To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the organisers of a Nationalist demonstration at Mitchelstown, on 9th September, applied to the authorities at Dublin Castle for the return of a flag taken by the police from the rioters at Mitchelstown in September, 1887; whether a reply was sent to the effect that the flag was being returned, but the authorities regretted that it could not be delivered back in time to be used in the demonstration; and, if so, who was the official responsible for returning the flag and sending the message accompanying it. (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The suggestions of fact made in the Question are not correct. What happened was this. I was asked by an hon. Member of this House whether a flag taken from a procession at Mitchelstown in 1888 could be returned to those who proposed to have a procession commemorating persons who lost their lives on that occasion. I replied that I did not know whether any such flag was in existence or not, but that if it was, and the persons who claimed it could show that they were the persons entitled to have it back, I was willing it should be restored to them. I was afterwards informed that a flag had been found, but do not know whether it was the flag in question nor what happened afterwards. The procession was held so soon after the date of the request and of my letter that I do not think the flag can have been given back before the procession took place, and I recollect that in a newspaper notice I saw of the procession some little time later there was no mention of the flag.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Commissioners of National Education in Ireland are aware that the Rev. James Dewar, the manager of Corry No. 2 National Schools, Donegal Pass, Belfast, and Mrs. Wright, the principal teacher of the school, are brother and sister, respectively, of Mr. E. P. Dewar, the senior inspector of the circuit in which the school is situated; and whether this arrangement is in accordance with the rules of the Commissioners. (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Commissioners of National Education inform me that they were not aware that the facts are as stated in the Question, but they have now ascertained that such is the case. It is contrary to the Commissioners' rules for the teacher of a national school to be a near relative of the manager.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the leader of the late Government, when Chief Secretary for Ireland, promised a Government grant in aid of the construction of a railway from Arigna to Sligo; whether this promise was repeated by the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Dover and the right hon. Member for South Dublin during their respective terms of office as Chief Secretary; and whether the right hon. Gentleman, the present holder of the office, can now see his way to redeem this promise, in view of the fact that, owing to the failure of the potato crop in the district, employment for the people is badly wanted. (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) I am aware that my predecessors have from time to time had under consideration different projects for connecting Arigna with existing lines of railway, but I find no record that any promise of a Government grant has been made. I myself recently received a deputation in favour of a railway from Arigna to the Sligo, Leitrim, and Northern Counties Railway at Dromahaire, and also a deputation asking, amongst other things, for a railway from Arigna to Collooney, which is in railway connection with Sligo. I can only repeat now what I said then, namely, that in the event of further funds for railway extension becoming available, the claims of Arigna will receive consideration in conjunction with claims from other districts. I am obtaining the views of the Board of Works upon the two rival schemes for providing railway communication with Arigna.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the several public meetings recently held in Ireland in connection with primary education representing all shades of opinion in the country, and making various representations as to the reforms necessary to improve educational conditions in the country; and what steps he proposes to take to meet the wishes of the people of Ireland in connection with this matter. (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Government have received a number of resolutions passed at public and other meetings on the subject of education in Ireland. The various expressions of opinion contained in these resolutions will receive full consideration. I have already expressed to the House my view that the condition of primary education in Ireland is far from satisfactory. Much needs to be done, but the subject is so large and the difficulties so numerous that I cannot at present make any statement as to the measures proper to be taken.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the Congested Districts Board or Estates Commissioners will purchase the tenant's interests in the farm of Ballycomane county Cork, to provide for the evicted tenants in the locality. (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Estates Commissioners inform me that if they should be furnished with full particulars of the farm referred to they will make inquiries into the matter with the object of considering whether they can purchase the farm.

To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has yet received the Report of the Vice-Regal Commission appointed to inquire into the subject of Poor Law Reform in Ireland; and whether he can state when the recommendations of the Commission will be published. (Answered by Mr. Bryce.) The Report has been received and presented to Parliament, and I am informed that it will be distributed in the course of a day or so.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is aware that Mr. Humphry Evans, printer, High Street, Bala, is an assessor for purposes of income-tax, and that that gentleman delegates his duties as assessor to J. T. Jones, 6, Ffryndon Road, Bala, who issues the requisite forms stamped with his own address; is he aware that this practice is general; and will he state how the necessary secrecy is maintained in such cases. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) Mr. H. Evans is an assessor of income-tax for Bala. Mr. J. T. Jones is clerk to the Commissioners of Income-Tax for the district, and assists Mr. Evans with the clerical work of assessing. He is sworn to secrecy. So far as I am aware, the arrangement is unusual, but is not open to any apparent objection.

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether district commissioners of taxes are in the habit of delegating any of their duties connected with assessment, valuation of property, the examination of statements of accounts of profit made in trade, and the certification of exemptions and of abatements in connection with income-tax; if not, will he state by what legal authority the surveyors of taxes interfere in such work for the performance of which district commissioners and additional commissioners were created and for which their clerks and the parochial assessors are paid. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) The Board of Inland Revenue know of no such habit on the part of district commissioners of taxes. Surveyors of taxes, so far as I am aware, confine themselves to the performance of their statutory duties. The statutory authority under which they act will be found (a) as regards examination and correction of assessments in Sections 75, 115, 116, 120, 126, and 161 of the Act of 1842, and Sections 51, 52, and 63 of The Taxes Management Act, 1880; (b) as regards exemptions and abatements in Section 164 of the Act of 1842.

To ask the Secretary of State for War when he proposes to introduce the Bill to make the Militia liable for service aboard on embodiment on account of imminent national danger or great emergency. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) I hope to be able to introduce this Bill early next session.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what was the result of the trial of the sixteen Ottoman subjects who were arrested for implication in the murder of the European agent of Messrs. Lynch, at Busra, in the early part of the present year. (Answered by Sir Edward Grey.) Two were condemned to fifteen years imprisonment with hard labour, and two to fifteen years imprisonment. Two were placed under two years police supervision, and six were condemned by default to death. Five were condemned by default to fifteen years imprisonment.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the assailants of Dr. Home and Mr. Eadie, near Amoy, on 18th June, have been brought to justice, or whether any reparation has been made by the Chinese Government for the conduct of Chinese subjects on that occasion. (Answered by Sir Edward Grey.) His Majesty's Consul at Amoy has reported that the Chinese authorities, who showed entire goodwill in the matter, have taken steps to apprehend the assailants of Dr. Home and Mr. Eadie. But no news of their capture has as yet reached His Majesty's Government. Inquiry is being made on this point. The Taotai of Amoy has offered to pay Dr. Home's and Mr. Eadie's medical expenses, and His Majesty's Minister at Peking has been authorised to suggest to the Chinese Government that some compensation should be paid in addition as an act of grace.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government of China has authorised the second issue of bonds or provided funds for the construction of the Shanghai-Nanking Railway according to the agreement concluded in 1903: and whether the concession for the Su-chau, Hang-chau, Ning-po Railway once granted, and subsequently cancelled, has or has not been finally confirmed so as to provide a junction with the railway the Government of Hong Kong is constructing to the Kau-lung frontier. (Answered by Sir Edward Grey.) The Chinese Government have not yet authorised the issue of bonds, nor have they themselves provided funds for the completion of the Shanghai-Nanking Railway. We have, however, received repeated assurances from them that funds will be provided in one or other of these ways in time to prevent suspension of work on the railway, and His Majesty's Government are following the matter with attention. The negotiations for the final agreement for the Suchau-Hangchau-Ningpo Railway have been deferred until the conclusion of the negotiations in regard to the final agreement for the Canton-Kowloon Railway, which are now proceeding.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foriegn Affairs whether there is any provision in the Anglo-Japanese treaty safeguarding His Majesty's dominions from being involved in a war with the United States of America on behalf of Japan. (Answered by Sir Edward Grey.) I must refer my hon. friend to the text of the agreement, which is published. It is of a general character, and there is no indication that is likely to lead to war with any Power.

