the responsibility of offering an apology to this lady to be diverted from the Home Office to the Royal Commission?

I take full responsibility for the whole, of my actions.

Will the Home Secretary take care to have inserted in the Bill conferring powers on this Commission provisions empowering and requiring them to make a preliminary Report on this and the other cases?

That is a matter for the Commission to decide. ["No, no."] I may say that if the noble Lord likes to raise the point when the Bill to appoint the Royal Commission is brought in he can do so.

May I ask, is there any reason why the police should be excused from the common obligation which rests on all people who blunder?

That is a question for the Commission. That is a matter which concerns many people, many inquiries, and many Reports, and the whole of the circumstances will be under the review of the Royal Commission. At present I am unable to make any statement on the subject.

Is it a question for the Commission whether an apology is due to this lady or not?

When the Commission reports the hon. Member will see.

Are the three police constables who are implicated in this case still in the service?

Yes, Sir.

And still on duty in Regent Street?

I am unable absolutely to say that, but I assume they are.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that a convict named George Gray is now undergoing the eighteenth year of imprisonment, having been found guilty on an indictment containing four counts and having been sentenced by the late Mr. Justice Stephen to a total of twenty-nine years penal servitude, the several sentences running consecutively, not concurrently, and being accordingly in their cumulative effect more severe than a life sentence; is there any, and, if so, what legal limit to the number of years to which a convict may be thus sentenced when there are a number of counts; and whether, having regard to the number of years this man has been imprisoned, he will recommend a remission of the remainder of the sentence and say whether it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation for the purpose of defining and limiting the power of inflicting cumulative or consecutive sentences.

The cumulative sentences passed upon this convict amount to twenty-nine years: but this is in no way more severe than the sentence of penal servitude for life which has sometimes been imposed in similar cases. As in the case of life sentences, the question of release will be considered when he has served twenty years: but I can hold out no hope of earlier release. The case is exceptional both as regards the gravity of the crimes and the nature of the sentence, and I do not think that there is anything connected with it which suggests the need for any alteration in the law.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to the shipwreck of the "Courier" off Guernsey on April 30th, which resulted in the loss of several lives; whether he proposes to hold a public inquiry into the circumstances attending the disaster; whether the navigation laws in the Channel Islands differ from these administered by the Board of Trade; and, if so, whether he will take steps to secure that they shall be amended so as to accord with these obtaining in the United Kingdom.

My attention has been called to the shipwreck of the "Courier," and I have communicated on the subject with the Home Office who have jurisdiction in such a matter, and I am informed that they have made representations to the Lieutenant-Governor of Guernsey as to the desirability of strict inquiry being held. The inquiry incidental to the inquest is proceeding in the island before the Royal Court. The laws relating to navigation in the Channel Islands differ in some respects from the Imperial Merchant Shipping Act, and if on the conclusion of the present inquiries in Guernsey it appears that any amendment is necessary the matter shall receive consideration.

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Royal Commission to be appointed shortly to inquire into the defence of the coast from sea erosion will examine witnesses who have a thorough knowledge of the subject in reference to the Rivers Shannon and Fergus.

I have no reason to doubt that the Royal Commission will take all the evidence necessary to enable them to report on the question referred to them.

Will an Irish Member be appointed on this Commission?

Certainly.

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been called to the inquest held on May 14th in the Tooting Vestry Hall on the body of Blanche Mabel Reed, killed by vaccination, and to the statement of Dr. Samuel Edmund Bligh, of High. Street, Tooting, that the vaccination was abnormal, and now and then you get a case, and that the lymph he used was supplied from the National Vaccine Establishment; and if, considering the frequency of such cases leading to serious illness or death, he will stop the issue of matter from the National Vaccine Establishment until some harmless mixture has been discovered.