To ask the Undersecretary of State for the Colonies whether a new Currency Ordinance has passed the Legislature of the Straits Settlements providing, among other things, that the silver dollar shall henceforth weigh 416 grains with ·800 fineness; whether the silver dollar at present current weighs 416 grains with ·900 fineness; whether, according to the law of the Straits Settlements the silver dollar is legal tender for an unlimited amount; if so, can he state the reasons for the lowering of the degree of fineness of the new coin; whether the Governor of the Straits Settlements has given his consent to the new Ordinance; and whether he will lay a copy of the Ordinance upon the Table of the House as soon as possible. (Answered by Mr. Churchill.) The Currency Ordinance, which, it is understood, has just been passed by the Legislature of the Straits Settlements, provides that the Commissioners of Currency may redeem notes in gold or silver at their option. The Commissioners were empowered early in this year to issue notes against gold at the fixed rate of 2s. 4d. to the dollar; the Ordinance referred to will allow them to pay in gold also. The reduction in the fineness of the Straits Settlements dollar from·900 to·800 is provided for by an Order passed by His Majesty in Council on the 22nd instant. The provision will operate from a date to be fixed by the Governor. The standard weight of the dollar will remain at 416 grains. The silver dollar is, and will continue to be, unlimited legal tender, and the gold sovereign will also be unlimited legal tender at the fixed rate. The provision for lowering the fineness of the dollar was necessitated by the rise in the value of silver, which has carried the bullion value of the dollar to the level of the fixed gold value, and may carry it beyond. The Secretary of State was strongly advised by the Governor to retain the dollar at the fixed value of 2s. 4d., and, after careful consideration, he has, with the concurrence of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, taken the above measures with that object. The Governor has not yet reported whether he has assented to the Ordinance empowering the Currency Commissioners to pay notes in gold. A copy of the Ordinance will be forwarded in the ordinary course to the Library of the House as soon as copies are received in this country.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he can state what procedure he adopts with reference to the appointment of an auditor to an electric lighting company in London; if the Department have made any regulations with reference to such audit, and, if so, what; whether applications have been received from any local authorites in London, supported by the London County Council, asking to be allowed to attend before the auditor appointed in respect of any company; if so, whether such application has been refused by the Board of Trade, and, if so, for what reason; whether such auditor is paid directly by the company whose accounts he audits; whether such auditor has the power to disallow or to take exception in any effective manner to any charges in the accounts or to any other entries (e.g., an allocation as between capital and revenue); if he can state whether any effective action of this character has been taken by any auditor acting for a London company; whether any public notice of the audit is given or similar steps taken to those followed by the audition of an electricity undertaking owned by a London local authority; and whether he is prepared to make regulations for such audit in order that duly appointed representatives of any local authorities may be able to attend the audit of companies' electricity accounts in their area, and be placed in a similar position to ratepayers at a municipal audit. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The appointment by the Board of Trade of auditors of the accounts of electric lighting companies in London is made in pursuance of provisions inserted in the various companies' orders and is made annually. The Department have not yet made any regulations with reference to the audit. An application has been made by the Camberwell local authority to be allowed to attend before the auditor, and is now under consideration by the Department. No other application has been made by a metropolitan local authority. The auditor's fee is paid by the company to the Board of Trade, and by them to the auditor. Under the general form of andit clause the auditor has no power to disallow charges, but, in the event of his requirements not being complied with by the company, he reports the matter-to the Board of Trade, and any Report made by the auditor, or such portion thereof as the Board of Trade direct, is required to be appended to the company's annual statement of accounts, and forms part thereof for the purposes of statutory publication. Generally the requirements of the auditor are met by the company, but, in any case where they are not met, it is the practice of the Department to communicate to the London County Council and the local authority, the bodies concerned in the questions of revision of prices and purchase of the undertaking, a copy of the accounts, and of the auditor's Report, and of any correspondence relating thereto. The accounts not being those of a local authority, public notice of the audit is not given. I am considering the question of making arrangements for representatives of the Camberwell local authority to have facilities to discuss with the auditors of the accounts of companies having powers in Camberwell any questions which may arise on those accounts, and, if satisfactory arrangements cannot be made, I am prepared to consider the question of making regulations in the matter.

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information his department receives through the Foreign Office from His Majesty's Consuls about the conditions of international business; and whether he can make the facts thus obtained more generally accessible to the mercantile community. (Answered by Mr. Lloyd-George.) The Board of Trade receive a large amount of information from His Majesty's Consuls on commercial subjects partly through the Foreign Office and partly direct. One of the principal functions of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Intelligence, which largely consists of representatives of the mercantile community, is to devise means of making the information thus obtained more generally accessible to those whom it concerns. If my hon. friend can make any suggestions for this purpose I will take care that they are brought to the notice of the Committee.

To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty for how many days the largest dock at Portsmouth has been rendered unavailable for other purposes through being occupied by H.M.S. "Dreadnought." (Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) The "Dreadnought" was in the dock named 124 days, but no inconvenience was caused.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether His Majesty's Commissioners of Woods and Forests have refused to pay the parochial rates on the keeper's lodge at Holiday Hill, Lyndhurst, in the New Forest, whereby the local authorities are losing the value of the rate, and the occupier of the lodge, Keeper Sims, has been deprived of his Parliamentary vote after its enjoyment of twenty-seven years; and whether steps will be taken forthwith to put this matter right. (Answered by Mr. McKenna.) The cottage in question is occupied by a Crown woodman. There appears to be a doubt as to the parish within which it is situated. The Commissioners of Woods are satisfied that it is in the parish of Minstead, but the parochial authorities have not asked for payment of rates. Whenever they do so the Commissioners will be ready to make the usual donation in lieu of rates. The Commissioners have no information to show whether or not the woodman is on the register of voters.

To ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether, in reckoning service for pension in the case of senior assistant clerks (abstractor class), members of that grade who on appointment to the permanent establishment had previously served for twenty years in the capacity of writers or copyists, are subjected to a deduction of ten years, while members of the same grade who had served in a like capacity for only ten years are, on receiving a similar appointment, subjected to a deduction of only five years; and, if so, will he cause the regulations governing those men's superannuation to be amended so as to adjust this unequal treatment of members of the same class in His Majesty's Civil Service. (Answered by Mr. M'Kenna.) It is a fact that copyists or writers, who of recent years have been placed on the permanent establishment, are allowed to count one-half of their previous service for pension, although the regulations governing that service expressly stated that it would not confer any claim to superannuation. The reasons for this concession were explained in the Answer, which I circulated with the Votes, to a Question by the hon. Member for Woolwich, on the 26th March last.† I do not see any justification for extending it.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland what is the total number of cells in Barlinnie Prison; how many of these are association cells: and what is the total number of prisoners who can be accommodated in the cells of the prison on the same day.

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he will state the number of agricultural holdings in each of the Highland crofting counties not exceeding £30 annual rental and not exceeding £50 annual rental, respectively. (Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) My hon. friend will find approximate information which he desires by reference to— 1. Poor Rates (Scotland), Persons Assessed. Return to House of Commons, dated 6th July 1891. 2. Table VI. of the Annual Returns of Acreage in the Agricultural Statistics, 1905. Holdings not exceeding £30. Argyll 1,457, Caithness 1,894, Inverness 3,081, Orkney 2,978, Ross and Cromarty 4,769 Shetland, 3,793, Sutherland 2,417. Above £30, but not exceeding £50. Argyll 272, Caithness 142, Inverness 197, Orkney 174, Ross and Cromarty 240, Shetland 38, Sutherland 37.

To ask the President of the Board of Education whether, in view of the fact that the expenses of the projected Education Commission are to come out of the £1,000,000 granted by the Government, he will say what his estimate of the annual cost of such Commission will be. (Answered by Mr. Birrell.) The hon. Gentleman is mistaken in thinking that the expenses of the Commissioners to be appointed under Section 10 of the Education Bill will be met out of the £1,000,000 provided under Clause 13. If the hon. Member will peruse the latter clause he will see that its terms do not admit of the grant being devoted to this purpose, and moreover it was made clear by myself in this House on 20th July that the cost of the Commission should come out of public funds. I am unable at present to form any estimate of the annual cost of such Commission.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether he can furnish information showing what will be the estimated additional cost of insurance in the coal, ironstone, mining, engineering, shipbuilding, and textile industries, respectively, resulting from the reduction of the qualifying period in Clause 1 of the Workmen's Compensation Bill from fourteen days to seven days, with a provision that where the disablement prevents the workman from earning full wages for a period of fourteen days the employer shall be liable to pay compensation for the whole period of such disablement, starting from the commencement. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Gladstone.) The estimates which have been put before me are as follows, but, as I explained to the hon. Member last Thursday,† several considerations make it difficult, if not impossible, to arrive at trustworthy conclusions:—

To ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in view of the continual drain of gold from this country and the present price of Government securities, he will now formulate a scheme by which the excessive export of gold can be prevented. (Answered by Mr. Asquith.) I am unable to add anything to the Answer which I gave to a Question on this subject by the hon. and gallant Member on the 13th June last.† 959.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether the Turkish Government has agreed to the removal by the Government of India of the quarantine restrictions imposed at Bombay upon Mahomedan pilgrims to Mecca. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.) The quarantine regulations in question were imposed, and have been removed by the Government of India on their own initiative, and without previous reference to the Turkish Government. They have been discontinued, as they were found to be superfluous for the detection of plague, while injurious to the comfort and health of the pilgrims. The Turkish Government has been fully informed of these considerations, and of the precautionary measures which have been substituted for quarantine at Bombay.

To ask the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that, under cap. 6 of 21 and 22 Victoria, the officers of the East India Company's service were guaranteed pay, pension, allowances, privileges, and advantages as regards promotion as if they had continued in the service of the Company, and that such transferred officers were granted promotion accordingly from 1858 to 1891; and will he explain why since 1891 such promotion has been stopped. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Morley.): I am not aware of any instance in which the provisions of 21 and 22 Vic, c. 136,

† See (4) Debates, clviii.,

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the name of the person who holds the contract for the supply of beer to the military canteen in Belfast, and the name of the person who holds the contract for the supply of groceries; and whether both the canteen and the grocery store are open for trading on Sundays. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The Question refers to a matter of local administration; the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief in Ireland has been asked to furnish the information.

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether he has yet completed the inquiries promised on the 2nd July last into the case of D. Bremner, formerly corporal in charge of the medical inspection room, 3rd Infantry Brigade, Aldershot, who was discharged from the Army on the 6th February, 1906, after twenty-four and a half years' service, without receiving the deferred pay to which he became entitled on his discharge, such deferred pay being withhold from him on the alleged ground that he was only a private and had improperly drawn corporal's pay from 1st November, 1902, until 31st January, 1906; whether Bremner was not, in fact, appointed corporal by the colonel commanding the 42nd Regimental District in July, 1901, and therefore, until the date of his discharge, continuously performed corporal's duties, drew corporal's pay with the knowledge and sanction of the Pay Office, and was allowed to wear corporal's uniform; and, if so, will he state, in view of the facts, what justification exists for withholding Bremner's deferred pay, and whether it will now be paid to him, or what other course it is proposed to take in the matter. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) This case has been very fully inquired into by the Army Council, and, in view of the fact that Bremner was aware that an improper rate of pay was being issued to him and that he had no right to wear a corporal's stripe, it was decided to withhold the issue of his deferred pay as a set-off against the amount of pay he had improperly drawn.

To ask the Secretary of State for War what course it is proposed to take in regard to the officers and non-commissioned officers of those battalions which are about to be disbanded. (Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The officers and non-commissioned officers of these battalions will be supernumerary to the establishment of the Army, and will remain on full pay until they can be absorbed in their own or other regiments. I may add that every endeavour will be made to mitigate any injury to officers' prospects entailed by these reductions.

To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the disturbance caused by women within the precincts of this House and their subsequent imprisonment, he will state whether it is the intention of the Government to deal with the question of granting votes to women either in the present or the next session. (Answered by Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman.): I do not see the connection between the disturbance referred to and the intentions of the Government, which are not likely to be affected by incidents of the kind. It would be impossible to deal with this important question this session, nor am I able to say anything at present as to the business for next session.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the estimated cost of the repairs of H.M S. "Duncan," in connection with the damage done when she touched ground at Lundy Island?

Five hundred pounds.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether any of the soap purchased by the Admiralty has been purchased from firms associated with the soap trust?

It has not been necessary for the Admiralty to make fresh contracts for soap since the reports have appeared in the Press regarding the formation of a combine by certain soap manufacturing firms. A number of the firms on the Admiralty list are reported to have joined the combine, while others apparently have not done so.

Will the Admiralty take steps to ensure that in future no soap is purchased from firms interested in the trust?

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is the intention of the Admiralty to lay down the ship at Pembroke, which has been officially described both as a mother ship for destroyers and as a scout, before Vote 8 of next year's Estimates is passed?