I have seen a newspaper report of the inquest and have caused some inquiry to be made as to the matter. I do not understand that there was any evidence to show that the death was caused by vaccination. The post mortem examination proved that the child died from broncho-pneumonia. I also understand that Dr. Bligh, in the statements referred to in the Question, meant that he regarded the case as abnormal in so far as there was delay in the healing of the arm, and that now and then a case arises where there is delay of this kind owing to accidental causes. I am not aware that it is the fact that cases of serious illness or death frequently result from vaccination from the lymph supplied from the National Vaccine Establishment, and I could not take any such action as that suggested.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether he can state approximately the balances held by the treasurers of the denominational schools of England and Wales, or the Diocesan Schools Societies on their behalf, when the schools were transferred to the educational authorities under the Act of 1902; and whether these balances were not all derived from public funds.

I have no information as to the amount of the balances in question. They would consist of balance of income from all sources, including fees, if any, income from endowment, if any, and voluntary subscriptions, as well as Parliamentary grants.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education what would be the effect of Clause 34 of the Education Bill in districts in which the local education authority has passed a resolution forbidding the employment of married teachers; and whether the undertaking contemplated by the clause will operate as an undertaking by the student not to marry during a period of seven years after his training is completed.

It is impossible to discuss satisfactorily the details of the Bill in a reply to a Question. There will be an opportunity for discussing the point in the Committee stage of the Bill.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the state of the ceiling, painted by Rubens, in the Banqueting House, Whitehall; and whether he can see his way to have it cleaned.

I have received very satisfactory reports from exports as to the general condition of the painted ceiling; but it undoubtedly wants cleaning and a renewal of the varnish, which I hope to be able to do at no distant date, though it may not be this year.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works when it is proposed to demolish Nos. 53, 54, and 55, Charing Cross, and Nos. 15 and 17, Spring Gardens, in order to complete the opening of the Mall to Charing Cross.

Nos. 53 and 54 Charing Cross have already been demolished. The remaining houses mentioned in the hon. Member's Question are not the property of His Majesty's Government, and we do not, therefore, propose to demolish them.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if members of the senior abstractor grade, who have served as writers or copyists for eighteen years or more before August, 1889, are allowed to count their whole service for pension, and that the abstractors of seventeen years service before that date, and appointed under precisely similar conditions, are allowed to count only eight and a half years; and, if so, whether he will see that the regulations governing abstractors' pensions are amended so as to adjust this difference of treatment of members of the same class of His Majesty's Civil Service.

My predecessor answered a similar Question on February 24th, 1904.† I cannot do better than quote his words. The right hon. Gentleman said, "The rule which has been in force for the last fifteen years is that copyists or writers placed on the permanent establishment are allowed to count one-half of their previous service for pension. It is true that, under a special concession made many years ago, writers employed before August 19th, 1871, and afterwards, without interruption of service, transferred to the establishment, are allowed to reckon their whole service for pension; but I see no sufficient ground for extending this concession to other cases than these which it was intended to meet."

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether it is intended to introduce any legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Departmental Committee on Poor Law Medical Relief and the Management of Poor Houses in Scotland.

The question is under consideration, but legislation does not seem possible at present.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether the residue grant, allotted in almost all cases to the promotion of technical education, is steadily diminishing, with results detrimental to the spread of such education; and, if so, whether steps can be taken to put the contribution made for this purpose from the Imperial funds on a more stable basis.

The residue grant under Section 2 (iii) of the Act of 1890 has diminished as stated by the hon. Member. On the other hand, the equivalent grant under Section 2 (5) of the Act of 1892 has been steadily increasing, and it is in the power of the local authority, with the sanction of the Secretary for Scotland, to apply part of this sum, as to a purpose of public utility, in making good the deficiency in the contribution towards technical education from the residue grant. This is, in point of fact, done y several local authorities.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the amount of the accumulated balance of local taxation under Section 58 of The Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898; and whether it is proposed to use this balance for the relief of baronies paying high charges for railway guarantees by paying all the charges over sixpence in the £.