It is intended to lay down the ship referred to soon after the beginning of the next financial year, and, therefore, before the Estimates are brought on.

Is it intended to lay the ship down before Vote 8 is passed?

I am told that Vote will not be taken till June or July and the ship will be laid down before that.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he can now state whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to stimulate the growth of rifle clubs throughout the country by a grant from Imperial funds.

I regret that I am unable to add anything to my reply to a Question asked by the hon. Member on this subject on the 28th June last.† † See (4) Debates, clix., 1110.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact that the Volunteer year commences on the 1st November, he is yet in a position to state if it is intended to compel Volunteer battalions willing to train in camp for fifteen days to train only seven days, now that the Volunteer Field Army Brigades will cease to exist after the current financial year.

I regret that I am not yet in a position to announce a decision on this question.

When is a decision likely to be given?

Very soon.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Army Council is calling for the names of subaltern officers of the Imperial Yeomanry who are desirous of being attached to the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons; and, if so, will he state the grounds on which this step is being taken.

The 6th Dragoons are short of four subalterns, and it is proposed, as a temporary measure, to select two Yeomanry officers for service with this regiment. They will be attached for duty with it.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any orders for swords or sword-bayonets have been placed with private firms during the

†See (4) Debates, elix., 1110.

No orders for sword or sword-bayonets have been placed with private firms this year except for experimental swords for trial. Orders have, however, been given to a private firm for the conversion of 10,000 sword-bayonets. The practice of accepting delivery at the contractor's works is still in force. The officers employed in inspecting small arms are selected for this duty on account of their special knowledge obtained through their training at the Ordnance College, Woolwich. No further examination is carried out after the examination at the contractor's works in accordance with the specification has been made.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any of the soap purchased for purposes of his Department has been purchased from any of the firms associated with the soap trust.

No contracts for soap have been placed by this Department during the past six months, but tenders are now under considerations.

Will the right hon. Gentleman exclude firms associated with the soap trust?

We go on the principle of getting the cheapest and the best.

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that no soap is obtained from any firm connected with a trust the principal of which contributes to the Party funds of the Liberal Party?

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can now state definitely the arrangement come to as to the wages at Waltham Abbey.

No decision has yet been arrived at with regard to the wages at Waltham Abbey.

Is there any prospect of an early settlement?

Yes, I hope so.

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office what allowance will the Government make to the married officers and noncommissed officers of the 3rd Coldstream Guards to meet the expenses of their journey to Egypt in this October and their return to this country twelve months hence.

These officers and non-commissioned officers will receive the usual regulated allowances. It is not intended to treat this battalion, in respect of the expenses of its move, differently from other infantry battalions.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether it is not usual to obtain the adherence of a self-governing colony to any agreement with a foreign Power before applying the provisions of that agreement to that colony; and, if so, on what ground this practice was departed from in the case of the Newfoundland fisheries.

The agreement to which I understand the hon. Member to refer is a temporary arrangement intended to avoid the occurrence of untoward incidents during a discussion which has become necessary in consequence of action which the colonial Government has taken in spite of the representations of His Majesty's Government. The usual course has been followed in regard to this temporary agreement of consulting the colonial Government at every step; but the ultimate responsibility for the action taken by Great Britain in order to give effect to her treaty engagements with foreign Powers necessarily rests upon His Majesty's Government. My hon. friend will discover in the action of Lord Salisbury's Government in 1890 in the matter of the modus vivendi with France respecting the Newfoundland Lobster Fishery, should he find the time to examine it, ample and conclusive precedent for the course adopted.

Is it not the fact that Lord Salisbury acted with the full concurrence of the colony, whereas the action of his Majesty's Government in the present case is by no means with the concurrence of the colony?

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will lay on the Table the correspondence with the United States Government and the Government of Newfoundland, which led up to the present modus vivendi with reference to the Newfoundland fisheries.

Steps are being taken to prepare the Papers, which will be laid before the House at the earliest moment possible.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when we may expect to have the Papers, and whether they will include the whole of the correspondence between the colony and the Government?

I am in consultation with the Colonial Office as to the preparation of the Papers, and am not now able to answer the Question of the noble Lord.

I beg to ask the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies what number of Chinese coolies were employed in the South African mines on 1st October, 1905, and 1st October, 1906.

The numbers on 30th September, 1905, were 44,538; the numbers for 30th September, 1906, 53,430. I have not the numbers for 1st October.

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

I am not aware that a successor to the late Ras Makunen has yet been appointed.

Is there no Governor of Harrar?

I can only repeat I am not aware of any successor having been appointed.

I beg the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been called to the case of a British subject, named Godden, who is the chief proprietor of the sulphate mines in the island of Curacoa, West Indies, who persists, for reasons of his own, in keeping the mines only partially employed, thereby depriving many people of work and bringing hardship upon the inhabitants; whether the Dutch Government, as a result of this, is proposing to enact a law to acquire all mines which are not being fully worked, paying the owners due compensation; whether Mr. Goddon has stated that he would secure the intervention of the British Government, should this be done; and whether he has any official authority for this statement.

The matter has been brought to my knowledge, as well as to that of my predecessor. A Bill has been introduced into the Nether-lands Chambers having for its object the regulation of mining in the Island of Curacoa and modelled on the laws of Netherland East India on the subject. I understand that the Bill has been drawn so as not to be retroactive. I have no information as to the statement to which the hon. Member alludes; the action of His Majesty's Government has been confined to oppressing unofficially to the Netherlands Government their hope, before the introduction of the Bill, that it would not in any way be detrimental to existing British interests.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will grant a Return of all members of the consular and diplomatic services who are either aliens or Levantines.

There are no aliens in the diplomatic service, nor in the salaried Consular service. A few of His Majesty's consuls are Englishmen who are believed to have been born in the Levant. I could perhaps obtain this information for the hon. Member, but a published Return seems hardly called for. A list of unsalaried members of the Consular Service will be found on pp. 14 to 18 of the Foreign Office list. Those who are not of British nationality are easily distinguishable by their names.

Have the Government any intention as far as possible of replacing foreigners by British subjects as Vice-Consuls?

There are no foreigners in the salaried Consular service. The unsalaried Consular service is composed generally of persons engaged in trade. Wherever a British subject is resident and is suitable, of course he is appointed in preference to a foreigner.

May I ask whether, in appointing these British Consuls and Vice-Consuls, it is made a condition that they shall be capable of speaking the English language?

Perhaps the hon. Member will give notice of this Question. But in regard to the unsalaried Consular service, of course it is not a regular service in the ordinary sense of the term, and it is necessary in appointing unpaid persons engaged in trade to take the best men available.

But does not the unsalaried Vice-Consul take fees on everything he does in pursuance of his office?

He has allowances which cover the expenses of the office, but there is no salary.

Is it not the case that when the Consul is absent the Vice-Consul discharges his duty, and may be called upon to act for him and represent this country where national interests are concerned, and, therefore, would it not be better to have a British subject wherever possible to act as Vice-Consul?