The accumulated balance, now in an interest-bearing deposit account in the Bank of Ireland, amounts to £75,320. I may remind the hon. Member that the Local Taxation Account already provides relief to local areas in respect of railway and harbour charges. Under Sub-section of the section quoted in the Question, one-half of the excess of such charges over sixpence in the £ of the rateable value is paid out of the Local Taxation Account. It is not proposed to apply the accumulated balance in further relief of these charges as suggested.

I beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of securities held by the Supreme Court of Judicature in Ireland in respect of funds of suitors, etc.; and what is the amount of money invested in Irish securities.

The total amount of securities so held, exclusive of life annuities, securities in foreign currencies and boxes of plate and valuables, was on May 14th, 1906, £5,471,456 2s. 8d. The hon. Member will find the information asked for the second part of his Question in the Supreme Court of Judicature (Ireland) Account which has boon presented to this House (No. 47 of 1906).

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he will state what is the practice of the Estates Commissioners when an estate comes before them, mainly agricultural or pastoral, but comprising a town or village inadequately provided with land, and also untenanted land adjacent thereto; and whether the Estates Commissioners can and will prevent the sale of such an estate except in its entirety, omitting demesne.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that their practice, in such cases as are referred to, is to take into consideration the wants and circumstances of the occupiers of town or village holdings, and to deal with the properties on which town or village holdings are situate, having regard to the considerations set forth in the Regulations of 13th February last.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland do the Estates Commissioners, before sanctioning sales of estates or of holdings subject to Board of Works charges, ascertain whether these are to be discharged out of the purchase money; and, if not, whether the purchasers have been informed that the charges will continue in addition to the annuities; and will it misapprehension on this point at the time of signing the agreement entitle the Commissioners to revise the price within the zones or without.

I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that loans made by the Board of Works on the security of the vendor's interest in the lands are redeemed out of the purchase money. A Board of Works' charge on the tenant's interest only remains a charge on the lands, and the purchaser continues liable for the periodic payment in respect thereof. Maintenance rates which are struck at stated periods continue to affect the holding after purchase. If the Commissioners have reason to believe that the purchaser is under any misapprehension as to his future liability to such charges, inquiries are made. If the Commissioners are satisfied that either party has entered into an agreement under a mistake, they can refuse to act on the agreement.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he will explain why the Board of Control of the Royal Canal have not since 1895 insisted upon the works of restoration and repair then reported by the Board of Trade inspector to be necessary; will the shallowness of the water render traffic on the canal impossible while the repairs are being executed; if so, has any guarantee been obtained from the Midland Railway Company limiting that time; has that company been required to make any arrangement with traders and boatmen in respect of loss; and has any inspection been made as to whether the waste of water occasioned by the neglect and by the repairs will so lower the level of Lough Owel as to endanger the water supply of Mullingar.

I beg to refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave to his Question on this subject on Tuesday.† Certain legal matters of some difficulty are under consideration, and I would ask that Questions on the subject may be deferred for the present.

May I ask how long, in view of the urgency of the matter and the danger to health?

A few days—say next Tuesday.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the Estates Commissioners have accepted the proposals of a minority of tenants on Lord Belmore's county Tyrone property to buy at twenty-six and a quarter years purchase, and declared as an estate a moiety of the property consisting of portions of some ton townlands and plots of turbary on these and other adjoining townlands despite the protests of the majority of tenants on the property; whether he is aware that at present the Estates Commissioners are collecting half-yearly interest from the few isolated tenants who have accepted the price already stated and signed agreements therefor; and whether, in view of the effect of these prices upon the tenants desirous of purchasing on reasonable terms, and to preserve freedom of contract and to prevent the turbary being unfairly allotted or disposed of to outsiders to the injury of agricultural and town tenants who have a just claim to the turbary, the Estates Commissioners are prepared to use their good offices to bring about the sale at a fair price of the entire estate either directly to the tenants or through the Commissioners themselves accompanied by equitable distribution of turbary.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that two originating applications in respect of the sale of the Belmore estate were lodged with them on January 3rd, 1905, and April 19th,