I think it follows from my previous Answer that wherever a British subject is available he would be appointed in preference to a foreigner.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he proposes to dispatch a war ship to Arzila in order to protect the lives and property of British subjects.

The latest information is to the effect that order has been restored by Raisuli at Arzila, and that the only British subjects who were known to be in the place have left in safety. It is not proposed to send a ship of war.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the Home Office has laid down a Rule that immigrants thrown back upon this country by the American Republic as diseased and undesirable are, if they aver they are refugees, to be treated as first arrivals; and if he will say whether steps are taken to secure the separation of administrative decisions from any race or creed sympathy.

No such rule has been made. Alien transmigrants who fail to reach or obtain admission to their destination in America are not allowed to remain in the United Kingdom except in circumstances approved by the Secretary of State in each case under the special powers given him by Section 8 (1) (b) of the Act. Such permission has only been given in a very few exceptional cases. As regards the second part of the hon. and gallant Member's Question, I have to say that of course I am personally responsible for all Home Office decisions. While I sympathise with his anxiety that equal justice shall be done, I can assure him that though I hold the Christian faith, I do not allow my creed sympathies to interfere with the administration of the law when these are concerned who profess a different faith.

Then the statement of the Jewish Chronicle of 12th October may be considered to have no foundation in fact?

I have not seen the passage.

Should not the word "antipathy" be substituted for "sympathy" in the Question.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether an official of a recognised trade union, to which a workman belonged at the time of his death by accident, can attend the inquest as the representative of the deceased if requested to do so by his personal representatives or next of kin; and, if not, whether he will instruct coroners to grant the requisite permission.

I have of course no power to regulate rights of audience in any court, but under the provisions of Section 21 (2) of the Factory Act and Section 48 (8) of the Coal Mines Act the relatives of a person who has met his death by accident in a factory or mine are empowered to attend the inquest and, either personally or by agent, to examine witnesses, subject to the order of the coroner. I know of no reason to prevent an official of a trade union acting as such agent at the request of the relatives, and I am informed that it is, in fact, the practice of nearly all, if not all, coroners to give permission to such representatives and to afford them every facility to elicit any special point, and to accept their assistance in ascertaining the true facts of the case.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are stipulations in the Workmen's Compensation Acts authorising the appearance of the agents appointed by relatives, and will he instruct the coroners' courts to bear that in mind?

I am aware of that, but I have no knowledge of any cases where coroners have refused to give effect to the provisions referred to.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the cases of two women, Sarah Elizabeth Carford and Polly West, tried and found guilty of supplying dangerous pills containing diachylon at the, Sheffield Quarter Sessions on the 25th inst., and sentenced to twelve and six months imprisonment with hard labour; and whether, considering the increasing use of diachylon by women for certain purposes, he can see his way to have this drug and its preparations scheduled as a poison.

I have seen a report of the cases referred to by the hon. Member. I am informed that the Lord President of the Council is advised that to schedule diachylon as a poison would entail great inconvenience without attaining the object desired. It may be hoped that the convictions at Sheffield will serve as an effective deterrent.

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into consideration the increasing use of this drug?

That is a different matter.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to a decision given by the magistrates at the county police court held at Bolton on the 8th inst., when three men were convicted for poaching and assaulting a gamekeeper and three policemen, and sentenced, two of them to six months imprisonment with hard labour, and to find securities at the end of the term, or in default undergo a further term of twelve months imprisonment, while the other man was sentenced to three months imprisonment with hard labour, and to find securities or be imprisoned for a further six months, while, for assaulting the keeper one man was sentenced to two months, and for assaulting the police, the other two men were sentenced to six months imprisonment, the terms of imprisonment to be consecutive; and whether he will inquire into the case with the object of reducing the sentences imposed.

My attention having been called to the case by my hon. friend's Question, I asked the magistrates for a report, which I have received to-day. At present I can only say that great violence was used on the keepers, the prisoners being armed with formidable bludgeons, that the prisoners might have been tried by a jury at quarter sessions, but elected to be tried at petty sessions, and that the sentences for night poaching are concurrent with the sentences for the assaults, and not consecutive.

Was not the word consecutively used when the sentences were passed?

My information is that they are concurrent and not consecutive. I have no information as to the words used in passing sentence.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will direct that the one year's imprisonment, to which the sentence upon Hugh Watt has been reduced, shall count from the commencement of the sessions at which he was convicted. Will the right hon. Gentleman also direct that Watt shall have the benefit of the marks he has earned for good conduct whilst in prison?

Hugh Watt's term of detention before his release on licence will, subject of course to his good conduct, be one year from the first day of the sessions at which he was convicted, namely, the 11th of December, 1905. I have decided to advise this great lenience on the assumption that his conduct will be good. I cannot add anything further to it on that account.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can now give particulars of the proposed classification scheme relating to the status and new duties of assistant inspectors of factories mentioned in his speech in the House on the 1st August; and whether these officers, most of whom have over ten years service, are still forbidden to enter factories.

The proposed new scheme is under consideration with the Treasury, from whom I am at present awaiting a reply. Pending the introduction of that scheme, no alteration is being made in the duties of the assistants.

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Taube Genen, Schie Birow, and Josef Gureivitz, who were refused admittance to the United States of America as suffering from trachoma and being otherwise undesirable associates for the citizens of the Republic, were, upon their rejection at New York, admitted, on his special order, to this country as desirable immigrants; and if he can explain the reasons for the course adopted, and say how many of His Majesty's subjects have since been infected with the contagious disorders from which these aliens were suffering.

These three persons were not immigrants within the meaning of the Act, but transmigrants. The woman named Genen was suffering from trachoma, and the two men from hernia and heart disease respectively. An appeal was made on their behalf on the ground that they were refugees from disturbed parts of Russia, and, after careful inquiry, I decided to allow them to remain in the United Kingdom under the special powers given me with regard to transmigrants by Section 8 (1) (b) of the Act. Before doing so, I obtained guarantees for the medical treatment of the woman with a view to prevent infection and to effect a cure, and for the maintenance of the two men.

Is it a fact that these persons were refused admission into the United States as unfit associates for citizens of the Republic?

replied that they were refused admission.

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General whether he is aware of the growing practice of registering joint stock companies in Guernsey, for the purpose of carrying on business in England, thus avoiding the stamp duty payable upon English registration, and also depriving the shareholders of the protection afforded by various companies Acts passed in recent years and which have not been adopted by the island; and whether he is prepared to advise His Majesty's Government to take any action in the matter.

I beg to answer this Question on behalf of my hon. friend. The practice of registering joint stock companies in the Island of Guernsey is not a growing, but a rapidly declining one, as appears from the figures given in the 15th Report of the Board of Trade, under Section 39 of the Companies (Winding up) Act of 1890, page 7. The matter has been dealt with by the Insular Legislature, which has drafted a Projet de Loi, now under consideration. The subject is also being considered by the Treasury and the Board of Trade in connection with the Report of the Departmental Committee on Company Law Amendment recently issued.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to a case in Birmingham where the head teacher at the Birmingham School of Art, receiving a salary of £400 per annum for his services as teacher of modelling, has been for some time working at stone carving on a number of new buildings in the district, thus displacing competent stone carvers, whose only means of earning a living is to work at their trade; and, if so, will he say whether this is a violation of the regulations; and whether an inquiry will be made into the case, and steps taken generally to prohibit the adoption of such practice in future.

I surmise that the person referred to was the principal teacher of the modelling department of the school and not its head-master. The teaching staff of the Birmingham School of Art are employed by the local education authority, and do not serve the Board of Education. The only regulation of the Board, as regards schools of art receiving grants from the Board, bearing on such a matter, is one which enacts that the teaching staff "must not engage in any other employment which will prevent the efficient discharge of their duties as teachers." The Board have no knowledge of this particular case, but certainly work of the nature referred to in the Question would not be any infringement of this regulation. The Board have no power under the Regulations to intervene unless they have grounds for supposing that the employment of the teacher on outside work was, in fact, interfering with the efficient discharge of his duties as a teacher. The matter is one for the local authority to consider.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the head master of the Birmingham Art School stated that no teacher was allowed to carry on business outside, and yet this teacher has contracted to do outside labour?

That is a question for the local authority. I can only intervene with a teacher who undertakes work which interferes with the efficient discharge of his duty.

But is not the right hon. Gentleman of opinion that such work as this would interfere with the teacher's work in his school?

If it were brought to my notice that a teacher was doing outside work to interfere with his teaching business I should intervene.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men engaged in stone carving in Birmingham have pointed out that it is an interference?

Then why does not the local authority interfere? If the matter is brought to my notice I will consider if it does interfere with the duties of the teacher.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether any Order similar to that of the Kent authority to allow the practice of rifle shooting in elementary schools was petitioned for previously by any other county authority and refused by the late Administration.

So far as I can discover, no such application was made during the late Administration. Two applications were, however, received in 1901—one from Manningtree National School (Essex), the other from Kimblesworth Colliery School (Durham). These applications were refused. It must be remembered that there were at that time no local education authorities claiming to represent the views of the ratepayers.

In view of the fact that these five orders were issued under a misapprehension, will the hon. Gentleman direct their revocation at once?

I have already stated that having regard to the letters that were written it would not be fair to the local authority, who were entitled to assume that the letters were written with authority.

Is it intended also to prohibit the handling of rifles at drill in the schools?

Pending the Report the use of rifles will not be tolerated in the schools.

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Swansea local education authority have passed a resolution deciding, in breach of their legal duties and in defiance of the decision of the right hon. Gentleman, to cease to maintain some Swansea voluntary schools; and will he say whether they have given formal notice to that effect to the managers and the Board of Education.

The resolution of the 19th instant of the Swansea local education authority merely expressed their intention to adopt a certain course at a future date. From a communication that the Board of Education have now received it is understood that that intention will not be carried out and that the notified cessation of maintenance will not, in fact, occur.

Is it not the fact that at the conference at Cardiff a resolution condemning the action of the Department was put without protest by the President of the Board of Trade, who presided?

If the noble Lord has ever attempted to act as peacemaker he will know the difficulty and will be aware that it is best to say nothing in the course of the operation.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he can say if it will be possible for the Government to give the necessary time this session for the further discussion of the Provision of Meals for School Children Bill, which now awaits Report to the House from a Select Commiteee.

I beg at the same time to ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that the Committee which considered this Bill reported that the unhealthy appearance of many of the children was often erroneously attributed to want of food, and was rather duo to late hours, unsanitary surroundings, and work out of school; whether the Committee were precluded from considering these other causes; and whether, before proceeding with a Bill which ignored these other causes, the Government will appoint a Committee to consider the subject, with a sufficiently wide reference.

I have only just received the notice of my hon. friend's somewhat argumentative Question. Of course there may be other reasons for an unhealthy appearance than want of food. I have known of cases where the unhealthy appearance was created by too much food. In dealing with this question generally, it is the fact that starvation is not the only cause of unhealthy appearance With regard to the Question on the Paper, I hope that an opportunity may be found for proceeding with this Bill, which is, I believe, largely supported on both sides of the House. But, of course, I ought to add this. If the legislation at present or shortly to come before the House is very much delayed, this and possibly other useful measures will be endangered.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he has been able to make any progress towards arriving at an arrangement by which a reduction of the postal rates to Canada on British magazines, periodicals, and newspapers may be effected, having regard to the special circumstances of the case.

As the hon. Member is, I think, aware, some little time ago I made certain proposals to the Dominion Government with a view to a revision of the postage rates on newspapers and periodicals to Canada; and the Dominion Government are now considering these proposals in a friendly spirit.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether regulations have been issued for clocks to be provided in all post offices for the use of the public; whether these are to be provided at the expense of the Department or of the sub-postmasters; and whether increments in the salaries of sub-postmasters of several years standing are being used to bring pressure upon these sub-postmasters to provide the clocks at their own expense, although this condition was not in their original agreements.

In May, 1903, instructions were issued that all newly appointed sub-postmasters, as a condition of their appointment, and as part of their undertaking to supply satisfactory accommodation, should be required to supply clocks visible to the public. These instructions do not apply to those sub-postmasters who were appointed prior to May, 1903. There is no record of any case in which pressure has been brought to bear on a sub-postmaster in the circumstances mentioned by the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he will take steps to publish monthly in all important postal centres a local Post Office Guide, similar to those published in Edinburgh and district and Liverpool and district.

The sale of local Post Office Guides at such offices as those mentioned by the hon. Member is very small and their publication results in a considerable loss to the Post Office. I fear it would not be practicable therefore to extend the issue of local Post Office Guides, but I am considering the matter.

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether any of the soap purchased for the purposes of the Office of Works, or of any of the Departments for the supply of soap to which he is responsible, has been supplied by any of the firms associated with the soap trust.

The following firms associated with the soap manufacturers' combination are at present under contract to supply soap, viz., Crosfield & Sons, Ltd., for best Windsor soap and soap powder, Vinolia Co., Ltd., for household bar soaps.

Will the right hon. Gentleman "bar" soap from these firms in future?

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney-General whether he proposes to instruct the Public Prosecutor to take any action in the case of two non-unionists who were taken by force in the Maesteg district of Wales on 4th September last, tied together in a wheelbarrow and thrown into a river, with the view of bringing the offenders to justice.

If such a charge as that described in the Question could be substantiated I should certainly direct steps to be taken to bring the offenders to justice. But the Public Prosecutor informs me that he has received a letter from the Chief Constable, in which he says that, after inquiries made on the spot, he has been unable to discover that the wheelbarrow incident mentioned in the Question ever took place.

Was not the whole thing a practical joke?