† See col. 347.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has received resolutions recently passed at meetings in South Cork in favour of local railway extension, and dealing with the fishing industry in Glandore Union Hall and other southern districts; whether his attention has been called to the practically undeveloped resources of the Benduff slate quarry for want of railway connection; and whether, seeing that Rosscarbery is the most important town in the South of Ireland without such connection, he will make inquiries as to how far the undeveloped resources of the district, as regards fish and minerals, would be promoted by railway extension from Clonakilty to Rosscarbery and thence to Glandore.

I have received the resolutions referred to. I am informed that Glandore is a good fishing harbour, but Rosscarbery is not so good; and if Glandore Harbour were to be brought into connection with the Cork, Bandon, and South Coast Railway the question would arise whether connection should not be made with the main line at or near Skibbereen rather than with the light railway at Clonakilty. As regards the slate quarrying industry in the Rosscarbery district, it is understood by the Department of Agriculture that there is at present a depression in the slate quarrying trade throughout the United Kingdom, partly due, it is supposed, to the condition of the building trade; and it may be doubted whether the proposed railway extension would place these quarries in a position to compete successively with other slate producing areas. The subject of railway extension will be duly considered should there be a prospect of obtaining funds for the purpose.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in the assault case of Michael Rafter versus Cathirn Brooks, heard at the Maryborough Petty Sessions on the 1st instant, Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, R.M., adjudicated, Although objected to by the solicitor for defendant on the ground that he expressed opinions strongly against his client previously to the case coming before the Court; and whether in view of the influence exercised by Mr. Fitzgerald upon other members of the bench to.secure a conviction, he will say what course he proposes taking under the circumstances.

The action of magistrates in their judicial capacity is entirely outside the control of the executive Government. I may, however, state that I have thought it right to refer the Question to Mr. Fitzgerald for any observations which he might think fit to offer, and that gentleman informs me that there is absolutely no foundation for the suggestion that he had expressed opinions against the defendant in the case referred to before the case came into Court.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the Maryborough Petty Sessions, hold on the 1st instant, Mrs. Brooks, wife of an evicted tenant on the M'Neale estate at Clonkeen, was fined 10s. and costs for an alleged assault, or in default seven days imprisonment with hard labour, and after termination of the above was ordered to find bail for good behaviour herself in £20, and two sureties in £10 each, otherwise to remain in prison for a further period of six months; and whether, seeing that Mrs. Brooks is a woman of sixty-five years of age, in delicate health, with a family of ten children, and being unable to pay the fine or obtain bail has gone to prison, he will say what steps he proposes taking in this case in view of the character of the evidence for the prosecution.

I am informed by the police authorities that the facts are substantially as stated in the Question, save that Mrs. Brooks is not as old as she is represented to be, and is, I am happy to say, in fairly good health. She refused to pay the line and was conveyed to prison, but after spending two days in prison she telegraphed to her friends to pay the fine and procure the necessary sureties. This was done, and Mrs. Brooks was thereupon liberated.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if he can state whether agreements to purchase their holdings have been received by the Estate Commissioners from throe judicial tenants on the Ballyhindon estate of the Hon. Mrs. A. Pennington, Fermoy, county Cork, and if the terms agreed upon amount to twenty-two years purchase of first-term rents, which rents average 20 per cent, under the Poor Law valuation; whether he is aware that there are two other future tenants on this estate, who rents average 20 per cent. above the valuation, who have also offered to buy their holdings at twenty-two years purchase of judicial rents or rents to be fixed by arbitration, or upon such terms as the Estates Commissioners may fix, and that this offer has been refused and these tenants warned that if they will not buy on the terms of twenty-two years purchase of rents 20 per cent, over the valuation the landlord will demand later on twenty-four years purchase of these same rents; and what action will the Estates Commissioners take in this matter.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that no agreements for purchase in this case have been lodged with them and no proceedings for the sale of the estate are pending before them. I would remind the hon. Member that under the regulations of February last the Commissioners have power to intervene as conciliators in such a case as the Question describes. Their aid, however, does not appear to have been invoked by either of the parties.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that on two occasions during the past two years the schemes of direct labour adopted by the Armagh County Council fell through; that, in consequence, proposals had to be brought before the Crosmaglen and other district councils in the county for consideration with the sanction of the county surveyor, and that these proposals were afterward rejected by the Armagh County Council at their meeting held on March 14th last; and whether, in view of the breakdown of the direct labour scheme in Armagh and the additional cost to the ratepayers which is entailed whilst in operation, steps will be taken by the Local Government Board to give effect to the wishes of the various district councils of the county who are all in favour of contract labour.

The Local Government Board are aware that on two occasions during the past two years the direct labour scheme of the county council could not be put in operation owing to informalities in procedure. The county council at their mooting on March 14th referred back for modification certain proposals of rural district councils to maintain by contract, for considerable periods, roads proposed to be included in the direct labour scheme. No formal direct labour scheme in pursuance of the Procedure of Councils Order has ever been in operation in county Armagh, but the county council have arranged to hold a special meeting for the purpose of adopting a final declaration and scheme. If the scheme should be passed it will be open to any rural district council to appeal to the Board against it, whereupon the Board will make careful inquiry into the grounds of complaint. If, however, the scheme should not be finally adopted, the roads will be maintained as usual by contract without any steps being taken by the Board in the matter.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that where direct labour is in operation the work is better done and the roads much better kept than is the case by contract?

I have no personal knowledge, but I have no doubt the hon. Member's statement is correct.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that Mr. Corboy, of Elden Lodge, Manor-hamilton, county Leitrin, has sold to his tenants in Annaghcarty and Drum-shunnagh, in the neighbourhood of Riverstown, county Sligo; that this sale took place in February 1905, the tenants signing the necessary legal agreements; and that instead of completing the sale Mr. Corboy sent his tenants civil bills on two occasions within the one year for one and a half years' rent, which amounts they have had to pay; and whether steps will be taken to have this sale sanctioned by the Estates Commissioners, so that these tenants may in future be saved from further proceedings and expense.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that no proceedings in respect of the sale of this estate have come before them, and that they have no information as to the matters referred to in the Question.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord - Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that in the parishes of Greenagh and Riverstown, in the county of Sligo, there are 1,200 acres of waste land, most of which is let on the eleven months' system to non-residential graziers; and, if so, what steps, if any, the Estates Commissioners are prepared to take so that these wastes may be utilised for the enlargement of the many small holdings in the district.

The Estates Commissioners are unable to identify the lands referred to in the Question; but if the name of the owner or agent of the estate is supplied to them, they will inquire into the matter.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the grant of £10,000, recently given by the Department of Agriculture in Ireland in connection with the Irish seed loan was intended to go in relief of repayment of interest on that loan; and, if so, will he say what are the several amounts allocated to the unions of Sligo, Tubbercurry, Boyle (No. 2), and Dromore West, in the county of Sligo, out of that grant.