I am afraid that it did not take place even as a joke.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether his attention has been directed to the fact that, according to the Report of the Official Publications Committee, the Savings Bank Department obtained the permission of the Treasury to do its own printing instead of putting it out to private contract, with the result that they have succeeded in undertaking their printing more economically than when it was contracted for; whether he is aware that some of the official printing now put out to contract is carried out by irregularly paid workmen who are compelled to wait about in the public thoroughfares on the chance of a job; and whether, under the circumstances, he will consider the advisability of saving money and insuring the regular employment of workmen by establishing a Government printing department.

The Answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. I am informed that one firm of Government printers are compelled to employ irregularly paid workmen in addition to their regular staff, because the work entrusted to them is generally of an urgent character and varies largely in amount. Those additional workmen are paid at "piece-work" rates and if my information is correct even men who are in regular work elsewhere are eager to obtain this casual employment. With regard to the last part of my hon. friend's Question it is hardly necessary for me to say that the recommendations of the Select Committee are now engaging the attention of the Government.

The information I have received is that the men are paid so irregularly that sometimes they get only a few shillings a week.

That is not my information.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, in view of the fact that a sum of £200 out of the money payable to the Lewis District Committee as the share of the equivalent grant was allocated last year for public health purposes in the island, will he state why the Committee have not yet submitted a scheme under which this money may be applied, specially having regard to the fact that the sanitary condition of the island does not conform to the requirements of the Public Health Act, as shown in the report of Dr. Dittmar, Medical Inspector for Scotland.

I have not been able to verify the statement made by the hon. Member in the early part of his Question. If he will kindly let me have definite information I shall be glad to communicate with him further.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland, having regard to the fact that the last Report of the Local Government Board for Scotland shows that the Board have been furnished with a Memorandum by Dr. Dittmar, Medical Inspector, entitled "Memorandum on Statistical Data presented by the Lews for Ten Years to 1904," will he lay this document upon the Table of the House.

As I have already informed my hon. friend, I do not think any useful purpose would be served by presentation to Parliament at the present time of the Report in question.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that phthisis is so prevalent in the Island of Lewis that in the interest of the public the Report should be laid?

The Report adds nothing to the information already before Parliament.

I beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that while in Scotland there are five inspectors under the Public Health Acts, only one of whom is a medical officer, there are in Ireland seven medical inspectors, and seeing that it is impossible for one medical inspector to overtake the whole of the work for Scotland, will he consider the advisability of arranging in next year's Estimates for additional medical inspectors for Scotland.

I cannot at present undertake to provide for the additional medical inspection suggested by the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether the attention of the Congested Districts Board has been called to the memorial presented by the fishermen of Kells, county Kerry, urging that a pier be built; and whether, in view of the facts that there are twenty-two fishing boats in this cove, that the crews number in all seventy hands, that the catch of fish last season was 250,000, and that there is difficulty in landing boats, this application, first presented eleven years ago, will now be acceded to.

I am informed that the memorial in question has been received and will be considered at the next meeting of the Congested Districts Board.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any, and, if so, what, steps have been taken by the Department of Agriculture to secure the publication in a succinct form of the various references to the trade of Ireland with foreign countries contained in the Consular Reports for 1905.

The Department of Agriculture have collected the references to Irish Trade contained in the Consular Reports for 1905, and propose to publish them as an appendix to the Report on Irish Imports and Exports for 1905 which is to be issued.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he can state how many deputy lieutenants can be appointed for the county of Down; whether he can explain why all the thirty-four deputy lieutenants at present holding appointments in that county are Unionists, although nearly half the population are either Nationalists or Liberals; and whether the Crown can withhold its sanction from such appointments.

I dissent from the statement in the Question regarding the population.

The number of deputy lieutenants for the county of Down as at present fixed is thirty-four. There is no official record of the political views of gentlemen who hold the office. Appointments to the deputy lieutenancy in Ireland are subject to the approval of the Lord-Lieutenant, who can withhold his sanction.

I know the political views of them all well.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether any regulations were made by the Senate of the Royal University of Ireland for the issue of tickets for the conferring of degrees; and, if so, whether he can state the terms of such regulations.

I am informed by the Secretary of the Royal University that regulations as to the issue of tickets for admission to the conferring of degrees have been made by a committee appointed by the Senate for the purpose. The regulations provide the maximum of tickets which may be issued to each person of the following classes who may apply, viz., twelve to each Senator, six to each fellow or examiner, three to each candidate graduate, and one to each distinguished graduate. In the latter case the ticket is to be used for the graduate's own admission, and the number issued is not to exceed 100.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that at the end of September, 1906, there were 13,306 applications to fix fair rents and 9,329 appeals in connection with rents undisposed of by the Land Commission and county courts in Ireland; and whether any steps will be taken to deal with these applications at once.

I am informed by the Land Commission that the facts are as stated. Of the 13,306 applications mentioned, the number pending before the Sub-Commission Courts consisted of 7,732, as compared with 9,025 outstanding on 31st March last. That is to say, during the six months in question there was a decrease of 1,293 in the number of cases undisposed of, notwithstanding the fact that the summer vacation had intervened. The remainder of the applications, viz., 5,573, consist of cases apparently pending in the Civil Bill Courts, but this number includes part of an apparent but not real arrear of 4,915 cases brought forward from the year 1894 under the circumstances stated in the Annual Report of the Land Commission for that year. The 9,329 outstanding appeals referred to include 517 lodged during the vacation. The number outstanding on 31st March last was 9,043, as compared with 12,071 on 31st March, 1905. The question of expediting the hearing of applications and appeals is now under my consideration.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether his attention has been called to the case of a labourer named Thomas Ryan, of Lisnagry, county Limerick, who made application to the No. 1 District Council, Limerick, for a cottage on the lands of Mr. Robert L. Brown, at Lisnagry, the tenant being James Ryan, of Castle Connell; whether he is aware that an inquiry was held on oath at the Limerick Union in November, 1905; that the doctor of the district proved on oath at this inquiry that this labourer, Thomas Ryan, with his wife and seven children, lived in a house that was unfit for human habitation; and that the councillor for the district gave similar evidence, and will he say what objection, if any, was made, and who made it; and whether, under the circumstances, the Local Government Board will be instructed to press this matter so that this man may be enabled to get a decent shelter for his family.

I am informed that the facts are as stated. The application was opposed by the owner and occupier of the holding on which it was proposed to erect the cottage upon the grounds that the holding contained only twenty acres, and that the proper course would be to erect the cottage on the farm of seventeen acres upon which the applicant resides. The local district councillors, though supporting the application, assigned no reason why the council passed over the site on the holding upon which the labourer lives and chose a plot on a farm immediately adjoining, the occupier of which is a Mr. James Ryan. The inspector consequently recommended that the proposed site should not be authorised. A Provisional Order, authorising the council's scheme to the extent recommended by the inspector, has now been issued, and the Local Government Board are not empowered to add to it. There is, however, nothing to prevent a new scheme being made for giving the labourer a cottage, and I hope this may be promptly done.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this particular tenant is farming fifty acres not far distant?

I am not aware of it.