The grant of the Department of Agriculture was made for the purpose of reducing the cost of seed obtained under the scheme of the Local Government Board, such cost comprising all expenses chargeable upon the unions in connection with the loans advanced for the purchase and distribution of potatoes. The amount allocated to Sligo union was £211 17s. 2d.; Tober-curry union, £33 9s. 2d.; Dromore West union, £28 6s. 10d.; and Boyle union, £175 0s. 8d. No separate allocation of the grant was made in respect of the portion of Boyle union in the county Sligo.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether arrangements are yet complete for the sale of the estate of Mr. William Beamish, Muckross, Clonakilty; whether he is aware that a tenant on the estate named Daniel O'Leary, of Douneen, was evicted for non-payment of one and a half year's rent (including hanging gale), the rent being double the Government valuation; and whether, seeing the farm has since remained in the hands of the landlord, and that O'Leary has returned from America to claim reinstatement, steps will be taken by the Estates Commissioners to inquire from Mr. Beamish whether he will allow O'Leary to sign as purchasing-tenant for this farm, and, in case he should refuse to do so, whether the Estates Commissioners will refuse to declare the Beamish property an estate for the purpose of sale.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that they have received from Daniel O'Leary an application for reinstatement on the estate referred to, and have referred the application to one of their inspectors for inquiry and report.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Estates Commissioners have yet sent an inspector to visit the Hungerford and Clorah estate near Kingwilliamstown, county Cork; are the Commissioners aware that pressure to sign a purchase agreement has been brought to bear by the landlord's agent on Denis Breen, the present occupant of two evicted farms, in the shape of a threat to issue a. writ for one and a half years' arrears of rent if he does not sign before a date in the near future, with a view to exclude the two evicted tenants from the scheme of purchase; and whether the Commissioners will instruct their inspector to make the fullest inquiry into the circumstances connected with this alleged illegitimate pressure.

The Estates Commissioners inform me that they have no information as to the pressure stated to have been brought to bear upon Denis Breen, but they will call their inspector's attention to the allegations made in the Question in order that he may inquire into the matter.

If I send information substantiating the statements in the Question will the Commissioner take immediate action?

I am sure the Commissioners will act as soon as possible.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether ho can state the number of Catholics and non-Catholics, respectively, appointed to professorships, assistant or deputy professorships, public readerships, prelector-ships, lectureships, assistant lectureships, provostships, vice provostships, and senior fellowships, in Trinity College, Dublin, since the passing of the Act of 1873 to abolish tests in that institution. I beg also to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state what professorships in Trinity College, Dublin, are endowed from the Erasmus Smith estates; whether, as the Trinity College Tests Act of 1873 applied to these professorships, he can state if religious tests are still in effect applied in such appointments; whether the governors of the Erasmus Smith schools, in administering the trust to propagate the Protestant faith and frustrate the Popish schools, control the appointments to these professorships; whether the Erasmus Smith scholarships and exhibitions are reserved to Protestants, and preference given by statute to such scholars and exhibitioners in appointments to Erasmus Smith professorships; and what is the annual value of such professorships, and how many are held by Cathelics.

The Irish Government have no information in their possession which would enable them to give the particulars asked for in these two Questions. All matters relating to Trinity College will come before the Commission which is to be appointed, and it does not appear to be necessary to anticipate the proceedings of the Commission by seeking to obtain information upon the points raised.

Cannot the right hon. Gentleman say from his own knowledge if it is not the fact there are only three Catholic Fellows?

I am aware of it. But the hon. Member is aware that Fellows are appointed by examination.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland if a decision has yet been come to to enable the Estates Commissioners to sell or lease the mineral rights in the properties purchased under the Land Purchase Act of 1903 which are vested in them; if so, what course he intends taking as will permit the working of mines now vested in the Commissioners; and, if he has not yet come to any decision, when is he likely to do so?

I am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member's similar Question on the 4th April, t The matter is now receiving the consideration which its importance well deserves.

How long will the Law Officers be in dealing with this Question?

It is not a matter before the Law Officers. It is before the Estates Commissioners.

I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, what is the value of Irish butter imported into England in the year 1905; and what is the value of Danish butter imported in the same year.

No information is available to show the aggregate value of the butter imported into this country from Ireland. The value of the Danish butter imported in 1905 was £8,900,000.

Why can the figures be given for Danish and not these for Irish butter?

I understand there are no returns collected as to Irish butter.

Will the hon. Gentleman inquire of the Department of Agriculture if the information can be obtained?

I will see if it can be done.