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that the agent on Mrs. Adair's estates at Mountmellick, Mr. E. Brown, has refused to permit the inspector to the Estates Commissioners to approach the planter who is in occupation of the holding from which Thomas Flanagan was evicted with the view of coming to an arrangement with him; and, if so, can he say what steps the Commissioners propose taking to effect the reinstatement, or otherwise provide a holding for Flanagan.

I am informed by the Estates Commissioners that the reply to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. It is understood that the present tenant of the evicted farm has signed a preliminary agreement to purchase. The Estates Commissioners, however, are in communication with Mrs. Adair as to the purchase of certain untenanted land in the locality, and Flanagan's application will be considered in connection with that or other untenanted land in the district which the Commissioners may acquire.

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury whether any of the soap purchased by the Irish Board of Works for the purposes of that Department has been supplied by any of the firms associated with the soap trust.

I am informed that a portion of the soap supplied to the Board by their contractors has been obtained from firms associated with what the hon. Member describes as the "Soap Trust."

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that no soap is in future supplied by these firms.

Certainly not.

I beg to ask the Postmaster-General whether he is now in a position to state what steps, if any, he proposes to take in order to improve the postal facilities at Kilgarvan, county Kerry, in accordance with the memorial submitted to him.

I find that the deficit on the postal service to Kilgarvan is already very heavy and the correspondence is light. I am afraid, therefore, that I should not be justified in incurring additional expense on the improvement desired by the hon. Member.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce a measure next session dealing with the reform of local taxation.

I must refer the hon. Member to His Majesty's gracious Speech at the beginning of next session, which will give him the information he requires.

I beg to ask the Prime Minister whether he will consider the advisability of allowing Members an interval for the dinner hour.

No, Sir; my belief is that the present arrangement is advantageous to public business. Whether this be so or not we have hardly had sufficient experience of it yet to justifiy the consideration of a change.

The Prime Minister will observe that I was careful not to mention any time in my Question. I was moved to ask the Question by the fact that one of the right hon. Gentleman's unfortunate colleagues — unfortunate in the way of having no dinner—complained that he was only mortal, and, although conducting a Bill, had been obliged to go out to get dinner.

I have not observed that my right hon. friend has suffered in consequence. I am informed and advised by my medical advisers that the meal to be taken in the evening ought to be an exceedingly light one.

Perhaps the Prime Minister will consult the medical adviser of his right hon. friend who got no food at all.

reported from the Committee of Selection; That they had added to the Standing Committee on Trade (including Agriculture and Fishing), Shipping, and Manufactures, the following Fifteen Members in respect of the Census of Production Bill: Lord Balcarres, Mr. Harmood-Banner, Sir Thomas Glen Coats, Mr. Boland, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Brigg, Mr. Lever, Mr. Waterlow, Mr. J. W. Wilson, Mr. Cory, Mr. Hutton, Captain Faber, Mr. Richardson, Sir George Doughty, and Mr. Cairns.

said that there was one point which it occurred to him might very well arise, viz., that some gentleman who had not taken the trouble to make his selection before 5th September, might make up his mind that under the Bill he could exercise his vote for the next year. When the revision came, however, he would be struck off and would find that he was not qualified to vote. He thought that under such circumstances a man should have a chance of recording that vote.

thought the right hon. Gentleman would observe that a man's name might be struck off the register in the Revision Court, but this could only be done after the delivery of the objection to the voter, so that he was in no danger of losing his vote, neither was he in danger of being struck off.

said that when the Committee rose the previous night he was endeavouring to point out the essential character of the words contained in the Amendment and the importance of their being embodied in the present Bill. In the absence of these words a voter who was qualified in three constituencies, if an objection taken to his name in one constituency was sustained — unless he was advised of the fact of his removal—would very properly take no action with regard to the other constituencies for which he was qualified; whereas if he received a notice of the removal of his name in one constituency he would have an opportunity, according to an undertaking given by the right hon. Gentleman in charge of the Bill, of selecting one of the other constituencies in which his name appeared on the register. In the event of his getting no notice, however, this would practically mean disfranchisement. Such a condition of things seemed most unjust. Many felt that voters under the Bill were receiving very harsh treatment, and his hon. friend's Amendment was framed for the alleviation of that harshness. If it were possible for a man to be many years on the register without his knowing it, it was far more likely that he might be struck off the register and yet not be told. No notice was now given to the ordinary voter, which was rather a source of grief to him, and was often very hard upon him. He had known cases where a voter, unaware of the fact that his name had been struck off the register, had devoted part of a day, and travelled a considerable distance in order to record his vote, only to find, however, when he reached the polling booth, that he could not exercise the right for which he was duly qualified, because, owing to some slight misunderstanding, his name had been removed from the register. If notice were sent to a voter who had three qualifications that his name had been removed from one; of the registers he would be able to select again and so exercise his important civil right. An ordinary voter, as the Bill stood, was allowed to act in a perfectly free manner, but the poor plural voter had received a very short shrift and very little consideration from the right hon. Gentleman and hon. Members opposite. It was nothing more nor less than an attempt to filch votes from those who were best qualified to exercise them. A man might be passed over for one year by the agent of the opposition, no question being raised. Thus he would be lulled into a position of security. The following year, however, he would be struck off the register. He would have no idea that such an attempt upon his vote would be made, and consequently would fail to take the necessary steps to protect himself. Surely a man was entitled to the small consideration proposed by the Amendment if, for any cause, his name should be removed from the register. There was also another class of voters—those who wanted to put themselves into a safe position. They knew that certain penalties hung over the heads of the unconscious and the unwary, and they were desirous of making themselves immune. Such a voter, therefore, would write to one of the constituencies, asking the clerk to remove his name; he would also write to the other constituency in which he was qualified, informing them that he was no longer a plural voter. No star would be put against his name. The notice apparently would be duly received by the clerk in the first constituency. The notice would be filed, or pigeon-holed, or in some cases overlooked altogether, and the man's name retained upon the register. The man, thinking he had ceased to be a plural voter, would go down in all confidence for his ballot paper, he would vote, and then afterwards find that people were on his trail, and that a charge of personation was hanging over his head — a charge with which was associated the penalty of two years hard labour, without the option of a fine, to be afterwards followed by seven years deprivation of all civil rights. The man, of course, would immediately succumb and would not survive to take even a quarter of the term of imprisonment hanging over his head. If, however, notice was sent, as the Amendment desired, a man could not be in ignorance of the fact that his name had been removed or that his instructions as to his well-being and comfort had failed to be carried out. The great desire of the hon. Member and his supporters was to secure some measure of consideration which at present was entirely absent from the Bill.

said that what had struck him throughout the whole of the debate was the way in which hon. Members ignored that annual performance known as the registration Court. They had heard a great deal about the plural voter being taken off the register without his knowledge, but if any hon. Member on the other side would look at the registration laws they would see that a vote to which objection was taken could not be removed from the register without notice being served upon the person concerned. If a voter's name was removed otherwise than because somebody declared that he was not duly qualified, the overseers must be deliberately neglecting their duty, and no Amendment of this Bill would meet